Wednesday 21 December 2011

Friday 16 December 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Planning Forum Questionnaire
This is now accessible online via the chearsley.com website – planning forum and online survey. Or go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Chearsley. It is hoped that everyone can complete the survey by December 31 – it doesn’t take very long to complete and would make a change from watching the tv or peeling the sprouts over the Christmas holiday. For those who would prefer to complete a paper survey, please contact any Parish Councillor or myself. The Parish Council would like as many people in Chearsley to put forward their views.

W.I Stall on The Green
The W.I. are proud to have raised £412.50 from their stall on the Green and from the sale of some Christmas puddings and goodies in The Bell.

Movember in Chearsley
2 Chearsley men have raised a substantial amount of money by growing beards during the month of November to raise funds for and awareness of men’s health, specifically, prostate cancer. Tony Fleetwood raised over£500 with 2 other colleagues and Dave Thomas raised over £ 450 part of a total of £99,000 raised by BA.

Mummers at The Bell
The Mummers are coming to The Bell on Christmas Eve to act out their Christmas story at 7.30pm. All proceeds collected during the night go to Prostate Cancer.

Race Night at The Bell
This Charity Race Night was a new and successful event for The Bell. The pub was crowded with hopeful punters betting on most unlikely- named horses and watching the races on a screen. Money raised from this, including a raffle raised £450 for Dreams Come True a charity which helps severely ill children fulfil their dreams.

Christmas Tree Light Grand Switch-on
A good crowd of villagers, including our vicar, John Wynburne, gathered outside the Bell early on Saturday evening, December 10 to hear Christmas music from a sound system organised by Phil Holland before the Christmas tree lights were officially turned on. Nic Brown, chairman of the Parish Council, gave a few Christmas words, thanking in particular, John Fowler for organising the tree, and to Paul Oliver, Chearsley’s intrepid electrician who can always be relied on to get the lights working whatever the elements,(and it was extremely cold and windy for him) before the count-down to the official switching on of the tree lights. This important job fell to Emily Oliver, the daughter of Paul. Fortified with mulled wine and mince pies ,carols were then sung round the tree and collections made for the 2 charities which are locally very important to 2 Chearsley families – DebRA and Cystic Fybrosis.

Poppy Collection 2011
Sue Grimsdell is very proud to report that her collection tin this year raised £392.62 – a record breaking sum for Sue - a very good result for her hard work of calling at as many houses of Chearsley as she could , selling poppies. She and the British Legion would like to thank everyone who gave so generously. Sue deserves our thanks for doing this job on her own so tirelessly, year after year.

Christmas at Chearsley Church
The following services take place at St Nicholas
  • Christmas Eve 3pm Children’s Crib Service
  • Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion
  • Christmas Day 10.00am. Christmas Praise

May I wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year

Monday 12 December 2011

Christingle 2011


John Wynburne, our vicar, led an atmospheric Christingle service at St  Nicholas on Sunday 11th.  The church was packed out with about 30 children and even more adults. Each child was given a Christingle orange (to represent the world)  with a candle (to represent the light of Jesus), sweets to represent the  fruits of the world, and a red ribbon to represent Jesus' blood spilt for us.

Then John used a Christmas cracker to illustrate the story of the Nativity and played his guitar while we sang Christingle songs to some well known  tunes. All the proceeds from the collection will go to The Children's  Society who help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. Don't worry if you couldn't make it as John will be telling the Nativity story again at 3pm on Christmas Eve. If the children would like to, they are welcome to come in Nativity costumes or just borrow one on the day.

Sharon Sampson

Neighbourhood Police Team: December Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Newsletter for December can be downloaded here.

Saturday 10 December 2011

Planning Forum Survey

For those wishing to complete the Chearsley survey online, they can now do so here.

Friday 9 December 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

W.I Stall on The Green
The W.I. would like to thank everyone who came and bought Christmas goodies from their stall on Saturday 3rd December.

Christmas Bingo at The Bell

Who would have imagined that Paul, the Bell’s regular Bingo caller could have been transformed into an amazing Mrs. Christmas, complete with fishnet tights and high heel boots, blonde wig and very fetching red lipstick? He and Father Christmas ensured the success of this Christmas bingo for the crowded Pub, all eager to go home with a prize and a special present from Santa’s sack. The lucky winner of the final full house of the night received over £100. The raffle made £42 for the Eye Scanner Appeal. Next month’s Bingo will be on Tuesday January 10.

Christmas Quiz at The Bell

Please book your place for the quiz on Sunday December 18 at 7.30pm.

The Bell Christmas Opening times

Congratulations to Ollie and Sharon on The Bell's entry in the 2012 Good Beer Guide.

Christmas Eve   :  Open 12 noon until 4.00. 6pm until late

Christmas Day   :  Open 12noon until 2.00. Drinks only

Boxing Day       :   Open 12noon until 4.00. Food will be served

Christmas Wedding
Jessica Puttick, daughter of Louise and Nick of Dark Lane will marry David Williams on Sunday December 18. All good wishes to the Puttick family for a very happy day and to Jessica and David for their future together.

Recycling
Bins only will be collected on Tuesday December 20. The next collection will be on Wednesday Jan 4 together with recycling baskets for paper, cans and plastics.

Mobile Library

This next calls in Chearsley on Monday December 19 from 12.20 until 12.45. The next visit in the New Year will be on Monday January 16.

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Community Message - Snow Saviours Wanted!

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Tuesday 6 December 2011.

The search is on by Buckinghamshire County Council for this year's snow saviours - volunteers with four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles to help reach vulnerable people during heavy snowfalls.

And the message is, even if you don't have a vehicle you can still be a snow saviour by volunteering to help clear paths at the homes of vulnerable people.

"During last year’s heavy snow, despite superhuman effort by the County Council’s home carers, some had difficultly reaching vulnerable people," said Trevor Boyd, Head of Commissioning for Adult Social Care.

"Our staff thought nothing of walking when driving wasn't possible to provide much-needed care and support to vulnerable people," said Trevor. "But we could do so much more, and much more quickly if we had the help of volunteers with 4WD vehicles."

Martin Phillips, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: 'We're looking for the snow saviours of Buckinghamshire! It's a Big Society ask, and we know our county has so many community-spirited people who'd be so willing to help our vulnerable people during the winter.'

Ch Insp Colin Seaton, Wycombe’s Deputy Area Commander, said: “Last year the county was affected badly by the snow and we want to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be this year.

“It is important for us to ensure that the more vulnerable people in our community are looked after during these times and I hope that anyone who is in a position to help, comes forward.”

If you can help please call the County Council's Localities Team on 01296 383409 or email locality-services@buckscc.gov.uk  with your name, where you live, contact details and whether you can help with snow clearance or whether you have a 4WD vehicle.

Friday 2 December 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Planning Meeting Monday
The Planning Meeting held at the village hall on Monday November 28 was very well attended by over 50 villagers. The meeting was led by Parish Councillor John Lewis with Andy Kirkham from AVDC. The Localism Act will enable Chearsley villagers to have an opportunity to influence future housing development in Chearsley. AVDC are asking each parish for their initial view of development needs. Each householder will have the opportunity to complete a questionnaire to this end. These are available in paper form, and soon to be on-line via chearsley.com, and should be completed as soon as possible for the Parish Council to be able to formally submit the results to AVDC by mid January. As a first indication of Chearsley’s future housing needs, John Lewis thought it very likely that the Parish Council would support the Option C – that small scale development would be likely to be most suitable and to pass this information on to AVDC after the December meeting.
The questionnaires would enable all Chearsley residents to give their views. Drawing up of a Parish Plan would be the next stage,which would empower the village to shape the future of their community with regard to environment, community and social, economy, transport, planning and infrastructure. This plan would be recognised by AVDC and Bucks County Council. It would also act as a guide to the Parish Council in future decision making. John envisaged that the Parish Plan would involve as many villagers as possible to meet in small groups to discuss the various issues and referred to 2 previous similar plans which had been drawn up by Chearsley villagers, the last appraisal being in 1988. Nearly 40 people at the meeting volunteered to become involved in drawing up the Parish Plan.
There would also be the opportunity in the future to create a Neighbourhood Plan with regard to planning and infrastructure, but as this would be a formal, costly document involving professionals and a referendum, no decision need be taken as yet. Anyone who was unable to attend the meeting can view all the details discussed by logging on to Leif’s magnificent website chearsley.com and clicking on Planning Forum.
The Parish Council wants everyone to fill in a questionnaire, preferably on line, or a paper one available from John Lewis or other Parish Councillors and would welcome any more volunteers to help complete the Parish Plan, which is envisaged to be completed by the end of next year.

