Monday 29 November 2010

Weather update - Monday

from Bucks County Council at 11:00am:

The main points to take are that, even where you haven't had any/much snow so far, you are likely to see some in the coming days.  There will be some strong winds making for VERY significant wind chill effects i.e. the expression "bitterly cold" is likely to be understating the case. With the strong winds, any lying snow will drift around, something which could itself cause some problems (e.g. blowing snow back on to already cleared carriageways).

Today there will be frequent snow showers blowing in across parts of Kent and perhaps East Sussex at times. These have the potential to give a few centimetres of snow in places by the end of the day.

As the winds increase later today and overnight and become more easterly, then the showers will start to spread westwards across much more of the region.  A wide variation in snow depths is likely across the region by the end of Tuesday morning.  The far west may see only a dusting while Kent and East Sussex could have up to 10cm, especially over the higher ground.  In general, 2-5 cm with locally more on higher ground (10-locally 15cm possible on Chilterns and North Downs in particular) probably gives a reasonable summary.  That said, some drifting will also obviously cause some wide variation in snow depths.  So some problems perhaps during tomorrow morning's rush but during Tuesday daylight hours while there will still be a risk of a few snow showers almost anywhere, they should become lighter and more scattered during the day.

By Wednesday, the threat of showers is still there for us all but the high risk areas are back to being Kent and East Sussex and, perhaps, along the Channel coast as the showers develop along the Channel and are blown in land (similar to the weekend).

There is a threat of an area of more persistent snow affecting the region on Thursday but that continues to be monitored so "stay tuned".

For the rest of the week it stays bitterly cold with severe frosts overnight so, with the snow, icy roads are likely to become more of a widespread problem than they have been for most of us so far.

There is currently a Flash warning in operation for Kent and Medway.   Advisories for the next few days are in the process of being updated so see (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/se_forecast_warnings.html) for details of these.  The radar images at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/radar/ may prove useful.

Friday 26 November 2010

Weather update

from Bucks County Council at 11:00am:

No significant snow issues are expected in the Southeast region today, or indeed over the weekend.

The slight change in wind direction means even Kent should be dry today but there is increased risk of a few sleet/snow showers coming into the Kent coast again by the end of the night. There is also a slight risk of some light snow sneaking into the southwest of the region (SW Hants, poss west Berks, poss Isle of Wight) for a time this evening but amounts should be small.

On Saturday, there's the risk of a light snow showers almost anywhere. The highest risk though is across East Kent and perhaps into parts of East Sussex but no great amounts of snow are expected. Much the same applies on Sunday. There is an increased risk of some sleet or snow again reaching the southwest of Hants and perhaps the Isle of Wight for a time early on Monday morning but again, no major issues are expected from this although it will come at an awkward time of day. The rest of Monday should be largely fine across the region although a bitter east to southeast wind will pick up through the day. Temperatures over the weekend and into Monday will only be around 2 or 3C at best and it will, of course be frosty overnight.

We're continuing to monitor possible developments for Tuesday/ Wednesday. East to southeast winds will become strong so it will feel extremely cold. There is a signal that we could see a major area of snow come into the south of the UK but there is still much uncertainty. Please keep an eye on advisories and warnings over the weekend as this could be a major problem if it does decide to head our way.

The warnings page on our website will, of course be updated as required so keep an eye on that (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/se_forecast_warnings.html).

Thursday 25 November 2010

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Thursday 25 November 2010. [Reference: A 11/041]

A distraction burglary has been reported on Chilton Road, Long Crendon at around 12:25pm on Tuesday 23 November. A male called at the property and asked the occupant if he needed any repair work on his mobility scooter. He then asked if the householder would like to sell any of his property. He claimed that he would need to change a £50 note and after the aggrieved has got his wallet out, the offender said he had changed his mind and would call again on Friday. After he left it was discovered that the occupant's wallet had been stolen.

