Chearsley Living Through History
The Life and Times of a small village in Buckinghamshire was written by Ted Hooton resident for many years in Chearsley, and published in 1994. All the copies originally printed have long been sold and many villagers are proud to possess copies signed by Ted and often dip into the book’s pages to refresh their knowledge of the history of particular houses or to recall say when the village school closed or to be reminded of past celebrations held in the village. It has now been suggested that the book should be reprinted with a possible final chapter to bring it up to date and this is being looked into with the support of the Parish Council.
The Council would be interested to know of villagers who have moved into Chearsley since the book was first published and who would like to have their own copy. Please let me, or any member of the Parish Council know if you would be interested in this purchase should the book be re-printed. Similarly, as the original printers, Bucks Print no longer operate, any suggestions of suitable printers would be appreciated.
Steve Lock
Joy Payne tells me that donations in Steve’s memory can be made to The Not Forgotten Association, a charity which Steve was very involved with. This is a tri-service charity formed in 1920, older than the British Legion, which provides entertainment and recreation for the serving wounded, injured or sick and for ex-servicemen and women with disabilities. Steve actively supported the work of this organisation for many years, helping and giving practical advice to ex-servicemen and women and their families in times of trouble. He walked alongside them at Remembrance Day parades at the Cenotaph. Despite being very weak, he marched at the Cenotaph last November .
There is a tribute to Steve on The Not Forgotten Association’s website “Everyone at The Not Forgotten Association was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Stephen Lock who became one of our volunteers in 2014. We were so pleased when Steve agreed to become a volunteer because he represented The Royal Air Force which he had served with great pride. Steve gave a great deal of his enthusiasm and commitment to the Association especially at the very high profile Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace royal events, where his experience was a huge help in the smooth running of these activities”.
At Steve’s funeral at Chearsley Church on Friday February 26 at 12 noon there will be the opportunity to donate to this charity in Steve’s memory, or Joy is happy to receive donations which she will then pass on.
Parish Council Meeting held Monday on February 15 - Five members of the public were present and all the councillors.
- Planning matters: Site meetings were arranged to consider planning applications at The Old Orchard, Church Lane and at Byeways, the Green.
- Work at The War Memorial area. Tree work and hedge reduction is planned to take place at the end of February. The hornbeams on The Green and the walnut tree by the phone box will also be trimmed. A new flagpole will then be installed in its new position near to the War Memorial. The council would be interested to hear from anyone who would be willing to take on the duties of raising the flag on appropriate occasions.
- Vehicle Activated Sign Paul Bown has now looked into the history of the VAS sign and reported that from the start, 3 years ago, it never worked satisfactorily. Adam Lazaruk had tried very hard to get it working, going back to the firm who supplied it for advice and is thanked for all his efforts. However, it is now considered to be outdated and obsolete. Paul is to contact the manufacturers again to see if the problem can be resolved, before giving up on the scheme, which is considered to be successful in other areas.
- Defibrilator John Howard has now been given an overall cost of £1,400 plus a small installation cost. An electricity supply would also be needed and there would be some on-going costs for the battery and other items. Training would also be provided . He would be consulting with Angela Gray of the Fete committee who had agreed to fund the purchase from the proceeds of the fete and would then go ahead. The probable siting would be close to the shop.
- Noticeboard Julia Witcher reported that delivery of this was expected very shortly and Mike Heybrook agreed to oversee a work party to install it on or near to the existing site. The railings in this area need repainting or replacing, and Julia agreed to arrange for their repainting in the Spring. The bus stop posts on both sides of the road need replacing. The bus company has so far failed to respond to requests to look into this.
- New Village Hall Mike Heybrook reported that new plans had been agreed by the Village Hall committee and there would be a meeting and presentation for the village in April.
- Highways and traffic calming Nic Brown is very mindful of the speeding and traffic problem, of the damage done to verges and to the parking problems in the village and reported he had been speaking to Margaret Aston, Bucks County Councillor for her help and suggestions in promoting a project for discussions with others about the problem. It was suggested that Paul Irwin, Bucks County Councillor for Stone and Waddesdon should be contacted. Information gathered for the Village Plan should be kept in mind.
- Horse Chestnut tree There has been a more optimistic report on the tree by another tree surgeon with hopes that the tree can be saved. Further tests costing £300 will reveal more. It was agreed that these should be carried out.
- Chilton Road Work on the footpath and kerbing has now started. Julia also pointed out that there is no Chearsley sign or white gates on this road and would be investigating the cost of obtaining these.
- A tree which is overhanging the Aylesbury Road opposite the Old Vicarage drive was considered a possible danger by a villager. It was suggested that Bucks County Council be contacted for advice.
- The next meeting will take place on Monday March 21 at 7.30 in the village hall.
- Recent verge and traffic sign damage at the Winchendon Road It is likely that most of the village has seen the new mess in Chearsley, which occurred on Tuesday evening by a lorry. The driver didn’t stop but a witness noted the name on the lorry – APL Logistics. Rest assured that the Parish Council is aware of the incident, have photos of the damage caused and will be taking the matter further.
Litter Pick
A reminder to everyone that the Heybrook family are organising a litter Pick on Tuesday March 1st. The more people who come to help, the sooner a welcome cup of coffee and cake can be enjoyed at The Bell afterwards. Please meet outside the shop at 10am, bringing gloves and wearing bright clothing. Bin bags will be supplied.
Vacancies for Pre-School Assistants at Chuf Chearsley Under Fives is a registered charity with venues at Chearsley and Haddenham. It was awarded a “Good” rating by Ofsted last year recognising that Chuf provide a happy, secure and supportive environment for the children. They currently have a vacancy for 2 part time pre-school assistants. Hours are negotiable and will be term time only. Previous experience and pre-school qualifications would be an advantage but is not essential as training is available.
If you would like to join their dedicated team, please apply by downloading an application form from their website www.chuf.co.uk or ring 01844 299123 for more information, or email info@chufpreschool.oc.uk. The closing date for applications is February 29 with interviews being held at the beginning of March.
Church Services at St Nicholas:
- Sunday February 28 Family Service at 10am
- Sunday March 6 Mothering Sunday 10am Family Holy Communion. Always the fourth Sunday in Lent, this is a special day when families often gather together at home. Many also come to their “mother” church to celebrate the joy of human love and give thanks for the love and care of others especially their mothers. Rock Solid Youth Group meet from 6 to 7.30pm.
- Tuesday March 1 Village Litter Pick at 10am
- Tuesday March 1 Bingo at The Bell at 8.30pm.
- Friday March 4 at 8pm Chuf Quiz and Auction in the village hall Friday at 8pm
- Sunday March 6 Quiz Night in The Bell at 8pm. Come on your own or in a team.