Sunshine Club Bring and Buy Thursday December 8

This annual fund raising afternoon will be start at 2.30pm at Tyringham Hall, Cuddington. There will be many bargains, raffle and refreshments. Proceeds will go towards the club’s Christmas party.

Appeal for used ink cartridges and mobile phones
The Sunshine Club would appreciate any used cartridges and mobile phones. They can be given to Yvonne Edmonds on 208603 or taken to Les and Jan at Cuddington Stores.

Christingle at St Nicholas Church
This candlelit celebration will be held in Chearsley Church on December 11 at 4pm. The children are all given an orange with lighted candle, red ribbon and sweets on cocktail sticks, each part representing a symbol of the Christian faith. A collection with go to the Children’s Society.

Carol Singing
As is the custom, there will be 2 nights of carol singing around the village. The first on Monday December 19 and another one on Wednesday 21, both starting at 7pm meeting at the bus stop. Everyone is welcome to come and take part. Proceeds from the collections will go to DebRA anad Cystic Fibrosis.

Christmas Pub Lunch at The Bell
A two course turkey lunch will be held on Wednesday December 14 at The Bell. Please let Ann Hooton on 208306 or Alan Mitchener on 208893 know if you would like to come.

Recycling
Bins , baskets for plastics, cans and paper and boxes for glass will be collected on Tuesday December 13.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas Bingo at The Bell
Come to The Bell on Tuesday December 6 for the next session of Bingo with eyes down at about 8.30. Bingo players can eat for £6.99. Booking advised. Festive prizes and raffle and expect to see the inimitable Bingo callers, Paul and Andy, seasonally dressed.

Charity Race Night at The Bell
A charity race night is being held at The Bell on Friday December 9, when all proceeds from the racing will go to the charity Dreams Come True, which helps to provide a little happiness and magic for children in the UK with serious or life threatening illnesses. Racing starts at 8pm. Come earlier and enjoy a fish and chips meal for £6.

Christmas Celebrations on The Green
On Saturday December 10, the village is invited to gather for carol singing round the Christmas tree when the lights will be turned on. The festivities start at 6.30pm.

Meal bargains at The Bell
Tuesday nights 2 meals for £10. Thursdays – 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £25. Friday 2 fish and chips and a bottle of wine for £25.

Change of opening times at The Bell
The Bell will be closed Monday lunch times and open 6 until 9pm Monday evenings.

Allotments
There are some vacant allotments available in Winchendon Road. Please contact Alicia Howard on 208036 if you are interested.

Chearsley Shop
How wonderful to have the shop open for such long hours – 7 until 8 Monday to Saturday, (not 8.30 as I wrote last week) and from 7 until 2 on Sunday. Jeyan welcomes any comments or suggestions. Dry cleaning could well be a possibility. It is up to us all to remember we have a shop in the village again and that we don’t have to get the car out to go shopping. Good for us and the village on a lot of counts.

Debbie’s Tea Party
This raised almost £470 last Friday for Shaftesbury Court, a care home for adults in Winslow.

New Police non-emergency phone number
There will soon be a new national non-emergency number for ringing the police of 101 which will cost 15p per call. Until March, this number will be able to be used as well as the existing number of 0845 8505 505.

Monday 21 November 2011

Friday 18 November 2011

Community Message - Suspicious Vehicle

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Friday 18 November.

Officers in Aylesbury are keen to speak with the occupants of a suspicious vehicle, seen in the Aylesbury area this afternoon, travelling from the Aston Clinton direction. The vehicle is a blue 3 series BMW, with a partial registration number of YT09 A**.

If you see a vehicle fitting this description, please call the Police immediately on the new non emergency number 101, or if a crime is in progress dial on 999. Please note where you saw the vehicle, the direction of travel (if it was moving) and how many people were in the vehicle. Quote reference number URN 978 18 November.

Thursday 17 November 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Chearsley Shop
Welcome and every good wish to Jeyan who will be running the village shop which opens this Saturday (the 19th) at 7:00am. Shop hours will be opening at 7am everyday including Sunday, closing at 8.30pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday closing will be 2pm. Daily newspapers, fresh bread and milk will be available. Jeyan is offering home delivery of newspapers with 3 months free of delivery charge.

Village Planning Meeting

This will be held in the village hall on Monday November 28 at 8pm. A bill currently going through Parliament will enable us all to have a big say in the development of Chearsley. This meeting has been organised by the Parish Council to explain exactly what our options are. There will be speakers from Chearsley and from AVDC. We are all urged to come to find out what is happening now and what can happen in the future.

Toy Service at St Nicholas Church
The Family Service on Sunday November 27 incorporates a toy service in which all children are invited to bring along a new toy which will be given to children in homes or hospital not as lucky as they are via the Mix 96 radio station appeal.

Parish Council Meeting
This was held on Monday November 14 commencing at 7.15. I apologise for the wrong time I had written of 7.30. Please note that all future Parish Council meetings will now begin at 7.15pm.

Planning matters
Application for single house at The Martins, Turnip Close, had been refused.
Application for alterations to The Birches had been received.

Sycamores and Hornbeams on The Green
There was a strong difference of opinions as to whether to cut down one failing Sycamore or to pollard the two which resulted in a majority vote for one to be cut down completely. The 3 hornbeams will be considerably trimmed and pruned. Planning permission has to be applied for. Further quotes for the work are to be obtained.

Highways and Open Spaces
Several pot holes had been filled. It was noted that the Village green and footpaths were always very well cared for by Graham King at a very reasonable price.

Remembrance Sunday
This was led by John Daishe with the wreath being laid by Richard Grimsdell. There was a request that the road could be blocked off in future years to prevent the traffic noise which blighted the 2 minutes’ silence this year.

Footpaths

An up-to-date map of the footpaths and rights of way should be obtained.

Help in the Snow
This scheme for providing help is in the process of being developed.

Cuddington and Dinton School

Villagers are urged to support the planning application to rebuild Dinton school, recently severely damaged by a fire.

Footpath across The Green
What to do with this footpath will be on the agenda at the Annual Parish Meeting

Budget Meeting
This will be held on Monday December 12 in the village hall at 7.15pm.

Chearsley WI
There will be Christmas cakes and goodies on sale on the village green on Saturday December 3 from 10.30 until 12.30, with mince pies and mulled wine to keep us warm. Please contact Pauline Parkes on 202250 for more information.

Cuddington & Dinton C of E School | Press Release

Junior School Fire – Update November 2011

As you will know earlier this year the school buildings in Dinton caught fire and sustained serious damage. Rather than simply rebuild the school, the Governors and School would like to take the opportunity to improve the facilities and accommodation provided by the school buildings and create a ‘best in class’ and inspirational educational environment for the children.

You can read more in their Press Release.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Do you want more houses in Chearsley?


Do you want more houses in Chearsley?

