Newsletter April 2010  

EXTRACTS FROM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 10th March was attended by four Councillors, the Clerk the District Councillor and the County Councillor . The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the April meeting.

Charges re Dog Bin Emptying

The Clerk informed the meeting that South Oxfordshire District Council had acknowledged that an error had been made in respect of the recent invoices in respect of charges for the emptying of dog bins. As a result new invoices will be issued and the correct charges are significantly below the current charges. The Council accepted the new position but expressed their disappointment that the letter sent from the Council had not been formally responded to. The matter had been pointed out to the District Councillor.

Community Emergency Plan

The Chairman informed the meeting that two residents had expressed an interest in supporting the Council develop a suitable Community Emergency Plan. The Clerk stated that he had already supplied copies of the OCC guidelines and will follow up the matter with the residents.

    Recreation Ground

The Chairman explained that since the February meeting QCS had decided not to proceed with the transfer of the Grounds Maintenance service as operated by Enterprise to Oxfordshire County Council. As a result the Clerk had made contact with Berinsfield Community Business and had received a verbal quote. The Clerk had also received a quote from Windmill Landscapes. The Council expressed their satisfaction with the work that had been done by Enterprise and RESOLVED that the clerk should establish whether Enterprise could supply the grounds maintenance service direct to the Council before it decided to place the grounds maintenance contract for 2010-11.

    Car Park and other related matters

The Chairman asked Councillor Barry Coward to report to the Council on the work that had been done since the February Council meeting. He reported that considerable progress had been made following the advice received from Carroll & Partners as well as Oxfordshire County Council Highways. He also reported that he had spoken to South Oxfordshire District Council planner. He informed the meeting that OCC preferred a permeable surface but would accept a surface that had adequate drainage that met the Sustainable Urban Drainage requirements (SUDS). Cllr Coward indicated that the cost of a permeable surface was outside the budget constraints that the Council had set for the project and therefore was recommending to the Council that it pursued a suitably drained non-permeable surface. The Council RESOLVED to accept the recommendation and ask their preferred contractor to update the quote to meet the new requirements as specified within the report to members.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he would request that the Borrowing Approval from the Communities and Local Government that lapses on the 31^st March 2010 be rolled over for a further six months from April 2010.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken to Mr Jeremy Mogford about the height of re-layered hedge and subject to an inspection by hedge expert it was likely to be about three feet in height.

Planning

P10/W0074: 2 Chiltern View: Single Storey Side Extension

The Council RESOLVED that this application should be recommended for approval by South Oxfordshire District Council.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 14th April 2010 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

R. Fergusson Parish Clerk

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.

Freedom of Information Act – Parish Council Publication Scheme

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.

Current Council members

SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

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  

VERDANT: WASTE COLLECTION DATES –APRIL 2010

* Note change of day due to Bank Holiday

WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES

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.

ANNUAL LITTER BLITZ

Spring is just around the corner and I have arranged to collect the necessary equipment from SODC so that the village can be blitzed on Saturday and Sunday 10/11 April. I feel there is more litter on our verges and generally on our roads. We all have a responsibility not to drop litter but sadly it is left to a few community spirited people to pick it up. I have been fortunate to receive support in our effort to make our community a litter free zone. If you can help we please contact me on 01844 279150.

Raymond Fergusson (Parish Clerk)

SPRING CLEAN OF THE ROFFORD ROAD

Many villagers will remember that Jeremy & Hilary Mogford donated an amazing £30,000 to us for the Shop project, without which it is certain the shop could not have been built. They also gave the Parish Council the money to purchase the Recreation Ground from the local farmer, to enable us to create the community facilities we now have there.

They are very concerned with the litter which is sadly thrown out of car windows down the road from Ditch End Farm to Chalgrove, and two years ago we organized a Litter Pick which was very well attended by adults and children alike.

We would like to make this an annual event, so if you would like to help, our Spring Clean will take place on Sunday, April 11^th, starting at 11AM. High visibility vests

 refuse bags, and litter pickers will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Stuart McGill, Chairman, Little Milton Parish Council 279092

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR APRIL

W/E 3rd April                                       -              Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

W/E 10th April                                     -              Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 17th April                                     -              Mrs A Jones/ Mrs S Holifield

W/E 24th April                                     -              Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

W/E 1st May                                        -              Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs E Summers

Sadly Henry the Hoover has now been fully examined but found to be beyond even light duties up on the Bell Tower carpet (see last months note). He has now gone to hoover higher places. RIP Henry and thank you from the Church cleaning team for many years of faithful service in Saint James Church

S. A. Dennis

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING APRIL

Tuesday 6th April                                -               7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 11th April                               -             Quarter Peal 12.15p.m. – 1.15 p.m.

