Crotchet blankets for sale - Beryl Wright, famed for her cake making skills, has been busy crocheting colourful blankets and now has them for sale price £15 each in aid of the new bells. They measure approximately 1m x 2m made from acrylic wool, are washable and warm and would look good on a bed or sofa. Please phone Beryl on 01844 208607 if you are interested in buying one.
Charity Bottle at The Bell - On Thursday February 6, the contents of the charity bottle in The Bell were counted. Customers, family and friends have been donating over the year to the bottle and money raised from raffles at Bingo nights and other events have also contributed to the bottle. £860 was counted. This money will go towards funding one of the three new bells which will be installed in St Nicholas Church, Chearsley. This new bell will be dedicated to Oli Babington, late Landlord of The Bell and will be known as “The Oliver Bell”.
Parish Council Meeting Monday February 10 – all councillors were present and a public gathering of about 13. Francis Heybrook advised the council that feedback and comments from villagers concerning the Heybrook planning proposals were being considered and their planning application would shortly be submitted to AVDC. The poor state of the village roads, particularly School Lane was commented on by a member of the public and was told that potholes needed to measure 40mm deep by 300mm in 1 direction before they would be repaired. A Bucks County Council representative is soon to “walk the village” with a member of the Parish Council to view problems.
Matters arising from last month’s Minutes:
- Obscure glass had still not been installed in the new house in Turnip Close and no reply had been received to the Parish Council’s letter concerning this. It was agreed that AVDC should be informed of non –compliance with the planning conditions.
- The meeting was told that a planning application by John Lloyd had now been submitted for houses off Chilton Road. It was agreed that advice should be taken as to whether Mike Heybrook, who has a vested interested in planning matters, should be able to comment on planning proposals.
- Village Plan – John Lewis reported that this had now been published and responses were being returned. There was discussion about the AVDC Plan which had been rejected by the Inspector and withdrawn for a new one to be drawn up which would probably take up to 15 months. Highways - Information on having “devolved services” for the grass and verge work in the village had been sought. This would mean that the village would employ their own contractor and regulate when and where was cut. There was no funding for this. It was agreed to ask Graham King, the current grass cutter, for a quote and to discuss again at the meeting in March.
- It was agreed to go ahead with the cutting down and grinding of the stumps of the sycamores outside The Bell, at a cost of £580 with the resulting logs being offered to villagers for a donation to charity.
- LAF – more funding from this Local Area Forum to have 2 more vehicle activated signs in the village is to be applied for. There is also funding available for teenagers and community, which should be considered, in view of the large number of growing children in the village who have little facilities and to obtain ideas for projects. To be discussed again at the next meeting.
- New posts are needed for the Church Lane road sign. Steps up to Footpath 9, near the Church across to the railway line, are to be cut into the bank in the next few months. A handrail will also be installed. Permission for overhanging trees in Farmyard Path to be cut down had been received and work will take place next week at the expense of the householder.
- A letter from another householder in Elm Brook Close had been received asking for financial help to trim other trees in this footpath. Election - this had cost the Parish Council £894.
- Open Session - it was voiced that any proposals by the Parish Council and any actions resulting from the Village Plan of a similar nature should work closely together. Trees in the churchyard need pollarding and it was advised that a tree officer should be approached for advice.
- Any Other Business - the Parish council had been advised that the empty council house in Winchendon Road needs renovating, for which there is currently no funds available.
- Damage to the verges in Church Lane had been repaired by Thames Water during the sewage problem last year.
- Mike Heybrook reported on the success of a wildflower area on the verge on Crendon Road and was keen to look at other areas where this could be repeated, and the area possibly managed by nearby residents.
- Next meeting – this will be held in the village hall on Monday March 17 at 7.30pm.
Fabulous sets, costumes and choreography will make this a show not to be missed – a half term treat for the whole family. Tickets are still available for this production taking place at the Bernard Hall Cuddington from Tuesday February 18 until Saturday February 22. Performances start at 7.00pm on all these evenings with a matinee show on Saturday February 22 at 1.00pm. Ring the box office on 01296 747129 for tickets or book online at www.cuddingtonvillage.com/cyd. Prices are from £8 for adults, £5 for children and concessions with special prices for families.
Young Photographer Competition
This annual competition is now open to all young people aged from 7 to 18. It is run by Haddenham Rotary Club and they welcome entries from all eligible youngsters from Haddenham and surrounding villages. The theme of the competition this year is “People”. There are £300 worth of prizes for 3 age groups – Junior 7 to 10; Intermediate 11-13 and Seniors 14 – 18.
Entry forms are available from local schools and Haddenham Community Library. The deadline for submission of entries is Friday March 21. The panel of judges will include a professional photographer. Go to the Rotary Club’s website at www.haddenham-rotary.org.uk for more information.
Diary Dates
Friday February 14 - Valentine's meals at The Bell - lunchtime and evenings
Sunday February 16 - Holy Communion at 9am at St Nicholas
Monday February 24 – The Mobile Library calls on its monthly visit at The Bell car park from 10.00 to 10.25am.