That is not a question that we are used to being asked, but because of a new Bill currently going through Parliament, we may be soon.

The Bill will bring major changes to the local government planning system and one effect will be that local people can have a much greater say on building developments in their locality.  Which means Chearsley people having a big say on what happens in Chearsley.

But only if we take the opportunity. 
If we don’t, we will remain subject to what planners in Aylesbury think is best for us.

Specifically, we could soon have the opportunity to:

1.   Make an input to a new planning document called the Vale of Aylesbury Plan, specifically in terms of what it says about housing development in Chearsley

2.      Develop our own ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ that would bring statutory planning powers on building development to the people of Chearsley through its Parish Council

3.      Develop a complimentary ‘Parish Plan’ in which we can lay out what we want for the village in terms of such things as the Environment, Local Transport and Community facilities

This can only happen however if the village wants it – and takes the necessary steps to make it happen. 

Your Parish Council will shortly be asking you some questions about all this, and to help you decide how you want to respond we are holding a

Public Meeting in the Village Hall on
Monday 28 November at 8.00pm.

At which speakers, both local and from AVDC, will explain what is happening and what you need to do both now and in the future.

It is hard to overstate how important these developments could be for the future of our Village. 
 Do please make every effort to come along.

Neighbourhood Police Team: November Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Newsletter for November can be downloaded here.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Thames Valley goes live with 101

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Monday 14 November.

Thames Valley Police has gone live today with 101, the new national single non-emergency number, which will replace the 0845 8 505 505 number.

Both numbers will run side-by-side until the end of March, but if demand for the 0845 8 505 505 number drops it may be discontinued earlier.

Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day the call is made, or the duration of the call.

Everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will now know exactly how much a call will cost them, and can be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline.

The routeing will be based on the same system as 999 calls which links a caller's dialling code to the police force that covers that geographic area. Calls from a landline will be routed to the nearest police force that covers the area's dialling code. If the caller is using a mobile, the call will be routed using the location of the mast that the phone is transmitting from.

If a call is made to 101 within a force area that has not yet 'gone live', the caller will hear a recorded message telling them to redial using the relevant non-emergency number.

Thursday 10 November 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Chearsley Shop
The village has been waiting and hoping for a few months now for the shop to be open again. The very welcome news is that within the next week, the shop will be opening. It will then be up to us all to use and support the shop, enjoying the opportunity to have a vital community service, and meeting place back again, and for us to make sure it stays.

Firework Night
The Youth Club put on a wonderful display on Friday 4th at the Village Hall. Great value for money with delicious mulled wine and hot dogs and soup available. About £150 was raised for vital new equipment for the Youth Club.

Village Lunch at The Bell
The next lunch will be held on Wednesday November 23. Please contact Ann Hooton on 208306 or Alan Mitchener on 208893 if you would like to come. Please note that the Christmas Lunch will be on Wednesday December 14.

Special Village Meetings
The Parish Council is organizing 2 special village meetings in the next couple of weeks. One to discuss how to celebrate the forthcoming Queen’s Jubilee, the Olympics and our usual fete which is on Monday 21 in the village hall. The second one is on Monday 28 which will introduce and explain the Vale of Aylesbury Plan, which is inviting Chearsley to submit its views for the future planning of the village.

Mobile Library
This will next be in the village on Monday November 21 on the village green from 12.20 until 12.45pm

Short Mat Bowls
This group will no longer be meeting due to falling numbers. However, Keith Wright (complete with new hip – all the best Keith) is hoping to restart with renewed membership and enthusiasm after Christmas. This will be on Wednesday nights in the village hall.

Haddenham Brownies

1st Haddenham Brownies will have to close at Christmas unless more help and a leader is found. Would anyone be able to help this group keep going? They meet on a Monday evening at the Scout and Guide centre in Haddenham. Please get in touch with Tracey on 01844 290999 or Diane on 01844 292046 for more information or go along to one of the meetings. It would be a shame for the group, which has been running for 60 years and has a waiting list of eager would-be Brownies, if it has to close.

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Looking for ways to cut your energy bills before winter?


from Thame and District Citizens Advice Bureau

At the moment, half of the UK's carbon emissions come from the energy used to generate heat. As a result, a switch to low carbon heating is vital to meet the UK’s carbon targets.  

A new Government scheme, which runs from 1 August 2011 to 31 March 2012, has been set up to help people install green energy heating systems. The scheme is particularly for those households who don't have mains gas heating. You can get grants for the following amounts, for the following products:

  • a ground source or water source heat pump - £1,250 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • a biomass boiler - £950 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • an air source heat pump - £850 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • solar thermal hot water panels - £300 (available to all households).

The scheme for householders is mainly aimed at the 5.5 million households in Great Britain not heated by mains gas. Rather than mains gas, these households have to rely on expensive and higher carbon forms of heating such as heating oil and electric fires to keep warm. To qualify, householders will need to ensure they have basic energy efficiency measures in place before they apply.

Up to 25,000 new installations will be supported over the next year. The grants will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and providers of social housing can also apply. For more information, including how to register early, visit: www.directgov.uk or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.

For more advice on getting the best energy deal, or help if you’re struggling to pay gas and electricity bills, contact:

CAB adviceline  08 444 111 444 or 0300 3300 650(mobile)
For general advice visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Your local CAB is in Market Square, Thame

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Your Village, Your Choice...

What would you like to celebrate in 2012?
  • Chearsley Olympics?
  • Queen’s Jubilee?
  • Village Fete?
Come to the meeting at Chearsley Village Hall
Monday, November 21st at 7:30pm
and have your say!

Friday 4 November 2011

Britain in a Day

from Caroline Ward - Assistant Producer, Britain in a Day

Britain in a Day is an exciting film-making project, which gives our audience a starring role on both sides of the camera. In partnership with Scott Free London, and directed by Morgan Matthews, the BBC is asking the people of the UK to make films about their lives on one day in 2011: Saturday November 12th.

We’re not looking for the next hi-tech blockbuster: we want intimate, personal films which provide a real insight into their lives and the life of the UK. And they don’t need to be master film-makers: they can use a camcorder or even a phone. It’s about passion, not technique. We want thousands of films uploaded to YouTube, to create a unique portrait of modern day Britain. When that treasure trove of personal films is up there on line, we’ll take the best of them and turn them into one of the big television moments of 2012 – to help us celebrate Olympic Year. 

We want people from all kinds of backgrounds to make Britain in a Day a success:  students; film-making societies; community groups and complete novices. Everyone is welcome.

The idea is based on 'Life in a Day’, the global, user-generated cinema film produced by Ridley Scott’s company Scott Free. 80,000 people from around the world submitted short clips of their day to YouTube, wherever they were and whatever they were doing.
Similarly 'Britain in a Day' aims to capture an authentic & broad-reaching snap-shot of modern Britain.

In the run-up to the mass-film-making day (Nov 12th), BBC Learning aims to inspire the nation to take part in this project: to make their own films and to upload them.  
We’ll be doing this in two ways:
  • In partnership with Rosa Productions, we’ll be showing hundreds of people from community groups across the UK how to make films about their day.
  • We’ll also be launching a web site which will host three new ‘how-to’ films fronted by a Dan Snow and Julia Bradbury -- and we’ll be providing simple written guides to accompany the films. From 28th October these will all be available on bbc.co.uk/britaininaday
  • We hope the campaign will be shared by social media using #britaininaday on your Facebook pages, Flickr and Twitter
Britain in a Day will be launched to the public on October 28th, across the BBC’s programming -- on outlets including The One Show, BBC News in the Nations and English Regions and on network radio. For the three weeks afterwards, we’ll be aiming to keep the project in the public eye, with a view to getting thousands of films uploaded.    

