Talkabout autumn 2003

Helmdon W.I needs your support. “We’re not all
Jam & Jerusalem” says
Jenny Saunders
Neighbourhood Watch –
Be vigilant
Helmdon Parish Plan
The Parish now has a grant of over £4000 from the
Countryside Agency to progress a Parish Plan.
Over 235 people attended the future needs day.
Do you want to help shape the Helmdon Parish of the future ?
Talkabout magazine is now taking commercial advertising to support printing costs. Please contact
Wilf Forgham ([phone number removed]) if you would like to advertise in the next issue
Distribution : 560 copies
Non-Resident Price £2
Carnival Committee – Get involved for next year now! – monthly meetings
Helmdon Churchyard –
Needs you on Sept 27th @
10am
What needs can the
Church help to meet ? –
Your feedback required
Wanted : Referees for
Sunday league football
Bridge Players “Panteau”
– Call for support
Friends of Helmdon School
– Raffle Prizes and fundraising support please
Post Office / Drop In
Centre – Use it or lose it!
Reading Room needs cash for building repairs
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2003
–
Published Sept – Issue 36
www.helmdon.com your
& community
◊ Richard Marie Wray website
◊ Editors
[phone number removed] [email address removed]

♦ Private Hire – To All British & European
Destinations
♦ Tailor Made Group Tours And Excursions
♦ Extensive Tour Program For Holidays And
Excursions For Individuals
♦ Educational Trips
♦ Theatre Trips & Concerts
♦ Corporate Hire
♦ Special Interest Excursions or Events
Whether you require coach only or the total package Jeffs Coaches have experienced personnel to handle your enquiry. From itinerary planning to venue suggestions, just call or email your one stop transport and travel company.
[phone number removed]
email: sales@jeffscoaches.com website: www.jeffscoaches.com
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www.helmdon.com your community website
Commercial Advertisement

Table of Contents
Editors Letter ………………………………. 4
Parish Council News …………………….. 8
Helmdon Primary School ……………… 9
Helmdon Parish Plan………………… 112
Helmdon Reading Room …………….. 13
Neighbourhood Watch………………… 15
Police Community Support Officers
………………………………………………… 167
Helmdon Baptist Chapel …………….. 20
Astwell Group Mothers Union…….. 22
The Friends of Helmdon Churchyard
………………………………………………….. 22
CKers Youth Club ……………………… 24
The Mite Scheme………………………… 24
What needs can THE CHURCH help to meet?……………………………………… 25
The Friends of St Mary Magdalene 27
Helmdon Fellowship …………………… 30
Helmdon Sports Club …………………. 31
Helmdon Bridge Players……………… 32
Helmdon W.I. …………………………….. 33
Tiny Tots……………………………………. 35
Musical Tots ………………………………. 36
Whistley 2000 Scout Group…………. 36
Helmdon Womens club……………….. 37
Helmdon Harriets ………………………. 38
Friends of Helmdon School …………. 38
The Bell Inn Bikers …………………….. 39
Post Office & Drop-In-Centre …….. 40
1st Helmdon Rainbows ………………… 41
Helmdon Acorns Pre-School ……….. 42
Volunteers in Villages …………………. 43
The WEA …………………………………… 44
The Helmdon Village Web Site……. 45
Helmdon Carnival Committee ……. 49
Helmdon Produce and Craft Show. 51
Obituaries, Marriages & Births…And a Couple of Special Birhdays. ……… 54
Obituaries …………………………………… 54
Marriages …………………………………… 57
Births………………………………………….. 58
Special Birthdays …………………………. 59
Feedback ……………………………………. 61
Corrections ………………………………….61
Reference Library………………………..62
Our Local Elected Representatives…..62
Hospitals & Doctors ………………………63
Police …………………………………………..64
Fire Brigade …………………………………64
Support Groups / Advice Lines ………..64
Local Authorities & Services …………..65
Transport ……………………………………..66
Sports …………………………………………..67
Village Contacts…………………………….67
Services………………………………………..67
Misc …………………………………………….68
Voluntary Work……………………………..68
Village Information………………………..68
BUS Timetables …………………………….70
(28 groups / clubs / committees in a Parish of approx 400 houses and
800 adults)
Space for
Advert no. 1
Text
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Prep

The views, comments and facts portrayed in this magazine are
NOT necessarily those held by the Parish Council. This magazine is produced for the benefit of the residents of
Helmdon Parish and is sponsored by the Parish Council. Its articles and comments however are from the credited individuals and organisations that choose to write to the editor for inclusion in the magazine.
EDITORS LETTER
D
ear readers,
It has been very pleasing to yet again see such a good response to our Parish magazine. Our community continues to produce a vast array of activities for all to participate in.
We at least had a response to our “help wanted” advert in the last issue. We were looking for someone to take on the new
“publisher” role that was created out of the magazines need to generate revenue to cover printing costs. As Janet Heady pointed out in her article last issue, it was someone who already contributes a vast amount of their time to the village that stepped up to the job. So a big thanks from us all should go to Wilf Forgham! He has done a sterling job of rallying the local businesses into supporting the magazine with adverts, cutting invoices and chasing printers. Talking of adverts, please mention the magazine when contacting any of the vendors because it makes a big difference when it comes to
Wilf asking them for more money in 6 months time.
A fantastic carnival again this year, our family thoroughly enjoyed the day out. A big thank you to everyone involved. It looks like a lot of work and we are all very grateful that you produce such a great event year after year.
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A slight change to the front cover has occurred, at a readers request we have included an issue number and date. When we took over the role of editors we were handed a box containing one copy of each magazine printed since its inception. So based on this “box” of magazines we believe this is the 36th issue of the magazine. Whilst rummaging through this box and reading Issue 1 there on the front cover is an article that somehow strikes as being so very relevant to what Helmdon is and should be about. Pay particular attention to the last two lines and then look at the list of calls for help on the front cover.
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A thank you to all the article contributors, without which there would be no magazine. Well done and speak to you again soon.
Finally a thank you to our team of deliverers who give up their own time to deliver the 400+ copies of the magazine to all the houses in the Parish. On this note if you do find that you are reading someone else’s copy because you did not get a delivery, please call us and we will gladly drop a copy round and update our delivery list. We know for instance we mis-
counted the number of copies required for Wappenham Rd and one or two missed out on the last issue.
Best Regards
Richard & Marie Wray
◊ Richard & Marie Wray ◊ Editors: Talkabout Magazine
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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Our Parish Councillors
Peter Burns
Chairman
[phone number removed]
David
Brookhouse
Vice Chairman
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] [email address removed]
Danny Moody
Councillor
[phone number removed]
Val Smith
Councillor
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] [email address removed]
Richard
Bearman
Councillor
[phone number removed]
Bill England
Councillor
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] [email address removed]
Ren Gittens
Councillor
[phone number removed]
Jean
Spendlove
Councillor
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
Phil Earl
(Curly)
Councillor
[phone number removed]
Wilf Forgham
Parish Clerk
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] [email address removed]
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PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
S
ince the last “Talkabout” we have had elections for the Parish Council and two new members have been elected. You can see the composition of the new council above.
I would also like to express my thanks to the two councillors from the previous council, not currently involved, for the work and time that they devoted to Parish matters.
The Parish Council meets approximately every two months and the notices for the meetings are placed in the notice boards around the village. All are welcome to attend these meetings and raise any matters they may wish in the
Open Forum.
The Millennium seat has now been installed and I would like to thank councillors Bearman and Brookhouse for their efforts in this project. It is the councils intention to improve the surrounding area.
The village was asked if it wished to support a speed watch campaign in an effort to make it safer by keeping to the recommended speed limit and support was given to the project to proceed.
The Parish Council will be laying a wreath at the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday and everyone in the village who wishes to attend will be very welcome. Notices will be posted nearer the time.
◊Peter Burns ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Council
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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HELMDON PRIMARY SCHOOL
W
e have had a very successful year at Helmdon culminating in a whole school production of the
Pied Piper of Hamelin at the end of term. We have worked hard to ensure children gain a broad and balanced curriculum at our school which is reflected in events such as the year 6 fashion show in February (exhibits were of such a high standard that they are now on display within the county). We also performed a whole school dance and held a poetry week in June to celebrate Arts week. The poet John
Foster had us all enthralled with his recitations and anecdotes.
Our school orchestra has amazed us all with the commitment and enthusiasm of all involved. Children arrive promptly to rehearse at 8.30am each week and everyone has practised hard to be able to perform at a high standard. The choir has also continued to grow and delight many groups of people with their singing. We are more than happy to entertain people within the local community so please contact the school if you would like us to perform.
The Bridge Players continue to transform our school each
December and it is refreshing to see so many of our pupils, both present and former, involved in the production. The local
WEA also make good use of our facilities on a regular basis involving members of the Helmdon community.
Our conservation area has undergone a facelift and many of our children have worked in the area and have benefited from the more user-friendly facilities.
Standards of achievement have continued to rise, reflected in our Achievement award for test results in 2002
and excellent results in 2003. We celebrated 100% success in
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our Key Stage 2 science results this year and 100% in our writing and mathematics results in Key Stage 1.
At the start of a new year we welcome Katie Stephens who will be working with us for the year as a Graduate
Teacher. Katie will be working with each class throughout the year and will aim to gain qualified teacher status by next July.
We also welcome Bernie Waddeson who has rejoined the team as our caretaker. Bernie has already supported us during the summer holidays when he had to deal with the unpleasant vandalism that the school experienced.
We say a sad farewell to Jeannette Adams as she has moved down to Devon and wish her well in her new home and congratulations to Jo Wright who will be taking up a position of
Bursar at Bracken Leas School mid September.
