Thursday 31 December 2009

High Notes!

Chearsley Carol Singers this Christmas raised the staggering sum of
£440.00
which will be divided equally between The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and DebRA.

The singers would like to thank everybody for their tremendous help and support. DebRA wrote to say that this past year has seen some promising results from trials of a new treatment and it is the help from supporters such as Chearsley that is really making the difference, now and for the future.

Well done to all those involved!

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Weather Warning

Outbreaks of sleet and snow will become heavy at times, particularly over high ground, with accumulations of 5 to 10 cm, perhaps 15 cm on hills. Strong winds will also cause some drifting of the snow.
The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice regarding traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.

National Severe Weather Warning - issued by the Met Office at 13:57 on Tuesday, 29th December 2009

Tuesday 22 December 2009

True Grit - now showing everywhere!

Just when you thought it was safe to stay inside, news reaches us that our trusty clerk has exerted her not-inconsiderable influence and we should now have plenty of grit in our bins.

Chearsley Parish Council - getting stuff done!

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office for the attention of all vehicle owners / drivers.

With the weather being so cold at the moment, please remember not to leave your cars or motorcycles unattended with the engines running.

At this time of year it can be tempting to leave the car on the drive or on the street with the engine running to defrost the windscreen or melt the snow. This is an ideal chance for an opportunist thief to steal the vehicle or property.

The majority of insurers are unlikely to cover claims for theft or damage to your vehicle in these circumstances.

Monday 21 December 2009

Lies, damned lies, and, er... no grit in the bins

It has come to the attention of the Parish Council that a Chearsley resident, on telephoning Highways, was told the reason the village grit bins are empty is because the PC did not order a refill.

On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to categorically deny this, and state that a request was made in February for replenishment. The parish clerk was informed that there was none available at the time, but that the bins would be refilled. This never happened, despite the matter being pursued.

The Chairman himself will endeavour to pick up some salt and sand on Tuesday morning for distribution around the village, and any resident who has obtained, or can obtain some themselves, will be reimbursed by the PC (who will in turn put in a claim to Highways). Please keep your receipts and pass them on to the Parish Council Clerk.

Leif - 21-12-09 at 19:20

Weather Warning

Rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow as it spreads northwards across many southern and eastern parts of England during Monday afternoon and Monday night. There will be accumulations of 2 to 5 cm of fresh snow in many areas, with up to 10 cm likely in places, especially on higher ground.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the ’Highways Agency’ for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.

Issued by the Met Office at 10:43 on Monday, 21st December 2009

And a couple more photo's...


(Courtesy of Sharon Sampson)

Saturday 19 December 2009

Lights... Sound.. and mulled wine...

at the Grand Christmas Tree switch on, Friday night...


(Pictures courtesy of Perry Smith.)

Thursday 17 December 2009

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

British Legion Poppy Appeal
Sue Grimsdell, who has been selling poppies door-to-door in Chearsley for about 10 years, would like to thank everyone for their generosity this year which has resulted in a collection of over £355 – a record amount for Sue. Having two sons as officers in the Army and knowing other village lads in the Army, Sue is particularly grateful for Chearsley for their magnificent support. Sue is to be congratulated on the good job she does.

Chearsley Newsletter
Jay from the Tea Rooms and shop plans to produce a monthly newsletter starting this coming January. She would welcome contributions and information from as many sources as possible, with no cost for notices about village events or adverts for groups. Please contact Jay on www.chearsleyshop.com or phone 208486 or email celt3@sky.com for more information. It is quite a few years since we regularly enjoyed The Chearsley Newsletter produced by Ann and Ted Hooton. Please support this new venture by Jay.

Chearsley Cricket Quiz
This was well attended in the Village Hall on Saturday 12th December, resulting in a win for a team from Aylesbury. Ticket sales and raffle produced around £350 for Club funds. Thanks go to Larry “butterfingers” Warr as the Quiz Master.

Patience Clowes
Everyone who knew Patience will be saddened to learn of her death at the age of 95. Having qualified as an Almoner, she worked for many years in Social Services, her last job before retirement as Director of Social Services in Bucks. Patience first lived in The Boot, then moved to Chiltern View in Watts Green until she became a resident in Leonard Pullen House at Halton, of which she was a founder member. Patience will be remembered by many for her contributions to Chearsley life as a long serving member of the Parochial Church Council, support of the Church and as member and President of Chearsley W.I. Our condolences go to her nephews and families.

Congratulations to:
Della and Alan Mitchener of Shupps Lane on becoming the proud grandparents of their first granddaughter, born on December 16th to their youngest son, Daniel and his wife Victoria.
John Howard of School Lane on his recent “special” birthday
Peter and Pam Green of Lammas Lane on their 40th Wedding anniversary.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
I would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and New Year and to thank you for reading this column!

Early Warning of Heavy Snow

Issued by the Met Office at 08:27 on Thursday, 17th December 2009

There is a high risk of severe weather affecting parts of east and southeastern England during Thursday evening and Friday. Heavy snow showers will give accumulations of 5-10cm in places on low ground and 15-20cm over hills. The snow showers are expected to gradually die out from the north of the area through the day. Some drifting snow is likely in the strong north to northeasterly wind. This could cause disruption to travel networks.

