Friday 31 January 2014

Brown Bin Collections


A quick reminder that our Brown Bin Collections will resume on
Monday 3rd February
and will continue to be collected on the same Monday as our Green Lid Bins
(Bank Holidays TBC)

Thursday 30 January 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Village Plan update – Every house should by now have received a copy of the Village Plan through their letter box. The plan makes for interesting reading. A great deal of work and time and effort has gone into the publication of this Plan. Voting forms should be returned by Sunday February 16 . There are collection boxes in The Bell, the Shop or the voting form can be emailed to plan@chearsley.com or returned to Grapevine House, Bottom Orchard, Church Lane, Chearsley. Don’t forget every returned form will be entered into the free draw for a bottle of Champagne.

February at The Bell

It will be announced on Thursday February 6 exactly how much money has been raised from donations and raffles at Bingo nights which will go towards one of the three new bells planned for Chearsley Church which will be dedicated to Oliver Babington. The monthly light- hearted quizzes recommence this year on February 9 at 8.00pm. Come in a team or on your own. Valentines Day can be celebrated with a special meal at The Bell on Friday February 14. Please contact Sharon at The Bell for more details of the meal and cost and to book a table. Special 2 meals for £10 from a selected menu continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during February, as well as the Find the Joker Game on Friday evenings, where the possible prize money to be won has now risen to over £250. The ever popular Meat Raffle on Sundays at 3.00pm will also continue to be held during the month.

Age UK Bucks - there is money available from the Community Foundation Big Heat Scheme to help any older people in Bucks who are finding it difficult to afford to keep warm this winter. Anyone in receipt of a means tested benefit and not receiving any other charitable grant can ask Age UK Bucks for help and advice by ringing 01296 431911. A trained volunteer will come out to your house to help complete the application form which may lead to an award of £125 or £250 payable to you or your energy supplier. Age UK Bucks can also arrange for a food parcel to be delivered to your home if you are over 60, vulnerable and housebound or anxious about going out in snowy or icy conditions. Please contact Riah Wilkinson “winter warmth” co-ordinator on 01296 431911 for more information.

Diary Dates
  • Tuesday February 4 Bingo at The Bell Eyes Down at 8.30pm
  • Thursday February 6 Charity Night at The Bell
  • Saturday February 8 Six Nations Rugby at Chearsley Cricket Club. Ireland v Wales at 2.3pm and Scotland v England at 5.00pm. Doors open at 2.00pm. Bar and refreshments available
  • Sunday February 9 10.00am Morning Celebration at St Nicholas, Chearsley
    6.00pm Evensong
  • Sunday February 9 Monthly Quiz at The Bell. Come along in a team or on your own.
  • Monday February 10 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall. Please see the notice board for details of last month’s Minutes and the agenda for this meeting. Come along and find out what is happening in the village and voice any comments or concerns during the time open for public comment

Chearsley 2014 is published

Chearsley 2014 is the Final version of our Village Plan and was published on 27 January 2014 - see the Planning Forum website for details of how you can vote.

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Keeping in touch with the elderly

This informative message is from the Community Engagement Officer at AVDC and does not infer an endorsement.


Connecting the Unconnected - Bridging the Generation App
Simple technology connects the unconnected ageing parents to their internet enabled families

Click for more information

With many of us depending on our smart phones to check everything from our travel arrangements, and finances to exercise performance and latest fashion choices, it seems natural that we should check in on loved ones with the latest app.

But the inspiration behind 3rings.co.uk comes from the days before mobile phones, where the well-known ‘code’ to let someone know all is well was giving them three rings on the telephone. The new service brings this code back for the internet generation.

The initial design for 3rings used an array of sensors within the home to build patterns of ‘normality’ so that anything unusual would be flagged and families alerted. But for the older audience, introducing new technology within the home was deemed a barrier to entry so it was decided to go back to the basic concept of the three rings code, which worked purely with a traditional telephone.

