Monday 26 December 2016

Next Refuse Collection

 
The recycling collection this week will be on Thursday 29th December.

Thursday 22 December 2016

Just in time for Christmas

From Karin Sampson:
Just thought we'd share our happy news. It was a very long wait but we're finally pleased to announce that Baby Louis William Sampson was born 9lbs 3oz on Tuesday 20th December at 12.29am. Me, Toby and younger brother Freddie are so pleased to have him finally with us just in time for Christmas, the best present we could have ever hoped for.

Monday 19 December 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Carol singing round the village
Come and join in a hearty sing song of carols round the village on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 evenings. Meet at the bus stop at 6.30pm and look forward to refreshments afterwards. 2 charities of DEBRA and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which have associations with two Chearsley young people , will benefit from the donations.

Shop Hours
Opening hours at the shop have altered somewhat since I spoke to Jeyan. It is planned for the shop to be open from 8am until 8pm until Christmas, when it will be closed for two days. From December 27 to January 5 in the New Year, it will open at 8 am but close from 11am to 3pm, and re-open at 3 until 6pm (or 8pm) But things might change .. ! This might not be very helpful and it might be better to hope the shop will be open when you need it, but not be surprised if it isn’t. Please however be understanding, as finding staff while Jeyan and Sugi are away visiting their relatives this Christmas is very difficult and they truly deserve their time away from their shops.

Thank you and Happy Christmas
Thank you to everyone who tells me they appreciate the news I put on the Chearsley website. I have found this very heartening when it is difficult to find any! I would also like to apologise when I get things wrong, but I do my best. As some of you who are also readers of the Bucks Herald will already know, I will no longer be contributing to the Neighbourhood News in 2017 due to a “change of policy” by The Bucks Herald , but I will try to continue to keep up the Chearsley news in the New Year and with help from villagers try to keep news circulating of forthcoming village events.
Anyone who would like information of any sort broadcast on the blog can ring me on 208913 or email me at margmorb@mail.com. As I will now go to ground with family festivities until the New Year, I wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a Very Happy 2017.

Refuse Collections : Wednesday December 21 : when the general refuse bins and food bins will be collected. The next collection will be Thursday December 29 for the recycling bins and food bins. After that, our normal collection days are unaffected.

Christmas at St Nicholas:
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday December 20 Carol Singing round the village. Meet at 6.30 at the bus stop.
  • Wednesday December 21 Carol singing round the village and in The Bell.
  • Tuesday January 3 Bingo At The Bell.

Wednesday 14 December 2016

Lost Sheep


Have you found any of the lost sheep yet?  Apparently they have been sighted looking for turnips, trying to post a letter, and one was even been seen sitting on an old plough.  Oh, and a bloke called Bernard reckons he has seen two down his road!

Reminder Not To Leave Valuables In Your Vehicle

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

The Aylesbury Vale Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NHPTs) are reminding residents to remove property from their parked vehicles.

Recent thefts have included briefcases, Christmas presents, clothing, house keys, a brand new satnav and tools from vans.

It is likely that these crimes have been committed by opportunist criminals, tempted by property left on display. If they see something inside a parked car it only takes a moment to smash a window and grab the property.

Please don’t make life easy for them and take a moment to read the following points:-
  • Don’t leave items on display – even a carrier bag could tempt them to take a closer look, resulting in the loss of your property and vehicle being out of service while it is being fixed.
  • Don’t try and hide property inside your car – property is easily stolen from boots or other compartments within the vehicle.
  • Park in a well-lit area if possible and make sure the vehicle is locked and the alarm engaged if you have one.
  • Report anyone acting suspiciously around parked vehicles at the time that you see them. Don’t leave it to someone else – you might be the only witness.
  • If you do see someone try and get a description of them, along with details of any vehicle they might be using. Call it through on 101, or if a crime is happening at that time dial on 999.
  • If you discover that your vehicle has been broken into make sure you let the police know.

Recent thefts have been reported in the Aylesbury, Brill, Oakley and Great Horwood areas. Please help the police by reducing the opportunities for criminals.


Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Monday 12 December 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas Bingo
The Bell was well filled on Tuesday December 6 for the last Bingo of the year. Sharon and her staff, had gone to town with their Christmas costumes with particular mention and admiration for Louisa for coping with her Christmas cracker costume all evening. Leslie, our co- Bingo caller, also looked the part as a very festive snowman. All the happy, eager and noisy bingo players and the jolly staff meant a good fun evening was enjoyed by everyone with good cash prizes, and the final full house of the evening of £100. If you haven’t tried Bingo at The Bell before, your next chance will be on Tuesday (always the first Tuesday of the month) January 3, with Eyes Down at around 8.45pm, after meals have finished.

Christimas Tree on The Green
The countdown by all assembled villagers round the tree on Friday December 9th led successfully to the lights being turned by the latest Chearsley Celebrity, Adam Lazaruk, who won this year’s Bucks & MK Volunteer of the Year award, richly deserved for all the time he has given to Chearsley Cricket Club. Carols were heartily sung by everyone, followed by the little children sweetly singing Away in a Manger and finishing with a prayer by our new vicar Richard Phillips, who is quickly becoming a very familiar and friendly face in the village. Nic Brown generously arranged for mulled cider and wine and mince pies. A good start to Christmas 2016 in Chearsley. Donations received on the evening will also go to DEBRA and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

BBC Sports Awards
Adam Lazaruk, as winner of the Bucks & MK volunteer of the Year prize, is now in with a chance of winning an award at this year’s BBC Sports Personality awards which will be held in Birmingham on Sunday December 18 and shown live on BBC 1 from 18.40 to 10pm. If he wins the Unsung Hero Award which is given to someone “who has given their time and talents for free to enable others to participate in sport”, he will be skyped and appear on the programme. I know all the cricket club and friends and villagers will be keeping their fingers crossed for Adam. Good luck for another success.

New Village Hall Fund Raising
Elevensies, the recent coffee and craft fund raiser held on Saturday 3 raised over £1000. This amount will be generously matched by Rectory Homes and The Heybrook family, as will any other future hall fund raising event.

New Year Quiz
There are plans for another quiz to be held at the end of January. Last year’s quiz was a sell out, so watch out for more details of the date for this next fund raising for the hall event and make sure you book your table in good time.

Parish Council Meetings
There has been some confusion over Parish Council meeting dates. The next meeting is the Budget one to be held this Monday December 12th at 7.30pm in the hall. There is no other meeting in December. The next one will be on Monday January 16th at 7.30pm.

Minutes of the Parish council
Did you know that Minutes of the last Parish council meeting held on November 21 can be viewed on here?

New flagpole
Have you noticed that the new flag pole has now been erected? The Parish Council are now waiting for a new flag to replace the old tattered one.

Carol singing round the village
Come and join in a hearty sing song of carols round the village on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 evenings. Meet at the bus stop at 6.30pm and look forward to refreshments afterwards. Two charities of DEBRA and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which have associations with two Chearsley young people, will benefit from the donations.

Special Birthday Greetings to Captain Dave Thomas of Chearsley who has recently celebrated a signicant birthday. An honour for Chearsley to have such a “high flyer” in our midst as it will be remembered that Dave was selected to fly the Olympic flame in 2012 from Greece to London with Princess Anne, David Beckham, Boris Johnson and Seb Coe amongst his passengers. He has also flown Queen Elizabeth II on state visits. Impressive. Happy Birthday!

Shop Hours
A reminder that Chearsley shop will be closed every day from 11am until 3pm starting Friday December 16 until normal hours resume in the New Year

Refuse Collections: Wednesday December 14 when the recycling bins and food bins will be collected.