Please check the identity of any unknown or unexpected callers at your property. If in doubt do not allow them entry and call the Police immediately.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone that might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time given. If you have any information please call the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state that you are responding to this message.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to give your details you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PDS Scam emails

An old email warning of the dangers of a company called PDS is making the rounds again, usually along the lines of:
Can you circulate this around especially as Xmas is fast approaching -

It has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize........
Please DO NOT forward copies of this email if you receive it. It was a genuine scam some five years ago, but has long since been terminated. For further reference, see this article at Hoax Slayer.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas Craft and Shopping Evening – Wednesday December 1st  7.30 to 10.00pm
An evening in aid of Habitat for Humanity is being held at Chearsley Cricket Club when you are welcome to try your hand at a new craft and buy from plenty of stalls,  selling toiletries, home- made bags, jewellery, preserves, cakes, fleeces, etc. Entrance fee is £1.50 which includes a glass of wine and mince pie.  Please phone Sharon Sampson on 208740 for more information.

Chearsley WI Morning of Christmas Food
Don’t forget the come to 2 Old Plough Close on Thursday 2nd December from 10.30 until 12.00 when an array of Christmas delicacies will be on sale.

Christmas Tree Lights - Friday 3rd December at 6pm until 7pm
The Christmas Tree on the Green will come alight on Friday when everyone is welcome to join in with carol singing round the tree. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available to buy from The Shop.

2011 Calendars
The Bell has “Scenes Around Chearsley” calendars on sale for £6.95. An easy Christmas present for relatives abroad or for ex- Chearsley residents who could be reminded of what a good place they are missing! The Tearooms are selling calendars of The Chilterns, also priced £6.95.

Christmas Bingo at The Bell Tuesday, 7th December

Come along  on Tuesday 7th December to join in Christmas Bingo, starting at about 8 for 8.30 start.. The Bell offers a special meal price of £6.99 for Bingo players – booking advised.  So arrive in good time to get a table.

Village Pub Lunch
The monthly village lunch will hold its Christmas meeting at The Bell on Wednesday December 8th at the usual time of 12.30pm at a cost of £8.00 for a two course Christmas meal. This is being subsided by a donation from the  Chearsley Village  Trust.  Please phone Ann Hooton on  208893  to book your place.

Christmas at St Nicholas Church

The first of the Christmas celebrations in Chearsley  Church is on Sunday December 12th when the Christingle service takes place at 4.00pm.

Mobile Library
This is next in Chearsley on Monday 6th December from  12.20 to 12.45pm.

Library Proposals
Bucks County Council are looking at ways of saving money with regard to libraries in the County and a 3 month consultation period has begun. This will end on 1st February 2011. It is proposed that there would be 9 council run libraries, 3 lottery funded ones and up to 14 community style ones. Haddenham and Long Crendon are among those that could change to a community style, which would be run by the public. There will be public meetings about these proposals. One on 9th December at Long Crendon Baptist Church at 7.00pm and another on 15th December at Haddenham Library at 2.00pm. Alternatively, you can visit buckscc.gov.uk/haveyoursay to make your views known.

Eric Carte  in Midsomer Murders
Further to news about Eric in last week’s column, I am now told that Episode 8 of the current series of Midsomer Murders in which Eric appears, is entitled  “Fit for Murder”. Watch out for it!

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Lights, Action, Sound....

Come and watch the switching on of
Chearsley's Christmas Tree Lights


Chearsley Village Green
Friday 3rd December
6.00pm to 7.00pm

Join in traditional Carol Singing....

...and enjoy Mince Pies and Mulled Wine!
(available to purchase from the shop)

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Met Office Severe Weather Warning

Received from the BCC Resilience Manager:
"As we have just issued an advisory this morning for Saturday indicating a risk of snow over almost all of the south-east region, I thought I'd just send you a quick message to make sure you are aware of the situation.

As the cold air moves steadily south during the week, the risk of showers, mainly in the east, turning to snow increases. No great problems are expected in our patch until Saturday though when a small area of low pressure moves into the region and this gives the potential for these to be more widespread across the area. The advisory mentions 1 to 5cm being possible. The higher ground will be most at risk while, right on the coast, the showers may be more of sleet. There's still considerable uncertainty in the timings and detail for this but I would say again, keep an eye on our website here for updates to these advisories."

Monday 22 November 2010

Christmas Shopping Evening

Don't forget the Christmas Shopping Evening - tonight in the Village Hall!

Friday 19 November 2010

Paying for your own care?

From AVDC Community Engagement Team

There is information and advice available for people who may need to pay for their own care. Please see this leaflet about it.

If you want more copies by post please contact the worker direct:
Telephone: 01296 383304
Email:  intouchselffunders@buckscc.gov.uk

Thursday 18 November 2010

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Thames Valley Police, Aylesbury on 18 November.

Police and Neighbourhood Watch would like to make people aware of the following report on BBC’s “Watchdog” programme featured on 4 November 2010 about the following survey that is soon to be sent to over 1 million homes.

N-Power, Unilever and Talk Talk are among the many companies sponsoring a survey that is to be sent out by TNT. They request you fill in a questionnaire detailing your personal information and to leave it on your doorstep in an unsealed paper bag for collection the following day.

The questionnaire is five pages long and contains one hundred and eighty six questions about your personal circumstances.

The Information Commissioner's Office has stated that;  "These surveys usually require people to provide a large amount of personal information - ranging from whether they have any outstanding medical conditions, to details of their household income. Anyone approached to fill in one of these surveys should think twice before leaving information like this on their doorstep. They should be aware that anyone could potentially pick it up, opening the way to identity theft. People completing these forms should also understand who will have access to their information and what it will be used for."

More advice and information is available from the Watchdog website link.

Christmas Craft & Shopping Evening - Dec 1st


Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Remembrance Service
The Remembrance Service led by John Wynburne  at The War Memorial on Sunday 14th was very well supported with many families with young children. The wreath was laid by John Grimsdell.  It was very touching to see a poppy wreath made by the children at Chuf had been laid on the War Memorial on 11th November.

Recycling
Baskets for paper, cans and plastics will next be collected on Tuesday 30th November - not the 23rd as previously stated!

Eric Carte appearances
Eric will be appearing in Episode 8 of Midsomer Murders. The title of this episode is not known at the moment, only that it is the last one in which John Nettles plays Barnaby. So, watch out for Episdode 8, which might be screened next year.
Eric is presently rehearsing at The Mill at Sonning ready to perform in A Bedfull of Foreigners, a comedy by Dave Freeman. This opens on 2nd December and runs until 15th January 2011. More details are available at the website www.millatsonning.com and there are some flyers in Chearsley Tea Rooms.

Chearsley W.I.
Busy times for Chearsley W.I. before Christmas. Everyone is invited to “A Morning of Christmas Food” on Thursday, 2nd December from 10.30 until 12.00 at 2 Old Plough Close, when a variety of festive goodies will be on sale, together with a Christmas cake raffle.
Their Christmas meeting will be on Tuesday 14th December at 2.30 when there will be a chance to have a go at Line Dancing. Mulled wine, mince pies and nibbles will be available. Entry is £2.50.

Birthday Congratulations
Happy Special Birthday to Mark Gillis.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Neighbourhood Police Team: November Newsletter

The November newsletter is now available here at the Thames Valley Police website

Monday 15 November 2010

Weather warning

Issued by the Met Office at 14:31 on Monday, 15th November 2010

Widespread fog will form this evening giving visibility of less than 50 m in places.
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.