Elderly parents or grandparents only require a landline to receive or make a daily call to the 3rings automated service which then automatically contacts an entire network of family and friends using an app, SMS, email or calls.

Founder Steve Purdham was inspired by his mum, Iris, 82. He explains: “We wanted to create a simple solution which answered the question, ‘are my parents okay today?’. Despite there now being more forms of communication available than ever before, the older generation are often excluded from the latest technologies. This led us to remember a time when giving someone three rings via the telephone was used to provide peace of mind.

“The objective is to help loved ones maintain their independence and not feel like a burden. 3rings isn’t meant to be a replacement for personal calls and visits but helps ease the worry caused by distance and hectic lives. We strongly believe that this offering can be a catalyst for the changing family care of ageing parents in the UK.”

The service is available online at 3rings.co.uk with free apps for iPhones and iPads and Android. There are two paid-for services (£5.99/month and £9.99/month) and a free trial available.

For more information please contact steve@3rings.co.uk or call Steve on 07899-803555 or 0161 731 0081

Friday 24 January 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Saturday February 1 - Six Nations Rugby at Chearsley Cricket Club – this year’s RBS Six Nations tournament kicks off on Saturday February 1 when both games will be shown at the Cricket Club pavilion. Doors will be open at 2.00pm in good time for the first match at 2.30pm between Wales and Italy. The match between France and England starts at 5.00pm. The bar will be open and bacon rolls available during the afternoon. Come along with all the family. Enter the sweepstake and enjoy the rugby in good company . Other matches will be shown – Saturday February 8 : Ireland v Wales at 2.30 and Scotland v England at 5.00pm. Saturday February 22: England v Wales at 4.00pm. Saturday March 15: Italy v England at 12.30pm; Wales v Scotland at 2.45pm and France v Ireland at 5.00pm. Please contact John Howard for more information on 0790651326 or email him at jnh@dbmc.co.uk.

Cuddington and Dinton C of E School - a few tickets costing £70 per person are still available for their annual Charity Ball. This year the Blitz and Glitz Ball will be held on Saturday May 10. Please contact Sharon MacNab on 07725 001044 or email her at sharonmacnab@hotmail.co.uk

Village Plan update
– this is on schedule for printing and a copy of the proposed Village Plan should be delivered to every house in the village in the week beginning Monday 27. Voting forms should be returned by Sunday February 16.

Church services for February at Nicholas Church
Sunday February 2nd at 10am Family Communion, Junior Church and Rock Solid
Sunday February 9th at 10am Morning Celebration and at 6.00pm Evensong
Sunday February 16 at 9.00am Holy Communion
Sunday February 23 at 10am Family Service

Diary Dates
Wednesday January 29 Pub lunch at 12.30pm
Thursday January 30 4.00 to 8.00pm in the village hall - Exhibition of proposed housing development at Stony Furlong
Tuesday February 4 Bingo at The Bell with Eyes Down at around 8.30pm.

Monday 20 January 2014

Cuddington and Dinton Charity Ball – Blitz & Glitz – Saturday 10th May

Tickets for the Cuddington and Dinton C of E school Annual Charity Ball are now on sale! This is a premier event in the social calendar, with the likes of Tony Hadley and Guy Ritchie headlining in previous years. The theme of this year’s ball is Blitz and Glitz. Grab your DJs and memorabilia from a golden age as this promises not to disappoint! There are only a few tickets left so contact Sharon MacNab (details in the attached) to avoid disappointment.

