Monday 27 February 2017

Fred Crawford - 70 not out…



Many happy returns to Fred Crawford, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Saturday night (25th February) with over 80 friends and family members at Chearsley Cricket Club pavilion.

Saturday 25 February 2017

Village News

with Margaret Morbey : 01844-208913

Annual Litter Pick
Well done and thank you to everyone who turned up on Friday to go litter picking. I was sorry that Phil and I were unable to come this year, but we have filled a few bags of rubbish in our time. What a good job that Doris had abated! Let’s now all try to keep the lanes and hedgerows litter free by picking up any rubbish you see at any time.

Bus Shelters
I notice that the Parish Council has been busy again in arranging for the roofs of the two bus shelters to be mended. They now look very smart.

New Village Hall update: February 2017
The Village Hall Management committee led by Antonia Stratford with help from members of the Parish Council and other advisers has been progressing with decisions on the new village hall with the aim that work on the new village hall can start mid to end of July. Planning permission for the new hall was granted last year.
Money already secured £473,00 has already been secured for the project. This figure is made up as follows:
     Grants - £381,372; Donations £95,000; Fundraising £6,000;
     Fundraising matched by the Heybrooks and Vickers £6,000
Funds already raised by the village include over £300 generously donated by Joy Payne from her Christmas garland making morning. A Christmas coffee and craft sale made £1000. An evening of supper and Murder at The Manor with Thame Players for 60 villagers raised around £800 and the Chearsley boys calendar raised over £1000.

Future Fund Raising
It is anticipated that around £50,000 still needs to be found. One idea for fundraising is to have fundraising bricks, where there could be a showcase inside the entrance hall as brick “slips” or as a “giving tree”. The details for this have still to be finalized. Any other ideas or suggestions for fundraising by village societies or individuals will be very much appreciated.
Cost of the new hall build: It is expected the cost of the build will be around £500,000 with £25,000 contingency included. Three more grants are to be applied for which, if successful, would add another £30,000.
Next steps: A Projects Manager has been appointed to finalise the tender documents for submission to contractors shortly in order to appoint a contractor by the end of March with the aim of a start on the new hall in mid/end July
Click on the Village Hall link to keep up-to-date with all developments and news.

Chearsley Cricket Club Quiz
The Club’s first social fundraiser of the year will be a Quiz to be held on Saturday March 25 in the village hall at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start. Larry Warr will be the quizmaster. The cost will be £5 per person. Teams of 8 to 10 people are welcome. Please bring your own food and drink.
There will also be a raffle and auction. As this event has been very well supported in the past, it is advisable to let the organisers know in good time that you would like to come. There will be no tickets issued, just pay on the door, but they need to know how many tables to arrange. Please contact Laura Cambray, who has taken over the role of Club’s Fun and Games co-ordinator for the first time. Her mobile number is 07794 241499 or email lauracambray@btinternet.com All proceeds will go towards development of facilities at the Club. Any donations for the auction or raffle prizes would be gratefully accepted.

Pancake Day this Tuesday 28
Don’t forget about the Pancake party at the church from 5 to 6pm. All donations to the Children’s Society

Refuse Collections: Wednesday March 1 the general green bins and food bins will be collected

Church Services :
  • Tuesday 28: Pancake Party at the church from 5 to 6pm
  • Wednesday March 1: Ash Wednesday service at 7.30pm
  • Friday March 3: Lent Course begins at Long Meadow, Dark Lane at 1.15 to 2.45pm
  • Sunday March 5: Family Communion at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday February 28 Pancake Party at The Church from 5 to 6pm. We are all invited to this free event when all donations will go to the Children’s Society
  • Saturday March 25 Cricket Club Quiz in the village hall 7 for 7.30pm start

What a Load of Rubbish!

Well done to all those ‘litter pickers’ who volunteered to give Chearsley’s lanes and roads their annual ‘spring clean’ yesterday, Friday 24th.

A total of 20 rubbish sacks were filled, in addition to an assortment of hub caps, rusty road signs, McDonald’s cartons and other paraphernalia lurking in the hedgerows and gullies on the approaches to the village.

