Chearsley

True Grit - now showing everywhere!

2009-12-22T15:34:00.003Z

Just when you thought it was safe to stay inside, news reaches us that our trusty clerk has exerted her not-inconsiderable influence and we should now have plenty of grit in our bins.

Chearsley Parish Council - getting stuff done!

Community Message

2009-12-22T09:13:00.000Z

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office for the attention of all vehicle owners / drivers.

With the weather being so cold at the moment, please remember not to leave your cars or motorcycles unattended with the engines running.

At this time of year it can be tempting to leave the car on the drive or on the street with the engine running to defrost the windscreen or melt the snow. This is an ideal chance for an opportunist thief to steal the vehicle or property.

The majority of insurers are unlikely to cover claims for theft or damage to your vehicle in these circumstances.

Lies, damned lies, and, er... no grit in the bins

2009-12-21T20:02:00.003Z

It has come to the attention of the Parish Council that a Chearsley resident, on telephoning Highways, was told the reason the village grit bins are empty is because the PC did not order a refill.

On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to categorically deny this, and state that a request was made in February for replenishment. The parish clerk was informed that there was none available at the time, but that the bins would be refilled. This never happened, despite the matter being pursued.

The Chairman himself will endeavour to pick up some salt and sand on Tuesday morning for distribution around the village, and any resident who has obtained, or can obtain some themselves, will be reimbursed by the PC (who will in turn put in a claim to Highways). Please keep your receipts and pass them on to the Parish Council Clerk.

Leif - 21-12-09 at 19:20

Weather Warning

2009-12-21T12:02:00.001Z

Rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow as it spreads northwards across many southern and eastern parts of England during Monday afternoon and Monday night. There will be accumulations of 2 to 5 cm of fresh snow in many areas, with up to 10 cm likely in places, especially on higher ground.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the ’Highways Agency’ for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.

Issued by the Met Office at 10:43 on Monday, 21st December 2009

And a couple more photo's...

2009-12-21T12:00:00.003Z

(Courtesy of Sharon Sampson)

Lights... Sound.. and mulled wine...

2009-12-19T17:13:00.005Z

at the Grand Christmas Tree switch on, Friday night...

(Pictures courtesy of Perry Smith.)

Village News

2009-12-17T14:23:00.003Z

with Margaret Morbey

British Legion Poppy Appeal
Sue Grimsdell, who has been selling poppies door-to-door in Chearsley for about 10 years, would like to thank everyone for their generosity this year which has resulted in a collection of over £355 – a record amount for Sue. Having two sons as officers in the Army and knowing other village lads in the Army, Sue is particularly grateful for Chearsley for their magnificent support. Sue is to be congratulated on the good job she does.

Chearsley Newsletter
Jay from the Tea Rooms and shop plans to produce a monthly newsletter starting this coming January. She would welcome contributions and information from as many sources as possible, with no cost for notices about village events or adverts for groups. Please contact Jay on www.chearsleyshop.com or phone 208486 or email celt3@sky.com for more information. It is quite a few years since we regularly enjoyed The Chearsley Newsletter produced by Ann and Ted Hooton. Please support this new venture by Jay.

Chearsley Cricket Quiz
This was well attended in the Village Hall on Saturday 12th December, resulting in a win for a team from Aylesbury. Ticket sales and raffle produced around £350 for Club funds. Thanks go to Larry “butterfingers” Warr as the Quiz Master.

Patience Clowes
Everyone who knew Patience will be saddened to learn of her death at the age of 95. Having qualified as an Almoner, she worked for many years in Social Services, her last job before retirement as Director of Social Services in Bucks. Patience first lived in The Boot, then moved to Chiltern View in Watts Green until she became a resident in Leonard Pullen House at Halton, of which she was a founder member. Patience will be remembered by many for her contributions to Chearsley life as a long serving member of the Parochial Church Council, support of the Church and as member and President of Chearsley W.I. Our condolences go to her nephews and families.

Congratulations to:
Della and Alan Mitchener of Shupps Lane on becoming the proud grandparents of their first granddaughter, born on December 16th to their youngest son, Daniel and his wife Victoria.
John Howard of School Lane on his recent “special” birthday
Peter and Pam Green of Lammas Lane on their 40th Wedding anniversary.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
I would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and New Year and to thank you for reading this column!

