Nov09Newsletter

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 14^th October was attended by five Councillors, the District Councillor and the Clerk. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the November meeting.

The Clerk reported that he had received no recent complaints about the refuse system and it would appear that the initial teething problems in Blenheim Lane had been accommodated.

The Clerk stated that he had attended a site meeting with Mr Tim Wilde, OCC Highways ; Mr David Baldwin, Monsoon /SODC; Mr Paul Harrison, Brookside Cottage and Mr David Hawkins, Willowbrook. The outcome was positive as OCC Highways agreed to dredge the culvert between Brookside Cottage and the brook.

The Council noted that an appeal that had been lodged with the First Secretary of State following the refusal of SODC to grant planning permission had been refused by the Planning Inspectorate.

Cllr Barry Coward reported that he was pursuing the scaled-back option that had been agreed at the Council meeting in September and had received a positive response from the contractors. There was a discussion on the requirements of a designated area to house the refuse bins for the shop, the village hall and the Orchard although the Orchard have stated that they are happy with their current arrangements. The Council RESOLVED to have one site that would be capable of accommodating four Grundon size bins. The recommended area was towards the five-bar gate adjacent to the recreation ground.

The Council RESOLVED to write to all the existing site users with a view to forming a user liaison group that would share common issues.

Cllr Alison Shelton, in her capacity as shop manager, gave a report on the first month’s trading of the shop. She stated that the support had been overwhelming from many different sources and that the passing trade was encouraging. She praised the support of the volunteers who were essential to its running each day. She reported that the launch party had been well attended.

The Chairman congratulated all those involved with shop and post office for all their efforts to maintain vital village services.

The Chairman informed the Council that he had spoken to OCC Highways about the existing signs for the shop/post office on the Haseley Road as to whether they could be replaced with new signs due to re-location of the facilities. The matter was being considered by OCC Highways who had indicated that there might be a cost implication for the Council.

The Clerk confirmed that the red kiosk on the village green had a listed building status and it was unclear as to whether the adoption scheme would apply to existing listed kiosks. The Council RESOLVED not to adopt the kiosk but requested that the Clerk sought clarification on this matter from the District Council

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

Please note that the complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website www.littlemilton.org.uk after they have been approved by the Council.

The Freedom on Information Act 2000 (FOIA) provides rights of public access to information held by Public Authorities. The Parish Council adopted a new publication scheme on 1st January 2009. A version of the Publication Scheme will be available on the Council Website www.littlemilton.org.uk

Residents can see the records of the policies and practices of the Parish Council

including minutes, financial information and responses to planning consultations, on request from the Parish Clerk.

For a charge of £68 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be collected from within the District and a charge of £20 for up to three bulky item e.g. fridge furniture etc. and a further £6.35 for each additional item. To arrange this service residents can call the Public Amenities Team on 01491 823416 or print a copy of the form from the Council’s website www.southoxon.gov.uk .

The Oxfordshire County Council Waste Recycling Centres at Redbridge, Drayton (near Abingdon) and Oakley Wood are open Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Well the season has concluded for this year. I would like to thank all the volunteers for their support and a special thanks to Chris Preston for donating a superb ride-on mower.

Sometime ago now, I happened to be visiting a friend who at that particular time was in a nostalgic frame of mind. And during my visit he produced a tattered old box of his family’s photographs. From the box he pulled out a tiny, dog-eared one of an uncle, taken sometime in the late summer of 1944. Although it was in black and white, you could see how sunburnt he is. His hair is dark and glossy, and he looks strong, and fit and swarthy.

But often is the way with such things there was more to the man than the picture showed. I was to learn that he had been a POW in Italy for over eighteen months of the war. Neglected and virtually starved by his Italian guards, he eventually escaped. He roamed the foothills of the Apennines , desperately searching for food and shelter, until a peasant family took him in. For the following nine months he worked on the farm. He learnt Italian, evaded the German patrols and lived with the family like a son until the Allies liberated Europe .

At 11.00a.m. on Remembrance Sunday, the crowds at the Cenotaph will fall silent; people in churches or at village War Memorials will stand deeply hushed. And when the poppies rain down on the Albert Hall on the Saturday night prior, we shall all hold our breath because the image is both beautiful and terrible. Our remembering will be numberless. But behind each memory there is a name, and a story.

