Autumn 2001                   Issue 83

Harvest Festival
Sunday September 30th

10.0 a.m. Parish communion
11.15 a.m. Family service
followed at 12.15 by the
HARVEST LUNCH
(bring and share)
in the Village Hall.
All adults and children welcome.

Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011);  Liz Shatford (772598) - pastoral assistant and parish chiropodist. Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road). Organist: Daniel Chambers.

ALL SOULS There will be the annual commemoration of the departed at Evensong at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 4th November. Would all who wish to have someone remembered at this service, or light a candle, please inform the vicar or a church warden. Service of Hymns and Readings for Advent 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 2nd December

Sunday 16th September at 6.30 p.m. A chance to sing your favourite hymns - requests to church wardens please

Flute lessons offered at all levels (beginners, children, adults) in the village. Celia Redgate LRAM, ARCM, Dip. RAM. Tel. 779175

      Some of our food production is shocking and the response to FMD has shown how profits take priority over morality here too. Individuals are making their protests in their lifestyle, and intelligent books and articles get written. Will that be enough to turn things around in the new century? Or is it already too late?

      The best recent book in the social sciences (say some) is called Ritual and Religion in the Making of Humanity, a theory of human origins arguing the need for rituals to sustain human life on our planet. These rituals support views of the world and moralities. Through them we learn to treat each other and the planet with respect. Many of the inherited rhythms we grew up with are hard to sustain in a rapidly changing world without the old regularities. Sunday means work for many. Harvest celebrations were different when most of the village community (eight farms in Sandford) helped safely gather it all in 'ere the winter storms begin.

      So this year in Sandford we won't have the traditional 'Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home' evensong followed by harvest supper, cider, country-dancing etc. Or plough the fields and scatter insecticide on land. Instead we'll have the usual all-age service on the last Sunday of the month at 11.15 when children can play their music and be taught the basics and sing the old and new songs followed by Harvest Lunch (bring and share) in the

      Rituals of thanksgiving, teaching us to treat the created world with respect can't be limited to once a year. Or even once a week. Grace before and/or after meals is a basic civility we need to recover. Schools have a role in teaching these simple rituals, but it's the grown-ups who most need to learn or relearn what are easily forgotten because not regularly practised, privately and together. And the result of that? A coarsening of social life evident in the shocking carelessness about our language, and the world's resources. Happily most people are better than the new rudeness, waste, dirt and violence, so maybe enough people will see the need to do things differently and make a difference. Come, learn, do.


The Marriage Seminar: discussion and sharing experience of marriage in the modern world continue intermittently as part of pre- marriage preparation and post-marriage continuation. Anyone welcome - contact ministry team about waiting list.

Ritual celebrations of welcome into the world Services of Blessing and Thanksgiving have become more popular, especially in place of infant baptism where parents and god- parents cannot in conscience make the promises it involves. Next Blessing will be at the 11.15 service on October 28th.

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

	Sandford Toddler Group
Fathers, grandparents, carers and, of course, mothers (new, expectant or old hands!) bring your little ones along... We are a friendly group who meet at the Village Hall, Sandford-on-Thames every Monday between 10-12 during term time (we close in August) Activities, songs, toys, games, giggles! We provide tea, coffee, juice and toast. Each term we organise an outing. Contributions £1 (try your first visit for free) For further details contact: Louise Ox 396006 Nicky Ox 771611

The parish council has had a busy summer so far and I was particularly pleased to see so many parishioners at our last meeting (more of this later). We continue Our work on the village facilities; new play equipment on the green next to the village hall, goal posts on Fox Furlong, continued improvement to the hall entrance area and assisting the hall committee and users. Can I plug the toddler group meetings from 10-12 on Monday morning in the hall. I took our son Oliver (2½) one week and felt very welcome we even christened the new baby changing table provided! Do you support village activities?

      I am pleased to see the road signs for Brick Kiln lane provided by SODC. This offers a permanent record and reminder of part of our heritage. In the early 1900's Sandford had it's own brick works where the Park homes site is now.

