Friday 25 December 2015

Happy Christmas!

Click image to play a 30 second video

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Parish Council Meeting
The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust presented their proposals for developing 3 and 4 Winchendon Road which would have the appearance of a farmhouse with outbuildings and provide eight new households in total. The Trust was not in a position to be certain as to how many would be available for rent, or for shared ownership. Questions were asked as to whether the homes would go to Chearsley people or if there was a need in the village for them.
It was agreed for another public meeting to be called in February and to ask residents to send their views to the Clerk of the Council or to any parish councillor concerning the proposed development. This would then help the Parish Council decide whether to back the proposals once planning permission was sought.

The Budget for 2016 was then discussed by the Parish council and after discussion the proposal to set the precept for Chearsley for next year at £16,000 was accepted. This is double last year’s amount. It was decided to anticipate forthcoming devolved responsibilities and to build up an adequate fund to meet these which will also enable the council to continue to maintain the village as needed – e.g the new notice board, the bus shelters, protecting The Green and other vital kerbing in the village.
During the discussion it was disclosed that the chestnut tree where the road forks to Winchendon is dying and has been declared a danger by tree surgeons. It will have to be cut down next year but it is the intention of the Council to replace it with a mature tree. The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday January 18 2016 at 7.30 in the village hall.

Village Hall Link To keep everyone informed and up-to-date about progress with a new village hall, there is now a Village Hall link here. A village meeting will be called early next year for villagers to vote for or against the proposed design of a new hall. Details of the design will be published on the website and copies posted on the village notice board, in The Bell and the shop.

Christmas Bin Collections The ordinary general waste bins will be collected on Tuesday December 29 with the food bins. The recycling bins will be collected on Monday January 4 with the food bins. Remember to put them out the night before. Thereafter, it is back to Friday collections with the waste bin being collected on Friday January 8.

Old Christmas cards Any unwanted old Christmas cards would be gratefully accepted by Andrew and myself for turning into Christmas gift tags. Please let me know if you would like me to pick them up, or please leave them at my door. We have depleted our stock. Andrew and I would like to thank Sharon at The Bell for having the tags on sale there and to everyone who bought them. We tried another venue to sell them this year and would like to thank Steve and Emma at Bradmoor Cafe and Farm shop in Haddenham for having them on their counter. They sold out. All the staff at Bradmoor make Andrew and his house mates very welcome when they go there for a morning cup of tea or all day breakfast – to be recommended if you haven’t tried it.

Chearsley Shop Christmas Hours:
Fri, Dec 25th Closed
Sat, Dec 26th Closed
Sun, Dec 27th Open 8am to 12pm
Mon, Dec 28th Closed
Tue, Dec 29th Open 7am to 6pm
Wed, Dec 30th Open 7am to 6pm
Thu, Dec 31st Open 7am to 6pm
Fri, Jan 1st Closed

Happy Christmas and New Year to Jeyan and Sugi and their families (an with apologies for calling Sugi the wrong name for so long.)

The Bell Christmas Opening Hours:
Thu, Dec 24th 12 to 3pm and 6pm till late No food
Fri, Dec 25th 12 to 2pm Drinks only
Sat, Dec 26th 12 to 4pm Food available
Thu, Dec 31st 12 to 3 and 6pm till 2016 - New Year’s Eve tickets available at £6 for disco, nibbles on the bar and dancing
Fri, Jan 1st 12 to 4pm Food and drinks- New Year’s Day Big Breakfast 12 to 2pm £6

Church Services at St Nicholas:
  • Christmas Eve 3pm Children’s Crib Service
  • Christmas Day 10am Christmas Praise
  • Sunday December 27 No service in Chearsley
  • Sunday January 3 10am Family Communion and Junior Church. Rock Solid at 6 to 7.30pm
Happy Christmas to everyone! There are a number of Chearsley villagers who are unwell at this Christmas time. Please remember them and think of them and their families as we set about enjoying our Christmas festivities.

Friday 18 December 2015

Carol Singing

Chearsley Village Carol Singing
Tuesday 22nd December
6.30pm

As is the tradition, anyone who would like to come carol singing this year is invited to meet at the bus stop on Tuesday 22nd at 6.30. We shall be carolling around the lanes of Chearsley for a couple of hours, depending on our stamina! We will be entertained with refreshments at our final stop. Please do join us – children and adults welcome – carol sheets will be provided. Bring a torch or lantern and wear suitable clothing for our dark lanes.

If you know of someone who would particularly like us to sing for them, please contact Anne Pratt on 201611, and we will try to include them on our itinerary.

All funds raised will be donated to DEBRA and CF charities providing funding for research into chronic conditions which affect the lives of two of our youngsters in Chearsley

Monday 14 December 2015

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Chearsley PC Budget Meeting

A reminder for tonight:

CHEARSLEY PARISH COUNCIL
BUDGET MEETING
Wednesday 9th December at 7:00pm
in the Village Hall

AGENDA
  • Presentation by AVDC Housing Trust to advise on proposals for Winchendon Rd
  • Apologies for absence
  • Consideration of AVDC devolved budget pans
  • Budget Discussion and setting of the Precept for 2016/2017

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Neighbourhood Police Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Update for this month is now available here.

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Monday 7 December 2015

Switching on the lights


Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Poppy collections
Jennifer Schram de Jong, the area organiser of the poppy collection would like to thank everyone who donated this year. Chearsley’s total contribution amounted to £671.05, made up mainly from Sue Grimsdell’s fantastic efforts from her door-to-door collections. She collected £490, which is the most she has ever made over the many years Sue has been going round the village with poppies. The village shop box had £34.36; the Bell box had £54.69 and donations for refreshments in the village hall after the War Memorial Service contributed £92. The grand joint total for Chearsley, Nether Winchendon and Cuddington amounted to £2,376.70. Congratulations to everyone involved in collecting such a good amount, particularly for Sue’s efforts in Chearsley.

Noticeboard
There have been some problems recently with current notices of forthcoming events being removed. Please will villagers note that the notice board is regularly updated with old or unreadable notices removed and no-one else should take anything down other than their own advert. The notice board needs replacing and a new notice board will be installed in the new year with a glass fronted lockable area, so this problem should no longer continue.

Cuddington Stores
John and Elaine have now left and wish to thank everyone once more for their support and loyalty while they ran Cuddington Stores and to thank everyone for their gifts and cards and good luck wishes and to over 100 who came to their Farewell party. They will keep in touch and will be back to visit next year. Meanwhile, Jeyan and Suki are now running both Cuddington and Chearsley shops. Jeyan told me that “The Post Office is very hard”. It is early days for them and we wish them all the best with assurances that it will get easier.

10 years at The Bell
Congratulations to Sharon who will have been at The Bell for 10 years on December 14. She would like to thank all her customers for their loyalty and support. Sharon and her family feel very lucky to have such friendly villagers as customers whom she regards as her friends.
The Friday night game Roll The Dice reaches its climax on Friday December 11 when it finishes. So last chance to become a winner. Friday Coffee and Homemade cake mornings continue from 10 until 12 noon. Also 2 meals for £12 on Wednesdays evenings, 2 curries and a bottle of wine for £25 on Thursday evenings and 2 fish and chips for £15 on Friday evenings.

Amazon delivery warning
A villager has recently had a delivery from Amazon put into her recycling bin – I suppose it was in the dry and out of public sight. But it was only discovered by chance, when the Sunday papers were put into the bin. There was no delivery note through the door to alert her to a delivery. When contacted, Amazon was more than unhelpful. If you are expecting a delivery, or one of your children have asked for their orders to be delivered to your address (as they do) just keep a look out for it in the most unlikely of places.

Birthday Congratulations to Derek Allen of Church Lane on his recent “special” birthday.

Affordable houses at Stoney Furlong
I have to correct my recent information about the affordable houses at Stoney Furlong. There is one 1-bedroomed house and one 2-bedroomed house available under this scheme. I apologise if my mistake caused any inconvenience to anyone and thank Laura for putting me right.

Where’s Woolly?
Woolly and 23 of his little sheep friends are lost all over Chearsley and help is needed to find them and reunite them with their shepherds and the Nativity Scene in the Church before Christmas Day. An entry sheet can be downloaded via the link here. If you spot one, write its name down next to its number and bring the completed sheet to the Christmas Eve Crib Service at 3pm at the church when you will win a finder’s prize and see all the sheep reunited. I am sure this is aimed at children, but it is such a nice idea, I will be out everyday scouring the village to try to find Woolly and his friends.

Christmas Lights Saturday December 12
The official “switching on of the lights” of the Christmas tree on The Green will take place at 6.30pm (Please check the notice board for confirmation of the time) when the lights will go on, there will be carol singing round the tree and refreshments for everyone. There will also be a collection in aid of Debra and Cystic Fibrosis.

Family Quiz
Following on from the great success of the Family Quiz held earlier this year, the Village Hall Committee are organising another quiz to be held in the hall on Saturday January 23 2016, starting at 5pm until approximately 8pm. All are welcome and questions will be orientated to both children and adults. So everyone can join in. Tickets are £10 each or £30 for a family of 4 and will include a fish and chip supper and pudding. There will be a bar and a raffle. Ideally, quiz teams should be of 8 and teams can be made up in advance or on the night.
Places will be limited (due to the overwhelming demand for the last Family Quiz) so please let the organisers know if you could like to come as soon as possible. Please contact Alex Wall Morris at alex@willowcorner.net; Antonia Stratford at antoniacarrlocke@hotmail.com or Angela Gray at angela@greyemail.co.uk.

Chearsley Parish Council Budget Meeting
This meeting is being held in the village hall on Wednesday 9 and will be preceded by a presentation of the proposed planning development in Winchendon Road by Aylesbury Vale Housing Trust at 7pm. Please check the notice board for confirmation of the time.

Bucks county Council Budget Consultation
To help the Council make “the toughest decisions yet” they have launched a survey for Aylesbury residents to complete to help them to decide which areas of the Council’s work spending should be focused on. The survey is short and easy to complete and can be found on line at www.buckscc.gov.uk/budget. It is also available at all libraries. Surveys must be completed by December 17.

Sunshine Club Bring and Buy
This will be held at Tyringham Hall on Wednesday December 9 at 2pm when a wide variety of household items and clothing will be for sale at very reasonable prices. There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Everyone is welcome to come. All proceeds go towards the Sunshine Club Christmas Lunch.

Services at St Nicholas Church:
  • Sunday December 13 Morning Celebration at 10am and Evensong at 6pm
Diary Dates:
  • December 9 Sunshine Club Bring and Buy at Tyringham Hall at 2pm
  • December 9 Parish Council Budget Meeting in the village hall preceded by proposed planning development in Winchendon road at 7pm
  • Friday December 11 Final of the Roll the Dice Game at The Bell
  • Saturday December 12 The Lights Go On ceremony round the Christmas Tree at 6.30pm. Carols and mincepies. Wednesday December 16 at 12.30pm Pub lunchers Christmas meal. Contact me or Sharon if you would like to enjoy a delicious Christmas turkey meal and pudding for £12

Tuesday 1 December 2015

St Nicholas' Day



Sunday 6th December is St Nicholas’ day

St Nicholas is patron saint of children, sailors and many others as well as being the patron saint of our parish. This year the celebrations will begin with a combined parishes Sung Communion Service with choir at 10am at Nether Winchendon, whose church is also dedicated to St Nicholas.
 
In the afternoon there will be our Christingle Service starting at 4pm here in Chearsley (see separate notices for further details)
Starting at 5pm, after the service, there will then be a full peal attempt on the bells at Chearsley which, if successful, should finish just before 8pm.

Lost


Where’s Woolly?
Woolly and 23 of his little sheep friends are lost all over Chearsley.
Can you help us find them and reunite them with their Shepherds
and the Nativity Scene before Christmas Day?
Download an entry sheet here
If you spot one, write its name down next to its number. Then bring the completed sheet


 to the 3pm Christmas Eve Crib Service at the church, to win a finder’s prize and see all the sheep reunited.

Monday 23 November 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Affordable houses at Stoney Furlong.
There has been some doubt as to whether the Stoney Furlong development has any Housing Association/shared ownership houses available. There are two 1 bedroomed and a 2 bedroomed house. Stoney Furlong is a development of less than 14 houses and it is therefore not obligatory for there to be any affordable houses (non-profit making homes). However, the Heybrook family are making 2 available in the hope that someone local will benefit for them by helping them to get onto the housing ladder. Details of eligibility criteria can be found on Paradigm Living website. The final decision of the approval of sale is made by AVDC.

Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday November 19 in the village hall with Nic Brown as chairman and 7 members of the public present. Among matters discussed :
  • it was commented that although the temporary 4-way traffic lights while work to the sewage system is carried out, are a disruption and nuisance, it has had the beneficial effect of slowing traffic through the village. It was much appreciated that all lights were turned to red during the War Memorial Remembrance service 2 minute silence at the suggestion of the firm carrying out the works who arranged for an operative who travelled two hours each way to carry this out. It is hoped that the works will be completed shortly. AVDC has carried out work to the drains by the bus shelter and flooding should no longer occur.
  • Proposed planning in Winchendon Road - it was agreed that representatives from The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust be invited to the next Parish Council meeting on Wednesday December 9 to put forward and discuss their plans for this site. This would be at 7pm to which all members of the public are invited and encouraged to come. The proposal for eight affordable dwellings to be built would exceed the desired number of new builds in Chearsley as per the Village Plan and villagers are invited to express their views at this meeting.
    Aylesbury Vale Plan comments on this are invited by December 4. Details of the plan can be viewed on line at aylesburyvaledc.gov/valp. Chearsley Parish Council would enquire whether it took into account that the suggested quota of 10 new houses in Chearsley had already been met.
  • Village Projects It has been over a year that the vehicular activated sign has not been working and Nic was endeavouring to locate the metal fixing plates on the four roads into the village and to get the sign itself working and installed again shortly.
  • War Memorial area 3 quotes for the work to the trees and hedge had been received and it was agreed to accept one with a known and recommended firm for £1,100 and it was confirmed that the VAT could be reclaimed.
    Advice to be obtained from this contractor on the three hornbeams on The Green, the walnut tree by the phone box and the chestnut tree in Winchendon Road.
  • Kerbing: No progress had been made as the contractor had not responded to requests for a date for this work to be carried out. It was suggested that the County Council who supply a list of approved contractors should be contacted.
  • Flag Pole: this has been ordered and will be delivered once the tree works by the War Memorial area have been carried out.
  • Defibrillator: a highly visible location of this should be decided on and Nic agreed to seek permission from Janine to have it installed by the shop.
  • Noticeboard: 2 more quotes are awaited. One has been received for £1,753 for a half glazed board. New Village Hall no further progress had been made. The Parish Council were happy to offer to assist Antonia and others in decisions about the hall.
  • Steve Vear Memorial Tree: this will be planted on The Green, close to where a small bench is currently placed. It was agreed that there should be no more new trees on The Green.
  • Traffic at The Chestnut Tree it was agreed to consider the proposal of one-way traffic here at a future meeting of the Council.
  • Christmas tree will be installed on The Green on December 5 with the official lighting ceremony on Saturday December 12.
  • Devolution Details of future responsibilities of the Parish Council for village matters which are currently the responsibility of AVDC and Bucks County Council, should be investigated and how it would affect future Precepts.
  • Walnut tree by the village hall the roots of this tree are pushing up the path and causing a hazard.
  • During the public session held at the end of the meeting, the subject of the new wide footpath in Chilton Road being unnecessary was again raised – a matter out of the hands of the Parish council as it was a planning consideration decreed by AVDC. The poor state of Chilton road during the road works was commented on.
  • The next meeting will be the Budget Meeting in the village hall on Wednesday December 9. The Budget meeting is when the Parish Council decide how much they require from villagers as part of next year’s Council tax. Villagers are encouraged to attend and have the chance to query and discuss this during the open sessions. This meeting will be preceded at 7pm by The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust presentation of proposals for a housing development in Winchendon Road.
  • Further dates for Parish Council meetings will be January 18, February 15 and March 21. It was asked that the Minutes and new agenda should be circulated and made available a minimum of 10 days beforehand to give more time for any necessary change of date to be made.

Good Luck to Jeyan and Suki as they prepare to take over Cuddington Stores as well as running Chearsley Shop. Take over day is planned for Tuesday December 1. There will be a period when they will both be undertaking Post Office training at Cuddington Stores and the Chearsley shop will be staffed by part-time staff, but the shop will continue to be open for the same long hours as present. Also best wishes and good luck to John and Elaine as they leave Cuddington for quieter (with grandchildren around?) and more relaxing times ahead.

Children’s Christmas Craft Afternoon with Chearsley Chuf - an invitation to all young children to come and enjoy an afternoon of Christmas activities with Chearsley Chuf on Saturday December 5 from 2 until 4pm in Chearsley village hall. Entry is £1 per child which will include squash and biscuits and all craft materials. Activities include writing a letter to Father Christmas, Christmas crafting, decorating a gingerbread biscuit and musical activity by Kindergym. More details are available at chuf.co.uk or ring 0184428868.