The uncle in the photograph is now very elderly. But after the war he went back with his new wife to say Thank You. The two families wrote and visited for years afterwards and were still in touch. The uncle also wrote a book about this brave, ordinary family who risked their lives to give him shelter, food and friendship. He remembered them and named them. Their name was Demarco. And the dedication of the book reads:-

Matthew 25. 35 That story and those words of Christ challenge us all one way or another, not least at Remembrance Time. They point to a way of living that is unselfish and generous even in adversity and danger, and they show a way to a better more life-giving future.

Lord of peace, as we remember people who've died in many conflict both named and un-named, show us how to make real their hopes for a better, more peaceful future. Help us to be peace-makers. Amen.

We celebrated Harvest on the 27th September. The Service was in the evening this year and well over 4o people came. The Church glistened, and all of decorations and wonderful flower arrangements looked absolutely resplendent in the early autumn evening light. We thank all of those who gave of their time and talents to make our church looking so.

Afterwards we had our Harvest Supper in the Pine Lodge. A great deal of time had been put in by a group of people to provide for us, and the result was a fantastic evening, where everybody thoroughly enjoyed being together in company together. So if you prepared a dish of something, provided the drinks, laid the tables, or simply came along, Thank you indeed. It really was a superb evening in every respect.

This year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 8^th November. As we move further and further away from the Second World War, it would have been thought that our need to remember would diminish, but the opposite is true. However, the older we all get, whatever our age, the more we feel that the need to remember increases in us. At each of the Services held in our Churches that day, we shall remember those who gave, and those who are still prepared to give, their lives so that we can live in freedom and peace.

10.50 a.m. Beginning at the War Memorial at Great Haseley followed by the Benefice Remembrance Day Service in St. Peter’s.

It is with deep regret that we have just learnt of the passing of Kay Fleck at the age of 93 on the 1^st October. Please do remember her family in your prayers at this sad time.

I am sure that you would wish to send a Get Well Soon Message to Victor after a recent operation and wish him a speedy recovery.

Antony and Patrick Fleck and their families would like to thank the village community of Little Milton for all the friendship and support they showed to Ian and Kay over the years they lived in the village. Thank you to all those who assisted with Kay's funeral on Saturday 17th October and to those who were able to attend the service - everything is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Sarah & Phil Jones, Mark Willis and Paul Jeffery who did a splendid job on Saturday 17th October. The path is looking particularly smart

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Revd. Derick Chambers Tel: 212019

This month there will be a Faith Portfolio Brunch meeting on Sunday November 15th at 1 Chiltern View from 11.00am till 12.30pm for all current Sunday School children and anyone else who is interested in joining us! Next month in December the Family Service on Sunday 13th will be a service especially – but not exclusively! – for all Sunday School children, teachers and their families. Again, you are all welcome to join us!

Little Milton Xmas Fayre is an event that began over 25 years ago as a small food fayre in the Old Smithy where Penny and Dr Vickers lived. The food fayre was supplemented by sales of Christmas food made to order to raise money for the Church. Over the years it has grown and developed into the fayre we know today.

It is one of the main fund-raisers for three village organisations, the Church, The Orchard and the Pine Lodge, and is a great example of different groups of people working together towards a common aim.

We know that it has been a difficult financial year for many but we can guarantee plenty of bargains which will help towards Christmas this year. So don’t finish your shopping before you pay us a visit. Even if you don’t want to buy just come along to meet friends and share a coffee or light lunch- browsers are always welcome

Christmas Fayre

Saturday 5^th December 11-2pm at the Pine Lodge

FOOD STALL

We would be very grateful for any donations of

Cakes/bakes/pickles/preserves/etc

Towards our food stall

Please contact Sarah Jones 278120

The shop and has proved to be a great success with both the village and passing trade. Complements have been flying and Little Milton can again be proud of what it has achieved.

The run up to the opening saw long hours of preparation and was not without a few problems. Late nights and early mornings seem to be the order of the day. I was lucky to have a wonderful group of volunteers who gave their time to make it happen .The final half-hour saw me rushing around putting finishing touches so that we could open the door at ten. Mark Platt stood at the front of the queue smartly dressed in his suit so that he could have the privilege of being the first customer.

