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Parish Newsletter November 2009
Berinsfield Vicarage November 2009 Dear Friends, This is the season for remembering. The Church calendar celebrates November 1st as All Saints' day, a time to reflect on the lives of saints, past and present. November 2nd is All Souls, a day for remembering those who have died. On November 5th, Bonfire Night, we remember the time when politics and religion got so heated that Guy Fawkes and his companions attempted to blow up parliament. Then on 11th November, Remembrance Day, we remember all those who have sacrificed their lives in the armed combats of last century and this. Our Remembrance service will be on Sunday November 8th at Toot Baldon at 10.30am. We all do a lot of remembering. Our minds reconstruct scenes from the past every day. This is beneficial when those memories nurture our life in the present, less so if such remembering brings with it negative feelings of anger, guilt or even hopelessness. It is good when memories inform how we live today, less helpful when we miss today because we are preoccupied with the past We can only fully relate to those around us in the present moment. We can only fully appreciate our surroundings first hand. Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, taught that it is only in fully savouring the present moment that we can meet God. Such living is often called practising the sacrament of the present moment. November is a time for remembering, so stay awhile with your memories, allow them to fill your inner treasure store, but try not to stay there too long missing out on the gift of life you have today. Happy memories, Ros Revd Ros Latham is Team vicar for The Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard e-mail: bbdparishoffice@googlemail.com and tel: 01865 340460
BALDON EVENTS COMMITTEE The James Bond Ball Hopefully those attending the James Bond Ball had a thoroughly good time. The Aston Martin and the James Bond look-a-like combined with the Vodka Martinis (shaken not stirred) set the evening up and after dinner served by many of the teenagers in the village, who did a wonderful job, it was onto dancing to The Bridge Band or out to the Casino. As yet we are not sure of the profit made which will be added to the funds for village groups, but because we had 2 tables of 10 drop out fairly late it meant that not all tickets were sold. I would particularly like to that those who turned out on Friday evening, a lot of Saturday and (with great difficulty!) Sunday morning to help set up and dismantle. As usual the committee and a number of stalwart supporters helped. However it was made a much longer task as the numbers were less than I would have hoped. As mentioned before BEC can only put these events on if there is help and support, otherwise it is the same few who are doing the work for the many others in the village. Hopefully we will have more assistance for future events.
Funfair and Fireworks 7th November Preparations are well underway, the risk assessment has been completed and sent off to the insurers and we have two willing volunteers who are going to undergo a day's fireworks training course. As in previous years we will need help with car parking marshalls and stewards. Any volunteers - can you please email Adam White and let him know which you would prefer to do? Marshalls will need to be available from 5.30 to about 7.15 and help with the parking. Stewards may be parents that would be prepared to wear a yellow jacket and just make sure that none of the people around them are doing anything silly. In other words they can remain with their families and be responsible adults at the same time. Adam's email address is: ackw@another.com . Chris Lake Chairman
PARISH PLAN UPDATE - PRESENTATION OF RESULTS The Parish Plan Steering Committee will be hosting a Presentation of Results on the afternoon of Saturday 21 November in the Village Hall. Anton Nath, from Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, will give an independent analysis of our progress so far, so do come along to hear what he has to say and see the results on display. Please see posters for details of timings. The Parish Plan Steering Committee: Natasha Eliot, Zephan Slaney, Dorothy Tonge, Elizabeth Gillespie, Ian Gillespie, Paul Fermer, Fran Butler and Graham Hobbins
BALDONS PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Review of Subsidised Bus Services 49 and 49A Oxfordshire County Council transport dept have now notified the Parish Council of a review of the subsidised bus services into the village to which the Parish Council can respond by January 2010. The last review took place 4 years ago. Last time the council undertook a full transport review with a questionnaire to all households and responses were helpful to us, but in view of questions on transport in the recent Parish Plan questionnaire have decided not to repeat this exercise and we are waiting for the analysis of the parish plan responses. Whilst we might anticipate considerable support from villagers for the subsidised services they are not well used by Baldons residents and there are risks that services might be curtailed, although they are important services to other villages on the route. The OCC will be undertaking their own analysis of how well the service is used by Baldons residents and will be informing us of this and their recommendations of future options for the services by early November. The Council will be discussing its response at the next meeting in November and are keen to hear from villagers who use the 49 and 49A or who might use them with any comments or observations on the present services. Which services do you use? Which is most useful? 49 Wed. and Fri. 49A Tues. What might be improved or changed, frequency, timing etc.? The bus timetable is displayed on village noticeboards. Please give us your views and contact by phone, letter or email Dorothy Tonge Chairman tel 343234, Chris Lake (our council lead on transport issues) tel 343305 or Ralph Slaney Parish Clerk tel 343275 Date of next Parish Council Meeting 10th November 7.30 pm Village Hall NUNEHAM COURTENAY VILLAGE HALL Saturday 28th November - Following on from the success of the last social, the Nuneham Courtenay Village Hall Committee will be hosting a Winter Social from 7pm. Refreshments will be served including mulled wine and mince pies. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. Friday 11th December - Christmas Bingo, Nuneham Village Hall. Eyes down from 8pm.
NUNEHAM COURTENAY PARISH COUNCIL NEWS The next meeting of the Parish Council is at 7pm on Wednesday 11 November 2009 in Nuneham Courtenay Village Hall. At the time of writing the agenda has yet to be published but is expected to include the following items: • Budgeting and setting of the precept • Report back on meeting with Highways Officers • Neighbourhood Action Group survey - update • County Council proposals on reduced signage - update • Flooding issues - update • Open session for hearing issues from members of the parish • Issues from other parish councils (standard agenda item) • County Councillor's report (standard agenda item) • District Councillor's report (standard agenda item) • Planning issues (standard agenda item) The meeting is open to all. The Parish Council would welcome ideas, thoughts and queries from members of the parish. Parishioners are welcome to raise issues at the meeting in the open session or can bring them to the attention of the Parish Clerk or one of the councillors in advance. Given that the meeting will discuss the parish precept (an addition to Council Tax bills to fund the Parish Council and spending on improvements in the village) we would especially welcome thoughts on priorities for the use of Parish Council funds. Oxfordshire County Council will be undertaking speed surveys in the village shortly. Once these surveys have been completed it is hoped to hold a future meeting, attended by both the Regional Highways Officer and representatives from the NAG, to look at measures to reduce speeding and increase safety. Councillors have prepared a newsletter on the role of the Parish Council and a questionnaire to identify local concerns, thoughts and ideas. Hopefully all parishioners will have received this and have responded prior to the meeting on the 11th. A website has been set up for the Parish Council at http://www.nunehampc.webs.com/ . This is still under development but contains news, minutes of meetings, contact information, etc. - we'd welcome comments. If you'd like to receive papers or e-mails about the Parish Council then please contact Colin George. The Parish Councillors are: Fay Benson (Chairman), Lauren Lister, Tom Long, Andy Marshall. Colin George (colin.george@virgin.net , 01865 343767). The Parish Clerk is: Jennifer Thompson, Legal and Democratic Services, SODC offices, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8ED. Tel. 01491 823619, email: jennifer.thompson@southoxon.gov.uk
COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT The Oxford Green Belt at Grenoble Road Following five separate legal challenges to the South East Plan, the Secretary of State has conceded that insufficient consideration was given to reasonable alternatives to the proposed urban extension in the Oxford Green Belt south of Grenoble Road. Although details are still unclear, since this portion of the plan will now have to be reconsidered by the legal system, and a sustainability appraisal conducted by South Oxfordshire District Council, it is likely that the current proposal for 4,000 houses south of the City could fail. The County Council supports the protection of this part of Oxford's Green Belt, and local opposition to the development has been strong and united. Training Event at H Riders Café 19th September This successful event was featured in the local press, on the radio and BBC TV news. It came about through an initiative from the H Riders Club committee themselves, who are very aware and concerned about the rising number of complaints from local residents, both about noise and dangerous driving. The Training Day, which is planned to be the first of a series, was supported by the Police, the Fire Service, the Advanced Motorists Association and the County Council. A constant stream of riders called in and talked about the issues in a genuine attempt to find some solutions. Many filled out a Questionnaire produced by the County Council which was intended to demonstrate a willingness to search for a comfortable balance between the needs and expectations of our local communities and the motorcycle fraternity. The data will be collated and used to inform future actions and policy by the County Council. It is intended that funds will be made available to support training and awareness activities in the future. Speed Limit Review on ‘A' and ‘B' Roads The County Council is conducting a review of all ‘A' and ‘B' roads in the County with a view to standardizing limits in line with national guidelines. Following discussions with Nuneham Courtenay Parish Council a submission was made to the Transport Decisions Committee to include a proposal to increase the 30 mph speed limit at the southern end of the village to include the entrance to the Arboretum. This proposal enters the Review at the second stage of the consultation process that begins now and concludes in January 2010. Lorraine Lindsay-Gale County Councillor for Nuneham Courtenay
