[Issue 74 Index]
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WHO'S
GETTING
IN TRIM
FOR THE
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SANDFORD
RIVER RUN?
5.0 P.M. ON SATURDAY 26TH JUNE
Start at the recreation ground see page 11
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PARISH AND VILLAGE FETE
this year combining with Littlemore
at Lawn Upton school on
FRIDAY 9th JULY AT 5.30 See (page 7)
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- 1 -
CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team:
Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge.
Mary Parsons (763909) - associate priest.
Brian Andrews (777011) - lay reader.
Liz Shatford (772598) - pastoral assistant and chiropodist
Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road).
Organist: Daniel Chambers.
Choirmaster: Richard Christopher.
Sunday services:
| 8.00a.m. | (First Sunday of the month) | Holy Communion BCP |
| 10.00a.m. | (Weekly) | Parish Communion |
| 11.15a.m. | (Last Sunday of the month) | Family service |
| 6.30p.m. | (Weekly) | Evening prayer |
| 7.30p.m. | (on last Thursday of each month
at the Eucharist in Littlemore church) | Healing service |
Commanded to Continue
The Vicar writes:
Early risers on the first Sunday of each month perhaps hear the church
bell ring softly at 7.55, trying not to disturb the neighbours. This is
because in addition to the main services at 10.0 and 6.30 and the family
with children excitement at 11.15 on the last Sunday of each month, there
is also the traditional 1662 Prayer Book service at 8.0 a.m. on this first
Sunday of each month. Quietly solemn, it speaks of the 'full, perfect,
and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world'. Long words,
out of tune with modern soundbites. Who can feel the full weight of 'the
old confession': 'the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the
burden of them is intolerable'. That presupposes a degree of sensitivity
and introspection not often fully felt. So we have more cheerful services
on the whole, expressing our joy in creation and thanks for friends and
good relationships. And yet those weighty words are worth pondering.
'And didst institute and command us to continue a perpetual memory of
that his precious death.' When I would rather stay in bed, those words
are enough to get me up, and some of the prayers make me glad to be
there, along with a few others: 'all thy people ... especially this
congregation here present, that with meek heart and due reverence they
may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and
righteousness all the days of their life.' Cranmer's words - and I bless
him as I cycle by the cross in the road in Broad Street where he was
burned. And thinking of what's been happening in the Balkans and
elsewhere, and the mess we sometimes make of God's good creation, I
guess he's right: the burden of them is intolerable.
- 2 -
A PAIR OF SPECTACLES (ELDERLY)
FOUND BETWEEN PARK HOMES AND HENLEY RD
CLAIMANTS CONTACT LINK (748848) OR PAT (W.I.)
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|
WELCOME
| to |
Philippa and Ben Goodger, Vivie, Tom and Alice to River View |
| to |
Alistair and Trudie Ball, Rosie and Harriet to Keene Close |
| to |
Ray and Mary Townsend to Main Avenue |
| to |
James Edmiston to Henley Road |
| to |
Jane and Noel Price and Jessica to Keene Close |
| to |
Tommy, Jan and Darren Sapey to Henley Road |
| to |
Mr and Mrs Beasley and Mr and Mrs Bierman to Kiln Close |
| to |
Mr Blake to Pheasant Walk |
AND WELCOME TO THE WORLD
| to |
Georgia Brown, born to Heather and Richard on the 15th April
a sister for James. |
CONGRATULATIONS
to north of the border Sandburgers on their sporting success in
Jan-April, and deepest sympathies to those on Henley Road who thought they
had a triple crown and grand slam in the bag. Our local lad Tim Rodber did
good, but on the day not quite good enough to handle the Celts ... Better
luck next time?
to Littlemore Under 11s - led by the scions of two ancient
Sandford families Ian Middleton and James Fenn, on winning their league and
the cup. (Ian also plays for Oxford Schools)
to Kennington for winning their league and cup, inspired by ace-
athlete Georgie Gibbons of Henley Road.
to Kelly Caffel, who did 4. 16 at 1 500m - a personal best and four
seconds off her British universities track championship - on 23rd May at
Loughborough International meeting (you may have seen her on BBC2). We
were sad to hear of the death of her coach, Harry Wilson. Fortunately for
Mike (and Steve Bull) she is unable to get home to compete in the Sandford
River Run this year. Adidas is sending her to Ethiopia to train with the best.