Deciding what to stock proved more difficult than I thought, trying to get the right balance. I hope we have succeeded but please let us know if something is missing and I will try to help. Papers seem to be the most requested and proved a little more challenging than ordering other goods but we are working on it.

The café was an instant success. The weather was on our side, sunny and warm. The patio at the back of the shop captures the sun all afternoon and the coffee is fantastic.

As with all shops we are looking towards Christmas and are arranging our own late night Christmas shopping experience on Wednesday 2nd December so please put the date in your dairies.

I must thank all the volunteers who help me in the shop and café, without you the shop could not run. If anyone else would like to join us please contact me, you would be more than welcome and it is great fun.

Finally if you have not visited the shop yet please come along and see us. We stock locally produced milk, cheese, eggs and yoghurts. Award winning sausages bacon and ham from Watlington, bread from Cornfields and so much more!

The school Harvest took place on the 2nd October in the School’s Grounds. Over the months a new outdoor learning area has been developed. Our children have been busy at work planting and tending flowers and vegetables in raised beds. In one corner a lovely gazebo has been constructed. Where the paths in the area meet, there has been constructed a beautiful mosaic, and its design incorporates, not only the school year, but also the Christian year with its festivals. Bishop Colin came and dedicated the area and thoroughly enjoyed himself with our young people, and chatting to the teachers and staff of the school. It was also good to have our M.P. with us for the occasion.

Next Meeting: Our next meeting is on Thursday 12th November at Tiddington WI where we shall hear a talk from the Town Crier.

On Thursday 8th October Jo Woodhead came to do a cookery demonstration with The Pampered Chef kitchen tools. First she showed us how to make Yorkshire puddings in a 6-cup Stoneware Muffin Pan. They rose to perfection in the village hall fan oven.

She then used the Food Chopper with stainless steel rotating blades to chop onions and broccoli and the Rotary Grater to prepare cheddar cheese, all combined with ready-cooked chopped chicken, which was made into a ring with a puff pastry sheet for the Chicken and Broccoli Bake which, when cooked, was delicious with our usual cup of tea. For the Pecan Tassies, or tartlets, Jo showed us how to place small balls of short crust pastry in the 24 wells of the Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan and shape them and pat them in a second with the wooden Mini-Tart Shaper, a simple but amazing wooden tool. There were other helpful tools used in the demonstration such as the Bamboo Spoon and Spatula sets, the i-Slice for cutting easily, the Tool Turn-About for stacking kitchen tools and many more. We all took part in the grating, cutting, chopping, scooping, moulding and cooking and had a very enjoyable and fun evening. Jo also told us about the benefits of being a demonstrator for The Pampered Chef and how it can be a worthwhile and lucrative job, especially for women with young families.

If you are interested in any of the information in this article you can e-mail Jo at - jo.woodhead@googlemail.com or ring Jo on her mobile – 07815 636318, or home number – 01926 411382

The sewing group had an enjoyable time on 15th October at Gill’s house and we hope to arrange a session in November

CHRISTMAS MEAL

The Senior Citizens Christmas lunch this year will take place in the Lamb on December 12th. Pauline & Doug will be providing a delicious meal with all the trimmings. There will be the usual free ticket raffle etc. We look forward to seeing you there.

So that we can make sure the turkey is big enough, can you please let us know by 1st December if you wish to attend

NORTHMOOR TRUST – NOVEMBER EVENTS

Sunday 8^th November, 10am – 12noon: Northmoor Trust Tree Folklore Children’s Activities Learn about the myths and folktales associated around trees. £7 per child.

Saturday 14^th November, 10am – 4pm: Northmoor Trust Hurdle Weaving Workshop – Riverside Meadows A one day practical workshop making traditional hazel hurdles to take home. Adults £75, Friends £60.

28^th & 29^th November, 9:30am – 4pm: Northmoor Trust Hedge Laying Weekend A two-day, hands-on course to learn the traditional skills of hedge laying. All specialist tools & equipment supplied. Adults £75, Friends £60.

Sunday 29^th November, 10am – 12noon: Northmoor Trust Tree Dressing Children’s Activities. Make a traditional winter decoration from wild materials for your Christmas tree. £7 per child.

We meet every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 7pm to 10pm at Holton Village Hall to play Duplicate Bridge in a relaxed and friendly social style whilst adhering to the rules and accepted standards. There is sufficient competition to make our sessions enjoyable without being overbearing. Our session fee is currently £2 per person which includes coffee and biscuits.

