July/August 1992             Issue 45

Some suggestions:

A sweater knitted	A room painted
A meal at a local pub	A horse riding lesson
A foot or face massage	Music lessons
Cinema/theatre tickets	A simple family will
A car valet	A car service
Baby sitting	Cake(s) for the freezer
3 hours gardening	3 hours ironing
A manicure	A trip in a boat
A fresh flower arrangement	Walking dogs for a week
A week in a holiday cottage	A dinner party
A made-to-measure curtain set
Pet-minding for a week (in its own home)
Packed school lunches for a week
Etc.

CHURCH NEWS

YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE It was noted in the Parish Audit that we could do more by way of special services for young people (and parents) unfamiliar with the traditional forms.
So on 12th July and 23rd August 6.30 p.m. Evensong will be replaced by a half hour informal youth service - the first arranged by Carys and Becky. An invitation to all.

Sunday 5th July	8.0 a.m.	Holy Communion
	10.0 a.m.	Family Communion
	6.30 p.m.	Choral Evensong
Sunday 12th July	10.0 a.m.	Parish Communion
	6.30 p.m.	YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE
Sunday 19th July	10.0 a.m.	Parish Communion
	6.30 p.m.	Evensong with hymns
Sunday 26th July	10.0 a.m.	Parish Communion
	6.30 p.m.	Evening prayer (said)
Sunday 2nd August	8.0 a.m.	Holy Communion
	10.0 a.m.	Family Communion (Rite A)
	6.30 p.m.	Choral Evensong
	Preacher: Rev. D. Nicholls, Littlemore
Sunday 9th August	10.0 a.m.	Family Communion
	Rev. Canon John Barton, Rural Dean
	6.30 p.m.	Evening prayer (said)
Sunday 16th August	10.0 a.m.	Parish Communion
	Rev. E. Franklin, St.Stephens House
	6.30 p.m.	YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE
	Mrs Chrissie Erikson-Hull
Sunday 23rd August	10.0 a.m.	Parish Communion
	Rev. Michael Beiham
	6.30 p.m.	YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE
	Mrs Chrissie Erikson-Hull

CONFIRMATION CLASSES: if you are interested, please contact the vicar.


Meeting point
In the Village Hall on Friday July 10th at 12.30 p.m. - all welcome. There will be no. Meeting Point in August.


Correction
The Harvest Festival and Supper are on 4th OCTOBER.

R.I.P.

Ted and Joan moved with Brian to Paignton in 1989, and there his heart condition grew worse. He died in hospital after a long and painful illness and his ashes were brought back to Sandford and placed in the churchyard on 18th May. We join with their many friends in and around the village in extending sympathy to Joan and the rest of the family, and sharing in their gratitude for nearly 50 years of happily married life together and for their active participation in the community.

RELIGION AND MORALITY

What makes us want to do right or aim at goodness? Not the fear of hell nor even the hope of heaven. More the vision of what we are meant to be and become - being truly human now, and building a fairer society. That needs ideals, vision, hope, trust - what religions claim we are given and teach us to pass onto our children. It's right to reject the nonsense in religion, but worth looking for true religion.

The law defines minimums and puts pressure on wrong- doers. When it catches them. But it does not say much about truthfulness, kindness, decency, normal relationships between neighbours, or within families. Secular philosophies are fine, but have only persuaded a few to live and die by them. All human institutions are liable to corruption, but true religions contain within themselves the seeds of reform. They teach us how to be human, reinforcing this precious truth day by day in prayer, and week by week in public worship and instruction, giving us words to draw out our spiritual resources. What distinguishes us from animals is that sense of ourselves (and other people) as valuable, our lives as meaningful, and full of hope for a still unexplored future.

As we grow older we get rich in experience, but it's not worth much if we have no future. We hope we are moving towards a goal not just downhill. Meanwhile if the practice of religion, the wisdom of the ages, does not help sustain creative lives and loving relationships, then that ancient pile of stone in the centre of Sandford can fall into disrepair. Bigger things will then crumble too.

R.I.P.

For many locals the Fox was their place and Joyce at the centre of the community. She was on the Parish Council for 36 years, latterly as chairperson and missing only 2 of her 432 meetings, and was active in the W.I. Her support for local events, Church fetes, etc., could be counted on. A large congregation expressed their affection and their sympathy for the family by flowers and by attending St Andrew's Church for the funeral, as she was buried with Andy in Sandford churchyard, within sight of the Fox. May she rest in peace.

Youth Club

Special thanks to Wendy Akrigg - also Marlene and John, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, and Brad Harris, and also Robin Butler and the parents who have given regular help and support, and Tim James for fund-raising for the club and when needed coming back from retirement to lead from the front. Now the Committee has to plan for next year, and asks any who would be interested in helping to contact the Chair at 748848.

