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