Article of the Week – archive

WRAPPED ON THE KNUCKLES FOR DOING WRONG – 16 December 2022

Helmdon School was a very different place for Viv Watson than it is now.

PLUCKING TURKEYS AT FIELD VIEW – 09 December 2022

Mary Turnham’s reminiscences.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE HELMDON HISTORY EXHIBITION – 02 December 2022

A very successful event, visited by some 280 villagers.

WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES CAME TO ASTWELL – 25 November 2022

A press cutting of a Brigade of Guards, inter regimental race, held in 1921.

HELMDON HIST0RY EXHIBITION – 19, 20 November 2022

In the Reading Room on Saturday from 10 – 4 and Sunday from 10 – 3.

A rare opportunity to see documents, maps photographs, etc. Free entry.

Seventeen Years Of Twin Bins! – 16 September 2022

Yes, we’ve been rolling them out all that time.

The Welsh Lane – 09 September

A drover’s road through Northamptonshire.

Wind Farm Sunk In A Storm In A Teacup – 02 September 2022

It is six years since that controversy came to a final conclusion, with the wind farm application being refused eight years ago.

This Villager Calls Helmdon Her Sanctuary – 26 August 2022

Wiggy Smith’s Lockdown Lowdown Reminiscences.

Helmdon School Competition Entries In The Newspaper – 19 August 2022

This was in 2021 in aid of Brackley Care Home. We wonder how they fared.

Who Baked Yorkshire Puddings For The German Prisoners Of War? – 12 August 2022

Look and See.

It Is 130 Years Since Telegraphic Communication Came to Helmdon – 06 August 2022

With a cost for the wire of £32 per annum. One of our earliest press cuttings.

Do You Remember Jim Tugwood? – 27 July 2022

A porter at the top station.

Government Minister Visits Flooded Villages – 22 July 2022

Helmdon was one of them. A very different scenario from the recent heatwave.

A Farmer At Falcutt Hall – 15 July 2022

This was the much respected Tony Smith, who, his son affectionately said, was always right, even if he was wrong!!

Fourth Best Rural Spot In The Country? – 08 July 2022

Well, South Northants was, in 2015

Walking Round Helmdon – 01 July 2022

The reminiscences of Roger Miles who set up the walking group in 2008 and still walks the walk…

Twin Bins To Be Rolled Out – 24 June 2022

Guess when that happened!

When Helmdon Had A Village Bobby – 18 June 2022

Great reminiscences from Noreen White who lived in Helmdon for most of her life.

Campaigners Delight At Wind Farm Victory – 10 June 2022

It was a good idea but to many people it was in the wrong place .

Alice Hearne And Her Reminiscences Of Two World Wars – 03 June 2022

Living To Over 100, Alice was evacuated to Helmdon and returned after retirement to see out the remainder of her days here.

Canalside Runner Raises Hundreds For Village Pre-school – 27 May 2022

A press cutting from 2010

When The “Gaggle” Of Evacuees Arrived In Helmdon” – 20 May 2022

The reminiscences of Michael Care

Legion Standard Goes On Parade – 12 May 2022

When Helmdon was proud to honour servicemen with a British Legion Branch

The Idea Of Owning A Village Chateau In France Never Materialised – 29th April 2022

The reminiscences of Chris Gartside and the HYHOs.

Residents Joy At Village Of The Year Success – 22 April 2022

This was way back in 1999 (Newspaper cutting)

Helmdon Provident Clothing Society – 15 April 2022

When having children less than 9 months after marriage resulted in expulsion from this benevolent society

(new document)

Thirty Years In Helmdon – 08 April 2022

The WEA, the website, the WI, Fellowship et al – all part of the Reminiscences of Audrey Forgham

The Beautiful East Window Of The Church – 01 April 2022

This was dedicated in 1917 by the Lord Bishop of Peterborough

The Late Lamented Gardening Club – 24 March 2022

Missed by garden enthusiasts. Here reminiscenced about by Julia McAuliffe.