What you need to know –
  • People making films do not need to have made a film before.
  • There are no requirements as to what cameras are used – but, we’re keen for the films to be of as good a quality as possible.
  • A YouTube site will become available to upload the films.
  • Some films (or clips from them) will be broadcast on BBC2 next year
  • 14-18s can submit films to the YouTube BIAD channel, but they will have to secure parental consent before they can be used
You can download the BBC poster and read the Press Release.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Charity Fund-raising Events

Testicular Cancer
A group of Bell regulars, led (or misled) by Ollie, had a good day in London recently, touring Fullers pubs, when they raised over £350 for testicular cancer.

Florence Nightingale Hospice
A record 100 golfers turned out recently to play in this year’s Waterside Investments Charity Golf Day at The Oxfordshire Golf Club. Paul Bown of Church Lane, Chearsley was delighted to present Lindsey Fealy from Florence Nightingale Hospice with a cheque for £7.800, bringing the 5 year total raised at the event to over £35,000. Paul would like to thank all players, sponsors and individuals and companies who provided the auction prizes. Next year’s event will take place on Monday July 16. Please contact Paul at paulbown@watersideinvestments.co.uk if you would like details of this or would be willing to provide something for the auction.

Chearsley Cricket Dinner
This was held recently at The Spread Eagle, Thame, attended by nearly 100 players, officials and guests, when over £2,000 was raised for Club Funds. Their thanks to everyone who came and to John Howard and Alex Brown for top organizational skills.

Public Meeting for 2012 Celebrations
All Chearsley residents are invited to attend a meeting organized by the Parish Council, in the village hall on Monday November 21 to discuss events that can take place in Chearsley next year to celebrate the London Olympics, the Queen’s Jubilee and our own biennial fete. Please come along if you have any ideas, suggestions, or offers of help. Events in Chearsley don’t happen unless people want them to and are prepared to get involved. The Parish Council is holding this meeting to set the ball rolling - come and help it gather momentum. Please see the notice board for the time of the meeting.

Bingo
October’s Bingo session was well attended on Tuesday 1st at The Bell, with a top prize of £91 for the full house on the last game. Unfortunately, I was not a winner, so it will be Pound Shop Christmas presents for my family this year, unless, the Christmas Bingo on December 6th is a good one for me. A raffle is held each session, this month raising £42 for The Bell’s charity, an eye scanner for Stoke Mandeville.

Bonus Ball at The Bell
The Bell runs a Bonus Ball each week, where participants pay £1 for a lucky dip in the bag of 49 numbers. From this £4 goes to the charity appeal. £45 to the lucky winner with the matching bonus ball number.

Key rings with a photo of The Bell are for sale at a price of £2.50

Dominio Nights
Ollie is hoping to get together a team of domino players to start friendly practice games each Thursday, with a view to joining a league next year. If you are interested, please get in touch with Ollie at The Bell

Sunday night Quiz at The Bell
The next in this ever popular event will be on Sunday November 13 when the Salad Dodgers, last month’s winners, will be setting the questions. 7.30 start. Please come along on the night and make up a team, or contact The Bell if you would like to book a table.

Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting will be held in the village hall on Monday November 14 at 7.30. All members of the public are invited.

Recycling
Containers for glass together with baskets for plastics, paper and cans will next be collected on Tuesday November 15.

WI November Meeting
Chearsley WI will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday November 15 at the village hall. This will be followed by a talk by Mary Rumsey from Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolate Ltd. There will be samples to taste and chocolates to buy. Visitors are very welcome and should come up at about 2.30pm.

Guided tours round Chearsley
A sudden influx of visitors to Chearsley last Wednesday 26 were members of Haddenham U3A who came to take part in a guided tour of the village. The tour and talk, led by Ann Hooton, concentrated on the many stories of village life and its characters from the time of its creation to the present day. This was the fourth tour Ann has given, showing the mostly unknown, hidden parts of Chearsley. The 27 visitors were also treated to a photographic exhibition of old Chearsley and enjoyed refreshments in The Bell. Ann says “It is always a pleasure to show others what Chearsley is all about and the Haddenham group were very lively and interested.” Ann invites other groups to get in touch if they would like to benefit from her knowledge of the village, and enjoy a tour. Proceeds will go towards the village hall. Contact Ann on 208306 or ann_hooton@yahoo.co.uk.

Snow volunteers
I have had a couple of owners of 4 x 4 vehicles, or cars with winter tyres offering their services in the event of snowy weather. Any one who would also be able to help, please get in touch with me or Claire Lazaruk.

Tea Party
Debbie Corpe and her mother, Joc, are again inviting everyone to Farmfields, Willow Gate on Friday November 18 from 2 until 4.30 for tea and cakes. This is to raise funds for Shaftesbury Court – an adult care home in Winslow. As well as tea and cakes, there will be cakes for sale, plants and bulbs, raffle, bring and buy, candles and second-hand books.

Big Heat Fund
The Winter Fuel Payments will shortly be paid to everyone over the age of 60, regardless of need. Now is the time to think about donating some or all of this amount to the Big Heat Appeal run by Bucks Community Foundation. All money donated to this appeal will benefit local elderly Bucks people. The idea has been so successful in Bucks that it has now gone nationwide with SAGA supporting The Surviving Winter Appeal. With money donated from last year’s payments, many clubs, groups and day-care centres for the elderly in Bucks have received donations which has enabled the groups to keep going, many providing hot meals and companionship for the members. The benefits are countless. Please go to www.buckscf.org.uk for more information on how to donate or to apply for a grant from the Fund or write to Bucks community Foundation at Foundation House, 119A Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 9BA

2011 Charity Golf Day


A record 100 golfers turned out to play in this year’s Waterside Investments Charity Golf day at The Oxfordshire Golf Club. Paul Bown was delighted to present Lindsey Fealey from the Florence Nightingale Hospice with a cheque for £7,800, bringing the 5 year total raised at the event to over £35,000.

Paul would like to thank all the players, sponsors and individuals  and companies who provided the auction prizes. A date for the diaries – next year’s event will be held on Monday 16th July 2012. Please contact Paul if you would like details of next year’s event or would be willing to provide something for the auction.

Paulbown@waterside-investments.co.uk

Sunday 30 October 2011

Help wanted!

Volunteers are required to help for 30 minutes or so at next Friday's
to give the main helpers a break.
If you can spare half an hour, please contact either
Maureen Gillis on 208 742 or Angela Gray on 202 105

Thursday 27 October 2011

Community Message - Darker Evenings Crime Prevention Advice

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Thursday 27 October.

As the clocks go back this weekend we would like to remind householders to ‘leave a light on’….

Darker evenings can give good opportunities to potential burglars, to easily spot an empty home that is left in darkness before you come home from work.

Using a timer light is an effective and cheap way of helping to make your home look occupied, when you are out.  They are available from most DIY stores and vary from simple designs to those that can be programmed to come on at varying times, on different days of the week.  If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set before you leave your property.

If you are about during the day, keep an eye out for neighbour’s properties, particularly if you know they are out at work.  Report anything that you feel is suspicious and if you are able to, make a note of persons description and any vehicle they are using.

Call the Police when it is happening – Officers would much rather get an opportunity to check out suspicious activity at the time, rather than getting a call hours later and discovering a burglary has occurred.  Don’t leave it to someone else to report – you might be the only one that has seen it!

Further crime prevention advice is available from our website www.thamesvalley.police.uk or by calling our 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Fast Woman
This delightful land captivating performance by Sandra Hunt, as Helle Nice, one time artist’s model turned motor racing champion of the 1920s, entertained about 40 members of the audience on Friday 21st, a good friendly mix of Chearsley villagers and other visitors from “out of town”. Thanks to them all for coming and supporting this Theatre in the Villages event. About £150 was made for Village Hall funds from ticket sales, raffle and teas. Watch out for Theatre in the Villages next year in Chearsley, as it is hoped that after the pleasure and success of this evening to be able to host another show.