Congratulations.

to David and Yvonne West of Henley Road, married in Wales on 30th May

to Chris Spiers and Julie Taylor, married 20th June at Albury Church

to Charon Boles of Church Road new flats and Richard Hunt who were married at Greyfriars on 30th May

to Edward and Linda Newell of Main Avenue and Edward, born on 24th March, to keep Haley company and hands full

to Debbie and Nick Simeone of the Crescent and their first daughter, Christina Anne, born on 23rd May

to Janie Wilson and Peter Ailman of Church Road and their son Thomas James, a brother for David

to Alison and Ian Stevens of River View and their daughter Jennifer Kirsten, born on 21st June, a sister for Alister

Welcome

Margaret and Ian Gardner to Church Road

Dr Pauline Stasiak to Rock Farm Cottage

Frank Bailey and Alison Watkins to Henley Road

Claire Atterbury and Alison Miller to Church Road and the JR

Barry and Pauline Everest to Riverview - if you need your bike servicing Barry is your man (Hollow Way)

and WELCOME HOME to Kerstin Williams of Heyford Hill Lane, who is just back from a year in South America.

What Sandford people do:

Sandford River Run

The start was brisk, an elderly Civil Servant from Manchester, weighing 17 stone, ahead for the first hundred yards, and an impressive team from the Fox inspiring their youngsters, leading from up front. Despite a bit of mud at Radley, the 5 mile race went well, and the judges commended 30 timed performances (one a woman). Five were highly commended for finishing inside half an hour: Ben Hope (winner of the Sandford Challenge Shield again), Steve Bull (5 seconds behind him), Andrew Hope (winner of the over-40s), Kevin Webb, Will Atkinson - all brilliant performances.

Of the rest Les Gibbons also won a shield for leading the Fox team back in 32 minutes, closely followed by Wayne Drinkwater and Chris Wheatley. Also a credit to their queen and country were Aaron Drinkwater, Mark Aidridge, Stan Cotten and Ian Stevens = 36 mins, and John Wilimot, Sam Hutton (39 mins). Not to be despised, either, were those on 42 mins: Vincent Boyle, Michael Ashburner, Seamus Kelly; on 44 the vicar and P.C. John Franklin (newcomer, in Ivan's place); on 47 Alan Brookings and Tony Leary; on 48 Scott Beecham and Dale Harris; on 49 Graham Brown and Andy Hackett. Anyone

The woman's 3 mile run was won by Sue Norton in a record 19½ mins and also commended as well within par were Bev Cook, Eve Hutton, Linda Hackett and Debbie Stimpson. Helen Wilimot ran with Victoria (see below) as John (see above) streaked out ahead.

The Youth 3 mile race was won by Robert King and Barrie Rose, 22½ mins. There was then a pause before Adam Caidwell, Stephen Brookings and Martin Stimpson arrived. Michelle Brown was the top woman in this group, but the judges noted a high drop-out rate in this age group.

In the under 11 divisions, Christopher Hackett again won in an excellent 22½ mins, followed by Matthew Caidwell in 25½ mins. James Smith and Nicola Rolston also did well at this level.

The Juniors race was won by Georgie Gibbons in 23½ mins (brilliant at 8 years old), followed by a fast young Aline Smith (28 mins) and a magnificent 36½ mins by Amy Gibbons (aged 5). Also in this division Julie Cook, Jo Hutton, Laura Rolston and Victoria Wilimot were all commended. It is hoped that the formidable standards set by Sandford youth does not intimidate the rest from having a go and enjoying it next year. Some even plan to train. Others to travel by train.

Special thanks to Alan and Bev Cook for presenting the new shield and all the medals. Sponsorship and entry fees will have raised a welcome sum for youth club and church building funds, one runner (Graham Brown) achieving sponsorship of £115.50. Congratulations (and thanks)!

[More information on the River Run]

Henry Broadhurst

In his autobiography Broadhurst tells us that he was born in April 1840, the son of a journeyman stone mason - a trade which Henry himself was also to take up. In his early days he had worked in a black- smith's shop, of which there were a number in the Little- more area. During Henry's journeyman's days, he became interested in his fellow workers' conditions of work and was elected secretary of the parliamentary committee at the 1875 Trades Union Congress, eventually becoming the liberal M.P. for Stoke-on-Trent. He sat on a number of Royal Commissions, such as 'housing for the working classes' in 1884, and the aged poor in 1892. By 1880 he was only the third working man to be elected to the House of Commons, and in 1885 the first to hold office as under-secretary of state in the Home Office in Gladstone' s government.

All these details, and much more, can be gleaned from his autobiography, yet there remains still an intriguing question to answer: where and in what house was Broadhurst born? He writes 'Our cottage, which stood some distance

Unfortunately Henry was not at home on census day. Mount Pleasant was certainly some distance from the village, and stood then in open countryside. By the 1920s the sanitary condition of these cottages was reported as particularly bad, and by 1921 all were demolished and the site deserted. Their exact location can now only be speculated on, but surviving memories suggest that the site of Henry Broadhurst's family house is now under 'Rose Hill' roundabout on the ring road.