      I would like to thank the Four Pillars Hotel who have produced a fireworks code that requires displays to focus on visual delight rather than sound and to be set off before 10pm. However, I am aware that the 'steamers' that are operated by Salters in the evenings are a frequent and greater source of disturbance than occasional firework displays. The sound of disco music reverberating along the river on summer nights is contrary to Environment Agency bylaws and clearly a nuisance. The Agency have been approached to try and curb this, with limited success. I am keen to hear from parishioners who are particularly annoyed by this activity to gauge the level of action the council should take.

      The oral history project is underway and to date 5 people's memories of Sandford have been recorded and will be transcribed and published in due course. If you know any mature 'Sandfordians' (70 plus) who might wish to be interviewed - tell me!

      At the end of the year, the sign for the pub by the river is to come down and there have been suggestions that we might replace it with a village sign any thoughts on this?

• The county and city councils are sympathetic and acknowledge all is far from acceptable.
• The traffic leaving the stadium is all directed to leave the area via Grenoble road, to Brick Kiln lane and then left into Henley road and onto the bypass. This might be improved by additional sign posting to and from the stadium and a change of road layout at the junction Brick Kiln lane and Henley Road. Any thoughts?
• Double yellow lines have been painted on Grenoble Road near the stadium. But they have no legal status and are therefore unenforceable. They also move parking nearer to Sandford and much of the parking witnessed has been dreadful - cars on verges, across house entrances and on the roundabout. The lines are subject to ongoing debate and I hope that parking will eventually be allowed on Grenoble road near to the stadium on the side of the road that has a pavement. And restrictions will be placed in Sandford that will not affect residents too much.
• Currently the club have 1100 parking spaces with an additional 600 to come. When these open they should take up the cars that are currently parking in the village. And along with developed park and ride schemes the situation should improve.
• The County Council is likely to respond favourably to traffic calming in Sandford. I would welcome the same sort of calming as is being created in Littlemore to be applied to the Henley road and Church road and Heyford Hill Lane. This will be subject to consultation and is by no means a 'done deal'. What do you think?

Finally keep up the slow drive policy - we can all help slow down the traffic around our homes by setting an example and driving at 30 mph or preferably less in the residential areas.

Nigel Northcott, Chair, Parish Council (773569) nigeln@globalnet.co.uk

The meeting was attended by 11 members of the parish together with the council and Roy Tudor Hughes (County Councillor), John Stimpson (District Council) and Richard Dix (Assistant Director of Highways Management Oxfordshire County Council). The impact of traffic from the new football stadium was debated and the following points were agreed to be taken forward by Richard and our elected representatives:

• Signs with directions other than to Oxford to be erected at the top of Brick Kiln lane to assist drivers to get away from matches quickly.
• Options for changes to the junction of Brick Kiln lane and Henley road will be raised by the OCC. These will include possible: traffic lights, change of priority and/or a mini roundabout.
• Signs to the Unipart park-and-ride to be provided including from the Eastern bypass along the Watlington road.
• The no parking restrictions in Grenoble road to be looked at again with a view to allowing parking on the north side, where there is a pavement (see below) and banning it on the South side.
• No parking lines to be provided in Sandford to include Brick Kiln lane, Henley road from bypass to Orchard house and Church road to the Church. To apply on match days only.
• Stadium to be asked to ensure existing parking spaces are used more efficiently and number of spaces in planning approval are provided.
• The options for traffic calming in Henley road, Church road and Heyford Hill lane to be promoted to assist with match day and general traffic concerns.
• Pedestrian access to the stadium to be completed on the North side of Grenoble road. At present it stops at the edge of the science park nearest the stadium; making the last hundred yards to the stadium particularly dangerous.
• Better protection and signage for pedestrians at the roundabout at the junction of Brick Kiln lane and Grenoble road is needed.