                                                                           6.00 p.m.- 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday 13th April                              -                7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 20th April                              -                7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 24^th April                                -               9.30 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday 27th April                              -                7.30 pm to 9.00 pm   

Raymond Fergusson 279150

CHURCH FLOWERS EASTER

I will be decorating the church for Easter on Saturday 3rd April at 9am. If you would like to help, or donate flowers please contact me on 278922. Many thanks,

Teresa Quested

MAUNDY SERVICE

About fifteen years ago, I happened to be present at a special service in Coventry Cathedral. The day was Maundy Thursday, and the Queen was to distribute Maundy money to male and female pensioners in a ceremony dating back to the 13^th Century. Sixty three men and sixty three women received 63 pence each, reflecting the Queen’s age. The coins are specially minted for the occasion and are legal tender. They become collectors’ items because they’re produced in such limited numbers.

The word “Maundy” comes from “Mandatum”, meaning “command”. It takes us back to the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper, the night before he died. He knelt and washed their feet as a sign that true power, true greatness, comes not from dominance and control, but from service and love.

I once knew a very good head teacher who successfully turned around a failing school. He was then granted early retirement. He was going to start a course in chiropody. He saw the surprise on my face. “When you kneel at the feet of an elderly, sick or frail person” he said, “you realise the fragility of life. It teaches you the respect and dignity with which we should treat one another.” 

We should judge ourselves and our society by the care and respect it shows to its most vulnerable members. Those who are young, those who are old, those who are in any need whatsoever (and that is every one of us) need to know that “the new commandment” of service and love is at the heart of human life.

Lord Jesus, kneeling as a servant you washed the feet of your disciples. Help us to realise that true greatness comes through the service we ourselves offer to each other. Amen.

Victor Story 01844 279498

FROM THE RECTORY

EASTER 2010

Holy Week began, with Palm Sunday on the 28th March, and I believe it would be very profitable if we were to find in each day of Holy Week a little time of quiet to be with our Lord. Perhaps we could spend just for a few minutes reflecting on some of the events of the week.  Perhaps we could think what it was like to be in the crowd on Palm Sunday, and ask ‘Who is this?’, or we could be with him  in the Upper Room, and hear him saying to us all ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’, or in Gethsemane, and know again  with a new insight, what are our feelings, thoughts and actions when the bottom is knocked out of our lives, or on Friday learn again something of the meaning of forgiving and being forgiven.  So, so many things to set us thinking.

The Services in our Churches from Maundy Thursday till Easter Day are as follows:-

On Maundy Thursday the 1st April, in the evening at 7.30 p.m. the Service of Communion will be commemorating the night that He was betrayed. This will be in St. Mary’s, Great Milton.

On Good Friday, there will be a devotional service, reflecting on the crucifixion, in St. Mary’s at 11.00 a.m. This Service will last about 45 minutes and will be led by The Revd. Canon Andrew Meynell.

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR APRIL           

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

SUNDAY SERVICES IN APRIL

For further information please ring Yvonne Cartwright on 01844 279205

FROM THE RECTORY (Cont)

On Easter Day, we celebrate the Glorious Resurrection with

Holy Communion in St. James’ Little Milton ,   at 8.00 a.m.,

Sung Communion in St. Mary’s, Great Milton at 9.30 a.m. and

Family Easter Praise in St Peter’s, Great Haseley at 11.00 a.m. This service will follow the pattern of our Family Service but with a shortened form of Holy Communion for all who care to stay.

I realize that many people will have friends and family with them over the holiday, and please do not hesitate, bring them with you to Church. We would love to see you.

May I wish you all a most blessed and joyous Easter.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING.

Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held on Sunday 11th April after the 6.30 p.m. Evening Service in the Church. There is, of course, all of the usual business to deal with, such as the elections of Churchwardens and to the PCC, and we will hear reports on our finances, on the condition of the fabric, the Deanery Synod and the things we have been doing over the year. There is also the opportunity to discuss any matters that parishioners care to mention.