We sadly said goodbye to a few families last term and wish them well in their new homes and schools. 19 new reception children will join us in September and we welcome them and their families to the school. Mrs Toman will once again be teaching the Reception children in September along with some of our Year 1 children.
The Helmdon Future Needs Day was a very successful event and generated many exciting ideas. It was wonderful to see so many additional people in the school and hope that we can build on such enthusiasm to enable the ideas to come to fruition.
The traffic calming measures will also benefit the school and community and we look forward to a safer route to school and work.
Unfortunately our playground was not resurfaced during the holidays, the County Council cancelled the work at the eleventh hour, as they had insufficient funding to carry out maintenance work. It is unlikely to be completed in this financial year and they are aware of the need to carry out the work as soon as is practically possible. We are hoping to extend the seating area around the playground, which could
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be used by parents and members of the community during events such as our summer fete.
Our plans have been approved for the extension to the school and we are proposing a two-phase programme, as building costs were so high. We will keep everyone informed as to when work may commence.
Our ICT suite will once again be available to members of the local community following two successful courses run by
Danny Moody last year. We are to be connected to the
Broadband network in the very near future so that Internet access will be much faster.
We welcome any support that people are able to give to the school be it in school time or in helping with after school clubs. Thank you for continuing to work with us and please do not hesitate in contacting the school should you wish to become more involved.
◊ Sue Blackburn ◊ Head Teacher : Helmdon Primary School
: [phone number removed]
bursar@helmdon.northants-ecl.gov.uk
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HELMDON PARISH PLAN
E
arlier this year Helmdon was awarded a grant of £4,039.01
from the Countryside Agency to put together and publish a Parish plan. A steering group and six topic groups were formed at an open meeting in April and they have been meeting regularly since then to focus on specific areas such as Transport,
Amenities, Housing & Development, Youth, Environment and
Culture.
235 villagers came along to a
Future Needs Day held in the school on 2nd August and gave their views, thoughts and opinions on the future of the village. It was the first parish-
wide public consultation and the feedback received will form the basis of a questionnaire to be circulated around the village later in the year.
Why have a Parish plan?
♦ By giving everybody in the Parish of Helmdon the opportunity to express opinions and ideas, people are better informed about local need.
♦ The work and decisions of the Parish Council and other local organisations are supported by the outcomes of a Parish plan.
♦ Statistical evidence on specific issues backs up views and feelings. The voice of our community is strengthened.
♦ People are more involved in what goes on around them, many of them for the first time. Community spirit is enhanced.
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♦ Statutory authorities can be influenced by the united views and needs of a community.
♦ Individuals and organisations are better prepared for questions or issues that arise about changes or threats to local services and activities.
A Parish plan should not be an end in itself. It represents an opportunity for a community to make realistic recommendations, take them forward and follow their progress. The Parish plan is a footpath to the future of
Helmdon.
You can make a comment anytime about the Parish plan by visiting the web site at www.helmdon.com/parishplan or by telephoning [phone number removed].
◊ Danny Moody ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Plan
: [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON READING ROOM
W
ho's is it?, Who uses it? and Who's in charge of it?, These are the most frequently asked questions about the
Reading Room.
Well firstly, “Who's is it ?” That's easy – it's yours, the
Helmdon Parish residents.
Who uses it? You do.
Who is in charge of it?, You are.
Well to be correct the Management Committee, this is made up of representatives from organisations that use the
Reading Room. However the day to day running is controlled by the “Working Committee” who have been elected by the
“Management Committee”. The Parish Council are the trustees but do not get involved with the day to day running of the
Reading Room.
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Yep! it sometimes does get a little confusing but we seem to be managing as the Reading Room is running quite well at the moment. The toilets have been completed, there is a new roof on the extension and we have had some repair works in the kitchen following a health and hygiene inspection.
Unfortunately however, the Reading Room has started to show its age a little and requires some repair work. The working committee have therefore had the building surveyed and will be putting together a building restoration plan in the near future.
This brings us to money, as with all building work, large or small, there will be expenditure. So if anyone can come up with any good money making ideas, please contact the working committee. The working committee did consider prostitution at one point, but felt the ladies of the village would not be able to manage their manly physique, so only legal ideas now please.
Finally if anyone requires any information please feel free to contact any committee member. They will be only to pleased to help, or you can log onto www.helmdon.com and checkout the
Reading Room link.
And don't forget its your Reading Room so please get involved in the activities that go on in it, or alternatively organise some of your own. But ultimately enjoy the building, it is there for you to use.
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Management Committee
Chairman: Mr Bill England
Vice Chairman: Mr Michael Ayres
Treasurer/Steward: Mr Harold Seckington
Secretary: Mr Richard Bearman
Thank you for your continued support.
◊ Richard Bearman ◊ Secretary: Reading Room Management
Committee
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
W
ith autumn now upon us and the nights drawing in, it is a time when we must all look at our security especially making sure that garden sheds and garden equipment are all secure for the winter ahead.
Over the hot summer Helmdon was reasonably free from crime, with just a few incidents reported. The Neighbourhood
Watch scheme has worked well over the last twelve months, with you all co-operating and reporting anything suspicious and remember do call me if you see anything unusual, it is much better to be careful before the event rather than sorry afterwards.
Recorded crime in Northamptonshire has risen by 21%
when the figures are adjusted to take account of the change in way crime figures are recorded nationally. Total number of crimes recorded in Northamptonshire rose to a total of 73,513
in the year 2002/2003. House burglaries rose by 26% over this period, however the long-term trend in Northamptonshire since the mid 1990s is down.
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The published figures for the clear-up rate is 28.4%. This still means that we must continue to be careful with our security and be vigilant against any signs of drug use in our younger residents.
Remember that many insurance companies do give a discount on your house insurance if you tell them you belong to a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
The contact persons for Helmdon are,
Angela Feasey
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Val Smith
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Ann Harman
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Janet Lipson
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Ian Drew
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
David Brookhouse
Greystones
Church St.
[phone number removed]
Chris Bridger
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Wilf [address removed]

[phone number removed]
Any problems please do not hesitate to call me.
◊ David Brookhouse ◊ Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS
P
olice Community Support Officers are based on the largely rural Western Area of the Force and work alongside
Community Beat Officers. Their main role is to provide high visibility patrols, to prevent crime and deal with local ‘quality of life’ issues, such as vandalism and juvenile nuisance. This is a very important, high profile role, which is making a big contribution to building public confidence in policing and reassuring the public.
Northamptonshire is one of 27 police forces selected to pilot the use of Police Community Support Officers and the
Force is one of only six to give PCSOs the use of detention powers as part of the pilot scheme. The pilot scheme is set to last for three years
The three PCSOs based in the Brackley sector which encompasses the village of Helmdon, began work on Monday
March 10th . As well as providing public reassurance through high visibility patrols, they have limited powers to deal with anti-social behaviour, including the ability to detain suspects for up to 30 minutes.
As well as patrolling and helping prevent crime, they deal with lower level crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and the sort of problems that have a negative impact on quality of life.
South Northamptonshire is one of the safest communities in the region yet the fear of crime here is still high. The Police
Community Support Officers have an important part to play in reducing that fear by ensuring the public have regular contact with uniformed staff. Their role is an important one in developing our ability to listen to and provide communities with the service they deserve. The PCSOs are becoming involved with local Neighbourhood Watch members, attending community and Parish Council meetings and really getting to know members of their communities to ensure that the residents know who they are.
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In just four months since taking to the streets of the
Western Area of the county, PCSO’s have become well-known faces in their communities, putting in up to 750 hours of foot patrols in a single month and getting involved in a range of policing activities.
The officers have already been involved in crimes ranging from drug seizures and thefts, to criminal damage matters, with many of them leading to an arrest by a Police Officer.
They have also exercised their powers of detention in three instances – two involving drug related incidents and one where they detained youths hard selling door to door. All three of these incidents led to arrests.
Your Brackley Police Community Support Officers are as follows:
JEMMA SIMKINS (responsible for Helmdon)
Jemma joins us from the Nene Centre where she was employed as a day care assistant working with adults who have learning difficulties.
Contact Jemma on [phone number removed] or jemma.simkin@northants.police.uk
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SUZANNE BOURNE
Suzanne joins us from her previous role as a helpdesk administrator for an information technology company. She has previously given lots of her time as a school governor.
Contact Suzanne on suzanne.bourne@northants.police.uk
NATHAN VACHER
Nathan joins us from his previous role where he was a
Prison Officer at HM YOI Onley. Prior to this he served in the
Army for 8 years as an Air Survey Technician.
Contact Nathan on nathan.vacher@northants.police.uk
All three Officers work from Brackley Police Station on
[phone number removed]
◊ Clare Manning ◊ Public Relations & Marketing Officer
[phone number removed]
clare.manning@northants.pnn.police.uk
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HELMDON BAPTIST CHAPEL
(Part of Tove Valley Baptist Fellowship)
F
or a week in August the rooms at the chapel rang with the sound of children’s voices and laughter. What was going on? -our annual holiday club.
This year's theme was the seaside – events in the bible based on the life of Peter. The building inside was decorated with sand, windmills, rocks and shells but to name a few.
We had an average of 30 children a day and want to thank all of you who allowed your son/daughter to come along.
We all had a marvellous time!! The crafts this year were excellent, thanks to Irene and her ceramic skills, the children painted tiles with boats, lighthouses, fishes and painted pebbles. They also wrote postcards and made windmills.
Story time with Phil was again a unique experience, just ask any child that came for their memory of story time! We were really pleased to have Ruslan, Valerie, Ulyia and Serget with us for the week, they are from the Ukraine and have been spending the summer with Tove Valley Baptist Church, of which Helmdon Baptist is a part, so we even managed to learn a bit of Russian.
Our week concluded with a bar-b-que when two of our local community support officers joined us for burgers.
Unfortunately several families were unable to join us on the
Sunday morning for "Celebration of Holiday Club" as they had arranged to go on holiday that weekend.
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We enjoyed beautiful weather and are thankful to God for such a marvellous week.
Our services are held Sunday mornings including Junior
Church for children, 10.30am, bi-monthly joint service with the
Parish Church, alternating venues. House groups are held weekly and will re-commence in September, Monday mornings
9.30am in Helmdon. Ladies Fellowship, fortnightly, Tuesday afternoons, 2pm.
If you would like to know about any of the above please contact Rosemary ([phone number removed]) or Phil Drage ([phone number removed]).
We have recently run a couple of Alpha courses, an opportunity to find out what Christianity is all about and to ask questions and address issues in the context of a small relaxed atmosphere. If anyone would like to know more about Alpha courses please contact Phil ([phone number removed]) or Kate ([phone number removed]). Easter
Sunday we held a service of believers baptism when two ladies were baptised.
More recently we were saddened by the death of our oldest member, Hilda Gulliver.
◊ Rosemary Gulliver
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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ASTWELL GROUP MOTHERS UNION
T
he Astwell group branch meets alternately on the last Wednesday evening or last Monday morning of each month. You do not have to be C of E to join, or married, or a mother, (or even a woman)!
Also you do not need to be a member in order to come along to hear the speakers advertised each month. Each meeting opens and closes with a short prayer. At the end there are notices and time for a chat over coffee.
We are looking forward to the author Margôt Aczel coming (for a return visit) to speak on her new book “With love from death row” in late September. Watch out for posters for this eye witness account of life in a Texas prison and the remarkable character, Ted, as he approaches his execution after 12 years of waiting.
Do come along to our AGM on Oct 23rd at St Mary
Magdalene’s with favourite hymns and readings.
Our November meeting will be a drama workshop on
Wednesday 26th November – all are welcome as usual.
Please call me for more details.
◊ Bee Aczel
[phone number removed]
THE FRIENDS OF HELMDON
CHURCHYARD
W
e have received compliments from village people and visitors on the beauty of our churchyard. It is worth a visit if you feel like a short walk and a seat is strategically placed to rest and look at the splendid views across to the other side of the village and Astwell. The churchyard is also visited by
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those interested in its lichens, for which it is well known. They are a sign of pure air as they will not grow in polluted areas.
We hope visitors will treat the churchyard with respect and keep their dogs under control, which of course includes taking any fouling home with them.
If anyone has any spare time – even if not regularly, an hour from time to time would be very helpful – we desperately need some more people to keep the churchyard mown. We have a light but very effective mower, easy to start, so the work is not too strenuous. We are also holding another general tidy-up morning on Saturday, 27th September, from 10 a.m. and will be very pleased to see anyone willing to weed and tidy, preferably with their own tools, but especially anyone who can come along with a strimmer or their own mower.
There is now an attractive new stone path leading diagonally from the church porch to the path along the wall, which will be used for wheeling the bier, at funerals, from the church to the churchyard. Previously there was only a grassed-over path which could be slippery in wet weather.
Some of the stone used came out of the floor of the porch when it was converted to a toilet. We wish to express our gratitude to Peter Payne for donating his time and expertise to laying the path, to Derek Castle who helped him, to Richard
Watson for his contribution and stone and to Paul Duncombe, also for extra stone.
Our thanks to everyone who has helped this year to maintain our beautiful, peaceful churchyard.
◊Judy Cairns ◊ Secretary: The Friends of Helmdon
Churchyard
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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CKERS YOUTH CLUB
C
kers is a youth club run jointly by St Mary Magdalene Church and
Helmdon Baptist Chapel. Due to the clubs popularity, from September 2003, we will run as two groups; School years
5-7 taken by Kathy Quiney([phone number removed]) and Louise Stothard
([phone number removed]) and Year 8 upwards taken by Phil Drage ([phone number removed])
and Jane Barnes ([phone number removed]). The two groups meet on alternating Sunday evenings at the Chapel in Wappenham
Road from 6.30-8.00pm. We spend the evenings doing a wide variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sport and games evenings and trips. The most popular event last term was a
Fathers Day trip tobogganing in the snow dome, Milton
Keynes. The Fathers had a great time too!! If you are interested in joining us give one of us a call.
◊Kathy Quiney ◊ CKers Youth Club
[phone number removed]
THE MITE SCHEME (UNICEF UK)
O
ver 5 million children die each year from dehydration caused by diarrhoea, mainly in the third world.
We collect mites (5p pieces) in 35mm film containers.
When full they hold about £2. That is enough to buy re-
hydration salts for up to 6 children.
If you would like to help you can use your own containers or they are available at the back of the church or from Audrey
Beattie, [address removed].
When full please return to any member of the Parochical
Church Council or Audrey.
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In the last financial year we sent £136 and so far this year we have sent £50.
◊ Audrey Beattie ◊ Reader
I
n a year of the Helmdon Parish Plan we're all asked to talk about village needs………well……
WHAT NEEDS CAN THE CHURCH HELP
TO MEET?
Of course the building is for worship. It is also for the needs of God's people and that includes all of us. The building is a useful size and has kitchen facilities and a toilet. The church (i.e. the church in the sense of the people who worship there) have already decided to make the space more adaptable, even for the needs of worship. We plan to retain the central block of pews between the cross aisle and the chancel. If we could make them movable and keep them stable, it would be lovely. But the north aisle and the back pews we should like to remove and have more chairs which we could place in different configurations for whatever was the purpose in hand. We must, of course be able to seat people in the whole church for those occasions which fill it – chiefly
Christingles, some school events and some funerals. But meetings are much better meetings in a circle of chairs than in rows; concerts need more open floor space for the performers than we can easily offer without changes to our pews; the same is true for drama, for art and craft exhibitions and for accommodating people who wish to socialise. So changes up at the church need to happen. How can these changes serve the whole community of Helmdon, including those who would not use the building for any of the purposes I've referred to?
Two objections may be made to all suggestions.
First, the building is holy. Of course it must remain so and for that reason the chancel should be reserved for worship and contemplation.
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Secondly, the church is at the edge of the village and the top of a hill. People use cars to get to the School and the
Reading Room and parking at the church is no worse than at those more central public buildings. Arrangements for overflow parking can usually be made. So what might happen in the church if there was a more flexible space?
The PCC (Parochial Church Council) and the Annual
Church Meeting have discussed some ideas already. A drop-in centre once or twice a week for young people (and older ones)
to talk, have coffee, tea and soft drinks and do….very little?
It would have to be unobtrusively supervised (hence, not every evening) and like nearly all public buildings, the church would be a no-smoking one. Sessions specially to drop in with problems, of all kinds. To consult not necessarily clergy but anyone with experience that is appropriate. No, of course we should not know all the answers, but just unloading the problem may help; or we may be able to suggest someone to consult who could point a way to some of the answers.
Some group activities for those who wish to learn and socialise in a beautiful environment. Already suggested are painting groups, crafts, music and drama. The church offers visual, spatial and acoustic advantages over any other village venue.
Well? TALKABOUT it. Then tell us what you think.
◊ Jean Spendlove ◊ Reader in the Benefice
[phone number removed]
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THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY MAGDALENE
T
he Vivamus concert on
July 5th at Glebe Farm, conceived, hosted and sponsored by David & Fiona
Mason was a superb evening with music in a wonderful outdoor setting rounded off with fireworks; see full report on Helmdon website
(www.helmdon.com)
The evening raised £469
for the church Friend’s funds, thank you David & Fiona.
Carnival teas this year raised £220 each for our funds and for carnival funds –
many thanks to all who helped and donated cakes.
Future events for your diaries –
Saturday 13th September: ‘Last Night of the Proms’
evening at Home Farm, Wappenham road, courtesy of John &
Gill Watson. A chance to dress up and join in the spirit of the
‘Last Night’ by socialising with food and drink whilst watching, with audience participation at communal song time if you so desire, the actual performance on a large screen outdoors –
weather permitting! Do join us, it was great fun last year.
Friday 17th October: Sing-a-long evening at The Bell. A
chance to exercise your lungs singing songs old and new –
more details to follow nearer the time.
Saturday 15th November: Wine Tasting evening at Hill
House, courtesy of Iain & Kathy Quiney. A chance to taste an assortment of wines in convivial company.
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Friday 19th December: Words & Music for Christmas in the church. A selection of poems, songs, music, readings and carols with a Christmas theme, along with mulled wine & nibbles – come to just listen and enjoy or if you wish to participate let the committee know.
PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR POSTERS ON THE NOTICE
BOARDS FOR DETAILS OF THE ABOVE EVENTS
Thanks to all of you who have joined / renewed the
Friends Membership Scheme – forms are available just inside the church door or speak to any member of the committee if you wish to join.
◊ Vanessa Vicars ◊ Secretary: Friends of St MM Church
[phone number removed]
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HELMDON SPORTS CLUB
ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT
AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH
CHERWELL EDGE GOLF CLUB
FOR PREFERENTIAL RATES FOR SPORTS CLUB MEMBERS
Cherwell Edge is a challenging 18-hole course with a par of 70.
The club has a tradition of offering a friendly welcome to Golfers or those who just wish to enjoy a drink or a meal in the Restaurant.
There is an 18 bay Driving Range with a practice bunker and a
9-hole putting green.
On providing proof of their Helmdon Sports Club Membership, a
Cherwell Edge Golf Club Associated Membership card with photograph will be issued. This will allow the holder 10% off all Bar and Restaurant Charges and 18 holes of Golf at £10.00 (Mon – Fri)
and £15 (Sat-Sun and Bank Holidays) from October 1st until the end of February.