Pumpkin Night at The Bell
10 pumpkins ranging from nearly 10lb to the winning one of 65lb were part of the weigh in on Wednesday October 26 at The Bell. Congratulations to Mike from Brill who grew the winning specimen and who was presented with a shield. Commiserations to Nick Richards and Andy Yorke who staggered in with theirs, but failing by 5lb to make the top grade. Thanks to Sharon and Ollie for hosting the evening and providing very tasty hot sausages.

Poppies
For many years, Sue Grimsdell has been coming round to all houses in the village selling poppies. This year is no exception, and Sue will be calling round in the two weeks before Remembrance Sunday, November 13. If you miss her and would like her to call back, please ring Sue on 201319 and she will try to call again.

Chearsley Fireworks Night Friday November 4
Chearsley Youth Club are organising a Firework night from 6.30 at the village hall. Tickets are £10 for a family; £3 for adults and £2.50 for child of 3+. Free entry for chidren under 3. Ticket includes free cup of mulled wine and free sparkler for children. Children need to wear gloves to handle sparklers and be accompanied by an adult. Any profit raised will go to Youth Club funds. Please contact Angela on 202105 or Maureen on 208742 for more information or to buy tickets. Youth Club need your support and funds to be able to continue, so come along and make this a whizz bang success.

Chuf Christmas Shopping Evening
Chuf are holding a fund raising evening on Wednesday November 30 from 7.30 until 9.30 at Chearsley village hall. Entry is £2.50 per person which includes a glass of mulled wine and festive nibbles. There will be a wide selection of stalls selling cards, children’s books, toys and gifts, jewellery, accessories, fresh Christmas door wreaths and table decorations and festive food. Please contact info@chufpreschool.co.uk for more information.

Long Crendon Young Farmers Quiz Night
This will be held on Saturday November 12 at Longwick Village Hall, 7.00 for 7.30 start. Teams of up to 8. Bring your own drinks, nibbles and brainy friends. Tickets cost £7 per person. To book a table, please call Lucy on 07834 762279. The Young Farmers are raising funds for next year’s Country Show to be held on the Waddesdon Estate on June 2nd – a date for your diary for a fun filled family day out with main ring demonstrations, including heavy horses and tractors (new and old), farmers market stalls, trade stands, competitions and craft displays.

Cuddington Traditional Christmas Fayre Saturday November 12
This will be held in the Bernard Hall from 2 until 4.30pm when all Cuddington enterprises, clubs and organisations are taking part and selling an array of presents and orders can be placed in time for Christmas. The hall will be decked with holly, fairy lights with background music of carols and Christmas songs to create a very festive atmosphere for Christmas shopping.

Help in the snow
Bucks County Council would like to hear from anyone who would be able to help clear snow locally, or from owners of 4 x 4 vehicles who could help transport vital home carers to where they are needed. Please contact the Council at locality-services@buckscc.gov.uk or ring 01296 383409. This would tie in with Chearsley’s plan to organize a phone tree of volunteers to help out in snowy conditions. So ring me, Margaret 208913, as well, if you would be prepared to help.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Neighbourhood Police Team: October Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Newsletter for October can be downloaded here.

Monday 24 October 2011

Remember, Remember...


Chearsley Fireworks Night
Brought to you by
Chearsley Youth Club
Friday 4th November 6:30pm
at the Village Hall
Mulled wine ~ Soup ~ Hot Dogs
Family
Adult
Child (3+)
£10.00
£3.00
£2.50

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 be accompanied by an adult.
Any profit to be put back into Chearsley Youth Club
++++++++++++++++++++
Volunteer Helpers are needed - can you spare some time?
Further info : Angela 01844 202 105 or Maureen 01844 208 742

Sunday 23 October 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Pumpkin Night - Wednesday October 26 at The Bell
Weigh in of the pumpkins will start at 7.30pm.

Halloween at The Bell - Monday October 31
Chearsley children and friends are invited to take part in Halloween activities at The Bell from 4.45 until 6.00pm for games, wrap the mummy, pin the wart on the witch, find the Halloween chocolates. Soup, jacket potato, beans, sausage, mulled wine and squash available to buy before trick or treating round the village. Tickets available at the bar.

Bingo at The Bell - Tuesday November 1

It’s time for Bingo again. Eyes down at around 8.30. Prizes for a line and full house in each game, with the last round attracting a bumper amount, depending on how many bingo players are taking part. Raffle for the charity bottle. Meals at a special price for bingo players. Booking is advised. I am hoping for a big win this month – Christmas is coming!

Waddesdon Christmas Gift Fair
Over 50 stalls offering stocking fillers, presents for everyone and accessories and decorations for the home are to be found at the Gift Fair at Waddesdon Plant Centre on Thursday November 3 until Sunday November 6 from 10.30 until 4.30. Whilst there, why not enjoy the refreshments available in the plant centre cafe and browse the Christmas decorations and plants for sale.

Mobile Library Monday November 7
The mobile library will be in Chearsley by The Green from 12.20 until 12.45. It is good to learn that the mobile library service is not part of the planned library closures.

Recycling
Baskets for paper, cans and plastics will next be collected on Tuesday November 1

Village Hall Management Committee Annual Meeting - Monday November 7

This will be held in Chearsley village hall on Monday November 7 at 8.00pm. All members of the public are invited. The committee is made up of representatives of the clubs and groups who use the hall, but more members would be greatly welcomed. More fund raising ideas and ways of beneficially using the hall are needed. Phone Tony Fleetwood, present Chairman on 201176  for offers of help or more information.

Parish Council Meeting

This took place at Chearsley village hall on Monday 17th with Nic Brown as Chairman, and attended by half a dozen members of the public.

Points brought up by the public included the collection time of 4pm from the post box; hole in Dark Lane which the Council would report, and bank erosion. More kerbing would take place in the Spring. The Council were asked to organize a first public meeting to discuss interest in celebrations during 2012 for the Queen’s Silver jubilee, the Olympics and the fete. Householders should be informed that the use of smaller lorries to avoid bank erosion might well involve extra cost to them. Commemorative plaques for the benches on The Green still need to be ordered; approval of the removal of the picnic table near to the War Memorial.

Vale of Aylesbury Plan
John Lewis reported on the Vale of Aylesbury Plan in which Parish Councils are consulted about future requirements as to housing, business, jobs, etc. John agreed to lead an initial public meeting in the near future to explain the proposed questions and to come up with answers and report back to AVDC.

LAF and NAG meetings
It was reported that the non-emergency number for contacting the Police would change to 101 in November; more speeding checks in the village would be held in the near future; there had been an increase in break-ins due to new pvc doors not being locked properly and that scrap metal theft had risen. Mobile libraries are not under threat. An emergency village plan for helping the elderly or vulnerable people during severe weather should be set up – a phone tree detailing people willing to help out with transport, etc. The Bell had already offered to provide hot meals. A future LAF and NAG meeting would be held in Chearsley village hall on March 21 which is a great opportunity for Chearsley villagers to attend.

Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree should be ordered forthwith; to apply to the Village Trust for a grant and to ask Chuf to provide decorations; the lights switched on and celebrations on December 10. The positioning of the tree should be looked into.

Trees on The Green
It was suggested that the 3 hornbeams should be trimmed and 1 sycamore pollarded and the one next to the stump removed, as some decay was apparent. It was agreed that as Parish Council members needed more time to consider this matter, a decision would be made at the next committee meeting in November as to removal or pollarding of the trees and clarification concerning the conflicting advice over planning permission would have been obtained. Future cost of maintenance of the sycamores and affect of lack of light for the Bell were factors. The chestnut in the triangle needed crown lifting and the walnut tree by the phone box needed evening up.

