Thursday 27 February 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Planning Application for 10 houses in Chilton Road
Chearsley Parish Council has arranged to have a meeting in the village hall on Wednesday March 5 at 7.00pm to discuss an outline planning application for 10 houses on land at Chilton Road. There will be a public discussion and the Parish Council will then decide on their comments. Details of the application can be viewed online at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk details of Planning Applications with the reference 14/00308/AOP. Comments can be sent to Development Control, AVDC, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury HP19 8FF or by email.

What’s Going on during March at The Bell
Monday March 3 Pancake Races a day early so not to clash with Bingo on Tuesday March 4. Monthly Quiz on Sunday March 9 at 8.00pm. St Patrick’s celebrations on Saturday March 15. Contact Sharon at The Bell for details of the menu and to book your table. Sunday March 30 – Mothering Sunday meal from 12 until 3.00pm. During the week 2 meals for £10 are available on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The Find the Joker Draw continues to grow and the amount which could be won stands at a very inviting three figure sum. This draw takes place on Friday evenings at 8.30pm – it might be your lucky evening this week. Come and take part. Meat Raffle at 3.00pm every Sunday.

EHIC Renewal

I would just like to pass on my recent experience when I went online to renew my EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which replaced the old E111. Although I had a letter which had accompanied the card in 2007 stating the NHS website to use, I instead just Googled EHIC and started to fill in details to renew the card on a website which came up. I had always understood the card to be free and presumed to renew it would also be free. So, when I was asked for payment of about £20, I at first thought maybe the renewal now attracted a fee. I went on to investigate the NHS website, where I discovered that there was no fee to pay. It would have been so easy for me just to have carried on thinking that it was no longer free, or just to get it done, carry on and pay what I was asked. So, if you have to renew your EHIC card for this year’s holiday (it is worth checking to make sure your card hasn’t expired) make sure you use the website https://www.ehic.org.uk.

(Note: the same 'scam' can apply to applications for American and Australian tourist visas - see this article from The Daily Telegraph.)


Refuse Collection –This Friday, February 28 the recycling bins and food bins will be collected.

Diary Dates –
  • Wednesday March 5 at 7.00pm - Parish Council meeting to discuss planning application at Chilton Road
  • Sunday March 9 - Six Nations Rugby at Chearsley Cricket Club England v Wales match with kick off at 3.00pm. The bar will be open all afternoon with hot bacon rolls available.
  • Sunday March 9 - Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8.00pm. A friendly, informal quiz when you will be made very welcome whether you come on your own or in a team.
  • Sunday March 9 - Morning Celebration at 10.00am at St Nicholas Church
  • Wednesday March 12 7.30 to 9.30pm - START – second in a series of 6 sessions in Long Crendon Village Centre. This is a friendly and informal way to investigate Christianity, exploring who Jesus is, and what it means to follow him with the help of a DVD and the opportunity to ask any questions. Please contact Darren Sampson on 208740 or the Rev Canon John Wynburne on 201424 for more information
  • Wednesday March 12 8.00 to 9.30pm Build on The Rock Lent Group – the first of 5 weekly sessions during Lent entitled “ Believing and Doubting” led by Geoff Hogbin. Please contact Geoff on 201197 or email ga.hogbin@btinternet.com for more information.

Friday 21 February 2014

Chearsley votes YES for its Village Plan

The results of the vote on the Chearsley Village Plan were:

Number of voting forms issued:    

222

Number of voting forms returned:      

108* (49% response rate)

Total number of votes cast:  

210  

Number of YES votes:      

118 (56% of votes cast)

Number of NO votes:          

92 (44% of votes cast)

*Includes two spoilt forms, the votes from which were not counted

A motion proposing formal adoption of the Village Plan will now be put to the next meeting of the Parish Council

The Bottle of Champagne was won by The Granary, School Lane.  Congratulations to Ineta and Brian.

Thursday 20 February 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Crotchet blankets for sale - I have been told that any money received from the sale of these crotchet blankets made by Beryl Wright will go towards the purchase of the Three New Bells at St Nicholas Church. The blankets measure approximately 1m x 2m are made from acrylic wool and are washable and warm and would look good on a bed or sofa. They cost £15 each. Please phone Beryl on 01844 208607 if you are interested in buying one.