In connection with the Meeting, we are required to revise our Church Electoral Roll, which is a measure of our strength. Those who are on the present roll do not need to reapply, but there may be some people who would be quite happy to be considered as part of our ‘strength’ and would like to be on our Church Roll. This means filling in a simple form to be returned to our Church Electoral Roll Officer, Paul Jeffery , 1, Chiltern View. Paul would be very happy to help you with this. Application forms are also available at the back of the Church, or from the Rectory.

See you then at the Annual Meeting on the Sunday 11^th April after the evening service which will begin at 6.30 at in the Church.

IN MEMORY OF JEFFREY BELL

Adam and I would like to thank friends and neighbours for all their kind help and support with the death of my son Jeffrey Bell who fell asleep peacefully on 13 February 2010. He had just turned a corner and was exactly where he wanted to be in his life and was very happy for the first time since his brother passed away four years ago. Jeffrey had so much to live for and he was very settled in love with his childhood sweetheart Ayla and was looking very much to the future and spoke about joining the Army next year. He was also excited about his third season at racing his new scrambling bike. He was very much into racing old British scramble bikes. =

 He is sadly missed but now safe at peace with his brother Stuart.

Please accept this as a personal thank you to all concerned.

Carrie & Adam

BRIAN STEPTOE

It is with sadness that I have to report the death of Brian Steptoe who lived in Old Field. He was a quiet man who will be remembered by all who knew him.

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

Last month we successfully completed the hedging at the North West corner of the reserve by the A329, where several old willow trees were cut down, which had left a gap in the hedge. Thank you to all those who came to help.

In April, we plan to meet up at 10.30am on April 11th, this time starting at the allotments. The plan is to line one or more of the raised beds to stop the perennial weeds from growing through, then fill them with the soil which has been delivered for the purpose. This will allow us to create a community herb bed. If time allows we will also turn our attention to furthering the hedge line along the Haseley Road as it will be the last month to plant for a while.

With a change in the weather, I have already seen bees and ladybirds about in March, so now is the time to get your veg and flowers in, but be mindful of late frosts.

Paul Jeffery 01844 278424

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

The prize wining numbers were as follows:

March 2010                                                                                         

1st Prize                 No 47      Keith Warren -Price                                              £16.00                  

2nd Prize                No 61      Mrs Dee Garrett                                                    £12.00    

3rd Prize                 No 39      Raymond Fergusson                                           £8.00     

Mrs Diane Austin

LITTLE MILTON WI

The Annual General Meeting of the Little Milton W.I. took place on 11^th March and all last year’s committee and President were re-elected en bloc. This was followed by our New Year dinner which had been postponed due to the bad weather in January. Twenty three members and partners were treated to a superb meal cooked by our local chef Stuart McGill. Wine from Little Milton . Wine from Little Milton shop was also enjoyed!!

The next meeting will take place in the Pine Lodge on 8th April at 7.45 p.m. and our Beauty Therapist Sara Fergusson will be talking about her work and demonstrating some of her skills. Anyone is welcome to this meeting but if you wish to know more please ring any of the Anne Hawkins 279526; Heather Peers 279627; Shirley Thomas 278976

VILLAGE HALL NEWS

Quiz Night Change of Date

The next quiz night will now be held on Saturday 8th May.

This is the last Pine Lodge Quiz until the Autumn so put the date in your diaries and come and enjoy a great evening!

Computers for Sale

The Pine Lodge have three 4 year old Dell Latitude 100L computers which are now not being used. We are pleased to offer these for sale to anyone in Little Milton who may be interested.

The specification is as follows: Celeron 2.6 ghz

                                          256mb Ram

                                          20GB hard drive

                                          CD Rom, Wireless enabled, Windows XP

These are being offered at the market price of £100. Please contact me if you are interested. If more than 3 people contact me, names will be drawn at the next Pine Lodge meeting on 19th April.

Teresa Quested

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Thursday 29^th April

8pm

‘Julie & Julia’

Julia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book.

Starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams

*******

6 months membership available on the door

Adult/Child £10

OAP £7.50

Welcome to exciting new additions to our service!

New Children’s Centre Mobile - with the coming of Spring, our area will be visited by the new Children’s Centre Bus.  Come along and join the team on board this one stop shop which offers:

• Library services including book borrowing
• Story and Rhyme Time sessions
• Information for parents, carers and childminders
• Specialist information from health professionals, family information service and others
• Free use of on board lap tops

The new bus will visit Tiddington and Garsington from April in place of the Playbus, which we will still see at special events.  Please contact Sarah Lowman for timetables.