The Fellowship, Still A Village Organisation To Be Proud Of – 17 March 2022

… as here in this press cutting of 1970, thanks to a dedicated committee.

A Night To Remember – 11 March 2022

Denise Powell’s Reminiscences of a Cross Lane Millennium Party – and the Cross Lane Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

When There Was A Call To The Prime Minister To Back Cancellation Of Wind Farm Proposal – 3rd March 2022

Good idea, wrong place. The Wind Farm Proposal Was Nearing Its Demise.

The Baptist Chapel – 24 February 2022

Rosemary Gulliver reminiscences on life when the chapel was a force in the village and remembers the day one hot summer when the varnish on the pews caused people to stick to them…

It Is Only Seven Years Ago That South Northants Was The Fourth Best Rural Spot In The UK – 17 February 2022

This was in a Quality of Life survey.

The Wide Ranging Memories Of Sue Lidgley – 10 February 2022

When rates were £29 a year, including water ….

When There Was A Call For The Great Central Line To Be Re-instated Instead Of HS2 – 03 February 2022

More traffic, less traffic, we will never know.

Memories Of Jerry Gascoigne, Village Blacksmith – 27th January 2022

who worked in Church Street in the early 1900s.

The Old Bakehouse Existed Before Date Previously Thought – 20th January 2022

A press cutting found by Ross Vicars records its existence as before 1780.

The Reminiscences Of Niki Phillips – 13th January 2022

Memories of being a governor for a great many years, together with those of many past students.

Plea For Postal Telegraphic Communication Between Helmdon & Brackley – 07 January 2022

One of our earliest press cuttings, the year being 1892.

A Lockdown Poem – 31 December 2021

When she wrote this, little did Lee Alfandary think that, at the dawn of 2022, we would still be in the grip of Covid, and aware that lockdowns might occur again.

A Victorious Day In 2014 – 17 December 2021

There are new signs to the entrance of the village marking past successes in the Northamptonshire Best Village Competition … this is one of those happy occasions.

Severely Rebuked For Being Precocious – 10 December 2021

Andrew Gulliver’s Reminiscences of Helmdon School.

A Photo Of Gravel Path – 03 December 2021

Taken by Bill England fourteen years ago and published in the Banbury Guardian. (Join the working party on Saturday 11 December and tidy it up)

Living & Teaching In Helmdon – 26th November 2021

The Reminiscences of Julie Crouch.

Did You Wonder Why Americans Were At Our War Memorial? – 18 November 2021

Read about the crash at Astwell in 1943.

The Centenary Of Helmdon W.I. – 11 November 2021

With an annual subscription of two shillings, the Rev. Canon Bartlett said that was it was “the duty of women to join”. Read the history of the Helmdon W.I.

Snapshot Project 2021 – 05 November 2021

A reprise of the successful project of 11/11/11. Your contributions are needed!

Recollections Of The Bell And Its Petrol Pump – 29th October 2021

By David Brookhouse. I am sure drivers wish it was still there!

When We Nearly Lost Our Reading Room Post Office – 21 October 2021

What a loss what would have been!

Who Offended The Judge At A Helmdon Carnival? – 14 October 2021

Read Chris Gartside’s reminiscences

Helmdon Signalman Len Wills Waved The Last Train Through At Brackley – 07 October 2021

…. in 1943. This was the end of an ere of the Great Central line which began in 1899

When The Skies Were Always Blue – posted 30 October

Early reminiscences of Derek Ratledge, who still keeps in touch with the village

Who Once Lived At Fountain House, At The Bottom Of Wappenham Road? – posted 18 September 2021

It was W. P. Ellis, a respected local historian who wrote Village Life in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, which gives a fascinating glimpse of Helmdon in the 17th and 18th centuries. And the house itself once has its own private platform and shelter next to the nibble and clink railway line .. ..