Famous Chearsley Author

It was interesting to see a photo of Jean Daish who has lived in School Lane for many years, on the front cover of a recent issue of the Thame Gazette. Jean was photographed on a recent visit to young pupils who are members of the Junior School book Club at Haddenham Community Junior School, talking to them about her recently published first book “Operation Pied Piper” and answering their questions. Her book written for children is about 6 young evacuees who are sent to Padstow from their home in Leeds at the start of World War II to escape the bombing as part of the Operation Pied Piper, the government’s evacuation project. Her book with illustrations by Jean, is available from The Book House in Thame price £6.99.

Shrove Tuesday
– Pancake Day. March 4 -Get all the ingredients you need to make your pancakes – lemons, sugar, flour, milk and eggs from the shop.

Recycling Banks in The Bell - Following the introduction of the household recycling collection service in 2012, Aylesbury Vale District council will be removing any remaining recycling banks, including the ones in The Bell car park. Any recycling materials which do not fit in the bins can be taken to our local Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Rabans Lane, Aylesbury.

Refuse Collection

This Friday, February 21 the green general refuse bins and food bins will be collected.

Diary Dates -
  • Saturday February 22 - Six Nations Rugby at Chearsley Cricket Club Scotland v England match. Bar opens at 3.00pm. Hot bacon rolls served at 3.30pm. Match starts at 4.00pm. 6.30 pm victory celebrations or drowning of sorrows.
  • Sunday February 23 - Family Service at 10am at St Nicholas Church
  • Wednesday February 26 - Monthly lunch at The Bell at 12.30pm. Contact Margaret Morbey on 208913 if you would like to join the group.
  • Tuesday March 4 - Bingo at The Bell at 8.30pm

Friday 14 February 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Crotchet blankets for sale - Beryl Wright, famed for her cake making skills, has been busy crocheting colourful blankets and now has them for sale price £15 each in aid of the new bells. They measure approximately 1m x 2m made from acrylic wool, are washable and warm and would look good on a bed or sofa. Please phone Beryl on 01844 208607 if you are interested in buying one.

Charity Bottle at The Bell - On Thursday February 6, the contents of the charity bottle in The Bell were counted. Customers, family and friends have been donating over the year to the bottle and money raised from raffles at Bingo nights and other events have also contributed to the bottle. £860 was counted. This money will go towards funding one of the three new bells which will be installed in St Nicholas Church, Chearsley. This new bell will be dedicated to Oli Babington, late Landlord of The Bell and will be known as “The Oliver Bell”.

Parish Council Meeting Monday February 10 – all councillors were present and a public gathering of about 13. Francis Heybrook advised the council that feedback and comments from villagers concerning the Heybrook planning proposals were being considered and their planning application would shortly be submitted to AVDC. The poor state of the village roads, particularly School Lane was commented on by a member of the public and was told that potholes needed to measure 40mm deep by 300mm in 1 direction before they would be repaired. A Bucks County Council representative is soon to “walk the village” with a member of the Parish Council to view problems.

