Thursday 28 November 2013

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

New Parish Councillor - Congratulations to Julia Witcher on receiving 112 votes at the election to become the new Parish Councillor for Chearsley.

The Big Heat - Winter Fuel Payments are now being paid and Bucks Community Foundation is asking for anyone who feels they could donate their payment to their Big Heat Fund which helps local older people to keep warm and healthy this winter to get in touch with them. Since 2000, the Foundation has worked with local people who have given more than £3million which has helped over 1,500 community groups and projects in Bucks. Long Crendon Day Centre which relies on donations to operate and provides hot lunches and a warm environment for elderly clients twice a week is one local project which has benefited from the Fund. Please ring 01296 330134 or email info@buckscf.org.uk if you feel you can donate all or part of your Winter Fuel Payment.

Twelfth Night celebrations – an evening of fun and feasting is being held in the village hall on Sunday January 5 2014 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 which will include a cup of wassail on arrival. The menu is game pie or vegetarian hommity pie, lemon posset, cheese board and Twelfth Night cake. Please contact Anne Pratt on anne.jpap@gmail.com or Julia Witcher for tickets.

Diary Dates :
Christingle - December 8 at 4.00pm this is a service for people of all ages, but particularly for children. During the service the children receive a Christingle composed of an orange, a lighted candle, a red ribbon, raisins and sweets, each part representing a symbol of the Christian faith. The collection will be donated to the Children’s Society.
Quiz at The Bell – December 8 at 8.00pm. Come on your own or in a team. Nibbles served at half time.

Saturday 23 November 2013

Internet Safety


You’ll find some excellent new advice pages for parents by visiting www.getsafeonline.org and selecting ‘Safeguarding Children’.

Get Safe Online has also enlisted the help of independent experts to provide free, practical advice on topical child internet safety issues, and is inviting parents to sign up to receive regular email updates.

To sign up, please visit https://www.getsafeonline.org/switchedon

This really is a great source of information and we recommend that you register. If you no longer wish to receive the updates, it will be fast and easy for you to unsubscribe at any time.

Election result

Following last Thursday's election, Julia Witcher becomes our new Parish Councillor. The official declaration can be downloaded from here.

Friday 22 November 2013

Village News

with Margaret Morbey.

Parish Council Meeting Monday November 18
There was a lively public attendance of about 20 residents at this meeting chaired by Nic Brown. During the time allowed(and extra time) for public comment, many concerns were voiced about the upset the Housing Development topic in the Draft Village Plan had caused in the village, that there could be many more houses built in the future than many villagers would like to see. John Lewis, as main co-ordinator of the Village Plan, welcomed all the comments which had been received on it and said that it was always the intention of the committee for the plan to be a reflection of what the village wanted, so that in future planning decisions by Aylesbury Vale Council, the Village Plan could have some weight in swaying any decision made.

There were also heated comments about the publication on the village noticeboard of the names and addresses of villagers who had written to request an election for the new member of the Parish Council. Nic Brown and Mike Heybrook admitted that this had been a mistake and apologised.
Other matters discussed included progress which has been made on having two vehicle activated signs which could be moved to 4 sites on the approach to the village, in an attempt to curb speeding in the village. During a survey, it had been found that over 80% of vehicles entering the village were speeding with more than 50% exceeding 60mph.

Potholes continue to be a problem, particularly in School Lane and white lines around The Green need to be repainted. Lorries delivering to Cedar Cottage in Dark Lane were eroding the banks and John Lewis had been in contact with the owner, suggesting a barrier of orange mesh or similar could be erected around the bank to highlight the problem. The Council has funding and a plan for continuing kerbing of various village roads to prevent the erosion of the banks and would appreciate anyone from the village volunteering to oversee this plan. Please contact Nic Brown if you are able to help.

It was suggested that the Remembrance Wreath should be wired on to the Memorial to prevent its removal. During Any Other Business, it was agreed that the village noticeboard was the responsibility of the Parish council and that a careful check on notices on it should be kept. The state of Chilton Road was commented on and a new salt bin requested for Winchendon Road.