As reported in the Summer Link, a number of former members of the Sandford WI decided to continue their association as an independent Ladies Social Group, which is open to others who may wish to join them. Our first meeting was a Coffee Evening at Doreen's house in Broadhurst Gardens, at which we confirmed our intention to set up the Group, and, along with a friendly chat, discussed ideas for future meetings.

      So it was that nine of us gathered at the Four Pillars Bistro at lunch-time on Saturday 21st July for a meal which was enjoyed by all. There was lots of talk and laughter, as there was from other parties enjoying themselves and from guests at a wedding reception which was also taking place. We decided that we would break for a while during the holiday period, so there is no meeting arranged for the immediate future, but plans are afoot! As well as meeting in our own houses the vicar has also offered the use of the Welch Room, next to the church.

      Look out for posters on the noticeboards for future meetings. We are a really friendly crowd, so please come along and join us. Joan Inston (715788)

Calling all landscape gardeners The parish council wish to landscape the piece of land on the corner of Church road and Henley Road and is keen to hear from any landscape gardeners who would like to be considered for this project. Expressions of interest to Nigel (773569) by the end of September.

Visit the Sandford website on www.tarzey.co.uk/sandford

to Richard and Jenny Morris, whose Ruby Wedding was celebrated by Thanksgiving and Blessing and Renewal of Vows at the 10.0 service on 26th August. 'How great thou art' was sung;
to Liz and Alan Northcott, formerly of River View and the Sandford choir, came back to do the same on their silver wedding, on 9th September. It has been a pleasure to welcome people back in this public way. Other couples choose to do the same thing in a private service, alone or with their family;
to Sue Ballard and Michael Franklin of Main Avenue and to Graham Woodroofe and Nicola née Rutter on their marriages at St Andrews' during the summer, and to Andrew Dibb of Church Road and Alison Hale who will be married on 13th October;
and to Gina for raising £180 by sponsorship for many miles run relay for Cancer Research (the weekend raises £40k).

The annual Fete took place on 7th July (usually second Saturday in July) - with rain holding off in Sandford, but postponing a rival attraction at Wimbledon (Tim Henman's semi-final). A celebrity appearance by Chris Hackett raised the excitement of the goal-kicking competition and showing his range of skills Chris also guessed correctly the number of sweets in the Jar - but since they are no part of his diet he passed them on to the runner-up, Alice Daglish. As usual Gina showed us how the Aunt Sally should be done. Coconuts galore were won as usual, ducks fished, Maurice's barbeque much appreciated and Dr Peter Agulnik's pig smashed to reveal a sum of money correctly guessed by our editor.

      In the tug of war the Catherine Wheel champions retained the Sandford Challenge Cup, beating the Fox Warriors and the Church Road Scratch narrowly - and being beaten only by the kids (who outnumbered them 10 to 1). The girls beat the boys in the younger division, causing more problems about male identity. Lin's cake was correctly weight guessed and Andy's auctioned (along with Christmas pudding Aim way ahead of the rest of us in Xmas preparation). In the children's sports there were one or two adult casualties, but an elderly couple won the three-legged race. Some brilliance in egg and spoon was shown by Helen Wilkinson. The Marian Flanagan Irish Dancers were beautiful, climaxing in a piéce de résistance by their youngest (two year old) dancer. (Pam's side-show also showed how it can still be done).

      Funds were raised above all by the raffle, thanks in part to Barclay's sponsorship and Bev's organising of it, but also by the great majority of the village buying a £2 strip along with their Link (which it helps pay for). Nearly thirty prizes were delivered or collected afterwards - thanks to all who donated, including the Four Pillars' three great prizes and Dennis Harris's absolutely superb garden seat, hand made. Details of winning numbers are on the noticeboard. Very many thanks to all who donated prizes, cakes, time and effort.

      The larger than usual turn-out meant a good turn-out for the Flower Festival too, which attracts visitors from far afield. The theme of life was beautifully symbolized in a spread of beauty which lasted long through to cover Paul and Sue's wedding (they who won the bowling). Once again, congratulations Marjorie.

