Wednesday 29 December 2010

High Notes!

Congratulations to Chearsley's Carol Singers who this year raised £540 which will be divided equally between DEBRA and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Well done!

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Refuse Collections

AVDC apologises for being unable to collect everyone's refuse today (Tuesday) due to the weather. Please note that the next collection - including plastic and cans - will be on January 5th.

Neighbourhood Police Team: December Newsletter

The December 2010 newsletter (PDF) can be downloaded here.

Remember, you can also email the team by writing to;
suzan.jones@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk  or dean.kingham@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Race for Space

Cuddington and Dinton Church of England 
School Field Appeal 

Do you shop in Waitrose?  If so, we need your green discs in January!

Look out for the Cuddington and Dinton School Field Appeal at Waitrose this January:  Race for Space will be in the Community Matters Boxes in January. 
Help our School turn their wet, muddy, bumpy field into a smooth well-drained grass pitch to enable the children to enjoy sport and play healthily all year round.  We are fundraising to create a new sports field and build some low-impact storage/changing facilities in time for the summer term.
Every disc will go towards making sure that we receive part of the £1,000… start saving now as every one will make a difference.
Thank you for your support!

Visit www.raceforspace.wordpress.com to find out more and follow the progress as we get closer to our summer term deadline…

Monday 20 December 2010

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Monday 20 December.

In view of the heavy snow fall, the possibility of more to come, along with sub-zero temperatures, Thames Valley Police, with its partners in the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum, is advising people to take steps to keep themselves safe.
Before setting out, drivers are being asked to check the road conditions and ask themselves whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they feel they have to travel, they are asked to heed the following advice:
  • Prepare yourself for the journey: check road conditions, plan your journey before setting out and leave extra time for the journey if travel conditions are poor. Use major roads where possible.
  • Pack warm clothes and blankets, boots, food, drinks, a fully-charged mobile phone, a torch, jump leads, tow rope, first aid kit, warning triangle, de-icer and a shovel. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
  • Prepare your vehicle for your journey – make sure your vehicle is well maintained, that all lights are clean and bulbs are working, that it is clear of snow and ice (particularly the windscreen) and that your tyres are at the correct pressure and depth tread. Use antifreeze and screen wash and ensure the battery is reliable.
  • Drive safely, even where roads have been treated. Even if there is no snow, driving conditions are expected to be difficult, with black ice likely.
  • Keep your distance from the vehicle in front, avoid hard braking or acceleration and steer gently. Avoid wheel spins by using low revs and the highest gear possible. If you skid, ease off the accelerator, and try to avoid braking hard.
  • If you get stuck in the snow, an old rug or mat under a slipping wheel should provide traction to help get you out.
Drivers are urged not to abandon their vehicles, especially where they may obstruct emergency service vehicles and major roads or motorways. If they do, the vehicles may have to be removed and it will be the driver’s responsibility to pay for the cost of recovering them.
To find out which roads are being treated, please refer to your local authority’s website. However, drivers are urged to drive with care, even on those roads that have been treated.
Residents are reminded to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be in need of assistance, whether it’s by clearing a safe pathway or helping to keep them warm.
There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home, as long as you clear it carefully. Use salt or sand, rather than water, which is likely to refreeze and turn to black ice. Don’t use salt from salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear. When you’re shovelling snow, take care to put it where it won’t block people’s paths or drains. For more guidance on clearing paths yourself, go to the Directgov website (opens new window).
The public are reminded that emergency calls for ambulance, police and fire services should be made in genuine emergency situations only.
If you are feeling poorly, choose the right NHS service to help you get well. The NHS is giving the following advice:
  • If your GP surgery is closed, you can call the Out of Hours Service on 0845 345 8995 and get advice, or a doctor may call you.
  • If you do have to make journeys out, please make sure that you have appropriate clothing and footwear to help prevent unnecessary slips, trips or falls.
  • If you are unfortunate and do slip or trip, remember minor injuries units may be the best and fastest place to go for treatment.
For more information, visit the NHS Direct website (opens new window).

Saturday 18 December 2010

Have you seen Charlie?

Missing from Prospect Cottage since Tuesday, 14th December
Please call 201506 with any information - thank you!


Thursday 16 December 2010

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

5 years at The Bell
The Bell was crowded on Tuesday 14th with Bell regulars and supporters to enjoy a pig roast and to celebrate 5 years since Sharon and Oli took over the running of the pub. Congratulations to them and their staff for all their hard work over the past 5 years and being at the heart of a very important part of Chearsley.

Refuse and Recycling Collections after Christmas
As December 28th is a Bank Holiday, there will be no collection on this day, or indeed this week. Our bins will  be collected on Wednesday 5th January together with recycling baskets for plastics, cans and paper. The following week, bin collection will be Tuesday January 11th when all recycling baskets including the glass boxes will be collected.

Thank you to everyone who has  kept me informed, one way or another of events and happenings in Chearsley over the past year.  Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone.