Bar Snacks are available up until 5pm during the week and
7pm on a Saturday
The Restaurant is open from 7 pm until 9pm on a Friday and on
Sunday lunchtimes from 12 until 2pm A selection of Fish and Steak dishes are available on a Friday night plus a Friday Night Special.
Sunday lunch consists of a choice of succulent roast joints served with yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and a selection of seasonal vegetables and coffee. A selection of starters and sweets are also available
Facilities are available for meetings, conferences, parties including Christmas and weddings.
For further information please contact either Dave Bridger on
[phone number removed] or the Cherwell Edge Golf Club direct on [phone number removed]
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HELMDON FELLOWSHIP
A
s the summer draws to a close we look back on a very enjoyable time. With the fine weather continuing all through the summer we have had some very enjoyable visits for coffee mornings and afternoon teas to the lovely homes and gardens of some of our members.
May I take this opportunity to thank Ann
Smith, Cec and Jan Harrold, Trudie and Barbara Buxton for their hospitality.
We have been on trips to Bourton-on-the-Water and
Windsor and as I write this we are planning a trip to the
Birmingham Canals and the National Sea Life Centre later on in September.
Some of our members have celebrated very special birthdays during this summer, Jack Ayres celebrated his 90th birthday on July 14th and we enjoyed a party in his garden. On
25th July Alice Hearne received her telegram from the Queen on the occasion of her 100 th birthday and we spent a lovely afternoon with her at the Old Glebe, Brackley. Hilda Gulliver invited the fellowship to join in her 90th birthday celebrations at the Chapel schoolroom on August 5th , another very special event.
The August garden party was held at Greystones on a very hot afternoon and we raised £160 for Diabetes UK, thanks to all who supported this.
We are now looking forward to our monthly get-togethers
– the first one will be on Friday October 10th at 2-30pm in the
Reading Room, do come along and join us if you are over sixty years or retired. We have some very interesting speakers planned for the winter as well as coffee mornings etc.
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On November 26th we are going Christmas shopping to
Milton Keynes as we did last year – if you would like to join us please contact Ann Harman [phone number removed].
If you would like more information about Helmdon
Fellowship please call me.
◊ Carol Brookhouse ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Fellowship
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON SPORTS CLUB
E
ighteen months ago the Sports
Club was in a state of disarray. There was no football team, the cricket team had been forced to withdraw from the league and what is known to be one of the best-
kept sports fields in the area was not being used.
Now as a result of a dedicated committee the cricket team are riding high in their division of the South Northants
Cricket League. Helmdon has a team in the Banbury Sunday
Morning Football League. Two teams play in the Cherwell and
District Billiards League and there is even a model helicopter section involved with the club.
The ground is looking as good as ever thanks mainly to the hard work of Richard Bearman, Michael Ayres, Geoff
Gulliver and Geoff Crook. We have been waiting since last
December for a member of the South Northants Council to come back to us as we need to finalise a lease before we can apply for any grants in an effort to improve the facilities.
Next year we are hoping to erect cricket nets at the ground and we hope this will encourage youngsters to practice their skills at both batting and bowling. Football training will begin at the ground in September for anyone between the ages of 10 and 16. Details of these sessions will be displayed on the notice boards and village web site.
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In the meantime the billiards section are on the look out for new players, so if anyone is interested in playing please let
Dave Bridger know on [phone number removed]. Indeed anyone who wishes to take part in any of the teams, or start any new activities please let Dave know.
Finally there is a shortage of referees in the Sunday
Morning League any help with this for our home games would be greatly appreciated.
◊ Dave Bridger ◊ Secretary: Helmdon Sports Club
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON BRIDGE PLAYERS
T
he group mounts two productions per year and that keeps us pretty busy.
We should like to do more and have thought of using the church as a venue for a play but if we’re going to be more ambitious we need more members.
Being part of a village drama group is not just about turning up for rehearsals
– it also involves constructing the stage, cleaning the curtains, keeping the mice off the costumes and making the coffee.
And we need people to take a turn at choosing a play and directing it. Everyone brings different talents to the group and most of us have turned our hand to prop-making or scene-
shifting when there have been a lack of parts suited to our particular talents. No lack of parts this year however for our extravaganza panteau – “The Three Musketeers”! All hands will be required.
A quartet of principal boys will thrill and spill their way through this swashbuckling adventure playing Porthos, Aramis,
Athos and D’Artagnan with appropriate thigh-slapping. There are baddies galore including the despicable Cardinal
Richeleeugh. Political correctness is thrown to the wind (with
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a hint of garlic) as our French neighbours are mercilessly ribbed throughout. Thrown in for good measure are a snail and a nun (or two)!
When can you see this truly amazing production?
December 4, 5 and 6 (two performance on the 6th ) in the school. Put the dates in your diary NOW – and that’s an order.
Tickets from Dave Bridger on [phone number removed] or Morag Underwood on
[phone number removed].
Our summer play in June was Alan Aykbourn’s “It could have been any one us” – a comic murder mystery with a choice of endings. We had great fun with the make up and the lighting and Liz Woolley performed miracles teaching Dave
Bridger to play the piano to concert standard in only one month – before he was sadly murdered! Bryony Coates excelled herself playing a sulky teenager, Morag Underwood was her useless mother (and unpublished author), Paul
Stothard reverted to stuttering weirdo character, Derek Morris portrayed a fumbling private detective who miserably failed to solve a crime which happened right under his nose and Jo Ezzy miraculously managed to escape attempts on her life to find that her promised legacy was all a macabre joke. All this, shaken up and stirred by Paul Underwood’s keen attention to detail.
So why not come and join us – we need you!
◊ Morag Underwood ◊ Chairperson: Bridge Players
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON W.I.
T
he leaves are falling, evenings are cooler and we can take time to look back over the lovely summer, the interesting speakers, the enjoyment of meeting other W.I. members and visitors to our W.I. our calendar of events was as follows:-
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March: Our speaker talked about his life as the County
Coroner of Buckinghamshire giving us a different view of his duties, he was most entertaining and hilarious.
April: Lynda Maud gave a talk on the history of
Pantomime.
May: We had Hilarys Hats – “Hat Hire”. The talk was fascinating with a beautiful array of hats, irresistible to members who were invited to try them on. Also at this meeting the Challenge Trophy entry was performed. Two officiating judges from W.I. House marked the efforts of Ann
Smith and Sue Mantle who performed a dialogue written by
Ann, with Audrey Forgham acting as narrator. The members of
W.I. would like to thank them for their time and effort.
June: Members went home in love with gorgeous George from “Dogs for the Disabled.”
July: Thank you to our member Lousie Stothard who hosted a summer garden party. We toured her garden and enjoyed supper in the comfort of her home.
August: Members enjoyed a meal at the Old Talbot
Potterspury.
September: We are all looking forward to going to Irene
Inness workshop to paint a tile.
We draw a bursary every two years between members and the lucky member can chose a course at Denman College.
Jan Harold was the lucky winner and accompanied by Margaret
Reardon attended a course entitled “Stunning Starters and
Desserts.”
During the year, we served teas for 78 visitors from Ruby
National Trust, after their trip to Woburn Abbey and lunches in the church for a visiting W.I. on their way to Sulgrave Manor.
The Helmdon W.I. entered a small float in the carnival procession and the “Dinner Ladies W.I.” would like to thank
Richard Watson for the loan of a vehicle.
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If you take time to read this report you will see that we are not all “Jam and Jerusalem”, so do join and help our W.I.
to survive.
If you wish to learn more about W.I. why not join our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Reading Room or contact myself or Anne Harman [phone number removed]).
◊ Jennifer Saunders ◊ Secretary: Helmdon WI
[phone number removed]
TINY TOTS
W
e still meet every Wednesday morning
10-11.30 am at the Baptist Church during term time. Mums / dads / grandparents / nannies are all welcome to bring their tiny tots along for a morning of fun. There are lots of toys to play with, a music time with action songs, which the children enjoy and a coffee time where drinks and biscuits are served. Not forgetting the adults, there is the chance to chat with others during the morning. We have reluctantly had to say goodbye to some of our regulars as they have moved away from the area. So to anybody who has just moved into the village and has a tiny tot
(0 to 2 years) or who has just had a baby we invite you to join us – we are a very friendly bunch. If anyone is interested in coming and helping out with this group or would like further information please let Rosemary Gulliver know.
◊ Rosemary Gulliver
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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MUSICAL TOTS
M
usic Tots is a lively 40 minute session for babies upwards involving instruments, action songs, short stories, dance and counting songs.
Bee Aczel brings along her Clarinova and guitar to
Wappenham Village Hall. There are two sessions on Mondays,
9:30am and again at 10:30am starting from September 8th . All for £3.50 including coffee afterwards.
Book now to ensure a place and to get directions.
◊ Bee Aczel
[phone number removed]
WHISTLEY 2000 SCOUT GROUP
A
ll sections of the Scout Group are open to boys and girls. Beavers meet in Greatworth
School on Wednesdays from 5.00 p.m. – 6.00
p.m. for children aged 6–8 years. Cub Scouts meet in the Turweston Scout Hut on Fridays from
6.15 p.m. – 7.45 p.m. This is for children from the age of 8
years until they are 10 or 11 years of age. The Scout meeting follows this at 8.00 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. and is for 11 – 14
year olds.
For any further information please feel free to contact me.
◊ Christine Bridger ◊ Chairman: Whistley Scouts
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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HELMDON WOMENS CLUB
W
e have once again had a most interesting and enjoyable year.