Early Warning of Heavy Snow

2009-12-17T09:41:00.001Z

Issued by the Met Office at 08:27 on Thursday, 17th December 2009

There is a high risk of severe weather affecting parts of east and southeastern England during Thursday evening and Friday. Heavy snow showers will give accumulations of 5-10cm in places on low ground and 15-20cm over hills. The snow showers are expected to gradually die out from the north of the area through the day. Some drifting snow is likely in the strong north to northeasterly wind. This could cause disruption to travel networks.

(At least the Tree Ceremony should be pretty.....)

Village News

2009-12-10T10:03:00.002Z

with Margaret Morbey

Christmas at St Nicholas, Chearsley
Everyone is welcome to the following Christmas celebrations :
Lessons and Carols: December 20th at 6pm
Children’s Crib Service: December 24th at 3pm - a simple candlelit service when there is a short re-telling of the Nativity Story with the children placing characters in the crib. It is also a chance to have a quiet moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
Midnight Communion: December 24th at 11.30pm
Christmas Praise: December 25th at 10am.

Christmas Tree Lights Ceremony
Friday 18th December is when there will be celebrations round our Christmas Tree on The Green, decorated by children from Chuf and Junior Church and the lights officially switched on. Come and join with everyone for carols, mince pies, hot mulled wine, and cheer. From 6.00 to 7.30pm.

Bingo at The Bell
About 35 villagers responded to the call of Bingo at The Bell on Tuesday 8th December evening, when some regulars at the bar eventually got the hang of what to do, surprising themselves at the fun they had. The Arnott family from Nether Winchendon, sitting at a lucky table, swept the board. It is planned to make Bingo a monthly occurrence. Watch The Bell blackboard for more information.

Highly Commended
The Bell has been “highly commended” in the AVDC “Best Village Pub in Aylesbury Vale” for 2009. AVDC runs the award every year in memory of the late Councillor Ted Payne and to recognise the important role that village pubs play in community life. Congratulations to Ollie and Sharon and their staff - you are doing a great job.

WebCam on The Green?
If The Archers can do it – why not Chearsley? Come along to the next Parish Council meeting in January to find out what may be planned to further advertise and promote Chearsley as a great village. The notice board will have details of the date in January.

Mobile Library
This will next be in the village on December 21st from 1.05 to 1.35pm.

Bingo at the Bell!

2009-12-08T15:48:00.003Z

Due to the success of the last Bingo Night at the Bell, another Bingo Night is planned for Tuesday 15th. December.

EYES DOWN (AND LOOKING!) 8.00 PM
CASH PRIZES - RAFFLE - FOOD AVAILABLE AS NORMAL

Village News

2009-12-03T09:35:00.001Z

with Margaret Morbey

Don’t forget - Village Quiz
The Cricket Club are holding a Quiz night at the Village Hall this Saturday, December 12th. 7.30 for 8.00 prompt start. Sounds like Christmas fun. Tickets are £6 each with tables for a maximum of 8. Contact James Veness on 07732438568 for tickets. Bring your own drinks and eats.

And, also Grease
A Sing-a-long-a to Grease evening is being held at the Bernard Hall, Cuddington on this Friday 11th December at 7pm. organized by Elaine English in aid of Cuddington Youth Drama. Tickets are £5.00 or £6.00. Please contact Elaine on 01298 655698 for tickets.

Christmas at St Nicholas, Chearsley
Everyone is welcome to the following Christmas celebrations :
Christingle: December 13th at 4pm
Lessons and Carols: December 20th at 6pm
Children’s Crib Service: December 24th at 3pm - a simple candlelit service when there is a short re-telling of the Nativity Story with the children placing characters in the crib. It is also a chance to have a quiet moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
Midnight Communion: December 24th at 11.30pm
Christmas Praise: December 25th at 10am.

Christmas Tree Lights Ceremony
Friday 18th December is when there will be celebrations round our Christmas Tree on The Green, and the lights officially switched on. Come and join with everyone for carols, mince pies, hot mulled wine, and cheer. From 6.00 to 7.30pm.

Refuse Collection
There is a collection of glass, plastics, paper and cans in addition to bins this Tuesday 15th December.

Comic Relief's Older People's Programme (UK)

2009-12-01T14:08:00.001Z

from Lynne Maddocks, AVDC Community Engagement Officer

Comic Relief is inviting the voluntary and community sector throughout the UK where older people aged 65+ are developing ideas for action and change, to submit applications through their Older People's Programme. The programme aims to:

· Support older people to bring positive change to their community

· Help older people feel less isolated, especially those who are most excluded such as:

o black and minority ethnic elders

o frail older people with mental health needs

o older carers

o those on lower incomes.

