THE GLASS OF WINE offered to those attending the Annual Parish Meeting made them wonder if it had gone straight to their heads. There, in the middle of the village hall, was a 12 foot high white beam tree in full leaf. Displays around the hall revealed that this was part of an exhibit mounted by the tree warden, David Rankin, showing in pictorial form how the tree nursery on the allotment has developed and some of the planting carried out around the village.

He was invited to give an account of his work and said that he was pleased to have been able to involve both first schools in planting and that a number of people had dedicated trees in memory of loved ones.

The generous donation from last year's beer festival had been much appreciated.

Chairman Angela Hart welcomed the audience of 40 people and paid special tribute to all those who had helped in a voluntary capacity Roger Hannaford (street lights), Robyn Thorogood (Snakemoor), David Rankin (tree warden) Peter Gulland (footpaths) as well as the handyman, Jim Ayers and clerk, Gill Dudley.

Committee reports included the Finance and General Purposes whose chairman Margaret Aston thanked Joan Dharamshi for acting as internal auditor. She said that endless problems with lighting meant that considerable monies must be set aside for this amenity and also for the purchase of land for a new burial ground.

David Truesdale reported that 115 planning applications had been considered and the council is seeking a meeting with the Arriva Bus Company to discuss possible re-routing to pass the new health centre.

A resident asked if anything could be done to stop more bungalows being turned into houses, so depleting the stock of bungalows available for the elderly.

John Landon gave an entertaining report of the village charities and it was interesting to note that a century ago nearly half the households were in receipt of charity.

Copies of the Parish Plan were there and are now available from the parish clerk. The plan is based on an appraisal carried out in 2002 and a village questionnaire in 2003 and records what was done and the findings.

Michael Whitney proposed a vote of thanks to the council for their hard work.

UNDER 11s team from the youth football club won their age group at the Chinnor Tournament, defeating Prestwood 3-0. Coach Stuart Evans said he was delighted with the boys' play and also pleased that so many parents and other teams stayed to watch and encourage the players.

LATEST FUNDRAISING initiative at the Health Centre is to gather recipes from patients to collate into a book. The recipes need not be healthy ones.

WITH THE CRICKET SEASON now in full swing the club welcomes new players who will play about four times a week in various leagues. Ring 01844 299053. There is also a good social programme.

WEDNESDAY at 2pm in the community centre at Woodways the Darby and Joan club meets with teas by the kaleidoscope ladies' group.