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
- 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
