MERRY CHRISTMAS

This is the last issue of 1983 and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has helped me since I took over as Editor in June. To Janet Shepherd who has kindly typed some of the issues of the Link to my wife who has been my general factotum and to Libby who has compiled the puzzles, done typing and who has drawn the front cover of this issue, and to everyone who has contributed.

I send my apologies to anyone I may have upset and hope that the village will continue supporting the Sandford Link in 1984, also that more of you will contribute during the coming months.

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

EDITOR.

It will be a help in allowing the Parish Council to know the views of the villagers.

As a result of the meeting called to protest at the continued camping by itinerants on private ground in the village, it was agreed to draft a letter to Mr. Heseltine and to the Home Office expressing our wish to see the Law of Trespass changed. If trespass were a criminal not a civil offence, it would be possible for landowners to have trespassers removed more quickly and easily, without a long Court case. The Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils informs us that they requested such a move in 1981 and it is still under review. Our letter will be circulated through Sandford and it is hoped that everyone will sign it.

The Village Appraisal Questionnaire has been circulated. Please fill it in as soon as possible. We want your views on improvements for Sandford, though we cannot promise to meet them all.

The footpath down Church Road is in a disgraceful state. We will ask Highways to improve the lay-out, which is dangerous at some points. Anything you can do to improve its appearance by removing litter or cutting weeds would be much appreciated. If anyone would like to be employed to cut the overhanging hedges and weeds, would they please contact a member of the Parish Council.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on 12th December.

There is also an un-authorised Tip developing rapidly in the Copse on Mr. Keene's farm (Magdalen College property) to the left of the Sewage Works. Again, a situation that must be dealt with before it gets any bigger. Therefore, I am hoping to set up a meeting with all parties concerned (similar to one we had in January of this year) to see if we can resolve these two situations as soon as possible.

There is also going to be a new relief warden to help warden Gerry Gilbert on Ten Acre site and in November the Chairman and Vice Chairman (Mrs. M. Knight and Mrs. P. Ashton) of the Housing Committee, visited the residents on Ten Acre and saw some of the improvements they had done within the site.

If anyone has any queries or problems related to the District Council, please do not hesitate to contact me and may I take this opportunity of wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

NIKKI KING.

It has therefore been decided to open a toddler group in Littlemore at the Newman Hall, however, this group, for the time being, will still go under the name of Sandford Mother and Toddler Group.

For further information please contact Penny Jamieson who lives at 4 Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford. Telephone Oxford 711063.

I now have the sad duty to announce the end of the Youth Clubs in Sandford.

Dian Slay who has run the club for the past four years and has appealed in the past for help in the running of it has now completely severed her links with the clubs after being assaulted by one of the members.

Dian says 'the majority of the kids are a great bunch and that some of the older villagers blame the club for everything although they are not necessarily to blame'.

Dian extends to Linda Morgan and Linda Waterfield all her thanks and gratitude for the help and support they have given her in the past.

It means that one has to stoop in order to get in. It has been said that it was purposely made like that so that on entering one had to bow in acknowledgment of Christ's humility in becoming man - because this church is by tradition built on the site of the birthplace of Jesus. There is a grotto inside into which the pilgrims descend and say a prayer on the spot where the Son of God was born in a manger on the first Christmas Day.

It is good for us to stop and think of His great humility when we sing our carols at Christmas... Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give man them second birth. Jesus Christ came to earth to show us man as he was intended to be and to bring us back to God; to give us another chance to live as God meant us to live. That is what we celebrate with joyfulness at Christmas - the supreme demonstration God gave of His great love for men, women and children everywhere.

I wish you all a very happy Festive Season.

DONALD FEHRENBACH.

If there are any items that require collection, please advise me as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.

I can be contacted at Kiln Mobile Home Park, Sandford on Thames, or by telephone on Oxford 779767.

HAZEL HUTTON.

The club will then close until Tuesday February 7th at the usual time.

Unfortunately it is impossible to stop crime entirely but there are ways in which one can minimise the risk of being the victim of crime. Many families for instance, spend the Christmas holidays away from their homes with relatives and friends. If so, on leaving your home ensure that all the windows and doors are securely fastened. Remember also, to cancel, both milk and newspaper deliveries, as these give a clear indication to prospective thieves that the house is empty. An additional precaution is to inform your neighbours that you will be away and ask them to be extra vigilant.

Still on the subject of theft, many people, when Christmas shopping, place their parcels inside their cars believing them to be safe. These packages represent a great temptation to thieves and many modern cars are relatively easy to break into - as you will no doubt know, if you have ever locked yourself out of one!.. So lock your shopping in the boot, out of sight of prying eyes and ensure that your car is totally secured before leaving it.

Motor vehicles may also present a temptation to their owners. Christmas is a time of parties and celebrations, which inevitably bring with them the usual tidal flow of drink. Naturally no one would ever want to spoil your enjoyment of the seasonal "cheer", but we strongly advocate that you refrain from driving after drinking. Ask yourself "Is that extra drink worth your licence?".

Finally, please ensure that your car is in good working order before you set off on any long journeys. Winter weather often dictates that lights are used during the daylight hours, so check that they are all functioning correctly. Above all make allowances for dangerous road conditions when planning a journey and adapt your driving techniques to Suit the elements.

By observing these few simple precautions, we hope that everyone will enjoy a peaceful and a Very Happy Christmas.

PC. J. DELL.

Punches need not use wine, traditional ale and cider are fine. Wassail is excellent for a winter walking pause, and was formerly served to carol singers to keep them warm on their rounds.

Ingredients:-	1 pint/575ml light ale ½ bottle dry sherry ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger Sugar to taste 2 small apples
Method:-	Put the ale, sherry and all spices and sugar in a saucepan. Heat until very hot, but do not boil. Keep hot for 15 minutes over a very low heat, taking care not to let the mixture boil. Pour into the flask. Peel and slice the apples and add.

Vandals have no respect for anyones property, and the punishment from the courts does not balance the heart aches and tears that their mindless acts cause.

On Saturday 29th October, 1983, my daughters car was parked outside the house, and had both doors severely damaged that she now has to purchase two new ones. Who ever was responsible (and it had to be more than one) I can only hope that in the near future they loose something they have saved for, by wantons like themselves.

From:-
Kiln Mobile Homes.

Dear Editor,

Please will your readers help make our roads and footpaths safer, by not leaving broken glass on them. This is a dangerous obstruction which could easily lead to an accident, when one is trying to avoid these obstacles. We all know how frustrating it can be to find we have a puncture, especially if its on our way to work or on a rainy day.

So please help keep our village free from broken glass.

PUBLISHED BY,Sandford Parish Council.

PRINTED BY: Parchment Press Ltd., 60 Hurst Street, Oxford.