Long Crendon Day Centre Christmas Sing-a-Long

This will be held on Tuesday December 8 from 10 to 12noon in The Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Long Crendon, where the Day centre is regularly held. All older people from Chearsley and surrounding villages are invited to come along for an enjoyable and stimulating experience led by local singers and musicians, especially older people who have memory problems or early onset dementia. There will be mince pies and sherry during the interval. Previous sing-a-longs at Long Crendon Day Centre have proved successful and it is planned for regular sessions to be held on the last Tuesday of the month with the option to stay for a freshly cooked 2 course lunch. Please contact Andrea Camden on 01844 208508 or email her at andreacamden46@gmail.com for more information and to book for the Christmas Sing-a-long.

BrainBox Young Games Inventor 2015
Don’t forget to vote for Alice Grapes in the Young Games Inventor 2015. Alice is hoping for lots of votes for the game she has thought up and designed Get Off your Sofa. Vote for Alice by going to www.brainbox.co.uk where you will find “Vote for Young Games Inventor 2015". Voting ends on Sunday November 29.

Christmas meals at The Bell
The Christmas menu will be available from Monday December 7 to Thursday December 24. A 2 course meal will cost £19.95 and 3 courses £23.95 to include starters, traditional turkey dinner, lamb chops, fish or vegetarian option and a choice of 3 sweets or cheeses. Please book by phoning Sharon on 01844 208077 or email her at Sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk. Evening offers continue with Thursdays and 2 curries and a bottle of wine for £25 and Fridays with 2 fish and chips for £15.

Bingo at The Bell
Get in the Christmas spirit early and come to the Christmas Bingo at The Bell on Tuesday December 1 at 8.30pm Come in good time to have a meal at a special Bingo player price and then enjoy a lively, fun evening with a chance to win some good cash prizes for a line or the full house.

Sunday Quiz at The Bell
This will be held on Sunday December 6 at 8pm.

Chearsley Choir - a Chearsley Choir is being formed for the Carol Service on Sunday December 20. Please contact Jeremy Pratt if you would like to volunteer for this.

Mobile Library This will next be in the village on Monday November 30 from 10 to 10.25.

Services at St Nicholas Church:
  • Sunday November 29 There are no services at Chearsley. A United Carol Service is being held at Long Crendon at 6pm.Sunday December 6 Christingle Service at 4pm and Rock Solid Party from 5 to 7pm.
Diary Dates:
  • Wednesday November 25 Pub lunch at The Bell at 12.30pm
  • Monday November 30 Mobile Library from 10 to 10.25am.
  • Tuesday December 1 Christmas Bingo at The Bell
  • Saturday December 5 Chearsley Chuf Children’s Christmas Craft Afternoon in the village hall. 2 until 4pm
  • December 6 Christmas Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Wednesday December 9 Parish Council Meeting Budget meeting. This will be preceded by a presentation of the proposed housing development at Winchendon road at 7pm. Please check the notice board for confirmation of the time.

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Making something in your shed?

Watch out for a brand new BBC Two series called Britain’s Most Spectacular Backyard Builds, which is celebrating Britain’s most passionate inventors, makers, engineers and tinkerers.


And the BBC are looking for a variety of people to take part. This is a programme for anybody who loves to make and create, whether that be an 8 year old science fanatic, or an 80 year old hobbyist inventor, we want to tap into the hidden talent of the country to find the most passionate and creative backyard builders.

Interested? You can download an application form here (Microsoft Word format)

Monday 16 November 2015

Parish Council Meeting - now Thursday 19th

The Parish Council meeting scheduled for tonight will now take place on Thursday, 19th November.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

War Memorial Remembrance Service
Chearsley’s most senior RAF officer, Sue Gray, together with Nico Brown, the newest soldier in the village, son of Nic Brown, chairman of Chearsley Parish Council laid the wreath on Sunday November 8 at a service led by John Scholefield. Refreshments organised by the village hall committee in the hall afterwards raised over £90 which was added to Sue Grimsdell’s collection from selling poppies round the village.

BrainBox Young Games Inventor 2015 and Alice Grapes 9 year old Alice and her family of Church Lane Chearsley are very excited and proud that Alice‘s new game “Get Off Your Sofa” has been shortlisted along with 39 other hopeful contestants. Her game invites you to do sport challenges as you move around the board to win pretend medals. The next stage of the competition involves the public voting for their favourite game. To view and vote for Alice’s game, go to http://www.brainbox.co.uk/home/vote-for-the-young-games-inventor-2015 where you can find details of Alice’s game with her hand drawn details and instructions to play the game and how to vote. In “Strictly Come Dancing” style the games will also be assessed and awarded points by a panel of judges. Voting ends on Sunday November 29. Good luck to Alice and congratulations on your success so far.

The AVDC Annual Design Award Scheme celebrates projects which make an outstanding contribution to the design quality of the built environment in the district and set a good design example to other developments.. This year, Odyssey in Aylesbury Road, Chearsley received a commended award. Odyssey was developed by Elysium Properties UK Ltd of Haddenham and is described as a new contemporary 5 bedroom house designed to respond to its sloping site and to respect the nearby listed historic property. The scheme is thoughtfully designed to positively contribute to and enhance its surroundings. Odyssey has been lived in by John and Sarah for almost a year now and we wish them a very warm, belated welcome to Chearsley. The winner of the Design Award plaque for Outstanding Design was The Flint House built for Lord Rothschild on the Waddesdon Estate.

Chearsley Christmas Cards


Alicia has packs of 4 Christmas cards, including Chearsley scenes of Christmas Carols round the tree on The Green and Sledging and Snowman by the Church, on sale in The Bell. Also this year Alicia has produced in her distinctive style a long glittery Ding Dong Merrily on High card depicting all 3 churches of Chearsley, Long Crendon and Nether Winchendon card with a coloured envelope sold singly at £1.50 each. Cards can also be bought by contacting Alicia Howard at Great Barn, School Lane or email her at Alicia@tangerinetiger.net.

St Nicholas Day Service Choir
A choir is being assembled for the joint St Nicholas Day Service which will be held at Nether Winchendon on December 6. At 10am. Please contact Jeremy Pratt if you would like to volunteer.

CHUF and Vale Lottery
The first draw takes place on Saturday November 28 at 8pm. This new venture by Aylesbury Vale District Council supports good causes in the Aylesbury Vale community with 58% of the ticket price going to charity. Tickets cost £1 when it is estimated there will be a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize in the weekly draw. The top prize is £20,000 for anyone who gets a matching sequence of 6 numbers. There is also the chance to win smaller prizes.
When purchasing a ticket you can elect whether you wish to support the general good cause fund or to support a specific charity registered with the Lottery. For more information and to buy tickets go to www.valelottery.co.uk. Chuf, the local playgroup for under 5's held in Chearsley and Haddenham has signed up to be one of the causes supported by the Lottery. They will benefit by receiving 50% of all ticket sales if you buy weekly tickets specifying Chuf as the specific charity.

Chearsley Cricket Club is holding its AGM on Monday November 23 to which all cricket club members are invited. There is a vacancy for the role of organising the Club’s “fun and games” programme. Contact a member of the club if you are interested.

Christmas Fayre at Bernard Hall Cuddington on Saturday November 21 from 2 to 4.15pm where there will be a large variety of stalls with Christmas presents suitable for everyone. Also refreshments, raffle and Father Christmas. Entry is free.

Brown Bins Please note that the last collection date of the year for the brown bins will be Monday November 23. Collections start again in 2016 on Monday February 1.

Services at St Nicholas Church:
  • Sunday November 22 Family Service at 10am with Derek Witchell. This will be a Toy Service when all children are invited to bring a new toy (unwrapped) that they would like to give as a Christmas present to a child who might not be as lucky as they are. Gifts will be distributed to homes and hospitals in the Aylesbury Vale via The Mix 96 local radio station appeal.
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday November 21 Christmas Fayre at The Bernard Hall Cuddington from 2 to 4.15pm
  • Monday November 23 Sunshine Club Matinee Cinema There will be a showing of Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor, an American musical comedy made in 1952 set in Hollywood in the late 20s about 3 performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies”. It includes many memorable songs and of course, Gene Kelly’s well known song and dance number. It will be held in The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm with doors open at 1pm. Tickets are now available to buy from Liz Davies on 01844 299150. Tickets cost £4 or concessions £3 which includes tea and homemade cake during the interval. Parking is very limited, so please park in the car park at the Playing Fields, Bernard Close. This will then leave spaces outside the hall for disabled drivers. Drop off can be made at the hall before going to park.
  • Wednesday November 25 Pub lunch at The Bell at 12.30pm

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Neighbourhood Police Newsletter

The Neighbourhood Police Update for this month is now available here.