Calling all childminders!  If you are a grandparent, childminder, au pair, nanny or other family member caring for other people’s children, we would love to see you at our monthly Childminders Stay and Play which is held in Horspath on the fourth Monday of each month (Sarah has dates!).  This session is run in conjunction with Trio Childcare Connections and is a great forum for carers to catch up with each other and talk about the latest development in childcare – or just to come and have a coffee and a chat while the children play.  Of course you are also welcome to attend any of our regular Stay and Plays too.

And a big thank you to everyone who came to our Family Fun and Feedback day on 4^th March.  It was a great success with over 25 carers and 30 children joining in the fun.  We had some fantastic feedback and thank you to everyone who contributed.  This will help us move forward with the development of our centre.  Please contact us if you would like further information or if you would like to help steer our work.

The Maple Tree Children’s Centre

Tel. 07988 149041

 sarah.lowman@oxfordshire.gov.uk

THE VILLAGE SHOP REPORT!

Well-doesn’t a change in the weather lift the spirits! Spring has certainly arrived late, but March takings in the shop are significantly up on January and February. thanks to all of the lovely people in Little Milton who come in. We achieved our 6 month anniversary on 9^th March

SHOP SPECIALS FOR EASTER

Alison and Annie have again conjured up some lovely treats for Easter, with Easter Chicks that squeak for £1.20 (apart from one sad character who sits with us in the coffee area), gorgeously painted Easter Eggs by Bouje Bouje which include Champagne truffles for £8.99, and beautiful little gold baskets of mini Easter eggs for the children. We also have amazing Italian chocolates, and of course, Hot Cross Buns !

Talking Italian, Ali has re-ordered a wide range of pasta products from our Italian supplier, for the genuine taste of Italy , including a wide range of sauces

A SOCIAL HUB OF THE VILLAGE ?

When you go through the process of applying for grants, it is necessary sometimes to make claims about what the shop project would achieve before you really know the truth. One major claim we made was that the Shop would become a “social hub” of the village. I am delighted to say that that claim has proved absolutely correct, as working in the shop you get a very real sense of village life and the highs and lows of people in our community, but also the fellowship there is in the village.

WINE CLUB

After a promising start, the Wine Club is gaining in popularity, with people from not just Little Milton but also the Haseleys becoming members. It is an excellent way to discover new wines-we are not connoisseurs, but we do love good wine at sensible prices. However, being the Wine buyer does have its downside. I was invited to a Wine Tasting of 300 wines from across the globe held at the Merchant Taylor’s Hall in the City of London-it’s a tough job but someone has to do it. My problem was not the tasting, but the spitting out. Needless to say my return journey down Threadneedle Street was rather random !! Next Tasting Thursday 22 April  8.00pm at the Shop Membership for the year is £10.

Stuart McGill , Secretary, Little Milton Village Shop Ltd, 279092

VIEW FROM VIEWS

It is rather difficult to make much comment on the current weather, as this is being written in the middle of the month to meet editor’s deadlines for various parish magazines. At the moment the weather looks as if it is at last beginning to warm up, goodness knows what it will be like by the time this is read. Having said that it is still very cold for the time of year, and it is noticeable how late the spring flowers are, we are only now seeing the snowdrops and aconites usually compatible with January and the daffodils are only just beginning to show signs that they might flower shortly. We have just had a few days in the Lake District, an area I am fairly familiar with, and was astounded by how dry it appeared, not only for the time of year but considering the amount of rain they had in November. I do not think I have ever seen it look so dry. When we arrived I remarked on an island in a lake that I had not noticed before until I realised that the lakes were in fact some 2 to 3 foot lower that usual.

All winter crops are very behind and some looking decidedly sick, however nature has an amazing way of compensating and I guess and hope by the time these “views” are read, things will be very different and if not there is nothing that we can do about it. This all makes us wonder whether we are all having our legs pulled over global warming. All we can be sure about is that there are an awful lot of organisations making a lot of money out of the situation, I cannot really comment not being in full possession of the facts but all I would say is that this winter has been very cold but still does not hold a candle to 1947 ’62/3 or ‘80/1. We have to make our own judgement but it must be right though to save and conserve what fuel and natural resources we can.  

