The Council meeting held on Wednesday 13th July was attended by six Councillors, the Clerk, the County Councillor, 2 Community Police Officers and three members of the public. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the September meeting.

The Chairman welcomed PC Mel Stafford and PCSO Chris Ratcliff to the meeting. PCSO Chris Ratcliff explained that their attendance was part of the new approach to interface with Parish Councils rather than the Neighbourhood Action Groups. The PCSO stated that the crime in Little Milton over the past three months had been very low. The Council had no matters to raise with the officers.

The Chairman invited Mr Charles Peers to update the Council with the latest information on the installation of the kissing gate. He reported that he expected the gate to be installed during week commencing18th July 2011.

The Clerk informed the meeting that the re-polished plaques had been re-fitted on the wall opposite the Lamb by Alan Stone.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Harry StJohn and Mr John Orchard and invited them to address the meeting on the footpaths and proposed river crossing at Chippinghurst.

Mr Harry StJohn informed the meeting that the proposed reorganisation of the Rights of Way in the Chippinghurst area as well as Little Milton and the proposed crossing of the River Thame dated back to 1994 when Little Milton Parish Council had made a formal application to the County Council. The matter has been on file with the County Council since its filing and has now become an active item for consideration. However before the matter can be considered the County Council needs to determine whether an application, by a Mr Crawley, on an existing right of way across the river at Chippinghurst is valid. Mr Harry StJohn considers it a beneficial exercise to re-visit the case for the reorganisation of the footpaths as that proposal has wide support of local land-owners, the County Council and adjacent Parish Councils.

In the discussion that followed the Council expressed some concerns about the proposed elimination of footpath 280/3 within the package of measures but RESOLVED to carry out a field visit to familiarise themselves with all of the proposed changes. The Council also RESOLVED that the Clerk should present a history of all the correspondence in order that the Council had a full history of all the events.

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

The Chairman thanked Cllr. Kate Daunt for the work she had done in providing a schedule of signs within the village. Cllr. Kate Daunt used her computer to display the various signs pointing out the issues that she had identified. A total of sixty one signs were listed and the problems could be summarised as follows:

The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk would seek a visit by OCC Highways and SODC to review the Road Traffic signs and street signs with a view to having the issues addressed and the Council would review the number of No Cold Calling signs. The Council recognised the sensitivity of the advertising boards as they wanted to support local businesses but also needed to strike a balance to ensure the overall wellbeing of the community

Cllr. David Wakeling highlighted the challenges that Little Milton School were facing as they addressed the problem of car parking due to the ever increasing growth in pupil numbers. Although it was a school responsibility the Parish Council were being asked if they had any ideas that could help the situation. The use of the Parish Council car park was not considered a realistic option as it was already heavily used by The Orchard Pre-School and customers to the shop. However an issue that was raised by Cllr. David Wakeling related to the general safety of the children using Gold Street as he highlighted the lack of a warning sign for vehicles approaching Gold Street from Ditchend. The Council RESOLVED to include this matter with the schedule of other items for Road Traffic signs to be reviewed with OCC Highways.

Cllr. David Wakeling also highlighted the concern of parents as they encountered over-grown hedges and he asked the Council to request residents to be aware of the issue and take the necessary action.

The Chairman stated that Community Planning within the Localism Bill was vey different to the Community led planning exercises that were being developed by some Parish Councils. The Chairman informed the meeting that he would investigate with ORCC more about the process of Community led planning and report back to the Council at the September meeting.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Council had received a letter from a resident expressing their delight of the additional buses provided by the 104 Bus service but more importantly highlighting the dangers of encountering the A329 to pick it up at the Wheatley turn. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Clerk had already contacted Mt John Wood at OCC urging him to consider having the pick up point at Old Field.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had received an email from Jonathan Beale of OCC Countryside that the Great Haseley Bridlepath 9 had the headland track mown and a gap provided at either end to make the path useable by all concerned. The Landowner is currently arranging for a fencing contractor to remove any fencing that is on the bridleway.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 14th September 2011 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 seven days a week including Bank Holidays from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

We have been advised that staff working for our waste and recycling contractor Verdant are to start referring to the company as "Biffa", the company which recently acquired Verdant. The email address will be altered to admin.southoxford@biffa.co.uk (South) or admin.vale@biffa.co.uk (Vale).