Remembrance Sunday
The wreath had been ordered and a serving member of the armed forces would be requested to lay the wreath.

HS2
John Bercow, opposed to this scheme, was encouraging people to still write in with their opinions, as the matter was not yet decided.

Date of next meeting
14th November 7.30 in the village hall.

Clocks altering
A reminder that the clocks go back one hour on the morning of Sunday 30th.

Sunday 16 October 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey 

Theatre in The Villages
Fast Woman with Sandra Hunt is being performed in Chearsley Village Hall on Friday October 21. Please contact me for tickets which cost £10 or £8 for concessions or for more information. The show starts at 8.00pm, with an interval when tea and coffee and cake will be served and an opportunity to take part in the raffle. One of the raffle prizes will be a book “Bugatti Queen” about Helle Nice, the “Fast Woman” signed by our evening’s actress, Sandra Hunt. It should be a lively, entertaining evening. It isn’t often we have the opportunity for theatre in Chearsley, so don’t miss this chance – come along, it will be a change from the TV or the pub. (You could do both anyway). A few tickets will probably be available on the night at the door.

Mobile Library

This will next be in Chearsley on Monday October 24 from 12.20 until 12.45pm on The Green.

Monthly Pub Lunch at The Bell

It is time to book your seat and order your meal for October’s lunch for older residents of Chearsley and other villages, which is on Wednesday 26 at 12.30pm. If you haven’t been before or haven’t heard about the monthly meal, perhaps you can be tempted by the 2 course menu which costs £5.95 per person including tea or coffee. This month you can choose from scampi and chips, cottage pie, chicken casserole, followed by ice cream fruit crumble or crème caramel. Please ring Ann Hooton on 208306 or Alan Mitchener on 208893.

Halloween at The Bell

Plans are being made for Halloween happenings for children at the Bell on Monday October 31. More details available later. So, time for broomsticks,capes and cauldrons to be made ready for a really exciting time. Think up some good spells with rats and spider venom , a few old conkers, whatever you can find - it’s about time a spell was cast over the 6 o’ clock club regulars. Sharon needs help dealing with them each night.

Pumpkin night at The Bell

This will be held on Wednesday evening October 26 at about 8.00pm. Come along and see who has managed to grow the biggest pumpkin in this annual village competition. I shall be there as a spectator only, unable to compete, as the slugs took a fancy to the one Podge and I were growing in his garden. Not to despair, there is always next year. Hopefully, others have had more success. We shall see.

Rugby World Cup Finals at Chearsley Cricket ClubThe Club will be open again (presuming they have all recovered from their End of Season Ball celebrations on Friday 14), and welcoming visitors to the Rugby Final on Saturday October 23. Breakfast will be served at 8.30am for the 9.00am kickoff. Please let John Howard know if you are planning to attend on 07970 651326. It is hoped that the 5 winners of the Chearsley Cricket Club Rugby draw will enjoy their VIP package that morning, which includes breakfast with a glass of Bucks Fizz served by a topless waitress!

For the over 60s
Weekly sessions of activities for adults over 60 begin on Monday October 31 (just witches and wizards?!) in Aylesbury from 10 to 12.30pm at a cost of £4.00. The sessions will include practical and fun activities to keep the mind, body and soul active and will include lunch. Please contact the Healthy Living Centre at Walton Court Shopping Centre, Aylesbury on 01296 334562. It is good to see another opportunity available for getting out and doing something different.

Postal collection times from Chearsley Box

I had suspected for a couple of weeks that post was being collected earlier than the advertised Monday to Friday time of 4.45pm. This has now been confirmed by another member of the village, who has spoken to the postman collecting at 4.00pm. Having personally and professionally experienced Royal Mail’s lack of customer -first approach, it is of little surprise that no notice or warning of this change has been given. It wouldn’t have taken much to have put up a temporary notice on the pillar box advertising the change of time, until proper signage is organized. Be warned, collection time now is 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Who knows what time on Saturday – Royal Mail?


Wednesday 5 October 2011

Community Message - Free fitting of anti-theft number plate screws

This is a Community Message from Insp Abu-Rish, Aylesbury Town Neighbourhood Inspector.

Following the success of our previous events in Aylesbury where we fitted over 700 cars with tamper proof number plate screws we have decided to run more events again in partnership with Halfords Auto Centre.

It is completely free of charge and only takes a moment to do so. We would like to invite people to pop along to one of the events in Aylesbury to be held on:

  • Weds 5th Oct at B&Q Car Park, Aylesbury from 10amtill 2pm
  • Weds 12th Oct at B&Q Car Park, Aylesbury from 10amtill 2pm
  • Thurs 20th Oct at Tesco Broadfields Car Park, Aylesbury from 4pmtill 8pm

Vehicle identity theft can present all sorts of problems for motorists and this is a free and easy way to eliminate the chance of being a victim to this type of crime. Stolen number plates can be used in committing crime such as making off without payment from garages, burglaries and avoiding congestion charging to name but a few.

Over 700 satisfied local residents have taken up this offer and there will only be another 3 dates this year to take up the offer. Members of the Aylesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be in attendance for advice and crime reduction information.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Mobile Library
This is next in Chearsley on Monday October 10th by The Green from 12.20 until 12.45pm.

Chearsley Cricket Club End of Season Ball
This will be held at The Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame on Friday October 14. This very successful event, which was attended by over 150 people last year, takes the form of reception and canapés, dinner, presentations, raffle, auction, and dancing to live music, by Squid. Tickets cost £40 each. Please contact Alex Brown on 07731 578923 or John Howard on 07970 651326 to book your ticket.

Chearsley Village Trust
The Trust would like to hear from anyone, individuals or groups who would like to apply for an award for finance for their project or activity. Please write to Val Davies, the clerk to the Trustees at Minster Dark Lane Chearsley HP18 0DA giving details of the project, who benefits and what other funds are available. The deadline for applications is Sunday October 23.

The Bell
The next Sunday Pub Quiz will be on October 9 starting at 7.30. Paul and Tony, last month’s winners will be the quizmasters. This monthly event is rapidly becoming very competitive and popular. Please book your table with Sharon or Ollie as soon as possible. Their phone number is 01844 208077 or email sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk.

Thursday evenings in The Bell are now Steak nights when 2 steaks plus a bottle of wine costs £25. Friday evenings offer fish, chips and peas for 2 plus a bottle wine costing £25.

The Christmas menu is now available and bookings taken. There is a two course menu for £16 or a 3 course menu for £21.

Theatre in The Villages
Fast Woman with Sandra Hunt is being performed in Chearsley Village Hall on Friday October 21. Please contact me for tickets which cost £10 or £8 for concessions or for more information. The show starts at 8.00, with an interval when tea and coffee and cake will be served and an opportunity to take part in the raffle. It should be a lively, entertaining evening – come along and see.

Monday 26 September 2011

Neighbourhood Action Group and Local Area Forum Meeting

The next NAG/LAF will be held at Stone C of E Combed School on Wednesday 28th September.  The NAG meeting will start at 6.30pm and will be followed by the LAF at 7.30pm.

If you are unable to attend but have any queries or issues you would like to raise, please contact our PCSO, Sue Jones:

Sue Jones (C9830)
Police Community Support Officer
Haddenham and Long Crendon District
Waddesdon Police Station
email - suzan.jones@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 08458 505505

Thursday 22 September 2011

Cuddington & Dinton School



CUDDINGTON & DINTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL
Invitation to share in the vision for the rebuild & extension of the fire damaged buildings in Dinton.