Oxford United They auctioned the stuff at Manor Ground this summer ready for the move. Our own 90+ Sandford stalwart Mrs Crawford of Main Avenue went to the supporters' auction and got five brass tables. The Chairman asked her what on earth she'd do with them, and she said she'd look at the one in her lounge and wonder how many brandy and lemons she's had on it in years gone by. With supporters like that (and Sandford players too) they'll be back in the big time shortly.

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

Professor Bryan Matthews 7.4.20 - 12.7.01

Bryan and Margaret Matthews came to Sandford in 1970 when he was appointed Professor of Neurology and Fellow of St Edmund's Hall, and remained here on retirement in 1987. Previously Dr Matthews had trained at Oxford (University College) and London and been a consultant in Derby before becoming professor in Manchester, and he remained patient-oriented throughout his distinguished scientific and teaching career. His book on MS is still widely read by patients as well as physicians, and his research of CJD is a landmark in medicine.

      Son of an outstanding theologian, Walter Matthews, Dean of St Paul's, and a literary mother, he was an excellent cricketer, rugby-player and sprinter, and continued to enjoy long walks in the hills and to cultivate his garden. It was hard for the family when his brilliant brother was killed at Dunkirk, and Bryan gained his initial medical experience in Palestine during the war, with few facilities.

      Latterly Margaret's illness cast shadows, but he carried on with stoic fortitude through years of his own poor health, faithfully visiting her following hospitalisation in 1997, and remaining witty, humorous, and tender-hearted. Those who knew him locally and nationally know what a remarkable man we have had among us, and join in offering our sympathies to Celia and Paul, and to Edward among the grandchildren a frequent visitor. It was lovely he lived to see his great granddaughter Leah.

      At the funeral in St Andrew's a large gathering of former students and colleagues joined local friends and family to pay respects and take our leave. May he rest in peace.


Sidney King 30.3.52 - 13.7.01

Sid moved to Henley Road from Rose Hill with his young family in 1985, but he was originally from Watlington and remained a countryman at heart. He had latterly worked at Parcelforce, but had been on sick leave since last year. Many local people have shared a little in the family's sadness during his illness and now offer warmest sympathies to June and to Robert, Caroline, Susan and Michelle (born and baptised

Betty was born to a Sandford family, the Sharps, who at first lived in Mill Cottages (Riverview) and then later moved to 57 Henley Rd. Betty was apprenticed as a hairdresser and worked in the hairdressers in King Edward Street until she married Pip Barrett when she was in her twenties.

      As was normal in those post war years they had to live in the parental home because of the difficulties in finding accommodation locally. However, Betty and Pip were at last able to find a house in Gaisford Road, Cowley and moved there in 1957 where they stayed and brought up their family, Katherine and Philip and then later grandchildren, Rebecca, Sam and Robert. Sadly, Pip died of a heart attack 22 years ago. Betty died on 28th July this year and was buried in the churchyard in the family grave.

Dennis Beesby aged 70 Mr Beesby moved into a new house on Kiln Close a few months ago and was already quite well known locally. His sudden death last month, two years after his daughter's, was a great shock to his friends and neighbours. Our sincere condolences to Mrs Beesby at this hard time.

Village Hall bookings through Sharon Fenn (3 Henley Road) 716597 or 07747-853456. Private functions: £10 per hour. Local organised groups and young children's parties:£5 per hour.

Kevin and Barbara came to Sandford twelve years ago from their farm in Zimbabwe, thinking that the future for white farmers did not look good, even though he had an excellent relationship with his local staff. He had gone out to Rhodesia after the war, after a distinguished war record, as had many from this country. History suggests coming back was wise, but it was hard. His practical skills were put to good Use locally e.g. helping with the Village Hall.
Kevin was a warm-hearted man bearing his illness with fortitude, welcoming visitors with a glass of beer, and on parade complete with medals each Remembrance Sunday. We shall remember him, and offer our sympathies to Barbara, to their daughter Margaret, who had come over from Washington to see him just before his sudden death, and to Malcolm and their families.