Gosh. We'll watch out for Under 23 European championships in August.
- 3 -
Retiring organist
At Easter our Sandford organist Martin Pitson retired, and several of the
congregation attended the Easter Vestry meeting at which warm
appreciation was expressed and a presentation made. Martin was brought
up in the village, at 75 Henley Road, the real hub of St Andrews for most of
the twentieth century, and has been playing on St Andrews' organ for over
50 years, most of them as official (and honorary) organist. We said 'thank
you' but not 'goodbye', and elected him to the title of Organist Emeritus, and
drafted him to play on the first Sunday of his retirement, in his new role.
The same AGM appointed Daniel Chambers as his successor, our
youngest organist ever (to give him a good chance of clocking up 50 years
too). We have been delighted to share his services (also Bill and Anna) with
the Catholic Church of which he is a member, and are pleased to note that
Westminster Abbey has followed Sandford's lead and appointed an
ecumenical catholic as their organist too.
The AGM also approved the accounts, and noted the need for remedying
a potential deficit and the need to repair the church ceiling and fabric.
Officers were elected or re-elected, and those who cut the grass, clean the
church, lead the singing, visit the sick, present and maintain accounts, audit
them, look after feet, welcome visitors etc. were all heartily thanked.
Lewis Carroll in Sandford
The annual celebration of Charles Dodgson (alias Lewis Carroll) boating on
the river with the Liddell girls and preaching his first sermon at Sandford
(1862) took place as usual on Whit Sunday (May 22nd) at choral evensong.
This year's Alice sermon (or address) was delivered by Leslie Rhodes, until
recently deputy head of Cherwell School and now at the JR, who has
recently moved into Keene Close. After some interesting biographical
information and allusion to such characters as the Mad Hatter ('it's always
tea-time and we've no time to wash the things between-whiles'), the Red
Queen ('off with his head'), Humpty Dumpty ('when I use a word, it means
just what I choose it to mean') - the address considered the journey of faith
as an adventure into Wonderland. Now we see through a glass darkly. The
invitation is to go through the Looking Glass of everyday concerns and find
our own Wonderland on this feast of the Holy Spirit.
The next choral evensong will be at 6.30 p.m. on June 13th.
- 4 -
Sandford-on-Thames Women's Institute
The first Annual General Meeting was held in the Village Hall on 15th March,
and was attended by Ruth Webb (V.C.O.) from Oxfordshire Federation
Head Office, who was able to guide members through procedures. The
Committee members, being in agreement, will carry on until the next full
AGM in March 2000, and a ballot re-elected Pat Tuson as President.
Reports were presented by secretary Angela Howard, and treasurer
Deborah Rogers, and adopted, as were new byelaws.
The origins and traditions of Holy Week and Easter were the subject
of a very interesting talk given by Christine Whild, who followed this with a
description of how to 'blow' eggs and then decorate them in various ways.
Members were also able to examine some of Christine's own beautifully
decorated eggs.
The Federation A.G.M., held in Oxford Town Hall on 30th March, was
attended by four members from Sandford, among the 700 WI members from
all over Oxfordshire. During the day, fascinating talks were given by Will
Travers of the Born Free Foundation, and by Matthew Collins from BBC2's
Travel Show. Altogether, an excellent day out!
In April a most amusing talk was given by Christine Usherwood in which she
described the adventures she shared with her husband on their tandem bicycle
touring round the UK and Europe. Some of their experiences in France were
particularly amusing.
After refreshments, judging took place of the Decorated Eggs created by
members, following the demonstration at the previous meeting. Competition
joint winners were Deborah Rogers and her mother Joan Benwell.
May is 'Resolutions Month' for the WI, when individual WIs are able to
debate and input to resolutions proposed by the National Federation for
submission to Government bodies. The subjects of this year's resolutions are:
Decline of the Agricultural Industry; Genetically Modified Foods; A test
for Ovarian Cancer; Women's Human Rights (worldwide). Sandford WI
agreed to support the first three of these, but felt that the issue of Human
Rights was too huge for them to be able to make a significant contribution.
- 5 -
A display of members' crafts proved of great interest to all present.
The Boundary Group meeting, held at Littlemore at the end of April,
was reported on by Joan Inston. The speaker at this was Wesley Smith, who
told of his interesting work and experiences with Central News at Abingdon.
Sandford WI is now part of the Boundary Group.
