Talkabout spring 2006

Do you know your village ?
Published March 2006 – Issue 41 – Non-Resident Price £2.00
◊ Richard Wray ◊ Editor
[phone number removed] [email address removed]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor’s Letter 4
PARISH NEWS
Helmdon Parish Council
Classified Adverts
Helmdon’s Annual Parish Meeting
Letter from our MP
A Letter From One of Our MEPs
Helmdon Parish Plan
South Northants County Council
Helmdon Reading Room
Helmdon Primary School
Northamtonshire Police
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10
11
12
12
14
15
16
16
17
READERS ARTICLES
Building on Success
Take It From Me
Credit Card Fraud
Thank You
Sponsored Ride- Cancer Research
Layne Wray’s Word Search
20
22
22
23
24
24
CHURCH NEWS
Astwell Group Mothers’ Union
The Helmdon Baptist Fellowship
The Friends of Helmdon Churchyard
Letter from our Rector
The Friends of St. Mary Magdalene
25
26
27
27
29
GROUP NEWS
Helmdon Presents 31
Friends of Helmdon School 31
Helmdon Fellowship 32
Helmdon W.I 33
Neighbourhood Watch 35
Helmdon Young Husbands’ Organization 36
Helmdon Women's club 39
HAFWEG 39
1st Helmdon Rainbows 40
WEA 41
South Northants Volunteer Bureau 43
The Helmdon Village Web Site 45
The Bell Inn 46
The Bell Inn Bikers 47
Helmdon Sports Club 48
Volunteers Needed Carers Forum 49
Ckers Youth Club 51
Helmdon Carnival 51
Tiny Tots 52
Helmdon Acorns Pre-School 53
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Obituaries
Marriages
Births
54
54
54
REFERENCE LIBRARY
Our Local Elected Representatives 55
Fire Brigade 56
Voluntary Work 56
Hospitals & Doctors 56
Police 57
Neighbourhood Watch 57
Support Groups / Advice Lines 58
Local Authorities & Services 59
Sports 59
Transport 60
Village Contacts 60
Services 60
Miscellaneous 60
Direct Numbers for Services 61
Bus Timetables 61
Household and DIY Waste 63
Village Information 65
Recycling Centre
Bungalow Stores
The Reading Room
Allotments
Sports Field
Playground
Post Office & Drop-In-Centre
The Bell Inn
Bellisimo Pizza Menu
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www.helmdon.com your community website

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.
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LETTER
D
ear readers,
Welcome again to YOUR village magazine. I do hope you enjoy the content of the magazine and choose to act upon the many and various calls for help and support contained within it.
I’m particularly pleased this issue with how well the system of fixed deadlines and email reminders is working now. As all the contributors are aware we have two deadlines of February 22nd and August 24th for the Spring and Autumn editions respectively. Reminders come out by email around 4 weeks and then 2 weeks before these deadlines giving everybody plenty of notice to get writing. Many of you are then kind enough to send me the articles early, spreading the editorial workload over the preceding two weeks. The one exception we have to this rule is for “Time Critical” articles, the best example of which is the carnival report we get for the Autumn edition. In this case the carnival is usually only a few days before the deadline, leaving the organisers with no time to write their report. For time critical articles we extend the deadlines by one week. That means there are only 2/3 weeks between submitting your article and it being put through people’s doors – not bad eh!
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If you would like to be added to, or removed from, the reminder email, then please contact me at,
[email address removed] . A reminder to contributors that keeping me up to date with your current email address is also important if you wish to continue to receive the reminders. If you would like to advertise in the magazine then please contact our publisher, Wilf Forgham, at
[email address removed] or [phone number removed]. All advertising requests must go through Wilf otherwise we are unable to track adverts and invoices. The editor only needs to be involved in the final advert copy and proofing.
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There are some useful guides and information pages that have been recently updated on the
Helmdon website www.helmdon.com/talkabout . These guides will help advertisers and contributors alike to make the most of the magazine. Please take a moment to have a look and download these guides if you are thinking of advertising or writing an article for the magazine.
HT TH
The core advertisers have thankfully continued to support the magazine and keep us in the black.
Along with a continuing stream of new additions brought on by our publisher, we are able to keep the magazine in print. Please keep this wonderful situation going by encouraging friends and employers to use us for part of their advertising needs.
I’m running out of ideas for the front cover and have chosen this time to see if a little quiz would be interesting. There are 20 image fragments on the cover that are taken from a 40 minute photo shoot myself and Layne (my elder daughter) took on a walk recently. The idea is that you should be able to identify the location of the photo from the fragment. There is certainly no artistry in my photos and I haven’t gone out of my way to find particularly significant or special locations. To get them all you will have to be the type that also uses some of our extensive public footpaths around the village.
The answers are published in the Talkabout section of the Helmdon website which you can reach at

www.helmdon.com/talkabout . – Have fun and please send me an email with your feedback on how you got on with the quiz. I would be very surprised if anyone can get 20/20.
HT TH
This issue returns the section called “Readers Articles”. I was pleased to see Ian Kinghorn put in the effort to describe what he does as a hobby in an interesting article entitled “Building on Success”.
Ian is a champion powerlifter who is now carrying the British flag into many International competitions. What other champions do we have in the parish ? – Please write in.
Other articles unfortunately focus on some sad events that reflect the general trend in most modern societies today, and serve to warn us of potential dangers. John Brackenboro and David Brookhouse have submitted articles about a recent theft and a credit card scam. I thank them for putting the effort in to writing these articles and share the experiences. Again, if you have something similar to share, please let us know so that we can all be on our guard.
I continue to get requests from people to mention “Dog *£$%!!” – yes, something we all seem to be upset about. The parish council are aware of the concerns; the magazine has printed several calls for people to be more considerate and it is even becoming a national political issue. I even heard today on the radio about one police force that is using DNA testing of the poop to find the culprits. It seems to me now that whoever lets their dogs make this mess are the kind of people who are not going to listen to anything but the law. So I suggest that if you do see someone letting their dog mess on our paths, that you contact the parish council and let them know who it is. There are existing laws that allow the council or the police to issue fines (£25 I believe) to these people, and hopefully more severe punishments for continuous breaches of this law.
Now onto one of the main reasons in my mind for the magazine’s existence, and that is to inform people of what is going on in their own community and ask them to participate . So in no particular order I have plucked the following from the article submissions.
• Have your say at the Helmdon Parish Council Annual Meeting – Wed 26th April
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• Say no to Junk Mail – South Northants County Council
• Sponsor a Helmdon School staff member on for their Cancer Research run.
• Help the FOHCY do a clear up of the Churchyard – Sat 25th March 10 am
• Attend a “Helmdon Presents” event and maybe even join the committee
• Help or join the FOHS, HYHO, WI, WC, WEA, HAFWEG, Acorns Pre-School.
• Go for a bike ride with the Bell Inn bikers.
• Help with the organization of this year’s carnival.
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Finally a thank you again to our team of deliverers who give up their own time to distribute the
400+ copies of the magazine to all the houses in the Parish.
◊ Richard Wray ◊ Editor: Helmdon Talkabout Magazine
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
http://www.helmdon.com/talkabout – Look here for advertiser’s guide, contributor’s guide, back copies and current issue of the magazine for free download.
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www.helmdon.com your community website

Burns, Peter Brookhouse, David
Chairman Vice Chairman
[phone number removed] [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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Bearman, Richard
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[email address removed]
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Earl, Phil (Curly)
Councillor
Councillor
[phone number removed]
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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[email address removed]
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England, Bill Gittens, Ren
Councillor Councillor
[phone number removed] [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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[email address removed]
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Moody, Danny Smith, Val
Councillor Councillor
[phone number removed] [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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[email address removed]
Spendlove, Jean Smith, Sarah
Councillor Parish Clerk
[phone number removed] [phone number removed]
No email address available
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parishcouncil@helmdon.com
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www.helmdon.com your community website
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HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
I
was asked by the editor of the Talkabout what I was going to write that would enliven interest in the Parish Council. It occurred to me that many in the village do not know the workings and the function of the Parish
Council and this will seek to enlighten them. It will give everyone an opportunity to evaluate the Parish Council and possibly put forward ideas for what functions it is best suited or alternative suggestions on how it can be changed. I look forward to your suggestions or come along to the
Annual Parish Meeting and make your views known there (see next page).
The background is that there are Parish elections every four years at which
9 seats are available. At this time we have a full council. The elected members then elect a chairman and vice-chairman from within their midst. The posts are voted on every year. The Parish Council meet on a regular basis and the dates of the meetings and agendas are advertised on the notice boards and web site. A number of sub committees are formed which report to the Parish Council.
Currently the main sub committees and their chairs are as follows:
Finance : Chair: Peter Bums.
Planning: Chair: David Brookhouse.
Playground: Chair: Val Smith.
Allotments: Chair: Ren Gittens.
The main rationale of the Finance committee is to prepare and present an annual budget to the
Parish Council for consideration which enables the Council to set a precept for the year. This enables the Council to receive two half yearly payments with which we can pay our bills. These include grass cutting in certain areas, street lighting, supplying bulbs for planting and general maintenance of the village. This year we managed to make some savings which enabled us to reduce the precept and the cost to the ratepayers.
The Planning committee meets as required to view any planning applications made in the village.
These meetings are held to enable anyone to attend and observe the process, notices are displayed on the notice boards and web site. The Planning committee's guidance to S.N.C. planners is accepted in excess of 95% of the time. If the matter (as recently with the proposed telephone mast)
needs to be given greater discussion it can be brought to the full Parish Council meeting.
The Playground committee liaises with the school and ensures that the playground and school field operates properly. The Parish Council are currently in negotiation with the County Council on the rent and use of the facility. Because of the need for the security of the school children there is restricted use (only available outside school hours – see reference section description). If anyone has any suggestions for an alternative site for the play area please contact myself or Val Smith.
The Allotment committee at present are overseeing a full quota and many of these plots help to bring the produce for the horticultural show at the carnival.
Although only runner up in the Village of the Year (the judges said it was desperately close) it was a very successful attempt. It was good that we won the local I.T. award and it took us through to the next round. Danny Moody and Audrey Forgham represented the village in London at the major presentation. I am sure that Danny will expand on this in his article.
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www.helmdon.com your community website

There are many activities and good causes that the Parish Council support including the Helmdon
Parish Plan and Brackley Cottage Hospital. We also work on the village's behalf in dealing with local authorities and attempting to get necessary work done. We are not always successful but after many years of putting forward our cause it seems that the pavements and roads are being, brought up to a reasonable standard.
The main contact point for the Parish Council is the Clerk ( parishcouncil@helmdon.com ) but all of the Parish Councillors are available to help with any concerns parishioners may have. HT TH
I hope that this gives everyone an insight into the workings of the Parish Council and would like to thank the current 'team' for all of the work that they do.
◊ Peter Burns ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Council
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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HT
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Classified Adverts
Only £7 per issue
Maximum of 35 words
No images
Contact :
◊Wilf Forgham ◊ Publisher
[phone number removed]

[email address removed]
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WANTED
We are interested in buying a period property in Helmdon or surrounding areas.
If you are thinking of selling over the next few months please contact Richard or
Marie
[phone number removed]
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**********************
Classified Adverts
Only £7 per issue
Maximum of 35 words
No images
Contact :
◊Wilf Forgham ◊ Publisher
[phone number removed]

[email address removed]
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[email address removed]
**********************
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HELMDON’S
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Wednesday 26th April 2006
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7:30 p.m.
in the Reading Room
Do you have questions about community safety, roads and pavements, dog fouling, parking? We want to hear from you!
FREE
REFRESHMENTS
Short presentations from: HYHO, Primary School, HAFWEG, Beavers, and many more.
An opportunity to find out (and have your say) about what’s happening in your parish!
VILLAGE PHOTO COMPETITION
Submit your photos on the theme of
“Something New I Like” and/or “Something To Laugh At” to Jean Spendlove, [address removed].
Photos will be displayed and judged on the night. Winners will be used in Talkabout and on the village web site (with owner’s permission).
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www.helmdon.com your community website