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Saturday 7 November 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Wedding of Nico and Hannah

The bells rang out from Chearsley Church for the marriage of Nic Brown’s son, Nico - resplendent in his new Army uniform - and Hannah Beesley on the warm and lovely afternoon of Sunday November 1st. The Reverend Andy Bell officiated. He lit a candle at the beginning of the service in remembrance of Jackie Brown, Nico’s mother who died in October 2007. The candle, which stayed alight for the whole ceremony was then blown out by Nico and his father before being placed on Jackie’s grave in the churchyard. Readings were given by the bride and Nico’s sister, Alex, who also made the Wedding cake. Their two daughters, Olivia, 3 and Isobella, 1, were bridesmaids. Daniel Eve, who had lived near Nico and grew up with him was Best Man.

The reception was held at The Barn, Hulcott, with catering by The Waddesdon Deli. Flowers for the church and reception, the bouquet and button holes were made by Joy Payne. Congratulations and good wishes to the bride and groom and their lovely little daughters for their future together and their new life in the Army.

Birthday Thank You
Sharon from The Bell would like to thank everyone who overwhelmed her with birthday good wishes, cards, flowers, presents and chocolates (I think everyone knows by now that she is a chocoholic) all day last Friday. The Friday Morning Coffee time was the busiest it has been and the evening was packed with customers from the village and surrounding villages who all came to wish Sharon a Happy “Special” Birthday and were able to enjoy a slice of her surprise birthday cake.

Halloween at The Bell
Over 40 children enjoyed Halloween on Saturday afternoon at The Bell, followed by a good gathering of adults in a variety of fancy dress including a couple of matching pumpkins for the disco in the evening.

Bingo at The Bell
November’s Bingo session was well attended and was a really good evening for one lucky regular who went home with the Snowball game prize of over £250. Luck was also in for 2 new bingo players who both had wins. The next Bingo will be the Christmas one on Tuesday December 1. Come along and find out how much fun you can have. There is a good chance of going home with more money than you came with.

Meals at The Bell
November continues to have evening offers of 2 curries, rice and naan bread and a bottle of wine for £25 on Thursdays and 2 fish and chips for £15 on Fridays. There is also a new seasonal menu. On Friday evenings, stay for a chance to win in the Roll the Dice game at 8.30pm.

Chearsley Shop
There is interesting and exciting news from Jeyan and Suki of Chearsley Shop which might already be fairly general knowledge in the village as news cannot stay secret here for long! It is planned that on December 1st they will be running Cuddington Stores and Post Office as well as Chearsley shop – a great step up for them to have been approved by the Post Office as some are rejected as unsuitable applicants. It has taken quite a few months to complete the legalities of a new lease of the premises and dealings with the Post Office. So hopefully, everything will go to plan for the takeover on December 1st.
I am assured that the Chearsley shop hours will be unaffected. Part time staff will help to run both shops with Jeyan and Suki and Jeyan will continue to deliver morning papers. Villagers in Cuddington can have their daily newspapers delivered if they would like to let Jeyan know. Jeyan and Suki will also continue to support and provide refreshments at the Cuddington Village Cinema events and have had a taste of this already to the surprise of a few Chearsley villagers who were at a recent film show.
John and Elaine who have been running Cuddington Stores and Post Office for a number of years are leaving for the South Coast to be nearer their three grandchildren. Elaine has never fully recovered from a fall in October last year and has been unable to support John in the shop as much as before. She will also then have the time to have recommended surgery and they will be able to enjoy a very deserved and much needed holiday, the first in 5 years. John has written on Cuddington website “we have had a wonderful time in the village and will take some lovely memories with us. We also wish to thank the vast majority of villagers and especially the Parish Council for supporting us in resurrecting your village shop. We have also been fortunate to make some great friends here and we wish to thank them all for their help, advice and support over the last few years. We are proud of what we have done and can leave knowing that the shop’s future should be secure for many years to come”.
A Farewell Event is planned for Wednesday November 25 in the Playing Fields Clubhouse from 7.30pm to which all customers from Cuddington and surrounding villages are invited. John and Elaine will be greatly missed as they have contributed a great deal to Cuddington village life. We wish them well.

Parish Council Meeting - there is a little uncertainty about the date of the next meeting. It would normally be held on the 3rd Monday of the month, which would be November 16 at 7.30pm. Please check the website and notice board for confirmation that this is the correct date.

Bucks County Council Stroke Survey
Bucks CC Stroke Support would like to hear from anyone who has suffered a stroke or who has cared for someone with a stroke with their views on the support they received at home. A questionnaire can be obtained by emailing inform@buckscc.gov.uk or writing to Stroke Support, Bucks County Council, 5th Floor County Offices,Walton Street, Aylesbury HP20 1AU or phoning 01296 387821.

Services at St Nicholas Church:
  • Sunday November 15 Communion at 9am with Andy Bell
  • Sunday November 22 Family Service at 10am with Derek Witchell. This will be a Toy Service when all children are invited to bring a new toy (unwrapped) that they would like to give as a Christmas present to a child who might not be as lucky as they are. Gifts will be distributed to homes and hospitals in the Aylesbury Vale via The Mix 96 local radio station appeal.
Diary Dates:
  • Sunday November 8 War Memorial Service at 10.45am Refreshments afterwards in the village hall
  • Sunday November 8 Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Wednesday November 11 Pub lunch at The Bell. Contact 01844 208913 or The Bell if you would like to come.
  • Monday November 23 Sunshine Club Matinee Cinema There will be a showing of Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor, an American musical comedy made in 1952 set in Hollywood in the late 20s about 3 performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies”. It includes many memorable songs and of course, Gene Kelly’s well known song and dance number. It will be held in The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm with doors open at 1pm. Tickets are now available to buy from Liz Davies on 01844 299150. Tickets cost £4 or concessions £3 which includes tea and homemade cake during the interval. Parking is very limited, so please park in the car park at the Playing Fields, Bernard Close. This will then leave spaces outside the hall for disabled drivers. Drop off can be made at the hall before going to park.

Monday 2 November 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Fireworks Evenings
Chearsley might not be putting on a firework evening this year, but there is no shortage of surrounding villages where villagers can enjoy a good firework show. Friday November 6 at 6pm offers a bonfire and firework party at Cuddington in the playing fields. Entry is free. There will be a BBQ, mulled wine, glow sticks and real ale from XT Brewery and tombola The fireworks display will start at 7.30pm after which the bonfire will be lit.
On Saturday November 7, there is a choice of venues – St Mary’s School PTA at Haddenham have a firework display from 6pm on the school field, when there will be hot food, a bar, fairground rides and various stalls. Tickets are available from White Hart Studio, Blooming Fruity, The Egg House and Haddenham Garden Centre at £5.50 for adults and under 16s at £4.50 or on the night for £6.50 or £5.50.
Long Crendon School PTA sponsored by Fischer German are having a firework display with gates open from 5pm with a 20 minute firework display, BBQ, mulled wine, local beers, sweets, disco and glow sticks. Tickets for this are available from The Flower Pot Cafe at £6.00 per adult and £4.00 for a child or £7.50 on the gate with a child’s ticket £5.00. Tickets are also available online at www.longcrendonfireworks.co.uk.
There is still another chance to see some fireworks and enjoy a bonfire and live bands at The Poachers Pocket at Chilton on Sunday November 8 from 6.45pm, fancy dress optional. Ring 01844 208220 for more information.

Remembrance Sunday November 8
Sue Grimsdell is walking the village selling poppies again this year. You could be prepared and have some money ready for when she calls. This is her 17th year having taken over then from Sylvia Hicks. If you miss her, poppies are on sale in the shop and in The Bell. There will be a Service of Morning Celebration at St Nicholas Church at 10am followed by a service led by John Scholefield at The War Memorial at 10.45am to which everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the village hall.

Best Wishes to Jan Benskin of Elmbrook Close who is taking life a little easier after an unexpected visit to and treatment in hospital.

Diary Dates:
  • Friday November 6 Fireworks at Cuddington at 7.30pm
  • Saturday November 7 Fireworks at Long Crendon School and Haddenham St Mary’s School
  • Sunday November 8 Fireworks at Poachers Pocket, Chilton
  • Sunday November 8 Monthly Quiz in The Bell at 8pm. Come on your own or in a team. Refreshments at half time.
  • Tuesday November 10 at 7pm Hamlet with Benedict Cumberbatch at The Bernard Hall Village Picture House, a National Theatre Encore presentation. Tickets £10 bookable on line or from Cuddington Shop. Doors open at 6.30pm. Refreshments available.
  • Wednesday November 11 at 12.30pm Roast Lunch at The Bell – 2 courses for £7. Please book by ringing 208913

Monday 26 October 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Special Birthday Congratulations to Sharon, Landlady of The Bell, a very delightful young lady who celebrates her “special” birthday on Friday October 30. Call in at The Bell on that day and you will be able to congratulate her and give her your good wishes.

