Autumn 2000             Issue 79

Harvest Festival

Sunday September 24th 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 11.15 a.m. Family service followed at 12.15 by the HARVEST LUNCH in the Village Hall. All adults and children welcome: bring and share 6.30 p.m. Harvest Evensong

CHURCH NEWS

will be on Sunday October 15th at 6.30 p.m. (we got the date wrong in the last Link). A chance to sing your favourite hymns - requests to the church wardens please

Just do it

Another advantage is that God gives orders indirectly, through a divine book that contains human mistakes and elaborations. So we don't believe or accept all we read. But still there is one command that it's hard to get around. 'Do this in remembrance of me'. Just do it! That makes sense because if we don't, constantly, regularly remember Jesus, our invisible beginning and end, we lose what God means - lose our language of wonder, love and praise - and then are again subject to the fears and fantasies and tin-pot powers that want to control us. We may instead base our life together on the 'author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom stands our authentic life, whose service is perfect freedom'. That can grow into a human life that is forward moving and confident, even when knocked. So:

'I come with joy to meet my Lord, forgiven, loved, and free, in awe and wonder to recall his life laid down for me. I come with Christians far and near, to find, as all are fed, that true community of love in Christ's communion bread.'

Welcome

Welcome to the world

to	to Emilia Louise bay, born 4th June to Sarah and Tom Loveridge - a grand-daughter to Emily and Tom (welcome back)
to	to Thomas William Niestroj , born on 30th July to Rachel and Olaf of Buckler Place
to	to Daniel Oliver Pitt, born 13th May to Nicolas and Karen of Burro Close
to	to Freya Elise, born 25thi July to Christine and Andrew McCarthey, a sister to Cameron.

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.

Eight members went on the Cotswold Water Park Activity day (75th anniversary celebrations), and activities included Kyakking, Ringo's and Banana floats, Belle Boating and BBQ. Glorious day and very well organised by NAYP. Everyone had a good time.

Pop and Sports quiz was arranged in July - well done to Ian and Mark who claimed first prize. Water Fight and Club BBQ arranged in August. Thanks to Paul for doing the cooking and to Rosie for her efforts in holding the umbrella.

Further trips will be arranged - including a Top 2 Toe day (26th November) for 11-16-yr-old girls. Details from Michelle.
Volunteers are always needed: contact chairman at 748848.
Congratulations
to Anne and Clive on the birth of Kerry and thanks for all their continuing work in the club.
Thank you also to Paul Pattison who has helped out through the summer months, to Rose for her support in the Tuck Shop, and to Alice and Paul for all their hard work. Michelle's baby is due in November but she plans to continue as Club Leader. Alleluia!

Visit the Sandford website on www.tarzey.co.uk/sandford which now includes Mick Hills' site of Link back numbers.

Sandford-on-Thames Women's Institute

Make-up was the subject of the July meeting, with a talk and demonstration by Sheila Friend, which also attracted a number of visitors from Littlemore W.I. The lucky lady to receive a make-over from Sheila was Rhona, while Diana made use of the various products to give herself a make-over. Both looked very smart, and a selection of the products was afterwards available for purchase.

Also in July the Institute was able for the first time to set up a table at the Parish Fete on the Recreation Ground, where we sold cakes and bric-a-brac, and from the profits were able to make a donation to the church tower restoration fund.

In August the Institute traditionally does not meet formally, but this year we 'went to the dogs' - literally! Eight members and a visitor went to the Greyhound Stadium, where we had a meal, and a 'flutter' on the races. Judging from the cheerful looks as we left, we had all managed to win something. It was a great night out.

Sandford, and Littlemore have been 'twinned' with West Witney W.I. as part of a new policy from the Oxfordshire Federation, and the three met for the first time on 23rd August for an interesting visit to Early's blanket factory, followed by refreshments at the 'Windrush'.

Report by Joan Inston

SANDFORD-ON-THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 - in aid of village Hall funds.

Most complaints they received related to contact so he gave the following telephone numbers:
01865-875568 Merry Bells, Wheatley officer. If no immediate response needed. The office was not continually manned but there was an answer machine. This was checked every day.
01235-776000 Wantage control room - for important calls.

When it was said that a visible police presence was important as well as quick response in order to deter criminals, Con. Prybyl replied that he tried to visit each of his allocated villages every day when on duty and a team allocated from Thame patrolled the whole district, but it is a very large area and sometimes serious crime absorbs resources. Any complaints about cover should be addressed to Superintendent Gormley at Abingdon station.