LETTER FROM OUR MP
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ince I last wrote the West Northants Development Corporation has started its operations. I have no complaint so far, but we must keep alert to ensure that local voices are heard.
I am much less sanguine about the latest threat of “rampant regionalisation” where important public services on which we all rely in emergencies seem likely to be forced into a regional template to suit the current philosophy. I cannot see how an East Midlands Chief Constable can manage to keep in mind simultaneously the affairs of Glossop,
Skegness and Brackley and I do feel that already-sparse police will be sucked into dealing with metropolitan problems. We continue to resist this.
Mention of Brackley reminds me that once again we are at a point of decision about the future of the Cottage Hospital – let’s hope the news is positive – at last!
◊ Tim Boswell ◊ Member of Parliament : Daventry – Conservative
[email address removed]
House of Commons, LONDON. SW1A 0AA HT TH
House of Commons Phone number: [phone number removed]
House of Commons Fax number: [phone number removed]
Constituency Phone number: [phone number removed]
Constituency Fax number: [phone number removed]
A LETTER FROM ONE OF OUR MEPS
Mine’s a Pint
W
hen King Charles I passed through this area in June 1645 he was in a good mood. His army had just captured Leicester from the
Parliamentarians and he was now riding back to the Royalist HQ at
Oxford. He stopped at the ancient Wheatsheaf Inn in Daventry and called for a pint of beer.
Sensible chap.
Sadly a pint of good Northamptonshire ale did not do King Charles much good. On 13 June he was lured into attacking the main
Roundhead army at Naseby and suffered a catastrophic defeat. The
Civil War was over and the king had lost – as he went on to lose both his crown and his head.
Perhaps he would have done better to have stayed in Daventry and had a second pint of beer.
Mind you, if the bureaucrats out in Brussels get their way nobody will be able to drink a pint of beer round here – king or not.

The problem is to do with trading standards. It is argued that customers need to be sure that they are getting the quantity of goods that they expect. If one shop sells sugar in bags of 1kg, another in bags of 1.2 kg and a third loose, the Eurocrats argue, then customers may find it difficult to work out which is the cheapest option. Better, they say, that all shops have to sell items in standard-sized packs.
Fair enough, but this being the EU they cannot just leave it at that. No, instead everyone all across
Europe may be forced to sell products in the same measurement as everywhere else. So if most of
Europe sells milk in 500ml cartons (as is the case), then British shops and milkmen will be banned from selling pints of milk. And the standard British loaf of bread would change size too. So will the half pound pat of butter.
It was to save our traditional sizes of food packet from pointless EU harmonisation that I put down a series of amendments to the EU Parliament's internal market committee. Fortunately the amendment was voted through.
These are unnecessary measures which will just end up confusing people or making them angry. There's simply no need for it. I'm all in favour of protecting consumers but in this case the best way to offer that protection is to stick with what consumers know best.
Traditions are important to us in Britain and I can quite understand people getting upset when they see those traditions under threat.
So mine’s a pint. And long may it remain so.
Cheers.
Finally, for those of you on the web, you can access my new website on www.heatonharris.com .
There you will find some new features and new ways to keep up to date with my work as your
Member of the European Parliament.
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Yours,
Chris
◊ Chris Heaton-Harris ◊ Member of the European Parliament
[email address removed]
00 322 284 7523
www.heatonharris.org.uk
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ED : I have contacted other MEP’s but not all of them reply. If you know of a local political party that may want to have their say then please let me know. I don’t want to appear one sided and I do think that articles from them can be important to our community, particularly if they are focused as such (bit hard for MEPs to be local). The list of our 6 MEPs are in the first part of the reference section.
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www.helmdon.com your community website

HELMDON PARISH PLAN
I
was reading one of those motivational management books recently and it said, “It is not always easy to do things you are not in the habit of doing, even if they are pleasant things or little things. But when you see you have the power to make life a little bit nicer – both for yourself and for other people –
you’ll find yourself gaining confidence to do more!” It went on to say, “You’ll discover that taking control is much more pleasing, satisfying – and fun – than being passive”.
When I read it I immediately thought of the Helmdon Parish Plan.
The Parish Plan enabled our community to take control, rather than be passive. The community was able to think about its needs and how it would like to develop in the future, and the thirty-six action points arising from the consultation (for details, see the Autumn 2005 edition of Talkabout, or the web site) set out, in writing, how we would go about achieving that. And working with the Parish
Plan has certainly been pleasing, satisfying – and fun!
It was pleasing to go to the first public event put on by Helmdon Presents, the new culture group arising from the Parish Plan, which was the staging of a production of Alan Bennett’s Talking
Heads in the church. It was pleasing to look around at everyone enjoying themselves, in their own community, and realise that the Helmdon Parish Plan was, in part, responsible.
It was satisfying to walk along the path from Shortlands field up to the churchyard with my dog
Mojo recently, a path that was cleared over the summer in a joint activity between two new parish plan organisations, HAFWEG and the Parish Paths Group. Normally this path would be narrow and overgrown but it is now wide enough to walk along comfortably and safely and, again, I realised that the Helmdon Parish Plan was, in part, responsible.
It was fun to spend an afternoon in the autumn fishing for wildlife in the Helmdon brook with two officers from the Environment Agency. HAFWEG has an on going project to conserve and protect
Helmdon’s tiny waterway and the first step was to ascertain the current health of the brook by surveying it. I’m sure HAFWEG will want to communicate the results, so I won’t steal their thunder here, but suffice it to say that the future looks bright for the Helmdon brook and I realised that the Helmdon Parish Plan was, in part, responsible.
Of course the Parish Plan is not the be all and end all. Some of these things may have eventually happened on their own; after all, Helmdon is blessed with lots of very active and community-
minded individuals. But taking control, rather than being passive, has meant they are happening now, and benefiting the community now.
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 village web site at www.helmdon.com/parishplan, e-mailing [email address removed] or by telephoning [phone number removed].
◊ Danny Moody ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Plan Monitoring Group
: [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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SOUTH NORTHANTS COUNTY COUNCIL
SAY NO TO JUNK MAIL!
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outh Northamptonshire Council is asking residents to say no to unwanted promotional junk mail as part of the ‘Slim Your Bin’ campaign.
It’s estimated that 235 thousand tonnes of paper are used for junk mail every year and around ninety per cent of this is just thrown away.
To cut down on the amount of junk mail received, people can sign up to the
Mailing Preference Service (MPS), a free service which will remove their address from 95% of all direct mailing lists. This will prevent advertising and marketing companies from sending them unwanted mail although unfortunately, the service cannot stop unwanted mail from abroad or mail addressed to ‘the occupier’.
The Mailing Preference Service can also remove an individual name from a direct mailing list, for example some people may wish to have a relative’s name removed after they have died. In addition to this the service can be used to stop any junk mail addressed to previous occupants of the house being delivered.
Those who still wish to receive post from direct mailing companies should make sure that they recycle the information when they’ve finished with it.
For advice about recycling and reducing your waste contact South Northamptonshire Council on
0845 2300 226 or to register with the Mailing Preference Service visit www.mpsonline.org.uk or telephone 0845 703 4599.
◊ Elly Catchpole ◊ Waste management Office : South Northamptonshire County Council
: [phone number removed]
Eloise.Catchpole@southnorthants.gov.uk
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NEW TO THE VILLAGE?
We still have copies of the WEA booklet Aspects of Helmdon nos. 3 and 5 for sale, at the modest price of £3 each.
If you are interested in the history of the village, its school, its shops, parish council, reminiscences, and more, get your copies from Audrey Forgham , Richard Farquharson ([phone number removed]), Seckingtons
Stores or the Old Hall Bookshop.
Issues 1,2 and 4 are out of print, so ….. Don't Delay, Act Today!
◊ Audrey Forgham ◊ Editor: Aspects of Helmdon
: [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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www.helmdon.com your community website

HELMDON READING ROOM
B
usy, busy, busy …. As usual the Reading
Room has had its fair share of committee meetings, club get togethers, lunches and parties in the past six months. Either we are a more fun-
loving village than others, or the Reading Room is better equipped than some village halls, because word has it that a village hall not a million miles from here hardly ever gets used!
Very strange.
The Reading Room will be more in demand than ever shortly because there are plans afoot to completely renovate the rather tired looking kitchen. This will compliment the new carpet and paintwork in the kitchen corridor, which was completed at Christmas time.
Our magnificent new electric organ has prompted a few new musical events in Helmdon. There was a Christmas singalong event at the Drop In Centre, a children’s music concert before New Year and an old time music hall evening planned for March 18th : all held in the Reading Room.
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You will obviously (?!) have been waiting anxiously to hear about the outcome of our application for a new Entertainment Licence… Well, it has come. Deep joy! Until the powers that be decide to put us through that particular ordeal again (probably next week), we can relax and carry on using the
Reading Room to its full extent. To hire the hall please call in at Bungalow Stores or telephone on
[phone number removed]. If you want to find out more about what goes on in the Reading Room, please feel free to come to the Annual General Meeting to be held in the Spring – the date and time will appear on the various village notice boards and web site. Please call any of the committee members below with suggestions or queries. Enjoy!
CHAIRMAN: MR. BILL ENGLAND [phone number removed]
VICE CHAIRMAN: MR. MICHAEL AYRES [phone number removed]
TREASURER/STEWARD: MR. HAROLD SECKINGTON [phone number removed]
SECRETARY: MRS. CAROLINE KING [phone number removed]
◊ Caroline King ◊ Secretary: Reading Room Management Committee
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON PRIMARY SCHOOL
T
hank you to all those people who have supported us in all of the events and celebrations so far this year. We held a successful Christmas production based on an adaptation of Charles Dickens Christmas Carol for children in Key stage 2, and our own nativity production for our younger children. Costumes and props were as creative and professional as ever, thanks to the dedication and effort of parents and the staff team. We

also had the opportunity of participating in the Brackley District carol concert which was broadcast over Christmas on Northamptonshire radio.
We invite all parents and members of the community to an Easter service to be held in the school on
Friday 31st March at 9.30am, bring your Easter bonnets! We will also be holding a special concert for members of the Helmdon Fellowship at 2pm on 31st March in the school hall. P P
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The Summer Ball has now been publicised and we look forward to another successful event on the
22nd July on the school field. Please contact us for information, tables are selling fast!
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We are now looking at the feasibility of building a nursery and reception class room on the school field and will be circulating a questionnaire to parents in the village in collaboration with Helmdon
Acorns. Anyone with expertise to share in this field, please come along and talk to us.
Over the past few months we have installed interactive whiteboards and data projectors so that every class has access to this new technology. We have been grateful for the support from Magdalen
College school to enable us all to make the most of our new hardware. We have also recently appointed Danny Moody as our ICT technician, a vital role in keeping our equipment functioning correctly!
15 members of our staff team are participating in the Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research on the
14th June 2006. If you would like to support us or an individual by sponsoring a member of staff please contact the school office [phone number removed].
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◊ Sue Blackburn ◊ Head Teacher : Helmdon Primary School
: [phone number removed]
bursar@helmdon.northants-ecl.gov.uk
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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POLICE
Our Only Aim Is To Help Reduce Road Casualties, Not To Catch
You Speeding
T
he Northamptonshire Safety Camera Partnership was formed in
April 2000 to undertake the speed enforcement element of the county’s casualty reduction efforts. The prime aim of the Partnership is to help reduce the numbers killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. Operating as a multi-agency initiative, the Partnership comprises Northamptonshire Police, the County Council, the
Highways Agency and the Magistrates Courts.
Selected as one of the first Government-sponsored pilot areas, Northamptonshire is now one of more than 40 established Safety Camera Partnerships around the UK and operates:
40 fixed site speed cameras
2 average speed systems
6 red light cameras
7 mobile speed camera vans
2 camera-equipped motorcycles
4 motorcycle enquiry officers
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www.helmdon.com your community website