Examples of the types of projects they will fund include:

· Bringing the generations together to learn from each other through, for example, the creative arts or IT

· Older people acting as a resource to other older people and supporting those who may be less physically and mentally able

· Projects that are engaging hard to reach groups

· Activities which generate profits to further social or environmental goals, such as community cafes run by older people.

Most grants are expected to be of between £15,000 and £40,000 per year. Grants may be for up to 3 years.

Previous projects supported include:

· The Somali Senior Citizens Club, London, received a grant of £4,000. The Somali Senior Citizens Club works to reduce isolation and loneliness in Somali men living in London through a daily centre where they can socialise, feel less alone and isolated.

· Age Concern, North East Wales, which received a grant of £81,704 to provide a range of services that help tackle elder abuse.

Information on other projects funded through this programme can be accessed at http://assets.comicrelief.com/cr09/docs/old_people.pdf

Organisations wishing to apply should submit a letter of interest by the 11th January 2010.

http://www.comicrelief.com/apply_for_a_grant/uk/olderpeople

Good luck with any applications you may decide to make!

Red Cross Collectors

2009-11-29T13:53:00.000Z

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office for the information of all NHW & Community Watch members.

Watch members are advised that representatives for the British Red Cross will be calling house to house in the Aylesbury Vale Council area from 30/11/09 - 24/12/09, collecting for the charity.

Organisers state that fund-raisers will all be wearing a photo ID badge, but if you have any doubt about the identity of a collector you can contact the British Red Cross's free helpline 0800 031 9811

And behold, a tree was born...

2009-11-29T12:23:00.004Z

Saturday morning, and Sonia, John and Nigel pose proudly in front of Chearsley's 2009 Christmas Tree after successfully erecting it on the Green by the village shop.

Stand by for information about decorations, carol singing, mulled wine, and tips on how to remove even the most stubborn muddy stains from your jeans....

(Photo courtesy of Perry Smith.)

Chearsley News

2009-11-26T16:57:00.003Z

with Margaret Morbey

Chearsley W.I. Christmas Coffee morning
This is being held on Thursday 3rd December at 2 Old Plough Close from 10 – 12pm. Come along for a cup of coffee or mulled wine and mince pie. There will be homemade cakes, jams, chutneys and a great selection of crafts for sale. A chance to buy some Christmas presents.

Quiz
The Cricket Club are holding a Quiznight at the Village Hall on Saturday, December 12th. 7.30 for 8.00 prompt start. Sounds like Christmas fun. Tickets are £6 each with tables for a maximum of 8. Contact James Veness on 07732438568 for tickets.

Grease
A Sing-a-long-a to Grease evening is being held at the Bernard Hall, Cuddington on Friday 11th December at 7pm. This is being organized by Elaine English in aid of Cuddington Youth Drama. Tickets are £5.00 or £6.00. Please contact Elaine on 01298 655698 for tickets. Sounds good fun with lyrics on screen, dancing, popcorn stall, soda fountain, milk shake bar and hot dogs. Dress code is pink for girls and black for boys (of course)

CHUF
Chuf pre-school at Haddenham and Chearsley, which was awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted last year have a vacancy for a part time pre-school assistant. Hours are negotiable for the positition, which is for term time only. Application forms are available - contact email is info@chufpreschool.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 4th December, with interviews being held early January.

Refuse Collection
There will be a collection of bins and the usual paper, plastic and cans baskets on Tuesday, 1st December.

Birthday congratulations
Nico Brown of Cousins Piece recently celebrated his 21st. Congratulations to him and good luck in the future!

Christening
The Christening of Charlie Babington, younger son of Ollie and Sharon of The Bell, took place on Sunday 22nd November in St. Nicholas Church. Congratulations and good wishes to him and his family.

Proposed Speed Limit for Chearsley
I have looked at this plan for proposed speed limits in Chearsley, on the Chearsley website and most stretches already have the existing speed limit of 30 mph. At present there are numerous old speed limit orders covering a single community, so Bucks County Council want to replace these with a single order. To comply legally, a new Traffic Regulation Order has to show all the roads and their limits including those where the limit already applies. However,it seems to me, that the new order will extend the speed limit of 30mph on the Chilton Road to come into force at around Hill Farm.

Quiz Night!