If you have any interest in Bridge there could be no better way to mix with likeminded friends. We are currently seeking new members and would be delighted if you came along any Monday evening for a 'taster' session, preferably with a partner. For any more information telephone - Gill Taylor 278617, Anne Hawkins 279526 or Ray Southgate 01865 872360

Saturday 7th. Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Group is holding its AGM at 2pm in Chinnor Reading Room. It will include an illustrated talk from Chilterns Conservation Board. The meeting will be preceded by a 6 mile leisurely walk in the area of Henton and Skittle Green starting at 10:00am. The hall will be open from 1pm for picnic lunch or use local pubs or the Village Centre café. All are welcome on either the walk or the AGM or both, but sorry, no dogs allowed. 01844 215624.

Sunday 8th. Walk. Meet at Wheatley (car park at the rear of the King & Queen PH) at 10:00am for a leisurely 6 mile walk to Forest Hill and Holton Wood. 01865 874300.

Sunday 15th. Walk. Meet at Chalgrove (car park behind the primary school off the High Street) at 10:00am for a 7 mile walk to Brightwell Baldwin, Cuxham and Easington. 01844 208517.

Saturday 21st. Lark Rise to Candleford Trail. Meet at Fringford village green at 10:00am for an 8 mile circular walk via Juniper Hill to visit villages featured in the books. Climb the 22 stiles not featured in the books! Possible pub available at the end of the walk. 01844 339352 or 07796 661449.

Carol Singing!

Come and sing Christmas carols round our village on Thursday 17^th December, starting at Oldfield at 6pm, calling in at The Manor and finishing at The Lamb.

Laurelle 278045

A period comedy about a pirate radio station aboard a North Sea yacht, broadcasting music to the pop-starved masses in 1966.

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost & Kenneth Branagh

Many thanks to all of you who registered with the 200 club last year. This letter is to remind you that we are now renewing our 200 club for the year 2009/2010 and our first draw will be held on 20^th November and thereafter on the 3^rd Friday of every month.

For those of you who are unaware of the 200 club, it is a scheme that raises funds for the school, with an equal amount being paid out in prizes.

Each month, a draw takes place with a minimum of two prizes. The number of members determines the value of the prizes. Fifty percent of all income is given out each year in prize money, and the remaining fifty percent is given to the school. As membership increases, so does the prize money increase.

As previously, we will be requesting annual payments. The only exception to this will be that senior citizens, who will be given the option of paying monthly, should mark the relevant box on the application form. Everyone needs to re-register in order to be entered into the monthly draw. New numbers will be allocated to all members on a first come first served basis.

We hope you will be able to support, or continue to support our village school by joining the 200 Club. Please complete the attached form and return with payment to either the Post Office or Little Milton School.

We would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Sue Marriott who has run the 200 Club for quite a while and has now handed over the reins to the committee of the Friends based at the school.

On the 24th September we were delighted to welcome Mrs Hulbert with her wonderful show of slides - this time of the Grand Canyon and Arizona . As always her programme was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We also welcomed her friend Anthea with her lovely selection of items for sale in aid of the Wildlife Trust. Anthea was very pleased to take a total of £60. On the 8th October we were pleased to welcome Malcolm Tandy, a fire officer, who came to talk about fire safety in the home. He has just come from Chipping Norton where he had been testing electric blankets and he told us some amazing stories regarding blankets he had tested over the years - the oldest being 55 years! He passed on some very helpful tips and information relating to fire safety with particular emphasis on the importance of having a working smoke detector on each floor on your property. On Wednesday the 14th October thirty-five of us set off on our outing to Banbury where we spent time visiting the museum, having lunch and exploring the town and shops. The time whizzed by and we could easily have whiled away another hour or so quite happily. On then to Sulgrave Manor, the home of George Washington, for a couple of hours before heading to Bloxham for a W.I. tea. The ladies had warned us not to eat too much at lunch time and when we saw the tables groaning with so many goodies we were glad we had heeded their good advice. They were all charming and invited us back any time we could arrange it.

Wed 18th - Outing to Cheltenham for Christmas shopping, museum, art gallery, etc.

“Raise the Roof” Choir Christmas Party!