Coming soon
The WI has two very good meetings coming up in June and July.
We will welcome any ladies who would like to come along
for an evening out in friendly surroundings.
Monday 21st June: Painting on Fabric by Mrs L. Garwood-Warren
Monday 19th July: Japanese Cooking by Mrs Ann Addyman
Both meetings are from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. and we meet in the Village Hall.
Reports by Joan Inston
Henley Road, Sandford on Thames, Oxford OX4 4GX
Telephone: (01865) 334114 . Fax: (01865) 334400
WEB http://www.four-pillars.co.uk
Email: enquiries@four-pillars.co.uk
Set in 30 acres of glorious parkland on the banks of the Thames.
Open to non residents for drinks, light meals and riverside dining.
Carvery lunch on Sundays.
Conferences, Weddings (including Ceremony) and private parties.
Telephone 01865 334444.
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- 6 -
FETES AND FESTIVALS
In the lull before the Millennium and in preparation
for July 2000's great Fete and Flower Festival,
the decision was to join our fete this year with the
Lawn Upton and Littlemore parish fete
at Lawn Upton School
on 5.30 p.m. on Friday 9th July.
One reason for this was to encourage all Sandburgers
to support their local (middle) school, with its high reputation,
and if it is foreign turf to you,
to visit it on this neighbourly occasion.
The Parish Raffle will be drawn there at 6.30 p.m.,
and there will be Sandford stalls alongside
the school and Littlemore parish efforts.
We, and they, hope for a bumper attendance.
Plans for next year's (July 8th) mega-fete are already
under discussion - volunteers suggestions very welcome now.
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VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS
The AGM took place on 26th April, chaired by Richard Brown who
announced his intention to stand down when the new committee was
bedded in. This was duly elected, and included (in addition to the already
existing executive) the chairman and clerk to the Council, and
representatives of other village organisations. The treasurer Paul Daglish
was re-elected and presented the accounts. Richard Brown declared his
satisfaction with a job well done in the new and disabled toilets. At a
subsequent committee meeting Leslie Rhodes was elected new chairman.
Bookings through Sharon Fenn (3 Henley Road) Tel: 716597
who also now has a mobile (07747-853465).
Charges £10 per hour.
- 7 -
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - 1999
Eleven parishioners attended the Annual Parish Meeting on 12th April, to
meet the Parish Council, and our District and County Councilors.
The Chairman, in his report, summarised the major events of the
past year, touching on the village environment and leisure activities, and
proposals for Millennium year. As these activities have been well covered
in the Link during this year we are not repeating them in this issue, but
any comments will be welcomed.
District Cllr John Stimson reported on positive moves to raise
standards at Oxford Park Homes. He also pointed to local problems
arising from an increase in abandoned cars, and the activities of
Travellers, and assured the meeting that he was giving both these matters
his full attention.
County Cllr Roy Tudor Hughes addressed the concerns again
being raised in Sandford regarding the traffic effects of further
developments along Grenoble Road, and introduced Mark Liggins to
give an update. The present indication is that an improved junction with
Henley Road in the village is more likely than a slip-road to the
Sandford Link.
The Statement of Accounts for 1997-8 was presented by Mrs E.
Shatford as Clerk/Treasurer, and was adopted.
Barry and Barbara
welcome you to the
Catherine Wheel
FREEHOUSE
38 Henley Road
Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YP
Tel: 01865-778340
Hot and Cold Bar Food
Traditional Sunday Roast Lunches Real Ales
Large Garden Ample Car Park
Parties and Outside Functions catered for
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General discussion at the meeting centered on the potential effects
of the Grenoble Road
developments. Mr Liggins
pointed out that the consent
of the highway authority
was needed for any new
measures and that there
would be further local
consultation. Mr Inston
also assured the meeting
that the Parish Council
would continue vigilance
and maintain contact with
other interested parties.
- 8 -
LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
District Council: Mr John Stimson (LibDem) was re-elected
District Councillor for our ward. John has in the past been very
active in his support of Sandford, and we extend to him our
congratulations and a welcome return.
Parish Council: The seven nominations for your Parish Council
matched the number of vacancies, so there was no requirement
for an election.
Michael D'Arcy; Hazel Hutton; Michael Inston; Ray James;
Nigel Northcott; Michael Norton; Jacqueline Smithson
At the subsequent Annual Meeting of the Parish Council the
following were elected:
Chairperson: Michael Inston; Vice-Chairperson: Michael D'Arcy.