Church Services:
  • Sunday December 18 at Chearsley Church Holy communion at 10am. Service of Lessons and carols at 4pm. (Not 6pm as previously stated!) Stay after the service for mulled wine and mince pies.
Diary Dates:
  • Monday December 12 at 7.30pm Budget meeting of the Parish Council in the village hall
  • Friday December 16 Christmas Jumper competition and Haddenham Mummers at The Bell at 10pm
  • Tuesday December 20 Carol Singing round the village. Meet at 6.30 at the bus stop
  • Wednesday December 21 Carol singing round the village and in The Bell.

Sunday 11 December 2016

Tree Lighting


 Away in a manager, no crib for a bed...


This year the lights were switched on by Chearsley's newest celebrity, Adam Lazaruk - recent winner of the Bucks & MK 'Volunteer of the Year Award'.

We then sang some carols including "Away in a manger" by the children.  Our new vicar, Richard Phillips then blessed us all.

Sharon served mulled wine at The Bell and hot mince pies  - generously donated by Parish Council Chairman, Nic Brown.

A collection was made for two very worthy charities - DEBRA and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Monday 5 December 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Garland Making Morning
Over £300 has been added to the New Village Hall Fund by the generosity of Joy Payne who donated her charges for her garland morning. 15 people (surprisingly all ladies) enjoyed a demonstration of how to make a Christmas garland for the front door and attempted very successfully to make their own, which are now proudly displayed on front doors throughout Chearsley, with 1 in Long Crendon and 2 in Aylesbury. Thank you Joy.

Murder at The Manor
An interesting evening with supper provided by the Village Hall Committee and entertained by Thame Players was enjoyed by 60 villagers on Saturday evening at the village hall and raised around £800 for the New Village Hall fund. The audience were “neighbours and friends” of the Worthington-Jones’ family at a wonderful reception at Worthington Manor and were witnesses to the murders. We were all invited to write down the name of the guilty suspect or suspects, with the winning entry receiving a prize, which went to Joseph Grapes who attended with his family. It took a youngster to follow the plot and work out who did it. Well done Joseph. A fun and entertaining evening for a good cause.

HGV Survey
Another HGV count took place on Friday November 25 and John Howard thanks all those who braved the cold to help. It was hoped to see from the count whether there were any discernible affects from the closure of the Ashendon/Westcott Road compared to results of previous surveys in June and July. There was a significant drop in the number of HGVs entering the village by the Winchendon Road, but little noteworthy changes otherwise, including a very high number of vehicles entering the village by Crendon Road and exiting via Winchendon Road. Any thoughts of how to interpret the figures would be welcomed by John and the Parish Council. The Parish Council will continue to press Bucks County Council in co-operating with Cuddington, Ashendon and Westcott to introduce restrictions of HGVs using C roads through our villages.

Gift Tags
Andrew, better known to many affectionately as Podge, and myself would like to thank everyone who responded to our request for old Christmas cards. We have spent many happy hours throughout the year, with a bit of a speed up in the past month, cutting them up to turn them into attractive gift tags. They can now be purchased from The Bell, with grateful thanks for Sharon for having our basket on the bar. Steve and Jane at Bradmoor Farm Shop and Cafe have also very kindly agreed to sell the gift tags for us again this year, and Andrew was really pleased to see how well they are selling there. We still have quite a good supply of old cards, but would welcome some more again after this Christmas.

Parish Council Meetings in December:
Monday December 12 at 7.30pm in the village hall – Budget Meeting Monday December 19 at 7.30pm in the village hall – Parish Council Meeting.

Sunshine Club
Come and enjoy a cuppa with Cuddington, Chearsley and Nether Winchendon Sunshine Club Christmas Bring and Buy at Tyringham Hall on Thursday December 8 at 2pm for great bargains and a super raffle. Proceeds go towards the Christmas Party.

Stolen Poppy Collection Tin
How disappointing and disheartening to read that the poppy box on the bar of The Crown at Cuddington has been stolen, probably on Remembrance Day November 11.

Christmas Opening Times at Chearsley Shop
The shop will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Tuesday December 27 to December 31 it will be open 8am to 11am. Closed from 11am to 3pm. Re-open at 3pm until 6pm. 2nd January Open from 8am to 11am only.
Please also note that from Friday December 16 the shop has reduced hours and will be closed from 11am to 3pm.
Jeyan, Sugi and family would like to wish all their customers a Very Happy Christmas.

Christmas at The Bell:
Friday December 16 Christmas: Jumper competition. Dig out last year’s dodgy Christmas jumper, add a bit of tinsel or glitter and wear it with pride at The Bell – it might win you a prize.
The Haddenham Mummers will be performing and collecting for local charities at around 10pm
Wednesday December 21 Carol Singing at 8.30pm
Christmas Opening Hours:
Saturday December 24 : Open 12 till 4 and 6pm until late
Christmas Day : Open for drinks only 12 until 2pm
Boxing Day : Open 12 until 4. Serving food from 12 to 2pm
Tuesday December 27 to Friday 30: Normal opening and closing times
Saturday December 31 : 12 until 4.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: 6pm until late Disco with DJ Tickets £6
Sunday January 1: Open 12 until 4 Food 12 to 2pm

Christmas at St Nicholas’ Church
Silly Sheep Once again, those silly sheep have got lost and this year, 12 have strayed to Nether Winchendon and 24 are lost in Chearsley. Can you help find them and get them back to their shepherds for Christmas Eve? There will be finders’ prizes. If you spot a sheep, write its name down next to the number ;on the entry sheet and bring your sheet to one of the Crib services .Download an entrance form which can be found on the chearsley.blogspot.co.uk church link. There will be a Crib service at Nether Winchendon on Sunday 18 at 10am and at Chearsley on December 24 at 3.30pm
Church Services:
  • Sunday December 11 at 4pm : Christingle candle lit service for everyone. During the service the children receive a Christingle composed of an orange, a lighted candle, red ribbon, raisins and sweets each part representing a symbol of the Christian faith. The collection is donated to the Children’s Society.
  • Sunday December 18 at 10am : Holy Communion and at 6pm : Service of Lessons & Carols. Stay after the service for mulled wine and mince pies
  • Saturday Christmas Eve at 3.30pm : Crib Service. An informal service for all ages arranged especially for children with songs and the Nativity story. At 11pm Midnight Holy Communion
  • Sunday Christmas Day at 10am : Christmas Praise
  • Sunday January 1 : Benefice Holy Communion at 10am at Long Crendon
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday December 6 : Christmas Bingo at The Bell with Eyes Down at 8.45pm.
  • Thursday December 8 at 2pm Sunshine Club Bring and Buy at Tyringham Hall Cuddington raising funds for the Christmas party Friday December 9 Official switching on the Christmas Tree lights at 6.45pm
  • Sunday December 11 Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Monday December 12 at 7.30pm Budget meeting of the Parish Council in the village hall
  • Friday December 16 Haddenham Mummers at The Bell at 10pm
  • Monday December 19 at 7.30pm Parish Council meeting in the village hall