All fixed site cameras are located on routes where we have witnessed a number of serious injury accidents. Central Government approval is necessary before installation can take place and all fines collected from speeding and traffic light offences are forwarded to the Treasury, the Partnership only being allowed to reclaim direct costs.
The county has signed up to the Government’s objective of reducing those killed or seriously injured on our roads by 40% by 2010. Through a combination of Engineering, Education and
Enforcement the Casualty Reduction Partnership has already helped reduce this figure by over 30%
with the casualties at the fixed site cameras dropping by 67%.
The mobile units spend most of their time enforcing the speed limit on the county’s Red Routes –
stretches of road where there have been clusters of serious accidents. We are, however, allowed to spend up to 15% of enforcement time responding to requests, mainly from the general public, expressing concern over speeding vehicles in the local area.
In the 5 years of operation we have seen speeds drop, the numbers caught speeding fall, and the number of casualties reduce. Northamptonshire has one of the best road safety records in the country
– staying within the speed limit will help us to keep it.
Our team of Motorcycle Enquiry Officers patrol the county’s Red Routes and enforce the speed limits using hand-held laser speed guns connected to video machines – the same equipment that is used in the mobile vans. Additionally, the Enquiry Officers investigate offences that have been questioned and cases for potential prosecution.
We will always endeavour to publish, in advance, the locations of our mobile units on our website and in the local media – the whole purpose of the initiative being to slow motorists down and prevent casualties, not issue as many tickets as possible.
We also spend time visiting local community groups, county events, Parish Councils and industry groups where we can better explain the Partnership’s function and answer questions.
With an initiative that has generated considerable public and media interest over the years, there are numerous questions that we have been asked concerning the scheme. Some of the more common questions are answered below.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Surely this is just a money making exercise for the Police?
A. Neither the Police nor the Partnership makes any money from the initiative. We are, however, allowed to re-claim the direct costs of running the Partnership from the fines collected.
Q. Shouldn’t you be out catching real criminals rather than waste time and resources on innocent motorists?
A. These are additional resources, which are not diverting officers from other policing duties.
Breaking the legal speed limit is against the law and motorists should be aware that, if they exceed that limit, the risk of detection is now a real one.
Q. Your vans hide behind bushes just to catch us out, don’t they?
A. Our specially liveried vehicles are clearly marked with “Safety Camera Partnership” logo and the familiar “box brownie” signs. We always endeavour to park in open, conspicuous locations, respecting other road users and the safety of our Officers. All sites comply with Government guidelines.

Q. I have heard that Northamptonshire offer speed workshops as an alternative to penalty points.
Am I eligible to attend?
A. Speed workshops are offered to those people who have been caught marginally exceeding a
30mph limit. Those who qualify for a place will receive details once the driver has been nominated.
◊ Laura Houghton ◊ Western Area Public Relations Office : Northamptonshire Police
: 08453 700 700 ext 3158
laura.houghton@northants.pnn.police.uk
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www.helmdon.com your community website

BUILDING ON SUCCESS
I
am a powerlifter and powerlifting is a sport of 3 lifts, the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. I
have a particular ability in the bench press, although I do compete internationally in both the full powerlifting contests and the bench press only contests.
Powerlifting
Competitions are held between lifters of relatively similar bodyweights, in addition to which there are specific contests for juniors (under 23 years) and masters (over 40 year), as well as the seniors
(open). I myself lift in the 100kg class, which means I need to weigh-in on the day of the contest at
100kgs or less, but over 90kgs. I am a masters lifter too which means I compete with those over 40
in contests designated to have age categories and I compete in the open class too.
The squat is performed by the lifter taking the bar on their shoulders from a rack. They step back from the rack and squat down so that the top of their thighs at the hip is below the knee (below parallel to the floor), and then they return to the upright position. There are many technical rules for the performance of the lift, but essentially a good lift occurs where the lifter completes the lift as a single movement.
The bench press is the more familiar lift to many in that it is widely practiced in gyms; however this is more often done with exercise machines than a bar with weights. The lift is performed by a lifter lying on his back and he takes the bar from the rack and holds it at arms length. The lifter then lowers the bar to the chest and stops it for a brief pause. The bar is then pressed to arms length without moving any other part of the body.
The final lift of the 3 is the deadlift which involves the lifter picking the bar up from the floor and standing erect with the bar suspended from the lifters hands. The lifter must hold the bar until the referee advises him/her to lower it.
Competitions are organised into rounds, one for each lift. In each round the lifter has three attempts at each weight, and the round proceeds for each lifter taking each attempt in order of lowest weights selected first and rising in ascending order. Each lift is observed by three referees who each indicate the success or failure of the lift by illuminating a white light, or a red light if a failed lift. Two or more white lights signifies a good lift. Two types of contest are run, one for the three lifts and one for the bench press only.
Success
In early February this year I started my year with the retention of my British bench press title, lifting a new British record of 245 kg, and at the time of writing I am preparing for the senior British powerlifting championships which takes place at the end of February.

I have always lifted weights, at least since my late teens, but I have only been a specialist in powerlifting since 2001 when I did my first contest. The following year I qualified for, and competed in my first British championships as a master in the bench press and powerlifting competitions. In 2003 I was selected for the British Masters Bench press team and competed in my first international event, the European Masters Bench Press Championships, where I finished 5th .
P P
Last year I competed in 6 internationals as part of the British team for Masters Bench Press, Senior
Bench Press and Masters Powerlifting, each at European and World events. I received a gold medal for the bench press at the World powerlifting championships and took bronze medals in both
European and world masters bench press events.
The picture to the right shows me collecting a gold medal for the bench press at the World Masters
Powerlifting event in South Africa last year. I finished in
6th place overall but did the best bench press in my class and so took the gold medal for that particular discipline.
P P
Last year’s summary of achievements
East Midlands bench press champion, East Midlands masters powerlifting champion, East Midlands powerlifting champion, Anglian bench press champion,
British masters bench press champion, British masters powerlifting champion, 3rd European masters bench press, 5th European masters Powerlifting, 8th European bench press, 3rd World masters bench press, 6th World masters powerlifting [bench press gold medal, 1st ,7th
World bench press.
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P P P
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P
P P
P P P P
Records set:
British Masters All Contest bench press: 228kg
British Masters bench press: 227.5kg
British All Contest bench press: 237.5kg
British Masters All Contest bench press: 237.5kg
British Masters bench press: 230kg
British All Contest bench press: 240kg
British Masters All Contest bench press: 240kg
British bench press: 242.5kg
British All Contest bench press: 242.5kg
British Masters bench press: 242.5kg
British Masters All Contest bench press: 242.5kg
Ian Kinghorn
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www.helmdon.com your community website

TAKE IT FROM ME
O
n Bank holiday Monday 2nd January my home was robbed.
Like most people who have lived in Helmdon for a long time, this was not something we had expected.
I regularly work in cities where everyone expects problems like burglary, car crime, drugs and muggings and take the necessary precautions.
In Helmdon we don’t always think to lock our doors except when we go out or go to bed.
On that Monday the thief entered our home through an open back door at about 5pm while we were in the lounge. Wallet, mobile phone, camera and other small valuables were taken from the kitchen worktop where we always discard them when we come in.
Luckily no one went into the kitchen while the thief was there otherwise the outcome could have been worse.
It transpired (through talking to the police and neighbours) that a stranger had been seen lurking about the village at around the same time. Shaven head, blue jacket, and aged about 35/40, we are told.
Talking to local people it would seem there have been other instances of car and house break-ins recently in this village.
It is a shame but also a sign of the times that this is increasingly happening even in Helmdon nowadays.
Make sure your home is secure and lock your doors, even if you are in!
John Brackenboro
CREDIT CARD FRAUD
B
y understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from
"MasterCard". Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and
Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card that was issued by
(name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £249.99 from a Marketing company based in (name of any town or city)?".
When you say "No" the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.
This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £150 to £249, just under the
£250 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to
(gives you your address), is that correct?"
You say "yes". The caller continues – "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security.

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?".
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers".
There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make
Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.
After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?"
After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back; if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £249.99 was charged to our card..
Long story made short – we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them..
Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of
MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening. Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
Forwarded by David Brookhouse from a Neighbourhood Watch Article
THANK YOU
T
o Gillian Mechen for taking on the responsibility of gardening around the war memorial so enthusiastically. Your days of hard work in keeping this tribute rightly looking wonderful are greatly appreciated.
Marie Wray
ED : Please write in if you have other comments like this to make. With every parishioner receiving a copy of the magazine, it is a great way to say that “thank you”.
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SPONSORED RIDE – CANCER RESEARCH
S
tefano and Marco Capella and George Stubbs would like to thank everyone that sponsored them.
They raised £383.28 which was given to cancer research. They did the bike ride on an extremely hot
August day and managed to cycle 21 miles.
Sarah Stubbs
LAYNE WRAY’S WORD SEARCH
20 words / items, related to
Helmdon. Answers on the website www.helmdon.com
/talkabout
“Good Luck”

ASTWELL GROUP MOTHERS’ UNION
T
O
ur Branch, the Astwell Group, has grown to nineteen members. The Branch serves the five parishes in our Benefice, Wappenham,
Syresham, Lois Weedon, Whitfield and Helmdon. We welcome any Christians, male or female, to join our group from any denomination.
We have an interesting programme for 2006 .
On the 25th January our speaker was Mr Sandy Robinson, fund raiser for BYHP – supporting young people in housing need. This meeting was well attended. His talk highlighted the needs of many young people living on the streets and sleeping rough.
TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
20th February – Mrs Sue Tringham – My visit to Korea
22nd March – Mrs Lorna Robjohns – The work of the Northampton Soup Kitchen
26th April – At Syresham Chapel – a talk by Mrs Faith Sharp on Relationships. This will be followed by a short service.
22nd May – At Whitfield Church – a short talk by Reverend Will Adams. This will be followed by
Communion.
June ( date to be announced) – Outing with Bob Pell, Art historian.
July ( date to be announced) – A Holiday Workshop for children at Helmdon Church.
27th September – Joy Green’s topic is The Search.
13th October – Deanery Coffee Morning to be held at Brackley Town Hall.
25th October – The Astwell Group’s AGM.
22nd November – Mrs Marion Thompson will speak to the group about this year’s theme,
Relationships.
December – Deanery Advent Service
For more details of these events please contact:
Jenny Saunders – Tel. [phone number removed] or Ann Smith [phone number removed].
You are very welcome to come and join us at our meetings. We look forward to seeing you.
THE NEW MOTHERS' UNION PRAYER
Loving Lord. We thank you for your love, so freely given to us all.
We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of The Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.
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www.helmdon.com your community website

Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen
◊ Jenny Saunders ◊ Secretary : Astwell Group Mothers Union
[phone number removed]
http://www.themothersunion.org
THE HELMDON BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
I
t seems such a long time now since we moved out of the chapel, in fact it was in January of 2004 that we had our last service there. Since then a thriving
Baptist community has continually met in the village every Monday morning.
It has organised events in the village and further afield and sought to live out its
Christian faith and witness inclusive of the village. This is particularly true of
Tiny Tots that continues to meet in the parish church and of CKERS the joint youth venture with the parish church. We have a brilliant youth nurture group that meets every Wednesday at 4.00pm who try to discover the relevance of
Christianity for today’s youth culture. Yes, the Baptists are very much alive and active in the village.
We have sought to replicate this in the surrounding villages and now have a similar group based in
Moreton Pinkney living out its Christian witness there. Our aim is to have similar groups in as many local villages as possible living out the practicalities of their faith in the communities where they live.
You may ask, what of the old chapel at Helmdon? Well, for twelve months now we have been attempting to obtain planning permission to redevelop the site. The chapel as it stands needs in excess of £130,000 spent on it just to make it safe and habitable without the additional costs of conversion to a dwelling. The only viable answer is to redevelop the whole site and our next planning application will go in shortly. While all the planning applications are progressing we apologise to the residents of Helmdon for the state of the chapel which continues to deteriorate and to become even more of an eyesore.
The transformation of the Weston Baptist Chapel into the Weston Community Project is nearing completion and whilst being a community facility during the week, will on Sundays be the focus of worship for our local village based faith communities.
For any further information about the Helmdon Baptist Community contact Irene Inness on [phone number removed]
◊ Rev Phil Drage ◊ Reverend : Tove Valley Baptist Fellowship
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
http://www.tvbf.co.uk/
HT TH

THE FRIENDS OF HELMDON CHURCHYARD
A
lthough in past winters very little has been done in the churchyard, this year work has been carried out on the crumbling stone walls. Members of the Footpaths Committee have kindly undertaken to rebuild parts of the wall lower down the churchyard where it runs alongside a footpath. This is not an easy job and we are very grateful. Rex Jessett has been working regularly, tidying generally, trimming bushes and organising the sprawling bonfire heap. He has especially done a magnificent job cutting back ivy from the walls and rebuilding them in the old part of the churchyard.
Thank you very much, Rex, for volunteering to do this work and devoting so much time to it.
Spring is a little late this year but we shall soon be needing help with mowing, strimming and weeding, and we hope our band of workers who came to the monthly
“clean-ups” last year will be willing to assist this year too. We propose to hold the first clean-up morning on Saturday, 25th March from 10 am. We are always pleased to see new helpers and even just an hour’s work can achieve a great deal. It is very satisfying to see the churchyard looking so beautiful and well cared for.
◊ Judy Cairns ◊ Secretary: The Friends of Helmdon Churchyard
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
LETTER FROM OUR RECTOR
Parish Profiles
R
eaders may recall from earlier newsletters that an exercise I wanted to undertake on becoming Rector of the Astwell Benefice was to gather together a picture of all parishes with regard to their demography, the nature of church attendance and the correlation between church communicant membership and the style and frequency of services. I was very ably supported in all six parishes by folk who were very familiar with the villages and so we were able to make statistically sound data profiles in each case.
The Astwell Benefice comprises Helmdon with Stuchbury and Radstone,
Syresham with Whitfield, Lois Weedon with Weston and Plumpton, and Wappenham. The following data sets represent the averages for the Benefice with each parish varying by a few percentage points in categories one and two below but significant differences in category three:
AGE PROFILE
18 years or under 25% of population
19 to 59 years 54%
60 + years 21%
ATTENDANCE at CHURCH
Frequent 9 % of population
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www.helmdon.com your community website

From time to time 37%
Never 54%
COMMUNICANT MEMBERS
Yes 17% of population
Yes & maybe 23%
No & think not 77%
Of course it is always possible to pick holes in the data and I have no doubt there will be a margin of error in some cases. However, given the high level of data collection it is unlikely that that margin of error is very great. To focus on the edges of discrepancy is to avoid looking more closely at what the data may be telling us.
Representatives from all the parochial parish councils have kindly agreed to come together to look more closely at the statistics together with a script which I wrote to accompany these findings. Their task is to review the worship pattern across the Astwell Benefice and present proposals to be shared with all PCC members. Members of the Worship Working Group will be encouraged to think widely and imaginatively whilst recognising the need to preserve key elements of worship programmes that have stood the test of time and are much valued.
It is important also that members of all six village communities feel they too may express their views. In order that they may be possible, can I please encourage you to share any thoughts you may have with the Working Group representative from your parish or any of the PCC members who will
I know pass your observations on. Once the proposals have been processed through the PCCs they will be shared across the Astwell Benefice through the weekly church Pew News and village newsletters. It may well be that a gathering in the villages would also afford folk the chance to respond to the ideas proposed.
The PCC members on the Working Group for Helmdon are Morag Underwood and Fiona Mason.
◊ Will Adams ◊ Rector : Astwell Benefice
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
Brookdale, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley, Northants. NN13 5TQ
HT TH

THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY MAGDALENE
W
e had a very enjoyable Wine Tasting evening at Lukes
Farmhouse in November which raised £307 – thanks to Louise and
John Brownhill for offering their home for the event and to Neil
Buckley for organising the wines. The traditional Words and Music for Christmas on December 16th lived up to usual expectations with a great variety of performances, raising another £208 in the process.
You can go back in time on March 18th in the Reading Room when an Old Tyme Music Hall will give you chance to hear songs and monologues that "they don't write anymore". Unless you have become hoarse by the cheering (or catcalling), you will be able to join in some of them. A sausage and mash supper is included in the
£8 ticket price.
Further in the future, the next major event is our "Joyce Grenfell" evening on June 10th when we have a visit from a performer who has specialised in recreating her hilarious routines. This is not to be missed – watch the noticeboards for full information.
Tickets for all Friends events are available from the committee, which comprises Wiggy Smith, Paul
Underwood, Vanessa Vicars, Viv Watson, Liz Woolley and Lynn and Chris Gartside.
◊ Chris Gartside ◊ Chairman: Friends of St. Mary Magdalene Church
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
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www.helmdon.com your community website

PURELY
PLANTS
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Countryside Garden Centre
U
™
Excellent Choice of Bedding Plants
™
Hanging Basket & Patio Plants
™
Beautiful Hanging Baskets & ready-planted Patio Pots
™
Shrubs, Perennials, Trees
™
Huge Selection of Colourful Pots
™
Garden Furniture & Colonial Parasols
™
Weber Barbecues & Chimineas
™
Gift Ideas & Cards for all occasions
™
Coffee & Cakes
™
Friendly & expert gardening advice
Delivery service available.
"easy parking – easy shopping"
At Middleton Cheney
Open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday
10.00 am – 4.00 pm Sundays
Tel: [phone number removed]

HELMDON PRESENTS
W
e are new group that has grown out of the Parish Plan. Many of you told us that you wanted more culture in the village and we are now setting up a group to enable the provision of cultural events. 2005 was our inaugural year and in the latter part of it we organized the following events:
An outing to Milton Keynes to see Matthew Bourne’s ballet ‘Swan Lake’.
A professional touring theatre group performing Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’ in Helmdon
Church.
We are a small committee at present and have grown mostly by word of mouth. Anyone who would like to be involved would be very welcome to join us – just contact us. We are currently well on the way to being able to purchase some equipment which will allow us to show films. The Helmdon
Young Husbands have kindly provided £250 towards the cost of a projector and the Parish Council are donating £250 of their prize money from a recent technology award and we are also applying for a grant from South Northants Council.
Theatre outings will be promoted direct to your email address if you register an interest. So if you would like to be on the list please email Morag or Chris. If you do not have access to email we will add you to a telephone list but we would like to keep this list short in order to make administration as easy as possible. If you have already expressed an interest you will be on the list. We aim to obtain discounts through making group bookings with theatres and then we can normally organise car sharing transport to the event.
We will be promoting further trips to the theatre this year as well as bringing more cultural events to your doorstep. An art exhibition compiled by local artists is also a possibility. If you spot cultural events which you think would be of interest to others in the village then please let us know.
Helmdon presents…is coming to a venue near you so please support us!
◊ Morag Underwood ◊ Treasurer: Helmdon Presents
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
◊ Chris Bridger ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Presents
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
FRIENDS OF HELMDON SCHOOL
F
riends of Helmdon School is a charitable organisation which raises funds for extra equipment which would not be covered by the school budget. We are in the middle of a very busy year, with lots of fun packed activities taking place for both children and adults, all of which are helping to add to our funds.
Since September, we have arranged children’s discos, a quiz night for the adults, (the children are asking for one now!) and the grand Christmas Raffle. The quiz was a great night out with lots of teams pitting their wits and getting into the competitive spirit; it raised us £400. Meanwhile the
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www.helmdon.com your community website

Christmas Raffle raised in excess of £1,200, with particular thanks going to Macintyers Estate
Agents who sponsored the event and Barclays Bank for fund matching the event. We have also organised various smaller events such as Mufti Days when the children wear their own clothes to school for £1; cake sales; Bags2School days (where you are paid to bag up all your useful rubbish such as clothes/shoes); and Hot Potato Friday, where we provided the children and staff with baked potatoes and fillings for lunch, on a particularly gloomy November day.
The money raised has gone towards a variety of items. These include seating in the playgrounds, bicycle racks for outside the school, outside games equipment and equipment for use during wet playtimes. We have also provided a significant amount of books for the classes and the library, as well as digital cameras for each class.
Our next big event is the School Fete. This will take place on Saturday 17th June at the school. It should be a fantastic day out for everyone; we have all sorts of fun games and activities planned as well as various stalls, and refreshments will be available. Keep an eye out for posters/flyers advertising the Fete closer to the time, and we look forward to seeing you there!
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Whether or not you have children at the school, we would be delighted to welcome you on board our friendly team. We meet regularly at the school and our next meeting is on Wednesday 15th March at 7.30 pm.
For more information on specific and forthcoming events, please see our page on the Helmdon website.
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◊ Becky Leitelmayer ◊ Chair : Friends of Helmdon
School
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
Guess who's not winning at the
FOHS Quiz Night ?
HELMDON FELLOWSHIP
F
ellowship have just held their February meeting, our annual Spring
Lunch. Over fifty members and invited guests enjoyed a three course meal and then sat back to be entertained by Tom Livingstone. Tea and cake rounded off a very pleasant day.
We started in Autumn with a fish and chip lunch and a talk on Safety in the Home followed by the
A.G.M. Our grateful thanks go to Audrey Forgham who has stepped down from the committee after many years of hard work on our behalf.
We welcomed Matthew Armitage from Tooley’s boatyard in November. He gave us a fascinating insight on the history of the canal and boatyard and we hope to visit the museum in the near future.
We held a Chocoholics party during Post Office / drop in centre session and we had a lovely box of chocolates to have with coffee after our Spring lunch.
Early in December we went Christmas shopping at Millets Garden Centre.
The school choir sang for us at our Christmas party and they have invited the Fellowship to school for their Easter Bonnet parade on 31st March.
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The New Year started with a talk and slides by the head gardener from the Shakespeare Centre in
Stratford upon Avon – a very popular speaker.
We look forward to a talk on 35 years on the “Milk Round” in March and a slide show with our old friends Jock and Joan Johnson in April.
We have held two coffee mornings to boost our funds one in the Reading Room during Post Office hours and we thank Alan and Eileen Watson for hosting another at their house. The coffee mornings are open to all. Why not come along and meet us?
Our grateful thanks to the Reading Room Committee for the new cupboard. It has made storage a lot easier for us.
For further details of our organisation ring [phone number removed] or e-mail [email address removed]
HT
◊ Carol Brookhouse ◊ Chairman : Helmdon Fellowship
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
HELMDON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
W
e held our AGM in October, 2005. HOORAH, W.I. still survives!
New Committee as follows:
President Mrs Ann Harman
Vice-President Mrs Ann Smith
Secretary Mrs Jenny Saunders
Treasurer Mrs Jean Brookhouse
Committee: Mrs Doreen England
Mrs Mary Nash
Mrs Pauline Butler
Miss Celia Terrey
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TH

