Sunday 28 June 2020

Roadworks Update

“The first week of our roadworks has now been completed and the resurfacing of one of our main carriageways through the village (Crendon Road - Aylesbury Road) is almost complete. All the approach roads to the village and roads within the village will remain open for the remainder of the weekend.

Works will recommence on Monday morning and the immediate schedule of works will include the completion of resurfacing on the Crendon Road and all the lining/marking works on the main carriageway right the way through the village.

Once again this may necessitate closing of sections of our roads from time to time, so you should continue to consult with our traffic marshals on departure from and on return to the village. We had many occasions to thank them for their helpfulness in difficult circumstances during the last week.

Please remain patient and continue to allow plenty of time for travel to and from the village and be prepared to change your route at short notice.

We are continuing our discussions with Bucks Council about other road repairs within the village and will update you as soon as we are able.

Thank you for your co-operation.” NicB on behalf of CPC

Saturday 27 June 2020

The Bell Opens July 4th - New Procedures

Procedures at The Bell
Sharon - sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk

We are looking forward to welcoming you both inside and outside the pub and want to make sure that your experience is a comfortable, safe and happy one. 

With the new social distancing guidelines things have to be a little different here at the pub, so here’s a little heads up of what to expect! 

House Rules:-
  • The front door will be open at 12 on Saturday 4th July..
  • We will be open all day, serving food until 3pm then again at 6pm-9pm 
  • Sunday 5th 12-9:30pm (food served 12-3)
  • Our Opening hours maybe Subject to change until we get back to a new normal
  • (Hours will be posted on the front door) 

Inside:
  • You will be welcomed in and asked to use our social distance compliant layout to navigate your way to the order area at the bar, where cashless payment will be preferred please! We have installed safety screens at the front of the bar to protect both our customers and staff. 
  • You will then proceed to a collection point for your drinks. 
  • You depart using the same door but using common sense in passing anyone else waiting. 
  • We will still operate a booking system for food tables inside as we have limited space (but bookings taken as per normal)

Outside:
  • No bookings are required. 
  • We will operate our system as normal outside. 
  • Enter the garden via the gate on the right! 
  • Find a table (there’s plenty!)
  • Sanitised Menus will be available on your table. 
  • To place your order go to the Outside Order area in the car park, stating your table number (or go inside to order as normal)
  • The lead member of your party will be asked to leave their contact details for Track and Trace legal requirements. 
  • Contactless Payments preferred please 
  • Drinks will be served there and then. 
  • The food will follow and will be delivered to the end of your table. 
  • Cutlery and condiments will be brought to your table at this time. 
  • Once you have finished your meal, please push plates to the end of the table so we are able to clear.
  • Once you depart my team will clean, sanitise and prepare the table for our next visitor. 
  • To Exit the garden please do so via the gate in the middle of the car park. 

Our priority will always be to give you a safe, happy and comfortable experience. 
We do hope that you are looking forward to coming to the pub as much as we are looking forward to seeing you. 

Happy Saturday 4th July x 

Video of the Rev Phillips Candle Lighting Service

“It’s the weekly lighting of candles in church I promised. 
The candles were left in church to represent people who are ill, or missed at this time.
God bless.
Richard“

Thursday 25 June 2020

Mayoral Roadworks Update

Chearsley Roadworks Update

“We’re approaching the end of the first week of our major roadworks.

What would have inevitably been a complex operation has been made yet more complicated by the extreme weather conditions of recent days, which has caused a number of short-term changes to be made in the planned schedule of works.

The laying of the final surface starts at the top of the village tomorrow morning (Friday) so we’d suggest that, if possible, those travelling to work should aim to depart from the village before 8am

During the day, the various approach roads will be closed from time to time, and it will almost certainly be a case of reviewing matters with our traffic marshals on departure from and on return to the village. 

We were promised as much support as possible ‘on the ground’ during these works. I have personally experienced some excellent co-operation from our workforce in difficult circumstances and I know this has also been the experience of many others.