Friday 2 December 2016

Warning to drivers using motorway services

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

Drivers using motorway services stations, particularly those along the M4 in Berkshire, are being warned that thieves could be using technology to prevent people locking their vehicles and then steal from them.
Thames Valley Police officers are warning people to make a manual check that doors are locked before leaving their vehicles.
This advice follows a spate of 14 thefts from vehicles at motorway services in Berkshire. In many of the cases there was no obvious sign of a break in and no damage was caused to the vehicles as items were stolen from them.
Officers are also appealing for anyone who visited the services during the dates outlined below and have any dashcam footage to please get in touch as they may have vital information for the investigations.
  • At Chieveley Moto Services on M4 at junction 13 between 24 November and 1 December two vans, two lorries and a Mercedes car were entered and items including tools, a suitcase and laptop were taken.
  • At Reading Moto Services M4 junctions 11-12 between 26 November and 28 November two Range Rovers, a Jaguar, a Mercedes and a Fiat 500 were all accessed by unknown means, ie no obvious sign of a break-in, and various pieces of luggage were stolen from the vehicles.
  • At Membury Welcome Break M4 at junctions 14 -15 between 24 November and 26 November two Land Rovers, a Mercedes and a Renault were accessed by unknown means. Luggage, wallets and cash were stolen.
Investigating officer, Sgt Alan Hawkett of Newbury Police Station said: “I strongly recommend that any members of the public visiting motorway services stations anywhere in the country keep all valuable items in their possession when away from their vehicle. Offenders may be using technology to prevent your vehicle from locking therefore we would advise a manual check of the doors before leaving your vehicle.
“I am appealing to the public who use in car dash cameras who may have been at any of the above service stations on the above dates and times to contact me. You may have captured an offence or offender on camera. I am extremely keen to review the footage.”
Anyone with any information or dashcam footage relevant to these incidents is asked to call 101 using ref 409 27/11/2016 or email alan.hawkett@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Thursday 1 December 2016

Wednesday 30 November 2016

LOST!


Once again, those silly sheep have gone and got themselves lost, and this time 12 have strayed to Nether Winchendon too!  Can you help find them and get them back to their shepherds for  Christmas Eve?  There will be finders prizes!

Please click this link to download an entrance form.

Monday 28 November 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

More Funding award for the New Hall Fund
Antonia Stratford, chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee has again been successful in an application for a grant towards the building of the new hall. The Rothschild Foundation, chaired by Lord Rothschild, which gives grants to a variety of charitable initiatives local to Waddesdon, has agreed to donate £5,000. Slowly, but surely, the new hall fund is increasing with several other fund raising events and ideas organised. The committee still welcomes any offers from villagers to hold fund raising events.

Adam is The Best
Good news to learn that Adam Lazaruk recently was awarded Volunteer of The Year 2016 at The Bucks & MK Sports Awards evening at The Waterside Theatre on Friday November 18. He received his award from former GB rower and 5 time Olympic Gold Medal winner, Sir Steve Redgrave. Adam has given exceptional time and work and enthusiasm to Chearsley Cricket Club over many years. A well deserved award for him from an organisation which has “Thanking the people who make Sport happen” as their motto.

Christmas Bingo at The Bell
Dust off your Christmas jumper, find those flashing Happy Christmas earrings and get in the Christmas mood for Christmas bingo at The Bell on Tuesday December 6. As usual it will be Eyes Down at around 8.45pm and likely to be very busy, so get there early to secure a seat at a table. Come early in time for a meal beforehand at special prices for Bingo players. You can be assured of a great evening with good cash prizes and festive raffle.

Fish and Chip Van
Look out for the van with flashing orange light and listen out for the ringing of the bell when the fish and chip van is in town on Monday nights. It stops by The Green at about 5.45pm and returns at around 8 to 8.30pm having visited other nearby villages, including Nether Winchendon, Cuddington and Long Crendon. Delicious, freshly cooked fish and chips.

New Notice Board
Have you seen there is a new notice board? The Parish Council has arranged for the installation of a smart new notice board next to the bus shelter, replacing the old broken one. They request that it is respected as a community service and priority will be given to village information and events over commercial advertising. Notices should be displayed tidily, not overlapping others and using drawing pins only, not staples. All out of date information should be removed. Alicia Howard will continue her responsibility for overseeing the notice board and can be contacted as follows on 01844 208036 or email alicia@tangerinetiger.net.

Switching on of the Christmas Tree lights
All villagers are invited to gather with torches and lanterns outside The Bell on Friday December 9 at 6.45 for the countdown to the official lights switch on with carols and mince pies. The more the merrier, and please bring along a torch or lantern!

Elevensies
Saturday December 3 from 10am to 1pm All For the Hall Please note that this now starts at 10am in the village hall when a cup of delicious real coffee or other hot drink and a piece of home made cake can be bought and enjoyed for £5. Squash and fairy cakes for children are free. There will be Christmas food and crafts, seasonal gifts and goodies on sale. All proceeds are in aid of our new village hall.

Bette Davis on The Edge evening success
Elaine English, who was responsible with Liz Davies for organising this recent fund raising evening in Cuddington, reports “Christine St John delivered a masterful performance of Bette Davis on The Edge on November 12. Ms St John wrote the piece after much research about Hollywood and Broadway in their glamorous heyday. What a rare treat to witness the passion and focus and talent of an actress of such calibre. There were moments when the sold-out audience held their breath waiting for release from the consummate performer, as she shared her life’s challenges and tales of her famous co-stars. We were all transported to that time and place And when she finished, the audience rose to its feet with huge thrilled smiles and loud and long applause. Ms. St. John gave her performance free.” The proceeds of £2,430 will be shared between the two Cuddington Youth Drama chosen charities of The Finley Newell Mobility & Equipment Fund and The Shikuku Shining Stars of Tomorrow.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday November 30 when the recycling bins and food bins will be collected.

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday December 4 Patronal and Toy Service at 10am. Rock Solid Christmas Party at 6 to 7.30pm
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday December 3 10am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy
  • Tuesday December 6 Christmas Bingo at The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.45pm
  • Friday December 9 Official switching on the Christmas Tree lights at 6.45pm

Friday 25 November 2016

STOLEN

Image result for silver van

Last Tuesday (22/11/16) a silver van (not sure of type or model) was stolen from Long Crendon about 11:50am.  It was driven to Chearsley church car park where some tools were left behind.  If you saw this van (possibly with another vehicle) between 12 and 1 last Tuesday, please contact our Police Community Officer, details below.

Sue Jones
Police Community Support Officer.. C9830
Waddesdon Police Station, 61 High Street, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JB
Police Non Emergency Telephone Number..101

Tuesday 22 November 2016

Christmas Services

Click here to download a pdf copy of the services at Chearsley, Long Crendon and Nether Winchendon this Christmas.

Monday 21 November 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

The AGM of the Village Hall Management Committee was held on Monday November 14. No members of the public attended. In the Chairman’s report, Antonia Stratford told of the hall’s eventful year mainly dominated by the decision after consultation with the village to submit plans for a new hall. Planning permission was received in late June. Funding for this had a major boost with donations from Rectory Homes and the Heybrook Family and a successful application to the New Homes Bonus Fund administered by AVDC for over £370,000. Other grant applications have also been completed and the outcome awaited. Rectory Homes and the Heybrooks have also agreed to add to their donations by matching any funds raised by the village.
Village fundraising has so far included a Family obstacle course, the Chearsley Boys calendar and ongoing fundraising from Easy fundraising and the AVDC lottery. Other fundraising events will take place soon – the Murder Mystery evening, Joy Payne’s Christmas garland workshop, Elevensies morning of coffee, cakes and craft. A quiz night is planned for January. For the future, a contractor for the hall will be selected by the end of this year and work is expected to start in June/July 2017.

Fund Raising Murder Mystery in the Village Hall
There may well be a few tickets available for this hall fund raising event on this coming Saturday November 26. Tickets cost £15 for the show and 2 course meal and £10 for children over 8 years old. Please contact me or email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk for more information and to reserve your tickets.

Blessing the Flock and Advent Family Fun on Advent Sunday November 27 at 2pm
We are all invited to the church on Advent Sunday to commence the countdown to Christmas by making your own Advent candle as the flock of knitted sheep gather in the church to begin their journey to the manger. Come for refreshments, craft and a short informal service led by Rev. Richard Phillips.