Henley Road, Sandford on Thames, Oxford OX4 4GX Telephone: (01865) 334444 . 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.

The twelfth village run down the towpath to Radley (and back) took place in perfect conditions (for spectators) as usual at 5.0 p.m. on the last Saturday of June. Sponsorship was sadly down this year, but 16 ran the five miles and 30 the three. The judges' task was complicated by two heroes completing the race without starting it, thus depressing the positions on most youngsters' certificates, and by two older professionals whose stopwatches hiccoughed, leading them to believe they were 1.3 seconds faster than adjudged, and by several pairs of twins hard to tell apart.

      But a good time was had by (nearly) all, and there were no collapses, despite the array of doctors and paramedics on duty. Some notable veterans of this event, including Sam Hutton Paul Daglish, Keith Baker, John Wilmot, Sarah Grylls, Nigel Northcott, and Les and Georgie Gibbons, were prevented from running by injury, work and/or other problems, giving certain other geriosprints a clear run.

      The Sandford Shield was again won by Mark Baker (30.02) slower than last years' 28 in perfect conditions (for runners, so everyone's time was down) and runner-up Lee Pugh (32.35) - he who took a wrong turn last year and ended up in Woodstock. Third Andy Pike (33.13)- fatherhood has not slowed him down (nor Kevin Gleeson at 34.33, nor Stephan Chambers at 35.26 - twins supporting).

      Special medals were struck for the boy's running 5 miles faster than most men notably James Fenn (34.04 - aged 13 - brilliant), Stephen Baker (37.25) and Tom Baker (41.16 - aged 10 (phenomenal). John Creed (36.01) was found a fortnight too young for his bus pass (qualification for elders' race) so that was again won by Alan Butler (47.33) his main rival, the oldest competitor, having wisely dropped down to 3 miles. Vince

      In the 3-mile race the fastest-moving woman in Sandford was Dr Louise Quested (31.23) - with Sue Norton injured and Kelly Caffel operating on a higher plane she had less competition than usual, but was beaten by the fastest-moving girl, Philippa Quested, aged 8, with 30.39 a great performance. But the over 10s was won by Matthew Daglish (21.38), and runner-up Richard Earp (22.26). In the Under 10s, gold went to Simon Wilkinson (28.00) and silver to his twin Toby (28.12). The youngest competitor medal again went to Sian Riley (6).

      Other impressive times noted included Mark Wilmot (23.04), father Jason Caffel (23.10), Reece Day (24.34 we think), Simon Cockman (dropping in from Melbourne, 25.04), Joe Davis (27.03), Jake Tasker (27.11), Tom Daglish (27.42), Ben Wilkinson (27.44), Matthew Wilkinson (28.13), Vicar (29.35), Ewan Allen (29.43), Craig Baxter (31.08 - we think, but maybe faster), Sean Baxter 31.40 (ditto), Jodie Felix (31.18), Christian Riley (31.57), Ryan Battle (32.13), father Jim Davis (33.40), Adam Felix (34.10). Also Rosie Kirkbride, Sue Riley, Michael Cockman (or did he do 5?) and may be we should count Mark and Michelle. To name a few.

      The Sandford bowl for signal services to the community this year went to Nigel and Claire Rolston, and the Vicar's collection-plate for fund- raising went to Maurice and Richard Earp for the Quiz Night and £30 to Youth Club. The not-long-empty tankard for the top coach went to London-Paris-New York marathon near winner Dr Matthew Wilkinson, for his achievements with the under 10s - runner-up was Keith Baker - each of their teams won two medals and one commendation. The long- service award went to Vince Boyle for several years' work on this event.

      The competitors thank the judges (Drs Digby Quested and Jill Bradley) and several members of St Andrews' congregation who patrolled the route, supplying encouragement, water and safety-nets. Derek's deputy on the lock kept our route open thanks. The Link still has some uncollected certificates from the 2000 run.

[More information on the River Run]

Please ring our recruitment line and speak to: Mary Barrett on Tel: (01235) 539696