Thursday 20 November 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Housing Development at Stoney Furlong, Chilton Road
Planning has now been granted for the development of 10 houses including 2 affordable houses after going to appeal. The Appeal Inspector’s decision recognises the lack of impact on the landscape where the houses are sited. It also recognises the quality of the design which will attractively frame the cricket pitch with generously-spaced houses of an appropriate scale, appropriate materials and extensive landscaping which promotes the rural feel of the scheme. Laura and Rose of the Heybrook family will design this landscaping and are glad that it is a condition of the permission. The decision also took account of the provision of a footpath through to the cricket club, the benefits of affordable housing provision (something the Heybrooks wanted to feature, despite it not being an AVDC requirement for a development of this size) and the economic benefit to the village. The Planning Inspector also visited the site of the planning application by John Lloyd on the same day and in the report made it very clear that “each appeal has been considered on its own merits” which should set everyone’s mind at rest as regards precedent. The Inspector concluded that the contributions for the leisure and education sought by AVDC were not valid or properly justified by the Council. However, the Heybrook family and Simon and Sarah Vickers are seeking advice on how they can make donations that will help enhance village facilities for the benefit of the community. The lease on the cricket club ground and new parking will be extended from 3 to 50 years enabling all possible grants to be applied for.

Haddenham and District Film Festival - organised by Haddenham and District Rotary Club recently was considered a great success attracting an average audience of 40 for the 8 films. It is hoped that it will become an annual event.

Elevensies - this was a very successful morning on Saturday November 15, well supported by the village, enjoying coffee, cakes and Christmas gifts. £1000 was raised towards the 3 New Bells. It is hoped that work to install the 3 New Bells in the belfry will begin in the early part of December in time to be rung for Christmas.

Christmas Garland Workshops Friday November 28 at 7.30pm and Saturday November 29 at 10.00am - Joy Payne will be holding 2 workshops in the village hall when she will demonstrate how to make an attractive Christmas garland for the front door. All materials will be provided, just bring secateurs or sharp scissors, and the cost is £25. Please telephone Joy on 01844 208513 or email her at joychearsley@gmail.com if you would like to take part.

Mobile Library – this will next be in the village on Monday December 1 by the village green from 10..00am to 10.25am. The next visit will be after Christmas on December 29.

Christmas Bingo - a Special Christmas edition of Bingo at The Bell will be held on Tuesday December 2 with Eyes Down at 8.30pm. Cash prizes and raffle, fun and laughter with our jolly Christmas bingo callers, Paul and Andy. The raffle held during the November Bingo evening raised £56 which has been added to the funds for the new Oliver Bell which will shortly be hung in the church with the other 2 New Bells.

Christingle Service in St Nicholas Church – this will be held in Chearsley on December 14 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.

Chearsley Christmas Cards - Alicia Howard has been busy again designing and producing 2 different sets of delightful Christmas cards of Chearsley. They are available in packs of 4 costing £2.50 on sale in Chearsley Shop and The Bell. Proceeds will go towards the 3 New Bells

Diary Dates:
  • Friday November 28 The Bell is open every Friday for Tea, Coffee and home-made cake. 10.00am to 12.00pm
  • Friday November 28 Christmas Garland Workshop with Joy Payne in the village hall at 7.30pm
  • Friday November 28 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.
  • Saturday November 29 Christmas Garland Workshop with Joy Payne in the village hall at 10.00am
  • Saturday November 29 Chearsley Cricket Club Dinner and Dance at The Kings Hotel Stokenchurch
  • Sunday November 30 Meat Raffle at The Bell at 3.00pm
  • Monday December 1 Mobile Library from 10.00 until 10.25am.
  • Tuesday December 2 Christmas Bingo at The Bell at 8.30pm