At the moment the spring crops are being planted.  The ground is working down extremely well thanks to all the frost breaking up the clods, one very good reason for ploughing in the autumn. Although this is not a practice that is best for wild life needing over wintered stubbles to feed on, it is something that unfortunately we have to do and inevitably compromises are made somewhere along the line. After our success with the Canadian red wheat for Hovis bread, it will be our main spring crop this year. I have a nasty feeling that as with most new ventures that we embark on, something will arise to make this rather promising crop become unattractive to grow. This will be either because Hovis will encourage too many of us to produce it so that we flood the market leading to price reductions thus making it unviable to grow, or we will grow too much of it and it’s disease resistance will breakdown, we shall see.

By way of another bleat from us farmers and one that I think illustrates the difficulties for a small diverse industry, trading with the big Nationals. Some readers may have read that either Italy or Spain have suddenly decided that they no longer require Birds Eye’s frozen peas, this has had the effect of wiping out the whole of the pea market of East Anglia . I just want to mention what effect this has had and how the individual farmer is so vulnerable to the whims of bigger businesses. Many of the inputs such as fertiliser will have already been bought and may not now have any use, add to this that the most likely alternative crop would be beans...  Funny that suddenly the cost of bean seed has doubled!

My moles inform me that the question of gravel workings in the Warborough Stadhampton area has reared its ugly head again and that although it does not affect us directly in the Milton ’s area, it will be an eyesore to all of us for years to come. Why oh why in this modern age of ours can’t we have alternatives to the use of our finite mineral resources? We seem to be so old fashioned in this country in that we must build in bricks and mortar. In Canada where they have far more severe weather then us, they build in wood and wood products having done so for years, I realise they have plenty, in fact they have more than they can use and, of course it is renewable. I have carefully not mentioned costs but the time has come when, using our valuable resources, we must not make economics rule the day.

Never mind, spring is springing, the birds are singing and everything is beginning to grow, so alls well.

Charles & Robert Peers

SCIENCE OXFORD NETWORKS

Visit the new Science Oxford Networks website for more information about our activities and initiatives supporting the science & technology community.

Science Oxford , St Clements, Oxford , OX4 1BD. Telephone: 01865 728953. Email: webmaster@scienceoxford.com Website: www.scienceoxfordnetworks.com

SEWING GROUP

We met in February at Anne’s and planned that the Sewing Group will now be held on the last Monday of every month apart from Bank Holiday Mondays… We weren’t in time to advertise the March meeting (which was held at Cath’s on the 29^th, most enjoyably) but in April the Sewing Group will meet at Spring Cottage in the Haseley Road .

We meet between 11.00am and approximately 3.00pm to sew, mend, chat and have lunch together and anyone is welcome to join us but do please telephone 278029 so that enough lunch is available for everyone who comes…

Our May and June dates, and who to phone, will be ‘advertised’ in the May Newsletter together with any other Sewing Group news…

S.A. Dennis

GREAT HASELEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

In the garden in the month of April.

In the vegetable garden, continue to plant onion sets, and plant chitted potatoes, the old saying goes that potatoes should be planted on Good Friday, all to do with the phases of the moon. Plant a few first earlies in a large pot or tub, or use the old green recycling bins. As soon as the shoots appear cover with some more soil to protect them from frosts. If you are planting in rows in the garden the same principle applies, earth up the rows.

Start purple sprouting broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and winter cabbage in a seed bed, plant in short rows in well raked soil, mark well.

Salad crops can continue to be planted, lettuce, rocket, radish, spring onions. Try to plant half a row, then in 2-3 weeks plant the other half, so that you get a succession of crops, rather than having everything coming at once.

Continue to pull rhubarb and cut off the flowers as soon as they appear, as they rob the plant of food and energy.

Prune flowering  spring shrubs once they have flowered, and prune hard to a shoot buddleias, cornus and ornamental elder. Deadhead spring flowering bedding plants, and bulbs, but do not cut off the leaves of bulbs, let them die down naturally, as this puts back goodness into the bulb for next year.

Bring out large containers from their winter shelter. Scrape about 2 inches of the old compost from the top of the pots and replace with fresh compost with some slow release fertilizer mixed in.

Clear ponds of debris and leaves, and plant deep water marginals later in the month. Divide and lift overgrown water lilies, and replant a new growing point.

Set out spring raised sweet peas, and continue to sow half hardy annuals, such as busy lizzies, and petunias under glass. Hoe between perennials, to keep the weed down. Keep the borders clear, and put a mulch such as mushroom compost, or home made compost onto the borders, this keeps the weeds down, keeps the moisture in the ground and make the garden look tidy.

www.pactcharity.org

Have YOU ever thought about FOSTERING?

