November/December 1990             Issue 35

CHURCH NEWS

On Being Thankful

    All these events have things in common - memories, hopes, and above all thankfulness are found in them all. So this is a good time to reflect on that. It's one of the first things we teach our children (well, after the potty) - to say thank you. And children who don't say thank you are a bit nasty. But not half so nasty as adults who don't say thank you. That's graceless. Saying a grace at meals - quietly and privately, or aloud if the others share our gratitude and direct it in the same way, enhances not just this food but the whole of life. If we have lost that sense of wonder or do not bother to teach our children, then human life is impoverished and the human spirit coarsened.

    We know we have to say thank you - not only because people expect it, but out of some inner necessity. It's part of being properly human. Thanks for the obvious things - presents, and above all friends and family, for health and happiness - but really for life itself. We can keep expanding the range of our being thankful until it becomes part of our character. Somewhere along the line some of us want to ask (or have already been told) who or what we are being thankful to. What is this personal reality that is bigger than ourselves and yet more inward to ourselves than anything?

   The language of worship symbolizes this reality and draws us into it: 'We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life. But above all we give thanks to thee...' there follows some technical terms about the environment and ecology, and how it can be mended and healed, and how we can be made whole. Pretty advanced stuff. But the first step is to recognize that 'we do not live by bread alone'. Material things are necessary and have value, but we need to let our hearts and minds flow and sing with gratitude for the gift of life itself, till we are 'lost in wonder, love and praise'.

R.I.P.

who recently passed on aged 80 was born at 55 Henley Road on 7th September 1910. He lived in the village until 1985 when he moved with his wife Elsie to live with his daughter at Wheatley. He worked at the Paper Mill all his working life, with the exception of 3 years war service. Although he served in the R.A.F. he travelled the world by boat, spending one year based in Hong Kong.

Albert and Elsie had two children, Jim and Katina, but Jim was tragically killed in a road accident in 1953. He was very fond of Sandford and often spoke of his old friends and his memories of the village. After cremation his ashes were placed in the family grave after morning service on Sunday 7th October 1990.


Mr Bert Rivers

was born in 1906, fourth child to William and Alice Rivers at the Court, then known as 'Roberts Row' (behind the Post Office, now 15-19 Church Road), and went to the village school. He worked at Heyford Hill pumping station and later for John Allen's (steam engines) in Cowley. He moved to Kennington during the war, when he married his wife Wyn, and had one daughter, Jane. He died on September 26th 1990 and after cremation his ashes were laid in the family grave where his parents are buried.


Mrs Edith James

was born 11 April 1905 also at 'the Court', the third child and elder sister of Bert. She lived nearly all her 85 years in Sandford, moving to 97 Henley Road when it was built in about 1931. She was married to George James by Vicar Latham in Sandford church in October 1926 and had four children, Audrey, Brian, Terry and Christine.

She died peacefully at home in the presence of her Close family on October 5th 1990, and after cremation her ashes also were placed in Sandford churchyard on her closest brother Will's grave. Our sympathies go to the family.

Dog Show and Fete

The day was a great success and the weather lovely. Thanks to all who helped out. It was nice to see the Beecham and Harris children involved, and they worked hard. A small amount of money was made for the Association, but it was about getting people together and being happy. Hope we can have a bigger and better show next year.

Hazel Hutton and Janet Shepherd

Thanks
A further £250 has been donated by Magdalen College to the Sandford Church Building appeal, bringing its contribution over the past four years of the appeal to £1,000.


Congratulations
to Ian Bridge and Julia Batho of 67 Henley Road, who were married by Rev. Morgan at St Giles Church, Ashstead on Saturday 20th October.


Confirmations
The former Bishop of Dorchester, lately Bishop of Ely, the Right Reverend Peter Walker DD held an adult confirmation in Sandford church on Sunday October 18th. Mr Ian Bridge, Ms Karen Lea and Mrs Mary Jackson, all of Henley Road, were confirmed. The lists are now open for the next such event. Please contact vicar.