Thursday 16 January 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Twelfth Night Celebrations
On Sunday January 5th, Chearsley’s wassailing revellers enjoyed a wonderful evening of fine food and entertainment in a very traditional celebration of Twelfth Night in the Village Hall, which provided a spectacular setting for the evening thanks to the tireless efforts of Joy Payne and helpers. Proceedings began with the drawing of lots to choose the Master of Ceremonies. John Wynburn was duly elected as the Lord of Misrule. His duty was to “turn the world upside down” and he passed the test with aplomb. After enjoying a sumptuous banquet and a large slice of Beryl Wright’s delicious Twelfth Night Cake, diners then sat back and enjoyed a full programme of home-grown entertainment – no doubting that Chearsley’s got talent. Songs were performed by Jenny Scholefield, Joy Payne, Mike Heybrook, Giles Witcher and Chris Mundy.
Poems were read by Alicia Howard, Colm Henry and Darren Sampson, and there were performances by the St Nicholas Christmas Choir and Chearsley Handbell Ringers.
Sincere thanks to the many who helped in putting together such a wonderful and memorable evening, with special mention to the main organisers, Anne Pratt and Julia Witcher. The evening raised a total of £600 for the Three New Bells for St Nicholas. A full report and a selection of photographs can be found on the St Nicholas Church website here.

Parish Council Meeting Monday January 13
A full house of Parish Councillors under the Chairmanship of Nic Brown attended this meeting when five members of the public were present. The chairman noted that due to an oversight the agenda for the meeting had not been publicised.
Laura, representing the Heybrook family, announced that there would be a public exhibition of plans of their housing development in Stony Furlong, land by the Cricket Ground, in the village hall on Thursday January 30 from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. Any discussion by the Parish Council of this proposed planning development would not include Mike Heybrook in view of a conflict of interest.
Other planning matters - a site meeting at 5 Bernard's Close was arranged to consider the recent planning application.
Village Plan Update – John Lewis reported that the final version of the Plan which had taken all comments into consideration , and now been altered particularly in the housing section, would very shortly be approved by the committee. It is hoped that this would then be printed and distributed to every house in the village, together with a voting form by the end of the month. The voting form would enable each member of the family to be able to vote yes or no to approving adoption of the Village Plan. As an incentive and encouragement for the voting papers to be completed, there would be a bottle of champagne to be won. Presuming voting was in favour of the Plan, the Parish Council would be asked to adopt the Plan.
Trees – Around 40 trees were planted around the village to replace the elm trees when they died from Dutch Elm disease. A plan of where these trees are should be drawn up in order to inspect and assess their condition as to whether they need trimming. John Lewis is arranging to have trees which overhang his own property trimmed.
Living Christmas Tree – the suggestion by Nic Brown of planting a tree on The Green which would serve as the Christmas tree each year, rather than having the expense of buying and installing one each Christmas was not well received by the Council. Perhaps a sponsor could be found to provide the tree each year. Nic thanked the team of helpers who installed it and to Paul Oliver for doing the electrics.
Trees on the Green – it was agreed that the existing sycamore which had been trimmed in the hope of its survival, should be now removed. Permission for this, being a diseased tree was already in place. The stump and the stump of the sycamore already felled should be ground out. The three hornbeams should be looked at again as to whether they needed more trimming. It was pointed out that these three hornbeams were originally planted to replace the three sycamores. Sandra and Julia agreed to look into a possible place where a tree or trees could be planted to replace the felled sycamore.
Verge cutting – Claire Lazaruk was looking into the possibility of Chearsley being responsible for the cutting of the verges and having the Bucks County Council budget for this.
Moveable Vehicle Activated Signs – One of these had now been acquired and four sites decided upon – on all roads into the village in the hope that the flashing sign would remind motorists of the 30mph speed limit and slow them down. The sign could then be moved from one site to the other by the village at any time.
Date of next meetings : Monday February 10 at 7.30 in the village hall, and Monday March 17 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The agenda for these meetings would be displayed on the noticeboard at least three days beforehand. Nic asked that the Minutes of this meeting be circulated within seven days.