Following feedback from the planning inspector that we cannot rely on windfall housing sites to meet any of our district’s housing needs between 2006 and 2027, Council approved changes to the core strategy on where 814 additional new homes in the district should go, as follows:

· Thame: 600 to the northwest of the town (revised from 530) and a further 175 in or around the town (sites to be specified in a later document).

We have recently revised the terms and conditions of our garden waste service to make it clear to customers that the fee is a contribution to our running costs and that we will suspend collections for two weeks over Christmas. The suspension is to enable us to collect the extra household waste produced at this time of the year, when very little garden waste is created. In the past when we’ve tried to manage the two it has resulted in lengthy delays to collections of rubbish and recycling.

The new terms and conditions also mention that we will collect extra garden waste during a week in spring which we will publicise nearer the time through our waste calendar (in our autumn Outlook magazine), Easter bin hanger and website.

We are making sure all new customers are aware of these terms and conditions before joining the service and will be writing to existing customers that have already renewed their service for the year. Customers due to renew their service between August and November should receive a copy with their invoice.

The other change to the service is that for new customers we will only accept direct debit payments, this is to make our financial processes more efficient and effective. We are planning to include a letter with future invoices to advise existing customers that we will be moving to direct debit payments only for our garden waste service before their service is next renewed. We hope this will encourage some customers to switch now but gives all customers up to 12 months notice of this change.

For more information on the terms and conditions please visit the council’s website at www.southoxon.gov.uk.

Families are being encouraged by Oxfordshire County Council's Countryside Service to explore recently published online walking guides in order to get the best out of the county's great outdoors during the school summer holiday period.

A series of new family-friendly walk maps, which cover rural routes under one-and-a-half miles in length, identify features that people can take advantage of in individual areas across Oxfordshire, such as wildlife and local attractions.

The routes take in a range of landscapes which include meadows, woodlands, nature reserves, rivers and lakes.

Information and maps on how to access green space in urban areas of the county are also now available to view. The highlighted areas are close to several county council children's centres.

Families can also take advantage of suggested countryside activities, which are aimed at children aged three to 11. Fun outdoor opportunities range from learning about camouflage to listening to a countryside concert.

People wanting longer treks can explore information about circular walks which take in some of the county's most beautiful areas of countryside, such as the Windrush Valley and the Chiltern Hills.

The in-depth guide to the historic 65-mile Oxfordshire Way walking route - a route which runs from the Cotswold town of Bourton-on-the-Water to the banks of the River Thames at Henley - includes up-to-date large scale maps and details of locations of geological and historical interest.

GOVERNMENT AWARDS £55million FOR OXFORDSHIRE TRANSPORT SCHEMES
Oxfordshire County Council has netted £5million for key transport projects including the expansion of Thornhill Park and Ride following a successful Government bid.

The money will go towards three schemes aimed at helping support economic growth and development in and around Oxford.
The funding has been released by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
Main schemes
Around £3.5m of the grant will be put towards the following schemes:

o Establishing two new low-carbon bus services connecting Thornhill Park and Ride with the John Radcliffe and other hospital sites, and the city centre

The remaining money will be put towards other transport planning work aimed at reducing congestion and promoting sustainable methods of travel behaviour.

This includes plans for a small-scale pilot cycle hire scheme for Oxford to test the demand for a permanent scheme, and further work to promote car sharing across the county.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is asking people across Oxfordshire to comment on its draft proposals for new electoral arrangements for Oxfordshire County Council

A 12-week public consultation on the recommendations will end on 10 October 2011. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new electoral divisions, division boundaries and division names across Oxfordshire. The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that Oxfordshire County Council should have 63 councillors – a reduction of 11 from the current arrangements. The proposals would mean those county councillors would represent 59 single-member divisions and two two-member divisions across the county. Write to The Local Government Boundary Commission for England: Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG or email reviews@lgbce.org.uk or visit the website www.lgbcr.org.uk

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Revd. Adam Jackson Tel: 01865 714163

Each year, at the end of August, Mr. and Mrs. B. Taylor kindly invite us all to Rycote Chapel for our Festival Eucharist. It’s always a lovely occasion and Rycote Chapel is set in such magnificent countryside. This year the Service will be on the 28^th August, and will begin at 10.00 a.m. Please do come along if you are able. A warm welcome will await us.