2009-11-25T07:39:00.002Z

Chearsley Cricket Club
Quiz Night

Chearsley Village Hall
Saturday 12th December
Arrive 7:30pm Prompt 8:00pm start

£6 per person - 8 people per table

Book early to avoid disappointment!
Contact James Veness for tickets - 07732438568

Community Message

2009-11-24T15:56:00.000Z

This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Monday 23 November 2009.

Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering to give council refunds, relating to council tax.

People are being called and told they may qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. In some cases residents have also been asked for a £90 administration fee to process their application.

Whilst Bucks Trading Standards are not yet aware of any offences in our area, it is worth everyone being vigilant and not giving out any sensitive information to unknown callers, either on the phone or in person. If you receive any such approach, contact the Police on 0845 8 505 505.

If you are due for any kind of refund, you will be informed in writing by your Local Authority and no 'admin' fee will be payable!

Proposed Speed Limit for Chearsley

2009-11-24T15:45:00.002Z

We have received notice of proposed speed limits for Chearsley - available as a pdf here.

Please note that the proposed limits shown on the plans include some stretches of existing speed limit. The reason for this is to simplify the Traffic Regulation Orders for the area. At present there are numerous old speed limit orders covering a single community, so BCC want to replace these with a single order. As part of the Legal requirement, BCC need to show all the roads and their limits which will be included in the new Traffic Regulation Order ( including those where the limit already applies)

Background information on the proposals can be downloaded from the Buckinghamshire County Council website here - other documents are at the bottom of the page.

For further information on the speed limit review please see the Speed limit review web-page.

Winter Funding.

2009-11-20T11:59:00.004Z

Age Concern and Help the Aged are able to offer grants of up to £500 to clubs for older people. Who can apply? Any voluntary or charitable club for older people throughout the UK whose charitable objectives are similar to those of Age UK.
If this is something you may be able to take advantage of, see this Winterfest Guide and download the Application Form.
Good luck!

Village News

2009-11-19T11:14:00.002Z

with Margaret Morbey

News from Dubai
Chearsley family, Alex (one of the Chearsley Calendar Girls) and Malcolm Wall-Morris, who are currently living in Dubai, are the proud parents of a daughter, Isabella born on 9th November, a sister for Thomas and James. Congratulations to them!

Chearsley Cricket Club
A very successful and enjoyable annual dinner was held at the Spread Eagle on Friday 6th November, attended by over 100 cricketers, guests and friends. More than £1,900 was raised during the evening which will go towards pavilion improvements. Special thanks go to James Veness and Alex Brown who were the main organisers of the event.

Long Crendon Day Centre
Volunteers are needed to help with driving members to the Centre or helping serve meals, washing up, organising games and chatting to the members. Several Chearsley residents have benefited over a number of years, from the services the Day Centre provides. Please contact Andrea Camden on 01844 208508 if you feel you could help.

Chearsley Parish Council
A meeting was held on Monday 16th November in the Village Hall under the chairmanship of Nic Brown, with several members of the public present.

A suggestion that the traffic could be halted during the Remembrance Day service at the War Memorial was put forward and it was agreed to enquire of Dave Smith of Long Crendon what measures they took.

Stockwell had now had some clearing work carried out by Aylesbury Vale volunteers and several Chearsley men, achieving a good result, with the plan to continue further in this area next year aiming to expose the stream and to let the habitat improve. Sonia Timberlake was thanked for organizing this and re-installing the pump.

Christmas Celebrations: A 12ft Christmas tree will be erected on The Green. It will be decorated with white lights and decorations made by the children of Chuf and Junior Church. Plans are in hand for a village gathering round the tree on Friday, 18th with mulled wine and mincepies. An amount of £200 had been set aside to cover the cost.

Planning Matters
Dieu Donne: This planning application had been passed by AVDC against the objections of Chearsley Parish Council, who considered it to be an inappropriate dwelling for the plot. Nic felt strongly that their considerations had been dismissed, although he appreciated the Planning Authority were able to do this, and would be taking the matter up with AVDC.
7 Church Lane: This application for a conservatory had been passed with no objection from the Parish Council

Traffic Calming Measures: Signs are in the process of being made and will be erected within the next few weeks at each of the 4 entries into Chearsley, urging motorists to slow down.

The organizers of this year’s fête have written that they would like one quarter of the fête’s proceeds to contribute towards the purchase of vehicle activated signs for the village.

Hedge trimming: Black Path, between Dark Lane and School Lane needs attention, which will be attended to by Graham King when he trims the hedge and verge at the top of School Lane.