For obvious reasons, we have been reluctant to publish any detailed information on the opening and closing of particular roads at specific times.

We would reiterate our general advice asking everybody to be patient and allow plenty of time to travel to and from the village and be prepared to change your route at short notice.

There’s still much to do, and some works on lanes within the village, including Shupps Lane and Dark Lane, will get underway next week.

So, for the moment, can I ask for understanding from us all please - some short term frustrations will deliver the best long term result for everyone.”

Tuesday 23 June 2020

Chearsley Roadworks Update

Message from PC Chairman, Nic Brown

“We’re now in Day Two of our roadworks and I can only reiterate our apologies that we were unable to give residents adequate notice about the inevitable disruptions to our ‘normal’ lives for the duration of these works. As mentioned yesterday, I have relayed our concerns to Bucks Council in the strongest possible terms.

As you’ll have seen, the scope of the works is considerable and will involve road closures both within the village and outside – particularly at the top of the village.

The latest information we have is that during Wednesday and Thursday, access to and from the village will be possible on the Crendon Road, Chilton Road and Winchendon Road but the Aylesbury Road (up to the village boundary and just beyond) will remain closed during these days.

However, please be aware that the situation may change at short notice as the work progresses. We have been promised full co-operation by the TfB staff on the ground. 

Please be patient and allow plenty of time for journeys from and back to the village in the days ahead.”

Monday 22 June 2020

A statement from PC Chairman, Nic Brown


“I’m sure you are all aware by now that this morning saw the start of roadworks within the village to repair the surface of Crendon Road, one of the major approach roads to our village.

For some considerable time, the PC has been pressing Bucks Council to carry out these and other works. On Friday afternoon, we received the first formal notice that these works would actually commence on Monday morning but this was not accompanied by any details whatsoever on the practical issues of road closures and other issues which may affect ‘normal’ life in our community for the duration of the works, which are due to be completed by Friday 3rd July.

Needless to say, many of you will have experienced major frustrations as our village went into ‘lockdown’ this morning and I can only apologise for this.

I have been in touch with my contacts at the highest levels of Bucks Council to complain most bitterly about the management of the works’ programme thus far, and I have also requested confirmation of the exact scope of the works as this has not been communicated to us either. I will report back as soon as I receive a response to my complaints.”

Saturday 20 June 2020

The Bell Reopens Sat July 4th !

We do hope that this message finds you all well !

As of Mon 22nd June we will be serving Takeaways at the Weekend only:
Fri - Sun 12-2 (Roast still available)
Fri - Sat 6-8:30pm

Drinks also available:
🍺Side Pocket/Tring Brewery
🍺 Peroni lager
🍷Bottles of Wine
🍹Jugs of Pimms

We are busy behind the scenes putting extra measures in place to make sure your experience with us is a comfortable, happy and safe one when we can re-open.

Procedures will be a little different and it may take a while for us all to adjust, therefore we ask for both your patience and continued support during these times.

I personally would like to thank all those that have supported us through these very tough few months. It’s times like these that make you realise just how lucky and important our lovely community is - so thank you 🙏

We are all excited to open up the pub again and are very much looking forward to both seeing and serving you soon.

Take care and we are preparing to see you on Sat 4th July and in the future.

Kind Regards,
Sharon and The Team x

The Bell, The Green, Church Lane, Chearsley. Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0DJ
Tel: 01844 208077
Email: sharon@thebellchearsley.co.uk

Friday 19 June 2020

Chearsley Good Neighbour - Update

Collection of Prescription Medicines

Since the COVID lockdown began in March, Susan Olding’s team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to help all those in our community who have needed some support, especially those who have been required to remain in isolation at home. Much of this work has included collection of prescription medicines from the local surgery in Long Crendon.

A number of people have recently asked whether they should now collect medicines themselves as ‘social distancing’ guidelines appear to be relaxing. Susan is keen to stress that her team are more than happy to continue with this work and the surgery are also very pleased to carry on with the current arrangements.

“It is so important that those who are older or more at risk keep themselves safe in these challenging times and my team are absolutely committed to help ensure that all risks are minimised,” says Susan.

