Chearsley Cricket Club recently held its annual end of season Dinner and Dance at The Magnolia Park Golf and Country Club when over 100 members and supporters enjoyed an evening of good food, good wine and good camaraderie. This year, the Club were honoured by the attendance of former England captain, Mike Gatting, who regaled guests with some hilarious tales from “behind the scenes” of his long distinguished England career.
The evening incorporated the recognition by the Club of some major contributions made by many Chearsley Cricket Club stalwarts. Chairman, Ian Houseman awarded his Chairman’s cup to The Gray family of Angela and Andy who have both worked tirelessly for the Club in countless roles over many years. A special presentation was made to James Veness who is stepping down as 1st XI captain after 4 years. Happily, he will continue to play next season.
Awards were made to Andy Crichton Best Batsman; Ed Holland Best Bowler; Larry Warr Best Fielder; Charlie Parker Best All Round Player; James Veness Players’ Player and Jonathan Hirst Captain’s Cup. Presentations were also made to a number of unsung heroines, Clare Lazaruk, Angela Gray, Alicia Howard, Ellie Gadsby, Louisa Gadsby, Terry Gadsby, Lyndsey Terry, Sian Lewis and Kara White and to unsung heroes, Leigh Tomlinson, Fred Crawford, Dave Arnott, Andy Yorke and Martin Johnson. There was a special thank you to Angela and Clare who arranged the fantastic evening and to all who generously donated raffle and auction prizes which raised £1,500 to support future development of the Club. Next year’s Dinner and Dance will be held at the same venue on Saturday November 24.
Village Hall New Build
Alex Wall Morris, Treasurer of the Village Hall Committee, writes that whilst a fabulous amount of money of over £570,000 has been raised, this will all be spent on the actual build and funds will still be needed to provide the hall with blinds, curtains, new tables and chairs, art on the walls, and new kitchen equipment to make the hall “all singing and dancing” ready to be rented out and something that we can be proud of. The Village Hall Committee would be very grateful if you could take 5 minutes to go onto our donation website www.make-a-donation.org and donate to this wonderful project.
Any amount, large or small, would be gratefully received and if you are a UK tax payer we can also reclaim the gift aid, which will add an additional 25%. There will be a piece of art on show in the new hall, in the shape of a tree where all names of those who have donated will be attached as leaves (unless you request not to be included), thus making everyone a part of the new village hall and a valuable thanks and reminder to all those who have helped with this project. As a committee, we cannot thank you enough if you have already donated and we offer a big thank you to all those who can now donate.
Mary Scholefield
I have heard from Mary’s son, John, that Mary has recently suffered a major stroke, being partially paralysed and now recovering very slowly in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Many villagers will remember Mary who lived in Chilton Road for the many ways in which she contributed, in her quiet, loving and steadfast way, to Chearsley life, particularly in the Church. She had moved to Cambridge after the death of her husband, Jock. I am sure we shall all be praying for Mary to continue to improve to a full recovery.
Christmas Bingo at The Bell will be on Tuesday December 5. Eyes Down at 8.45pm for good cash prizes and the chance to win a raffle prize drawn during the interval. The evening is bound to be really busy, so it’s a good idea to get there early and make an evening of it by enjoying a meal at a special price for Bingo players. Don’t forget to wear a bit of Christmas sparkle to add to the fun of the evening.
Switching on the Lights Friday December 8 at 6.45pm
Everyone is invited to come along for the official lighting up of the tree on The Green and to sing some carols in support of DEBRA and Cystic Fibrosis, charities providing funding for research into chronic conditions which affect the lives of 2 of our young people in Chearsley. There will be mince pies and mulled wine. Wrap up warmly and bring a torch.
Christmas Lunch at The Bell takes place on Wednesday December 13 at 12.30pm and welcomes anyone in the village who would like to come and enjoy a 2 course Christmas lunch with the regular club diners. Please contact me, Margaret on 208913 for more details, or see Sharon in The Bell.
My Fair Lady at The Mill Theatre at Sonning
Their Christmas production with Eric Carte, ex-Chearsley resident of Byeways, is now in full swing until January 27. Tickets are selling fast, so if you want to see Eric as you have never seen him before as Colonel Pickering, book now by phoning the Box office on 0118 969 8000 or by booking online at www.millatsonning.com.
Advent Calendar at Nether Winchendon Sunday December 3
There will be a giant advent calendar at Nether Winchendon church this Sunday. What will be behind each door? A giant ball pit?
Come and find out! Family fun for everyone from 2.30 to 4pm.
Sunshine Club Christmas Bring and Buy
This will be held on Monday December 4 at 2pm at Tyringham House, Cuddington. Everyone is welcome to come to find Christmas gifts and bargains, a super raffle and refreshments, all in aid of the Sunshine Club Christmas Party for members of the fortnightly social club who live in Chearsley, Cuddington and Nether Winchendon.
Florence Nightingale Hospice Tree of Light
For another year, everyone is invited to sponsor a light to honour someone special and as a way of supporting the Hospice. The first Tree of Lights events will take place at the headquarters of the Hospice at Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury on Sunday December 3 at 5pm. There will be the second event at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Buckingham on December 9 at 4pm. Please call 01296 429975 for a form or go online at www.fnhospice.org.uk/tree-of-light-2017.
Church Services at St Nicholas:
- Sunday December 3 at 10am St Nicholas Patronal Festival at Nether Winchendon
- Sunday December 10 at 4pm Lessons & Carols
- Sunday December 17 at 9am Holy Communion and Christingle at 4pm
- Christmas Eve at 3.30pm Crib Service and Midnight Holy Communion at 11pm
- Christmas Day at 10am Christmas Praise
Diary Dates:
- Christmas Meals at The Bell until Saturday December 23. Please book with Sharon on 208077
- Eric Carte in My Fair Lady at The Mill, Sonning from now until January 27
- Monday December 4 at 2pm Sunshine Club Christmas Bring and Buy at Tyringham Hall, Nether Winchendon
- Tuesday December 5 Christmas Bingo at The Bell
- Friday December 8 Switch on of Chearsley Christmas Tree Lights at 6.45pm by The Bell.