Involved in the School, the WEA, the village pantomimes, the Parish Council – posted 16th September

……and so much more, the reminiscences of Cec Harrold.

Found By Chance In A Bookshop: A Craftsman’s Notebook – posted 10 September 2021

A lucky happening led to a meticulous article.

When It Cost A Penny A Week To Go To School – 2nd September 2021

Some early memories.

Threat to Helmdon Station – 26th August 2021

A press cutting of 27 years ago, when planning permission was sought to build 16 homes on the site.

Another Lockdown Remniscence – 19th August 2021

This time from Val Smith, when ten waiters lined up and faced the diners ….

Carnival Time – 12th August 2021

When Helmdon celebrated August Bank Holiday in real style.

The Shortlands Story – 5th August 2021

The records tell us that there was a William Shortlond in Helmdon in January 1362, and the family name still lives on in the village.

Unwanted Development – 29 July 2021

When angry villagers in Helmdon were bitter over plans to build a 10-acre light industrial estate.

Why Is It Called Hintons Close? – 24 July 2021

The family were early occupants. Read their story.

Helmdon History Website’s Large Repository Of Press Cuttings – 15th July 2021

The first was was about the building of the Reading Room by the Fairbrothers in 1888.

Who Were The Fairbrothers? – 09 July 2021

This was a question posed on Helmdon Facebook and here is the answer.

Where Have The Youth Clubs Gone? – 2nd July 2021

They seem more part of a bygone age now, but in the 70s and 80s Helmdon’s Youth Club was popular and enjoyed by many youngsters.

Do You Remember Helmdon’s Carnivals? – 25th June 2021

This is a press cutting about one from 23 years ago when more than 2000 people came …

When Helmdon Had Two Railway Stations – 17th June 2021

The reminscences of Elizabeth Monck

When We Were One Of The Best Rural Spots In the UK – 10th June 2021

This was in 2015. Will we ever reach these giddy heights again?

The Story Of Stutchbury – 4th June 2021

and its link with the Cluniac monks.

Addition to the Church Graves Inscription List – 27th May 2021

This is a record of people in the Burials Book (the parish record) who were cremated, but their place of disposal of remains were not noted (or noted as elsewhere). Therefore they do not appear in the main inscriptions list as a row cannot be assigned to them.

Weekly Village Walks Begin Again – 20 May 2021

Much missed, they will be welcomed back. Roger Miles has been organising these since 2006. Read his reminiscences

History From School Logs – 13th May 2021

In 1914 “During the hygiene lesson on wounds etc. four children fainted, one who cannot hear of blood fell down and the others had to go out but did not go right off.”

Former headmaster Geoff Ipgrave chronicles school records

School Competition entries – 06 May 2021

Press cutting showing three entries designing a family friendly garden.

Murders In The Bull Family – 29 April 2021

An intriguing tale from David Bennett about two members of his family, two wives who poisoned their husbands shortly after marriage ….

The Reminiscences Of Marjorie Watson – 22nd April 2021

Life at The Grange, Helmdon when it a rambling farmhouse with no electricity and only lanterns outside to see to milk the cows.

Why Hintons Close? – 15th April 2021

The Hinton family were residents of Helmdon as early as the late 1200s. In the 1700s they appear in the victuallers records, and Matthew Hinton is one of the bakers at the Old Bakehouse, Church Street.

He Saw The Beginning And Ending Of A Railway system – 8th April 2021

A 1954 press cutting about Charlie Gibbons

Great Social History In Geoff Ipgrave’s Article On Helmdon School Logs 1850-1999 – 2nd April 2021

When sickness was due to damp and dirt and some some children could not remember having a bath during the year ….

When Helmdon Had A Sloshing Good Time – 25th March 2021

A press cutting of 1992

Wild Life Documented – See Nancy Wheeler’s Reminiscences And Did You Know That There Was A Helmdon Wild Life Group On Facebook? – 18th March 2021

When The Baptist Chapel Had A Presence In The Village – 11th March 2021

Rosemary Gulliver remembers ….

