Tomorrow evening it is hoped that many residents will join in with The Royal British Legion’s LIGHTS OUT event from 10:00 – 11:00 p.m. when lights will be turned off across the country leaving just a single candle burning.

And on Friday 15 August at 8:00 p.m. the Bookmarks Festival is hosting a special evening of war poetry with renowned poet Peter Wyton. Tickets are £5 if booked in advance or £6 on the door. The performance will be followed by a wine reception (included in the price of a ticket). All profit made from the event will go to the British Red Cross.

[ ]

Posted 25 July 2014
New Man At The Helm

Helmdon Parish Council has a new Clerk. Mr Simon Loake was appointed on 17 July and attended his first meeting on Wednesday.

Simon replaces Liz Hart who had been Clerk for eight years but resigned in the spring to take her career in a new direction.

Simon is also Clerk to Tiffield Parish Council, where he lives and to Greatworth Parish Council so he has a wealth of local knowledge and local government expertise.

Simon is a retired accountant, played rugby for Northampton, is an international musician and later this year is fulfilling a life time dream of driving Route 66. One thing is guaranteed, there’ll always be something to talk about with him!

Simon thanked Liz for her management of the council over the past eight years and her diligent handover.

To e-mail address to contact the council remains parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

[ ]

Posted 20 July 2014
Wind Farm Decision Delayed – Again

The decision whether or not to allow a wind farm to be built in Helmdon has been delayed yet again.

The decision has overshadowed the village since last year when the appeal was recovered by the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles.

A decision had been expected on or before 28 May 2014, then on or before 9 July 2014.

Now Mr Pickles has delayed the decision further to take into account yet more new evidence. A decision may be made in September/October.

The Helmdon, Stuchbury & Greatworth Windfarm Action Group (HSGWAG) has released an update explaining the most recent delay.

Further information will appear on this web site as and when available.

[ ]

Posted 16 July 2014
We’ve Only Gone And Done It Again!

Helmdon is, once again, officially the Best Village in Northamptonshire!

At an award ceremony last night at the Hunsbury Hill Centre, home of the competition organisers Northants ACRE, Helmdon was crowned winner of the medium sized villages category and then went on to scoop the overall prize.

Sarah Adhemar, who co-ordinated the village’s entry said “Thank you to everyone who helped and came along on judging day and supported the effort; I’m very, very grateful!”

The win follows on from previous wins in 2011, 2002, 1999 and 1996. Helmdon regularly places in the top three, and it is a real credit to the community to achieve such consistently high standards.

Competition rules will preclude Helmdon from entering next year (we have to give others a chance), so roll on 2016!

[ ]

Posted 10 July 2014
The Countdown Begins

For those frustrated by the slow broadband in the village today was a very significant day. Workman arrived early this morning and dug out the base for the new superfast broadband cabinet which will offer download speeds of up to 80Mbps, a big difference from the 0.5 – 2.5 Mbps available currently!

Over the next 4 – 6 weeks expect to see BT Openreach vans on site by the war memorial on a regular basis as the fibre optic equipment is installed.

Commercial services should be available soon after that. To find out how to order superfast broadband when it is available go to www.superfast-openreach.co.uk.

The FiSH Project (Fast Internet Service for Helmdon) began campaigning for better broadband speeds in 2011 and carried out a demand stimulation survey in February 2013. The fantastic response from Helmdon residents shot the village up to 4th place in the whole of Northamptonshire on the list of places most in need of superfast broadband. That survey put Helmdon into Phase 2 of BT’s rollout plans meaning that the village is getting broadband much earlier than some other villages of the same size.

Keeping checking the web site for further updates and let’s see who will be the first to be switched on!

[ ]

Posted 06 July 2014
Decision Day Looms

It’s the week the village has been waiting for since last year… the decision as to whether or not an application to build five wind turbines in Helmdon will go ahead.

The Right Honourable Mr Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, will make the decision on or before Wednesday 9 July. The decision had been expected on or before 28 May but it was delayed to allow the Secretary of State to take new evidence and updated guidelines into account.

Even if the decision is to refuse planning permission it may not be quite the end of the war. Any person may question the validity of the decision if they do so within six weeks. And even if no one questions it a developer may start a brand new application with modified plans.

However, if the decision is to refuse planning permission it will represent a significant victory for the majority of Helmdon residents who are opposed to the plans.

And what a party there will be on Saturday (12 July 2014) at the HYHO Summer Ball if Mr Pickles gives the village the “right” decision!

[ ]

Posted 02 July 2014
Start Your Engines…

It’s that time of year when Helmdon and the surrounding villages draw a collective deep breath as the Formula 1 show rolls in to Silverstone.

Some love it, some don’t but it’s hard to ignore! This year’s event takes place across the weekend of 4, 5, 6 July.

Road closures come in to force from Friday morning. The A43 will be closed to through traffic from 5am to 9pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Local diversions will send traffic along the B4525 but the Helmdon to Wappenham Road is not an official diversion route this year.

Residents have been advised that wheeled bin and recycling box collection days will remain unchanged but may be at a different time than usual. Bins and boxes should be out for collection by 7am on Friday.

For further information and regular updates please visit the Silverstone Circuit Information for Local Residents web site.

[ ]

Posted 28 June 2014
The Sunny Side Of The Street

It was raining until past lunchtime, and raining again by the late afternoon, but in between the sun shone down on the Helmdon Church Fete.

On Saturday 28 June 2014 hundreds drove, walked, cycled and scootered to Manor Farm opposite the church to enjoy cakes, teas, Pimms, tombola, plant stall and raffle.

It is the quintessential English Saturday afternoon and is an important annual fundraiser for the church.