If you spotted about 20 ladies walking through the village on the evening of Thursday 14^th July, it was the W.I. ladies on their Safari Supper. We were lucky with the weather as it was a lovely evening allowing us to admire members’ gardens as we enjoyed delicious canapés and drinks, moving on to the next member’s home for the main course where we were tempted with beautifully presented platters of cold meat and fish and every salad imaginable, with a choice of wine or soft drinks. By the time we reached the venue for the selection of mouth watering desserts, again with a choice of wine, it was almost dark but some members still ‘braved’ it in the garden. Finally, we enjoyed coffee at our last port of call (again we were offered wine) before staggering home in the moonlight. In all, a very successful summer evening meeting.

Our next meeting will be at The Pine Lodge on Thursday 11^th August when Dr. Massey (retired) will talk on “Spare Parts” (a humorous look at these) Please do join us if you can. The cost for non-members for the evening is £3 including tea and biscuits.

Our meetings begin at 7.45pm and end around 9pm on the second Thursday of the month at The Pine Lodge, unless otherwise stated. Visitors and new members always welcome. If you would like further information on any W.I. aspect please do not hesitate to telephone any of the following, Eleanor Summers 278169, Anne Hawkins 279526 or Shirley Thomas 278976

The summer holidays are here and we have organised a children's cinema club which will run at 2pm each Wednesday throughout August. There are more details on the advert.

Our popular quiz nights start again in September so it is time to think about forming a winning team!

Don't forget that the Pine Lodge is a great place to hold your child's birthday party.

Last month we carried out a very successful butterfly survey and will do one more in August, although the numbers will begin to decline now. I have created a facebook album which will be linked to the Little Milton website (www.littlemilton.org.uk) shortly. The plan is to capture pictures of as many species of butterfly that we have here. I may also add other albums to cover other animals so we have a good record of what we have here and also to help people identify something more easily. 16 varieties of Butterfly were recorded & the numbers being 84 small Skippers, 52 Large Skipper, 14 Large White, 12 Small White, 8 Green Veined White, 1 Small Copper, 1 Common Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 10 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 4 Comma,2 Speckled Wood, 114 Marbled White, 21 Gatekeeper, 79 Meadow Brown & 104 Ringlet. A very healthy population especially the marbled white, one of our more exotic species.

We do not plan to have a work-party in August, but will do so on September 4^th at 10.30am. The plan will be to mark the plants in the new hedge that did not survive the dry spring so they can be replaced, and also identify the trees in the plantation at the far end of the reserve that have died (killed by hungry rabbits!)

There will be no Group meeting in August but in September the Group will meet on 21st from 11.00 at Willow Brook Cottage the home of Anne Hawkins (telephone 279526).

The Inaugural battle for the Luddite Cup was won by Richard (the Bandit) Heath. He’ll not be allowed out on that handicap again.

Maple Tree Centre has published their programme for August/September and a copy is on the Parish Council Notice board opposite the Lamb. However if you require further information call them on 07988 159041 or email deborah.jackson@oxfordshire.gov.uk or alternatively log onto our website at www.oxonchildrenscentres.org.uk/themapletree

Charles is taking a well earned rest and I look forward to publishing his contribution in the September newsletter.

The 2011 Ride & Stride is to be held on Saturday 10^th September. All cyclists in Little Milton should be getting fit for this worthwhile event. The ride is in aid of the Historic Churches Trust, a worthy cause. No one would like to see our church or local churches go into disrepair and this is a chance to help restore and protect them by raising a little income by way of sponsorship. Little Milton’s target is just £200 to beat last year’s effort. Ride or Stride (walk) from several churches in a very short space and gather up a few sponsors beforehand and the event will be very successful.

Watch this space for further details in the next issue of the newsletter or call Anne Hawkins 279526 for information.