Will This Prophesy Of Seven Years Ago Come True? – 04 March 2021

Predictions of traffic chaos when the HS2 works began

When It Was An Old Barn – 26 February 2021

A new photograph

Walking Helmdon’s Footpaths – 18th February 2021

If you haven’t got the walking leaflets Roger Miles talks about, do contact him.

Blazing Saddles – 13 February 2021

Sounds like a film title, doesn’t it, but it was a fundraising idea in 1996/7

A Young Wives Tale – 04 February 2021

From Sue Lidgley, who has lived in the village since 1965.

One Of Our Earliest Press Cuttings – 29 January 2021

When Helmdon had its own tailor working in the village.

Have You Ever Wondered What The Initials HYHO Stood For? – 23 January 2021

Wonder not … Chris Gartside will enlighten you.

When Helmdon Had A “Lunatic” Motorcycling Vicar” – 15 January 2021

… raising money for charity.

The Reminiscences of Noreen White – 06 January 2021

When milk was 1d a pint, the houses were lit by lamps and candles and there were no flush toilets ….

Memory Lane Helmdon: Looking Back Twenty Years – 30 December 2020

The launch of the village website, the village film, when the village panto was Jack and the Beanstalk …. read about what else happened in 2000.

Best Wishes For

Christmas And A

Happy And Prosperous

2021

When Parachutists Dropped Into The Village – 17 December 2020

…. for the village carnival in 2000.

History Of Helmdon Lay Hidden In Farmer’s Home – 10 December 2020

Brian Little, the respected Banbury Historian is, alas, no longer with us, but he wrote about the village in this newspaper article.

Lands At Astwell Sold – 05 December 2020

When the 4th Earl Ferrers was hanged at Tyburn in 1760 for the murder of his land steward, the family estates were confiscated by the Crown. These included lands he owned at Astwell.

Listing Of Historic Buildings – 12 November 2020

Helmdon has listed buildings and tree preservation orders but it was comparatively late – 2015 – that the war memorial was listed.

The American Memorial Tablet At The War Memorial – 06 November 2020

Read why it is there, and also think about those men when we honour our own men from the village on Armistice Day.

Snapshot Project – 20 October 2020

On 11/11/2011 (a unique date) villagers were asked to submit photos of what was happening in the village. This is the result, pictures chosen from the hundreds submitted.

Friends Of The Church – 22 October 2020

It is the Friends’ AGM this coming Sunday – support if you can. They have done so much over the years to keep the fabric of the church in good repair.

Helmdon And The World Beyond – 15 October 2020

There is evidence that Helmdon was not as parochial as might have been imagined in the late (17 and early (18. Read Edward Parry’s article.

When The Bell Had A Gun Collection – 08 October 2020

and the new licensee thought Helmdon very pleasant but the water awful “I can’t touch it”.

That Territory Of The Dead – 01 October 2020

An 1990s article on the church yard and its memorials by Val Moir. She very sadly died in September and this is published in her memory. Val contributed greatly to the history of Helmdon whilst she and her late husband Stewart lived here, and is particularly to be remembered for her work on the gravestone and church inscriptions.

New Book On The History Of Northamptonshire’s Manors – 25th September 2020

David Blunt has informed us about his four volumes about the history of the manors and landed estates in Northamptonshire since the time of William the Conqueror entitled MANORS MAKETH MAN. Details here.

When Helmdon Still Had Thatched Cottages – 17th September 2020

The reminiscences of Cora Russell, born at Stone Gables, who remembered Bob Buckingham the butcher, Wilsons the builders, and Oakeys the bakers …

Advent Windows 2020 – 10 September 2020

Despite COVID 19 Ann Netton and Jenny Overson are very much hoping to turn Helmdon into a Living Advent Calendar for the sixth time this year with windows throughout the village decorated and ‘opened’ each evening between 1 December and Christmas Eve. More info: Ann Netten [phone number removed] [email address removed]) or Jenny Overson [phone number removed] [email address removed]).