Following their endeavours, the ‘team’ awarded themselves a well-earned cup of tea and some delicious cakes in The Bell.
Many thanks to Maria & Peter Allen, Nic Brown, Rose Dale, Hannah Eames and children, Nicola George, Martin Hearmon, Laura Heybrook, Susie & Mike Heybrook, Alicia & John Howard, Susan Olding, Alan Parry, Louise Puttick, Phil Rawlings, Maria Santos and Gilly Travers.

Missing cat?

During the litter-pick on Friday morning, the body of a tomcat was found in a gully off the Chilton Road. Bizarrely, the cat had been put in a freezer bag and it is likely that it had been lying there for a few days. It was a tabby cat, with white face and paws.

The bag was delivered to the local RSPCA (Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Quainton – 0300 123 0752 or blackberryfarm@rspca.org.uk).

The cat was not ‘microchipped’ and the RSPCA will keep the body in storage for a further seven days before disposing of it.

Thursday 23 February 2017

Take Notice

Any notices missing from the village notice board are likely to have been blown away by Doris. If you spot any flying around, please return them, or replace any that you may have posted once the winds subside.

Thank you!


Monday 20 February 2017

Village News

with Margaret Morbey : 01844-208913

Valentines Night at The Bell was an overwhelming success with every table booked and hopeful Valentine celebrants regrettably turned away. Well done to The Bell staff for putting on a good evening even in the absence of Sharon who was away enjoying a very well deserved break. The next opportunity to enjoy a special occasion at The Bell is Mothering Sunday on March 26. Make sure you book a table now to avoid disappointment.

Parish Council Meeting this Monday February 20
Our local Bucks County Councillor, Margaret Aston will be present at this meeting of Chearsley Parish Council which gives everyone who attends a chance to share her valuable insights on a wide range of local issues. She has served the local community as a councillor since 1993 and plans to retire at the next election. Please take this opportunity to hear her views, comments and answer any questions you may have. The agenda for this meeting can be viewed online here. The meeting will be held at the village hall and starts at 7.30pm. Your attendance is very much welcomed by the Parish Council.

Annual Litter Pick
Alicia and John Howard are organising this year’s litter pick, taking over from Laura who has been chief organiser for a number of years. The litter pick is being held on Friday February 24, come rain or hopefully shine, meeting at 9am outside the shop. Bring strong plastic rubbish bags and protective gloves and wear bright coloured clothing for visibility safety. Your reward in coming to help clean up our village is to know that you will have contributed to keeping Chearsley tidy and well cared for. An enticing cup of coffee and homemade cake for £4 will be available at The Bell afterwards. Please contact John or Alicia for any more information.

Turn End Trust, Haddenham
The season starts on Saturday March 25 with a Walk and Talk on Getting The Garden Ready with Turn End’s gardener, Jackie Hunt. This will be followed on Thursday April 27 when Peter Aldington OBE, who designed and built the house and garden in the early 1960s, is inviting people into his home to join him in conservation. The house and garden at Turn End are widely regarded as a prime example of the blend between architecture and landscape design. Please contact the Events co-ordinator at turnendtrustevents@gmail.com or phone 07717 834606 for more information and to book. More details about Turn End can be found at www.turnend.org.uk

Benefice Lent Course
A series of six weekly meetings begin on Friday March 3 at Long Meadow, Dark Lane, Chearsley from 1.15 to 2.45pm. Please contact Reverend Richard Phillips at reverend.richard.philips@gmail.com or phone 01844 208987 for more information.

Refuse Collections: Wednesday February 22 the recycling and food bins will be collected.