Of Broadhurst's rise from a stone mason's bench to a seat in parliament, he writes 'I am not conscious of ever having a goal for my ambition. I have never burnt the midnight oil considering my next move. Each succeeding morning I have done the work nearest to hand'. Then he quotes another distinguished Littlemore man: 'One step enough for me.'

Kingcup

[Kingcup - more info]

A refuse skip for use by anyone in the village will be at Kiln Park on the 31st July and at the Village Hall on the 25th August.

SANDFORD-ON-THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from recent minutes

At the meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 6th April, five members were present.

Heyford Hill Lane - Play Area: a representative of the developer, Beliwinch Homes Ltd., attended the meeting to discuss the proposed play area equipment. It was agreed that the see-saw should be omitted and that tree bark should be replaced with safety tiles under the remaining play equipment i.e. swings and slide.

Adoption of Parish Council Lighting: the PC approved in principal the adoption by the County Council of the street lighting in the village.

Letter from Professor Matthews: The PC approved the provision of a litter bin located on the grass verge between the Fox and Rock Farm Lane.

Lighting to By-pass bridge (Science Park): the PC to investigate the provision of additional street lighting between Henley Road and bridge under A423.

Annual Parish Meeting: new date to be found as Clerk cannot attend on 13th April.

Heyford Hill Lane - numbering: SODC to decide.

South Oxfordshire Local Plan: no action at this stage.

Britain in Bloom: details to be circulated.

County and District Councillors' Reports: none.

Income	£		Expenditure	£
Precept for 92/93	5798.00		Meadhams	260.50
			1st payment Link	180.00
			Magdalen College Rent	75.00
			Hire of hall	55.00
			Travelling exps.	37.60

At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 18th May six members were present, and Mr I. Stevenson (County Councillor).

Mr Michael Leary was unanimously re-elected as Chairman and Mrs Janet Shepherd as Vice-Chairman.

Kings Arms - Bungee Jumping: The Chairman had received many complaints. It was agreed that the PC should write to the County Engineers Traffic Dept, the Chief Environmental Health Officer, the Chief Superintendent of Thames Valley Police and the Brewery (Chef and Brewer Group).

Heyford Hill Lane - Play Area: Agreed to authorise the Clerk to instruct Mrs Agulnik to act on behalf of the PC.

Village Hall: the Chairman asked Mr Gladwell, Chairman of the Management Committee, to provide the Council with estimates for the items his Committee wished the PC to fund (two estimates for each item). Mr Rudman suggested that the Village Hall Committee should keep a log of all works undertaken to comply with COSHH Regulations.

Inspection of Recreation Equipment: no defects reported.

Planning:
Rock Farm Lane Land to rear of 3,5,9,11,13 Rock Farm Lane. change of use from agricultural land to domestic gardens. (Retrospective). Refusal 11.3.92
41 Henley Road Demolition of single storey extention. Two storey and single storey rear extension. Permission granted 2.4.92.

County Councillor's Report: Mr Stevenson reported that he had attended the Oxford Science Park Advisory Group meeting. They are about to build a second communal building. The Science Park is being used as a conference centre and there is a need for good accommodation in the area - Templers Court development. There is some backing for this from other organisations, including the Thames Tourist Board.

Income	£		Expenditure	£
Ms Green - mooring	96.00		BT - PC telephone	3237
			Flowers	17.30

Any other business:
a) the Chairman reported that he had received a letter from Mr Robinson tendering his resignation. Mr Robinson had been a member of the Council for 32 years.
b) letter to Highways - Sandford sign and sign to indicate pedestrian crossing at roundabout.

CHEMIST'S ROTA SERVICE

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:

June 28th	M.J. Proctor, 158 Oxford Road, Cowley
July 5th	P.L. Jenner, 236/8 Cowley Road, Oxford
July 12th	Lloyds Chemist, 103/5 Pound Way, Cowley Centre
July 19th	Emerald Pharmacy, 34 Cowley Road, Littlemore
July 26th	W.H.Green Ltd., 8 Rose Hill Parade
August 2nd	M.J. Proctor, 252 Cowley Road, Oxford
August 9th	M.J. Proctor, 158 Oxford Road, Cowley
August 16th	P.L. Jenner, 236/8 Cowley Road, Oxford
August 23rd	Lloyds Chemist, 103/5 Pound Way, Cowley Centre
Sunday August 30th and Monday August 31st
	N.J. Proctor, 252 Cowley Road, Oxford
Week from September 1st
	Emerald Pharmacy, 34 Cowley Road, Oxford
September 6th	W.H. Green Ltd., 8 Rose Hill Parade

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SORRY, crossword puzzlers - we've run out of space again. The last one brought in six entries, all correct, including our first overseas entrant, from the U.S.A. A draw awarded the £5 prize again to MOIRA MOLLISON, now on a hat-trick. Please keep in practice for our next issue.

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