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Summer holiday special

3^rd August Megamind PG

10^th August Gulliver's Travels PG

17^th August Gnomeo & Juliet U

24^th August Tangled PG

31^th August Despicable Me U

2pm

Enjoy a film on the big screen, without the hassle & cost of going to the cinema

Plus snack shop serving drinks, popcorn & sweets

Summer membership (5 films) available on the door

Adult/Child £8 OAP £6

Local author (school and orchard pre-school, mother of 3!) Rebecca Emin celebrated her first novel publication at Little Milton Village Shop this month. From her favourite coffee shop table, where much of her writing is done, she talked about her inspiration and signed copies of “New Beginnings”! She commented later, "Thank you all for hosting my book signing today, it was so much fun. I especially loved the comment about making sure I go back again with all my other books in the future. I will bear that in mind."

Rebecca is often seen enjoying a coffee and keeping her creative ideas flowing with a slice of coffee and walnut cake. There are distinct parallels with one JK Rowling, but we’re sure our cakes are better than her Edinburgh haunt! Rebecca has recently had success with charitable anthologies and children’s stories, but her new book is her first major publication. Her books are available in the shop.

Just another way in which our Village Shop is used and enjoyed by our village community! Little Milton Village Shop is yours to use, so if you would like to hold a similar community event, please do simply talk to Alison and Annie.

We are delighted to support local ideas and ventures – in the refrigerator this month is Pete Vogt’s Locally Produced Dry Cured Ham – you can’t get much more local than Milton Manor Drive! September will see more local products in the shop to support British Food Fortnight. If you know of anything that deserves a space on our shelves, please do give your suggestions to Alison!

And, you can find the shop page on Facebook now: just search “The-Village-Shop-Little-Milton”.

You will see in our advert this month we have featured 3 of the best wines you will find anywhere. Our first star is the return of our all time favourite red, the

This beauty is full of rich cherry flavours, and is so beautifully smooth you can drink it with almost anything. Last year we sold case after case of this-don’t miss it!

comes from Susses, where the soil strata is identical to Champagne, and the French know it! Its more expensive sibling, the Grosvenor Blanc de Blanc, has recently won a Trophy in Decanter Wine Awards, and a Gold Medal against the best Champagnes!

3. GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010, NZ. This has had so many accolades; it is difficult to know where to begin. Made by the Winemaker who created Cloudy Bay, this scored the highest marks of any Sauvignon Blanc reviewed by Matthew Dukes in the Daily Mail, calling it a “dreamboat” of a wine. Winegang gave it 92 points. Olly Smith (Weekend Magazine) called it “a master class in flavours, balance, and sexiness”.

These are all in the shop NOW! Next Wine Club will be Wednesday, 17^TH August, at 8.00PM-come and join us!

Help for Heroes is a charity that supports our wounded servicemen and Women who have returned from Afghanistan & Iraq. I have been selling wristbands and other items to raise money for the charity for several years.

When the village shop opened Alison asked about the possibility of selling some of the range of goods the charity produces in the shop.

I knew through previous conversations with her that her son has done several tours of Afghanistan supporting the Apache helicopter force as a technician.

This was the start of what has been a great success thanks to the support of villagers and passing customers.

Unfortunately I have not kept an individual record of shop sale totals till the start of this year. But from January till the end of May the shop has raised £135 for the charity a fantastic contribution.

The shop continues to stock wristbands (now in 2 sizes), 2 sizes of the Army teddy bear (in desert camouflage).T-towels, cotton bags, tax disc holders, car stickers and lapel badges.

The charity produces over a hundred different items from dog beds and coats to t-shirts and jewellery which can be viewed and purchased on their website or contact me and I can order them on your behalf.

On behalf of Help for Heroes I would like to thank everyone from the village who has purchased items from the shop & all the staff that have helped by selling them.

Thursday 4th Evening pub walk. Meet at Old Fisherman, Shabbington, at 06:30pm for a 4 mile circular walk via Ickford. Pub stop at end. Dogs on leads please. 07796 661449.

Tuesday 9th Meet at Tiddington (by the Fox PH) at 10:00am for a leisurely 4½ mile walk via Rycote Park. 01844 339352 or 07796 661449.

Thursday 11th Meet at Ashendon (the Lower End playing field car park); at 10:00am for a 7 mile walk to Chilton and Dorton. Several stiles, some difficult. May be muddy! Optional pub stop at the end. 01844 213608.

Saturday 20th Meet at West Wycombe garden centre car park at 10:00am for a 10 mile walk to Bledlow Ridge and Radnage. Bring a picnic. Sorry, no dogs allowed. 01865 358905.