A round of applause was given to Ann Hooton who is leaving the village this week as thanks for the great amount she has done for the village over the past 30 years. Chearsley had improved its achievement in this year’s Best Kept Village, having been awarded a certificate of Merit in 2012 and Runner up in 2013 in the Morris Cup section. These certificates had been framed at the expense of the Chairman who encouraged everyone to do their best for the coming year, particularly in June at the time of judging, to keep the village as neat and tidy as possible. Mike Heybrook reported that the state of all footpaths were fine and that he had been told that Footpath 9 (Church Lane towards and over the railway line) would be upgraded whereby gravity swinging gates would replace styles. It was reported that obscured glass in a window in the new house in Turnip Close still needed to be fitted.

Nic Brown thanked everyone for attending the meeting and encouraged them all to come regularly to interact and contribute to the work of the Parish Council. Next meetings would take place on December 9 at 7.30pm and January 13 at 7.30pm with venues to be announced at a later date.

Electoral Register
– If you have not yet completed your details for the electoral register, now is the time to do so. Around 68% of forms sent out in October have been returned, but reminder forms are being sent out to 24,700 Aylesbury Vale residents who have failed to fulfil this legal requirement, failure for which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. For advice and help on registration, visit aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/elections or call 01296 585807 or call a 24 hour free phone number 0800 1976185. The registration form can be completed online at www.registerbyinternet.com/aylesbury or returned by post.

Winter Light by Bruce Munro at Waddesdon Manor - from now until Jan 1 there is the opportunity to enjoy these 6 large-scale light based installations situated around the gardens at Waddesdon Manor. Wrap up warmly and allow an hour to follow the trail to view them all which are illuminated from 3pm each day. There are late night openings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 29 until December 29 with the last admission at 7.30pm. Car parking for visitors for the house and gardens is in the process of change. The first phase has been launched with a flat area for 450 spaces now in operation. There are 4 shuttle buses operating a “park and ride” system from the car park up to the North Fountain.

Digital Camera
– a Nikon digital camera in a case has been found on Aylesbury Road on the evening of Tuesday 19. Please contact Lin on 01844 208373 if it belongs to you.

Christmas Bingo at The Bell – December 3 at around 8.30pm This is bound to be a busy evening, so come in good time to make sure you have a seat. As well as the usual bingo games for cash prizes and raffle for charity, there will be a special prize for the best hat or costume. Fun and laughter guaranteed with our jolly Christmas bingo callers, Paul and Andy.

Christingle - December 8 at 4.00pm this is a service for people of all ages, but particularly for children. During the service the children receive a Christingle composed of an orange, a lighted candle, a red ribbon, raisins and sweets, each part representing a symbol of the Christian faith. The collection will be donated to the Children’s Society.

Appeal for information after local burglaries

This is a message sent via Thames Valley Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Thames Valley Police

Appeal for information after a series of burglaries – Brill, Westcott and Long Crendon

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a series of burglaries in Brill, Westcott and Long Crendon, Bucks.

Between Saturday (16/11) and Sunday (17/11) five properties were burgled. The incidents are believed to be linked.

Between 10am on Saturday and 6.50pm on Sunday, offenders forced entry to a rear ground floor window and made a messy search of the property in Raven Crescent, Westcott and stole items of jewellery.

Between 10am and 8.45pm on Saturday, offenders forced a rear window and made a messy search of a property in Lacemakers, Long Crendon. They stole items of jewellery. Offenders also forced open a rear kitchen window to a house in Old Windmill Way, Long Crendon, making a messy search and stealing jewellery.

Between 8.30am and 8.30pm on Saturday, offenders forced a front window to a property on Temple Street, Brill and made a messy search of the property and stole jewellery. A second property on this street was also broken into when offenders removed a glass panel from a front window and conducted a messy search. Jewellery was stolen.

If you have any information please contact Det Con Bruce Wilson from Aylesbury police station via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via the Crimestoppers website. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Friday 15 November 2013

Aylesbury Town Christmas Lights

Thames Valley Police and Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership are working together to make the Aylesbury Christmas Light Switch On a fun and safe event.