Theatre trips included ‘Sing along a Abba’, which turned out to be a great evening and was greatly surprised when a
Helmdon resident became the star of the show – Helmdon’s own ‘Hip Swivelling Rocker’. A trip to see the Chippendales went very well and I will make no further comments so as to save anyone’s ‘blushes’!!
During the last few months we have had a cookery demonstration, which was very tasty, a talk on Beadwork,
Indian Head Massage, which everyone enjoyed and a talk by
Dusty Roades on Country Customs which certainly entertained us.
Due to the weather our annual sports evening turned into a social evening instead and an excellent time was had by all.
A big thank you to everyone who helped and contributed to our home produce stall at this year’s carnival.
We are looking forward to another interesting year and if you would like to come along and join us you will be made most welcome. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 8.00pm (except August), so why not come along and meet new friends.
If you would like more information, please give me a ring.
◊ Lesley Kinghorn ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Womens Club
[phone number removed]
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HELMDON HARRIETS
L
adies, have you seen us running and wondered who we are ?
Why not join us running in, out and around the village. All abilities welcome from beginners to marathon runners, running different times throughout the week. If your interested don’t keep thinking about it, give us a ring.
◊ Julie Crouch ◊ Helmdon Harriets
[phone number removed]
FRIENDS OF HELMDON SCHOOL (FOHS)
F
riends of Helmdon School is the Parent Teacher
Association of Helmdon Primary School. As well as bringing children, parents and teachers together socially, F.O.H.S.’s aim is to raise funds for additional school equipment. Since the last
Talkabout we have purchased a new climbing frame for the school hall as well as leavers presents for the Year 6. We have also held book sales at the school which have resulted in the school receiving £400 worth of new books. We had a lovely sunny day for our summer fete in June – thank you to all in the village who supported it. A quiz night with chilli supper was also a fun night earlier in the year and of course the children continue to enjoy the school discos! Support from Barclays
Bank has boosted our funds by some £1,500 this year in match funding three of our events. You do not need to have a link with the school to support us – the Committee is always keen to receive prizes for raffles, your support at one of our events or new fundraising ideas!
◊ Marianne Pamment [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
◊ Sandra Wroe [phone number removed]
◊ Joint Chair : FOHS
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THE BELL INN BIKERS
(HELMDON'S CYCLE CLUB)
T
he Helmdon Cycle Club lost their stabilizers in France again this summer !
It’s an in-formal, fun club that meets most Sundays at
10am outside the Bell Inn.
“Bill is our star example in terms of fitness benefits from
Sunday cycling, from my perspective it's a great way to really appreciate the local countryside and can be a family day out –
witness us!” – Brian Austin, Cycle Club Member.
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“What did Bill look like before he became this born again
"Charles Atlas".—— Sorry got to go and have a lie down I've come over all strange thinking of pre cycling Bill” – Stephen
Potter, Cycle Club Member
For more information contact:
◊Richard Finch ◊ Secretary: Bell Inn Bikers
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
POST OFFICE & DROP-IN-CENTRE
"USE IT, OR LOSE IT."
T
his is an often repeated maximum, but so true. It would appear that some villagers don't even know of the existence of the Post
Office facility in Helmdon. In fact it operates twice weekly on Tuesdays at 10 am to 12 pm and on Thursdays 2pm to 4pm, when Evelyn Rist comes along from the Wappenham Post Office with all her high tech equipment. The Post Office is fully networked portable station that can do all of the same transactions that the permanent equipment in Wappenham can provide.
Did you know for instance ?
If you bank with Alliance & Leicester, Lloyds TSB or
Barclays, in addition to being able to deposit cash and cheques into your accounts, you can now use your debit card with PIN
number to withdraw cash. The same technology allows you to pay for some items, including stamps with most debit cards even.
If we all bought just our stamp needs from this service, it would make a huge difference.
The Drop-In Centre works in conjunction with the Post
Office and affords residents the opportunity to have a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits and a chat with friends. There is a small band of happy, willing helpers making tea on these
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occasions, but we are getting rather thin on the ground. Extra volunteers would be most appreciated and welcomed with open arms.
◊ Janet Heady
[phone number removed]
1 ST HELMDON RAINBOWS
R
ainbow Guides are the youngest section of Girl Guiding UK for girls aged 5-7
years. We meet in Helmdon each Friday during term time from 6 – 7 pm.
Rainbows take part in all sorts of activities, in and out of doors – exploring, sharing and discovering. Rainbows play games, paint, draw and make things. They enjoy listening to stories and singing songs. At each meeting there is also time for the girls to share their news with the others.
During the last two terms the Rainbows have enjoyed a variety of activities, from a swimming trip to making salt dough suns, Easter chicks and windmills. They have played lots of games and learnt some new songs. In the summer term we made the most of the good weather getting out and about around the village when we could, so you might have seen/heard us.
This term we say farewell and thank you to Lucy, our young guider, who has to leave us due to other commitments.
Lucy has been a great help to us and will be missed. If any other young people (16+) or indeed any adults could spare an hour on Friday evenings we would love to hear from them.
If you would like to find out more about Rainbows, or put your daughter’s name down, even if she is only 3 or 4 (we have a waiting list), then please contact Eleanor on [phone number removed].
◊ Eleanor Shepherd ◊ Guider: 1st Helmdon Rainbows
[phone number removed]
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HELMDON ACORNS PRE-SCHOOL
W
elcome back to everyone after the summer holidays and a special hello to the new children that are joining us this year. We hope that all our leavers are settling in to school and send them all our best wishes for a happy autumn term.
It has been an eventful time at Acorns but highlights have been a very successful Ofsted Inspection in May “Highly
Satisfactory”; a wonderful sports morning on the school field and memorable leavers teddy bears picnic at Bucknell woods.
Once again we seemed to pick one of the hottest days for the sponsored buggy push!
We are looking forward to planting up our newly acquired allotment this autumn so any donations of daffodil bulbs, gardening tools etc. would be most welcomed.
The pre-school is open Mon / Wed / Thurs / Fri mornings with lunch clubs on Thurs and Fri. We accept children from 2
years 9 months. And starting the term before their 4th birthday they qualify for nursery vouchers.
Don’t forget to register early! We are very nearly full for next summer term.
Contact Eleanor Shepherd for more details on admissions
([phone number removed]).
◊ Bee Aczel ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Acorns
[phone number removed]
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VOLUNTEERS IN VILLAGES
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THE WEA
T
he Spring course of the WEA ended on a positive note. A small group of members were privileged to have a private tour of the National
Trust owned Farnborough Hall, just north of
Banbury. After enjoying the amazingly decorated Rococo plasterwork – one of the highlights of the interior, they then walked in the sunshine along the Terrace Walk, with its superb views towards Stratford and the Malvern Hills, before retiring (in true WEA fashion) to the local hostelry for lunch.
In May the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew was the venue for a successful summer trip and the world famous tropical
Palm House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the
Queen’s Garden were amongst the highlights. Later in the month Brian Webster, who had treated us to a wonderful wildlife course in 2002, took over thirty of us for a wildlife stroll along the track of the Great Central Railway. The participants now know where to find a common spotted orchid and were thrilled to see a green woodpecker near the Viaduct.
Summer saw nearly forty branch members and partners at the Old Glebe again, by kind permission of Will Watson.
The day – as usual – was beautiful and we all delighted in a stroll around Will’s lovely garden, before enjoying a pot luck supper and then settling down to an extremely well illustrated talk by Judith Hodgkinson on At the Turn of the Century:
Fashion, Art and Design Around 1900. We should now all know the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco!
Some WEA members have enjoyed the WEA
Northamptonshire Association’s superb summer programme, which included the centenary picnic and The Merry Wives of
Windsor at Nassington Prebenderal Manor, The Beaux
Stratagem at Tolethorpe Open Air Theatre near Peterborough, study days on wide ranging subjects and guided country walks.
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Our web site www.helmdon.com goes from strength to strength. There is a need for help with the word processing of articles, so if you can possibly help please speak to the secretary. We are intending to publish the fifth edition of
Aspects of Helmdon next year, for which reminiscences or articles on Helmdon history need to be in by the end of April.
Again, if you have anything to contribute, please let the secretary know.
Our Autumn course is Architecture Around Us 1500 –
2000 with Judith Hodgkinson, who delighted us with her talk at
The Old Glebe earlier in the year. The course aims to interest students in the built environment, encouraging them to become more aware of architectural diversity. Buildings around Helmdon and across Northamptonshire will be compared with examples elsewhere in Britain and beyond, to show how styles developed. If you are interested, please come along. You do not have to pay until the second week of the course so you have nothing to lose! The full fee is £28, with concessions (seniors and couples) at £18.50 and there is no charge for the unemployed and those on certain benefits.
◊ Audrey Forgham ◊ Secretary: Helmdon Branch WEA
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
THE HELMDON VILLAGE WEB SITE
I
n April this year UK Villages On Line announced the results of their annual Village Web Site of the Year award and I
was cockahoop to find out that we had won! Thank you to everyone who voted for us – enabling us to poll twice as many votes as the second place village. There was no financial reward, but being the winners is a real accolade for the web site team and the village as a whole. During March, when voting took place, we had over 7,500 visitors to the site, which must have put Helmdon firmly on the map! I have received many messages of personal congratulations from other village webmasters who, like me, do it as a labour of love.
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Our visitor numbers are growing steadily and we now receive around 1,000 unique hits per month. The most visited page is the “What’s New?” feature, which shows us that people are using the web site to keep themselves informed about what’s going on in the village. The message board also registers a lot of hits showing that people look at it regularly, even if they don’t post a message themselves. The picture gallery remains one of the most popular sections, as is the history and genealogy section. Of all the village groups, the
Bridge Players get the most hits followed closely by the sports club.