Parish Council Meeting October 22
rearranged from Monday October 19
About 12 members of the public were present at this meeting chaired by Nic Brown with several members offering their apologies for non-attendance.
  • Many residents voiced their dissatisfaction about the new footpath in Chilton Road which was a condition of the planning permission for the new houses at Stoney Furlong. The footpath has to be wide enough to have wheelchair access and this extra land will come from the drives of the existing houses in Chilton Road . The Council were sympathetic to these views but were unable to alter matters. 
  • Hicks Path a new footpath pole has now been erected, but the old one just discarded in the hedge. The Council agreed to arrange for this to be removed.
  • Traffic problem it was asked that the junction of Chilton Road and Aylesbury Road by the conker tree could possibly become 1 way in view of some motorists taking the lower slip road to beat traffic on the main road waiting to come on to the Aylesbury/Crendon road creating possible danger . Highways at AVDC to be consulted about this.
  • New Village Hall John Lewis presented Antonia Stratford who heads the village hall new build committee and Lynn Palmer, architect from Thame who presented a video of a possible new hall, of single storey, oak framed structure with a main front door at the front, 2 halls, with an overall size of 255sq.m. as opposed to the present 170sq.m. The Parish Council would like more time to consider the proposed plans which they would then discuss with the Village Hall Committee before presenting these at a public meeting.
  • This led on to John Lewis with his plans for the War Memorial area where it is proposed to reduce the height of the hedge behind the War Memorial by half to its original height, trim the trees and remove a silver birch. This would make the village hall more visible the village. Also to put in a path to make a new pedestrian side entrance into the village hall grounds and to re-site the flagpole. A tree surgeon suggests that the oak should be trimmed, the Liquid Amber Tree moved and a new tree planted. The cost of all this work will be £1,100. The Council were in agreement with these alterations.
  • Tree in Memory of Steve Vear. Although initial thoughts of the Council were that The Green was not the best place for a tree for Steve, due to overcrowding of trees and the precedent it would create, it was then considered that it could go approximately where there is a small seat and table near to the shop on The Green. An alternative site could be by the War Memorial. Karen Vear and family said that they did not want to cause any upset, but felt that with Steve’s association with the shop and pub, a tree close to both of these would be what they would like. However, in view of the alternative suggestion it was agreed for the family to think things over and then decide with the Council. 
  • Kerbing - work for this had been booked in with no date as yet arranged and final details of the work had to be decided.
  • Defibrillator - it was confirmed that proceeds from the Fete would cover the cost of this and a location had to be decided upon.
  • Notice board - a quote for half glazed and non glazed notice boards had been obtained. 2 more were still required. During the public session, a villager offered to quote for the new notice board.
  • A general discussion over the poor state of trees and hedges in the villages led to the matter that the precept should be increased to allow the Council to take responsibility for looking after such matters in the village appropriately. Villagers were encouraged to come to the Budget Meeting on Wednesday December 9 when the precept would be discussed.
  • Christmas Tree Lights Switch On will take place on Saturday December 12.
Nic Brown thanked everyone for their comments and announced that the next meeting will be on November 19.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday November 1 Family Communion at 10am with Steve and Rose Williams. Rock Solid at 6 – 7.30pm
Diary Dates:
  • Thursday October 29 The Village Picture House showing Queen Live at Wembley Stadium at 8pm
  • Friday October 30 Sharon’s Birthday
  • Saturday October 31 Halloween party for children at The Bell from 4 to 6pm. Tickets selling fast available £5 each for meal and juice and games.
  • Saturday October 31 Fancy Dress Halloween in The Bell from 8pm till late with disco and nibbles.
  • Monday November 2 Mobile library in Chearsley from 10 to 10.25am
  • Monday November 2 AGM Village Hall Management committee in the village hall at 8pm
  • Tuesday November 2 Bingo in The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.30-ish. Good cash prizes to be won.
  • Friday November 6 Fireworks at Cuddington at 7.30pm
  • Sunday November 8 Monthly Quiz in The Bell at 8pm. Come on your own or in a team. Refreshments at half time. Wednesday November 11 at 12.30pm Roast Lunch at The Bell – 2 courses for £7. Please book by ringing 208913

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Parish Council Meeting - Thursday 22nd

The Parish Council meeting for October will now take place tomorrow evening, Thursday 22nd, at 8:00pm in the Village Hall.

Monday 19 October 2015

Parish Council Meeting - Postponed

The meeting scheduled for tonight - Monday 19th October - has been postponed due to the unavailability of the minimum number of councillors.

A new date will be publicised as soon as possible.

Saturday 17 October 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Mobile Library This will be in the village on Monday November 2 from 10 to 10.25am.

Village Hall Management Committee AGM
Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee at the village hall on Monday November 2 at 8pm.

John Race 
 Those of us who have lived in the Chearsley area for a number of years and can remember the time when televisions and electrical goods could be repaired will probably recall John Race and his small but always very busy TV and electrical repair shop in Church Way Haddenham. This closed many years ago and in retirement John was ordained as a minister in the Church of England and continued to live in Haddenham. Those who remember John and using his services will be saddened to learn that John died recently aged 78.

All About Chearsley
Christmas is starting to appear in the shops and possible ideas for presents could be either a framed or unframed print of Chearsley from a series of prints designed and painted by Alicia Howard. These include All About Chearsley Village; The horse Chestnut Tree and The Allotments. Alicia Howard has lived in Chearsley for over 25 years and has also produced Christmas cards of Chearsley in packs of 4 for £3 which will be on sale in the shop. In addition, Alicia will produce a personalised painting as a special occasion gift, or personalise anything including party invitations, birthday cards or do house portraits and caricatures. Her most recent work was a farewell gift to Rev. John Wynburne on his retirement, caricaturing John on his bike, guitar over his shoulder with the churches of Chearsley, Long Crendon and Nether Winchendon in the background. Please contact Alicia for more information or to discuss any ideas you would like to develop at Alicia@tangerinetiger.net.

Christmas Menu at The Bell
The Christmas Menu will be available from Monday December 7 to Thursday December 24. A 2 course meal will cost £19.95 and 3 courses £23.95 to include starters, traditional turkey dinner, lamb chops, fish or vegetarian option and a choice of 3 sweets or cheeses. Please book by phoning Sharon on 01844 208077 or email her at Sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk.

Friday Night New Game
The Friday night game of Chase The Ace has now ended with the 4th Ace being found. A new game of Roll The Dice will start on Friday October 23rd. So come along to find out what this new game is all about, meet up with your friends and enjoy a meal.

The Village Picture House, Cuddington are showing “Queen Live at Wembley Stadium” on Thursday October 29th in The Bernard Hall at 8pm. The record of one remarkable summer night in 1986. Doors open at 7.30pm. Refreshments available. Tickets can be bought at Cuddington shop or go to the Cuddington website to book on line. Tickets are £5 or £4 concessions.

Bonfire and Fireworks Party on Friday November 6
There will be fireworks followed by a bonfire at The Playing Fields ground in Cuddington. Everyone is welcome and entry is free. The bar will be open from 6pm and the fireworks start at 7.30pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire. There will be a BBQ, hot drinks and cakes and mulled wine and glow sticks for sale.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday October 25 Family Service at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Monday October 19 Parish Council meeting in the village hall at 7.30pm
  • Friday October 23 Roll The Dice at The Bell new game starts
  • Sunday October 25 Remember the clocks have gone back 1 hour
  • Thursday October 29 The Village Picture House showing Queen Live at Wembley Stadium at 8pm
  • Saturday October 31 Halloween party for children at The Bell from 4 to 6pm. Tickets selling fast available £5 each for meal and juice and games.
  • Saturday October 31 Fancy Dress Halloween in The Bell from 8pm till late with disco and nibbles.
  • Monday November 2 Mobile library in Chearsley from 10 to 10.25am
  • Monday November 2 AGM Village Hall Management committee in the village hall at 8pm
  • Tuesday November 2 Bingo in The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.30-ish. Good cash prizes to be won.
  • Friday November 6 Fireworks at Cuddington at 7.30pm

Saturday 10 October 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Baby Congratulations to Louisa and Darren on the birth of their first baby, Dexter William, on September 19 weighing 6lb 4oz. Louisa will be well known to many in Chearsley for the important role she has played at Chearsley Cricket Club for many years and for pulling a pint or two in The Bell. Dexter makes Terry and Michael Gadsby, Louisa's parents, first time grandparents and Michael and Yvonne Edmonds great grandparents again. Congratulations and very good wishes to you all.

Bingo at The Bell
There was a good number at this month’s Bingo on Tuesday evening, despite the wet evening, including some new players with beginner’s luck. The Snowball game was not won, so this will roll on for a possible £250 which could be won next month. Proceeds from the raffle which takes place during the interval made £38 for the charity pot. Bingo next month will be on November 3 at 8.30pm. Room can always be found for more to come and try their luck and have a very enjoyable evening with the chance to win a good cash prize. The final Full House prize this month was £57.