Church Services :
  • Sunday February 26: 10am Family Service at 10am
  • Tuesday 28: Pancake Party at the church from 5 to 6pm
  • Wednesday March 1: Ash Wednesday service at 7.30pm
  • Friday March 3: Lent Course begins at Long Meadow, Dark Lane at 1.15 to 2.45pm
  • Sunday March 5: Family Communion at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Monday February 20: Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall with Margaret Aston attending
  • Tuesday February 28: Pancake Party at The Church from 5 to 6pm. We are all invited to this free event when all donations will go to the Children’s Society

Saturday 18 February 2017

Cheer Up Chearsley

Please come along and help to clear up and cheer up Chearsley….. at our Annual Litter Pick

Date: Friday 24th February.
Venue: Meet outside the Village Shop at 9.00 am


Bring some strong black rubbish sacks, protective gloves, and wearing brightly coloured visible clothing for safety.

We’ll head off in all directions ending up at The Bell at 11.00 for refreshments. Sharon will serve hot drinks and cake (all you can eat) at £4 per head.

Laura Heybrook who has organised this event for many years has handed over the baton to the Howards, so get in touch with us if you want any further information.

Come rain or shine we will go ahead – just dress appropriately!

Do help if you can….the more the merrier….many hands make light work, as they say.

Please let us know if you’re coming

John and Alicia

Chearsley Parish Council - Meeting on Monday

We have just received the news that our local councillor (Bernwood Ward), Margaret Aston, will be joining the next meeting of Chearsley Parish Council

She is a former Chairman of the Council and has served our local community as a councillor since 1993.

Margaret will be retiring from the Council at the next election and will be able to share some valuable insights on a wide range of local issues. There will also be an opportunity to raise some of your own concerns about local community affairs

The meeting will take place on Monday 20th February in the Village Hall at 7.30. The agenda can be viewed here.

Friday 17 February 2017

Reiki Healing

Chearsley W.I.
If you don’t really know what Reiki healing is all about then come and find out at the  the next meeting of Chearsley W.I. which  will be held this coming Tuesday February 21 in the village hall, when there will be  a talk on reflexology and  Reiki healing.
All visitors are most welcome to join the Chearsley W.I. ladies at 2.30pm, to enjoy the interesting and informative talk in good company with a cup of tea and biscuits.

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Chearsley FC Success!

From Chris Heap:

Due to dwindling numbers and the demise of the Aylesbury Sunday league, the village 11-a-side Sunday football team "Chearsley Cricketers FC" sadly hung up their boots after 10 years at the end of last season.

However, a few of the core squad (including current and former Chearsley residents, cricketers and Bell regulars) wanted to keep the "Purple Army" in action so we formed a new 6-a-side team "Chearsley FC".

After a brief stint at "cage football" in Bicester league, we joined the Oxford City Monday Night League and in only our second season we have sealed not only promotion to the Premier Division but a remarkable unbeaten "Invincibles" season with a record of :

P10 W7 D3 L0 F33 A7 GD+26 Pts17

We'll be toasting our success in The Bell once we've recovered and been handed our trophy!

Monday 13 February 2017

Village News

with Margaret Morbey : 01844-208913


Tracey Camden
Tracey died a short time ago aged 46 and a Celebration of her Life was held at Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham on Friday, February 10. Up to just over a year ago she had lived at The Old Chapel for several years before moving to Long Crendon. Tracey was a great dog lover and doted on her dogs Kruger and Simba and took every opportunity of stroking and fussing any dog which came her way. Sadly, after moving to Long Crendon, her one remaining dog died. The ashes of both her dogs were cremated with Tracey on Friday. She will be remembered for her love and care of animals and people, helping out whenever she saw the need, her sense of humour and for her meticulous talent as a graphic designer, among other work, producing flyers and adverts for Sharon at The Bell, who was a good friend for many years.
She will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, Tracey.

Bingo at The Bell
Last Tuesday’s bingo night was very busy, with almost no room to sit down. The prospect of over £250 waiting to be won in the special Snowball game attracted a good crowd, eager to win it. But, there was disappointment and it awaits to be won possibly in March, when the prize money will be getting on for £300. Luck was in for a regular Bingo playing couple from Chearsley, who between them had several wins on lines and full houses. It is unusual for anyone to have even two wins on a night yet alone several, and it just goes to show that you never can tell how luck will fall.
Money raised from the raffle on this evening has been donated to Wheelpower in support of Angela Gray who is supporting this charity when she takes part in the London Marathon. Why not come along and try your luck at the next Bingo session on Tuesday March 7. The Bell offers meals for Bingo players at a very favourable price and you can be assured of a good evening, even if your luck, like mine, is not in.