Miss Anne Winch th 14 September, 2005
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Our speaker, Mrs Cheshire, gave us a light hearted look at Victorian handicrafts.
9th November, 2005
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Mr John Cornwall was both interesting and informative as he described how he made the most of his small garden, accompanied by slides.
7th December, 2005
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We held our Christmas meal. Caterers prepared and presented a Christmas feast, which was enjoyed by twenty one members.
11th January, 2006
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Our topic for the month was the craft of Beading. We were able to see the beautifully worked designs on display in the Reading Room. Members enjoyed making a spiral staircase necklace.
8th February, 2006
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Our speaker, Marianne Allitt spoke about the benefits of Aromatherapy. Many lotions and oils were passed around for members to try. After coffee, Marrianne demonstrated her technique on three willing members. It was a really enjoyable evening.
NEW PROGRAMME AS FOLLOWS:
8th March 2006
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Our speaker will talk to us about the Quaker Tapestry. This evening will be special as it is our 85th
Anniversary of Helmdon WI.
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12th April, 2006 : Looking at Antiques
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10th May, 2006 : The History and Making of Candles.
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14th June, 2006 : Evening outing to Fringford Herb Gardens.
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th 12 July, 2006 : Garden Party
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th 13 September, 2006 : Watercolour Quickies – a chance for members to paint a masterpiece!
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11th October, 2006 : AGM and Harvest Supper.
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8th November, 2006 : Gentle exercise – getting fit for Christmas.
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6th December, 2006 : Christmas Meeting.
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OTHER NEWS
Margaret Reardon is standing down from the Committee after many years of service. All members would like to thank her for the time and commitment she has given to the committee.
Doreen England was presented with the Pauline Duff cup at the
Annual Council meeting at Spinney Hill Hall by guest speaker, Lars
Tharp, from the BBC Antiques Road Show.
Doreen England
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We served teas in September for forty five members from the Sunnyside Club, Brigstock. They enjoyed their visit so much that they are returning for tea again in April.
We held a Christmas Market in the Reading Room when the Post Office was open to sell Christmas
Goodies.
If you would like to learn more about the WI why not join us at one of our meetings. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Reading Room. You will be made very welcome.
DO TELEPHONE ME FOR MORE INFORMATION
◊ Jennifer Saunders ◊ Secretary: Helmdon W.I.
[phone number removed]
http://www.womens-institute.org.uk
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
H
elmdon Neighbourhood Watch has been operating since November
1964. The scheme has been very successful thanks to the co-operation of all the residents of Helmdon. I thought it would be useful to explain the procedure the police adopt when you report any crime to your contact person or myself as co-ordinator.
How they handle your calls:-
"Northamptonshire Police – how can they help you?"
Northamptonshire Police receives more than a million phone calls every year, from homes, businesses, phone boxes, motorway boxes and mobile phones, among others. More than 120,000 of these are emergency 999 calls requesting immediate police attention. All calls made to
Northamptonshire Police come into the Force Communications Centre, which is based at their
Headquarters at Wootton Hall in Northampton.
Call Grading
Of the million phone calls they receive every year, emergency 999 calls are one of their priorities.
They aim to answer them within ten seconds. Their target time to reach an emergency incident in an urban area is 10 minutes and for rural areas, they aim to get an officer there within 17 minutes.
There is an increasing demand on the Force and they are always looking for ways to improve their service. That is one of the reasons they have a Call Grading System, which helps their call operatives in the Communications Centre identify more readily those calls which need an emergency response and those which are less urgent.
They know that it can be very frustrating when you call them and ask for a police officer to come to see you, only to find that the officer takes longer than expected to arrive.
Everyone's needs are different and sometimes officers may be diverted to a more urgent call before they reach you. Sometimes it might be more appropriate for an officer from one of our Community
Action Teams to come to see you at a later date to give you advice or deal with your problem.
Remember:
They do need your help in fighting crime. So if you see a crime that is in the process of being committed, do not hesitate to call 999. But if you have a non-urgent minor crime to report or want
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help or advice, then please call the Communications Centre through your local Area telephone number, [phone number removed].
GRADE ONE – Emergency response
• Where there is a threat to life or serious injury to any person.
• Where there is a crime in progress or offender/s are still in the area.
• A serious traffic incident where someone is injured or vehicles are likely to cause serious danger.
GRADE TWO – Urgent/Prompt response
• Incidents that need an urgent or prompt attendance but are not an emergency. For example, a burglary, robbery or other incident where the individual circumstances or the vulnerability of the victim or caller necessitates a prompt response.
GRADE THREE – Deferred response
• Incidents where police attendance is required or desirable, but does not need an officer to be sent immediately.
GRADE FOUR – Advice
• Incidents that can either be resolved with advice given over the phone or require no deployment but are recorded for information purposes.
If you have any questions at all on Neighbourhood Watch please contact me on my details below.
◊ David Brookhouse ◊ Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Helmdon
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
[address removed]. NN13 5QN HT TH
Your Neighbourhood Watch Contacts are :
Ian Drew
[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]
Chris Bridger
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Wilf Forgham
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
HELMDON YOUNG HUSBANDS’
ORGANISATION
Stop Press! Over £20,000 raised by the HYHO.
A
nother milestone has been reached. The HYHO has now raised funds in excess of £20,000, allowing for the funds also donated to Helmdon School at the 2004 Summer Ball. A tremendous achievement, and we’re not done yet!

It’s difficult to contain my ramblings about the events that have occurred in my first year as
Chairman of the HYHO. So forgive me for what appears to be an increasing entry in Talkabout as we at the HYHO attempt to really put Helmdon on the map with some extraordinary events for the family and which range from our casual once a month meeting at The Bell and beyond!
Here’s how the year went.
Hook Norton Brewery Tour, 13th May.
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A trip to Hook Norton Brewery proved to be a great success (if only to prove the new Chairman is actually capable of organising a p**s up in a brewery!) All those who participated were presented with a commemorative glass, no doubt put to good use the following day to rehydrate and down a few Anadin Extra.
Jeffs Coaches kindly ferried the jolly group safely to and fro’, The Sun Inn at Hook Norton laid on a hot supper and allowed the participants to hone their drinking skills further with their favourite brew of the night.
The main event – The Barn Dance, 9th July
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Riding high on the back of the 2004 Summer Ball, there was determination within the group to keep the momentum rolling and stage another pinnacle event for 2005, but this time a family event.
Cue Paul Underwood. Paul had received some interest from the village and some friends for a traditional Barn Dance, and duly stepped up to the mark. A seasoned HYHO campaigner, Paul very quickly got to grip with organising the tasks, booked the band, Pandemonium, and of course this meant scheduling a few meetings at The Bell to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The tickets sold out very quickly, which meant that the only concern was the likelihood a number of people would turn up at the gate stretching the venue and food beyond capacity.
The stage was set on a tranquil summer’s evening on July 9th, when once again George Beyts kindly agreed to host the event and allowed the village to invade the farm yard and buildings at
Manor Farm, Helmdon.
The sunshine lingered long into the summer evening, allowing the children to play, whilst Mum and
Dad soaked up the (booze!) warmth before being drawn into the Barn beckoned by friends and family.
The Barn was packed. A Thelwell designed hessian mural decorated the walls inside the barn with straw bales for seating, which helped the ambiance, and the Caller didn’t have to work too hard to encourage audience participation.
I’ve got to say, traditional Barn Dances are not usually my cup of tea. In the sober light of day when
I’ve asked of others a good band always seems to be preferred, but it’s amazing how some alfresco food and a few glasses of Chardonnay allow so many to let their hair down and join in the fun. I
even spotted a few Stetsons and check shirts amongst the attendees…….. Yee Haa!
An ambitious move by Miles Garner and Mark Lovett to cook and serve a pig roast on site, supported by a team of sausage, burger and chicken flippers, tantalised the taste buds of the masses and proved a huge success. The inevitable few who arrived at the gate without tickets and who we couldn’t promise food, also managed to tuck in, albeit at the end of the queue.
John opened the Bracken’bar once again, complete with their own style of music, air guitar support from a band of HOHO’s, and looked to be having just as much fun as those on the receiving end of the bar.
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The result was a fantastic evenings entertainment, a terrific £2390 raised to benefit village groups and charities, which could not have been achieved without the support of all the HYHO’s and the village, who donated auction and raffle prizes, and, of course, thanks to all those who attended.
Snooker Loopy
The year was capped, by a small but beautifully formed group, gathered by our Webmaster,who decided to strut their stuff at the Q Bar in Brackley. Before anybody gets the wrong idea, Q stands for cue as in snooker cue, and is nothing to do with the YMCA.
After demonstrating our prowess at the sport, and occupying 2 tables for most of the evening trying to finish off 2 games of snooker, we retired to the Jaipur before returning home.
2006 Events
Skittles at The Crown, Weston, 10th Feb.
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This years first event will again seek to test the skills of the HYHO and keep the members in shape through the winter months.
Ladies Night, 3rd March.
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The time when we wine and dine our partners for allowing us leave to attend HYHO meetings.
Beer Tasting, TBA.
A somewhat tiresome but necessary evil to ensure the ongoing quality of refreshment at HYHO
events. It’s a tough job and a job for the boys!
Cycle Pubathon, TBA.
An event that we are determined to resurrect this year, now that I’ve purchased a new bike!
The Summer Ball 2, 22nd July.
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What will the team pull off this year? Whatever, it’ll be an excellent night out with fine cuisine and entertainment designed to compliment the family events with a “no holds barred” evening of self indulgence for you and your partner.
Hook Norton Brewery revisited. TBA
Apparently, some attendees missed the tour of the museum and felt the evening needed to be repeated. (It’ll be nothing to do with the free hour at the bar then, ahem!)
Come and join as at The Bell, second Friday of every month.
Cheers!
◊ Simon Cherry ◊ Chairman : Helmdon Young Husbands Organization
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH

HELMDON WOMEN’S CLUB
W
e had a very successful 35th Anniversary Reunion last October attended by nearly 60 past and present members. We were all delighted to see members who had moved away and thought none of us had aged at all, until we looked at our collection of scrapbooks and saw photos of ourselves over the years since 1970!
Our programme for 2005/6 has started well. So far we have had Anna Murby from Radio
Northampton giving us an enlightening and amusing talk, our Christmas Party, a demonstration from Body Shop and our annual Quiz and Chilli Evening.
The rest of our programme is as follows:
March 15th Belly Dancing
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th July 19 Silly Sports & Supper
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th April 19 Homeopathy
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August No Meeting th May 17 Visit to Plentiful Pots
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th September 20
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st June 21
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Talk about Badgers
Chrissie with her Owls
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th October 18
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AGM/Cheese & Wine
We are always very pleased to welcome visitors and new members to our very informal meetings, which are held on the third Wednesday of the month in the Reading Room.
◊ Judy Cairns ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Women’s Club
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
HAFWEG
Y
our organisation concerned with promoting and conserving the wildlife and environment of
Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt has enjoyed a busy time since its formation in November 2004 as an outcome of the Village Plan. There have been a variety of talks given by experts in their subjects, including butterflies and insects by Emma Butt from the Stratford Butterfly Farm, grasses by Dr
Barry Meatyard of Warwick University, birds by John Clowes from the RSPB, and the history and ecology of Whittlebury Forest by head ranger Andy Patmore. All the talks have been aimed at increasing our understanding of the extraordinary local environment in which we are privileged to live, and it is exciting that there is so much more to find out.
There are also many things to do by way of conservation, so HAFWEG has some practical aims and as a starter has assisted the Footpaths Group to maintain the path from Jenner's Piece to the Church, and to rebuild the fallen dry stone wall beside the churchyard. Group members also cleared unwanted vegetation from the Helmdon School nature conservation area by the brook last spring.
There are expenses incurred in the talks and activities, major ones being insurance cover and membership of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, so a successful fundraising event was
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arranged at the School last June which produced £479, as well as being a fun opportunity to promote
HAFWEG, and HYHO generously made a £250 donation.
During the year ahead HAFWEG is planning further Monday evening talks, including one on the
20th March that will focus on the development and maintenance of the School nature reserve by Dr
James Littlemore from Moulton College, one on either 15th or 22nd May about bats by a representative of the Wildlife Trust, and one on 18th September about fungi by Michael Jordan who founded the British Association of Mycologists. All of these will be based at the School and will involve a "walk-about" to observe and forage under expert leadership. They run from 7 or 7.30 until
9 pm, with a refreshment break. Anyone is welcome to attend; look out for the posters and on the village website for details. HAFWEG will also be present at the School fete on 17th June to raise funds and encourage students to take an interest in the group's activities.
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HAFWEG belongs to the village, and although a small elected committee is responsible for administering its organisation the intention is to take account of what environmental matters local people are interested in, so please let us know. As residents we are all stakeholders in the natural history of the Parish and in the conservation of its environment. If you would like to join HAFWEG
and be on the circulation list for information please come to the next talk or contact this year's secretary Chris Jones on [phone number removed].
It is early days in the life of HAFWEG and it will take some time to settle into a formal role in the life of the Parish. Proposed activities that are in the pipeline include a survey of water-voles in the
Helmdon brook, some clearance of vegetation that keeps sunlight off stretches of the brook or that is causing silting-up, a survey and report of trees and wildflowers adjacent to popular footpaths, and building up a natural history record of the Parish. We really look forward to your participation.
◊ John Thorne ◊ Chairman: Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt Wildlife and Environment Group
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH
◊ Charlotte Sandilands ◊ Vice Chairman: Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt Wildlife and Environment
Group
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
1
ST
HELMDON RAINBOWS
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R
ainbows have fun! They take part in indoor and outdoor activities as part of their programme called the
Rainbow jigsaw.
The Rainbow Jigsaw is the name for the renewed
Rainbow programme, which has been developed for the 21st century Rainbow and is comprised of four areas:
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Rainbows Look.
Rainbows Learn.
Rainbows Laugh.
Rainbows Love.

Their meetings are full of games and activities, which provide challenging opportunities for
Rainbows to think for themselves and take an active part in unit decision making. Everything a
Rainbow does helps her to develop.
As a Rainbow your daughter is a member of Girlguiding UK, the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in this country. It has about 600,000 members.
Any girl aged five or over can be a Rainbow and when they reach seven they are eligible for
Brownies.
Rainbows make this simple promise that they share with members around the world;
“I promise that I will do my best to love my God and to be kind and helpful.”
We are currently fully subscribed but do operate a waiting list, so please contact our Unit Guider,
Eleanor Shepherd, on [phone number removed] if you think your daughter would benefit now or in the future.
We meet Monday in term time at the Reading Room.
◊ Marie Wray ◊ Unit Helper : 1st Helmdon Rainbows
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
P
HT
P
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THE WEA
T
he Workers' Educational Association (WEA) provides a range of friendly and enjoyable courses using expert tutors. If you wish to enjoy one evening per week learning about a wide range of subjects then give the WEA a try. Courses are run in the autumn and spring and are open to all adults. We also run occasional visits to places of interest.
No qualifications are required to join any course. If you have a disability or extra learning needs then the WEA will try to help – please contact the
WEA before you start the course. The WEA was founded in 1903 as an adult educational charity with no religious or party political ties. It is supported by funds from the Learning and Skills Council so that course fees can be kept as low as possible.
In addition to organising courses and events, local WEA members commit a great deal of time and enthusiasm into maintaining the Helmdon website (http://www.helmdon.com).
Helmdon's Website Wins More Awards
Helmdon has won the ICT (Information Communication Technology) category in the Calor Village of the Year for Central England 2005. Special guest and TV personality Alan Titchmarsh presented the award, and prize money of £500, to Danny Moody (Webmaster), and Audrey Forgham (Web
Editor) at a ceremony in London.
www.helmdon.com, created and maintained by the WEA branch, beat off stiff competition to win the county competition in July and then represented Northamptonshire in the regional contest competing against villages in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire and Warwickshire. The judges commented that “Helmdon’s website is funded and managed by a committee and really demonstrates the way in which a community can use a website to support local life".
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Recent Courses and Events
Our autumn 2005 course "Anglo-Saxon and Viking England" was given by Dr Denise Cowley and looked at the archaeology of England during the Anglo-Saxon and Viking era (c. AD 400 – 1066).
Topics covered included the archaeological evidence for British resistance under the legendary King
Arthur, the famous Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, and Viking York (Jorvik). Denise brought the latest information on this fascinating subject to Helmdon. It was very surprising to learn how recent evidence has changed our understanding of Anglo-Saxon and Viking people and their way of life.
Due to events beyond our control, we had to cancel the advertised gardening course.
The good news is that we were able to recruit local historian Deborah Hayter to provide a new course “Families, Fields and
Farms: Sources for Village History”. This course started in January and has attracted a very keen group of novice, and more experienced, local historians from
Helmdon, Evenley, Weedon Lois and
Brackley.
In December, Will Watson kindly allowed us to use the Old Glebe for a Fish & Chip
Supper. The evening started with a talk entitled “Conservation of Otters” given by Reg Tipping. This was a fascinating talk with excellent slides showing how conservation efforts by enthusiasts have helped the Otter to flourish. An example of this conservation work is the building of artificial badger holts alongside local rivers, needed because of the gradual loss of suitable natural water banks.
Future Courses
As soon as courses are confirmed autumn 2006 and spring 2007 they will be announced on our website (http://www.helmdon.com). Full details will also be posted on village notice-boards at least one month before each course starts. Courses will consist of 10 sessions, each 1½ hour and will be held at Helmdon School on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm.
No course fee is payable by 16-18 year olds and those on jobseekers allowance or certain other benefits. Those on low household income may also qualify for help with fees. Whilst our courses are very well attended, new learners are always welcome. To register for a course just turn up at the school before between 7:00pm and 7:30pm on the first week.
Committee and Further Information
Our local organising committee are: Jan Harrold (Chair), Kate Moody (Treasurer), Richard
Farquharson (Course Secretary), Judy Cairns, Cec Harrold and Margaret Reardon.
Details of courses and other WEA events are posted on village notice boards and on our website
(http://www.helmdon.com). Details of WEA courses throughout the region can be found at local libraries or from the WEA's website (http://www.wea.org.uk).
◊ Richard Farquharson ◊ Branch Course Secretary : WEA Helmdon Branch
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
http://www.wea.org.uk
WEA is a registered charity no. 314001
HT TH

SOUTH NORTHANTS VOLUNTEER BUREAU
Have you been concerned about energy bills this winter?
Would you like to feel safer about the dangers of crime in your own home?
Do you have a properly working smoke alarm?
Have you concerns about falling or managing the medicines you have to take?
The Safe ’n Sound package is available to people living in
Helmdon
It is designed to help householders in South Northamptonshire feel safer from the dangers of fire, crime and the cold, as well as live more warmly and healthily in their own homes.
The programme offers free smoke alarms, door chains and low energy light bulbs, supplied and fitted by the Fire Service or by Care & Repair Daventry and South Northamptonshire.
Grants and subsidies are available to help fit home insulation that will help keep houses warmer, at the same time lowering domestic energy bills and helping the environment.
If you could benefit from any of the services offered by the Safe ’n Sound programme.
if you think you could help promote the project in your area by spreading the word and putting us in touch with local people; or would simply like to know more, please complete and return this enquiry form to:-
Safe ’n Sound, The Volunteer Centre, Moat Lane, Towcester. NN12 6AD
or Safe ’n Sound at [phone number removed].
HT
◊ Barron Walton ◊ Co-ordinator: Volunteers in Villages Projects at SNVB
[phone number removed]
http://www.snvb.org.uk/
TH
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Safe 'n Sound Enquiry Form
Safe ’n Sound helps protect you from the dangers of fire crime and the cold.
To find out more or to take advantage of these services, tick the appropriate box(es) below
Cut out and complete the Enquiry Form below and send to
Safe ’n Sound, The Volunteer Centre, Moat Lane, Towcester. NN12 6AD
and we will do the rest.
South Northamptonshire Council Environment Division for information and advice on energy saving measures and home insulation.
Northamptonshire Police Crime Reduction for advice on home security.
Care & Repair Daventry & South Northants for the supply and fitting of door security chains, door viewers and intercom systems..
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service for a home fire risk assessment and the supply and fitting of free smoke alarms.
The area Primary Care Trust for advice on health matters.
Care & Repair Daventry & South Northants for practical help and advice on home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners.
South Northants Volunteer Bureau for full information about the project
Your details
Name:
Address:
Postcode: …………………….Telephone :……………………..
This information will be recorded electronically and shared with appropriate agencies so that an appointment to visit can be arranged. Agency personnel will visit your home in order to offer advice and guidance to try to improve safety and energy efficiency and to fit appropriate measures as requested by you. All information will be kept confidential within the project partners.

THE HELMDON WEB SITE
I
t’s official – Helmdon is the Calor Village of the Year for
ICT in Central England!
The title, certificate, and £500 prize money were presented to
Helmdon’s webmaster, Danny Moody, and web editor,
Audrey Forgham, by TV personality Alan Titchmarsh at a glittering ceremony in London on December 6th.
Ideas for spending the money include creating a wireless hotspot in the Reading Room for Internet access, and making a contribution towards a new data projector to be made available to all village groups wishing to put on displays or presentations.
The award was not just for the web site though. The judges also looked at uses of computers and communication technology throughout the village. They were impressed by the facilities that the young children enjoy at Helmdon School, and by the fact that a lot of village groups now communicate with each other by e-mail. The telephone and bush telegraph still operate in the village, but for some groups it has almost got to the stage where if you don’t pick up your e-mail for a day or two you’ll miss what’s going on!
A web site has three main advantages over traditional paper-based media. Firstly, news can be published as soon as it happens. For example, the report and photos from this year’s Bridge Players
Panto were up on the web site for people to see before the Saturday night performance had even finished! Secondly, the web site has unlimited space, so whereas a newspaper or magazine is limited by the number of pages it contains, a web site can simply have another page added, or an existing page made longer! There are now over 1,800 pages on the Helmdon web site, not to mention all the photo galleries and the message board. Finally, the web site is instantly accessible, twenty four hours a day, for ever. This means it builds in to wonderful, searchable resource and historical archive for the village. Simply type a search term in to the box at the top of each page and you’ll be presented with a list of pages that contain those words.
So if you want look back and see, for example, the Women’s Club programme for 2001 it’s just a few clicks away!
Another recent highlight was discovering that our visitor numbers had topped
10,000 per month for the very first time.
In January 2006 we had 11,210 visitors, an incredible 362 visitors per day! These visitors come from all over the world –
perhaps you could call it e-tourism – and often have a family connection with
Helmdon residents past or present.
Knowing that the web site is well used
Danny Moody and Audrey Forgham with the spoils.
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makes all the effort put in to it by the web site team worthwhile.
Finally, www.helmdon.com is your web site. If there is anything you would like to add to the site please let us know. We are always interested in news, stories, snippets of history, photographs, group publicity – in fact anything you have that might be of interest to other members of the community. Please send any material to webmaster@helmdon.com.
We hope you continue to enjoy the web site, and we welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions.
The web site is designed and maintained by members of Helmdon WEA, and sponsored by
Helmdon Parish Council and HYHO. 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 http://www.helmdon.com
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TH
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THE BELL INN
H
ello Helmdon!
Sally, Rich, Nick, Dan and Denise would like to thank all our regulars for their loyal support. At the same time we would like to welcome any new faces who would like to pop along and try a variety of real ales, fine wines and anything else that would take your fancy (Within reason).
Hopefully by the end of the summer we will have our brand new bed and breakfast rooms up and running. It has only taken about 12 years to get planning permission. Not bad eh!
We also plan to get the back garden enclosed and lay a patio which will make those light summer nights so much nicer.
Village pubs are still closing at an alarming rate so please support you local.
For more information on events, bed and breakfast and Bellisimo Pizzas, please visit our new and growing web site at www.thebellhelmdon.com
Best wishes
Sally and Richard
◊ Richard and Sally Phillips ◊ Owners and Licensees : The Bell Inn, Helmdon
[phone number removed]
ED : Please see the reference section for further details about the pub and the current menu for the
“Bellisimo” pizza service.