Sing, laugh and have fun on a Greek island

with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and lots of chocolate!

Tuesday 15^th December 8pm at The Pine Lodge.

Tickets in advance - £5, £3 concessions. £6 on door.

Laurelle 01844 278045/07964 161527

or email laurelle@yoursound.org.uk

Last month we prepared the ground for a new hedge that will be laid between the Blenheim and Linz fields. This should be planted as a double hedge and will be fenced off to give the plants some protection from the browsing ponies. The two black cows (bullocks) had to be moved as they were behaving unusually and there were several reports of the, chasing dogs. We can only assume that they had been spooked some time earlier which had caused them to be a problem. BBOWT take issues like this seriously, and we appreciate the feedback from the villagers.

We held an allotment holder’s meeting in October where we discussed a number of matters, especially which varieties seemed to do well on the site. For potatoes, Desiree and Charlottes are a success. Purple sprouting, leaf beat and root vegetables also do well due to the sandy soil. There are plans to free up three 2 rod plots and a 1 rod plot, which will cater for those on the current waiting list. The next two months are a good time to clear out the used parts of the plots. If they are dug over, it is a good idea to cover them afterwards to stop the nutrients from washing out of the soil. Manure is a good way of putting organic matter back to help retain moisture during the next growing year.

Well done also to those who took part in the GH Horticultural show and especially to those who won prizes!

The next work party will be on Sunday November 8^th at 10.30am in the farmyard and then 11am at the allotments. We plan to clean out the allotment shed, cut back some of the tall growth using the BCS, Brush-cutters or secateurs and do some final ground clearing work for the new hedge as previously mentioned.

After a somewhat trying harvest, for us at least, everything is now “safely gathered in ‘ere the winters storms begin”. After the traumas of harvest due to the variable weather, the subsequent dry period has helped us to catch up with all the land work and the autumn planting was finished by the end of the first week in October. The rain around 7th & 8th which was literally manner from heaven has got everything growing and looking well as long as we do not get another prolonged period of dry.

Over the past months I have been progressively worried by the lack of wild and garden birds, and particularly the fact that I have not seen a partridge for some months. However on the morning of the 11^th I suddenly noticed a covey of about ten walking past our window, at the same time there were a number of deer further away, good to feel the wildlife is returning. What to me is a mystery is where on earth have they been? I also do not remember seeing so many seagulls following the plough as there were this autumn, all I can say is there must be something good in this ground that modern agriculture has not killed. At the same time I did see a small flock of “pewits” (lapwings). Now they definitely are in short supply, so it was good to see them if only just the once. There are also skylarks to be heard when conditions are right

The milk situation still baffles me. I know of dairy farmers who are more than satisfied with what they are getting out of the business, whereas there are many, both here in the UK, and in other countries in the EU that are tipping milk away in protest to the low prices they are getting. Taking account of what I have just written those that are satisfied tend to be the larger scale dairy units using all the latest science, genetics and technology, just the sorts of things that we tend to worry about when we think about the quality of food. Having said that I am sure the quality is in fact better from these bigger concerns, as their quality control is easier and thus cheaper per litre, but is the taste better? As a foot note, in a point made in a recent newspaper interview, Prince Phillip begs the question “how can it be, that a bottle of water is more expensive than a bottle of milk?”

What sort of world are we living in? One half is over producing and cannot sell its produce at a viable price, so is tipping its produce away, whilst the other half are starving. To me this is particularly worrying especially in the light of the recent three week period of party conferences where I do not recall this being reported anywhere, or even discussed. Surely this is more important to mankind than any other single issue, yet our lords and masters choose not to talk about it. They seem to be more interested in defeating the Taliban. Although of course an important issue surely the way to “win hearts and minds” is to help them to maximise their agriculture. For example, if opium is the most economical crop for them to grow, why are we subsidising our farmers to grow it for medicinal purposes, on land more suited to growing food, when we could encourage the Afgans by giving them a little more for their product, to supply a legal trade? This would give us more credibility with them with less cost in the long term, and free up more land for cereal production elsewhere.

There is often criticism of modern farming techniques and the usage of chemicals and I am sure that anyone who reads this column will know of my concerns, but I think a recent article in the Farmers Weekly says it all. “If farmer’s yields were still as low as those of the 1950’s we would need nearly three times as much cultivated land to feed today’s population. Modern agricultural achievements are the result of technological advances, new management techniques and new chemical treatments that have made it possible to feed 6.7billion mouths”.