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Concessionary Fares Scheme
Concessionary fares are available for qualified persons resident in Sandford
by the issue of 'Bus Tokens financed jointly by the South Oxfordshire
District and Parish Councils. The 1999 value of the Token Issue is £25.
Those qualified to receive an issue of Tokens are: Senior Citizen
women aged 60 years and men aged 65 years and over, plus handicapped
and disabled persons as specified in the SODC leaflet. Additional details
were given in the Summer 1998 issue of the Link. Gina Ashburner
will issue Tokens this year at 73a Henley Road between the
hours of 9.0 a.m. and 3.0 p.m. on Wednesday 30th June. If you
are really unable to attend at this time, contact Gina on 771176.
Community Beat Officer - update.
The latest information is that our Community Beat Officer is now P.C.
Richard Pribyl, serving under the Wheatley Sector Sergeant, P.S.Simon
Hiscock. The telephone number of the Beat Office is: 875568.
Matters requiring police attendance and emergency 999 calls will
be dealt with through the Wantage Control Room on 01235 776000.
- 9 -
Children's Play Areas
Following representations from local residents, the Council has agreed to
maintain and improve the Fox Furlong play area. The reason for the
removal of one of the swings from the unit at this site is to meet current
safety standards, on the strong recommendation of ROSPA (3-swing
units are no longer permitted.)
Parish Skip
The next dates for Skip delivery in Sandford are:
| June 11th | (weekend) | Village Hall car park |
| July 9th | (weekend) | Village Hall car park |
| August 10th | (midweek) | Kiln Park |
Those making use of the skip are reminded that it is provided by SODC
for the disposal of domestic waste only. Commercial use (e.g. truck, van
or trailer loads) even by Sandford residents is strictly prohibited.
Continued abuse could lead to withdrawal of the service. Even the
Parish Council cannot mount 24-hr surveillance, so if you see abuse
being committed and can identify the culprits, it is in your own interest
to notify the authorities.
YOU COULD BE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR
MORTGAGE
RING
MARK WILLIAMS
INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE ADVISER
01865 749942
Pensions. Mortgages. Life Assurance. Investments
YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE
OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT
written quotation of credit terms available on request A life policy may be required.
Representative only of the Legal & General marketing group, members of which are regulated
by the Personal Investment Authority and IMRO for the purposes of recommending. advising
on and selling life assurance and investment products bearing Legal and General's
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Post Box
There is now a morning collection
from Church Road at 10.45.
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- 10 -
SANDFORD AND LITTLEMORE
PLAY SCHEME
FOR 5 TO 12 YEAR OLDS
MONDAY 2ND AUGUST - THURSDAY 5TH
MONDAY 9TH AUGUST - WEDNESDAY 11TH
DAY TRIP ON 12TH TO
DRAY TON MANOR PARK AND ZOO
Enrolment evening at Sandford Village Hall
7.0 p.m. - 8.0 p.m. Monday 28th June
£5 deposit per child needed to secure place.
All relevant information about your child needed for
registration form including doctor's phone number.
For assisted places apply Vicar.
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SANDFORD
RIVER RUN
3 OR 5 MILES
REGISTRATION FROM 4.30
STARTING GUN 5.0
SPONSORSHIP FORMS FROM 748848
ENTRANCE FOR
UNSPONSORED ADULTS £2
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ALAN BUTLER
Your local maintenance man,
builder, carpenter, gardener.
Mature, honest and trustworthy -
excellent local references.
Sandford-on-Thames tel 779185.
LET THE BUTLER DO IT
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BINGO in the village hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 -in aid of Village Hall funds.
BRIDGE CLUB: enquiries to Sophie (748134) or Pam (777011)
SANDFORD CHOIR: 2 or 3 vacancies for regulars or occasionals enquiries to Vicar (748848)
SANDFORD LABOUR CLUB - contact Jim on 747201
- 11 -
SPONSORED BICYCLE RIDE
Saturday 11th September
Ride or walk to raise money for:
* the church of your choice, and
* the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust
(your contribution will be equally divided between the two)
Sponsorship forms from: RAY LEE 771528
Guardians of the future
Earth's future,
for the living planet
keep guard.
After it look,
always be aware.
Don't pollute.
Give as well as take
not just for ourselves,
but for future generations.