Chearsley Christmas Tree Lights
Again this year, the now customary Christmas tree will be erected on The Green making an attractive Christmassy feel for everyone coming into Chearsley. Villagers new to Chearsley might not know that we like to make any excuse for a village get-together and we have our own switching on of the tree lights ceremony. So, Chearsley villagers, young and old, come and gather with torches and lanterns outside The Bell on Friday December 9 at 6.45pm for the countdown to the official lights switch on, mince pies and carols. The more the merrier. The tree will be erected on Saturday November 26 and any help with this would be very welcome. Please contact Nic Brown on nicb@chateaubrown.com.

Elevensies
Don’t forget that items are still needed for the craft stall and cakes or Christmas goodies for the cake stall at this village event fund raising for the new hall, to be held on Saturday December 3 from 11 to 1pm. Anything knitted, sewn or crotched, home baked Christmas puds, mince pies, cakes, jams, chutneys etc. will be most welcome, Contact Ann Pratt on 01844 201611.

Chearsley Christmas Cards 
There are 4 different designs of these cards by Alicia Howard on sale for £3.50 per pack of 4 available to purchase from The Bell or from Alicia herself. Email Alicia@tangerinetiger.net.

New Year’s Eve at The Bell
You can dance away the old year and welcome in the new on Saturday December 31 at The Bell at their disco with DJ. Tickets for this cost £6 which will include nibbles. The New Year ‘s Day breakfast has now become a Bell tradition and can be enjoyed from 12 until 2pm. Tickets for both New Year’s Eve disco and the breakfast can be purchased for £12.

2017 at The Bell
The long winter months of January and February can be cheered up by enjoying a meal at The Bell. Pick up their Christmas card which has vouchers for January and February offering £5 off the bill when two people dine together and each enjoy a 2 course meal or £10 off the bill when four people enjoy a 2 course meal. Also on offer is a free bottle of Pinot Grigio when 4 adults have 4 main meals. These same offers are also available with vouchers for February. The vouchers cannot be used on Sundays, bingo evenings and Burns meals.

Car Defrosting and risk of Theft has happened locally on November 8 in Brill, when a young man was out defrosting his car. He cleared the windows while the engine was warming up – a routine that most drivers have on cold frosty mornings. Having prepared his car for use, he then left it momentarily on his drive and went back inside to collect something. In that brief moment, a thief jumped into his car and drove away, leaving the victim disbelieving and devastated. Thames Valley Police have issued warnings about this and advise you to use ice scrapers or de-icer to clear frosted windows. Every sympathy to this young man and I hope his car was found. Thanks to Chrissie who writes the Brill Neighbourhood News for this information.

Be A Better Driver
Transport for Bucks is again running some winter driving workshops and would encourage all drivers to attend. The workshops are free and will include a presentation on essential driving skills, how to drive on winter roads, preparing your car for winter, what to do in the event of a breakdown, practical basic vehicle checking from experienced garage technicians, checks on tyre pressure, tread and depth, how to change a wheel, how to check your battery condition. There is one on Wednesday December 7 in Aylesbury from 7 to 8.30pm at STS Tyre Pros, Park Street, Aylesbury HP20 1DX and there are two others to be held in High Wycombe and Chesham. Please contact June Howlett, Road Safety Officer at jhowlett@buckscc.org or phone 01296 382416.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday November 23 when the general refuse bins and food bins will be collected.

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday November 27 2pm Advent Family Fun and Blessing the Flock
Diary Dates:
  • Monday November 21 Parish Council meeting in the village hall at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 26 10am to 12midday Christmas Garland workshop with Joy. Ring her on 208513 or email joychearsley@gmail.com. All money goes to the village hall fund.
  • Saturday November 26 “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15, £10 for children to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Monday November 28 Mobile library by The Green from 10 to 10.25am
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy
  • Friday December 9 Official switching on the Christmas Tree lights at 6.45pm

Saturday 19 November 2016

Friday 18 November 2016

Christmas Tree Switch-On

 
at The Bell on Friday 9th December 6.45pm
with mince pies & mulled wine

Everyone is invited to come along for the official lighting up of
the tree on The Green and to sing some carols in support of
DEBRA and CF, charities providing funding for research into chronic
conditions which affect the lives of two of our youngsters in Chearsley.
Please bring along your lamps and torches!

Brown Bin Reminder

A quick reminder that the last Brown Bin collection for 2016 will be next Monday, 21st November.


Thursday 17 November 2016

Calling all able bodied folks from Chearsley

From Nic Brown

Our village Xmas tree arrives early this year so hoping for a good turnout to get it erected on the village green at 12 noon on Saturday the 26th November including the festooning of the festive lights although these will not be lit until the 1st December with the official switch on scheduled for Friday the 9th December at 6.45pm outside the Bell Pub ( don’t want to leave it too late given the ages of some of the nippers )
Please can you let me know at nicb@chateaubrown.com if you are happy to support for an hour or two on the 26th November and if so any spare tools such as ladders , axes , chainsaws etc. etc. are most welcomed.

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Parish Council Meeting
All villagers are invited and welcomed at this next meeting to be held on Monday November 21 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The councillors welcome all comments and suggestions on the work that the Council does for the village and to voice any concerns or issues villagers may have. There is an opportunity at the beginning and end of the meeting for members of the public to have their say. Please come along for an interesting and informative evening.

Good Luck to Adam Lazaruk
All members of Chearsley Cricket Club and all of Adam’s family and friends will be wishing him a very successful evening on Friday November 18 when he attends a black tie dinner at The Waterside to find out whether he has won Volunteer of the Year 2016 in The Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Awards. Adam is on a short-list of three, selected from over 100 nominations and was nominated by Chearsley Cricket Club for the exceptional amount of work, time and enthusiasm he has given to developing the cricket club since its “rebirth” in 1989. Winner of not, Adam should be deservedly proud of reaching the final three and the Club will be celebrating with him in their usual style at the Cricket Club Dinner and Dance the following night.

HGVs
Two HGV traffic surveys have already been undertaken in Chearsley, Cuddington and Ashendon and the facts and figures and concerns of these villages were presented to Bucks County Council Transport For Bucks Autumn/Winter conference by John Howard and other members of our Parish Council. Bucks County Council is currently reviewing their transport strategy and it is hoped that the informative and well presented report by John Howard on the extreme numbers of HGV vehicles recorded coming through Chearsley and the dangers and problems caused by them will have some influence on the County. It is vital to keep recording and a further survey is planned. Ashendon will not be able to take part due to the road closure. John Howard is looking for volunteers to help on Friday November 25 from 8am until 4pm. Please contact him at jnh@dbmc.co.uk

Cheeky Calendar Boys Bare All for Hall
More publicity for fundraising for the New Hall can be found in the current edition of Vale Life where there is a short article about the Chearsley Calendar Boys, including two photos (nothing too saucy) to give everyone a tantalising taste of the theme of the calendar. Well done to all the models and thanks to the calendar’s sponsors, who are The Bell, Rectory Homes, Sherlock Combs, POPPETS, Horton Cars, Dale and Heybrook Garden Designers, The Big Mower Company, carcleaned.com, All About Artwork, Haddenham Garden Centre, Velvet Brown, College Farm Shooting Ground, The Egg House Butchery and Chearsley Cricket Club.
The calendars, which make unique Christmas presents are available to buy at £10 each by emailing chearsley villagehall@hotmail.co.uk or by coming to The Bell where there may be a sighting of one or two of the models in the flesh and where the calendars are also on sale.