There is a recognised shortage of 10,000 Foster Carers in the UK . PACT, founded in 1911, is also known as the Oxford Diocesan Council for Social Work inc. We are a registered charity working to improve life chances for children. The focus of our work is within Berkshire , Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and aims to build and strengthen families.

We are an approved Adoption and Fostering Agency. We have a history of finding safe, loving families for children in care. Here are a few facts about Fostering:

1. Did you know you don’t have to be married to become a Foster Carer?
2. You don’t have to have children already although you do need to have experience of caring for children.
3. Did you know you get paid a Fostering Allowance of £335.70 a week to be a Foster Carer which is tax free and won’t affect any other benefits?
4. Most of the children who need fostering are known as ‘hard to place’ children, they will usually be 8+ years of age.

Fostering is a hard but very rewarding job. If you think you might have what it takes to become a Permanent Foster Carer or you want to find out more then contact PACT now on 0800 731 1845 e-mail fostering@pactcharity.org

Can you help? An appeal for memories from students of Oxford Polytechnic and the College of Technology

While ‘The Poly’ and the older College of Technology no longer exist in Oxford , their value to Oxfordshire is still clear. Students of both institutions have gone on to live and work here, benefiting local businesses and communities with their knowledge and expertise.

Oxford Brookes is rightfully proud of its roots in the Polytechnic and the College of Technology , and the achievements of former students of all our past institutions have reinforced the university’s reputation for producing skilled and well-rounded graduates.

In 2015 Brookes celebrates its 150 year anniversary. We believe the celebrations should include and involve all alumni, whether you studied at the College of Technology , Oxford Polytechnic, Dorset House, Lady Spencer-Churchill, Westminster , Oxford City Technical School or the university itself.

To achieve this, we are appealing for memories from all former students of all our past institutions. By sharing your anecdotes and photos with the Alumni Office you can help to illustrate the shared history of the entire Oxford Brookes community, and make 2015 an unforgettable celebration for everyone.

We are especially keen to hear from alumni with personal memories of John Henry Brookes for a biography celebrating the life of the university’s spiritual founder.

Please email your memories and photos to alumni@brookes.ac.uk. We can also answer any questions you have about strengthening your relationship with Oxford Brookes, from updating you with news and events to helping you enjoy the many benefits available to all our alumni. www.brookes.ac.uk/alumni

THE NEIGHBOURS CLUB

On the 25th February Norman Walters spoke to us about Great Milton yesteryear.  Norman was born in the village and he gave us a fascinating account of life in the village during the years he grew up here.  He had photographs and maps showing the village as it used to be before various buildings were demolished and new ones built.  It is hard to believe now that the village boasted four shops (including a proper butcher) and four pubs - now we only have one of each and in the present climate we are lucky to have these.  Norman we are now looking forward to Part 2 !!!  At our meeting on the 11th March we celebrated Jean Hill's birthday with a cake complete with candles and we wish her a happy and healthy year ahead.  Our speaker that day was Dr Anthony Maisey and his subject was "Spare Parts -  a Humorous Look at Transplants".  Where on earth you are thinking is the humour in that subject but Dr Maisey was brilliant and certainly introduced a lot of humour in what is after all a very serious subject.  You would be surprised at the various bits and pieces he passed round for our inspection! Our next meeting on the 25th March will be a very different subject - fish and chip lunch!  (1 p.m.)

Forthcoming Events - April

Thur 8th - 35 Years on a Milk Round by Sylvia Brown - 2.15 p.m.

Wed 21st - Outing to Chenies Manor House and Beckonscot Model Village

Thur 22nd - Country Customs by Mr Dusty Roades - 2.15 p.m.

CAR SERVICE TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL

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.

Raymond Fergusson Parish Clerk (279150

.WHEATLEY LIBRARY

A reminder of the opening times:

Tuesday 2.00 – 7.00 p.m: Wednesday 9.30 am. - 1.00 pm.: 2.00 5.00 p.m.

Thursday 2.00 – 5.00 p.m.: Friday 9.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.: 2.00p.m. - 6.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Contacts: 01865 875267; wheatley.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk

GETTING THE RIGHT TREATMENT

NHS Direct

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

What to do when your GP practice is closed

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.

THAME CITIZENS ADVISE BUREAU

Advice line 01844 214827 Appointment Line 01844 217186 thamecab@cabnet.org.uk for more information and advice on consumer rights go to www.cabsouthoxon.org.uk or contact your local CA

Morland House Surgery

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 May 2010 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th April 2010. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

APRIL2010