(At least the Tree Ceremony should be pretty.....)

Thursday 10 December 2009

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas at St Nicholas, Chearsley
Everyone is welcome to the following Christmas celebrations :
Lessons and Carols: December 20th at 6pm
Children’s Crib Service: December 24th at 3pm - a simple candlelit service when there is a short re-telling of the Nativity Story with the children placing characters in the crib. It is also a chance to have a quiet moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
Midnight Communion: December 24th at 11.30pm
Christmas Praise: December 25th at 10am.

Christmas Tree Lights Ceremony
Friday 18th December is when there will be celebrations round our Christmas Tree on The Green, decorated by children from Chuf and Junior Church and the lights officially switched on. Come and join with everyone for carols, mince pies, hot mulled wine, and cheer. From 6.00 to 7.30pm.

Bingo at The Bell
About 35 villagers responded to the call of Bingo at The Bell on Tuesday 8th December evening, when some regulars at the bar eventually got the hang of what to do, surprising themselves at the fun they had. The Arnott family from Nether Winchendon, sitting at a lucky table, swept the board. It is planned to make Bingo a monthly occurrence. Watch The Bell blackboard for more information.

Highly Commended
The Bell has been “highly commended” in the AVDC “Best Village Pub in Aylesbury Vale” for 2009. AVDC runs the award every year in memory of the late Councillor Ted Payne and to recognise the important role that village pubs play in community life. Congratulations to Ollie and Sharon and their staff - you are doing a great job.

WebCam on The Green?
If The Archers can do it – why not Chearsley? Come along to the next Parish Council meeting in January to find out what may be planned to further advertise and promote Chearsley as a great village. The notice board will have details of the date in January.

Mobile Library
This will next be in the village on December 21st from 1.05 to 1.35pm.

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Bingo at the Bell!

Due to the success of the last Bingo Night at the Bell, another Bingo Night is planned for Tuesday 15th. December.
EYES DOWN (AND LOOKING!) 8.00 PM
CASH PRIZES - RAFFLE - FOOD AVAILABLE AS NORMAL

Thursday 3 December 2009

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Don’t forget - Village Quiz
The Cricket Club are holding a Quiz night at the Village Hall this Saturday, December 12th. 7.30 for 8.00 prompt start. Sounds like Christmas fun. Tickets are £6 each with tables for a maximum of 8. Contact James Veness on 07732438568 for tickets. Bring your own drinks and eats.

And, also Grease
A Sing-a-long-a to Grease evening is being held at the Bernard Hall, Cuddington on this Friday 11th December at 7pm. organized by Elaine English in aid of Cuddington Youth Drama. Tickets are £5.00 or £6.00. Please contact Elaine on 01298 655698 for tickets.

Christmas at St Nicholas, Chearsley
Everyone is welcome to the following Christmas celebrations :
Christingle: December 13th at 4pm
Lessons and Carols: December 20th at 6pm
Children’s Crib Service: December 24th at 3pm - a simple candlelit service when there is a short re-telling of the Nativity Story with the children placing characters in the crib. It is also a chance to have a quiet moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
Midnight Communion: December 24th at 11.30pm
Christmas Praise: December 25th at 10am.

Christmas Tree Lights Ceremony
Friday 18th December is when there will be celebrations round our Christmas Tree on The Green, and the lights officially switched on. Come and join with everyone for carols, mince pies, hot mulled wine, and cheer. From 6.00 to 7.30pm.

Refuse Collection
There is a collection of glass, plastics, paper and cans in addition to bins this Tuesday 15th December.

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Comic Relief's Older People's Programme (UK)

from Lynne Maddocks, AVDC Community Engagement Officer


Comic Relief is inviting the voluntary and community sector throughout the UK where older people aged 65+ are developing ideas for action and change, to submit applications through their Older People's Programme. The programme aims to:

· Support older people to bring positive change to their community

· Help older people feel less isolated, especially those who are most excluded such as:

o black and minority ethnic elders

o frail older people with mental health needs

o older carers

o those on lower incomes.

Examples of the types of projects they will fund include:

· Bringing the generations together to learn from each other through, for example, the creative arts or IT

· Older people acting as a resource to other older people and supporting those who may be less physically and mentally able

· Projects that are engaging hard to reach groups

· Activities which generate profits to further social or environmental goals, such as community cafes run by older people.

Most grants are expected to be of between £15,000 and £40,000 per year. Grants may be for up to 3 years.

Previous projects supported include:

· The Somali Senior Citizens Club, London, received a grant of £4,000. The Somali Senior Citizens Club works to reduce isolation and loneliness in Somali men living in London through a daily centre where they can socialise, feel less alone and isolated.

· Age Concern, North East Wales, which received a grant of £81,704 to provide a range of services that help tackle elder abuse.

Information on other projects funded through this programme can be accessed at http://assets.comicrelief.com/cr09/docs/old_people.pdf

Organisations wishing to apply should submit a letter of interest by the 11th January 2010.

http://www.comicrelief.com/apply_for_a_grant/uk/olderpeople

Good luck with any applications you may decide to make!