(Details of weather warnings can also be viewed by clicking on the orange button on the Met Office forecast on the top-right of this web page.)
Valid from 16:45 on Monday, 15th November 2010 until 22:00 on Monday, 15th November 2010

Saturday 13 November 2010

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Mobile Library
This is next in Chearsley on Monday 22nd from 12.20 to 12.45pm

Electoral review for Bucks.
An electoral review of Bucks County Council is being carried out by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission aiming to make local elections fairer by ensuring that all county councillors in Bucks represent a similar number of people and that the council has the right number of councillors to represent each area. So the review is asking for your views on the right number of councillors needed to represent the county. You can visit the website at www.lgbce.org.uk and click on “about electoral reviews” to put your views  on what Bucks County Council should be like in the future,  and to download some helpful information.  Alternatively you can write to The Review Officer (Buckinghamshire) at The Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76 -86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG.

Christmas Shopping Evening
A reminder that on Monday  22nd November from 7.30pm there is a Christmas Shopping Evening  organized by local Playgroup, Chuf at Chearsley Village Hall. £2.00 will buy you entry and seasonal refreshments and the opportunity to browse many stalls offering jewellery, cards, chocolates, books and Christmas presents and stocking fillers for the whole family.

Parish Council Meeting
This took place at The Cricket Club on Monday November 8th under the chairmanship of Nic Brown. It  was attended by several members of the public.
Public Session Help was asked of the Parish Council about removal of the overhead wires in School Lane which are still in place despite extensive work for the wires to go underground. There had been correspondence with EDF about this with no satisfactory response. The Council agreed to write to EDF.
The possible permanent electricity supply on The Green was a matter of concern for 2 members of the public; their strong  feelings being that the cost and possible use was not warranted. The chairman pointed out that the matter had not yet been decided upon and that it would be on the agenda at the next AGM.

Broken stiles and dog gates – two were reported broken. Bucks Council Council no longer fund repairs to these and it was considered it was probably up to the landowner to repair these and they would be contacted.

Some of the matters then discussed:

Village Hall Hedge: A quote for this to be cut was much higher than anticipated and therefore, the hedge had only been partly cut for the time being. This was thought to be unsatisfactory and for the matter to be pursued with the Village Hall Committee chairman.

Salt Bins: New bins had not yet been ordered.  Possibly the existing wooden ones could be repaired until new ones could be bought. Mike Edmonds agreed to take up this matter.  It was noted that the bins had been filled with grit. As a result of a review of last winter’s  road maintenance, chaired by Mike Edmonds, better communications from Bucks County Council would this year publicise more information and details of gritting plans, accessible on BCC website “winter maintenance live”.

Planning Applications: A site meeting was arranged on land adjoining The View where an application for 4 houses has been submitted.

Traffic Calming: Marion Grapes reported that an application for 3 strips to record vehicle data on the 3 main roads into Chearsley had been made at a cost of £300 per strip, to be funded from the fourth share of this year’s Fayre proceeds. This data will then enable the Police to advise on the best form of traffic calming.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The lights will be switched on on Friday 3rd December. Chuf and Junior Church are busy making decorations for the tree.  There will be music and refreshments and more details and posters nearer the time.

Benches on The Green: These will soon be delivered, their position decided upon and fixed to the ground in the very near future.

Land by the Phone Box: The question of registering this land and then maintained by the Parish Council had been looked into but not resolved and could possibly be an AGM agenda item.

Litterpick: This was poorly supported.

The Chairman finished the meeting by thanking his fellow councillors for the difficult task they do. He welcomed the comments from the public, although these had produced some heated exchanges. He appreciated the feedback and would like more villagers to attend the meetings.  There will be Parish Council Elections in May 2011 and he invited others to stand and to get involved.

Friday 5 November 2010

Christmas Shopping Evening: November 22nd

Monday 22nd Nov in Chearsley Village Hall, 7.30pm

Christmas presents and stocking fillers
for the whole family…

Browse stalls offering a fantastic range of books, gifts and jewellery, Christmas cards, kitchen and glassware, chocolates, and much much more…

Confirmed stalls include: Usborne Books, Phoenix Trading, Crumz, Sweet Surrender, My Favourite Accessories, Baban Jewellery, Virgin Vie, Lovely Giftbags, Bundlebear, The Stables, Little Bookworm/Dusty Rose and Glassworks.