Don't hurry,
take care not to make mistakes.
On a good day,
you can see forever.
For the living planet,
keep guard.
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In the air
For those who care,
for those who dare,
magic is in the air.
Good will overcome evil,
daylight will smother black night.
Everything is not doom,
on the earth flowers bloom.
Magic is in the air,
for those who care,
for those who dare.
Roger Phipps
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- 12 -
BEWARE OF BULL
Residents are warned of the rather sleepy Hereford
seen lately on Tinshed hill and also in the ancient field
called Lousy Lots, both public footpaths.
It is rumoured to have seen red on River View.
(The editor thanks an observant hiker
and is assured that the authorities have been notified.)
Youth Club
The management committee again thanks Alice and Paul Daglish for their
work in maintaining this social base for the young of the village, and also all
who have helped them throughout the year - including the Parish Council
for help with rental.
The 'A' team visit was
a great success and interesting innovations
are planned for next school term. We hope
all members, their parents, grandparents and
friends will run or assist in the annual Fun
Run on 26th June, to raise funds for
equipment. (Runners say which village
charity they are supporting). The AGM is
set for 7.30 p.m. on the 1st September at
Lower Farm. All parents welcome.
Toddlers
These have been meeting informally but hope to return to a Village Hall time
in the autumn. Those wishing to join contact Maria at 23 Rock Farm Lane
or Heather at 7.
Switching Gas
The PCC was informed about, and wishes to share with the rest of the
village, the invitation to switch to Equigas. Other gas companies unjustly
charge those on prepayment gas meters 30% more for their gas than those
able to pay by direct debit, and Equigas has been set up to offer a fair deal to
everyone. More details from 0800 117116.
- 13 -
- 14 -
Village Hall renovations:
Close readers of the Link from 1992 onwards will be able to reconstruct the
story of the Sandford Village Hall extension project and the hundreds of
Sandburger-person-hours spent on plans, meetings, grant applications, etc.
Material here for a book on village politics, co-operation, failures in
communications etc. But all's well that ends well. Now that phase one
(kitchen) and phase two (toilets) are complete, and the extension itself
shelved, the extension committee has retired to its gas oven, but not before
thanking all those local people Constructively involved, from pub
conversations to committees, through aggravation to partial completion
especially to the unpaid professional skills of Ian Bridge (ex-Henley Road),
and the unfailing support of Ms Meryl Smith of Oxfordshire Rural
Community Council. Also to Oxfordshire County Council for £4,000 (a
small proportion of the grant they made for the whole plan) and the Rural
Development Commission for £2,500 (ditto). Other grant applications (e.g.
Lottery, South Oxfordshire, and smaller foundations) either failed or lapsed
when the grand design was abandoned, but it is hoped that what has been
done will make the Hall a more attractive facility for Sandford. Best wishes to
the new (and continuing) Management Committee - not an easy task, but
undertaken for the benefit of us all. And thanks to the new Parish Council
for its watching brief (as residuary trustees) conscientiously carried out.
Carers' Days
St Luke's Hospital in Headington
holds six Carers' Days throughout
the year with the aim of pampering
and relaxing carers for a day with
no cost. Options during the day
range from enjoying an aromatherapy
massage to using the hydrotherapy
pool to having quiet time in the garden.
A free lunch is provided, and it is open
to carers of all ages. For more
information ring Louise Le Good,
Daybreak Manager of St Luke's,
on 228877.
-15-
DON'T JUST
LET IT BREAK...
talk to a counsellor first
marriage and relationship counselling
professionally trained counsellors
totally confidential
no fixed charge
ring 249105
Marriage Care is a registered charity
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|
Link Advertising rates
|
| Half page | £15 per insert |
| Quarter page or less: | £10 per insert |
| Small ads (e.g. items for sale) | £5 per insert |
The Link magazine is published by the Link Committee
and edited by Prue Sykes, Lower Farm, Sandford-on-Thames (748848).
Articles, letters or news items for inclusion in the next issue
should be sent to Lower Farm.
Whilst the Committee makes every effort to ensure
the accuracy of the material contained no responsibility can be
held for any action arising from this publication.
Printed by Express Printing,
37 Benedict Square, Werrington, Peterborough, PTA 6GD
Tel/Fax: 01733-328327
- 16 -
Issue 74 Index
COPYRIGHT © 1999 by The Link Committee.
Reproduced with permission.