Friday 31 July 2015

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Goodbye John
Sunday July 19 was The Reverend Canon John Wynburne’s last service in the United Benefice of Long Crendon, Chearsley and Nether Winchendon before his retirement and move to Brill at the end of August. It was a beautiful and at times very emotional Holy Communion Service held at St Mary’s in Long Crendon, with members of the congregation from all three parishes in attendance.
John’s farewell sermon was typically charged with touching anecdotes, quotations from the Bible, classical literature and pop culture, plus a smattering of his popular witty repartee! He included a warm tribute to his family, in particular to Anna, his lovely wife who has supported him throughout many years of his lifelong ministry in The Church of England. Chearsley will miss him, though he will be found on occasion enjoying a sneaky pint in The Bell.
We wish him some wonderful times ahead, enjoying his new career as a grandfather with 2 grandsons already and another well on the way. “ Goodbye” which John reminded us on Sunday, originally meant, “God be with you”.

A letter of thanks from John:
For Anna and me, Sunday July 19 was the perfect finale. The sun shone, the church was full, the flowers looked lovely, the choir sang magnificently. Chris played the organ gloriously, the worship was lively and enthusiastic, the service went at a seamless pace. The congregation sang with great spirit, the drink was bubbling and bountiful, the food was delicious, the service outside excellent, the whole ambience was one of warmth and kindliness. What a day for us to remember!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to make it happen. However, my other purpose in writing is to express our heartfelt thanks for the cheque which was unbelievably generous. Anna and I were overwhelmed by the kindness of your gift. I also love the cartoon picture which Alicia painted together with the book of messages. There really are times when words seem quite inadequate to express our appreciation and gratitude but be assured, we are profoundly grateful for your generosity.

John and Anna

Road Closures
All the roads around Chearsley and neighbouring villages seem to be affected by road works, pavement works and temporary traffic lights at the moment. Inhabitants in Chilton Road Chearsley have been given notice of the closure of this road from Monday August 10 for a period of 6 weeks while off-site drainage works are carried out by Rectory Homes at Stoney Furlong. It is planned to start works from the junction on the Crendon Road and work back up to the site entrance within 5 to 6 weeks, then returning to the Crendon Road junction to complete the final drainage connection once the main run has been completed.
Although the drainage installation itself will be completed safely behind fencing, we are reminded that this is dangerous and young children should be briefed on the dangers of playing around building works. Jim Clarke, Site Manager of Rectory Homes can be contacted on 07494403752 for any matters regarding the development at Stoney Furlong.
I have also been told that Winchendon Road from Cannons Hill towards Waddesdon is now closed for 2 weeks between 7am until 8pm until August 7.

Chearsley Show
This will take place on Saturday September 5th in the village hall, and the schedules will soon be delivered around the village. I can only hope that other villagers’ vegetable plots and gardens are more successful at the moment than mine and Phil’s this year – blackfly devastated broadbeans have produced hardly enough beans to feed a mouse; courgettes which have suddenly been attacked by something and now producing nothing; potatoes with warty bits all over most of them; runner and French beans, not so badly affected by the blackfly as the broadbeans, but still not thriving. Apart from that, the tomatoes may be up to producing something decent for the show and in the flower garden, I am, as ever, hopeful that my zinnias will outdo those shown by Joy! Oh well, perhaps by September there will be something to put in the show.
There are categories in the Show for flowers, fruit and vegetables, baking and preserves, art and craft and a special section for children. Please try to find something to enter and come and make this year’s Show a great success.

Chearsley Classic and Vintage Fun Day - entries are now being accepted for all vehicles at this show on Sunday September 13 in the Cricket Club field. Entry is free and registration can easily be achieved by going to www.chearsleyclassic.co.uk and clicking on registering a vehicle.

Services at St Nicholas:
  • Sunday August 9 There will be no Morning celebration. Evensong at 6pm
Diary Dates:
  • Saturday August 8 – Sunday 16 Sculpture in The Garden at Turn End from 11 to 6pm Free entry.
  • Sunday August 9 12.30 to 4.30pm BBQ in aid of Hope for Children at The Old Bakery
  • Saturday September 5 Chearsley Fruit and Veg Show in the village hall
  • Sunday September 13 Chearsley Classic and Vintage Fun Day 12 to 5pm in the Cricket Field, Winchendon Road.
  • Monday September 21 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall