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.