Waddesdon Plant Centre - I have been a volunteer at Waddesdon Plant Centre for more than five years, doing a variety of tasks, watering and tending the plants both inside the greenhouse and outside, planting and displaying, and generally helping to keep the always wonderful display of plants and pots looking as good as possible. It is now very sad news to be told that the Plant Centre including the very popular Glasshouse cafe is to close at the end of February. The centre has not been making money over the past few years and there are now major things which need investment, updating and improving – the car park, the toilets, the boiler, the green house roof. A sale of most items starts on Friday January 17.
Many of the events which were held at The Plant Centre throughout the year will be accommodated in The Manor grounds. I shall miss my weekly visit to Waddesdon, a place where being amongst thriving plants, imaginatively displayed by the talented staff inspired and encouraged me to come home and enjoy my own gardening and I shall miss the friends I have made there. I would often bump into Chearsley villagers who had come to look around, always finding pleasure at the displays of plants, pots and the home living accessories and gifts, enjoying coffee or lunch in the glasshouse cafe and never going home empty handed. Waddesdon Plant Centre will be missed by many.

Diary Dates
Church services at Nicholas Church
Sunday January 26 - Family Service at 10.00am
 Monday January 27 - Monthly visit of the Mobile Library at 10.00am until 10.25am at The Bell Car Park
Saturday January 25 - Burns Night Celebration Meal at The Bell – reserve your place with The Bell
Wednesday January 29 - Chearsley Pub lunch at 12.30pm– please contact me on 208913 as soon as possible if you would like to come.
Thursday January 30 - 4.00 to 8.00pm in the village hall - Exhibition of proposed housing development at Stony Furlong

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Police warning over courier scam

This is a reminder to residents in Aylesbury Vale to be on their guard to a scam that was prevalent across London and is now spreading to other areas. The scam is as follows:-
  • The victim receives an unsolicited telephone call from the fraudsters claiming to be their bank (or in some cases the police), stating that their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on their card or that their card is due to expire and needs to be replaced.
  • The person may be asked to ring the bank back using the phone number printed on the back of their bank card. This helps to convince the person that the call is genuine. However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though the person has called the bank, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster.
  • The fraudster gains the person’s trust by pretending to offer assistance. In many cases the person is asked to provide their full bank card details and key in their PIN so that the existing card can be cancelled and their new one activated or authorised. The fraudster will then explain that the bank will need to collect the card.
  • he fraudster will then attend the person’s address or send an innocent courier company driver to collect the card and sometimes provide them with a replacement card which is subsequently found to be fake.
  • Therefore, the fraudster has obtained the person’s name, address, full bank details, their card(s) and the PIN(s). The bank cards are then used fraudulently.
There are a number of variations to the scam, including:
  • Fraudsters pretending to be the police and cold calling telling them that their bank account has been compromised. They suggest that the person should transfer their bank balance to a ‘safe’ police bank account.
  • Fraudsters pretending to be from the police attending people’s addresses and retrieving the person’s card and PIN.
  • Members of the public receiving letters on bank headed paper informing them that their account has been subject to fraud. The letter advises them to transfer their funds to a ‘safe’ account and that an official will be in contact to provide them with a new card and PIN.
  • Fraudsters contacting members of the public requesting them to cut their cards in half because their account has been compromised. They are then asked to post their cut card to an address where fraudsters simply tape the card together again and use the details to commit fraud.

Police advice is that if you receive such a call, end it immediately. If you are aware of any elderly or vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours, that may not have received this message, please let them know about the scam as soon as possible to help prevent further victims falling prey to this offence.

Please be aware that:
  • Your bank will never attend your home.
  • Your bank and / or the police will never collect your bank card.
  • Your bank and / or police will never ask for your PIN.

If you receive this type of call, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.

Thursday 9 January 2014

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Haddenham Burglary – a recent burglary in Churchway, Haddenham in the early hours on Monday January 6 serves as a reminder to be constantly aware that crime is happening locally. In this instance, the householders heard the burglar outside, but the theft of cash and a digital camera was not noticed until later in the day. In Chearsley, during one very windy and noisy night before Christmas, a building site was broken into and materials stolen.

Recipe Book – a recipe book with 74 pages of cakes, bread and puddings has been produced by pupils and parents of Cuddington and Dinton C of E School, with contributions from some Chearsley children. The book costs £10 each, discounted to £8.50 when 3 are bought and can be ordered from Cuddington Stores or by contacting Sharon Sampson at Sharon@cloverdale.biz. All proceeds will go to the school.

Burns Night at The Bell – come and celebrate Burns Night at The Bell on Saturday January 25 when a 2 course traditional Burns Night Menu is available for £19.95 and a 3 course menu for £23.95. Please contact The Bell to reserve your place.

Eric Carte - Eric is currently appearing in Agatha Christie’s play, Black Coffee at Theatre Royal Windsor with Robert Powell playing Hercule Poirot . Performances are held Monday to Saturday at 8pm with Matinees on Thursday at 2.30pm and Saturdays at 4.45pm and is at Windsor until January 18. Phone number for the Box Office to book tickets is 01753 853888 or go to their website. After Windsor, the play moves to the Cambridge Arts Theatre on January 20th. Nearer home, the play will be in Milton Keynes for 1 week from April 28.

Haddenham Day Centre
- a free trial day is being offered by FreTime at the refurbished Haddenham centre. It is a new care and support service run by the Fremantle Trust, with transport serving surrounding villages, offering fun and stimulating activities, good company, support with personal care, freshly cooked meals and qualified, experienced staff. Please contact Linda on 292265 for more information.

Oxford hospitals aspiring to Foundation Trust status
– The Care Quality Commission will be inspecting the Oxford hospitals of John Radcliffe, The Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic and Horton General , for a short time in February and are asking for comments from patients and visitors to tell them of their experiences. Comments can be given via an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/V2G8QNK, by attending a public listening event held by CQC, more details of which can be found at www.cqu.org.uk/public/listening-events by ringing the CQC helpline on 0300 0616161, by writing to CQC at National Customer Service Centre, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4PA or emailing enquiries@cqc.org.uk

St Nicholas Church - details of Church Services can be found on their website. Recent photos of Christmas services including the Christingle can be viewed on their site.

Diary Dates
Church services at Nicholas Church
Sunday January 19 - Holy Communion at 9.00am
Sunday January 26 - Family Service at 10.00am
Saturday January 25 - Burns Night Celebration Meal at The Bell

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Views wanted on hospital experiences

Oxford University Hospitals is going to be inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between 24th and 26th February. Oxford University Hospitals have been chosen for an inspection because they are aspiring for Foundation Trust status.

CQC would like to hear from anyone who has recently used the John Radcliffe, Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General sites.

WAYS TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES:

  1. COMPLETE THE QUICK ON-LINE SURVEY Simply click on the survey link and answer a few questions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V2G8QNK

  2. ATTEND A LOCAL PUBLIC LISTENING EVENT HELD BY CQC in February. For more information about the date, time and venue, go to http://www.cqc.org.uk/public/listening-events

  3. RING THE CQC HELPINE ON 0300 0616 161 between 8.30-5pm, Monday to Friday and ask to talk to someone about the inspection. Calls will be charged at the standard rate.

  4. WRITE TO CQC by letter, addressed to:
    CQC National Customer Service Centre
    Citygate
    Gallowgate
    Newcastle upon Tyne. NE1 4PA

  5. SEND AN EMAIL TO CQC, addressed to enquiries@cqc.org.uk

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Burglary in Haddenham

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a recent burglary in Haddenham.

The occupants of a house on Churchway heard footsteps on the gravel outside and saw someone shining a torch. It was only discovered later that day that cash and a digital camera had been stolen from inside. The burglary happened at around 2:30am on Monday 6th January.

PC Ian Glover from Aylesbury is the officer dealing with this crime. He would like to hear from anyone that might have seen or heard any recent suspicious activity in the area.

If you have any information please call PC Glover via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.

If you don’t want to talk to the Police or give your details you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via the Crimestoppers website.

 

Thursday 2 January 2014

Twefth Night

Have you bought your ticket for Twelfth Night at Chearsley Village Hall this Sunday evening? There are still a few tickets available, so if you now find that you would like to attend, please contact Anne Pratt on 201611 or anne@jpap.co.uk by Friday to book your place.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas in Chearsley - the official switching on of the Christmas tree lights by Jeyan and Suki’s two pretty little daughters attracted a good crowd, enjoying mulled wine and mince pies and heartily singing a few carols round the tree. £350 was raised at this ceremony and a night of Chearsley carol singers round the village. This will be divided between Chearsley’s favoured charities of DebRa and Cystic Fibrosis when we remember two young Chearsley people who suffer from these conditions. The tree was a casualty of some strong winds one evening before Christmas, when it was blown over, but a team of villagers quickly restored it the next morning, if not to its former glory, at least to become upright, albeit a bit shorter , and this time, well supported. Thanks must go to the Parish Council, and Chairman Nic Brown for being responsible for creating a central focus on The Green these past few years and to all who help.
The Bell enjoyed steady custom over the Christmas period, attracting a number of “dodgy Christmas Jumpers” to the competition on Boxing Day. John Fowler was the deserved winner with his souped-up jumper, decorated with tinsel and flashing lights. Heidi, Ruth and Phil Holland’s granddaughter with snowy jumper and matching hat was 2nd and Phil Morbey was given 3rd in grateful recognition and relief that he now has another jumper to wear at Christmas and “Dennis” can finally go in the wash. New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Bell’s Big Breakfast also had a loyal band of customers.
The usual monthly Bingo sessions have now started for 2014. The next monthly quiz will be held in February. If anyone would like a home for their old Christmas cards, I would be happy to collect them, or you can leave them at my door. Andrew (Podge) and I were able to make a good number of gift tags this year, and thanks for everyone who bought some and thanks to Sharon for having them on sale in The Bell.

Chearsley Lunch Club - The club was pleased to have Ann Hooton, the original organiser of the group, back for the Christmas lunch. Ann has very recently left the village for a new home in Henley, near to her son. She was presented with a painting by Alicia Howard depicting the major features of Chearsley as a reminder of Chearsley and as thanks for the considerable amount she has done for the village in over 30 years. There will be a lunch for anyone, Chearsley resident or not, who would like to join this small group, on Wednesday January 15, when there is a roast dinner with choice of pudding. Please contact me on 01844 208913 or email margmorb@mail.com for more information.

Congratulations
Peter and Sue Grimsdell have informed me that their son John Grimsdell, has recently been promoted from Captain in the Royal Artillery to become a Major. John is currently posted to Divisional Headquarters in Herford, Germany. Congratulations John.

Congratulations must also go to Sue Gray, a Chearsley lady for some years who has recently been promoted to the highest military rank in the RAF to be held by a female in Britain. She is now an Air Vice Marshall – equivalent in seniority to a Major General in the Army or a Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy and is only the second female two-star office in the UK’s Armed Forces. She has been appointed Director at the Defence Equipment and Support and will be responsible for buying and maintaining all fighter jets, training aircraft and drones. During her 28 year career in the RAF which she joined, having obtained a degree in electronics at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Polytechnic, Sue has twice served on the frontline in Iraq in The First Gulf war in 1991 and again in 2003 as chief Engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force. Of her promotion, she says “I look forward to the challenges of ensuring the UK stays at the cutting edge of combat airpower, delivering world class fast jet training aircraft and remotely piloted air systems to our Armed Forces”. Congratulations Sue. Chearsley is proud to have you looking after us and the rest of the UK.

Diary Dates
Sunday January 5 Twelfth Night Party at the Village Hall at 7.30. Tickets £12.50 available from Anne Pratt on anne.jpap@gmail.com. Deadline to buying a ticket is Friday January 3.
Monday January 13 2014 Parish Council Meeting – venue to be announced. Please see the notice board a few days before for more details.