The Homecoming

Garden competition

Winners as follows:
Best landscaped:     Mrs Leary, 1 River View
Best in show:     Delia, 5 Rock Farm Lane
Reserve best in show:     Mr and Mrs Smith, 19 Main Avenue, Oxford Pk Home Estate
Mrs Harris, 24 Henley Rd     (2nd)
Mrs Matthews, Sandford Hse     (3rd)
49 Henley Road     (4th)
Mr and Mrs Greenaway, 3 Main Ave.     (2nd)
32 The Crescent     (3rd)
Mrs Parrott and Mrs Lewis, 43 The Crescent and 23 Main Avenue tied for 4th place.

PRIZE CROSSWORD WIN £5

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

Women vicars?

There was some division of opinion, but the discussion was good natured. Those present seemed to accept the sincerity of those they disagreed with, and were prepared to look at the arguments and try to discover what is right. A big change needs strong reasons for changing the status quo, and some were prepared to argue that a more balanced ministry would be a good thing. Some thought they would personally prefer to talk to a male pastor, but could welcome the freedom of others to choose what they found most helpful.

It seemed self-evident that some women, like some men, can and do exercise authority and leadership. Also that on average women may be more sympathetic and gentle than their male counterparts. There was general agreement that the discussion should continue, each listening to the other people's points of view, and respecting honest differences of opinion. Some thought it was bound to happen sometime - and rightly so - the only question was when. There was also some concern to respect the susceptibilities of Roman Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ in this matter, as well as methodists and other denominations.

All public areas were generally very good although the grass in the recreation ground was somewhat rough and the concrete under the children's swings could present a safety hazard.

The church and churchyard were well tended - also the community centre.

Of the three public houses the one by the river presented the best appearance and the other two were a bit dowdy by comparison.

In general the village obtained quite high marks and there was much evidence of an effort to conquer the litter problem.



BKV/RDF
June 1990

SANDFORD-ON-THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

    At the meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 2nd April 1990 in the Village Hall, with seven members present

unanimous approval was granted for sites B1/l and B1/5 within the proposed new development south of the existing Blackbird Leys, Sandford; and mixed council housing on two nearby sites to be built as a single contract site B1/l - ten dwellings; site B1/5 - 31 dwellings. Also other routine matters where no objection had been raised.

    On the land south of Littlemore, between Littlemore Hospital and Minchery Farm, where permission has been sought for the construction of roads, landscaping and tree planting works, laying trunk surface water and foul sewers, construction of site access and provision of surface water drainage, it was agreed the Clerk should ask for a time extension for representations so that the Council might consult with Magdalen College before making a decision.

    Rock Farm Lane: on improvements to Rock Farm Lane and provision of access road to residential development, there had been objections from residents. Parish council to seek clarification from Magdalen College and SODC before making a decision. Request meeting between Parish council, residents of Rock Farm Lane and Magdalen College to discuss further.

    Planning permission approved for Science Park Oxford Science Park Phase One. Provision of principal means of access via Blackbird Leys peripheral road (west) and A423(T) interchange improvements together with landscape works.

Income and Expenditure

Income:	Nil	£
Expenditure:	SEB - new streetlight (deposit)	284.62
	SEB Power-maint	85.17
	Grass cutting (petrol)	8.43
	OALC - Subscription	95.00
	ORCC (Competition)	6.00
	Hire of hall for meetings	70.00
	The Link (Jan/Feb/Mar)	44.00
	Travelling Expenses	10.68
	Stationery	28.29

Mrs Rolston was elected Chairman for a further term, and Mrs Shepherd was elected Vice-Chairman.

Village Hall
Hand over by Management Committee to Parish Council. The Parish Council was attended by Miss Meryl Smith, Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, and Mrs Patricia Redknap, Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils, in order to advise the Council regarding the disbanding of the Village Hall Management Committee. The Parish Council was told that the present management arrangements for a Village Hall Committee cannot be changed without the permission of the Charity Commission and that the Charity Commission would want very good arguments before it would agree to a change especially if the Parish Council were to become Managing Trustees. It was suggested that a Public Meeting take place in the near future to decide the future of the village hall.