Fish and Chips on a Monday Night
Did you know that a fish and chip van has been calling at the bus stop in Chearsley on Monday nights at 5.45pm? Chearsley is now served by Howe & Co, whose Head office is at Little Horwood, and who have been serving fish and chips for more than 80 years. The van stops at Chearsley before going on to Nether Winchendon and Cuddington and then returning to Chearsley at about 8pm. The quality of fish and chips has an excellent reputation and have been tried and tested at several celebrations and occasions in the village. I understand that calling at Chearsley is part of a 6 week trial period. Hopefully villagers will support this village facility to keep it established for Monday nights. It doesn’t clash with The Bell as there is no food available these nights. So if time is short or life too busy for cooking, remember the fish and chip van on Monday nights.

The Bell
Sharon and her staff continue to offer a friendly welcome at The Bell with cosy log burner to keep the November cold at bay. Always on offer are very well kept local beers and a tasty menu is available every lunchtime and evening, except Monday and Sunday evenings. Throughout November, Tuesdays are Curry nights and Thursday Gourmet Burger Nights, with everything freshly prepared in The Bell kitchen. Details of the Christmas Menu of 2 or 3 courses which starts December 5 are now available. Call in on Friday mornings when the pub is open at 10am for coffee and pub-baked cake for £3.50.

Christmas Fayre with Santa at The Bernard Hall - Saturday November 19 2pm to 4.15pm
There will be many varied stalls at this annual event in Cuddington where entry is free. Come and buy Christmas gifts, handicrafts, home made cakes, preserves, planted winter containers, pre-loved toys, Haddenham & District Age concern artwork. Take part in the raffle and enjoy some refreshments.

Cuddington Sunshine Club Matinee Cinema
On Monday November 21 there will be a showing of “Annie Get Your Gun” in The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm. This is an American Musical made in 1950 loosely based on the life of Annie Oakley and starring Betty Hutton and Howard Keel and includes well known songs such as “There’s No Business like Show Business” and “Anything You Can Do”.
Tickets cost £5 or £4 concession price which includes tea and homemade cake during the interval and can be purchased on the door or reserved by ringing Liz on 01844 299150. Doors open at 1pm. Please remember to park considerately to allow space for disabled drivers to park outside the hall. There is plenty of room to park in the car park at the Cuddington Playing Fields Club House, Bernard Close.

Ashendon Road Closure
I have only just caught up with the road closure through Ashendon which has been closed since the end of October. Thames Water are renewing the water mains and the road allowing access through Ashendon to Westcott is completely closed now until December 22. There is then a second phase of the work when the road is closed again on January 3 2017 until February 27. It means a detour through Upper Winchendon down to join the busy A41 through Waddesdon and on.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday November 16 when the blue lidded recycling bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday November 20 Holy Communion at 9am
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance
  • Monday November 21 Last Brown Bin collection of the year
  • Monday November 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 26 10am to 12midday Christmas Garland workshop with Joy. Ring her on 208513 or email joychearsley@gmail.com. All money goes to the village hall fund.
  • Saturday November 26 "Murder at The Manor" with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15, £10 for children to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy

Friday 11 November 2016

Appeal for witnesses after vehicle crime - Cuddington

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

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after one vehicle was stolen and another one damaged in Cuddington.

Overnight on Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th November a resident in Bernard Close reported that two windows had been smashed on her Vauxhall Corsa, although it doesn’t appear that anything has been stolen.

On the same night in Aylesbury Road another Vauxhall Corsa was stolen from a driveway.

PCSO Sue Jones from the Waddesdon Neighbourhood Policing Team is the officer dealing with these crimes. If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area that night please give her a ring on the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.

If you don’t want to speak to the police or give your details you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or report it online. No personal details will be taken. Information is not traced or recorded and you will not have to go to court.


Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Service of Remembrance


Wednesday 9 November 2016

Car Defrosting – Risk Of Theft On Cold Mornings

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

Nobody likes cold morning starts. The tempting option of starting the car, setting the blowers to max and leaving it to idle until the windows have cleared, sounds more attractive than hacking at ice-covered windows with a scraper.

One UK Insurance company has claimed that motorists waste nearly £50m of fuel each winter by leaving their cars to idle and warm up while they defrost the windows. And it appears lots of us are doing it. A survey carried out by one insurance group found four in 10 respondents said they leave their cars to idle, unattended.

However from a policing point of view, there is a risk that your car may be stolen by teams of organised criminals who target cars, left running with keys in the ignition, on frosty mornings. The insurance companies also point out that your insurance may be invalid, through negligence, if you leave your car running with the keys in the ignition and it is stolen. The financial impact may therefore be significant and there is likely to be significant disruption to your daily schedule, as you may not get a courtesy car in the circumstances.

With the recent drop in temperatures, we have already taken reports of this kind of theft in the area. Please don’t take the risk; spend a few pence on an ice scraper or a canister of de-icer to ensure your windows are clear before you start your journey.

Winter road safety advice is available on the Thames Valley Police website.


Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Monday 7 November 2016

Christmas Garland Workshop - for the hall!



All proceeds will go to the village hall.


Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Funding Boost for New Village Hall
The Village Hall Management Committee is delighted to announce that it has received a major boost to its new village hall fundraising efforts with a grant of £376,372 from Aylesbury Vale District Council’s New Homes Bonus Funding Scheme. Together with the funds already raised of nearly £100,000, this means that Chearsley can now proceed to the next stage of the project. Antonia Stratford, chair of Chearsley Village hall commented “my committee and I are delighted that finally our dream can become a reality and we can replace our old, tired and outdated village hall for a building that will be attractive, fully accessible and energy efficient that will be used by all members of the community for many years to come”.
Nic Brown, chairman of Chearsley Parish Council commented “The Parish Council and Village Hall committee have worked extremely hard over the last 3 years to pull together all the information needed for this grant. The village has been fully consulted all the way through this project and is now pulling together to raise the last remaining funds”.
The project is scheduled to start next summer, with the total estimated cost of the build likely to be around £550,000. To meet this target, other funding applications will be made and villagers will continue to organise fundraising events and activities which will include a Christmas wreath making class, coffee morning, murder mystery night, family quiz night and a "buy a brick" scheme. The Heybrook family and Sarah and Simon Vickers of Rectory Homes have also confirmed that they will generously match fundraising efforts by the local community towards the new hall.

Murder at The Manor
As a fundraising event for the new village hall, Chearsley Village Hall are pleased to present "Murder at The Manor" to be performed by The Thame Players on Saturday November 26 at the village hall. It will be a fun and entertaining evening for all the family, suitable for all including children of 8+ years. Tickets are £15 each (£10 for children) for a 2 course dinner and the murder, with a prize for discovering the identity of the murderer.
There will be a bar and doors open at 6.15pm ready for the start of the show at 6.30pm. Tickets are available from Antonia Stratford, Alex Wall Morris and Angela Gray or email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk. It promises to be a popular event, so early booking is advisable.

Christmas Garlands

Joy Payne, who is well known for her flower arranging knowledge and skills, is holding a workshop on Saturday November 26 from 10 to 12 in the village hall to demonstrate how to make a lovely Christmas door garland using natural foliages. Joy will provide all materials necessary for everyone to make their own and offer help and advice and encouragement for those (such as me) who do not have a natural eye and flair to make their own. Just bring florist scissors or garden secateurs.
Everything else will be supplied. Please let Joy know as soon as possible if you would like to come as places will be limited. The cost is £25 which Joy is generously donating to the Village Hall Fund. Ring Joy on 208513 or email her at joychearsley@gmail.com.

More Fundraising for the New Village Hall
A reminder of other ways that villagers can help augment the amount needed for the new hall. The Vale Lottery is a weekly draw when 60% of your ticket price will go towards the hall and give you the chance to win up to £25,000. An easy way to join is by going to the village hall Support Us link and clicking on "vale lottery". There is also the opportunity of earning a little for the fund every time you shop online. by joining Easy Fundraising. This is supported by a large number of stores and companies and is easy to register by going to www.easyfundraising.org.uk. Over £159 has been raised already in this way by only 16 Chearsley villagers over the last year. Christmas is approaching and there must be many villagers ordering goods on line, so please register with Easy Fundraising at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/unite/2Z6FWU? and donating is then done easily and without any cost to you.