When asked what we could do to help, Con. Prybyl said to phone and report every small incident to Wheatley. Locally vehicle crime appeared to be the biggest problem.

Fete and Flower Festival 8-9 July:

Many of the stalls raised more money than usual, so thanks to all who gave cakes, plants, books, served teas, and (Maurice) cooked and sold hot dogs. Also to Barclays Bank for sponsoring the raffle because it was organised by one of their employees - that extra £750 brought the total to a £3,270 contribution to the 621k bill on the church tower.

The raffle winners have been posted on the Church noticeboard, but again thanks to all who gave some splendid prizes. Among the lucky winners the beautifully hand- crafted garden bench went to 2348 John Benyon of Pheasant Walk, the garden chairs to 2354 Peter and Sian Shackleday (Henley Road) and the Fox FM helicopter ride to 2823 Wendy Wells (Yeftley Drive). A full list of the 56 numbers drawn (and names) is still available from the vicar, but prizes were delivered at once as usual.

St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School Iffley Turn, Oxford, are holding an OPEN EVENING on October 10th from 7.0 p.m. and on OPEN DAY on October 11th from 9.30 12.30. Parents and students choose the school for many reasons, including the Christian ethos of the school; high academic standards; the small, secure compact site with friendly atmosphere; good pastoral care; a wide variety of extra-curricular activities; and emphasis on education of the whole person. Prospectus available from the school on 778011.

The River Run 2000

The fast young men were all as predicted - Mark Baker (aged 15) won the Sandford shield in 28 mins 30 secs (over 5 miles) - he'd probably have won last year, but got lost en route, so Keith gave him directions this year. Our other leading amateur athletic Georgie Gibbons (aged 8) got the runners up medal in 30 mins 50 secs (our local professional Kelly Caffel was collecting a degree so unavoidably absent).

The fastest moving woman in Sandford on the day was Sue Norton 23 mins 23 secs over 3 miles, and the fastest girl was Faye Donoghue (aged 11), 27 mins. 39 secs. But the three-mile race was won by James Fenn, aged 12 (20 mins 55 secs) and silver Richard Earp (aged 10) 22 mins 18 - a remarkable performance. Third in that race was Martin Judd, 22 mins 46 secs, who was promoted to gold in last years race, following the disqualification of his neighbour who falsified his age to get a medal.

Other awards included the Sandford Rose Bowl for the encouragement of youth, to Michelle Robson, leader of the Youth Club. The most-in-need-of-a-drink tankard to Steph Chambers (35 mins 15 - above his usual), about to enjoy sleepless nights; the Norton smaller tankard for more abstemious drinkers to Mike Dixon (37 mins 24 secs) for raising so much for the Church Tower; the vicar's plate for highest sponsorship to Sam Hutton on last year's performance and next years hopes. (He graciously accepted substitute silver since the plate was not returned in time).

Among the non-winners who gained credit we note also from the 5- mile race: Kevin Gleason (Heyford Hill Lane) 31.07; Andy Pike (Pheasant Walk) 31.35 - has fatherhood slowed him down?; John Creed 36.41: Tom Fox of Church Road 38.08; Sam Hutton 39.43; Clive Bartlett of Littlemore 44.39, acting as pace-maker to vicar and letting him overtake in the final sprint (44.38) = 13 competitors.

In the 3-mile: Karl Bowen (aged 10) 23.58; Matthew Daglish aged 11, 24.31; Jake Tasker aged 11, 25.27; Joseph Davis aged 10, 28.17: Jim Davis, 28.56 - a huge improvement; Louise Quested 29.30; Sadie Donoghue aged 11, 29.38; Tom Daglish aged 9, 30.27; Kieran Donoghue 30.51; Jessica Boyle aged 10, 31.24; Philippa Quested aged 7, 31.41 - well done!; Jacques O'Beaupier aged 10, 32.49; Hannah Wilkinson 46.13; Helen Wilkinson 46.14, and untimed - Helen Willmot, Sue Riley and Christian, and Trish Norton, Rose Davir, Rose Earp etc.

MOBILE LIBRARY Alternate Thursdays at 4.0 p.m. outside the Fox [more info]

As usual we thank Vince Boyle who gave up gold to time-keep and all the stewards on duty with medical supplied and t.l.c. - Mike and Joan Inston, Gill Dixon and Jane Ford, Brian Andrews and Claire, Ray Lee, Liz Shatford and all those who have not been mentioned, especially sponsors who are helping with the church tower and Youth Club funds. We look forward to a larger entry and increased sponsorship next June 30th at 5.0 p.m.