We have to realise that land, like oil is finite and we will never be able to renew it. Every house we build and every road we construct takes land away from producing valuable food, and that land is irreplaceable. We have to realise how valuable this land is to our very existence and encourage the use of brown field sites where ever possible for development. I freely admit of course that most farmers would have a vested interest in this attitude because we all have spare buildings that are of no further use in agriculture and could be developed. However planning laws invariably seem to be against such schemes.

1. Net brassica crops against hungry pigeons, the can strip a crop in no time

5. Look out for mealybugs (white fluffy patches on plants) and scale insects (small brown insects sticking tightly to the leaves) under glass and on house plants

6. Plant up winter displays in containers, to include, wallflowers, pansies, bellis, bulbs and add small evergreens to give a bright pot of flowers when you look out of your window in the winter.

Other jobs to do include planting garlic and broad beans in the veg plot, dig over and manure the remainder. Keep and eye out for damage by squirrels, rabbits and deer, as well as slugs and snails, and protect plants as necessary. Rake up leaves and make a leaf mould bin or put on to the compost in small amounts, as it will become compacted if too many leaves are deposited all at once. Rake lawns, and scarify, attend to mole damage. New turf can still be laid in mild weather. Check greenhouses, clean and fumigate to get rid of pests and diseases and insulate, install a heater if you are to overwinter plants. Remove fallen leaves from ponds, and stop feeding the fish.

The level of demand for the service is relatively low in Little Milton but to those who need support it is vital and very much appreciated. Please give it some thought and ring me to find out more information if you are interested in helping or require transport to the surgery or hospital.

Construction work on the new library in North Street , Thame, is well underway, with the building's steel frame expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The 40-week programme by Oxfordshire County Council is on schedule and the two-floor library is expected to be open by summer 2010, offering people a modern style facility which is designed to be customer friendly.

The £1.7m project will provide a book shop-style quick choice area for people in a hurry, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a first floor mezzanine study space, a dedicated area for teenagers and a new information display system designed for posters and leaflets to detail local events.

There will also be a children's area with a reading hideaway feature and a touch screen self service facility for visitors to access information. Staff will be on hand to assist users if required.

The library will also have a wider range of books than the current one in Southern Road.

FARMER’S MARKET

GREAT HASELEY VILLAGE HALL

Sunday, 8th November 10am -1.00 p.m.

(2nd Sunday of every month)

Many different tables selling; eggs, fruit, vegetables, meat, cakes, wine, cheese, bread, flowers, plants etc

Why not have a bacon butty with a cup of tea or coffee whilst reading a Sunday newspaper!

Deirdre Mann 279334; Will Meadon 077162161

Hello again from the team at the Maple Tree Children’s Centre. Hopefully those of you with playgroup or school age children have settled into new routines and by the time you read this, half term will have come and gone! Our winter activities run from 2^nd November until 18^th December and there have been a few small changes to the programme:

Buggy Walk – we have been very lucky with the weather and been able to walk every week. Due to popular demand, we will carry on with this throughout the winter, with Nicole and Heidi on a Monday afternoon at 1pm, meeting outside the Wheatley Complimentary Clinic.

Bumps & Babies – whether you have new baby or just a bump, you can drop in to the Wheatley Complimentary Clinic anytime from 2.00-3.30pm every Monday afternoon to the for a great range of under ones activities with Nicole.

Active Play (Jumping Beans) – We have been stocking up on active play resources and try to get outside with the little ones when weather permits - join Nicole at Garsington Sports and Social Club on Tuesdays from 9.30am excluding 3^rd November and 1^st December when Nicole will be at Horspath Toddler Group.

Baby Café – join Julie for a cuppa and a chat with other new mums at the mobile drop in visiting Wheatley Nursery every Wednesday between 11.00am and 1.00pm. Julie also offers one to one breastfeeding support, help and information.

Stay and Play – these popular events will continue to offer a range of play activities including imaginative play, outdoor play, messy play, music and more! Please note new times and venues - Wednesdays 12.30pm at Wheatley Youth Centre and Fridays 9.30am at Great Milton Neighbours Hall. And an extra Stay & Play will be held at Morland House, Wheatley from 1.30-3.30pm from 11^th November!