Chearsley Cricket Club is holding its AGM at the pavilion on Monday November 21 to which all Cricket Club members are invited. They are looking for someone to take over running the Club’s fun and games programme for the coming year. Please email Terry Gadsby at terrygadsby@btinternet.com if you are interested in joining their committee.

Shed break-ins
It is disturbing news that 2 village sheds have recently been broken into and equipment stolen. On different nights of the same week, the shed in the grounds of the church was broken into and a strimmer stolen. The next night, a shed in Bernards Close probably accessed from Hicks Path, had its lock smashed and a rotavator stolen which would have needed two men and a van. Other items in the shed had been locked together and were therefore secure. A warning for villagers to do everything they can to protect their tools and equipment and to be aware that break-ins can and do happen in our village.

Bingo at The Bell
Another busy Bingo night was held on Tuesday November 1 when there was a top prize of £69 for the final full house of the evening. The Snowball game now stands at over £200 to be won in less than 57 numbers, and this could possibly be won at the Christmas Bingo evening to be held on Tuesday December 6.

Remembrance Sunday November 13
There will be a service at the War Memorial at 10.45am led by John Scholefield, which follows the service of Morning Celebration in the church at 10am. Refreshments of tea and coffee and cake will be available for all at the village hall afterwards.

Quiz cancelled
Friday November 11 at the village hall in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice - I have been told that the organisers have decided to cancel this event due to lack of interest.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday November 9 when the general refuse bins and food bins will be collected

Diary Dates:
  • Saturday November 12 Bette Davis On the Edge Charity Evening at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington Ring Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for tickets
  • Monday November 14 AGM Village Hall Management committee at 8pm in the village hall
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance
  • Monday November 21 Last Brown Bin collection of the year
  • Monday November 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 26 10am to 12noon Christmas Garland workshop with Joy. Ring her on 208513 or email joychearsley@gmail.com
  • Saturday November 26 at 6.30pm “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15, £10 for children to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy

Friday 4 November 2016

Reminder to ‘leave a light on’

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

This weekend, many Aylesbury Vale residents will be going out with their families and friends to fireworks displays or bonfire parties.

If you are going out in the evening, for whatever reason, just take a moment to review your home security:-
  •  You may have driven along residential roads in your area and thought to yourself how easy it is to tell who is out by the fact that their home is in total darkness – opportunist criminals may be thinking the same thing!
  • Before you leave make sure your doors and windows are properly secured and double locked. Leave lights on to give the appearance of someone being home and set your alarm if you have one.
  • If you see anyone acting suspiciously report them to the police on the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101. If you think a crime is happening at that time dial on 999. Try to see what they look like, clothing description etc and details of any vehicle they may be using, especially the registration number.
Enjoy your night out, whatever you are doing, but make sure you don’t give criminals the opportunity to ruin the fun.

Crime prevention advice and information can be found on the Thames Valley Police website

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Monday 31 October 2016

Village News

 with Margaret Morbey

An Extraordinary Parish Council Planning Meeting will be held this evening Wednesday November 2 in the village hall at 6.30pm. On the agenda will be 2 planning matters. Application no. 16/03609/APP for a single storey rear infill extension at The Old Granary, Chilton Road and Application no. 16/03565/APP at 2-4 Winchendon Road for removal of existing dwellings and residential redevelopment to create 5 x 2 bed dwellings and 1 x 3 bed dwelling and 1 x 4 bed dwelling and revised access.
All villagers are welcome to attend to hear the Parish Council’s considerations and comments on these matters for return to AVDC and there is a 15 minutes time set aside to receive representations from members of the public at the start of the meeting.

Poppy Selling
It is very good news to hear that Sue Grimsdell is feeling well enough to undertake her 18th year of poppy selling in Chearsley, despite having undergone operations and chemotherapy over the past months. It is a big task to visit all the houses in the village and although Sue is feeling well, she is very pleased to have the offer of assistance from Joy Payne to help collect from the whole village. Both Sue and Joy have very strong connections with the Armed Services. There will be a Service of Morning Celebration at St Nicholas Church at 10 am on Remembrance Sunday November 13 followed by a service led by John Scholefield at The War Memorial at 10.45am to which everyone is invited and to refreshments in the village hall afterwards.

Elevensies
This event organised by Anne Pratt and Alicia Howard to raise funds for the New Village Hall needs craft items and tasty Christmas gifts and Anne Pratt is encouraging everyone to get their needles, crotchet hooks, scissors and ovens busy to make suitable items to donate. Please contact Anne with any proposed donations on 01844 201611 or email her at annesarah@me.com . Elevensies will be held on Saturday December 3 in the village hall from 11 to 1pm.

Calendar Photos
As well as the recently published Chearsley Boys calendar, on sale for £10 with proceeds going to the New Hall Fund, Sharon Sampson, the photographer, has a library of “out-takes” of photos to view and for sale. An A4 size photo costs £10 and is available from Sharon who can be contacted at Sampson@cloverdale.biz

AGM of Village Hall Management committee
This will be held in the Village Hall on Monday November 14 at 8pm and all members of the public are welcome to attend. On the Agenda will be reports from the Chairman, the Treasurer, The Bookings Secretary and the Secretary and an up to date report on progress on the building of the new village hall.

Florence Nightingale Hospice Tree of Light
Anyone who has lost family or friends, whether or not they were cared for by Florence Nightingale Hospice and regardless of faith or religion, is invited by the Hospice to join them at one of their Tree of Light Ceremonies being held this December, for an opportunity to honour and remember their loved one by sponsoring a Christmas light in their memory. As well as sponsoring a light, a dedication and tribute can be made which will be included in the Books of Honour on view at the Tree of Light Ceremonies.
Their name can also be included in a Roll of Honour to be published in the Bucks Herald in December. The Ceremonies will be lead by the Hospice Chaplain, The Revd Carole Hough with carols, a selection of readings and music by the Leighton Buzzard Salvation Army Band. The first event will be held at The Head Office of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity at Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury on Sunday December 4 at 5pm and the second at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Buckingham on Saturday December 10 at 3.30pm. Please contact the Fundraising Team on 01296 429975 for more information and to request a Tree of Light Form.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday November 2 when the recycling bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday November 6 10am Family communion and 6-7.30pm Rock Solid

Diary Dates:
  • Wednesday November 2 (tonight) Extraordinary Planning Meeting in the village hall at 6.30pm
  • Sunday November 6 Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Saturday November 12 Bette Davis On the Edge Charity Evening at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington Ring Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for tickets
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance
  • Monday November 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 26 “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15 to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Calling all Crafters and Cooks!

You will already know that there is an “Elevensies" Coffee and Crafts morning planned in aid of the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd December.
Now is the time for me to call on your talents to make good quality craft items or tasty Christmas gifts to donate to the craft sale. You do not have to fill a stall, just make a few interesting gifts! I shall co-ordinate stalls to combine different types of items.
I have already started on a few crochet pieces and I know one or two others have some ideas, so get those needles, hooks, scissors and ovens busy please. It is our hall, so let’s all help where we can.
Please contact me to let me know what you hope to make.

Anne Pratt - Tel: 201611 - annesarah@me.com



Halloween / Trick Or Treat Advice

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

Halloween / trick or treat advice - Aylesbury Vale

On and around Halloween, Thames Valley Police will be carrying out patrols in the evenings to make sure that people who are trick-or-treating are doing so in a friendly manner and not causing a nuisance.