As many of you will know earlier this year our school buildings in Dinton caught fire and sustained serious damage. Rather than simply rebuild the school, the Governors and School would like to take the opportunity to improve the facilities and accommodation provided by the school buildings and create a ‘best in class’ and inspirational educational environment for the children.

The Headteacher and Governors of Cuddington & Dinton C of E School would like to invite residents from our local and catchment communities to visit the school to hear about plans for our proposed extension and reinstatement.

Monday 3rd October 2011 4.00pm-6.00pm
We are holding the event at the Dinton School site where proposed plans will be on display and there will be the opportunity to talk to us about the proposals. We look forward to seeing you there.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
Background:

Cuddington & Dinton Church of England School
Cuddington and Dinton Church of England School is a primary school spread across two sites; the Infant site based in Cuddington and the Junior site in the neighbouring village of Dinton.

The school is privileged to enjoy strong links with supportive local communities and the church, relishing the history and traditions of our villages whilst moving our school and, most importantly, our pupil’s education forward.

………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Contacts:

Mrs Price
Headteacher of Cuddington & Dinton Church of England School
t: 01844 291206

Roger Pratap
Governor & Chair of School Rebuild Working Group
t: 07973 118167

Rugby World Cup at CCC this weekend


A reminder that we’ll be screening the England vs Romania game at the Chearsley Cricket Club pavilion this Saturday.

Breakfast served from 7.30
TV screening starts 8.00

The England game is immediately followed by France vs New Zealand and we’ll keep the TV on if anybody wishes to watch that match as well.

Hope to see you there....and drop me a mail if you’re coming.

John Howard

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Neighbourhood Police Team: September Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Newsletter for September can be downloaded here.

Thursday 15 September 2011

The Ferrets are coming...

The rabbit warrens around Chearsley have been buzzing in the last few days, as the StaRescue ferrets have been put through their final paces in preparation for the Chearsley Cricket Club Ferret Racing event on Saturday evening.

The main details are shown on our poster but here’s more details of the schedule for the evening....

  • 6.30  Gates open
  • 7.00  1st Race – The Pieman Stakes (sponsored by Adam Lazurak)
  • 7.15  2nd Race – The Lombardo Challenge (sponsored by John Howard)
  • 7.30  3rd Race – The JV Classic (sponsored by James Veness)
  • 7.45 4th Race – The Chairman’s Handicap (sponsored by Clive Weston)
  • 8.00   5th Race - Floodlit Grand Final (featuring the four winners of the earlier races)
  • 10.30 Bar closes
We will be running on course betting. There are four ferrets running in each race and the minimum stake is 50p.

All losing tickets will be entered into a ‘loser to winner’ draw – and the winning ticket drawn at the end of the evening will win a ‘bottle of bubbly’.

Entry is free - children and families are most welcome. We’ll be providing ‘locally produced bangers and mash’ and a vegetarian option for adults (£5 per head). We’ll also provide ‘hot dogs’ for the youngsters.

It should be a fun evening – hope to see you there.

Try this link for a taster.....

John Howard

Saturday 10 September 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Chearsley Show
Another very successful Village show took place on Saturday 3rd September. Entries and entrants were down slightly on last year, but there was a splendid array of produce, flowers, craft and domestic and many children’s entries to fill the tables in the hall. The show was busy in the afternoon when members of the public were allowed to view and discover the winners of the many categories. Tea and cake provided a chance to chat. Winners of a wooden fruit bowl for best fruit were David and Anna Taylor, winner of the Gadsby Trophy for best Vegetables was Julian George and the winner of the Vic Walker Cup as overall winner of the show was Mary Scholefield. The following were also winners : Anne Lewis for the Best Hanging Basket; Nicola and Julian George winning Best Tomatoes - the first year the Pat Marshall Cup had been awarded; Steve Lock for Best photo; Edward Richards for Best Model; Alicia Howard for Best Art Entry; Tessa Siddall for Best Craft; Katherine George for Best Children’s entry. A cup for the best Children’s champion was shared by Jessica Taylor and Tessa Siddall. Julian George won the Eli Godfrey Plate for Men’s jam tarts; Janine Rees won the Wilfred Kind Cup for the Best Domestic; Mary Scholefield won the Olive AshworthCup for Best Flowers and Jann Grimshaw won the Lane Bud Vase for the best flower arrangement. They were presented with their cups and trophies by Chloe Lambert (Stone and Dinton’s very industrious Bucks Herald correspondant) ( without whom, Chearsley Show would not be the same. She was given a flower arrangement made by Joy Payne, as a mark of appreciation by the Show committee. The Show is only on for a few hours on one day in the year, but so much work by so many people goes into it – the entrants,some offering a prolific amount of entries, the children who were so busy with their vegetables models, imaginatively decorated fairy cakes and artwork, the judges who take their job extremely seriously, and not least the committee and helpers led by Rosemary Wallis. Thanks to them all for keeping alive a village tradition.

Footsteps
Sharon Sampson organised another very successful day for 35 children and parents on Wednesday 18th August when they painted, stuck, sewed, tie dyed, constructed, acted, watched, ate and dance the day away whilst learning some of the stories that Jesus told. A treasure hunt for the oldest children incorporated a climb up to the Bell tower in the church. A party, feast and disco completed the busy day.
(Photos now online here.)

Time for Reflection – meditations to use through the year
Ann Persson of Dark Lane, Chearsley has written this new book which provides practical exercises of varying lengths for exploring contemplative, creative prayer. The themes are to the Christian calendar and the seasons. Please ring Ann on 01844 201955 to purchase a copy, price £8.95.

Harvest Celebrations with St Nicholas Church
Harvest Supper – this will be on Saturday 24th September in Chearsley Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 each for a 2 course meal including wine or beer and are available from Alicia Howard, Great Barn, School Lane, phone 07970 804330.

Harvest Festival will be part of the Family Service on Sunday September 25th at 10.00am. The produce and gifts collected will be going to The Steppin’ Stone Centre for the homeless in Oxford. Gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables together with dry produce and tinned goods, rice, sugar and pasta which can be used in the Centre’s kitchen are very welcome.

Chearsley W. I.
The Summer break is over, and Chearsley W.I. next meet in the Village Hall on Tuesday September 20th. Sally Botwright will be talking about London 2012, the history and stories of the ancient and modern Olympics, with information regarding the games coming to London next year. Non W.I. members are welcome to come at 2.30pm.

Recycling
The next collection of baskets for plastics, cans and paper and the box for glass will be on Tuesday 20th September.

Organ player wanted
St Nicholas Church would love to hear from any organists or pianists who would be willing to play occasionally, particularly for the Family Services (4th Sunday of each month). Grace, the current organist is due to go to university, leaving an opening for new players. Ann Hooton and Jeremy Pratt have kindly offered to play at some of the services, but there are still gaps. If you are interested, please contact the church wardens, John Daish on 01844 208712 or Alicia Howard on 01844 208036.

Theatre in the Villages
A note for your diaries – Friday October 21st in Chearsley Village Hall at 8.00pm. Sandra Hunt will be giving a one woman performance entitled Fast Woman – presenting the extraordinary life story of Mariette Helene Delangle, who cast off this name simultaneously with her clothes to take on the name of Helle Nice, to become a dare devil dancer, model and grand prix motor-racing driver from 1920s Paris. Tickets are available from me, price £10 or £8 for concessions. We are very fortunate to be a host to a show with Theatre in the villages, so please support this opportunity which brings professional performances to your doorstep, funded by Aylesbury Vale, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils. Some tickets have already been sold, so don’t delay in booking your tickets.

Cricket Club 1st XI

Congratulations to Chearsley 1st XI on becoming winners of Cherwell League Div. 4. Their final game at Buckingham on Saturday, 3rd September was a draw, which assured them of becoming top of the league. They will be promoted into Div 4 next season.