Toddler Group Roadshow - Nicole will be out and about visiting Toddler Groups in Great Milton, Cuddesdon, Marsh Baldon and Horspath with a selection of play activities. If any other groups would be interested in being part of this please let us know. Please phone Sarah for details – 07988 149041.

The Playbus & Toy Library - the timetable has been updated with dates to run through to the end of December – please keep an eye on local newsletters or phone Sarah Lowman for details – 07988 149041.

Children’s Centres are a one stop shop for all young children, their parents, grandparents, childminders and other carers. As well as running free and low cost play events for families, we also provide a range of information and advice about local children’s services, including health and education and outreach home support. If you would like have your say about what’s on offer please call Jenny Stoker on 07533 573746 or email jenny.stoker@oxfordshire.gov.uk

If you want advice or general information call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. This is a 24 hour service staffed by nurses who can give confidential advice and information on what to do if you are unwell, have any health concerns and give contact details or self help or support organisations. You can also visit their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

If you need to visit a GP or health professional outside of normal working hours you can call our service on 0845 345 8995. We will then arrange for you to see the right health professional in the right place. This service runs from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours over weekends and bank holidays. In an emergency please call 999 to talk to the ambulance service.

GREAT MILTON SINGERS

SOUNDS FAMILIAR!!

Musical Director – Kate Billimore

St Mary’s Church, Great Milton

Joined by instrumental ensemble: Syrinx

in aid of and

Tickets, to include a glass of wine

£7 in advance, £7.50 on the door, £6 concessions,

£20 family (2 adults and up to 3 children)

available at Great Milton Stores or from

Alex Kirkman 01844 278090

THAME CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR A CLIENT ADVOCATE

A Cline Advocate is needed for Thame & District Citizens Advice Bureau. This is a new role for which training will be given. The Client Advocate will talk to new clients to gain an overview of the problem and to determine the best way to help them. No previous experience is needed but applicants must have good verbal and written communication skill, and willing to learn. If you would like to know more, please contact: Tom Fox, Thame & District CAB, Market House, Park Street . Thame OX93 HH or telephone 01844 217186. thamecab@cabnet.org.uk

Dr A Harnden and Partners

Morland House Surgery, London Road , Wheatley , OX33 1YJ

Telephone: 01865 872448

The Surgery and Dispensary is open

Surgery appointments times:

Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 11.00am and 3.30pm – 5.50pm

Saturday: 8.30am – 11.20am

On Saturday mornings we have a limited number of pre-bookable appointments and emergency ‘walk-ins’ until 11.00am on the day.

Please telephone 01865 872448, call at the reception if you wish to book an appointment, make an enquiry or register with the practice. Alternatively, visit our website www.morland-house.co.uk for further information on appointments and the full range of facilities and services that we offer.

The surgery is situated on London Road (just off the roundabout at the top of Holloway Road ). Car parking available.

The surgery is currently accepting new patients from the local area.

DEADLINE REMINDER – Please note that unless articles are in the hands of the Editor by the 20th of the month (unless otherwise stated), such articles will miss the scheduled Newsletter. The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council. All material for inclusion in the December 2009 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th November 2009. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.

Councillor Stuart McGill ( Chairman)	01844 279092
Councillor Barry Coward (Vice Chair)	01844 278970
Councillor Mabel Wood	01844 279670
Councillor Alison Shelton	01844 278144
Councillor David Wakeling	01844 278014
Councillor Tim Robinson	01844 278343
Parish Clerk Raymond Fergusson	01844 279150 fergie.milton1@btinternet.com

	Garden	Non Recycle	Recycle	Food
3 November	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
10 November	No	Yes	No	Yes
17 November	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
24 November	No	Yes	No	Yes

1st	11.00 a.m.	Sacrament of Holy Communion led by Revd Derick Chambers
8th	9.30 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr. Andrew Maisey
15th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Revd Shameela Jameelee
22nd	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mrs. Betty Blake
29th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Dr Richard Bainbridge

Monday Morning Monday Afternoon	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.	Open Door No appointment needed Appointments and phone advice
Tuesday Morning	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice
Wednesday & Thursday	Closed
Friday	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

CHRISTMAS MEAL

NORTHMOOR TRUST – NOVEMBER EVENTS