Matters arising from last month’s Minutes:
  • Obscure glass had still not been installed in the new house in Turnip Close and no reply had been received to the Parish Council’s letter concerning this. It was agreed that AVDC should be informed of non –compliance with the planning conditions. 
  • The meeting was told that a planning application by John Lloyd had now been submitted for houses off Chilton Road. It was agreed that advice should be taken as to whether Mike Heybrook, who has a vested interested in planning matters, should be able to comment on planning proposals.
  • Village Plan – John Lewis reported that this had now been published and responses were being returned. There was discussion about the AVDC Plan which had been rejected by the Inspector and withdrawn for a new one to be drawn up which would probably take up to 15 months. Highways - Information on having “devolved services” for the grass and verge work in the village had been sought. This would mean that the village would employ their own contractor and regulate when and where was cut. There was no funding for this. It was agreed to ask Graham King, the current grass cutter, for a quote and to discuss again at the meeting in March.
  • It was agreed to go ahead with the cutting down and grinding of the stumps of the sycamores outside The Bell, at a cost of £580 with the resulting logs being offered to villagers for a donation to charity.
  • LAF – more funding from this Local Area Forum to have 2 more vehicle activated signs in the village is to be applied for. There is also funding available for teenagers and community, which should be considered, in view of the large number of growing children in the village who have little facilities and to obtain ideas for projects. To be discussed again at the next meeting.
  • New posts are needed for the Church Lane road sign. Steps up to Footpath 9, near the Church across to the railway line, are to be cut into the bank in the next few months. A handrail will also be installed. Permission for overhanging trees in Farmyard Path to be cut down had been received and work will take place next week at the expense of the householder.
  • A letter from another householder in Elm Brook Close had been received asking for financial help to trim other trees in this footpath. Election - this had cost the Parish Council £894. 
  • Open Session - it was voiced that any proposals by the Parish Council and any actions resulting from the Village Plan of a similar nature should work closely together. Trees in the churchyard need pollarding and it was advised that a tree officer should be approached for advice.
  • Any Other Business - the Parish council had been advised that the empty council house in Winchendon Road needs renovating, for which there is currently no funds available.
  • Damage to the verges in Church Lane had been repaired by Thames Water during the sewage problem last year. 
  • Mike Heybrook reported on the success of a wildflower area on the verge on Crendon Road and was keen to look at other areas where this could be repeated, and the area possibly managed by nearby residents.
  • Next meeting – this will be held in the village hall on Monday March 17 at 7.30pm.
Oliver – Cuddington Youth Drama
Fabulous sets, costumes and choreography will make this a show not to be missed – a half term treat for the whole family. Tickets are still available for this production taking place at the Bernard Hall Cuddington from Tuesday February 18 until Saturday February 22. Performances start at 7.00pm on all these evenings with a matinee show on Saturday February 22 at 1.00pm. Ring the box office on 01296 747129 for tickets or book online at www.cuddingtonvillage.com/cyd. Prices are from £8 for adults, £5 for children and concessions with special prices for families.

Young Photographer Competition
This annual competition is now open to all young people aged from 7 to 18. It is run by Haddenham Rotary Club and they welcome entries from all eligible youngsters from Haddenham and surrounding villages. The theme of the competition this year is “People”. There are £300 worth of prizes for 3 age groups – Junior 7 to 10; Intermediate 11-13 and Seniors 14 – 18.
Entry forms are available from local schools and Haddenham Community Library. The deadline for submission of entries is Friday March 21. The panel of judges will include a professional photographer. Go to the Rotary Club’s website at www.haddenham-rotary.org.uk for more information.

Diary Dates
Friday February 14 - Valentine's meals at The Bell - lunchtime and evenings
Sunday February 16 - Holy Communion at 9am at St Nicholas
Monday February 24 – The Mobile Library calls on its monthly visit at The Bell car park from 10.00 to 10.25am.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

New Scam warning

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

The Business Crime Reduction Centre (BCRC) is warning people about a new email scam that threatens victims with court action.

Fraudsters have been sending out legitimate looking spoofed emails designed to trick recipients into installing malware.
The emails say you have been notified and scheduled to appear for a court hearing, and contains specific dates, times, locations and reference numbers.
It asks you to download a copy of the “court notice” attached. The downloadable.zip file actually contains an .exe file (a file that executes when clicked) containing a virus.
The email has no connection to the Criminal Justice System and anyone receiving the email should not download any attachments or click any links and report it to us by using our online fraud reporting tool.

Subject headers change frequently

You are likely to see some variations of this email, as it is easy for fraudsters to amend the details and continue targeting people. BCRC’s cyber security specialist said “the email is difficult to block as the subject headers change frequently.”
He also said: “Provoking a panicked, impulse reaction has become a very common scam technique for cyber criminals. Opening the attachment allows the criminal to spy on the victim, use their computer to commit crime, or steal personal and financial information.
For further information please visit the BCRC website.

The bottom line remains: If you receive an email with an attachment from someone you do not know, or from someone you do know but were not expecting, DO NOT OPEN the attachment.


Friday 7 February 2014

Thames Valley Alert - Flooding

Message sent on behalf of Thames Valley Police:

Flooding – Aylesbury Vale

With the recent heavy rainfall in the area and more predicted over the coming days Thames Valley Police is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads.

