The Old Boy Files

Belatedly, news - and pictures - reach us of Chearsley cricketer Andrew Croxford marrying the delightful Melanie in December. Many of you will remember his brother Simon, who stayed in the village last summer, variously employed at Manor Farm and as a coach to Chearsley Juniors.
Thinking about it, many of you will never forget his brother Simon...

Melanie got in touch to say: "We were married on December 15, 2001 at St John's Church, Adelaide, South Australia and our reception was at the Stamford Plaza. Simon was one of Andrew's three groomsmen.
As we had been away from home for so long for our honeymoon we spent almost a week with my parents in south-east South Australia, and just over a week with Andrew's parents in Melbourne. We had the sort of honeymoon you never see in brochures!! We did really enjoy spending time with our families though and we've got some nice travel planned this year.
The family wedding photo has Andrew's sister - Penny, Dad - Geoff, Mum - Prue and of course, Simon."

Weigh to Go, Peter!

Sunday, September 16th, 2001 and deep in the heart of Buckinghamshire, the Bell Inn landlord Peter Grimsdell sets himself a target - to slim himself down to 16 stone by Easter Sunday.

Not content with losing a minimum of 44lbs for his own good, Peter resolved that his efforts should also benefit debra - the charity helping fund research and provide support for people with Epidermolysis Bullosa - currently an incurable condition affecting one in twenty thousand here in the UK.

Twenty-eight weekly Sunday weigh-ins later and Peter proudly steps on the scales to prove he had done it - down a massive 45lbs to just 15st 13lbs!

Sponsorship and contributions are expected to exceed £2,400 - an indication of just how generous the regulars of the Bell and residents of Chearsley can be and what a popular landlord we have. The fundraising will continue until a suitable date can be found when young Henry George of Chearsley - himself a sufferer of the condition - will hopefully feature in a grand presentation to the charity.

If you have not paid your dues, or you simply want to add to this splendid cause, now is the time! Peter is eagerly awaiting your money!

Nick, Paul and Jamie, who have provided moral support from the outset, join Peter for the presentation of the cake.

Peter beside the graphical display of how much weight he has lost - equivalent to 22 bags of sugar!