London Marathon 2017
As well as Angela Gray and Natalie Babington, I have been told of another runner in this year’s London Marathon with Chearsley connections. Lin Joiner of Willow Gate has emailed that her son, Alex will be taking part again this year, having run last year when he was disappointed in his time. He is hoping to improve on his time this year. Lin is looking forward to becoming a grandmother to her 6th grandchild in April when Alex and his partner are expecting a little boy which hopefully won’t arrive to upset any Marathon plans. Good luck to all three participants in their training and on the day.

Don’t forget to take every opportunity to put as many little green discs as possible in the appropriate Community Matters box each time you shop at Waitrose during February.

Valentine’s Day at The Bell
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by enjoying a meal for two including a bottle of wine for £25. This offer is available at lunch and evening time at The Bell.

Summer FĂȘte
I am told that Angela Gray and Nic Brown have been finalising plans for this year’s FĂȘte which will be held on Saturday June 24. Please keep this date free. Any offers of help beforehand and on the day will be gratefully received by the organisers.

Refuse Collections:
Monday February 13 The garden waste bins are due to be collected
Wednesday February 15 the general bins and food bins will be collected

Services at St Nicholas Chearsley:
  • Sunday February 19 : Holy Communion at 9:00am Sunday February 26 : Family Service at 10:00am
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday February 14 Valentines Day celebrations at The Bell. Lunch and evening meals £25 for 2 including a bottle of wine. No driving, no taxi fare. Support your local pub.
  • Tuesday February 14 to Sunday February 19 Cuddington Youth Drama perform The Domino Effect at The Bernard Hall
  • Monday February 20 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall
  • Tuesday February 28 Pancake Party at The Church from 5 to 6pm. We are all invited to this free event when all donations will go to the Children’s Society

Monday 6 February 2017

Village News

with Margaret Morbey : 01844-208913


Recent sad news is of the untimely death of Robert Hooton who was 41 when he died from a brain haemorrhage on his boat in Henley. Robert was the only son of Ann and Ted who lived in Elm Brook Close for many years. Ted is the author of the red Chearsley Living Through History book published in 1994 which, if you can get hold of a copy, provides a wonderful history and background of Chearsley up to about 20 years ago. Robert was born and bred in Chearsley, attending the local playgroup and village school. His first job was with Unwins in Thame which led to him managing Unwins in Henley. He worked in many pubs in Henley before becoming Landlord of The Old Bell in Henley in April 2014 which he was still running with his wife Pam, whom he married in July 2016, when he died. Robert had been diagnosed with a brain disorder and epilepsy after a seizure in August 2014 and had an operation in June 2016.
Rob had only just realized that he had a natural gift for cooking, specialising in vegan cooking and he and Pam were planning to leave The Old Bell to start their own vegan bistro in Reading. Rob will be missed by many, including old Chearsley school friends and remembered for being thoughtful, considerate, a good, solid person with a great sense of humour and fun. For a great way to remember Rob, watch a YouTube clip “I'm On a Boat Marryoke” which was made when he and Pam married, which also has a glimpse of Ann enjoying the day. Chearsley love and sympathy goes to Ann, his mother who had moved a few years ago from here to be nearer to him and to his wife Pam.

London Marathon 2017
As well as Angela Gray competing in this year’s London Marathon, there will be another Chearsley connection as Natalie Babington, who is the daughter-in-law of Tony and Jo Babington of Elm Brook Close, is also running . Natalie has taken part in previous years and will be running in the “good for age” category. Good luck to both Angela and Natalie. Is anyone else from Chearsley or with Chearsley connections taking part?