Saturday 27th Meet at Asthall at 09:30am for a 10½ mile walk to Burford with a chance for a look round/tea shop/pub. Afternoon to Fulbrook, Swinbrook and return. 01844 339969.

Sunday 28th Meet at Dinton (park considerately on the grass verge off the A418 by Dinton Castle) at 10:00am for a 7 mile walk via Waddesdon. Dogs on leads please. 01844 208517.

John Howell MP holds regular surgeries around the Henley Constituency. You do not have to wait for a surgery to come to your area to book an appointment. When you ring we will spend a few minutes with you to try to understand your concern or problem and to make sure that John is the best person to help you. When he is not, we will direct you

to your local parish, district or county councillor or the appropriate organisation to help. We may also be able to help you without you having to wait for a surgery appointment. We will always try to find the quickest and most effective way to help.

A look back at key issues from Westminster and those raised from the Constituency in June 2011.

The provisions in the Bill follow on from the Coalition Government’s 'Review of Counter-Terrorism and Security Powers', published in January 2011. The Bill abolishes the system of control orders, established under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, and replaces it with a new regime designed to protect the public from terrorism, called Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures. The Bill was debated at Second reading on 7 June 2011. The House of Commons voted for the Bill to be sent to a Public Bill Committee that will scrutinise the Bill line by line.

The House of Commons considered the Lords amendments on 9 June 2011. This Bill received Royal Assent on the 13 June 2011. The Bill provides for the restructuring of Royal Mail, including the introduction of private sector capital and expertise from the sale of up to 90% of Royal Mail, an employee share scheme and provisions for Post Office Ltd to continue to be owned by the Crown or a mutual ownership structure. It makes provisions for the regulatory arrangements for postal services through the transfer of powers from Postcomm to Ofcom. It also deals with Royal Mail’s pension and contains provisions for a ‘special administrative regime’ should the universal postal service be at risk from the provider entering insolvency proceedings.

The Government paused the progress of the legislation through Parliament in order to ask doctors, nurses, patients and members of the public how plans could be improved. The work was overseen by the independent NHS Future Forum which agreed that the NHS is in need of reform in order to keep pace with the rising costs of treatments and technologies and in anticipation of an ageing population. However, the NHS Future Forum made clear that substantive changes were needed to the original plans. The Government is accepting all of its core recommendations and the

changes now proposed have attracted broad support from a range of health experts. The changes will safeguard the NHS for future generations, will mean that patients will have much greater choice and access to the best healthcare and they will break down barriers and get doctors and nurses from different parts of the NHS talking to each other to get the best for patients.

Much interest has been expressed in the motion calling for a ban on wild animals from circuses. This was debated by MPs on 23rd June. An overall ban could be challenged in the courts under European and UK legislation and work needs to be done on this and other details. In the interim, Ministers proposed to introduce a strict licensing regime using existing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Any circuses that perform in England that wish to have wild animals in circuses will need to demonstrate to Government-approved vets that they meet very high animal welfare standards for each animal before they can be granted a licence to keep those animals. If circuses cannot meet these demanding welfare standards, they will not be allowed to use wild animals in their performances.

This is another subject that is generating a range of comments. The current situation is that the Department for Transport has launched a consultation on the Government’s strategy for a national high speed rail network. High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain's Future sets out the case for this network, the details of the Government’s strategy and the proposed route for an initial phase from London to the West Midlands. The consultation will run until 29 July, which is two months longer than the normal period for Government consultations, to give everyone with an interest time to express their views. No decision will be made on any of these issues before everyone has had an opportunity to have their say. Details of the consultation are available at http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/

I am often asked questions about the workings of MPs and of Parliament. I try to answer one a month.

Q Parliament only sits on a few Fridays in the year. What do MPs do on all the Fridays when parliament is not sitting?

A Fridays are usually set aside for MPs to be in their constituencies. On Fridays and over the weekend they visit schools, businesses and other organisations, attend functions and generally try to meet as many people as possible. This gives MPs further insight and context into issues they may discuss when the return to Westminster. As an example of this since the General Election I have carried out over 260 constituency-related functions and have visited over 80% of schools. Since Easter I have added 5 new schools to the list, visited businesses across the constituency and attended 25 community events in addition to other ad hoc meetings representing specific groups or causes.
More information on my work is available on my website www.johnhowellmp.com

UK Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) make solar photovoltaic (PV) panels an attractive investment for homeowners who have savings. The soon to be introduced Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will also provide better returns for solar water heating (SWH). But there are some points to consider before chasing quotes:

A south facing roof is best but panels can deliver very good results facing anywhere between east and west, through south.

A minimum of about 10m² of panels are needed for solar PV and approximately 4m² for SWH (based on a household of 4 people). Sections of roof shaded by trees or buildings are to be avoided.

Daytime users of electricity and hot water have much to gain by directly replacing energy they'd otherwise have to pay for with free solar energy.

An ideal budget would be in excess of £8,000 for PV and £3,500 for SWH. It’s important to remember that in order to be eligible for FITs and RHI your system must be installed by an MCS certificated installing company.

To find out more, check out Cocoon's new on-line 'Solar Suitability Checker'. This tool allows you to find your roof on a satellite map, check its size and orientation, and see what returns an investment in solar might deliver. No personal details are required. The tool will go live in Summer 2011 at www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

It worked. What you ask. The gardener’s rain dance. At last we have some of nature’s water to help our crops grow. Unfortunately it coincides with summer holidays, well this is England. If only we could make it rain in the night and sunshine in the day.

I feel that I have done my bit for the wildlife this month and fed some lovely cauliflower plants to the rabbits that have discovered holes in my fence. The day after planting out it was as if they had never been planted as they had been eaten right down to the soil. If you happen to see any rabbits with wire cutters could you please tell them I would like a word with them.

BBOWT had a work party up the allotments clearing some of the overgrowth back during July. There may be some grass snakes having laid their eggs in some of the composting grass heaps so care should be taken not to disturb them.

Remember your crops need you to keep the weeds down so they do not have to fight so hard for water, space and light. Anything you can do to improve the communal area such as mowing is very welcome. There will be a work party in August to prepare the base and install a greenhouse which has been donated to the allotments so feel free to volunteer your labour. On that note did I ever tell you the one about...........

A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!" A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold, it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there are plenty of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!" "Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"

The Parish Council has initiated some actions with the County and District Council to improve the appearance of our village and the work has already started with some clearance of weeds in the gutters and pavements. The Council would encourage residents to clear the weeds in front of their properties as their contribution. The street signs have been inspected by SODC and a programme of replacement/repainting will start in early August. It will mean that some signs will be removed for repainting but don’t worry! We are working with OCC Highways to look at the number and condition of the traffic signs and if we can reduce them we will. There is also an issue of visibility. Although your Parish Council will work hard to maintain the general tidiness of the village we encourage residents to maintain their level of support by whatever actions they can make. It is appreciated by your Parish Council

Mali Development Group

Helle Gujral will provide expert tuition in a small, relaxed group. Participants can expect to learn about quick piecing techniques including squares, triangles, and strips and should be able to complete a project such as a place mat or wall hanging during the day. Some materials and equipment will be provided.

The price of £45 includes tea, coffee and a light lunch as well as the opportunity to see some of Helle’s wonderful quilts. She is currently working on an Olympic quilt which is part of a project to give a quilt to each of the countries participating in the 2012 Olympics

To book a place or for more details contact Linda King 890829 or linda@whereer.com

If you don’t want to do the workshop you are welcome to come and look at the quilts at any time during the day and enjoy a tea or coffee and a cake

The age at which you can be forced to retire from work is to be phased out between April and October this year.

Until now, employers have had the right to make you retire at 65, but when the changes come into force, in most jobs you'll be able to choose when you want to leave work.

· before 1 October 2011, your employer can still force you to stop work at age 65 if they gave you notice before 5 April

· from 6 April 2011, if your employer hasn't already told you that you have to retire at age 65, they can no longer force you to stop work because of your age, even if you're going to be 65 before 1 October

· after 1 October, employers will not be able to force you to stop work at age 65. They may be able to dismiss you for other reasons, but they will have to justify those reasons.

These changes will apply to most workers. However, there may be a few jobs where your employer can make you retire at 65 for a specific reason, for example, where your age could affect your physical or mental ability to do your job.