The event will run between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 21st November in the Market Square along with a funfair at Kingsbury in Aylesbury.

The lights will be switched on at 6:50pm and will be followed by a short firework display. The entertainment will conclude at 7:30pm in Market Square and the funfair at Kingsbury will close at 8:30pm.

Road closures will be in place from 4.30pm until 9pm at Market Square, Kingsbury and George Street in its entirety and High Street from the Hale Leys loading ramp toward Market Square.

The road closure for fireworks will take place from 6.50pm until 7.15pm at Walton Street from its junction with Great Western Street.

Diana Fawcett, Aylesbury Town Centre Manager, said “We are delighted that local youngster Alexander Novakovic will switch on this year’s Christmas lights on Thursday 21 November, as well as Alexander, local comedian Andy Collins and upcoming singer Holly Brewer will be in attendance.

“The lights will be switched on at 6.50pm and will be followed by a firework display. There will also be a host of live music acts performing from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm including ‘My Holiday Romance’ and ‘The Overtones’.”

Insp Kelly Glister from Aylesbury police station, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On in Aylesbury is a magical event for all the local community. There are a few things we would ask you to keep in mind during this time.

“As you leave home, remember to lock your door with a key and leave a light on so that your house looks occupied while you are out. Plan your car journey and parking so that you can walk into town in good time for the start of the event.

“If you are taking children with you, write your phone number on their hand or put it in their pocket in case you become separated. There is a dedicated area to report any missing children or vulnerable people.”

The local neighbourhood policing team will be in and around during the event and will be happy to discuss any local issues or concerns, you may have. Enjoy your evening, stay safe and have fun.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Jeff Heap A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Jeff was held in the church on Tuesday November 12. Jeff, who lived in Aylesbury Road with his wife Linda and children, Christopher and Rebecca for many years, died suddenly while on holiday in Barbados. Jeff had enjoyed retirement for a few years and delighted in the birth of his granddaughter, Samantha. Jeff was buried close to the grave of his daughter who died 30 years ago of cot death aged 7 weeks. Our love and sympathies go to Linda and the family.

Margaret Braley – It is sad news to learn of the death of Margaret who had lived in Elm Brook Close for many years. Her funeral will be held at the Chilterns Crematorium on Friday 22 at 3.30pm. Condolences go to her family.

Christmas Garland Workshop
Joy Payne, a professional florist whose skill in flower arranging is well known in Chearsley, is again running a Christmas Garland Workshop in the village hall on Saturday November 30 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Joy will give a demonstration on how to make a beautiful festive garland and then give step by step instructions for everyone to make one as good as Joy’s. The cost of the morning which will include all materials, as well as refreshments is £30. Email Joy at joychearsley@talktalk.net or phone 01844 208513.

Parish Councillor Election on Thursday November 21
The hall will be open for voting from 7am until 10pm for you to vote for a new parish councillor. The candidates are John Howard, Perry Smith and Julia Witcher. Please note that there will not be polling cards. You vote on the day in the hall.

Pub Lunch - Wednesday November 27 at 12.30pm - come and join the small group of regular monthly lunchers in The Bell for a 2 course lunch including tea and coffee. This month there is a choice from sausage and mash, lasagne, chips and salad or scampi and chips. Pudding is crumble, sticky toffee pudding, ice-cream or cheese and biscuits. If you haven’t been before, or haven’t been for a while, you will be made very welcome. Please contact me on 01844 208913 to book your place and let me know your choice from the menu. A Christmas lunch of roast turkey will be served on December 18.

Find the Joker at The Bell – there are quite a few jokers who frequent The Bell, but this is a new Game with the draw taking place every Friday evening at 8.30pm. Tickets cost £1 which can be bought at any time throughout the week, with a maximum of 3 per person.. The weekly winner receives £10 and then chooses an envelope, hoping it will contain the Joker which means winning the accumulated funds. The prize pool increases each week until the Joker is found. If the owner of the winning ticket is not in the bar on the Friday night, it will be redrawn . The chance of winning £10 or more sounds a good reason for being in the Bell on Friday nights.