Good news for New Village Hall Fund 
There has recently been more success with funding. A grant of £15,000 has been awarded from the Community Chest. This is a scheme run jointly by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust for community projects. The grant will help pay for some upfront costs such as architect and project management fees and for the demolition of the existing hall.

Don’t forget to take every opportunity to put as many little green discs as possible in the appropriate Community Matters box each time you shop at Waitrose during February.

Report a Pothole to Transport for Buckinghamshire
I have received the following email from Richard Wells of Bucks CC.
“With the recent cold snap over, you may have noticed a few more potholes in our roads. This is normal after a period of below zero temperatures and Transport for Buckinghamshire is laying on extra crews to tackle them. TfB says they are aware of the increase in defects, but they do not know where many of these additional issues have cropped up. Potholes can appear over-night so a recently inspected road may have appeared fine, only to break up soon after.
They are urging road users to report any problems they see. Mark Shaw, Bucks County Council’s Member for Transport said
“We really need everyone on the roads to ‘be our eyes’ and take responsibility for reporting any defects they spot. Our online reporting tool is so easy to use and every pothole reported is inspected. We do have stringent criteria for the repair process, so not every pothole will be immediately fixed. But those that do not meet criteria for immediate repair will be closely monitored.”
Please visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/telltfb. or phone 01296 382416 to report a pothole. We are all being offered the opportunity in Chearsley, to contact TfB and not just to moan about our roads.

Nic Brown’s Comment on the website
The above seems to go well with the article “Bashing the Budget” and comment by Nic Brown, chairman of the Parish Council about all villagers getting involved with caring for Chearsley on a daily basis. The Parish Council next meet on Monday February 20 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The Parish Council need your support.

Dignity and Respect Awards 2017
Do you know someone who has gone that extra mile to show dignity and respect to you or others? Why not nominate them for an Award in your Community, Health Care and Social Care. The Awards celebrate outstanding examples of how dignity and respect are demonstrated across Bucks. AVDC are looking for individuals, teams and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support people in a way that promotes dignity, respect and well-being. From your neighbour, relative or community volunteer to your carer, GP or nurse, now is the time to nominate your hero. For more information and to download a nomination form visit www.careadvicebuckinghamshire.org/dignityawards or ring 01296 387087. Nominations close at 5pm on February 24.

Valentine’s Day at The Bell
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by enjoying a meal for 2 including a bottle of wine for £25. This offer is available at lunch and evening time at The Bell. Take advantage of a good, home-made meal at a bargain price in a lovely traditional thatched pub complete with cosy log burner. No need to worry about who is driving or finding a taxi. Sharon and her staff would love to see you. Phone to book a table on 01844 208077 or email Sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk.

Refuse Collections on Wednesday February 8: the recycling bins and food bins will be collected

Services at St Nicholas Chearsley:
  • Sunday February 12 Evensong at 6pm 
  • Sunday February 19 Holy Communion at 10am
Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday February 7 Bingo at The Bell. Eyes Down at 8.45pm. Come for a fun evening and good cash prizes
  • Wednesday February 8 Pub lunch at 12.30pm at The Bell. Phone Sharon if you would like to come.
  • Sunday February 12 Monthly Quiz at The Bell at 8pm
  • Tuesday February 14 Valentines Day celebrations at The Bell. Lunch and evening meals £25 for 2 including a bottle of wine. No driving, no taxi fare. Support your local pub.
  • Tuesday February 14 to Sunday February 19 Cuddington Youth Drama perform The Domino Effect at The Bernard Hall
  • Monday February 20 Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall
  • Tuesday February 28 Pancake Party at The Church from 5 to 6pm. We are all invited to this free event when all donations will go to the Children’s Society

Saturday 4 February 2017

Update

- from Nic Brown - Chairman of Chearsley Parish Council:

Click above to download article
The attached article rings so true and I am thankful that we have a very vibrant and involved team on the Parish Council BUT there is always more to do and I would urge all parishioner’s to look outside of their front doors and see how they can help the beautiful Chearsley become even more special , thank you to all those that do get involved from the cricket club to the church to the fete and to the village hall and many more that day to day get stuck in !!