Light in Church Piece: It was suggested that instead of mending the broken light, to have 5 individual motion detectors fitted to each property and for the Handyman Service of AVDC to be approached about this.

Next meeting is the Budget Meeting on January 11th

Community Responders
There is good evidence to suggest that if people are trained to help someone while the ambulance is on the way, then more lives are saved. The South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust are asking for volunteers to become Community Responders by undergoing a specially designed training course over 2 or 3 days. More information is available from leaflets in the Shop and Tearooms, email cfr@scas.nhs.uk or ring 0800 587 0207.

Bucks Tree Club

2009-11-19T10:07:00.003Z

The Bucks Tree Club is seeking tree guardians in each neighbourhood in the towns and villages of Buckinghamshire.

Bucks Tree Club members love trees so exchange news and information about trees, their cultivation and woodlands as well as plan visits to arboreta and gardens with interesting trees for their own enjoyment and knowledge. They also hope to encourage more interest in trees by the Club’s website which already holds a list of the ancient woodlands in the county and has an ongoing project of compiling a list of the ‘Best in Bucks’ – the best example of each tree species that can be seen by the public in Buckinghamshire.

This National Tree Week, November 26th to December 6th, the Bucks Tree Club invites all Tree Wardens or anyone else who would like to be identified as caring about their local trees and woodlands, to email buckstreeclub@gmail.com or write to the club, c/o The Dendrologist, PO Box 341, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 2RD. Then their name and how they would like to be contacted, can be displayed as a guardian for the treescape around their village or town. When published on the website, this will help people see if their area, has someone caring for their local trees and woodlands and if not, they may want to volunteer themselves as such a guardian.

A network of such guardians would have many advantages including contact with each other and help with establishing the best or rare trees in their own area and encouraging local pride in these.

Please pass on this idea and bring all tree interested people together!

For more information, click here.

Substance Misuse - Free training for the voluntary sector

2009-11-19T10:02:00.002Z

The aim of the course is to give participants a basic knowledge and understanding of substance misuse, while looking at current trends to update previous knowledge and raise awareness of current issues.

Further details here.

CAB Christmas Newsletter December 2009

2009-11-17T13:20:00.002Z

A very Happy Christmas to all our readers, from Thame Citizens Advice Bureau!

Christmas is a time for family and for celebrations. For many 2009 has been a hard year and lots of us may feel relieved if we have reached the end of it with our jobs and bank balances intact! So it’s a relief to have a piece of good news, which will help some families balance those Christmas budgets.

More families with children will now be able to get help towards paying their rent, thanks to new changes to benefit rules. Parents who receive Child Benefit and rent their homes but who at present get no housing benefit should check their entitlement again.

Thame CAB has worked out that a single parent with two children, for example, who previously just missed out on getting any help towards paying the rent could now be entitled to housing benefit of up to £21.58 a week.

The rule change also means some parents already receiving housing benefit will automatically see the amount they are entitled to go up, and more people will also become eligible for help in paying their council tax bills.

The extra money will be available to help all tenants with children, whether they live in council housing, housing association property, or private rented accommodation.

It comes about because from Monday 2 November income from child benefit will no longer be taken into account when it comes to calculating entitlement to housing benefit and council tax benefit.

So let’s all enjoy spending time with family and friends this Christmas and make the holiday period a break from the pressures of our ordinary working lives.

A happy and healthy 2010 to you all.

Litter Pick cancelled.

2009-11-13T13:22:00.002Z

Due to the heavy rain forecast for Saturday morning, the village litter pick has been postponed. A new date will be proposed at the PC meeting on Monday evening.

Village News

2009-11-13T12:13:00.001Z

with Margaret Morbey

Resurfacing in Lower Green Lane
This work has now been completed and Mike Stephens would like to thank everyone for their patience while this work was going on. Mike has no hesitation in recommending the contractors, John Lee Construction Ltd. for any tarmac work, being very pleased with their polite and accommodating manner.

On the Black Hill
This play by Charles Way based on the novel by Bruce Chatwin is being performed on Saturday 21st November at 7.30pm at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington. It is co-produced with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Tickets are available from Elaine English, costing £8 and £5 for children. Contact Elaine on 01296 655698. After the play, there will be a discussion with the actors and the widow of Bruce Chatwin.

Mobile Library
This is next in the village on Monday 23rd November, when it comes to The Green at 1.10 until 1.35pm.