Toy Service at St Nicholas Church
- this will be held on Sunday November 24 at 10am. Unwrapped, new toys are wanted which will be distributed to needy children in homes and hospitals in the Aylesbury Vale area, in conjunction with Mix 96, the local radio station appeal.

Pacific Rowing Challenge
Team Pacific Rowers

James Wight, whose parents Gill and Andy have had their home in Church Lane for many years, has recently taken part in a 24 hour static row in Leicester Square, when he and 2 others rowed 235km in the 24hour stint. This was the start of a campaign to advertise and raise funds for his team with 3 other young men who plan to take part in the 2,100 mile New Ocean Wave Great Pacific Race 2014 across the Pacific Ocean in June 2014.
They will be rowing, eating and sleeping in turn for 5 weeks from California to Hawaii unaided against 11 other teams in a boat well equipped with the latest communication technology, water desalinators and necessities in the event of an emergency. James has sought and experienced adventures particularly personal endurance challenges in the past, having previously cycled through Portugal, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo, trekked in the southern Alps, Pyrenees and volcanoes in Indonesia. and took part in the London Marathon this year. This will be the hardest of anything he has done before.
All the very best James and thank you to his mother, Gill for keeping me informed. For more information, go to website Team Pacific Rowers which is the name of their team at pacificrowers.com or follow them on facebook or twitter.

Christmas Fayre at Bernard Hall, Cuddington – this will take place on Saturday November 23 from 2.00pm until 4.30pm in aid of local groups. There is free admission to many stalls including hand-crafted gifts, cards, jewellery, home made cakes and preserves, jams, local food products. There will be refreshments, raffle and Santa in his grotto.

Bucks Healthcare NHS - A big conversation
Bucks Healthcare NHS is inviting the public to join them at meetings at different venues throughout Bucks in the coming months, to hear how they are improving the quality of care they offer and for the public to share their views on past experiences of hospital care and community healthcare services. In Aylesbury on November 28 there will be an evening meeting. In Thame on Jan 31 there will be a morning meeting and in Buckingham an afternoon meeting on Feb 5. More details of venues and times will be given on contacting Bucks Healthcare by phoning 01494 734953 or emailing dee.irvin@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk. More details can be found on www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/abc

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Neighbourhood Police Newsletter

Our monthly Neighbourhood Update is now available for our area here: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n417

Friday 8 November 2013

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas meals at The Bell
With Christmas fast approaching it is  time to plan festive  celebrations with friends, family  and neighbours. The Bell has  a 2 course Christmas menu  of £19.95 or a 3 course Christmas menu of £23.95  available to book   from Monday December 2 until Tuesday 24. There is a choice, so pick up a Christmas menu from The Bell to choose what you would like.  Reservations can be made by phoning The Bell on 01844 208077 or email Sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk.
The regular Pub lunch meeting for Christmas will be on Wednesday December 18 when Christmas Dinner is on the menu. If you would like to come along to this, even if you haven’t been before,  please phone me on 01844 208913. Everyone is very welcome.  In the meantime, during November, 2 meals for £10 from a selected menu continue to be offered for Tuesday to Thursday evenings; steak night on Thursday evenings  for £25 with a bottle of wine and Friday evenings is fish night.
The log burner and friendly staff and customers will always guarantee you  a pleasant visit.

Quiz – this will be held in The Bell on Sunday November 17 at 7.30pm. This is a very friendly, informal evening when you are welcome to  come on your own and join with others to make up a team, or arrange your own team.


Brown Bin Collections

AVDC garden waste collections are a ten month service and final collections are due to take place at the end of November. As usual, your garden waste will be collected on the Monday of the week that your green-lid landfill bin is collected.

Final collection for this year will be on Monday 25 November

2014 collections will start again on Monday 3 February.

To see your personal collection calendar and lots of other information about recycling and waste collections, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call the recycling and waste helpline on 01296 585510