Spring 2003             Issue 89

MOTHERING SUNDAY
	SUNDAY 30th MARCH 10.0 A.M. PARISH COMMUNION 11.15 A.M. FAMILY SERVICE IN ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

CHURCH NEWS

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

Each Sunday during the War the peace candle is lit afresh in St Andrew's and prayers for peace are offered in community. The innocent and suffering Iraqi people are also in our prayers, and we welcome our Prime Minister's insistence that we are not in dispute with them and hope that the highly controversial decision to liberate them from a wicked dictator will have some positive outcomes along with all the horrors and destruction and madness. Good can come out of evil; that is part of the message of Easter as it follows Good Friday (which was also very bad for those involved and yet in the long run has proved an inestimable benefit to humanity, amazingly).

The seriousness of these dark times is something we are growing into, as we try to grasp the bitterness and hostility of oppressed peoples towards an arrogant and hypocritical western world. Only when there is justice for all will our hopes and prayers for peace be realistic. Meanwhile we are grateful for those who struggle to make our world a better and less polluted place.

Obligation:
not a word heard as often as formerly, but in most spheres we recognise its validity. Full adult communicant members of the Church of England (and the same goes for Roman Catholics and many other denominations) are under obligation to be in church on Easter Sunday or, if impossible, as close to it as is possible. For many that is a delight as well as a duty, and others who have lapsed are welcome to return, and those considering Christian commitment are also welcome.

At Littlemore church: Holy Week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (14-16 April) at 6.30 at Littlemore Church. Meditations on the approach of Christ's Passion led by Revd Dr Teresa Morgan. Holy Saturday 19 April: 8 pm Easter Vigil with Holy Baptisms, Confirmation and the first Communion of Easter.

Welcome to the world
to Joseph Taylor Forbes, born on the 10th February, to Fiona and Cameron of River View

May 4th Easter Vestry 11.15 June 8th Lewis Carroll Sunday and Alice sermon 6.30 June 28th Sandford River Run 5.0 July 12th Parish and Village Fete July l2th/l3th Flower Festival July 13th Green sermon on the Environment 6.30 September 13th Historic Churches Cycle Ride September 28th   Harvest Festival: 10.0, 11.15 and Lunch November 2nd All Souls - Memorial service 6.30 December 21st Childrens Carol Service 11.15 Christmas Carol Service 6.30

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

We have an excellent MOBILE LIBRARY: alternate Thursdays 3.50 - 4.05 outside the Fox [more info]

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Private functions: £10 per hour Bookings phone: 07759 890696 [Village Hall - Info]

This was soon followed by our fancy dress Hallowe'en tea party where some very scary 3 foot tall ghosts and witches had great fun! Father Christmas made a special appearance at the Christmas party complete with a sack full of exciting presents. The Easter term has been less busy on the party front but we are looking forward to our forthcoming trip to Wiggie's World.

The numbers are continuing to rise and we now have about 25 names on our books with around 18 regulars each week. It is encouraging to see some mothers bringing young babies along and we now have quite a group of crawlers on our hands! We run from 10-12 on Monday morning in the village hall and all mums, dads and carers are very welcome.

TODDLERS GROUP Mondays 10-12 in the Village Hall Run by Hannah, 776357 Mums and Dads very welcome.

The Romance of the Rose:
Social Club members were among those who attended this popular talk given by Mr John Mattock, arranged by Marjorie in aid of church funds. John is a world authority on the breeding of roses and the winner of many international awards. His talk was illustrated profusely with beautiful pictures of this most popular plant grown at his Rose Gardens at Nuneham, and at places visited abroad.
After a short break, when drinks were served, John conducted a question and answer session, which raised some interesting queries. Many thanks to John - it would be great if more such entertaining evenings as this could be organised in Sandford.

Members' Coffee Morning:
Marie held a coffee morning at her home on 8th February, attended by at least a dozen members, together with some of her friends from Blackbird Leys, all of whom enjoyed the delicious refreshments with their coffee or tea. A 'Bring and Buy' table and a raffle were organised ('Yours truly' won a bottle of champagne!), the proceeds of which, amounting to £110, went to Blackbird Leys Holy Family Church funds.

Coming soon:
Arrangements are already in hand for another visit to our favourite venue at the Four Pillars Bistro, probably in April, and for another meeting perhaps in May. Details will be circulated later; meanwhile, a happy Easter to you all.

We are greatly in her debt and thank also the other volunteers, especially Lorraine Felix and Rose Earp in the Tuck Shop, and Paul Daglish, and also Michael Dixon for driving the minibus, and we join in welcoming Naomi Crawford (tel: 730427) who takes over after Easter. (Club re-opens Wednesday 30th April 7.0 - 8.30 p.m.).

