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
- 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.