FAREWELL TO THE BALDONS The FA Cup Final in 1969 was particularly memorable for Peter and Nicola as they dropped in by chance to view a house in Marsh Baldon. The owners were very friendly and, as you'd expect, they were glued to the football. So we joined them and, as we had Andrew with us, we ended up changing his nappies in front of the TV. They made us feel right at home, which in a way, we were. With involvement in different activities in the villages we have made so many friends and find it hard to believe that 4 decades have disappeared! Our children thought Marsh Baldon was a perfect place in which to be brought up and, with us, find it hard to imagine it no longer being our home. However, we know we will not be losing the friendships we have made over the years and being only 10 miles away will certainly keep in touch. On that Saturday afternoon in 1969 we couldn't have predicted the outcome of the FA Cup Final, so we certainly couldn't have guessed we'd still be here forty years later, but what a wonderful 40 years it has been. So a big thank you to everyone for being part of this huge chunk of our lives. Peter and Nicola
TWO LEFT FEET? WIN STRICTLY LIVE TOUR TICKETS!! Have a go at a variety of dance styles and you could be the winner of Strictly Live Tour tickets. If you secretly sashay across your living room, or long to learn cha-cha, you're in luck. ‘Two Left Feet' is a variety dance programme launching across the county this autumn. The programme includes CEROC, Salsa, Jazz, Tap, Street Dance, Adult Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot and Jive in locations all across South Oxfordshire. Classes cost only £2 for all first timers! Anyone attending will have the chance to win tickets for the Strictly Live Tour in 2010. ‘Two Left feet' is being organised by GO Active (Get Oxfordshire Active), a project which aims to help adults lead more active lifestyles. To find out more contact Hendriette Thorn on 01491 823175, hendriette.thorn@southoxon.gov.uk or visit the GO Active website http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/
At the time of writing there have been two youth clubs already since the summer. The Clu>discos!). The next meetings are on: 6 November General activities 20 November Arts activities with OYAP 4 December Christmas Bingo The Club is open from 7.30 - 9.30 pm. We welcome anyone aged 12 - 18 who lives in the Baldons or surrounding villages and their friends. New members are welcome, especially those at the lower end of the age range - it's always good to see new people wanting to come and join. Each session costs £2. There is a nominal membership fee of £3 for the year. We are looking for helpers, especially from amongst parents, to come and support the regular team. For you want further information or have any queries please call 01865 343767. Colin George, on behalf of MBYC news.....Baldons Village Hall news.....Baldons Village Hall news.....B At the recent AGM, John Wright stood down as Chairman of the Village Hall Committee. The Committee would like to thank John for all his work. In his six years as Chairman the hall has been well maintained and has more than covered its costs, while the Committee has continued to organise a range of events. John also organised working groups to look at the options for extending the hall. James Bufford is the new chairman. Bingo Village Hall Bingo will be on Friday 27th November at 7.30pm Seniors Party The Seniors' Party will be in January 2010. The date will be confirmed nearer the time. If anyone knows of people who should be invited but who were not asked last year (especially anyone in Nuneham Courtenay) please contact John Barne on 343624. 10 YOU ARE INVITED TO A WINE TASTING Penny Dudson will be coming back to the Baldons to hold a wine tasting on Saturday 14th November in Nuneham Courtenay Village Hall from 12 noon till 7pm. Please come along and taste our delicious wine from the sunny south of France. I will be taking orders with delivery direct to the Baldons in early December in good time for Christmas. NB ...I WILL ALSO BE SELLING TICKETS FOR THE NEXT BALDON PLAYERS comedy ....'RUMOURS' I'm looking forward to hearing all the local ‘rumours' ...either at the wine tasting or in the 7 stars!! Can't wait to see you. Best wishes to you all Penny Dudson 11 12 13 HEW SANDILANDS Hew died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, 29th September with Veronica and Natasha at his bedside. A beautiful service of thanksgiving for his life was held at St Peter's, Marsh Baldon on 9th October, which was taken by Ros Latham and Marcus Braybrooke, with a packed church full of his family and friends. Hew was born in Bournemouth on 31st January 1944. He was educated at Winchester and also studied in Geneva, where he became fluent in French, and then went to Africa as a VSO officer. He trained as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers and Lybrand and qualified in 1968 - the same year he and Oni were married. He then worked in the shipping industry and later joined Peat, Marwick Mitchell as a management consultant, travelling extensively in the Middle East and Africa. In 1979, with Natasha growing up fast, Hew joined the finance team at Harwell and later moved to Culham as Chief Finance Officer. After 5 years he decided to return to consultancy work, then started his own practice providing financial management services to a wide range of businesses. He continued to work in this field until ill health forced him to retire in 2001. When the Sandilands family arrived here 30 years ago, little did we realise what an impact they would have in this community. What an incredible man Hew was and how much this community has been enriched during his life here. He had a warmth, a sincerity, a consistently courteous manner, a lovely turn of phrase and sense of humour, with a genuine interest and caring for others. No one could be more trustworthy, sensitive and engaging - a true gentleman and a delightful man. He would always go out of his way to greet people and welcome them. Hew passionately believed in, and contributed in so many ways to, the organised life of this community - the Church, the School, the Village Hall, Baldon Players, fellowship groups and bible study, musical and social events, maintaining or enhancing the fabric of our villages - he could often be seen picking up roadside litter or planting trees! Hew wasn't one for making one-off dramatic headlines - his way was doing an infinite number of almost undetectable deeds and actions, which together made a deep and lasting impact. For many years he was churchwarden and church treasurer. He was also very involved with the Dorchester Team and a Trustee of the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Hew's life here in the Baldons has left an indelible imprint on all of us and our lives have been enriched by his friendship and his example. He will be missed very much and our thoughts and prayers are with Oni and Natasha and all their family. Graham Hobbins 14 CLERGY Revd Ros Latham Ros is from rural North Yorkshire, having been a farmer's wife and an RE teacher before becoming a vicar. She joined the Dorchester team as team vicar for the Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard in October 2007, living in Berinsfield. She is married to Peter and between them they have six children. Revd Toddy Hoare Toddy is a priest and sculptor who retired from parish ministry in North Yorkshire in 2007 in order to focus on "Sculpture, Prayer and Scripture". He says that in his work he tries "to express something of biblical truth or beg theological reflection by the beholder." He lives near Wheatley. FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Saturday 3rd October at St Lawrence's, Toot Baldon: Sandra Anne Johnson Friday 9th October at St Peter's, Marsh Baldon: Alexander Hew Astley Sandilands HEW SANDILANDS Veronica, Natasha, James, Alexander and Angus would like to thank everyone for the years of friendship, kindness and help over the years of Hew's illness. We have been greatly sustained by living in such a caring community and beautiful place. Our particular thanks go to those who worked so hard making the Church look lovely and the Churchyard so tidy. It was wonderful to see so many of you at his Service of Thanksgiving. Hew loved his friends and loved to see the Church full of people. We are so grateful for all the cards and messages we have received and will thank you all properly in due course. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers more than we can say.
ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER Items for the December 2009 / January 2010 newsletter (NOTE DOUBLE ISSUE), by 16th November please, to Natasha Eliot: tashaandjames@btopenworld.com . Alternatively I can be contacted on 340562 or at The Barn House, Baldon House East, Marsh Baldon. For advertising queries, please contact Sheila Harris on: s.harris886@btinternet.com or on 340403.
SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 1st November 9.30am Holy Communion Revd Ros Latham Toot Baldon 11.00am Informal Worship Service Berinsfield 6.00pm Holy Communion Drayton St Leonard 8th November 10.30am Remembrance Sunday Revd Toddy Hoare Toot Baldon 15th November 9.30am Holy Communion Marsh Baldon 11.00am Holy Communion Berinsfield 22nd November 8.30am Said Holy Communion Marsh Baldon 9.30am One4All Revd Ros Latham Marsh Baldon 11.00am Holy Communion Berinsfield 29th November 8.30am Said Holy Communion Revd Ros Latham Toot Baldon 11.00am Cluster Holy Communion Berinsfield 6.00pm Team Advent Carol Service Warborough 6th December 9.30am Holy Communion Revd Ros Latham Toot Baldon Morning Prayer in St Peters: Every Thursday at 8.00am SIDESDUTY Marsh Toot 1st November 9.30 am Tom Saw 8th November 10.30 am Graham Hobbins 15th November 9.30 am Richard Barnett 22nd November 9.30 am Ian Gillespie FLOWERS Marsh Toot 1st & 8th November E Gillespie & A Lyall Marcia Trinder 15th & 22nd Nov L Taylor & V Sandilands Jane Brook & Yasmin Advent No Flowers
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