Thursday 18 June 2020

Chearsley Village - Commercial Vehicle Surveys 2020

During 2016, Chearsley Parish Council (CPC) carried out three surveys to register the number of HGVs making a journey through the main roads of Chearsley – a copy of the final report is attached (‘HGV Surveys 2016 Summary Report’)

The surveys proved to be a valuable resource in communicating our concerns about heavy HGV traffic to Transport for Bucks (TfB) and other interested parties. Whilst CPC remain frustrated about the lack of progress in curbing HGV and general traffic through the village, we are reassured that at least the problem had received some formal recognition. The ‘Bucks CC Freight Strategy 2018 - 2036, published in June 2018, referred to Chearsley, Cuddington and Bishopstone “used as rat runs”.

In the current year, CPC is looking to redouble its efforts for the introduction of ‘traffic calming’ measures within the village boundaries. A Chearsley ‘Speedwatch Team’ has already starting monitoring traffic speeds on the main roads though the village and CPC intends to make progress on implementing the desired changes at the main junction in the village (‘Horse Chestnut Tree Island’).

CPC will also continue to make representations to Bucks CC and other local political contacts and is actively engaged with the Waddesdon Freight Workshop which is looking at local implementation of the Bucks CCC Freight Strategy, including possible restrictions on HGV traffic.

In order to help communicate Chearsley’s ‘challenges’ to best effect, CPC have decided to update the survey work undertaken in 2016 and carry out three ‘Commercial Vehicle Surveys’ during the months of July, September and October.

This year’s surveys will be extended to include both HGVs and all other categories of commercial vehicles making journeys through the village – see the attached Commercial Vehicle Registration Form and the supporting document ‘Examples of Commercial Vehicles. In addition, a separate count of all vehicles, including private cars, will take place to deliver a more comprehensive picture of the traffic issues facing the village – see the attached ‘Traffic Count Data Registration Form’

It is planned to hold the first survey on:

Thursday 9th July (08.00 hours – 18.00 hours)

Many residents kindly helped with the three 2016 surveys and, needless to say, we are looking for lots of volunteers to help with this year’s work.

Have a look at the final attachment ‘Survey Rota’. You’ll see that we’ve based the survey registration work around 48 two hour ‘slots’.

If you are able to help, please contact John Howard jnh@dbmc.co.uk

The more flexible you can be regarding attendance during the day, the easier it’ll be for us to plan and fill all the slots. Please don’t put your name down for any specific timings at this stage but, by all means, indicate either am or pm availability (or both!)

Any offers of help would be most welcome – many hands make light work, as some wise person once said.

All volunteers will receive a more detailed briefing before the day, including relevant advice on the ‘social distancing’ guidelines in force at the time.

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Chilli Plant Sale Saturday June 20th 2-4pm

Debbie Corpe is holding a surplus Chilli seedling plant sale this Saturday 20th 2-4pm at 22 Chestnut View, Chilton Road. They will be outside the front door.
A voluntary donation of at least £1.00 to give to the Village Food Bank either monetarily or in food value is requested. 

Monday 15 June 2020

Virtual Parish Council Meeting Monday 15th June 7:30pm

The Agenda and virtual meeting joining details are all here

For convenience the joining details are also repeated below:

The PC meeting will also be live streamed on YouTube to enable public participation. The link to watch on is https://youtu.be/IY8LSHd_M_g

You can also subscribe to the PC YouTube channel and see previous meetings at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2LPdVRs56H9PnAZImdM-g

Public input will be taken only during the Question Time sessions. Please email your questions to chearsleypc@chearsley.com or use the chat in the YouTube stream session to submit questions immediately before or during the meeting.

Skittle the Cat limps home

Skittle struggled home on Sunday afternoon with a very damaged leg and was taken straight to the vet. They think she was hit by a car and has some nerve damage but hopefully only bruising. Hopefully she will be back soon.