More voluntary help is needed. Please contact the vicar (tel. 748848) if you are interested in helping, whether regularly or on a more occasional basis. This term's programme has included films, games, trips, cookery and art. Attempts to offer something separate for the older age-group continue to exercise those concerned.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING The Sandford-on-Thames Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Monday 12th May at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. Members of the public are particularly welcome at this meeting, and will be able to ask questions and raise matters of concern from the floor. The Annual Parish Meeting will be preceded at 7.0 p.m. by the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council, which, as always, is open to the public. At Parish Council meetings, the public may only raise matters by prior notification of that intent, or to provide specific information by request of the chairman. [Sandford Parish Council - More Info]

Visit the Sandford website www.tarzey.co.uk/sandford on which you can also consult back numbers of the Link.

Chairman: Nigel Northcott (773569)   Clerk: Liz Shatford (772598)
Councillors: M. D'Arcy, M. Norton, M. Inston, P. Tuson, H. Hutton, M. Hills

Draft deposit local plan - Donnington Hospital Trust land. This was a document from SODC requesting comments on representations by the Donnington Hospital Trust to propose re designation of land at Heyford Hill, Littlemore and land in Sandford between Northfield Brook and Heyford Hill Lane as a major developed site rather than Green Belt. The parish council would object on the grounds of maintaining some green land between Sandford and Littlemore, on traffic grounds and on the likelihood of increased flooding risk, due to rapid surface water run off on hard surfaced land. J Stimson said SODC would argue for the retention of the Green Belt. The clerk would reply to Oxford City consultation on traffic and flooding concerns.

District Councilor's report: the District Councillor, Mr Stimson, attended the recent Forum on the Green Belt and heard arguments for and against its development. He would fight against breaching the Green Belt in his parishes. The District's increase in Council Tax for next year would be +6.7%. He had attended the recent meeting about flooding. Flooding from rivers and poor drainage was discussed, and more funding was being allocated to improve drainage. Mr Stimson would attend meeting of Police Authority and put forward concern that police were requesting large sums from the Council Tax and appeared to offer no commensurate service, and the Clerk to write to Chair of Police Authority, with copy to Chief Constable, expressing concern at the lack of policing in Sandford and the difficulty of communication.

County Councillor's report: the County Councillor, Mr Tudor Hughes, reported that he had attended a meeting with Sandford residents regarding flooding in Henley Road. Improvements in the road drainage were about to take place and also there would be more money in next years' budget for an extra gulley clean.

Traffic: Draft orders for match day parking provisions and double yellow lines for Sandford and Grenoble Road were in the pipelines, and a proposal for funding for a junction re-alignment at Church Road/Henley Road had been put.

Jubilee garden: an amended plan is being discussed.

Crime prevention measures at village hall: after a recent break-in several security measures are to be undertaken. The fence on the western boundary will be repaired and improved and access from the Henley Road side will be restricted. Proposals for improved gated access at each end of the recreation ground will be discussed at the next meeting.

Date of next meeting: Monday April 7th at 7.0 in the Village Hall

The St David's Day Sandford Quiz Night was hosted by Andy Middleton on the questions, Lyn Brooking on the seat of judgment, and Claire Rolston on the bar. A reduced entry (clash with boozier occasion) made for a more genteel atmosphere than some years as ten teams battled it out with only 20-odd points separating top from bottom.

The Norton cup was won by Geoff Hoon on the Piste = Maurice, Will, Alan, Martin, Andy; and runners up were Marilyn and Peter Rugg, Sue Bradshaw and A.N. Other = Mill Racers. Bronze to Rock On (Rock Farm Lane, including Keith and Lucilla, Diana and Colin), Brass to River View Riders led by Sarah and Geoff. 1901 (Janet, Sue, Michael, Sylvia, Terry) again did very well and Nemo (72) likewise.

The Church Mice came seventh, not as falsely asserted in the church notices eighth - apologies to Pam, Brian, Sophie, Carol and Alan - and 8th the medical amnesiacs (Julie, Matthew, Digby, Louise, Tom and Jenny, and Woodcote Rangers next but one - Mike, Joan, Chris and Jane. The Good Losers came ninth, despite valiant contributions from Val, Sue and Roger - one participant found the questions off his map, so the Squad was not entered this year in case its winning streak be compromised.

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

47 tickets were sold and £101 raised in the raffle - thanks to Nigel and Maurice for a generous array of prizes. A bottle of sloe gin was auctioned in the traditional manner - more thanks to its makers, a combination of Nature and Mr Earp.

Donations were made to village organisations and a slice of contributions to the excellent new sound system purchased by the church for use on such occasions as the 11.15 (last Sunday of month) children's service, Quiz Nights, Fetes and other jolly occasions.

James Gladwell 27th April 1922 - 3rd March 2003
James and Anita came to Church Road in 1986 shortly after the Mill site was developed and soon made themselves a much-loved part of St Andrew's and a power of good around in the village in all sorts of carefully concealed ways.