The new rules also mean that an employer cannot refuse to employ you because of your age, if you apply for a job after you've reached 65.

More information is available about working after 65 at

www.directgov.uk. If you're worried about how the changes will affect you, or think that your employer may be discriminating against you because of your age, you can get advice on what to do from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau ( in Thame, 01844 217186) or go to www.adviceguide.org.uk for details.

Oxfordshire, parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire will begin switching to digital-only TV on 14 September 2011. The two-stage process will complete two weeks later on 28 September. This means the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal.

Switchover is happening so that Freeview services (digital TV through an aerial) can be extended to people who can’t currently get them. Any analogue television left unconverted will no longer be able to receive TV programmes after the switchover. If you already have Freeview, you will need to re-tune your TV on the day of switchover

For more information about the switchover and how to help, please contact Jayne Bullock, ORCC, Jericho Farm, Worton, Witney, Oxon OX29 4SZ. Tel: 01865 883488.

Email: orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk or please ring Raymond Fergusson, Parish Clerk on 279150

Flu (Influenza) is not just a bad cold. If you’ve ever had flu you’ll remember being shivery, achy and too weak to get out of bed or go to work. Flu can make you ill for many weeks and can be more serious for those people who cannot fight off the infection. Immunisation against flu is recommended for all of the following ‘at-risk’ groups:

We will be taking bookings for free Flu immunisations for all of the above groups from late August. Clinics will start in September and run through to November 2011.

If yes, please make an appointment with one of our Practice nurses to receive advice on smoking cessation and enquire about nicotine replacement therapy which is free on prescription for a maximum of 12 weeks for those who access the service.

Advice is also available on the telephone advice line 01865 226663 and on the website www.smokefreeoxfordshire.nhs.uk

Please wait until after 10.00am before you phone us to book non urgent appointments or blood tests.

Our phones are very busy when the surgery first opens so please postpone your call if you can.!

Please note these appointments are for commuters and working patients who find it difficult to attend the surgery during the day and don’t want to keep taking time off work for this. The surgery will only be open at this time for patients who have booked in advance.

During Saturday opening you will be unable to contact the surgery by phone. Please contact the surgery for more information.

Should you urgently require a doctor during these times or when we are closed
please call: 0845 345 8995

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.

ARE YOU GOING TO WARBOROUGH FAYRE?

(With acknowledgement to Simon & Garfunkel)

Warborough is holding a summer fayre on the Green South on Saturday 13^th August from 1pm to 5.30pm.

A major focus will be a Tug o’ War competition and Aunt Sally Knock out.

We are fortunate to have sponsorship from Bentley Productions Ltd., the producers of “Midsomer Murders”.

Prizes will include the “Midsomer Cup” for winners in each competition.

Other attractions will include classic cars, craft stalls, The Chalice Morris dancers from Somerset, juggler, fortune teller, silver band, fair organ, donkeys, pony rides, pig roast and teas. The Six Bells will provide the bar.

A Barn Dance will be held from 7.30pm at the Greet Hall. Dancing to “Mouse & Trousers” band plus Chalice Morris dancers. Bar and ploughman’s supper. Price £12.

Warborough Fayre intends to raise money for the St Laurence Hall improvement fund.

For more information or dance tickets contact Will Partridge on 01865 848412 or e mail will_partridge_333@hotmail.com

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 September 2011 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th August 2011. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.

KEY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Age Concern 01844 279238 Janet Betts

Citizens Advice Bur. 01844 214827 Thame & District

Church: St James 01844 279498 Rev Victor Story (Rector)

01844 279150 Raymond Fergusson

(Churchwarden)

Doctors 01865 872448 Morland Surgery

0845 345 8995 NHS Helpline

999 Medical Emergencies

Little Milton Shop 01844 279978 Alison Shelton (Manager)

Milk Deliveries 01865 792221 Dairy Crest

MUGA Bookings for the courts are made at the Post Office

Neighbourhood Watch 01844 279468 Mark Willis

Newsletter 01844 279150 Raymond Fergusson (Editor)

OCC 01865 792422 All enquiries

Parish Council 01844 278970 Barry Coward (Chair)

01844 279150 Raymond Fergusson

(Clerk)

Pine Lodge 01844 278922 Teresa Quested (Chair) 01844 279535 Linda Lovegrove (Bookings)