Income and Expenditure

		£
Income:	Precept	3108.00
	VAT refund	220.18
Expenditure:	SEB (Repairs)	65.30
	Municipal Mutual	32.40
	(playing field inspect)
	Clerk's salary/
	office fac.)	175.00
	SODC (dog notices)	27.50

At the meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 2nd July 1990, six members and Mr I. Stevenson (County Councillor) were present.

With regard to the proposed extensions and change of use for proposed hotel at Templars Court (outline application, the Clerk was instructed to write to the planning officer with the following comments:
  1. The Council would prefer that the number of rooms are limited to 83 and dormer windows provided in the additional buildings. This would enable the attic space to be utilized as bedrooms thereby reducing the size of the buildings.

  3. The council expressed concern regarding the surrounding area (horses' field, old cricket pitch) and request that Magdalen College make provision for the landscaping of these areas and the reinstatement of the hedgerow along Church Rd.

  4. The Council would also like reassurance that there would be no further development on the site.

Science Park
  Mrs Shepherd and Mrs Hutton reported that the path under the bridge was in a bad condition and that open ditches had been without fencing for a period of time. Work very often commenced at 6.30 a.m. on the site causing inconvenience to the residents of the nearby mobile home park.

Income and Expenditure

Income:	Nil	£
Expenditure:	SEB (Street lighting)	93.08
	Magdalen College (rent)	75.00

Village Hall Mr Gladwell had been asked by the Council to look over the Deed and advise on the running of the Hall in accordance with the Deed. He suggested that the Council call a public meeting having first contacted any organisations, or individuals, who had expressed an interest in running the hall, to explain the situation and to ask for views and comments. A Committee could then be elected. The Council agreed that the bills from the Village Hall should be handed to the Clerk to pay should funds not be available in the Village Hall accounts during the interim period.

Planning permission had been granted for construction of temporary road linking existing peripheral road (Grenoble Road) to housing development site B1; for the erection on the Science Park of a 4-storey building for B1 use and development purposes together with associated landscape works and formation and construction of access roads, roundabouts C and D, temporary parking area; for a flat wail plaque on the Kings Arms; for improvements to Rock Farm Lane and provision of access road 'to residential development.

Income and Expenditure

		£
Income:	VAT refund	220.18
Expenditure:	Petrol for mower	26.46
	Clerk's salary, etc.	175.00
	SEB	391.30
	Record Playground Equip	3935.07
	British Telecom	21.68
	Interest of current a/c	0.97

Recreation Field
The Clerk reported that the safe surface had been installed and that Mr Rudman would be renovating the swings in the near future. Prices for goal posts had been received. This matter will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

Ring-a-Ride Notice to be put up in bus shelters and on Notice Board.

CHEMISTS' ROTA SERVICE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Closest to Sandford area only

The following Chemist will, be open for dispensing from 5.30 - 6.30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 12 noon - 1.0 p.m. Sundays and Public Holidays, on the week commencing:

November 4th	W.H. Green (Chemists) Ltd., 8 Rose Hill Parade
November 11th	N.J. Proctor, 252 Cowley Road, Oxford
November 18th	M.J. Proctor, 158 Oxford Road, Cowley
November 25th	P.L. Jenner, 236/238 Cowley Road, Oxford
December 2nd	Kingswood Chemists, 103/105 Pound Way, Cowley Centre
December 9th	Emerald Pharmacy, 34 Cowley Road, Littlemore
December 16th	W.H. Green (Chemists) Ltd., 8 Rose Hill Parade
December 23rd	M.J. Proctor, 252 Cowley Road, Oxford, - except on
December 25/26th	W.H. Green (Chemists) Ltd. 8 Rose Hill Parade
December 30th	N.J. Proctor, 158 Oxford Road, Cowley

Thanks