Village Trades Of Nearly 100 Years Ago – 04 September 2020

In 1924 Helmdon had a boot polish manufacturer, a coal merchant, a saddler, a tailor, a cycle agent …

Countryside Walks – 26 August 2020

In 1988 Jean Spendlove drew an interesting map of country walks in Helmdon, with additional historical information. Whether you are a long time resident or new to the village you will find it fascinating.

William de Kancia. Who Was He? – 19 August 2020

Well, he was known of enough to have a whole three-day festival named after him in 1982/3

When The Village Had A Constable, A Molecatcher And Crowkeeper …

– 05 August 2020

An extract from William P. Ellis’s wonderful book on Helmdon in the C17 and C18 published in 1900.

Helmdon Fellowship: Founded In The 1950s – 31 July 2020

It is with regret that Covid has caused meetings to stop for the rest of the year. It has been a part of the village scene for so long and will be greatly missed by its members.

More To Our Church Than You Might Think – 23 July 2020

Did you live in Helmdon in 1953 when stone coffins were found in the church, under what may have been a manor chapel? – 23 July 2020

Remember this? The Threat Of An Industrial Estate In The Old British Rail yard on the embankments on the outskirts of Helmdon? – 15th July 2020

More Press Cuttings Of The 80s and 90s – The fascinating Women’s Club Scrapbooks have unearthed over 40 press cuttings, including this one about the sloshing good time had by all at the Helmdon carnival!

Meets Will(s) Campiun The Master Mason Who Built Helmdon Church – 03 July 2020

An interesting article from the Four Shires Magazine.

Astwell Castle & The Countess Of Huntingdon – 24th June 2020

A snippet written by Marjorie Watson whose husband found a 1700s coin on Stockleys.

The Helmdon Youth Club – 19th June 2020

Remembered with great affection by all those who were members … thank you, John Woodhams, for your sterling work.

The Churchyard Yew – 11 June 2020

You may have walked through the churchyard lately but have you looked at the historic old yew?

Another Poem – 05 June 2020

written about The Chequers pub which used to stand opposite the school until the 90s. (one of our numerous press cuttings)

A Lockdown Poem – 27 May 2020

Lee Alfandary has written a poem which sums up this dreadful period so succinctly …

Do You Remember Jack Ayres? – 21 May 2020

As well as reminiscences, collected in years gone by as well as in the current Lowdown Lockdown Reminiscences Project, we have had some obituaries given to us for publication. Do you remember Jack “Tiger” Ayres who worked on the railway?

Go to
Website

The Flag Fund – 30 April 2020

With talk of the village flying a flag at the war memorial for the NHS (the lucky ones who are not in lockout will have to look out for this) do you remember the flags flying in Church Street nearly 20 or so years ago?

Photo Gallery – 23 April 2020

Have you looked at this recently? We have a great many pictures of people, places, school photos and sports teams, aerial photos of the village, buildings, the old railways …. just click on PHOTOGRAPHS on the website index to your left.

Friends of Helmdon Church – 16 April 2020

You may not be a church go-er but you may wish to keep the church looking great, and the Friends of St Mary Magdalene are doing just that. Read their history in a new article.

Village Reminiscences Project – 09 April 2020

Something to interest you when house and garden jobs begin to pall .. why not write about your experiences in Helmdon, perhaps about why you like living here, memorable moments, or about a particular incident or time in an organisation which you have enjoyed? All contributions, large or small, will be welcome. Written submissions will be willingly typed by the editor@helmdonhistory.com. Alternatively if you would like to submit a video or speak on Skype or Zoom, email webmaster@helmdonhistory.com.