Given some of the community speedwatch sessions last week have recorded speeds of 53 mph in our clearly marked 30 mph zones, it is not surprising that pets and villagers are being put in harms way by such inconsiderate driving. The Parish Council continues to review measures for this working with BCC.

Sunday 14 June 2020

Skittle - Missing Chearsley Cat

If anyone sees Skittle please notify Anna Taylor  davidannataylor@gmail.com Please check sheds etc.

Friday 12 June 2020

Tuesday 9 June 2020

Messy Church - Sunday 14th June


We would love to see you at our  Zoom Messy Church this Sunday.If you would like to have a go at the craft, please click here for instructions.
A zoom link will be sent out via email and posted on our Family Fun Facebook page. Please contact Rev Richard if you are not on the email list or Facebook group.

Rev. Richard Phillips01844 208987 reverend.richard.phillips@gmail.com

Sunday 7 June 2020

Chearsley Speed Watch Team

As speeding traffic continues to be a concern to villagers, the Parish Council is undertaking several initiatives.

A SpeedWatch group has been created and an initial training session on the local shared Sentinel system was undertaken (with social distancing) on Friday June 5th. (Pictures below).

We are hoping to carry out some speed cam sessions each evening 5-6pm this week starting Monday June 8th before handing the camera back. If you would like to help and become a member of the Speed Watch please contact keith.turnbull@chearsley.com / 07785 725177 asap.

Meanwhile we are looking at options for more static signs, also electronic displays and recording as can be seen in Cuddington and Upper Winchendon. Any opinions and suggestions please send to chearsleyPC@chearsley.com

John Howard will also be organising an HGV survey soon and will be calling for data recording volunteers for that.

Other initiatives will be covered in the upcoming virtual monthly PC meeting on June 15th which will be streamed and recorded on the PC YouTube channel.


Thursday 4 June 2020

Village News 4/6/20

In Memoriam

We have, sadly, to report the passing on Tuesday of another long-time Chearsley resident. Joan King, of Evans Close. She was a proud and independent lady and many will remember her vibrant and colourful language when she used to walk her dogs around the village. She was an active and self-sufficient woman until the last and, we believe, would have been 90 years old this August. Rest in Peace Joan.


Successful Village Vegetable plant sale fundraiser

Many thanks to Julian George who, through his popup vegetable plant sale last Sunday morning, raised £127 for the Village Hall. The Village Hall Committee would like extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for Julian's marvellous effort and donation and also thank those villagers who supported the sale through their purchases.

Recycling collections next week - 'extra' cardboard will be collected

Per Martin Tett's BCC update, some 'extra' flattened cardboard will be collected from next week, for a period, in recognition that many households have had additional home deliveries during lockdown. Its not known how much 'extra' means but, as is the usual request these days. we should be reasonable and use common sense.

The Bell

New ! Friday freshly baked cakes and sausage rolls 12-2 takeaway.
As well as the normal takeaway or delivered food menu, Sharon has draught XT3, Side Pocket (Tring Brewery) and Carlsberg. Available in jugs or bring your Growlers

Wednesday 3 June 2020

Chearsley Allotments Maintenance




The United Benefice of Long Crendon with Chearsley and Nether Winchendon

Chearsley Allotments Maintenance
3rd June 2020


Much needed maintenance work has recently been undertaken at Chearsley Allotments on Winchendon Road, as a safety issue as well as on environmental grounds.

The allotments area is church land, and the action taken to remove the brambles and replace the broken fence, was agreed by St Nicholas’ Parochial Church Council. The work was due to be completed during the Winter months but due to availability of contractors and then the ‘Lockdown’ measures, plans became delayed.

The brambles had been constantly growing across the footpath creating a hazard for pedestrians. There was no existing hedge, but a dense overgrown entanglement of thorny brambles preventing the replacement of the fence. The removal of the brambles has allowed the new fence to be erected, and when the brambles have been eradicated a new mixed hedge will be planted, providing a more attractive barrier to the road for villagers, and an inviting habitat for wildlife.

If you would like any further information, please contact alicia@greatbarn.net


Alicia Howard
Churchwarden