Theatre in the Villages
With regret, it has been decided by the Village Hall committee that this year we would not be hosting one of these professional performances which are now taking place in rural areas throughout the county. The size of Chearsley hall and stage greatly limits the choice of productions which can be performed. Although several productions over the past 4 years have been received with great enthusiasm by those attending, the evenings have not always been a financial success and it has been a struggle to sell the tickets. It is hoped that next year there may be some shows which will be suitable for our hall and we will again be able to offer the opportunity of attending one of these excellent professional shows.
Shabbington is hosting an evening of favourite classic songs from movies, shows and musicals in a presentation by West End singers, Jayne O’Mahony and John Langley on Friday October 23 at 7.30pm in the Church. An ideal evening out for all the family.
For full programme details of the shows, which are held in villages throughout the county, including prices and booking details, go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/tiv.

Far from the Madding Crowd
Long Crendon Film club is showing this modern version with Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, a period drama adapted from the novel by Thomas Hardy, in the library on Friday October 16 at 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets can be booked online at www.longcrendonfilmclub.com where more information about forthcoming films can also be found.

Services at St Nicholas: 
  • Sunday October 11 Morning Celebration at 10am and Evensong at 6pm with John Scholefield
  • Sunday October 18 Holy Communion (BCP) with Tina Sterling

Diary Dates:
  • Sunday October 11 Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Thursday October 15 Chuf Autumn Open Day at the village hall morning and afternoon sessions available to book
  • Friday October 16 Far From The Madding Crowd at Long Crendon Film Club at 8pm
  • Saturday October 17 Cricket Club End of Season Dinner and Dance at The Kings Hotel, Stokenchurch
  • Sunday October 18 Steam train leaving London at 10.30am approximately 11.30 to 11.45 through Chearsley
  • Saturday October 31 Halloween party for children at The Bell from 4 to 6pm. Tickets available £5 each for meal and juice and games.
  • Saturday October 31 Fancy Dress Halloween in The Bell from 8pm till late with disco and nibbles.

Monday 5 October 2015

Saturday 3 October 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Fred Read
It is sad news to learn that Fred Read of Winchendon Road, who was born and bred in Chearsley died on Wednesday September 23 aged 89, the day after his birthday and a party held at Hampden Hall Care Home. He was the cousin of Rene Baker, also Chearsley born and bred who still lives in the village. Fred lived in several houses in the village, one in School Lane now demolished and Lammas Cottage and attended Chearsley school, as did Stella Gascoyne, a Chearsley girl who became Fred’s wife. Stella died over 20 years ago.
Fred, always very active, enjoyed gardening, proud of the vegetables he produced, played cricket for Chearsley when the cricket pitch was in Aylesbury Road (now known as Toby’s field) and was a member of the tug-of-war team when Chearsley competed annually against Cuddington, usually beating them and pulling them into the river. He loved rugby and was a keen supporter of Chinnor Rugby Club who held a minute’s silence for him at their recent match. A man of routine, Fred would walk to the shop every day for his paper and was able to drive until his health deteriorated. He continued to live at home with his daughter, Leslie and her family until very recently when he spent his last days at Hampden Hall Care Home.
His daughters, Leslie and Viv are very appreciative of the care and kindness shown to their father and to them by Hampden Hall staff. There are many references to Fred and his ancestors including a photo of Fred at Chearsley school in Ted Hooton’s book of Chearsley. His funeral will take place at Chearsley Church on Monday October 5th at 2.30pm and afterwards at 4pm at Amersham Crematorium. Everyone is welcome to come to the crematorium. However, there will be refreshments at the Cricket Club for those who prefer to atttend only the Church service. He leaves behind Viv and Dick, Lesley and Mark, grandchildren Gary, Lorraine and Lee, Jason and Aime, Ricky and Alex, Jess and Kev, and great granddaughter, Chloe.
Donations in memory of Fred can be sent to KY Green 01296 482041. These will go to Age UK(Bucks) and Cancer Research.

Parish Council Meeting September 28
Some of the matters discussed - during the open session of the meeting, proposals were put forward for the positioning of a memorial tree and seat in memory of Steve Vear who died last year. The council will consider the two suggested sites on The Green with the knowledge of the eventual size of the chosen tree and having regard to the precedent which will be made for other memorial trees to be planted on The Green.
  • Planning Matters: It was recorded that the Council after their on site meeting had no objection to the planning proposals at The Boot. A site meeting was arranged at Prospect Cottage to discuss this planning application. 
  • Risk Assessment: The Clerk had contacted the insurers and was assured the policy was a standard one covering assets not necessarily held by the council. It was agreed that a list of assets covered eg the War Memorial should be attached to the Minutes. 
  • The Vehicle Activated Sign has still not been re-erected and the matter will be investigated.
  • Proposed kerbing is to be booked in after consulting with the contractor. Recent road markings by the shop and Dark Lane are to be referred back to AVDC as badly done.
  • Flag Pole quotes for a new one had been obtained and the installation in its new position by the War Memorial will be carried out.
  • Noticeboard quotes to replace the old one which is falling apart will be obtained.
  • Defibrillator: it was confirmed that the cost of this will be covered by the proceeds from the Fete. John Howard in conjunction with Clare Lazaruk will be responsible for its purchase and siting.
  • New Village Hall: Mike Heybrook, the council’s representative on the village hall committee reported that new architects had been instructed to draw up plans for discussion by the committee. 
  • Chuf Notice: the Council were agreeable to a temporary notice in the village advertising the forthcoming Open Day, but not for a permanent one.

Autumn Open Day at Chearsley Chuf Preschool
Chuf who are a well established playgroup for young children from 2 to school entry age with venues in the village hall in Chearsley and St Mary’s CE school in Haddenham are holding an Open Day on Thursday October 15 in Chearsley village hall. This is an invitation to any prospective parents, no matter the age of the children to come and see the playgroup in action.
There will be 2 sessions – the morning from 10 until 11.30am and the afternoon from 1 to 2.30pm for lots of fun activities including the chance to make crafty scarecrows, pumpkin masks and make and taste Halloween soup. Entry is free and to book a place, please telephone 01844 208868 or email info@chufpreschool.co.uk. More information is available at their website www.chuf.co.uk

Steam Train through Chearsley
My reliable informant on steam train matters tells me that on Sunday October 18 there will be a steam train, the Mayflower, on a Sunday luncheon trip from Paddington to Stratford-upon –Avon travelling along the Chiltern Line. The Mayflower has recently returned to the mainline after an absence of over 20 years. The train is due to leave Paddington at 10.30am so it is estimated to pass through Chearsley at about 11.43am.
As you may know from previous steam train journeys, its arrival through Chearsley is not a precise science. So, be prepared to be ready at wherever your chosen viewing point is in good time. Between 11.30 and 11.45am is suggested. On the return journey, it leaves Stratford-Upon-Avon at 17.50 so should be passing through here at approximately 20.15. Please don’t blame me or him if it doesn’t appear and you have waited for hours!

Rugby World Cup 2015
The Cricket pavilion will be open from 7pm on Saturday October 3rd for the "win or bust" game for England against Australia with kick off at 8pm. Everyone is welcome. Bar and refreshments will be available.

Fund raising for Finley
An afternoon of face painting, BBQ and raffle and a variety of bands playing all afternoon including The Dung Beatles took place on Saturday September 26 in the garden of The Broad Leys in Aylesbury fundraising for Finley Newell. Finley, the grandson of Liz and Steve Davies in Cuddington has a genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 which means that he will never be able to walk and will be reliant upon various equipment for mobility.
His family aim to buy a Permobil Koala powerchair at a cost of £15,000 and they anticipate that he will need all kinds of equipment throughout his life unavailable on the NHS. The sunny afternoon at The Broad Leys attracted a good crowd and with thanks to everyone’s generosity raised £2,300. Finley and his Mother were unable to be there as Finely was in hospital with respiratory problems. He is now home again. If you would like to contribute to the Finley Newell Mobility and Equipment Fund, please donate via gofundme.com/finleynewellfund.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday October 4 Family Communion at 10am and Rock Solid in the evening
  • Sunday October 11 10am Morning Celebration and 6pm Evensong
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday October 6 Bingo at The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.30pm. Meal deals for Bingo players.
  • Sunday October 11 Quiz at The Bell at 8pm.
  • Thursday October 15 Chuf Autumn Open Day at the village hall morning and afternoon sessions available to book
  • Saturday October 17 Cricket Club End of Season Dinner and Dance at The Kings Hotel, Stokenchurch
  • Saturday October 31 Halloween party for children at The Bell from 4 to 6pm. Tickets available £5 each for meal and juice and games.
  • Saturday October 31 Fancy Dress Halloween in The Bell from 8pm till late with disco and nibbles.