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Website

The Railways of Helmdon – 27 March 2020

Much has been written about the Great Central Railway and the Northampton to Banbury railway. This was Stuart Moir’s contribution to the website in 1997

Go to
Website

Reminiscences of Michael Care – 27 March 2020

There have been parallels during this pandemic situation with the Second World War. Be that as it may, Michael Care was evacuated to Helmdon during that time and never forgot his childhood, visiting Helmdon from his home in America several times during his life.

Helmdon Wills (1603 – 1760) – 19 March 2020

We can learn such a lot from wills such as the endowment of a school in Helmdon in 1723 and land ownership.

The Story Of Stutchbury – 12 March 2020

A town, and then a deserted village, read all about it …..

The Sharon Belle Album – 06 March 2020

You most probably have read all about the American bomber which landed in an Astwell field in 1943, but here are the mini-biographies of the men who died, as researched by Derek Ratledge.

Oxford University Land – 27 February 2020

Did you know that in the Middle Ages the Oxford Colleges owned vast amounts of the land in this part of the country? Magdalen College (together with, though to a lesser extent, Worcester College) held large tracts of Helmdon.

Churchyard Grave Inscriptions – 21 February 2020

If you go up into the churchyard with visitors looking for a particular grave inscription do be aware that there is a plan showing the site of the graves in the church porch.

The Early 1990’s Flag Fund – 13 February 2020

Do you remember this? Flags flew for birthdays and anniversaries and raised money for the Reading Room.

Reminiscences: Cis Terrey – 07 February 2020

Among the reminscences we have on the website is a contribution from Cis Terrey, who was born in Helmdon in 1919. She used to fetch the German prisoners from the prisoner of war camp at Sulgrave to work on her father’s farm.

The (19 Village – 29 January 2020

A national census of population is held every 20 years, with the next census being in 2021. We are lucky to have census data for early years in Helmdon 1841 – 1891 and the results are interesting reading, our village being one of predominantly agricultural labourers, lacemakers and … but see for yourself when you click on the link and find out the total of people living in the village at certain census dates, and further links to names and occupations.

New Helmdon Project – 23 January 2020

Ross Vicars has researched a fascinating new project, presented in booklet form. It is called Helmdon in 1939 and 2019. See the details here….

Ten Years Since The Wind Farm Proposal – 16 January 2020

Do you remember the furore? The Reading Room was so full at the protest meeting that some people gave up trying to get in and went home.

The Bells Ring On … – 10 January 2020

The bells of St Mary Magdalene Church still ring out for some services at Helmdon Church under the direction of Tower Captain Julian Partis, and have been doing so for hundreds of years. Indeed, the church inventory in 1552 mentioned four bells and a sanctuary bell.

Do you recognize any of the names of ringers between 1958 and 1964?

Julian [phone number removed]) would love to hear from you if you are interested in bell ringing.

New Presscutting – 03 January 2020

A new presscutting, this time about the GT Championship and the continuing success of Helmdon’s Mike O’Brien and his aims for 2020.

…… and a Happy New Year from the website team to you all.

Snow from Boxing Day till Mid-March – 19 December 2019

During my lifetime I can remember three very severe winters when skating took place on Astwell ponds. The first was in 1929. I have reason to remember this because when playing ice hockey I had my right hand skated over. It cut the sinews at the top end of three fingers and they are still bent at an angle. 1946 was the worst. It started snowing on Boxing Day and the snow remained with us until mid-March. We had evening skating for weeks under the floodlights of two or three old cars. You had to keep the engine running to charge the battery. The local roads were all blocked, the Helmdon to Brackley road to a depth of eight feet in places. Gangs of shovellers were organised. No milk lorries got through from Buckingham for three days but Tony Smith and myself managed to get an old army four wheel drive lorry and we got the local milk to Buckingham, and brought a big load of empty churns back. Twice we left the road and took to the fields. 1963 was bad enough, but by then there were mechanical earthmovers and local farmers had front-end brackets.