THE BELL INN BIKERS
T
he “Bell Inn Bikers” is Helmdon’s Cycle Club. The club is informal and open to anyone who can make the cycle rides on Sundays.
We meet regularly throughout the year normally at 10.30am on Sunday right outside the Bell Inn
Public House. Occasionally we do change the start time to a little later to accommodate members differing needs and commitments. Please call Richard Finch on [phone number removed] or email me –
[email address removed] if you would like to join us or just turn up.
HT TH
As a friendly and varied group of people, we would welcome newcomers of all ages and all fitness levels. Come along and give it a go. The rides are relaxed and leisurely and so should suit anyone.
The club has just begun the planning for this years “Annual Hundred Miler Cycle Ride”. As the name implies we cycle one hundred miles over a weekend, normally two days. This year we are considering doing the ride over three days to spread the fun and efforts. The planned dates are 30th
June and 1st and 2nd July. P
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At present the route will take us from Helmdon to Olney/Emberton on day one. On day two we will go from Emberton to Fringford and then the last day will be from Fringford back to Helmdon finishing with a big welcome home barbecue. The route is still subject to some minor changes.
Anyone wishing to join us on this challenge would be most welcome. Please contact me, Richard
Finch, for more details.
◊Richard Finch ◊ Secretary: Bell Inn Bikers
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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Ready for the off after a refreshment break on the 2005 100 Miler
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HELMDON SPORTS CLUB
W
e are in the process of finalising the plans for the proposed new pavilion before submitting them to South Northants Council for planning permission. Once permission is obtained we will embark on a massive fund raising scheme to finance the project. It is hoped that grants will be available from various sources as well as the National Lottery.
On the football side the team is in the top half of the table and continues to flourish. On the down side some players have sustained long term injuries and we wish these players well in their recovery.
The Billiard team started in October and there are two teams playing in the League. Matches are played at the pavilion on Monday evenings and anyone who wishes to play should contact Tony
Wilson ([phone number removed]). Likewise the teams would appreciate any support at the matches.
The cricket team start nets in March and their season starts on 29th April. In the past there have been several people who have requested the fixtures so these are as follows;
29TH APRIL HELMDON V BODDINGTON
6TH MAY THORNBOROUGH V HELMDON
13TH MAY HELMDON V SYRESHAM
18TH MAY HELMDON V NORTHAMPTON GRANGE
20TH MAY HELMDON V BODICOTE
27TH MAY MARSTON V HELMDON
3RD JUNE HELMDON V FLECKNOE
10TH JUNE WOODFORD HALSE V HELMDON
17TH JUNE CHARLTON V HELMDON
24TH JUNE HELMDON V DUNCHURCH
1ST JULY BODDINGTON V HELMDON
8TH JULY HELMDON V THORNBOROUGH
15TH JULY SYRESHAM V HELMDON
22ND JULY BODICOTE V HELMDON

29TH JULY HELMDON V MARSTON
5TH AUGUST FLECKNOE V HELMDON
12TH AUGUST HELMDON V WOODFORD HALSE
19TH AUGUST HELMDON V CHARLTON
26TH AUGUST DUNCHURCH V HELMDON
◊ Dave Bridger ◊ Secretary: Helmdon Sports Club
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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WANTED
Contributions invited for another copy of Aspects of Helmdon. Articles on natural or local history will be very welcome.
◊ Audrey Forgham ◊ Editor: Aspects of Helmdon
: [phone number removed]
[email address removed]
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VOLUNTEER(S) NEEDED
The Carers Forum is an Information & Signposting service for Carers and professionals within
Northamptonshire and we are looking for a reliable volunteer(s) to help with promoting our information leaflets and posters in different areas around the county.
We would be asking a volunteer to look for suitable venues within localities to display our leaflets and posters in places for example
Libraries, Health Centers, places of worship etc. particularly within rural communities and then to revisit on a regular basis to ensure that they are filled up and kept neat and tidy.
Reliability is key to this position for us and the volunteer(s) would be asked to commit to at least one session of a morning or afternoon as a minimum per month.
This position would suit someone who is community minded.
We would pay mileage costs and give regular support and contact to the successful volunteer(s).
For further details please carers@abilitynorthants.org.uk
HT
contact Jenny Osborne on
TH
Jenny Osborne
Senior Liaison Officer, Ability Northants
13 Hazelwood Road, Northampton NN1 1LG
www.carers-forum.co.uk
HT TH
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www.helmdon.com your community website
[phone number removed] or

www.helmdon.com
| news | events | message board | history |
| picture galleries | groups and organisations |
| parish council | carnival | parish plan |
Just one of over 1,000 images on the web site
Contact Danny Moody: [phone number removed]
webmaster@helmdon.com
HT TH
helmdon.com is designed and maintained by members of Helmdon
Branch WEA and sponsored by Helmdon Parish Council

CKERS YOUTH CLUB
C
kers continues to meet at St Mary Magdalene Church every other Sunday evening during term times from 6.30 to 7.45pm.
We are pleased to welcome young people from school year 5
upwards and offer a wide variety of activities from sports, crafts, cookery, visits from reptiles to rock musicians and we go on outings too! We are very grateful to donations from several groups in the village which have enabled is to buy a pool table and air hockey table which are proving very popular with us all. Thank you.
◊ Kathy Quiney ◊ CKers Youth Club
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HELMDON CARNIVAL
T
he 2006 carnival preparations are underway as the first committee meeting took place in
January. With a slight restructure the committee is now being chaired by Claire Bryant
(Chairperson) and Ros Atherton (Vice Chair) who are in turn supported by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Harold Seckington (Treasurer)
John Coatsworth (Secretary)
Dave Bailey
Karl Leitermayer
Steve Waterworth
Bill England
Steve Valentine
Richard Finch
Last year’s Carnival was deemed a great success with positive feedback from many folk who commented on the range of attractions both in and out of the main arena. The weather was certainly on our side, and provided the perfect backdrop for the community of Helmdon and the surrounding villages to get together and contribute to a fun packed day.
To build on the success of last year the committee are asking for ideas on what activities and stalls you want to see at the 2006 carnival. Suggestion boxes will be placed in the Bell Inn, Bungalow
Stores and Helmdon Primary School so please use these to communicate your ideas and thoughts.
All suggestions and ideas will be discussed at the committee meetings and if appropriate will be put into practice. So, get your thinking caps on and let the committee know what you want to see!
At this early stage the committee are planning to organise a spring dance (around St Georges Day),
A Sports raffle at the Bell Inn (sometime in June) and of course the Carnival weekend, that includes a Saturday night dance, Sunday quiz and the Carnival Monday attractions. To keep abreast of developments please visit the village website www.heldom.com .
HT TH
Last year’s carnival was a great success and all proceeds have now been distributed to support local charities and village groups. A total of £5,100 has been donated as follows:
– 51 –
www.helmdon.com your community website

Brackley Cottage Hospital £1,500
Helmdon Sports Club £1,500
Helmdon Reading Room £1,500
Village groups £100 each :
CKERS, Helmdon 1st Guides, Helmdon Acorns, Friends of Helmdon School, Helmdon Rainbows,
Helmdon Presents.
P P
Pictures from the 2005 carnival can be found following the carnival links on www.heldon.com .
HT TH
We look forward to seeing you again this year.
◊ Claire Bryant ◊ Chair: Helmdon Carnival Committee
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
TINY TOTS
T
iny Tots continues to meet in its temporary home at Helmdon Parish Church, Wednesday mornings during term time 10-11.30 am. We are very grateful to the members of the Parish Church for making the transition back to Helmdon so easy, for arranging for the premises to be warm, and allowing us to store our toys in the vestry.
Recently we have said a sad farewell to some families who have been regular attenders for a number of years and we wish them well in their new settings. For anyone out there who doesn't know about us, we welcome "Tots" from birth upwards and their mums, dads, grandparents, nannies. whichever category your family comes into. There is plenty of time to play with toys and chat, also for new friendships to be made and opportunity to join in singing of your favourite pre school songs. "The wheels on the bus. Old McDonald had a farm. She'll be coming round the mountain" to name but a few, and also a chance to show of dancing skills as Christine plays the keyboard, you can join in with a choice of musical instruments. Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits are always served. We charge a nominal fee of £1 per family per session which we put towards the cost of providing new toys.
Our Christmas party in December was great fun, and as it was held in the Reading Room we were very glad that Father Christmas managed to find us. In May of this year, hopefully the Weston
Baptist Chapel renovation will be complete and we will be able to move back there for a permanent base.
If you have recently moved into the village or know anyone in a neighbouring village that has a toddler and would like to join us we would be very pleased to welcome new members. We are a very open and friendly bunch and would love to meet some new people.
Any queries or for further information please contact Rosemary – [phone number removed].
◊ Rosemary Gulliver
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
HT TH

HELMDON ACORNS PRE-SCHOOL
HELMDON ACORNS PRE SCHOOL
Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon.
WE TAKE CHILDREN FROM 2 YRS 6
MONTHS AND OPEN FOUR
SESSIONS A WEEK AS FOLLOWS:-
MONDAY
9.30am – 12.30
WEDNESDAY
9.30am – 12.30
THURSDAY
9.30am – 1.00pm
(INCLUDES LUNCH CLUB)
FRIDAY
9.30am – 1.00pm
(INCLUDES LUNCH CLUB)
CONTACT
RACHAEL BERCK
[phone number removed]
PLACES AVAILABLE FROM
SEPTEMBER 2006
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR
INTEREST NOW TO SECURE YOUR
CHILD’S PLACE!
A
corns started the current academic year with an OFSTED inspection in the first few days of term. We were delighted to be awarded a GOOD
grading, the second highest achievable and an improvement of a whole grade on our previous inspection two years ago. We are exceedingly grateful to the staff, led by Lisa Canning for their tremendous efforts over the last year. Their hard work and excellent rapport with the committee were greatly in evidence to the inspector and were key to us achieving such a good result.
One of the recommendations from the OFSTED
report was that we needed to provide some form of basic IT to allow the children to become comfortable with using a computer and a mouse.
We were very grateful for a donated laptop computer to allow us to bring this into our timetable.
Our allotment has continued to be very popular with the children and has now been dug over ready for another season's planting. The professional gardeners out there should watch out for the competition at this year's carnival!
Acorns meets on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings in the Reading Room between 9.30 and 12.30 with an optional Lunch Club between 12.30 and 1.00 on Thursday and
Friday. If you would like more information or to register your child for a place please contact Lisa
Canning either at the Reading Room during a session or on [phone number removed], or Rachael Berck-May on [phone number removed].
As the pre-school is a registered charity run by a volunteer committee of parents we are always on the lookout for new committee members. If you are an existing or potential parent and would like to get involved in this very rewarding role, please contact Rachael on the number above.
◊ Mark Hedley Secretary : Helmdon Acorns Pre-School
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
– 53 –
www.helmdon.com your community website

OBITUARIES, MARRIAGES & BIRTHS
Obituaries
None received.
Marriages
None received.
Births
Jasmine Rainbow Bailey
Born 17th Sept 2005
To Dave and Janine