Thursday 24 September 2015

Have your say - September 27th @ 3pm

As part of the process in appointing our new vicar, we will be having 3 consultation meetings to discuss "Worship", "Pastoral Care" and "Mission".  This is your chance to give us your views on these 3 topics.  Do we do them well?  Would you like anything to change?  Please come along on Sunday 27th at 3pm in Long Crendon Church for the first meeting which will be on "Worship".  Everyone is welcome.

Friday 18 September 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Georgie’s Kilimanjaro Trek

Georgie Allen from Church Lane set out on the beginning of her trek to the top of Kilimanjaro on September 3 raising funds for Hope for Children. She is now back home having successfully reached the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at a height of 19,341ft, after the final nine and a half hour trek which began at midnight, walking with head torches and wearing many layers of clothes to try to keep warm in the bitter cold. Georgie has many photos and stories of her trip, and is very grateful to her many sponsors who helped her raise over £3,000. Half of this will go to Hope for Children. One of the projects of this charity is looking after street children, aiming to rehabilitate them back into education, family life and employment.

Ride and Stride
Jenny Scholefield, one time resident of Chearsley, now living in Long Crendon and still very much involved in the village, took part again this year in the Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride, visiting 15 churches on Saturday September 12 from Long Crendon to Thame, Towersey, Kinsey, Aston Sandford, Haddenham, Cuddington, Nether Winchendon and Chearsley. Jenny has been doing this sponsored ride for many years. This year, the weather was good with a fair bit of sunshine and Jenny raised £355, half of which goes directly to the church nominated by the person taking part, which is St Nicholas Chearsley. The other half goes to the Bucks Historic Churches Trust.
Over many years this Trust has been most generous in supporting necessary building repairs at St Nicholas, but this can only continue if funds are raised on a regular basis. Jenny would like to thank everyone who so willingly sponsored her and especially the many who trustingly paid in advance, thus saving a huge amount of collecting time. If anyone else would like to donate, please give what you can either to Jenny or to Darren Sampson, the co-ordinator in Chearsley.

Rugby World Cup 2015
The next 6 weeks promise much excitement, joy and possible heartache for lovers of rugby and Chearsley Cricket Club will again be screening all England’s matches and some of the other games at the cricket club pavilion. The matches start with England v Fiji on Friday September 18 with kick off at 8pm. and then England v Wales on Saturday September 26 ; England v Australia on Saturday October 3, and England v Uruguay on Saturday October 10. All have 8pm kick-offs. The doors and bar will be open from 7pm and the welcome bacon butties available then.

Chearsley Classic and Vintage Fun Day


Congratulations to Fred Crawford and his committee for putting on an excellent show on Saturday September 22, even able to arrange for warm and mostly sunny weather. On the microphone all afternoon doing his usual good job, John Howard introduced Tony Hadley lead singer of Spandau Ballet to open the show. This was after the promised SpitFire flew over on time at 12.25pm with commentary from Martin Johnson (Sheepy) who was responsible for arranging this attraction. The crowds seemed to keep coming through the gates and stayed all afternoon happy to sit and talk and listen to the live entertainment provided by the Brilltones and EJ or to wander round the ground looking at the craft stalls and over 100 cars and vehicles on display. The children had a good time on the fair ground rides, bouncy castle and playbus. A great success, which I am sure has made a worthwhile contribution to the juniors at Chearsley Cricket Club and hopefully to be repeated next year. Photos and video of the Spit Fire can be found on the Fun Day’s website at www.ccvfd.co.uk and/or their Facebook page.

What’s on at The Bell
Sharon and her team have come up with some weekday meal deal specials to make the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn a little more tolerable. From the end of September, on Wednesday evenings, there will be 2 meals for £12 available; Thursdays will be 2 fish and chip meals for £15 and to start the weekend, Friday nights will offer 2 curries and a bottle of wine for £25. Usual monthly events continue - Bingo for cash prizes on the first Tuesday of the month; Quiz Night on the Sunday following Bingo night when everyone is welcome to come and test their knowledge for £1.50 including nibbles during the interval; Coffee and delicious home made cake on Fridays from 10 to 12noon; Chase the Ace at 8.30pm on Fridays when a £1 ticket could win you £50 on the night and the Meat Raffle drawn at 3pm on Sunday afternoons.
Dates to remember are Halloween parties for children and adults on Saturday October 31. There will be one for the children from 4 to 6pm for a meal and juice and games for £5. Tickets to be bought beforehand. Then a Halloween fancy dress party for adults from 8 till late with disco and nibbles.
10 year anniversary Sharon has been running The Bell for nearly 10 years, for the past 3 years without Ollie, who died so sadly and suddenly and so young. Needless to say, he is very greatly missed by Sharon and everyone who knew him. Ollie and some of the regular lads had begun having a day out every year, visiting a few pubs in various locations. To keep to this tradition and in memory of the anniversary of Ollie’s death, another “Ollie” day was celebrated this week in Thame.
Sharon has worked tirelessly and cheerfully to continue to keep The Bell open trying all ways to encourage business, and all the while bringing up her two little boys, Harry and Charlie, aided and abetted by her family and friends.
To celebrate 10 years in The Bell there will be a Pig Roast on Monday December 14 in the evening as Sharon’s way to thank her customers for their support for the past 10 years. Why not take advantage of her meal deals to come to The Bell and take the opportunity to say your own thank you to Sharon for everything she continues to do at The Bell to help make Chearsley the great village it is. Imagine the village without a pub! What would the 6 o’clock boys do? What would the Friday morning coffee customers do?

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday September 20 9am Communion
  • Sunday September 27 Harvest Festival at 10am with Bring and share lunch. Everyone is welcome.
Diary Dates:
  • Friday September 25 and every Friday Coffee and delicious home- made Cake at The Bell from 10am to 12 noon.
  • Sunday September 27 Harvest Festival in St Nicholas Church at 10am with Bring and Share lunch
  • Monday September 28 Sunshine Club Matinee cinema and Hello Dolly at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Weather Warning

Met Office Warnings Issued For: Buckinghamshire

Yellow warning of rain

From: 0800 on Wed 16 September To: 0900 on Thu 17 September

Persistent and at times heavy rain is expected to spread from south to north during Wednesday, this affecting much of England and Wales. Some heavy and thundery showers could also develop across East Anglia and southeast England during the afternoon. Strong and gusty winds are also expected, with gales in exposure.

Rain should ease from the southwest later on Wednesday, but will persist across the north of the warning area into Thursday.Some localised flooding is possible from fast responding water courses and standing water, this perhaps disrupting travel. Lightning associated with the afternoon showers across East Anglia and SE England will be an additional hazard.

Monday 14 September 2015

Haddenham Medical Centre News

FLU CLINICS
Flu Clinic on Saturday 26 September 2015. Appointments available for eligible patients bookable via reception or online.
Flu appointments available during the week from 21 September with Practice Nurses – bookable via reception.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
We are holding a coffee morning in aid of MacMillan on Friday 25 September at 10.30. Everyone is welcome, if you wish to donate a cake please contact Terina in Reception.

Patient Participation Group meeting on Weds 16 September at7pm at the Medical Centre.

The latest newsletter from Haddenham Health Centre can be downloaded here or visit their website.

Saturday 12 September 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Chearsley show took place on Saturday September 5.
In the hall grounds, visitors encountered a magnificent galleon ,too big for exhibition in the hall, the work of Toby Sampson, which won him the prize for Best Model.


It was wonderful then to enter the hall and be greeted by an attractive table of flower arrangements commemorating The Signing of the Magna Carta showing great imagination and creativity, sitting next to several delightful miniature ones.

Moving on to tables laden with fruit, vegetables and flowers, then the celebration cakes, sponges, scones, the men’s jam tarts, the photographs and then more tables filled with the children’s entries of pictures, photos, decorated hard boiled eggs, gardens on plates and crafts. An amazing display of talent.

The enthusiasm of everyone who took part, particularly the children and to see and hear the buzz in the hall in the afternoon, of villagers seeing what prizes had been awarded to exhibits, made a satisfying reward for all the hard work undertaken by the small committee on the day and beforehand. Joy Payne, the President, was pleased to introduce Chloe Lambert , one time AVDC councillor for Chearsley, to present the prizes. These were to Anne Pratt, the overall winner of the show, well deserved by Anne with over 20 entries in all sections of the Show; Best tomatoes - Simon Faulkner; Best Photograph – Debbie Corpe; Best Art Entry – Caroline Dean; Best Craft – Anne Pratt; Best Children’s Entry – Freddie Taylor; Children’s Champion – Spencer Siddal; Men’s Jam Tarts – Justin Chantrey; Best flowers – Joy Payne; Best Flower arrangement – Julia Pountney; Cup for Craftsmanship – Toby Sampson; Bowl for best fruit – Michael Heybrook; and Cup for Best Vegetables – Andy Yorke.
Joy Payne, as president put in a lot of work to make the Show a success as did Anne Lewis, the entries co-ordinator, without whose steady, calm and methodical approach, the paperwork would never have been completed. The committee thanks everyone who took part and puts out a request for help from anyone who would like to contribute a small amount of time to organising this very friendly village affair. Contact Joy on 01844 208513.