0870 770 6880 24/7 Call out service

Police 0845 8505 505 Thames Valley Police

Post Office 01844 279001 Annie Rogers (Postmistress)

Public Transport 01869 241500 Heyfordian Travel

01296 399500 Red Rose Travel

0870 6082 608 Arriva

SODC 01491 823000 All enquiries

Southern Electric 0845 770 8090 Emergency Number

Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Emergency Number

Verdant 03000 610610 All enquiries

For all other numbers go to website www.littlemilton.org.uk

Mon	1st	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	2nd	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	3rd	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group Great Haseley
Thurs	4th	10.15 a.m. 14.40 – 14.55 15.00 – 15.30	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Neighbours Hall Great Milton Mobile Library -Old Field Mobile Library – Village Hall
Sun	7th	9.30 a.m.	Holy Communion (CW)– St James’
Mon	8th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	9th	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	10th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group Great Haseley
Thurs	11th	10.15 a.m. 7.45 p.m.	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Neighbours Hall Great Milton Little Milton W.I. in the Pine Lodge
Sun	14th	11.00 a.m. 10.00 – 12.00	Family Service -St James’ Farmers Market – Great Haseley
Mon	15th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	16th	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	17th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group Great Haseley
Thurs	18th	10.15 a.m. 14.40 – 14.55 15.00 – 15.30 8.00 p.m	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Neighbours Hall Great Milton Mobile Library -Old Field Mobile Library – Village Hall Cinema Club –‘Limitless’
Sun	21st	8.00 a.m.	Holy Communion BCP – St James’
Mon	22nd	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	23rd	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	24th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group Great Haseley
Thurs	25th	10.15 a.m.	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Neighbours Hall Great Milton
Sat	27th	2.00 p.m.	Horticultural Show: Denton House
Sun	28th	10.00 a.m.	Benefice Communion CW – Rycote Chapel
Mon	29th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	30th	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Thurs	Sept 1st	10.15 a.m. 14.40 – 14.55 15.00 – 15.30	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Neighbours Hall Great Milton Mobile Library -Old Field Mobile Library – Village Hall
Sun	4th	9.30 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Holy Communion (CW)– St James’ Friends of Wells Farm

Councillor Barry Coward ( Chairman)	01844 278970
Councillor Alison Shelton (Vice Chair)	01844 278144
Councillor Mabel Wood	01844 279670
Councillor Bertie Bright	01844 279131
Councillor David Wakeling	01844 278014
Councillor Kate Daunt	01844 279151
Parish Clerk Raymond Fergusson	01844 279150 fergie.milton1@btinternet.com
District Councillor: Stephen Harrod	01844 278068
County Councillor: David Turner	01865 891169

	Brown	Grey	Green	Food
2nd August	No	Yes	No	Yes
9th August	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
16th August	No	Yes	No	Yes
23rd August	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
31st August **	No	Yes	No	Yes

7th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Jennifer Thompson
14th	11.00 a.m.	Local arrangement led by Chris Williams
21st	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mark Platt
28th	11.00 a.m.	Holy Communion led by Revd Jean King

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

‘Limitless’

A writer discovers a top-secret drug which bestows him with super human abilities, but what will be the cost.

Starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro & Anna Friel

Enjoy a film on the big screen, without the hassle & cost of going to the cinema Plus fully licenced bar

Enjoy a film on the big screen, without the hassle & cost of going to the cinema

Plus snack shop serving drinks, popcorn & sweets

These are all in the shop NOW! Next Wine Club will be Wednesday, 17^TH August, at 8.00PM-come and join us!

Mali Development Group

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

‘Limitless’

A writer discovers a top-secret drug which bestows him with super human abilities, but what will be the cost.

Starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro & Anna Friel

Enjoy a film on the big screen, without the hassle & cost of going to the cinema Plus fully licenced bar

Enjoy a film on the big screen, without the hassle & cost of going to the cinema

Plus snack shop serving drinks, popcorn & sweets

These are all in the shop NOW! Next Wine Club will be Wednesday, 17TH August, at 8.00PM-come and join us!

Mali Development Group

These are all in the shop NOW! Next Wine Club will be Wednesday, 17^TH August, at 8.00PM-come and join us!