Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Mobile Library
This will next be in Chearsley by The Green on Monday October 8 from 12.20 until 12.45pm.

Ann Veness
Ann’s funeral took place on Monday September 24 at Amersham Crematorium when more than 130 people attended. Afterwards, Chearsley Cricket Club was the appropriate place for refreshments, where Ann had given so much of her spare time with her husband, Richard, scoring, cleaning, making the teas and generally looking after everyone, and latterly being instrumental in setting up the Aunt Sally team. Peter Crook and Larry Warr made short speeches. Her family have bought a bench in Ann’s honour and memory for use at the Club.

Candleford Canter Ladies Only 10k
Terry Gadsby, Chearsley Cricket Club secretary, is participating in this run on Sunday October 28 to raise funds for Women Against Lung Cancer, which is part of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and is asking for sponsors. This is in honour of Ann Veness, who did so much for Chearsley Cricket Club, who died of lung cancer. Terry had spoken with Ann about raising funds for research into Lung Cancer and she was keen for Terry to take part. If you would like to sponsor Terry, please get in touch with her at Little Orchard, Church Lane, Chearsley.

Parish Council Meeting – Monday September 17

• During the public session, Fred Crawford volunteered to pursue the appropriate maintenance people for the street lamp in Church Piece to be mended and to lop lower branches of the tree overhanging Church Piece. He also queried about a sign for the village hall and was told this would be discussed at the next Village Hall committee meeting, but that the cost of obtaining one would be likely to be prohibitive.
• The Council discussed their dissatisfaction with the Planning Authority not informing or consulting them concerning the proposed planning application at Grove Farm, Chearsley Road which had been now been granted. Concern was expressed over the danger to traffic with the concealed entrance there and damage to the road had not been repaired.
• John Lewis brought the Council up to date regarding the Village Plan, informing them it was hoped there would be a village consultation on the survey in due course.
• Chearsley scored 83 points out of 100 in the Best Kept Village competition, an improvement on last year’s performance, for which the village had been awarded an encouraging Certificate of Merit for achieving a Highly Commended.
• A village Survey walk had been undertaken with Dave Smith of AVDC. Among matters discussed were one way traffic outside the shop; 20mph speed limit within the village; traffic calming; road marking signs; plans to re-mark all junctions on main road; broken signs; more kerbing to protect sunken lanes; broken bollards on The Green to be replaced; verges the Council want cut by the Council during the summer; damaged verges in Church Lane by the Thames Water Sewage lorries.
• The proposed dog bins in the village should soon be put up.
• The next meeting is planned for Monday October 15 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Chearsley Harvest Supper

The Chearsley Harvest Supper was held at the village hall on Saturday 22nd with an attendance of over 50 people. An array of salads and puddings were supplied by villagers to accompany the meats, cheese and quiches; and entertainment was provided by the “The Chearsley Mens Choir” (Adam Lazaruk, Andy Gray, Matt Grapes and Martin “Sheepy” Johnson) and the Rev John Wynburn, who led a singsong with his guitar. Claire and Angela would like to thank all those that attended and contributed, and if you are missing a bowl - please contact Angela on 202105.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Oli Babington
Oli’s funeral took place on Thursday September 20 at 12.30pm in Chearsley Church conducted by the Rev. Canon John Wynburne. The Church was full and more than 150 villagers and friends stood outside to listen to the Service. This began with a recording of Mika singing We Are Golden while the coffin was brought into the church. A schoolfriend did a reading, his brother Nick gave a tribute, two good friends, Furry and Paul, told us their memories of Oli, and John Wynburne gave an address. The service ended to the music of Tina Turner singing “Simply The Best”.
Oli was one of the best to his family, many friends and customers, quiet, unassuming, loving and caring, but having his mischievous side. He had a great love of cars and speed of all types, particularly Formula I racing. A wonderful father to his two young children, Harry and Charlie. Having undergone and recovered from a serious operation in February, Oli was at the happiest time of his life and had everything to look forward to with Sharon, his girlfriend of 18 years, whom he had met while both working at McDonalds in Aylesbury, and with whom he had run The Bell for nearly seven years. Their wedding was planned for the end of October.
The Bell and road outside was crowded for refreshments afterwards and a chance to share thoughts and memories of Oli. Oli’s Dad, Tony, gave a short address thanking everyone for all the support the whole family had received in cards, flowers and hugs and was pleased to announce that Sharon would be taking over the running of The Bell with the full backing of Fullers. Donations in memory of Oli will be given to the Neuroscience Ward, JR Hospital and The Heart Foundation and can be sent to Surman and Horwood, The Green, Crowell, Chinnor, OX39 4RR.