Harvest Festival
Everyone is welcome to the Harvest Festival in St Nicholas Church on Sunday September 27 at 10am. All gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables are welcome and also dry produce, tinned food, rice, sugar and pasta which will be taken to the kitchen at Steppin’ Stones, Oxford a charity which provides day long support for the homeless and vulnerable, and help for them to move on in their lives away from street life and addiction. After the service there will be a Bring and Share Harvest Brunch. Bring a plate of buffet food and stay for this informal meal.

Wiltshire Farm Foods
You may already have heard about this company and seen the television adverts. Come and join the Sunshine Club on Monday September 21 from 2 until 4 in the Cuddington Playing Field Club house when there will be a demonstration and an opportunity to find out more about this home delivery service of nutritious meals. The firm delivers free of charge to your door a choice of over 300 dishes to be cooked from frozen. If you are unable to attend, a free brochure can be ordered by phoning 0800 773773 or go online for more information.

Long Crendon Film Club
The new season starts again on October 2. Forms to join can be obtained from Long Crendon Library. All films up to December 18 will be shown on Friday evenings at 7.30 for 8pm in the library. The first film will be “A Matter of Life and Death” (1946) starring David Niven and Kim Hunter “filmed in technicolour the print has been masterfully restored” on October 2.
Mad Max :Fury Road 2015 starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron will be shown on October 9.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015) staring Carey Mulligan and Michael Sheen will be shown on October 16.
Big Eyes (2014) will be shown on October 23, a biographical film about the American artist, Margaret Keane.
And on October 30 Mr Holmes (2015) starring Ian McKellan. The website is in the process of being updated, but you can contact Carol at longcrendonfilmclub@gmail.com for more information, or visit Long Crendon Library.

News for the Parishes from AVDC includes a reminder to renew your Voter Registration forms as soon as possible. Responses can be made by post or online. There is also information about University Campus Aylesbury Vale (UCAV) which opens this autumn. Funded by Aylesbury Vale District Council, full and foundation degrees and professional development programmes will be available on the doorstep with courses specifically designed to meet the skills needs of local industry, including business management, engineering design, health and social care, computing and cybersecurity courses. They will be held at the new campus building on Walton Street, next to the Waterside Theatre by Aylesbury College and Buckinghamshire New University. More information is available at www.ucav.ac.uk.

Early Autumn Open Garden at Turn End, Haddenham is again opening its garden on Tuesday September 22 from 2 to 5pm. Entry costs £4 with no charge for children. Come and spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the tranquil environment of the garden in early autumn. Teas available.

Lunch Club aimed at the older person or anyone with time on their hands who would like to enjoy a specially priced two course lunch at The Bell and the opportunity to make some new friends. The next lunch will be on Wednesday September 23 at The Bell at 12.30pm when there is a choice of Chicken Pie, Quiche or lasagne with trifle, lemon tart, sticky toffee pudding or cheese to follow. Who could resist all this just for £7? It also includes a cup of tea or coffee. If you would like to come, please contact me on 01844 208913 or email margmorb@mail.com.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday 13 Morning Celebration at 10am. Evensong at 6pm
  • September 20 9am Communion
Diary Dates:
  • Sunday September 13 Chearsley Classic and Vintage show 12 noon to 5pm Tony Hadley to open the Show at 1pm after the Spitfire flypast at 12.30pm
  • Friday September 18 and every Friday Coffee and Cake at The Bell from 10am to 12 noon.
  • Monday September 21 Wiltshire Farm Foods demonstration at 2pm in the Playing Fields Clubhouse, Cuddington
  • Monday September 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall
  • Tuesday September 22 Early Autumn Garden at Turn End, Haddenham 2 to 5pm
  • Wednesday September 23 Lunch Club at The Bell
  • Sunday September 27 Harvest Festival in St Nicholas Church at 10am
  • Monday September 28 Hello Dolly at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm

Wednesday 9 September 2015

Neighbourhood Police Newsletter


The Neighbourhood Police Update for September is now available here.

Click for the Thames Valley Police website

Friday 4 September 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Bingo at The Bell
September started well for some lucky participants at September Bingo at The Bell recently with £50 being won as the last full house prize of the evening. The Snowball game is still not won (a full house with less than 56 numbers being called) and the prize for this now stands at £230. Sharon has introduced a further generous prize for the evening – a voucher for a meal at The Bell for the person whose bingo ticket is pulled out of the draw at the end of the evening.
The next Bingo night will be on Tuesday October 6 with eyes down at 8.30pm. Have a meal beforehand at a special Bingo player’s price. Come along and try your luck, a warm welcome guaranteed if not a cash prize for a winning line or full house.

Kilimanjaro Trek in aid of Hope for Children
Georgie Allen left the comfort of her Chearsley home at 4am September 3rd to join a party from Surrey University and Cambridge University at Gatwick Airport to fly out to Istanbul and then onto Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania, ready for the trek to raise funds for Hope for Children. On the second day of the trip, the party visits schools in Tanzania supported by Hope for Children to see how the money they are raising is used.
The Trek starts on Day 3, September 5th, on the Machame route which lasts six days, trekking for a minimum of 5 hours a day, culminating in a night time ascent on Day 7 to the summit for sunrise at Uhuru Peak, 5895m, which is an altitude gain of 1,295m from the day before. That afternoon, they begin the descent, a day of 14-16 hours trekking. The following day is a bit easier with just 4 to 5 hours trekking. What an adventure. Georgie is pleased to have raised over £3000 and would like to thank the many Chearsley villagers who have contributed. Donations can still be made by visiting https://2015surrey.everydayhero.com/uk/georgie.

Classic and Vintage Fun Day Sunday September 13
There is free entry and free parking to this Fun Day in the Cricket Club grounds, Chearsley, starting at 12 noon until 5pm.The latest news of the Show is that the Spitfire Flypast is now scheduled for 12.25pm. Make sure you are there in time.
There will be live music throughout the afternoon. Blind Drunk can sadly no longer appear but in their place, Brilltones (based near Brill) will be performing. EJ, the young 16 year old from High Wycombe who sang and played at the Show last year makes a welcome return.
There are attractions for the whole family, including classic and vintage vehicles, arts and crafts, pets corner, funfair, refreshments, bar, live bands, raffle, trade stands, vintage coach rides and much more. The day has been well thought out and planned under the leadership of Fred Crawford. Let’s hope he can also organise good weather for day to make it a great success. All profits from the event go to the Junior Section of Chearsley Cricket Club. Please visit www.ccvfd.co.uk for more information about the day.

Chearsley Peal
On September 9th, the Queen becomes our longest reigning monarch. To celebrate this occasion, bells will ring out across the country. In Chearsley, a full peal of 5040 changes will be attempted. This will be the first full peal attempt on our bells, one of which is appropriately named “Elizabeth R” in honour of the Queen. The six ringers will be drawn from those who have helped with the project to install the 3 new bells. Ringing will begin at about 4:30pm and, if successful, will last for just under three hours.

Hello Dolly
The Sunshine Club Matinee Cinema will be showing Hello Dolly at The Bernard Hall in Cuddington on September 28 at 1.30pm. Hello Dolly is a classic romantic comedy musical made in 1969 directed by Gene Kelly, set in New York in 1890 and stars Barbara Streisand, Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford. It runs for 146 minutes. Entry is by ticket, available from Liz Davies on 01844 299150 for £5 each or £4 concessions, which includes a cup of tea and piece of cake during the interval. Doors open at 1pm. Please park in the car park at the Playing Fields, Bernard Close, to leave space outside the hall for disabled drivers.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday September 6 10am Family Communion
  • Sunday September 13 10am Morning Celebration
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday September 5 Chearsley Show in the village hall. Doors open to the public at 2.45pm
  • Sunday September 6 Rock Solid Fun-D raising day for victims of the Nepal Earthquake at the village hall from 2 to 5pm.
  • Sunday September 6 Quiz at The Bell at 8.00pm Come on your own or in a team
  • Friday September 11 and every Friday Coffee and Cake at The Bell from 10am to 12 noon
  • Sunday September 13 Chearsley Classic and Vintage Fun Day 12 to 5pm in the Cricket Field, Winchendon Road. Free entry and free parking
  • Monday September 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall
  • Monday September 28 Hello Dolly at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington at 1.30pm