[More information on the River Run]

Rest in peace

Horace came here from Radley/Abingdon and worked in the motor industry there at first before moving to Morris Motors, with a spell as munitions worker during the war. In his youth he was a talented footballer and in the 30s was talent-spotted by a rival works team and had to change jobs. He married in the war and moved in with Ella's family in the Mill cottages (River View now) and then to Henley Road when those houses were built in 1951. There they nursed Ella's bedridden mother for six years, then her father, and brought up their girls. Ella's agoraphobia meant that Horace did more than most fathers did in those days, making family life happy in all the hard work. Ella's sudden death left a huge gap, but he stoically continued his pattern of life, gradually fading in recent months.

At the funeral in St Andrew's church, Gina read the lesson as she had for Ella: 'a new heaven and a new earth ... and God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away ... I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely ... and he shall be my son.' The congregation sang 'The Lord's my shepherd' and 'Morning has broken', the vicar paid tribute, and the coffin worked its way through the scaffolding on the church tower to their grave. May they rest in peace. Thanks to all those who made donations to the tower in memory of Horace and Ella.


Mrs Gladys Edwards (4.4.1931 - 15.8.2000)
A memorial service was held in St Andrew's on 9th September following cremation in America. Gladys had made new friends on her annual visits back to the old country which she left as a G.I. bride half a century ago. Our sympathies to Bill and Phyllis Talbot and all her family.

Your local homoeopath is Misbah Rishi BSc, DHMS, DMLS practicing at THE BELAWARR CLINIC OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY Homoeopathy is an holistic therapy, not just treating symptoms, but taking into consideration a person's physical, emotional and mental state. It is effective for all ages and equally useful for both acute and chronic conditions. Misbah is also qualified to offer basic: Nutritional advice, Counselling and Touch for Health (Kinesiology) ENQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENTS TELEPHONE: 01865 200365 or 01865 395301

An award scheme for anyone aged 55 and over. It is all about self- discovery - it presents opportunities for people to get involved in new activities, hobbies and studies, encouraging them to achieve their personal best, helping people to use their hidden talents and abilities for creative purposes and direct their life or work skills and experiences to help others, including children and young people.

Activities can range from relaxing pastimes to more strenuous programmes of studies, volunteer projects, sports and explorations. All you have to is to select an activity you have not tried seriously before, and become involved in it for at least twelve months. During this time you will have guidance from a person of your choice - someone familiar with the activity you have chosen. The scheme has helped thousands of people to regain a focus in their lives. Contact The Dark Horse Venture, Kelton, Woodlands Road, Liverpool L17 OAN (0151-7290092).

Community Waste Vehicle will be in the Village Hall car park on: Tuesday 12th September       Tuesday 24th October Saturday 11th November       Tuesday 5th December

Fathers Approaching Retirement Time Society Three more pillars of Sandford society have recently been elected to this happy Dad's army. As they struggle through the night shift, filling bottles and changing nappies, they hum the society's motto: It is not difficult to become a father, it is however very difficult to be one.

The Alice Sermon

Since the sermon will not now be published on account of its rough language, a bit of clarification might help. Let's face it, the Walrus and the Carpenter are very nasty characters, tricking those poor oysters. The law can protect against oyster-abuse and limit damage, but cannot of itself make people good. What are the contributions of religion to identifying and motivating goodness and building up community and moral character?

How do its doctrines and stories sharpen our moral sensitivity, help us to recognize oppression, and empower us to fight it? And does our imagination of a future judgment, however inadequate to the reality of God's justice, help us believe we live in a moral universe? Questions, questions - typical Sandford sermon. Answers found, not on a postcard, by living it:

O oysters come and walk with us, You're really very nice. A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk On virtue and on vice And how that now the tower's repaired We've got to pay the price.

Generosity encouraged

All donors have to do is fill in the form below and the Chancellor will give us back a bit of what we've given him, it seems. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this offer is invited kindly to do it and receive a number which goes on the envelope of anything you give (for audit purposes) - and return to vicar or a church warden or treasurer or covenant secretary.

Please reclaim tax on all donations which I may make to Sandford PCC (St Andrew's Church) until further notice.
I will tell the Church if I cease to pay sufficient tax to cover my donations.

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