Friday 31 October 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Community Oil Buying Scheme – Chris Long has been the co-ordinator of this scheme since Ann Hooton left the village. There are currently about 15 members in Chearsley. Please see the Cuddington website for more information, application forms and the phone number of Chris Long.

Jeyan and Suki at the shop
It is surprising to realise that nearly 3 years ago Jeyan and Suki re-opened the village shop since when it has grown and grown in goods and services which they provide. I think most villagers use the shop in some way, but here is a reminder of some of the things that Jeyan and Suki have to offer so willingly and happily 7 days a week – daily and weekend newspapers, which can be delivered if desired; dry cleaning service with collections on Tuesdays and Fridays; greeting cards, toiletries; off licence, groceries, household goods; chilled and frozen foods; fruit and vegetables; bread from The Cottage Bakery, Thame; Payzone to enable you to top up phone cards and electric key charge; Myhermes parcel collection and drop off service; National Lottery scratch cards which will hopefully lead to selling the National Lottery tickets; and of course, tea or coffee from the neat little machine on the counter for £1.00.
The shop is open long hours from 7.00am until 8.00pm Monday to Saturday and until 2.00pm on Sundays. The shop phone number is 01844 208777. Chearsley without a village shop would not be a good thing, as many of us remember, so keep using it!

3 New Bells for Chearsley – The Die is Cast
On Friday October 17, a group of parishioners, the vicar and churchwardens travelled to Whitechapel Bell Foundry, in the East End of London to witness the casting of the 3 bells which will soon hang in the bell tower of St Nicholas Church. A team of 8 men carried the red hot metal from the furnace and poured a steady stream of glowing liquid into the 3 bell moulds. During the next few weeks, the bells will be cooled and tuned to blend perfectly with the existing bells and then transported to Whites’ workshop in Appleton, Oxford where the bell frame will be constructed and the fittings added. It is hoped they will arrive in the village in time to be rung at Christmas. Prior to hanging, they will be briefly displayed in the church for all to inspect. In early 2015 there will be a special service of dedication and celebration for everyone to attend. More funds of around £10,000 are still needed and there will be more fund raising events – the next one being“Elevensies” on Saturday November 15.
(Full illustrated story here.)

Elevensies - Real Coffee, specialist teas and home made cakes by Chearsley Bakers will be on sale in Chearsley village hall on Saturday November 15 from 10.00am until 1.00pm where there will also be a Mini Food Fair with seasonal gifts and goodies for sale. All proceeds will go to the 3 New Bells fund. If anyone has any gifts or cakes they can donate, please bring them along, or contact Alicia Howard.

Toy Service – Sunday November 23 at 10.00am at St Nicholas Church . Children are invited to bring along a new toy, unwrapped as a Christmas present for a child who may not be as lucky as they are. These will be distributed to homes and hospitals in the Aylesbury vale area via the Mix’96 local radio station appeal.

Diary Dates:
  • Friday November 7 The Bell is open every Friday for Tea, Coffee and homemade cake. 10.00am to 12.00pm
  • Friday November 7 Unlock The Box at 8.30pm at The Bell. You have to be there to take part in the pub’s new weekly game. Tickets available to purchase throughout the week.
  • Sunday November 9 Morning Celebration at 10.00pm
  • Sunday November 9 Remembrance Service at The War Memorial at 10.45am
  • Sunday November 9 Evensong at 6.00pm
  • Sunday November 9 Meat Raffle at 3.00pm
  • Sunday November 9 Monthly Quiz at The Bell starts at 8.00pm. Come in a group or on your own.
  • Saturday November 15 Elevensies for coffee, tea and homemade cakes in Chearsley Village Hall 10.00am-1.00pm in aid of the 3 New Bells