For some people, this time of the year can be a bother as your evenings are interrupted with people knocking on your doors for treats. Most of these children or teenagers are just getting involved in the Halloween celebrations and will be friendly.

If you feel unsafe:
  • Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
  • Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
  • If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.
Thames Valley Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

To report anti-social behaviour, call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number. If you feel threatened, if it’s an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.

For more information and to download a ‘no trick or treat’ poster / card please visit the Thames Valley Police website

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Monday 24 October 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Calendar Launch
The new village hall fund has had a boost of £1000 from the sale of 100 calendars of Chearsley Boys which were sold at this very crowded event in The Bell on Friday October 14. Calendars can still be bought from The Bell or by emailing chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk. Calendars cost £10 each and all proceeds will go towards the new village hall fund. Sharon Sampson, the Calendar’s imaginative photographer, has a large number of out-takes in her photographic library. A4 copies of prints costing £10 each are available to buy. Please contact Sharon directly at Sampson@cloverdale.biz to see her collection and to buy a print.

Spot The Bot
The identity of the male diving into the swimming pool in this spin-off competition from the Calendar photos was revealed as John Howard. A bottle of champagne went to the winning entry.

Welcome to the Parish Council’s new Clerk, Helen Spurgeon, who can be contacted for Parish Council matters at 41 Giffard Way, Long Crendon HP18 9DN or by email at chearsleypc@chearsley.com

Proposed Development in Winchendon Road
A public planning site meeting took place on Saturday. Details of the proposed plans can be viewed via chearsley.blogspot.co.uk with the planning reference 16/03565/APP. Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust are proposing to remove the existing dwellings and residential development to create 5 x 2bedroom dwellings, 1 x 3 bedroom dwelling and 1 x 4 bedroom dwelling with revised access.

Chearsley Christmas Cards
Alicia Howard’s delightful Christmas cards of four different designs of local scenes, including the Christmas tree on Chearsley Green, a snowman at Chearsley Church, the three churches in our parish in a winter setting and new this year, choirboys singing in church. There are four cards of single design with envelopes in each pack which cost £3.50 and can be purchased from The Bell or from Alicia herself at Alicia@tangerinetiger.net

Mobile Library - This will next be in the village on October 31 from 10 until 10.25am.

Quiz in Chearsley village hall in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Fund
Celebrate the fireworks season by coming to Bright Sparks Quiz Night at the village hall on Friday November 11 at 7.15pm. All proceeds will go to the Florence Nightingale Hospice Fund. Bring your own food and drink to fuel your brainpower. Tables are for up to teams of 8 with tickets costing £6 each and can be obtained by ringing 01296 419975 or email emmacarroll@fnhospice.org.uk.

Aylesbury Beer Festival
Trying out new local beers might be to your taste and also help to raise funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Fund at the Aylesbury Beer Festival this coming Friday October 28 from 6 to 11pm, or on Saturday October 29 from 11am to 11pm at Bucks County Council Sports & Social Club, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville. There will be over 20 real ales, plus cider and perries, soft drinks, hot and cold food. On Saturday there will be live music and entertainment. Tickets cost £6 on the door or £5 in bought in advance by phoning Florence Nightingale Fundraising team on 01296 429975

Refuse Collections: Wednesday October 26 when the general waste bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday October 30 United Benefice Service and baptism at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday October 29 Halloween Disco and Fancy Dress at The Bell 8 till late.
  • Monday October 31 Mobile Library 10 to 10.25am
  • Monday October 31 Children’s Halloween Party at The Bell 4.15 to 6pm. Tickets £5 for tea and games.
  • Tuesday November 1 Bingo at The Bell with Eyes Down at 8.45pm. Good cash prizes.
  • Sunday November 6 Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Saturday November 12 Bette Davis On the Edge Charity Evening at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington. Ring Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for tickets
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance
  • Monday November 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 26 “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15 to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy

Thursday 20 October 2016

Planning Application: PC Site Visit

The Parish Council will be conducting a site visit on Saturday 22nd October at 10.30am for planning application:
  • 16/03565/APP - 2-4 Winchendon Road, Chearsley, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0DP
    Removal of existing dwellings and residential redevelopment to create 5 x 2 bed dwellings and 1 x 3 bed dwelling and 1 x 4 bed dwelling and revised access.
Parishioners are welcome to attend. For any queries or petitions regarding this application, please contact the Parish Clerk – details can be found here.

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Monday 17 October 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

September Parish Council Meeting
This took place on Monday September 19. The full draft Minutes are available to view on the Parish Council link and are also displayed on the notice board. The following are some of the matters discussed.
  • The overhanging hedge in Church Piece is still blocking the footpath. Aylesbury Vale Housing Association will be contacted to ascertain whose responsibility it is to keep it trimmed.
  • AVDC would be notified about the missing dog bin in Church Lane.
  • Villagers to be encouraged to report potholes to Bucks County Council at www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/tell-tfb
  • Site meetings with 3 contractors to carry out kerbing work had been arranged. Julia Witcher would circulate proposals and timetables to councillors.
  • Site meetings with 3 contractors concerning verges had been arranged and a policy and schedule would be drawn up.
  • Interviews for a new parish clerk had been arranged. Robert Parkes had been appointed Advisor - Responsible Financial Officer for 1 year from October 1. This is a new, unpaid post . Thanks were given to Venetia Davies who had acted as interim clerk.

    Planning Matters:
  • Results of Site Meetings. The council supported the application to widen the existing vehicular access at Bramley House Shupps Lane The Council opposes the application for demolition of garage and erection of a 2 storey dwelling at The Lodge, Church Lane. The Boot, Watts Green had applied for permission for tree works and Lammas Cottage of School Lane for tree and ivy clearance and creation of steps to create a rear access to Lammas footpath. The Council had no objection to these.
  • HGVs and Speeding in the village Paul Bown had attended a recent meeting about HGVs. “Unsuitable for HGVs” signage could be positioned at the start of major roads in villages to deter large lorries entering. John Howard would request a representative from BCC to attend a meeting to outline speed restriction measures and he would investigate speed limit stickers on wheelie bins.
  • Handyman or contractor should be appointed to paint the railings by the bus stop, install the new notice board and erect the new flagpole. Nic Brown would investigate “No parking” signs near the bus stop area and having bollards to protect the village green. John Howard would arrange new bus stop signs and timetables. Also the restoration or repainting of the white gates on the main roads into the village and a new Welcome to Chearsley sign for the Chilton Road.
  • Defibrillator: John Howard would research final costs, which is part funded by the fete proceeds and which will be situated on the wall of Byeways, The Green, facing the shop. Funding from the AVDC Community Chest might be available.
  • AOB: Members of the village hall committee to be invited to update the Parish Council on the new village hall at a future meeting. Congratulations were given to Fred Crawford and team for another very successful Classic & Vintage Fun Day. Councillors were invited to attend a meeting of Cuddington Parish Council on Monday December 12 when representatives from BCC will outline details of streaming local government.
  • Next meeting to be held on Monday October 17 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Theatre in the Villages
The Village Hall Committee were very pleased to be able to take part in this year’s programme, which enables professional productions to perform in rural places and is organised by AVDC. 50 people, mostly from the village, came to the village hall on Friday October 7. and thoroughly enjoyed the Utterly Spiffing Magic Show by Morgan & West. The children entered into the spirit of the evening with great enthusiasm and were all eager to become a volunteer and take part in the fun. Although there were not enough tickets sold for the village hall fund to benefit, a small amount was made from the refreshments sold.