If you have enjoyed this extract, read more of

Jim Watson’s reminiscences

Happy Christmas! – 19 December 2019

We have enjoyed carol singing, Christingle, a pantomime, Christmas parties, a Christmas Fair (with Father Christmas in attendance), various Christmas lunches (some with excellent fare at The Fat Landlord), etc., but have you been round the village at night and seen the Christmas decorations and above all, the advent windows, the windows decorated by residents? If you can’t get out in the evening to look at the latter, go to www.helmdonparishcouncil.gov.uk and see them arrayed there.

The Fairbrother Family – 13 December 2019

A snippet of news about the Fairbrother family, whose ancestor gave the village the Reading Room.

Helmdon School History – 05 December 2019

Former Head Geoff Ipgrave wrote extensively about the history of the school which he had gleaned from the school logbooks. There are many interesting entries. For instance, in 1922, “As the Prince of Wales will pass the school the flag was hoisted.” (He was on his way to the Grafton Hunt point to point).

Villager Anger Over Lane’s Trashed Verges – 28th November 2019

Simon Harris is not the only one who is angry. Read the press cutting of today’s date. It is to be hoped that a solution can be found. (Just one entry from our comprehensive list of press cuttings)

1762 Militia Men – 20th November 2019

Men have been conscripted for war down the ages. This document shows the main occupations of village men in the year 1762.

Helmdon’s War Memorial Project – 14th November 2019

We have thought about the two World Wars this last week or so. If you wondered about the lives of any of those men on our village war memorial as you stood in silence last Sunday, look at the village’s war memorial project which was published in 2016 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary.

The Public Houses Of Helmdon – 8th November 2019

1630 was the first mention of a Helmdon alehouse keeper in an age when water wasn’t safe to drink and ale was firstly commonly brewed in small quantities at home. Do you know the names of the four principal establishments selling alcohol in the village since that time?

Birth Of The Reading Room – 31 October 2019

Three press cuttings have recently come to light documenting the origins of our much loved Reading Room. Did you know it was opened in 1888? Here is the fullest account.

Go to
Press
Cutting

The Millennium Village Film – 25 October 2019

Nineteen years ago the respected Banbury historian Brian Little wrote about the WEA Local Studies Group’s millennium film “A Year in the Life of a Village”, calling it “an all embracing study”. Were you lucky enough to see one of the showings in the Reading Room?

Some Twenty Years In The Planning – The Origins Of The School Playing Field – 18 October 2019

Thanks to some old meeting minutes and press cuttings new to the website, here is a short resumé of how the school playing field came into being.

The Helmdon WEA Branch Down But (In Spirit) Not Out – 11 October 2019

The closure of the Helmdon branch of the WEA was sadly announced last year, so it was time to update an article written at the time of the 40^th anniversary to include the next 19 years of this very busy, always interesting and enjoyable adult education branch. The spirit of Helmdon WEA members still carries on with a local studies group and the maintaining and editing of www.helmdonhistory.com., and long may this continue.

Very Different Parish Officers – 03 October 2019

When the village was served by a mole catcher, cow-keeper, crow keeper, haywarden, parish constable, peaskeeper …..An interesting calling, the peaskeeper. It is to be hoped we never need one in Helmdon!

Textile Makers, As Well As Lace Makers – 27 September 2019

Perhaps you will already have realised that Helmdon was a lace making village, but do you know that in the 1700s it had textile workers?

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Article

Helmdon Manor House Stood On The Site Of Manor Farm – 19 September 2019

Helmdon had three manor houses. This, the principal one, was probably fortified.

Prince Arthur Of Connaught Was One Of The Customers Of This Helmdon Tailor – 12 September 2019

How come? That we do not know.

Helmdon Was In Moral Decline – 05 September2019

Such was the state of the village before the Baptist chapel was built.

Murder In Helmdon – 30 August 2019

Murder in Helmdon and misadventure in Radstone ……