£2.00 entry including seasonal refreshments
 

Thursday 4 November 2010

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Remembrance Service
This will be held at the War Memorial  near the Village Hall on Sunday 14th November at 10.45pm when the wreath will be laid by one of the Chearsley residents currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Recycling Tuesday 16th November
Glass, plastics, cans and paper are scheduled to be collected on this day.

Pumpkin Night at The Bell
A good collection of pumpkins of various shapes and sizes were entered into this completion which has been running since 1980. Sharon of The Bell was ably assisted by Andy in the difficult job of weighing the entries, particularly one which weighed a magnificent 140lb grown by Mike of Brill, but was deemed  invalid, as it was grown from seed not issued for the competition this year. The winning pumpkin weighed 54lb grown by Maureen of Old Plough Close. Her prize was to have her name inscribed on The Snowy Young Pumpkin Shield and to receive a  t-shirt proclaiming her success. Jacqui Allen’s 2lb pumpkin earned her a t-shirt prize for the smallest entry. If you would like to take part next year in growing a pumpkin, seeds will be on sale next Spring from The Bell.

W.I.
Their next meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th November at 2pm.at Chearsley Village Hall, when the A.G.M will be followed by a demonstration by Joy Payne of how to arrange Christmas Flowers.  All visitors are welcome to attend.

Italian Night at Chearsley Tea Rooms – Friday 19th November
Bookings are now being taken for an Italian Night from 7.30 until 10.00pm when there will be a choice of classic Italian food at a cost of £10 per person.  The Tea rooms are licensed, with wine or cans of beer or cider available. Please call in or phone 01844 208486 to book.

Pub Lunches at The Bell
The next Pub Lunch will be held on Wednesday 24th November from 12.30pm. The Christmas lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 8th. The lunches are open to everyone (of a certain age) in Chearsley to come and enjoy a very reasonably priced meal (£5.95 for 2 courses) to support your local pub and have the opportunity of meeting up with other villagers. Please phone Ann Hooton on  208306 or Alan Mitchener on208893 for more information and to book and choose your meal.

The Big Heat Fund
This is a new Fund set up by Buckinghamshire Community Foundation to help local community groups in Bucks who support the county’s most vulnerable older people.  Anyone who receives the Winter Fuel Payment and feels they do not need it, is being asked to donate some or all of it to the Fund.  The launch of The Big Heat Fund creates a unique way for local people to help other more needy, vulnerable older people in Bucks  this winter.  If you feel you could donate, please contact the Foundation on 01296 330134 or visit www.buckscf.org.uk, or write to them at 119A Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 9BA.
The Foundation was set up in 2000 and in the last 10 years has distributed nearly £3 million to more than 1,000 local community groups working in all parts of the county. The Foundation is the county’s largest charitable funding organisation working exclusively in Buckinghamshire.

Monday 1 November 2010

Fireworks Night : Nov 6th

Chearsley Fireworks Night
Brought to you by
Chearsley Youth Club
Saturday 6th November 6:30pm
at the Village Hall
Mulled wine – Soup - Hot Dogs - Toffee Apples

Tickets available from the Village Stores and on the night:
Family:  £8.00 (£10.00 on the night)
Adult:    £2.50  (£3.00 on the night)
Child (3+):  £2.00 (£2.50 on the night)

Ticket includes free cup of mulled wine for adults and free sparkler for children
Children under 3 free entry
Children need to wear gloves to handle sparklers and must be accompanied by an adult.
Any profit to be put back into Chearsley Youth Club
Further info : Angela 202 105, Claire 208 087 or Maureen 208 742