Severe Weather Warning

Issued by the Met Office at 05:54 on Thursday, 16th December 2010

A band of rain and sleet will move southwards during this afternoon and evening with very cold air following. This will lead to widespread ice forming on untreated surfaces as the rain and sleet clears away, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

There will be outbreaks of rain this morning and these are likely turn more to sleet and snow during the afternoon as the cold air arrives.  We may find a slight covering of snow in places by the end of  the afternoon but the main risk is still one of ice for the evening rush hour as the wet roads and pavements are likely to freeze readily once the precipitation stops.

Most places will have a dry but very cold night.  A few snow showers could blow into to more western areas, particularly Oxfordshire during the evening and overnight.  The same pattern will continue through Friday with most places very cold but mostly dry.  There is a risk of a few snow showers cropping up almost anywhere but Oxfordshire and, perhaps, West Berks have a higher risk in the northwesterly wind.  No great disruption is expected from these showers though.

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.

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Severe Weather Warning

Issued by the Met Office on Tuesday 14th December

Things are quite straightforward at the moment. Today and tomorrow (Wednesday) we could see a few light outbreaks of rain or drizzle almost anywhere, but more especially in the east of the Southeast region. These may turn wintry now and again but the main risk they bring is one of ice overnight.

Thursday will see a significant change to much colder air. We expect to see a band of rain, sleet and snow spread south across the region during the day. The leading edge of this band looks like it will reach the Milton Keynes and north Oxfordshire areas mid-morning and then the south coast by early afternoon. Initially it will be of rain, some of it heavy, but it will turn to snow as the band moves through. It should clear the north of the region by mid-afternoon and the south coast by late afternoon/early evening. Amounts of rain, sleet or snow on this band may not be huge as it is moving quite quickly but could cause a few problems. In particular since it will turn very cold behind the band of precipitation, we could see some widespread ice forming very soon after the rain/snow stops. Our Ops Centre is currently considering uprating the Advisory which was issued yesterday to an Early Warning since this ice problem could affect the evening rush hour traffic.

On Friday, daytime temperatures are unlikely to get much above freezing and there will be a biting northwesterly wind. The fact that the wind is from the northwest means we should escape the worst of some very heavy snow showers that will be affecting some other parts of the country (see Early Warning at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html). We could still see a few blowing through almost anywhere but perhaps our more northwestern areas (e.g. Oxfordshire) are most at risk.

The weekend looks very complex but there is a risk of some significant snow at times. You will see that a very broad advisory has been issued for Saturday and I'm afraid it's almost impossible at this stage to say which areas might see the worst of any snow. We'll be keeping a close eye on this and I'll pass on as much as I can as things (hopefully!) become clearer. One thing is sure though - that the weekend will continue to be very cold.

Friday 10 December 2010

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Friday 10 December 2010.

At this time of year is it worth considering some simple ways that may stop you become a victim of opportunist criminals:-
  • If you return to your home after dark, consider using a timer light to make your home look occupied - even when you are out.
  • Do not leave wrapped Christmas presents under the tree that can be seen from outside your property.
  • Whilst out shopping, do not return to your vehicle, unload your shopping and then return to the shops. This may tempt a thief to investigate your shopping in your boot!
  • If you are staying away over the Christmas period, leave your contact details with a trusted neighbour - ask them to pop in and make sure post is not stacking up at the front door, ensure you bin is put out and brought back in again on the correct day and maybe even park a car on your driveway?
  • If you are 'treating' yourselves or family to new computer or electrical items, be careful of how you dispose of the packaging. Recycle the boxes if necessary, but do not leave them out on bin day - this just advertises your new property to any opportunist burglar.
  • On cold days do not leave your car running and unattended whilst it is defrosting. If it is taking with the keys left in it (and some already have been) your insurance company are unlikely to pay out and you will be left footing the bill.
  • Make sure any suspicious activity is reported immediately to the Police. We really want the call when you see it and not several days later. If in doubt, make the call and let the officer decide what action needs to be taken. Non emergency calls can be made on 0845 8 505 505, but if a crime is in progress dial on 999.

It's all common sense stuff but it really could help to make your Christmas a happy one and help ensure it is not a prosperous one for the criminals.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas Tree Lights
Mulled wine and mince pies provided by Jay at the shop were a welcome and necessary ingredient to combat a bitterly cold night on Friday 17th when Nic Brown, Chairman of the Parish Council, switched on the lights. A good crowd of villagers with plenty of young children gathered round the tree to sing carols and admire the lights and decorations. A good village start to Christmas festivities.

Christmas Bingo
Extra tables were brought in to accommodate all the Bingo participants on another very cold night. But the cosy wood burner, the chatter and wine all made it a warm, happy evening. Paul and Andy, festively decked out, made a good team of calling the numbers with the added excitement of a lucky-dip present from Santa for the winners. January's Bingo will take place on Tuesday 4th.