World Rugby at the Cricket Club
The Club will be showing the Ireland vs Australia match on Saturday 17th September which starts at 9.00am. The England vs Georgia on Sunday 18th at 7.30am and England vs Rumania on Saturday 24th starting at 7.30am. This match is followed by France vs New Zealand. Everyone is welcome to come and watch. Breakfasts will be served half an hour before kick off. Please book your breakfast with John Howard on 208036 or 07970 651326 in good time. More information is on the Cricket Club website and on the noticeboard.

Library
This is next in Chearsley on Monday September 26th from 12.20 to 12.45pm at The Bell carpark

Pub Lunch
This will be held in The Bell on Wednesday 28th September at 12.30pm. Please let Ann Hooton know if you would like to come on 208306 and order your meal.

Free Information event on financial and legal issues in older age
This will be held on Friday September 16th from 10 until 1.00pm at the Youth Centre, Woodways, Haddenham, when there will be information stands and sessions about all matters concerning the elderly. From 10.30 until 11.10, Thame Citizen’s Advice Bureau will be discussing welfare benefits and how to apply. From 11.10 until 11.50, Lightfoots, Solicitors will be talking about Wills, inheritance tax and Power of Attorney. From 11.50 until 12.30, First Stop Advice will be presenting on Paying for care and exploring the options. There will then be time to have refreshments and look around the stands and ask questions.

Thursday 1 September 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Wedding Congratulations
Catherine Bottomley, daughter of Howard and Helen, married Mark Owens in Wales on Saturday 27th August. Congratulations and every good wish for their future together.

The Bell Summer Party
First reports of this Summer extravaganza held on Saturday 27th are that it was a great success. The unmistakable sounds of the Steel Band and later the wonderful voice of Alvin as Elvis wafted over the village on a thankfully fine night. Well done to Ollie and Sharon for their hard work in putting on such a good night.

Quiz Night at The Bell
This will next take place on Sunday 11th at 7.30pm with the winning team from last time, Tina, Jamie, John and Sarah providing the questions. Please contact The Bell if you would like to take part.

Chearsley Cricket Club and the Rugby World Cup
The Club has recently acquired a 42” plasma screen and they will be screening a number of key matches from the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Saturday and Sunday mornings during September and October. Breakfast will be available half an hour before kick off, comprising a bacon roll and tea or coffee at a cost of £3.

The first matches to be screened are on Saturday 10th September, England vs Argentina and Sunday 11th September, Wales vs South Africa. Kick off at 9.30am.

Please let John Howard know by the Thursday evening beforehand if you would like to attend. His phone number is 208036 or 07970 651326.

Chearsley v Cuddington Boules Rematch

This will take place at Cuddington Boules Pitch, Cuddington Playing Fields, on Saturday September 17th at 2pm. Nic Brown, Chairman of Chearsley Parish Council is looking for players to be part of a hopefully winning team. Please contact him at nicbrown@travelinn.co.uk or phone 07776161644 if you would like to play. Offers of help with providing tea, sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes etc. are also needed.

Parish Council Meeting
There is a Parish Council meeting on Monday 12th September in the village hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mobile Library
This will next be at The Bell carpark on Monday 12th September from 12.20 until 12.45pm.

Monday 29 August 2011

The final countdown......

Congratulations to all our senior cricketers.

With a comprehensive victory over Leighton Buzzard last Saturday, Chearsley Cricket Club 1st X1 have put themselves in a strong position to win the Cherwell League Division 4 championship.

We currently sit eighteen points ahead of nearest rivals (Shipton) with one game to play, needing just eight points to secure top position and promotion to Division 3 next season.

Their final league fixture takes place away next Saturday afternoon 3rd September) at Buckingham – 1 o’clock start.

Buckingham Town CC
Bourton Rd
Buckingham
MK18 1BG

I know the lads would appreciate our support, and directions to the venue are available here.......

A number of CCC Vice Presidents will be travelling up to Buckingham during the afternoon, leaving The Bell at around 2.30, at the conclusion of their VP luncheon. If sufficient numbers are interested, we’ll sort out a minibus. If you are interested, email or call me on 07970 651326.

I think all the players would agree that the 2nd XI season has been a bit of a ‘curate’s egg’. The lads are currently placed 7th in Division 7 but, happily, well clear of the ‘drop zone’. So, all in all, a decent show in their first season in a higher division – but room for improvement next year.

Their final league fixture also takes place next Saturday at home against Kingston Bagpuize.

So, fingers crossed for next Saturday.....

John Howard

Friday 26 August 2011

Cuddington v Chearsley : Boules Rematch

Saturday 17th September 2011 at 2pm
Cuddington Boules Pitch, Playing Fields, Cuddington
 

I am seeking players to once again take on the lucky winners of Cuddington from our previous encounter and ensure that we restore glory & pride to the good name of Chearsley when it comes to this ancient and pleasurable game.

I am also looking for volunteers to provide sandwiches, cheeses, sausage rolls, pork pies, cakes, etc, as it was well provided at our last game by the good folks of Cuddington.
 
There will be an open bar at the playing fields clubhouse and I am looking for a full team including those youngsters who did such a great job at both taking part in the game as well as keeping the playing surfaces in such good condition.

Please call Nic Brown on 07776 161644 or
e.mail nic.brown@travelinn.co.uk if you are available for any of the above!!

Thursday 25 August 2011

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Pilates in Chearsley
Classes with Debbie restart at the beginning of September in Chearsley Village Hall. Debbie, who lives in Chearsley, has been teaching Pilates for 9 years in a Pilates studio teaching group classes. New members are welcome – come and see whether Pilates is for you, suitable for men and women of all ages. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the village hall. Please ring Debbie on 01844 201295 for more information and to book your place.

Bingo at The Bell
This will restart after the Summer break on Tuesday, September 6th. Prizes for lines and full house and a bumper prize for the last game. Come and meet friends and have fun. The Bell offers meals at a special price of £6.99 for Bingo players only. Booking is advised for this. Eyes Down at about 8pm.

Chearsley Cricket Club – Aunt Sally
Members of Chearsley Cricket Club have been playing in an Aunt Sally League since May and are currently in second place. They have also reached the Cup Final which takes place on Friday 16th at The Black Bull, Launton. Adam Lazaruk, the captain and his team would very much appreciate your support. The team they are playing in the final is The Shakespeare who play in a division above Chearsley. Well done for getting this far and good luck to the Aunt Sally players.

This season, the Cricket XI Team are on the brink of promotion, and hope to win Division 4 of the Cherwell League. The Seconds are hoping not to be relegated.

Ferret Racing Night
Don’t forget to support the Cricket Club by attending their Ferret Racing Night on Saturday September 17th at the Cricket Pavilion. There are details on the website and on the notice board by the bus-stop.

Chilli Festival at Waddesdon
The Plant Centre at Waddesdon is holding another of its very successful Chilli Festivals on Saturday 3rd September and Sunday 4th from 10 to 4pm. There will be over 30 stalls with plants, seeds, chutneys, jams, marinades, sauces, pickles, beers and even homemade chilli ice cream. So if you love chilli, and maybe have grown some this year and want ideas on how to use them or get advice on how to keep them, Waddesdon is the place to go. Admission is free, but normal admission charges apply to the Manor itself.

Emergency Services and Heritage Open Day at Waddesdon Manor
There is free admission to this event on Saturday, 10th September from 10am, when there will be our local emergency services on display. Children will be able to climb aboard a fire engine, inspect an ambulance and see some of the latest police vehicles. There will also be free admission to Waddesdon Manor house, inflatable slides and fun for the children and stalls with information from local charities.

Waddesdon Manor will also be open this coming Bank Holiday Monday.