REFERENCE LIBRARY
I
n this section I have listed lots of contacts and facts that may be useful to the new or long time resident Helmdon villager. If you can think of any I have missed then please contact me and I 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]
HT TH
Our representative on Northants County Council is;
Councillor A G Grant: 1 Gilbert Scott Court, Towcester, Northants. NN12 6DX.
Tel: [phone number removed]
Our member of parliament is:
T E Boswell MP, c/o Lloyds Bank Chambers, North St. Daventry, Northants.
Tel: [phone number removed]
Email: [email address removed]
M. E. Ps
Conservative Roger Helmer
Independent Robert Kilroy-Silk
Labour Philip Whitehead
Conservative Chris Heaton-Harris
UK Independence Party Derek Clark
Liberal Democrats Bill Newton Dunn
Addresses and email details are available at http://www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/MembersMain.htm
– 55 –
www.helmdon.com your community website

Fire Brigade
Northampton [phone number removed]
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency!
Voluntary Work
South Northants Volunteer Bureau, Towcester [phone number removed]
Volunteer Connection, Milton Keynes [phone number removed]
Towcester Area Door to Door [phone number removed]
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. owever 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]

Police
• From 1 December, 2005 we have a NEW telephone number for ALL non-emergency calls
• Use it wherever you are in the county
• You will get through to our Force Communications
Centre, where an automated call-handling system will help you connect quickly with the person you need speak to
• Calls will be charged at the normal local rate
• Emergency calls to the 999 number are not affected
Daventry [phone number removed]
Banbury [phone number removed]
Oxford [phone number removed]
Northampton [phone number removed]
Police Community Support Officer [phone number removed]
Community Watch Co-ordinator [phone number removed]
Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Helmdon (David Brookhouse) [phone number removed]
Crime stoppers 0800 555111
Victim Support [phone number removed]
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency!
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CONTACTS
David Brookhouse – Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Helmdon
Tel: [phone number removed]
Ian Drew
[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]
Chris Bridger
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
Wilf Forgham
[address removed]
[phone number removed]
– 57 –
www.helmdon.com your community website

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
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 (Women’s 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
JiGSAW [phone number removed]

Local Authorities & Services www.southnorthants.gov.uk ……….….For up to date information on local services
HT TH
South Northants County Council (SNC) [phone number removed]
Northants County Council [phone number removed]
SNC Recycling [phone number removed]
Health Information Line (Now NHS Direct) 0845 4647
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]
The Street Doctor Hotline 0845 601 1113
Abandoned Vehicles [phone number removed]
Trading Standards Advice [phone number removed]
Sports
Brackley Leisure Centre [phone number removed]
Brackley Swimming Pool [phone number removed]
Towcester Leisure Centre [phone number removed]
Helmdon Sports Club (David Bridger) [phone number removed]
– 59 –
www.helmdon.com your community website

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]
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 is 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
Village Contacts
The Bell Inn (Richard & Sally) [phone number removed]
Bungalow Stores [phone number removed]
Wappenham Post Office [phone number removed]
Services
Powergen Customer Service 0800 0564256
Powergen power cuts……………………………………………………… 0800 0568090
East Midlands Electricity Emergency Service 0800 0568090
Environment Agency General Enquires 0845 9333111
Environmental Agency, Emergency 0800 807060
Miscellaneous
Environment Agency Floodline 0845 9881188
Window Cleaners (Tony) [phone number removed]

Direct Phone Numbers for Council Services
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]
CD Cars [phone number removed]
TheTaxi-Bus no longer operates in Helmdon and a new service from SMS will provide a replacement bus service. The best news for many of the bus users is that this is going to be a low floor easy access bus.
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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www.helmdon.com your community website

BRACKLEY – Greatworth – Helmdon – BANBURY – Service SMS 508
Monday to Saturday (Not Sundays or Public Holidays)
U
Operator: SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS
Service Number: 508 508 508 508 508 508
Brackley, Tesco Store — [phone number removed] 1605 1715
Brackley, Market Place (Garage) [phone number removed] 1407 1607 1717
Brackley, Halse Road Health Centre [phone number removed] 1409 1609 1719
Halse, Mission Church [phone number removed] 1415 1615 1725
Greatworth, Crossroads Helmdon Road [phone number removed] 1421 1621 1731
Helmdon, Station Road/The Green [phone number removed] 1427 1627 1737
Sulgrave, Magpie Road Church [phone number removed] 1433 1633 1743
Culworth, Lindsays Corner Myrtle Cottage [phone number removed] 1438 1638 1748
Thorpe Mandeville, Bus Shelter [phone number removed] 1443 – 1753
Middleton Cheney, High St opp Red Lion [phone number removed] 1449 – 1759
Banbury, Bus Station [phone number removed] 1458 – 1808
Operator: SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS
Service Number: 508 508 508 508
Banbury, Bus Station [phone number removed] 1512 – 1812
Middleton Cheney, High St Red Lion 0801 1021 1321 1521 – 1821
Thorpe Mandeville, opp Bus Shelter 0807 1027 1327 1527 – 1827
Culworth, Lindsays Corner Myrtle Cottage 0812 1032 1332 1532 1638 1832
Sulgrave, Magpie Road opp Church 0817 1037 1337 1537 1643 1837
Helmdon, Station Road opp The Green 0823 1043 1343 1543 1649 1843
Radstone Turn |
508
|
508
| | 1654 |
Greatworth, Crossroads Chapel Road 0829 1049 1349 1549 | 1849
Halse, opp Mission Church 0835 1055 1355 1555 | 1855
Brackley, Halse Road opp Health Centre 0841 1101 1401 1601 | 1901
Brackley, Market Place (Toilets) 0843 1103 1403 1603 1701 1903
Brackley, Tesco Store 0845 1105 1405 1605 1703 —

Jeffs Coaches – Friday Only Service to Brackley
U
Leaves Helmdon, Station Rd (bottom of Church St) 09.52
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.06
Arrives Brackley, Tesco 10.10
(30 mins to do some food shopping)
Leaves from Brackley, Tesco 10.40
Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.50
(1hour to do shopping around the town)
Leaves Brackley, Market Place 11.50
Arrives Helmdon, The Green 11.58
Jeffs Coaches – Wednesdays Only Service to Northampton
U
Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:15
Arrives Northampton, The Drapery 10:30
Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham, Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden.
Blakesley, Woodend, Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough
Leaves Northampton, The Drapery 13:00
Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.
Carters Travel – Saturdays Only Service to Northampton
U
Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:50
Arrives Northampton, The Drapery 11:05
Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham, Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden.
Blakesley, Woodend, Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough
Leaves Northampton, The Drapery
Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.
HOUSEHOLD AND DIY WASTE
Nearest Waste Tip and Recycle Center :
Towcester
Old Greens Norton Road
Towcester
NN12 8AW
Tel: [phone number removed]
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www.helmdon.com your community website
13:55

April to September 8.30am – 19.00pm Monday to Friday
8.30am – 17.30pm Saturday/Sunday and Bank holidays
October to March 8.30am – 17.00pm Monday to Friday, Saturday/Sunday and Bank holidays
Open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
If you have undertaken a DIY project in your home (and have not employed anyone to do the work for you) then you can take the waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).
Please note that whole house renovation works are not accepted free of charge (please see tables below for number of free visits of DIY accepted per 2 month period and details of the pay-as you go scheme).
Vehicle Type
T T
No. of free visits of DIY waste per household, per 2 month period / Cost per Extra Visit T
T
Small car 8 Trips / £15
Large car, Estate, MPV, 4 x 4 4 Trips / £26
Small van, short trailer 4 Trips / £26
Transit van(SWB), Large trailer 2 Trips / £45
Transit van (LWB), Luton box van 1 Trip / £65

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
U
The village has its own recycling centre located just off Station Road. Turn left on the corner just before the School as you come into Helmdon. 20 metres and turn left again. The recycle bins are now in front of you and to the side of the Station Road garage block. They accept paper & glass
(clear & coloured). Please keep the area tidy and try and take your empty boxes away with you!
If you have non-recyclables to dispose of the nearest place to go is Towcester. If you go to the A5 /
A43 roundabout and turn right to go down the A5 towards Towcester you will see a petrol station on your right. If you then take the 1st right immediately after the petrol station, you will find the waste centre at the end of this road. It is open weekdays and Saturdays, heavily encourages re-cycling and has a little sort of jumble sale going on there. You are limited to five large DIY waste items per month. e.g. Baths, sinks, beds, kitchen worktop, radiator .. For more information call [phone number removed].
P P
Seckington (Bungalow) Stores
U
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 let’s try and keep this one).
Bungalow Stores Station Road Helmdon
Stockists of :
General Groceries, Fruit and Veg, Confectionery, Soft Drinks, Frozen Foods, Ice Cream, Pet Food,
Household Goods, Tobacco and Cigarettes, Helmdon Talkabout Magazines , Aspects of Helmdon local history booklets and Agents for Dry Cleaning
Opening Hours :-
Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri – 8am to 6pm
Wed & Sat – 8 am to 2pm
Sunday Closed
This is also the place to book, pick up / drop off the keys for the Reading Room and purchase tokens for its electric meter
The Reading Room
U
Located half way along Church Street. these rooms provide the meeting place for many of the village groups , such as the WI, Women’s Club and the Fellowship. 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.
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www.helmdon.com your community website

Reading Room Management Committee
Chairman: Bill England [phone number removed]
Vice Chairman: Michael Ayres [phone number removed]
Treasurer/Steward: Harold Seckington [phone number removed]
Secretary: Caroline King [phone number removed]
U
U
Allotments
U
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.
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 of Shortlands Close.
Sports field
U
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 marquees that can be rented for such occasions.
Playground
U
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 Street. 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.
Post Office & Drop-In-Centre
U
Opening times are:
TUESDAYS – 10am to 12 Noon
THURSDAYS – 2pm to 4 pm
Tea / coffee and biscuits served
The Bell Inn
U
The Bell Inn is our last pub in the village and provides the community with its greatest informal meeting place. It is has a welcoming atmosphere with lots of character drawn from its 18th century construction. The present owners (Richard and Sally) continue to add too the property with new interior decorations and furniture and more recently the ground works for a 2 room, B&B extension.
P P
Great range of beers, pool table, and large range of activities throughout the year (e.g. darts team, quiz nights, disco’s, comedians, etc).
The recent addition of a pizza service (takeaway and eat in) has proven very popular. Current menu shown on next page. (Prices & menu subject to change without notice).

Bellisimo Pizzas
U U
MARGHERITA MEAT FEAST
Tomato & mozzarella Onions, peppers, salami, pepperoni, garlic sausage, bacon bits and ham
£4.25
HAWAIIAN
Ham & pineapple
£4.95
COTSWOLD CLASSIC
Cotswold ham & mushroom
ITALIAN SAUSAGE
AND MUSHROOM
£6.25
£5.95
PIZZA FORTE
£4.95
ROMANA
Onions, peppers, parma ham, salami, pepperoni & black olives
£6.25
PIZZA CARCIOFFI
Onions, sweet peppers, pepperoni, mushrooms & garlic base
£5.60
GIUSEPPE’S SPECIAL
Onions, peppers, chorizo, prawns, tuna & anchovies
Onions, sun dried tomatoes & artichokes
£6.25
SPICY CHICKEN
£6.25
JALAPENO
Spicy chicken, onions & peppers
£5.95
EXTRA TOPPINGS
Onions, peppers, mushrooms & jalapeno peppers
£5.95 £0.80
All pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and can be made to your requirements : Call Richard & Sally [phone number removed]
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NEED MORE SPACE?
Whether buying, selling or renting,
MACINTYERS will get you moving!
Sales: [phone number removed] Lettings: [phone number removed]