The most high-profile village job James undertook was Chairman of the Village Hall Committee (and trustee) at a difficult time for it. Those who worked with him then remain grateful for his good humour and practical help, and the same goes for his care of the churchyard and helping and encouraging others in several ways. He did this despite poor health resulting from a war wound (gas) sustained when commanding a small boat for the Canadian Navy, where he was mentioned in dispatches for courage and leadership. Before the war he had read Law at Trinity College, rowing for them at the head of the river and at Henley, and afterwards was called to the bar, but his health meant first a move to patent chambers in the Temple which he described lightly as mostly 'larking about', and then stopping that and concentrating on the farm.

At the funeral at St Andrew's church his nephew Professor Hew Strachan of All Souls' College spoke a tribute and the choir led the packed congregation in 'I vow to thee, my country' and 'Let us with a gladsome mind'. The first hymn reminded us of his reading with some difficulty the lines 'They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old' on Remembrance Sunday, and the genuine love for England and all that is best about this country which somehow shone through him. After the service a great party was held at the Village Hall he had served. Many of us will remember a most remarkable parishioner and friend, and extend our love and sympathy to Anita and Jemima in a bereavement in which we share.


Brian Powell 29th March 1928 - 21st January 2003
Like so many other Oxford children Brian spent the larger part of his working life at Pressed Steel. He worked as a jig and tool improver but spent 3 years National Service at sea in the Royal Navy. During this time he served her Majesty the Queen when she was still a princess and on one of the Commonwealth tours of South Africa. It was after this that he met June and they married in 1951.

Brian worked at Pressed Steel until he was 59 when he took redundancy and moved on to other pastures as a traffic warden in Oxford. Some of us may remember Brian as a friendly and helpful traffic warden when struggling with Oxford traffic back in the 80s. It was a special joy to him when his daughter Tracy, who had married Tom Salt in Sandford Church, returned to the village to bring up their children, Nigel and Leah, here. Our sympathies to them all. He bore the pain with fortitude.

Because people did not move around so much in those days she grew up as part of a wider family related to many people in the village, including through her husband two of the centurions of Sandford, Beth (101) and Hilda (100) Naish. It was great for Blanche after living with one son, Keith, when the other son Owen and Renée (née Rolston) also returned to the nest last year, and she was to be seen sitting serene among the extensions with the friendly dog. Many friends and neighbours have extended their sympathy to the family and remember Mrs Naish with affection.


Doris Painter, née Reeve 24th December 1906 - 16th December 2002
Mrs Painter (Dot to her friends) was born in Lower Farm Cottages (in those days Mundy's Farm) and spent most of her life in Sandford, mostly across the road from the church, and attending Sandford school. She married Mr Harry Ricketts in 1929 and Jennifer was born a few years later, in 1941. She worked in the mill at Sandford as a young woman. Some time after her husband's death in 1970 she married a widower, Tom Painter, whose mobility problems required a move in about 1997 to a ground floor flat in Littlemore, and who pre-deceased her (1992).
Dot was a great cook (cakes for parish fete - well remembered for the weight-guessing) and helped Marjorie with the raffle. She was a woman of firm opinions, always willing to tell the vicar when he got things wrong, but always willing to tolerate the new ideas and people - we shall remember her bravery in discomfort. At her funeral her favourite 'The Old Rugged Cross' was sung. Our sympathies to Jennifer, and to her sister Jo Bridge and Andy.


Reg Reeve 28th March 1914- 18th November 2002
Shortly before Dot died her younger brother (whose wife Joan died in 1999) also died. He was a Sandford man to his roots and once explained how he had 'lived in Sandford all his life' - mainly in (99) Henley Road (then called 16 Nuneham Road), though he left in 1947 for Hendred Street. He served in the airforce during the War and worked at Morris Motors. He was a regular returner to Sandford and is remembered with affection. Again, sympathies to his daughter and the other Reeves, especially Jo and Andy.

A delegation from Sandford plans to attend the ordination as priest of their curate Teresa (already well-known to some of us and an occasional preacher at St Andrew's who has met others in the village through Link delivery) at Henley on St Peter's Day (June 29th), the morning after the River Run, and prayers will be offered for her in both our churches and elsewhere. She will be the vicar's main clerical deputy here in Sandford too, thus strengthening the relationship between the two parishes.

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.

Some people say the first day of spring is March 1st, or March 21st; for Christians it could be Easter Day itself. But whenever you put spring, it has already begun. In the middle of winter, the earliest bulbs are already showing through and one or two trees are flowering. And this is also good to remember in Lent. Spring is like the grace of God. It doesn't wait till we have tidied up our lives and got rid of our bad habits. It doesn't wait till we deserve it and have worked for it. It comes in the dead of winter, when we are feeling low and least expect it. It comes early, as a gift. And it is because we have been given this gift already, that when it comes to Lent we know how to prepare for Easter. The miracle of life, the love of God has already overcome death in all our gardens, and all our lives. Lent is just the time when we clear away the dead wood that stops us seeing it.


A Grumble: if the person who stole the vicar's bike from next door to the church in February will come forward, forgiveness will be dispensed. If it is the same person (which we think unlikely, sadly) who stole his previous bike from River View, likewise.
His seventy-seventh bike will be more testing, and after the 490th there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And for those who have none, teeth will be supplied.