In April we followed the progress of the local council elections leading to voting day on May 1st . The results for the
Helmdon Parish Council elections were posted within 1 hour of them being announced in Towcester… the local papers caught up a week later! This is one of the powers of the Internet.
As usual we have a dedicated section for the carnival; this year’s was the fourth that we have covered. The gallery of photos for each carnival provides a fun way of looking back at times past and seeing how clothes and hairstyles change over the years!
We have also added a new section for the Helmdon Parish
Plan where you can find out all about the project, catch up with all their latest news and even provide your own feedback via an on-line form.
As we have been building the web site we have gathered together quite a nice collection of Helmdon press cuttings. Our earliest is from the 1960s and new ones are added as and when they appear in the local papers and magazines. If anyone has any press cuttings that they would like to share then we would very much like to have them. They may be about a village event, or something or someone connected with the village. If you can type them up and send them via e-mail then that would be ideal, or we will take originals and have them copied. We promise to take care of any original material loaned to us.
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So now Helmdon.com is Village Web Site of the Year is it time to rest on our laurels? Certainly not! We have lots of development ideas for the site for the coming months, including plans to introduce more interactivity. The popular sections will continue to have new, fresh material added to them on a regular basis. I suppose there is a limit to what we can do with a small village web site… but we are nowhere near it yet!
Many thanks to everyone for their interest and support.
The web site is designed and maintained by members of
Helmdon WEA and sponsored by Helmdon Parish Council and
HYHOs. Please contact Danny Moody on [phone number removed] or e-
mail webmaster@helmdon.com.
◊ Danny Moody ◊ Webmaster: Helmdon.com
[phone number removed]
webmaster@helmdon.com
Space for Text Prep Advert 2
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www.helmdon.com
◊ News and Events ◊ ◊ Message Board ◊
◊ Parish Council Minutes ◊ ◊ Helmdon History◊
◊ Picture Galleries ◊ ◊ Village Groups ◊
◊ Carnival News ◊
The web site contains over 500 photos and images of
Helmdon.
The web site has been a WEA project, supported at all stages by the Parish Council and is intended to benefit the whole village. Whether you want to discover who the landlord of the Bell was in 1841, or have a look to see who won the “six transplanted onions” class at last year’s Carnival, there’s something on the web site for everyone!
Helmdon.com is designed and maintained by members of Helmdon Branch WEA and sponsored by
Helmdon Parish Council & HYHOs.
Contact Danny Moody: [phone number removed].
webmaster@helmdon.com
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HELMDON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE 2003
The 21st Helmdon Carnival
T
he Bank Holiday Carnival weekend was once again a resounding success, with local people and their families and friends, joining forces to celebrate this year’s Carnival.
The weather held for us on the Saturday night, when
Accrington Stanley played all those fabulous 60’s hits which had everyone who attended up and dancing the night away.
The hot spuds sold like hot cakes and kept up the energy required by everyone for dancing to the children’s disco and the Northampton band, as well as those who bounced along in time to the music on the bouncy castle!
Sunday proved to be a “chilled out” alternative to the previous evening, with Porterhouse Jazz Six helping the afternoon go with swing. The weather encouraged people to bring their own picnics/BBQ food and relax in the warmth of the afternoon.
The Carnival parade on Bank Holiday Monday was led by the marching band who led all the wonderful procession floats into the Sports Field. This year’s winner was the Helmdon
Primary School float and our thanks and congratulations go to all involved.
All of the entertainments and attractions, from the remote control helicopters and the tug of war heats, to the majorettes and parachutists (just to name a few!), were thoroughly enjoyed and the efforts that were made by all who contributed, were awesome. Entries to Helmdon Craft and
Produce Show demonstrated the talents that lie within the village and prizes were given out to acknowledge this.
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The majority of profits for the event, which will be in the region of £3,500, will go to local charities and to improve village amenities. Any local causes who require the need for financial support should contact a member of the Carnival
Committee.
The Carnival Committee would like to thank EVERYONE
who was involved in supporting the Carnival this year – the list is far too long to mention, but you know who you are! Thank you!
Plans are already being discussed to make the 2004
Carnival weekend even bigger and better than this year, but we can’t do it without your support – everyone can contribute something! Anyone who is keen on joining the Carnival
Committee (monthly meetings are held in The Reading Room)
should speak to any Committee member or contact Danny
Moody at webmaster@helmdon.com. Your support is welcomed and appreciated, to ensure next August Bank
Holiday Carnival is even better!!!
Our contact details are:-
Steve Valentine – Chairperson [phone number removed]
Karen Valentine – Joint Secretary [phone number removed]
Harold Seckington – Treasurer – [phone number removed]
Steve Waterworth – [phone number removed]
Michael Ayers (Tiger) – [phone number removed]
Ray Crouch – [phone number removed]
Eddie Garner – [phone number removed]
Phil Earl – [phone number removed]
Ken Brennan – [phone number removed]
◊ Rachael Willson ◊ Joint Secretary: Carnival Committee
[phone number removed]
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HELMDON PRODUCE AND CRAFT SHOW
O
nce again the talents of the people of Helmdon were on show in the “Craft and Produce Tent” at this years Carnival.
Cup winners this year were,
♦ 7 years and under – Megan Oakey and Georgia Crouch
♦ 8-12 years – Stefano Capella
♦ 13 years and over – Stephanie Ashby
♦ Fruit and Vegetables – Fred Bennett
♦ Home Produce – Doreen England
♦ Best Garden – Simon Storer
♦ The Pete Lidgley Memorial Cup (Best Vegetable Plot) –
Simon Storer
♦ The Bloomers Cup – Ann Wilson
Thank you to the many people who sponsored classes and to everyone who entered. As usual the standard was very high, with praise for all the entries from the Judges.
◊ Sarah Stubbs ◊ Secretary: Helmdon Horticultural Society
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
W.I. “Filler” :- SMOKED SALMON TIMBALES
SERVES 4
1 tablsp sunflower oil for greasing
175g / 6ozs smoked salmon slices
175g / 6ozs taramasalata
175g / 6ozs full fat soft cheese
Dash of Tabasco sauce juice of half a lemon ..
2 teasp chopped fresh dill pinch of Cayenne pepper
Garnish
Lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, curly leaf lettuce.
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ARE YOU DOING YOUR BIT … TO RECYCLE
WASTE?
D
id you know that around 90% of all waste collected in
South Northamptonshire is sent to landfill sites, where it can cause pollution and blight our County for future generations.
However, rather than being buried in the ground many wastes can be reduced, re-used, recycled or composted.
We all need to play our part in reducing, recycling and composting our waste, but how can you do your bit?
Mobile Library
This is a service provided by Brackley Library and sponsored by the County Council. For enquires please contact the library in Brackley on [phone number removed]. They can arrange for a chosen book for instance to be on the library for you.
Where does it stop ?
Helmdon – 2:20pm to 2:35pm – 18 Wappenham Road
Helmdon – 2:40pm to 2:55pm – The Green
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Helmdon – 3:10pm to 3:25pm – 46 Station Road
Helmdon – 3:30pm to 3:45pm – Junction of Church St. &
Shortlands Close
What days does it visit ?
TIMETABLE
2003 2004
August 12th , 26th January 13th , 27th
September 9th , 23rd February 10th , 24th
October 7th , 21st March 9th , 23rd
November 4th , 18th April 6th , 20th
December 2nd , 16th ,
30th
As with most everything in life…use it or lose it!
Continued from page 51
METHOD
1. Oil 4 timbale moulds / dariole moulds / small ramekin dishes.
Line with smoked salmon. Chop any left over pieces.
2. Mix together, tarasamalata, cream cheese, tabasco, lemon juice, chopped dill, cayenne pepper, add any left over salmon.
3. Divide mixture between moulds. Level tops and chill well for 2-3
hours.
4. Carefully turn the timbales out of the moulds and serve on individual plates garnished with lemon, dill sprigs and curly leaf lettuce.
Quick easy starter -preparation time only 15 mins: + 2-3 hours chilling
Recipe : M. Reardon & Jan Harold made at Denman College
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OBITUARIES, MARRIAGES &
BIRTHS…AND A COUPLE OF SPECIAL
BIRHDAYS.
Obituaries
Hilda Elizabeth Gulliver
05.08.1913 – 15.08.2003
H
ilda was born in Woodend and enjoyed a very happy childhood there at Home Farm. She attended school at
Blakesley and from an early age was very active in Woodend
Baptist Church. She became a Christian at the age of 10 and was baptised (as a believer, by immersion) at Weston when she was 15.
As a teenager she worked “in service” at homes in
Oakley Bank, Long Buckby, New Milton, Hampshire and at
Bethany Homestead, Northampton.
She first saw her future husband, Harold Gulliver, when their eyes met across the balconies at Weston Baptist Chapel; after a 5-year courtship, they were married at Woodend
Baptist Church, when her father fainted at the service!
They spent their early married years at Hill Farm Cottage,
Field Way, Helmdon; they then moved to Hill Farm where they lived for 30 years and where they brought up their family –
Geoffrey, Elizabeth, Andrew and Phil. When Harold retired, they moved to Abthorpe (1967) and built a home there whose outline design was based on Hilda’s ideas. They returned to
Helmdon, from Easdale in 1994 and Harold died on March 9th
1998.
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Hilda was generous in hospitality and a wonderful cook of tasty farmhouse fare. She loved going to sales and had an eye for a good bargain to furnish her home.
She always ate well. She had a gentle sense of humour.