WI Mediterranean Evening - Saturday October 13
Following the very successful and popular French Evening, Chearsley WI are pleased to invite everyone to a Mediterranean Evening at Chearsley Village Hall on Saturday October 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 which will include aperitif, 3 course meal and entertainment. Please bring your own wine and drinks. Tickets are available from Pauline Parkes on 01844 202250 and Jann Grimshaw on 01844 202630.

40th Wedding Anniversary
Congratulations to Phil and Ruth Holland of Manor Villas on recently celebrating their Ruby Wedding anniversary.

Car Boot and Classic Cars at Chearsley Cricket Club
A good number of car booters took advantage of the local venue on Saturday October 15 in company with a fine display of over 20 locally sourced classic cars. A few more seeking bargains would have helped to make the day more successful for the car booters. Nevertheless, the Cricket Club were able to put some more money in their funds from the day and plan another Car boot sale shortly.

Ann Veness
The death of Ann Veness of Haddenham last week is especially felt by members of Chearsley Cricket Club. Ann was a very special lady whose tireless and devoted efforts over many years, particularly as tea maker and scorer, were integral in making the Club what it is today. Donations in her memory can be made to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

Cuddington Youth Drama and Theatre in the Villages
As well as Chearsley’s participation in this scheme when there will be an evening of Mapp and Lucia at Chearsley Village Hall on Friday October 19, (tickets still available from me, phone 01844 208913), Cuddington is presenting Coward at Sea, a forgotten Coward Classic P & O 1930 with Michael Lunts, which is being brought to the stage for the first time. Michael Lunts is an actor, pianist and singer who presents this one man musical evoking the golden age of the ocean-going liner complete with on-stage ship and a cast of classic Coward passengers. This will be held on Saturday October 20 at 8pm at Bernard Hall, Cuddington. Tickets are £10 each and available from Elaine English on 01296 655698, suitable for adults and children over 12. Support for this production will benefit Cuddington Youth Drama in costumes and sets.

Funeral - Oli Babington

The funeral for Oli Babington will take place at 12:30pm this Thursday, September 20th. All are welcome to attend both the service at St Nicholas, Chearsley, and afterwards at The Bell.

Burglaries - Dinton & Cuddington

This is a Neighbourhood Alert from Thames Valley Police, Aylesbury

A burglary to a domestic garage on Bridgeway, Cuddington had been reported between 5pm on Thursday 13 and 7am on Friday 14 September.  Offenders forced open the padlock to the garage and conducted a search of the premise.  At this time it appears that nothing was stolen.

A burglary to a workshop was also reported during the same time period, on Oxford Road, Dinton.  Again, nothing appears to have been taken at this time.

Officers dealing with these crimes would like to hear from anyone that might have witnessed any suspicious activity in these areas between the times / dates given.  If you have any information please call the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don’t want to speak to the Police or give your details you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Village News

with Margaret Morbey

Oli Babington
Oli, who had been running The Bell with Sharon for almost 7 years, died very suddenly on Tuesday September 11th aged 38. Oli and his family has been part of the Chearsley community for many years, attending Chearsley school and then returning as Landlord of The Bell. In this role, he has been at the heart of many village celebrations and activities, known to almost all villagers who are all shocked and saddened at his early death. Our hearts, prayers and love go out to Sharon and their two boys, Harry and Charlie, knowing that the love and care of their close family and friends is there to help and support them.

Harvest Supper in Chearsley Village Hall
This will take place on Saturday September 22 in the village hall at 7.30pm when there will be a two course meal and entertainment. Tickets cost £10 and are available from Claire on 01844 208087 and Angela on 01844 202105

Harvest Festival Service at Chearsley Church
We are all invited to the Harvest Festival Service on Sunday September 23 at 10 am. Donations of fresh fruit and vegetables are most welcome as well as dried foods such as pasta, rice, sugar and tinned food which can be used in the kitchens of Steppin’ Stones Centre in Oxford. This centre provides day long support for the homeless and vulnerably housed people wanting to move forward in their lives away from street-life and addiction.

Mobile Library
This is next in the village on Monday September 24 from 12.20 until 12.45pm.

Concert in aid of Scannappeal at Cuddington
As part of the 25th anniversary activities for Scannappeal, a concert is being held in St Nicholas Church, Cuddington on Saturday October 6th at 7.30. A programme of classical music, music from shows and everything in between will be performed by Sheilagh Armitt (soprano) Debbie Alder,( mezzo-soprano) and Ian Westley (piano). Tickets cost £10 each and are available from James Frost of The Old Rectory, Cuddington HP18 )BG, telephone 01844 290768 or email the.frosts@btinternet.com. Scannappeal is a Bucks-based charity providing advanced medical equipment for local patients.

Oli Babington

It is with great sadness we report the passing away of Oliver “Oli” Babington, of The Bell Inn, Chearsley, on Tuesday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and the boys, and all of the Babington family.