Halloween at The Bell
Saturday October 29 There will be a Halloween Fancy Dress Party from 8 until late with Disco and DJ. There will be a prize for the best fancy dress of a meal for 2 at The Bell.
Monday October 31 There will be a children’s Halloween Party in The Bell from 4.15 until 6pm. Tickets for £5 per child are available to buy at the bar. There is a menu choice for tea of jacket potato with cheese and beans, or hot dog and chips or fish fingers with chips peas or beans. Plenty of Halloween spooky fun and games of wrap up the Mummy and Halloween chocolate hunt. Phone Sharon on 01844 208077 for more information or to book beforehand.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday October 19 when the blue lidded recycling refuse bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday October 23 Family Service at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Monday October 17 Parish Council Meeting in the village hall at 7.30pm. If you are interested in your village, please come to support the councillors and new Parish Clerk
  • Wednesday October 19 Pub lunch at The Bell at 12.30. Contact Sharon to book your meal.
  • Saturday October 29 Halloween Fancy Dress Disco at The Bell from 8 till late
  • Monday October 31 Children’s Halloween Party at The Bell from 4.15 until 6pm. Tickets £5 from The Bell
  • Tuesday November 1 Bingo at The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.45pm. Good cash prizes
  • Sunday November 6 Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Saturday November 12 Bette Davis On the Edge Charity Evening at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington Ring Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for tickets
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance email Angela Gray or Claire Lazaruk
  • Saturday November 26 “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15 to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Damaris Biffen
There is sad news that Miss Biffen as she was known to so many Chearsley children, who would now be around the age of 40, has died. Adelina Lilias Damaris Biffen, eldest sister to Blanche, Rhoda and Grace, was a very much loved and respected head teacher of Chearsley School from the mid 70s for about 10 years. Her family have written that Damaris’s health had deteriorated for a few months and she was looked after by her family with love and devotion in Bourne End. She was 94. Her funeral and Thanksgiving service at Granville Street Church, Aylesbury has taken place.
Chearsley school had been under threat of closure in 1973 when pupil numbers had been halved due to a change in the leaving age from 11 to 8, but with the arrival of Miss Biffen, the school developed well and children numbers increased to 27 in 1979. Unfortunately, after Miss Biffen left, a final threat of closure succeeded despite a campaign by governors, parents and the local MP to keep the school open, and Chearsley school closed in 1988. Donations can be made in her memory to Tearfund, a charity Damaris supported and believed in. Log on to the justgiving website, and the donation page will come up by typing in her name and where there is a photo of her.

Reporting a pothole - there is now a link to BCC transport for Bucks permanently displayed on the village links section on the main web page.

Bingo at The Bell
A very good cash prize of over £70 went to a lucky customer for the final full house of the evening on Monday’s October bingo evening at The Bell and the Snowball Game prize has now reached nearly £180. £45 went into the charity pot from the proceeds of the raffle. Next month’s Bingo night will be on November 1 with Eyes Down at around 8.30pm. Come and try your luck for some very good cash prizes and a lot of fun. Have a meal beforehand at a special price for bingo players.

What’s On At The Bell in October
  • The Friday night game of Higher or Lower has now finished when over £800 was won by a lucky customer and a new game called Domination will start this Friday October 14.
  • Coffee and Cake Friday mornings are becoming increasingly well supported and enjoyed when The Bell is open from 10am for coffee and homemade cake, welcoming anyone to call in as an informal way of chatting to and meeting new villagers.
  • Calendar Boys - The much heralded calendar of Chearsley men will be launched in The Bell on Friday October 14 at 8pm. All proceeds of the Calendar, costing £10 will go to the new village hall fund. Advance orders can be made with Antonia at antoniacarrlock@hotmail.com.
  • Spot The Bot - As a sideline of this, there is a photo on the bar counter of an unknown Chearsley male diving into a swimming pool and you are invited to guess his identity from the evidence provided in the photo, It costs a £1 to have a go and the winner will be the first correct entry pulled out of the pot to win a bottle of bubbly.
  • Halloween Disco - Saturday October 29 there will be a Halloween Disco when spooky costumes will be welcome, if not obligatory, followed by a
  • Kids Halloween Party - on Monday October 31. More details of this later.
  • Tuesday Curry and a Pint evenings for £10 and Thursday Burger Nights for £9.95 will continue to be on offer throughout October.
The Fred Crawford Best in Show Winner
An Austin 12/4 London taxi belonging to Ian and Julie Smith of Kingswood was the winner of this award at the recent Classic Car show held at Chearsley cricket club. They were awarded the trophy and a bottle of vintage port by Fred Crawford at a small reception at the cricket pavilion. Their prize-winning vehicle was built in 1933 and used as a taxi in London until the outbreak of war in 1939 when it was used by the London Fire Brigade as an auxiliary fire tender to transport hoses or pull water pumps. After the war, it returned to taxi life until in 1952 is was exported to Canada. It was returned to England in 1995 to be restored and used as a wedding car until 2014 when it was acquired by Ian.
The committee of the Classic & Vintage Fun day thank all those who attended and especially the 30 or so volunteers who helped out on the day. Over £5,000 - which is almost double last year’s figure - was raised, which will be used primarily for the development of Junior Cricket to purchase kit and equipment and improve the coaching resources for the 100 youngsters on the club’s books. It will also enable improvements to be made to the fabric of the pavilion including much need additional storage space. The date for next year’s event is Sunday September 10 and feedback with ideas for improvements are welcome. Go to ccvfd.co.uk for photos and more information.

Cricket Club Dinner and Dance
This will be held at a new venue this year at Magnolia Park Golf Club on Saturday November 19 at 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets cost £35 per head (the same price as last year) for a 3 course dinner and dancing until 1am. Please contact Angela or Claire for menu choices and if you would like to book a place on the coach from Chearsley. Email angela@grayemail.co.uk or clairesamp@aol.com.

Volunteer of The Year
More Cricket News from John Howard: “Adam Lazaruk is on a short-list of 3 to win the Volunteer of the Year 2016 in The Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Awards. 3 candidates were selected from over 100 nominations and the winner will be announced at a black tie dinner at The Waterside Theatre on Friday November 18. As many will know “Laz” has played a massive part in getting Chearsley Cricket Club to where it is today. He has been closely involved with the club from its “rebirth” in 1989. He has been our 2nd XI (Dream Team”) captain since 2003 and has been a driving force behind the development of our successful Juniors section, which currently boasts over 100 youngsters in its ranks. He takes up near permanent residency at our club during the summer months, whether it is playing cricket, leading the Dream Team to victory, coaching the juniors, serving beer to thirsty cricketers, flipping burgers, helping get pitches ready, fundraising ...you name it, Laz does it.
When he finally gets home, he assumes the role of the Cricket Club webmaster/facebook poster/tweeter. He was also instrumental in the club securing a Community Chest grant, which enabled us to go ahead with the installation of the “state of the art” practice nets this summer. Laz, we are all deeply in your debt for the selfless devotion shown to our club which now has a “beacon” status in our happy village community. We shall all be rooting for you on Friday November 18 and whatever the outcome, champagne corks will be popping on the following evening at our Dinner and Dance”. Congratulations to Adam and good luck for November 18.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday October 12 when the green lidded general refuse bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday October 16 Holy Communion at 9am

Diary Dates:
  • Friday October 14 Chearsley Boys Calendar launch at The Bell at 8pm
  • Monday October 17 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall
  • Saturday November 12 Bette Davis On the Edge Charity Evening at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington Ring Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for tickets
  • Saturday November 19 Cricket Club Dinner and Dance email Angela Gray or Claire Lazaruk
  • Saturday November 26 “ Murder at The Manor” with The Thame Players at the village hall. Fund raising for the new village hall. Tickets £15 to include 2 course dinner. Email chearsleyvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk
  • Saturday December 3 11am to 1pm Elevensies in the village hall with Christmas food and crafts to buy