Hilda had an active Christian faith and was a member of
Helmdon Baptist Church where she was a regular organist
(provided that she was hidden behind the organ curtain!) She was the secretary/organizer of the Women’s Meeting and she had a keen interest in missionary work. She was a staunch supporter of the Temperance Movement -“the Band of
Hope”. A generous supporter of TEAR Fund, the Leprosy
Mission and Diabetes UK. She arranged many coffee mornings and sales at Abthorpe and Helmdon to raise money for these and other charities; those events were always well supported.
Following Harold’s death in 1998, Elizabeth became her carer and she introduced new dimensions to Hilda’s life and encouraged her in Christian service, through visiting friends, residential homes and hospitals. They travelled widely together, both locally and to many parts of the country; they enjoyed eating out and visiting friends and relatives, the ballet, gardens, Chelsea Flower Show, the zoo and county shows, etc. They were actively involved in small rural fellowships such as Whittlebury Methodist and Farthingstone
Baptist.
The memory of Harold was always close and precious to
Hilda and she often talked to his photo and would tell him to be sure to meet her at Heaven’s gate; just an hour before she died, she kissed his photo for the last time. With the assurance that her sins were forgiven through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, her very final words were “Take me to Heaven”….
Hilda will be especially remembered and admired for the simple, yet profound, faith she had and its outworking in genuine humility and generosity of spirit.
◊ Andrew Gulliver – Son
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Trevor Smith
Died Aug 2003 Age 53
Son, dad, granddad, brother, uncle and friend, these are all the things our dad was so proud to be. I see dad as a real family man he got it wrong here and there, well actually here there and everywhere at times but that didn’t stop him trying.
He’d help anyone and enjoyed knowing he was useful. If you’d broken down at 3 in the morning, dad was the one you’d call. If you didn’t have enough money for first date with your future wife he’d be there to bail you out, ah mark. Now dad
(and I know this will come as a surprise), was fond of his drink so quite surprisingly you’d often find him down the office as he used to call it. Its here he made some of his best friends, who just like his family he loved dearly. He’d always do anything for charity. I can remember one time when I was small waking up in the night and going into my mum and dad’s bedroom to find my dad had shaven half his beard, half his tash, half his head of hair and one eyebrow just for a bit of cash for some charity.
You see my dad took pride in helping everyone, whether it was others less fortunate, or painting Auntie Lils hallway.
He took great pride in his work, always having to have everything look just so. One thing I’m sure you’ll all remember him saying was he never has to advertise, “If you do a good job boy, you don’t need to”. He was born in RAF Halton, son of
Eric and Freda. He’s left behind (now let me get this right) 1
daughter, 4 sons, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, 3 grandchildren, his father thousands of nieces and nephews and millions of friends.
Anybody I’ve missed in all that I apologise for it’s just a simple family life was not fished out to our family. In his day dad was a bit of a naughty lad, stealing Auntie Pauline’s and
Auntie Blod’s scooters and riding in the cow muck, nothing ever scared him, not even when they found out, but it was
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never dad who done it, he denied it all. Dad moved about a lot, he did 6 years service in the army, so it was no wonder he liked everything clean and tidy. He was very house proud, you only had a couple of minutes after finishing your tea and he’d start asking why it wasn’t in the washing up bowl.
Looking around at his funeral my dad would wish he was here, all his friends and family in one room, he would have been in his element and on top form because he was always the entertainer. But he’s gone now and now’s our time to say
“Night ,night god bless” just one last time. God bless dad.
Marriages
Tim Roberts-Holmes To Jane Keys
6th June 2003
A true village romance they originally met walking their respective hounds Sasha and George in Wicketts Mead in June 2002. One year on Tim proposed. Tim and Jane were married at Bodicote
House, Banbury on Friday 6th June 2003 and Jane moved into the Pump House in Church Street vacating The Old Steam
Bakery in Station Road. Developments between Sasha and
George are eagerly awaited!
Gavin England to Michelle Benfield
14th June 2003
Gavin England got married on the
14th June at Wroxton House Hotel to
Michelle Benfield from Chipping Norton, they have been together for seven years. They had four bridesmaids and
Graham Ayres was bestman. We all had a fantastic day.
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Births
H
elmdon village would like to welcome the following babies to our community.
Luke Alexander Hedley
19th May
Born at the Horton, Banbury
To Mark and Clare
A brother for James
Alexandra Frances Berck-May
18th April
Born at Home
To Alan and Rachael
A sister for Hannah
Thomas Oliver Moody
19th April
Danny and Kate are proud to announce the birth of
Thomas Oliver Moody, born on 19th April 2003 at 6:48 p.m.
weighing 7lb 13oz. Thanks to everyone for the kind gifts and
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cards. Kate says, “I’m relieved that it all went so well, he’s wonderful”. Danny says, “Kate & I have only been in the village for a few years, but my son has lived here all his life!”
Special Birthdays
◊ Jack Ayres ◊ 90th ◊ 14th July 2003
Helmdon’s oldest male resident, Mr. Jack Ayres (Tiger), celebrated his 90th birthday this week, with a garden party, held at his home on Station Road.
It was attended by over 40 guests, consisting of friends and relatives from in and outside of the village.
Jack was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts and cards he received and would like to thank everyone for being so kind and generous on his special day.
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◊ Alice Hearn ◊ 100 th ◊ 25th July 2003
Alice was a village resident up to January 18th this year.
Still active and playing the piano Alice now lives at the
Brackley Fields Country House Residential Home. She had around 135 birthday cards of course including the special one from Buck house.
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FEEDBACK
We would welcome any feedback you have on any aspect of your village magazine (content, format, style, etc). Please contact using email or the form below.
CORRECTIONS
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the magazine content mistakes can happen for which we apologise. Please inform us of any errors by email or by using the form below. As a bi-annual publication we are able to publish corrections in the next issue of course, however this may be far too late to be of any use. So in your response please indicate which other methods you would like the correction to be placed.
Richard & Marie Wray,
Email: [email address removed] ; Tel: [phone number removed]
Snail Mail: 2(A) Station Road, Helmdon.
Feedback :
Correction :
Correction Method / Response :
Village Notice Board Next Parish Council Meeting
Next Issue Other
Helmdon Website
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REFERENCE LIBRARY
I
n this section we have listed lots of contacts and facts that may be useful to the new Helmdon villager. If you can think of any we have missed then please contact us and we would be happy to include them in the next issue. Items in bold are usually your nearest or first number you should try.
Our Local Elected Representatives
Our representative on the South Northants Council is;
Councillor R E Digby: Hill House, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley,
Northants NN13 5TQ. Tel: [phone number removed] (home and business)
Email : [email address removed]
Our representative on Northants County Council is;
Councillor J M Shepherd-Cross: Bengal Manor, Greens Norton,
Towcester, Northants. NN12 8BG. Tel: [phone number removed] (Home)
Email : [email address removed]
M.E.P
Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrats
Conservative
Conservative
Labour
Labour
Nick Clegg
Bill Newton Dunn
Chris Heaton-Harris
Roger Helmer
Mel Read
Philip Whitehead
Addresses and email details are available from the Parish Clerk
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Hospitals & Doctors
For Accident & Emergencies (A&E) it is often useful to call ahead and find out what the waiting time is. This may affect your choice of hospital. Please note the Brackley Cottage
Hospital does NOT operate an A&E service however they do have a 24hr First Aid room for minor injuries to which local doctors attend.
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency!
Horton General, Banbury [phone number removed]
The John Radcliffe (Oxford) [phone number removed]
Northampton General, Cliftonville [phone number removed]
Milton Keynes General, Standing Way [phone number removed]
Stoke Mandeville, Mandeville Rd, Aylesbury [phone number removed]
Brackley Cottage Hospital, Pebble Lane [phone number removed]
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Springfield Surgery, Brackley (Appointments) [phone number removed]
Springfield Surgery, Brackley (Enquiries) [phone number removed]
Washington House Surgery [phone number removed]
SNODOC (out of hours GP Service) [phone number removed]
Brackley Health Centre – Doctors [phone number removed]
Brackley Health Centre – Dental Clinic [phone number removed]
Paulerspury Surgery [phone number removed]
Towcester Medical Centre [phone number removed]
Silverstone Surgery [phone number removed]
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Police
Daventry [phone number removed]
Banbury [phone number removed]
Oxford [phone number removed]
Northampton [phone number removed]
Police Community Support Officers [phone number removed]
(Formerly Local Beat Officer)
Community Watch Co-ordinator [phone number removed]
Neighbourhood Watch (David Brookhouse) [phone number removed]
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Victim Support [phone number removed]
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency!
Fire Brigade
Northampton [phone number removed]
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency!