Christmas Pub Lunch
The first Christmas Pub Lunch held at The Bell attracted a record number of 24 "older" Chearsley residents on Wednesday 8th December, who all appreciated the traditional turkey and Christmas pudding meal put on by Ollie, Sharon and their staff. We were pleased to welcome our vicar, John Wynburne and sorry to miss some regular past Pub Lunchers. Hopefully, they will be able to come to the next Pub Lunch which will be held on Wednesday, 26th January. Thanks were given to Ann Hooton for organising the lunches and to Chearsley VillageTrust for their contribution to the Christmas meal.

Mobile Library
This will be in Chearsley on Monday 20th December from 12.20 until 12.45 and not again until Monday January 17th.

Christmas at St Nicholas Church
Sunday December 19th - The Service of Lessons and Carols will be held in Chearsley Church at 6.00pm
Tuesday, December 21st - Chearsley children are presenting their own Nativity play at 6pm. This will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. The event is in aid of the charity Habitat for Humanity.

Carol Singing Round the Village
This takes place on two days – Monday 20th and Wednesday 22nd December – covering most parts of the village. Meet at the bus stop at 6.30pm.

New Year Celebrations in Chearsley
The Bell is selling tickets at £10 each to see in the New Year at The Bell with music, buffet food and bacon sarnies to go home with. The £10 ticket will also earn a reduction of £2.00 off the price of a Big Breakfast which is being served on New Year’s Day from 12.00 until 3.00pm.

Monday 6 December 2010

Community Message

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office

A burglary has been reported on Bridge Road, Ickford, between 9:10am and 6pm on Wednesday 1 December. Offenders gained entry by reaching in a cat flap and taking the keys out of the door. Once inside they stole an Ipod, games console, camera and TV.

A second burglary also occurred on the same day, between 5:30pm and 10:20pm on Worminghall Road, Ickford. Entry was made by smashing the patio doors and then property including a games console, stereo and laptop computers was taken.

Please be on your guard and ensure any suspicious activity is reported immediately to the Police. If you return home after dark, consider using a timer light at your property to help make it look like someone is at home.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone that might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between the times given. If you have any information please call on 0845 8 505 505 and state that you are responding to this message.

Friday 3 December 2010

O Come All Ye Faithful!

Don't forget....
...tonight at 6:00pm on The Green, the Chearsley Christmas Tree Lights will be switched on! Come and enjoy traditional Carol Singing, along with some Mulled Wine and Mince Pies which will be available from both The Shop and The Bell.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Sunshine Club  Bring and Buy
The Sunshine Club which provides a social gathering, cards, bingo,and afternoon  tea every fortnight from 2 to 4pm in the Playing Fields Clubhouse, Cuddington for older people in Cuddington, Chearsley and Nether Winchendon are holding a Bring and Buy Sale on Thursday 9th December at 2.30 at Tyringham Hall, Cuddington.

Chearsley W.I.
Their Christmas meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th December, when there will be Line Dancing, mulled wine and mince pies and nibbles. Non members are welcome to attend at a cost of £2.50. Please arrive at Chearsley Village Hall at 2.30pm.

Bin collection and recycling
All recycling of glass, plastics, cans and papers will be collected on Tuesday 14th December.

Budget meeting for Parish Council

This will be held on Monday December 13th in Chearsley Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Carol Singing Round the Village
Carol singing will take place on Monday 20th and Wednesday 22nd December. Please meet at the bus stop to start at 6.30pm if you would like to join in.

Tea Rooms
It is disappointing to hear from Jay that the Tea Rooms which have been open for almost 2 and a half years are to close – no more bacon butties, no more coffee and croissants. It has been good to have a teashop on our doorstep to meet for lunch or coffee and a chat. But, as with all amenities, if it is not used enough it cannot be profitable and cannot be maintained. For the present, the shop is to remain open, but with reduced hours. We should all remember what Chearsley was like when there was no shop, when there was no hustle and bustle, few people walking to and from, nowhere to buy provisions without resort to the car, when there was a general emptiness and quietness around The Green. The shop must be used by us all as much as possible in order to keep it profitable and to keep it open.
The tea room’s last day of opening will be Friday, 14th January and the shop hours from Saturday 15th January will be Saturdays 8.30am to 12.00pm. Sundays 9.00am to 12.00pm. Monday to Friday 7.30am to 1.00pm. Closed 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Open 3.00pm to 7.00pm.

Moan and Grump Night
Jay is inviting all ladies to the Tea Rooms on Wednesday 15th December from 7.30 to 10.00pm to enjoy a glass of wine, delicious nibbles and to have a good old natter and moan.

Chearsley Cricket Club
Their annual End of Season Dinner and Dance held on Friday 12th November at The Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame was a great success. Richard Veness reports that almost 150 cricketers, wags, officials, vice presidents and friends attended and raised over £2,000 for the Club. Thanks go to John Howard and everyone responsible for arranging such a good evening.
Congratulations to Chearsley Second Eleven for being the winners of their league this year and thereby gaining promotion.

Mary Albrighton
It is sad to report the death of Mary who lived in Church Piece at the age of 94. Sympathy goes to all her family.