Many local roads are already flooded and this is likely to get worse if the weather forecasts are correct for the coming days.

Several motorists have already been caught out trying to drive through floods – only to find that they are much deeper than they initially appear, leaving them (and their vehicles) stranded.

Anyone attending Stoke Mandeville Hospital should also be aware that the Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville is currently impassable, so access to the hospital can only be gained from the Aylesbury direction.

Please do not ignore ‘Road Closed’ signs – they are there to keep motorists safe.

Local radio stations put out regular traffic updates, so please listen in to find out up to date information on flooding and traffic conditions.


Morning Celebration this Sunday


Did you know that each month at church, there is a modern and informal service called Morning Celebration?  It is an all-age service but is particularly suitable for children.  This Sunday we are looking at the story of Daniel in the lion's den and there will be an opportunity to take place in a drama or just sit back and watch. At the end of the service we always serve, coffee, tea, squash and biscuits.  Do come along and check it out. We would love to see you.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Bingo at The Bell
The monthly Bingo session held Tuesday February 4 at The Bell was a great success (from my point of view!) I was sitting in one of the “lucky” seats and was delighted to come home having won the last Full House of the evening of £50. But it is not the winning,(do I really believe that?) but the taking part that matters – a way of supporting our local pub on a quiet winter evening and of meeting up with friends and neighbours. The raffle made £45 which goes to charity. The next session will be on Tuesday March 4. Come along and try your luck – a book of 6 games cost £6. The more people who take part, the bigger the amount of prize money for a winning line and then a Full House.

Valentine’s Day at The Bell

Lunchtime and evening Valentine’s meals are on offer on Friday February 14 for £29.95 for two including a bottle of wine. Ring 01844 208077 to book your table.

Village Plan 
 Sunday February 16 is the final day for voting forms to be returned. There are boxes for these at the shop, and The Bell, or they can be filled in and returned on-line. If you have not received a copy of the Plan, please phone 01844 202791. Remember that your voting form will then be entered into a free draw to win a bottle of champagne.

Wine Quiz and Spanish Tapas Evening Friday February 28
Chuf, Chearsley and Haddenham Under Fives, are hosting a fund raising evening at the Bernard Hall Cuddington from 7.30 until 10.30pm. Tickets cost £18 each. Tables are for 8 and the evening will include a wine quiz (3 red and 3 white), Spanish Tapas, bread and salads, licensed bar and a raffle with a chance to win, among other prizes, a Mediterranean hamper. Please contact Karen Clayton on 07718 559978 or email her at info@porkandginger.co.uk for more information. All proceeds will go towards Chuf funds.

Haddenham Medical Centre
New appointment system Starting Monday February 17 the appointment system will be altering. Patients will still be able to pre-book appointments, and the number of these has been increased. All other requests for appointments (previously the day only appointments) will now be booked for a GP phone conversation who will ring back to discuss the problem. This could then lead to an appointment with the GP the same day, or at a later date as required, an appointment with another Dr better able to deal with the particular problem; an appointment with a member of the nursing team or possibly the phone call will deal with the issue. Please see the Haddenham Medical Centre website at www.haddenham.org for more information.

Diary Dates
Sunday February 16 at 9.00am Holy Communion at St Nicholas Church


Tuesday 4 February 2014

Haddenham Medical Centre

Haddenham Medical Centre are introducing a new appointment system that will start on Monday 17 February 2014. Full details can be found here on their website.

Patients can continue to pre-book appointments. These are particularly useful for patients with long term conditions who know they need to have periodic reviews with the GP.

All other requests for appointments (previously the ‘day only’ appointments) will be booked for a GP telephone consultation. Reception will take the request and pass to a GP who will call the patient and discuss. This discussion will lead the patient and the GP together making a decision on what is required.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Both Haddenham and Long Crendon surgeries make use of the Patient Access system. With Patient Access, you can now access your local GP services at home, work or on the move — wherever you can connect to the internet. What's more, because Patient Access is a 24 hour online service, you can do this in your own time, day or night. With Patient Access,  from your pc and Android/IOS device you can:
  • Book an appointment.
  • Order repeat prescriptions.
  • Change your address details.
  • Send secure messages to your practice.