Support Groups / Advice Lines
Samaritans [phone number removed]
(Local Rate Service) 08457 909090
Citizens Advice Bureau (Brackley) [phone number removed]
Citizens Advice Bureau (Northampton) [phone number removed]
Citizens Advice Bureau (National) 08450 505162
Help the Aged’s Senior Line 0800 269626
Childline 0800 1111
National Blood Service 0845 7711711
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555
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Cruse Bereavement Care [phone number removed]
DIAL [phone number removed]
The Compassionate Friends (Bereavement) [phone number removed]
RELATE (Support for relationships) 0845 1304010
Missing Persons Helpline [phone number removed]
Time to Talk (Youth Counselling) [phone number removed]
NSPCC [phone number removed]
Home Start [phone number removed]
Elder Abuse Response 0808 808141
Domestic Violence (Womens Aid) [phone number removed]
Rape & Incest Crisis Centre [phone number removed]
Off the Hook (Drug & alcohol abuse) [phone number removed]
Solve It (Solvent abuse) [phone number removed]
Re-Solv (Solvent abuse) 0808 8002345
CAN (Drug & Alcohol abuse) [phone number removed]
National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600
AL-Anon (support for families of alcoholics) [phone number removed]
Aquarius (Drug & Alcohol abuse) [phone number removed]
Drinkline 0800 9178282
Quitline (smoking) 0800 002200
Local Authorities & Services www.southnorthants.gov.uk
South Northants County Council (SNC) [phone number removed]
Northants County Council [phone number removed]
SNC Recycling [phone number removed]
Health Information Line 0800 665544
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Northamptonshire Health Authority [phone number removed]
Northamptonshire South
Community Health Council 01604 27722
Disability Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882200
Brackley Library [phone number removed]
Helmdon Primary School [phone number removed]
Bulky Household Waste removal [phone number removed]
Magdalen College School [phone number removed]
Northamptonshire ACRE [phone number removed]
Social Services (Child & Mental Health) [phone number removed]
Social Services (Adults) [phone number removed]
Housing Advice [phone number removed]
Road Safety [phone number removed]
Road Maintenance (Inside in the village)
Parish Clerk (Wilf Forgham) [phone number removed]
Road Maintenance (Outside the Village)
CLARENCE Hotline 0800 232323
Abandoned Vehicles [phone number removed]
Trading Standards Advice [phone number removed]
CLARENCE (Flood Advice Line) 0800 882200
Transport
Trains (National Line) 08457 484950
Jeffs Coach Hire [phone number removed]
SMS Executive Travel [phone number removed]
Chiltern Railways 08705 165165
PJ Cars (Brackley) [phone number removed]
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Castle Cars (Banbury) [phone number removed]
JASON [phone number removed]
Jeff Amos [phone number removed]
Carters Travel [phone number removed]
CD Cars (Taxi Bus) [phone number removed]
Journeys Around South Northants a minibus service for
Brackley, Towcester and all the villages in South Northants.
Operated by the British Red Cross in association with South
Northants County Council it provides a service for anyone who finds it difficult to use the existing bus services. Registration with the service is required before use : An application form can be obtained from the number above, or by writing to:
JASON Dial a Ride, PO Box 6159, Towcester, Northants. NN12
8YB
Sports
Brackley Leisure Centre [phone number removed]
Brackley Swimming Pool [phone number removed]
Towcester Leisure Centre [phone number removed]
Village Contacts
The Bell Inn (Richard & Sally) [phone number removed]
Seckington Stores [phone number removed]
Wappenham Post Office [phone number removed]
Services
Powergen Customer Service 0800 0564256
East Midlands Electricity Emergency Service 0800 0568090
Environment Agency General Enquires 0845 9333111
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Environmental Agency, Emergency 0800 807060
Misc
Environment Agency Floodline 0845 9881188
Window Cleaners (Tony) [phone number removed]
Voluntary Work
South Northants Volunteer Bureau South Northants Volunteer
[phone number removed] Bureau, Towcester
Volunteer Connection, Milton Keynes [phone number removed]
Village Information
We are hoping that this section will be particularly helpful to those just moving into the village and trying to find their way about.
Recycling Centre
The village has its own recycling centre located just off
Station Rd. Turn left on the corner just before the School as you come into Helmdon. 20M and turn left again. The recycle bins are now in front of you and to the side of the Station Rd garage block. It accepts paper & glass (clear & coloured).
Please keep the area tidy and try and take your empty boxes away with you!
Seckington (Bungalow) Stores
This is the one remaining village shop (there have been numerous shops in the village in the past all closed through lack of business, so lets try and keep this one).
Bungalow Stores Station Road Helmdon
Stockists of :
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General Groceries, Fruit and Veg, Confectionary, Soft
Drinks, Frozen Foods, Ice Cream, Pet Food, Household Goods,
Tobacco and Cigarettes, Agents for Dry Cleaning
Opening Hours :-
Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri – 8am to 6pm
Wed & Sat – 8 am to 2pm
Sunday Closed
FREE DELIVERY
This is also the place to book, pick up / drop off the keys and purchase tokens for the electric meter in Reading Room.
The Reading Room
Located half way along Church St. these rooms provide the meeting place for many of the village groups (Some of which we have listed below). You are welcome to contact
Harold Seckington [phone number removed]) for details of how to book use of the hall. Prices range from £2.50 to £50 depending on the use. Very useful for Children’s parties!
Some groups will use the small meeting room only, some like the Acorns group will use the whole building. The hall is split into two by a wooded curtain divide so you can adjust the room size to fit your requirements. The kitchen is fully fitted out with all the utilities you would expect.
Parish Council, Baptist Chapel, Conservatives Club,
Scouts, Women's Club, Acorn's Pre-School, Fellowship of
Retired People, Sports and Social Club, WEA, WI, Friends of
Helmdon Churchyard, Helmdon Church PCC, Luncheon Club,
Bridge Players, Drop-in and Post Office.
Allotments
The Parish council maintain a smallholding behind “The
Green” where villagers are welcome to maintain allotment plots for the princely sum of £5 per year. Contact the Parish
Clerk if you have an interest.
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It should be noted that these are not connected with the privately let allotments behind the 3 cottages on Wappenham
Road owned by Tony Wilson.
Sports field
The sports club has the use of a large playing field located on the left hand side as you leave the village on
Wappenham Road. It is kept in great condition throughout the year by members of the sports club. The field is also used for the Helmdon Carnival held on the August Bank Holiday and on some occasions for wedding receptions. I believe that recently the carnival committee have purchased new marques that can be rented for such occasions.
Playground
The village playground is maintained by the Parish
Council and is located at the top of the school playing field.
You can access it from the school car park or from two entrances located on what is known as “gravel path”. This is a path that joins Station Road to Church St. It is kept clean and safe by the kind efforts of those who use it and some dedicated Parish Councillors. Please keep it clean and safe by reporting any equipment failures or concerns to the Parish
Clerk immediately. As this play area is part of the school facilities as well, we should only use it outside of school opening hours.
W.I. “FILLER” :- LEMON CHEESECAKE
½ lb
¼ lb
1 large tin
1
8oz
2 Lemons
Digestive Biscuits
Butter
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Egg
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Juice of
Continued on page : 75
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BUS Timetables
Please check with the respective operators before travelling as these times can change. The Northants County
Council re-tender for these routes every Easter. Depending on the response the times and operators may or may not change completely.
The following four firms have had a history of winning these tenders between them and are therefore the most likely operators of our village bus services.
Jeffs Coach Hire [phone number removed]
SMS Executive Travel [phone number removed]
Jeff Amos [phone number removed]
Carters Travel [phone number removed]
There is also a new service called the Taxi-Bus. As I
understand it you still have a timetable (shown below), but you must book your journey in advance, 6:30pm on the previous day for Tuesday to Saturday journeys and by 6pm on for Saturday and Monday Journeys.
The operator (CD Cars) then works out what size vehicle to send, sometimes a mini-bus, sometimes a car. They can also adjust times based on how many pre-booked collections there are. If they are going to be quicker than the times shown they will call you and let you know.
Our Parish Clerk will also post any new bus timetables in the village notice boards, so always have a quick check there if you haven’t used the bus for a while.
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Taxi Bus – Mondays to Saturdays
Banbury to Brackley Journeys (up to 4 services a day)
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Taxi Bus – Mondays to Saturdays
Banbury to Brackley Journeys (up to 4 services a day)
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Jeffs Coaches – Friday Only Service to Brackley
* Note this is what they actually do and not what is published in the official timetable.
Operates 1st , 3rd & 5th Fridays of the Month Only
Leaves Helmdon, Station Rd (bottom of Church St) 09.35
Arrives Radstone Turn 09.40
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 09.45
Arrives Brackley, Tesco 09.48
(32 mins to do some food shopping)
Leaves from Brackley, Tesco 10.20
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.22
(1hour 23 mins to do shopping around the town)
Leaves Brackley, Market Place 11.45
Leaves Radstone Turn 11.50
Arrives Helmdon, The Green 11.55
Operates 2nd & 4th Fridays of the Month Only
Leaves Helmdon, Station Rd (bottom of Church St) 09.35
Arrives Radstone Turn 09.40
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 09.45
Arrives Brackley, Tesco 09.48
(42 mins to do some food shopping)
Leaves from Brackley, Tesco 10.30
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.32
(1hour 13 mins to do shopping around the town)
Leaves Brackley, Market Place 11.45
Leaves Radstone Turn 11.50
Arrives Helmdon, The Green 11.55
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Carters Travel – Wednesdays Only Service to Northampton
Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:15
Arrives Northampton, Drapery 10:30
Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham,
Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden. Blakesley, Woodend,
Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough
Leaves Northampton, Bus Station 13:00
Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.
Carters Travel – Saturdays Only Service to Northampton
Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:50
Arrives Northampton, Drapery 11:05
Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham,
Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden. Blakesley, Woodend,
Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough
Leaves Northampton, Bus Station 13:55
Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.
Continued from page : 70
Method:
Crush biscuits firmly and pour melted runny butter over them. Mix well. Grease flan disk and shape biscuit mix into it.
Refrigerate whilst making filling. Mix together condensed milk and cheese, then add beaten egg yoke. Add lemon juice and stiffly beaten egg white. Pour onto biscuit base and cook in slow oven 110 degrees C. When cooked (about 20 mins and when mixture is firm) and cold, cover with whipped cream and dust with nutmeg or grated chocolate.
Recipe from Jean Brookhouse: A favourite with W.I.
members and visitors.
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Thinking of moving this Autumn?
Then contact your local Helmdon property specialist
Macintyers Estate Agents are proud to sponsor the
Helmdon Primary School football & netball team kits
Hartley House, 29 Market Place, Brackley.
[phone number removed] www.macintyers.co.uk