This publication represents the fruits of much hard work just a few years ago by the former members of the Parish Council. Here are a few quotations from the text showing how important the Anson Field is considered to the residents and how at odds with the interests of the village as a whole the building proposals are
Page 10
"In the mid 1980s, a new housing estate was built on the land adjacent to Hyde Farm. Because of the very damp nature of the ground, several months of civil engineering work with extensive drainage and piling was required before houses could be started. As part of the scheme, two old barns were rebuilt as houses."
Page 19
"Many commented that the village is about the right size and that they would be opposed to any further significant growth. They appreciate the peace and atmosphere of Church Street and New Road in the village and of Mill Road and Cow Lane outside. The mixture of new and old and a sense of living in a place with a human scale means a lot to many people. Well over a hundred said they would fight to preserve fields and allotments - and were very anxious to preserve the open countryside between the village and the A34."
Page 35
"Is is interesting to note that in reply to the question 'What would you fight to preserve in Marcham?' by far the largest response (129) was to keep the playing fields, tennis courts and allotments, which indicates how valuable these amenities are and how they should be carefully looked after and preserved for village use. Surprisingly, more teenage activities were not requested, perhaps because other facilities are available nearby in Abingdon or Oxford."