As well as the stalls there was a chance to chance your arm at nine pins and to watch the Brackley Morris Men perform.

Well done to the organisers; especially whoever was in charge of the weather!

[ ]

Posted 20 June 2014
Caught At Gully

At long last the annoying and potentially dangerous flood on the War Memorial side of Jeffs Bridge has been dealt with.

A gully is supposed to take highway run-off coming down Wrightons Hill and Sulgrave Road but it has become increasingly blocked over the winter to the point where every time it rains a flood of water is trapped on the road creating a hazard.

MGWSP, the county highways contractor, visited this week and cleared and jetted the gully. Although the recent dry weather hasn’t yet tested the works it is hoped that it will do the job and the flood will be a thing of the past.

[ ]

Posted 4 June 2014
Wanted – A Parish Clerk

Following the resignation of Liz Hart, Helmdon Parish Council has an immediate vacancy for a Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer.

The post is for 8 hours per week, working from home and attending evening parish council meetings.

Download the vacancy notice here.

Liz has been Clerk to Helmdon Parish Council since 2006 and will finish on 30 June. The council presented her with a card and bouquet of flowers at her final council meeting on 28 May.

The closing date for applications is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday 19 June 2014.

**Separate from and in addition to her Clerk role Liz was also editing the council’s newsletter, Helmdon Voice. The council is exploring the possibility of someone other the Clerk editing the newsletter in the future and would be interested to hear from anyone that would like to take it on. There are 4 editions per year and the editor role is remunerated. For details of what’s involved please contact parishcouncil@helmdon.com.**

[ ]

Posted 2 June 2014
Judgement Day

The judges for the Best Village Competition will descend on Helmdon tomorrow, Tuesday 3 June, to run the rule over the village.

The judges are looking for villages that can demonstrate community, enterprise and initiative in how the village cares for its inhabitants and how it looks after its appearance.

the judges arrive at 11:00 a.m., and will convene at the Bell where it is hoped that representatives of the many groups and organisations will have the opportunity to tell the judges about all the good things that go on in the village.

The results of the competition are announced towards the end of July and it is hoped Helmdon will go one better than last year’s runner-up position in the medium-sized villages category.

[ ]

Posted 30 May 2014
Double The Fun!

Get ready for double entertainment when the Bridge Players stage two one-act comedies in the Reading Room on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June.

The comedies are Get Staffed by Frank Gibbons, a farce set in the reception of a newly-opened hotel, and Blind Date.com by Gerald P. Murphy where a series of couples meet for the very first time with humorous results!

The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. on both nights and tickets are just £7 for adults and £5 for concessions. Please contact Becky ([phone number removed]), Morag ([phone number removed]) or Bryony ([phone number removed]) to purchase your tickets. But hurry, when they’re gone they’re gone!

[ ]

Posted 24 May 2014
It Could Be You!

Helmdon Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. It is hoped, subject to confirmation from SNC, to co-opt at the council meeting on Wednesday 28 May (see full agenda).

If you are interested in getting involved in the plans for your village, including how the precept is spent, reviewing planning applications and responding to consultations, then please contact Liz Hart, Parish Clerk for more information on [phone number removed] or by e-mail.

Meetings are held every two months on the fourth Wednesday. To see the kinds of issues usually discussed at meetings, have a look at past minutes of meetings.

To qualify as a Parish Councillor you must be over 18, have lived or worked in the Parish (or within three miles) for a minimum of one year. The Clerk holds a full list of eligibility criteria.

[ ]

Posted 18 May 2014
Heading Off

The Headteacher at Helmdon Primary School is leaving at the end of the school year.

Jacqui Johnson came to Helmdon in September 2009 and has overseen consistently high standards throughout her five-year tenure.

A letter from the School Governors says “It goes without saying that we will be very sad to see jacqui move on to pastures new as she has provided great leadership during her time at Helmdon Primary School. Under her stewardship the school has continued to move from strength to strength and she has bought her energy and personality into everything she has done. So whilst we are sad to see Jacqui move on we wish her the very best in her new challenge“.

Mrs Julie Crouch will be Acting Headteacher until a permanent Headteacher can be appointed, hopefully for the start of the new school year in September.

[ ]

Posted 12 May 2014
Make A New Plan, Stan

South Northants Council (SNC) has been busy consulting on its “Local Plan” for the district and the public, parish councils and the development industry were asked for their views on the issues that should be covered in it. The consultation also provided an opportunity for possible housing development sites to be suggested to SNC.

Some 500 representations were received and these have now been published online for viewing. The Council will now be considering these responses along with other available evidence and information and will be preparing an options document for further consultation in the summer.

The responses are available on SNC’s web site. The District-wide information page contains the consultation documents, topic papers on village confines and settlement hierarchy, call for sites information as well as summary leaflets and posters.

Each parish has a separate page with parish-specific details and consultation responses. The page for Helmdon shows Helmdon Parish Council’s response and a representation for a suggested site for development in the village.

SNC will gather all the responses together and use them to inform the development of the final Local Plan.

[ ]

Posted 6 May 2014
Cash For Your Group

Helmdon Parish Council has once again set aside funding for village groups and organisations to support projects and activities for the people of Helmdon. The closing date for applications is 12 May 2014 and all it takes is to fill in a simple form, which can be downloaded here (MS Word document).

Applications must be received by the Parish Clerk by the closing date together with the supporting documentation required. The Parish Clerk may request additional information to allow recommendations to be made to the Parish Council.

Your group or organisation may need a small amount of financial assistance to thrive, or you might be looking to carry out a larger project and need seed-funding, whatever the case the Parish Council wants to hear from you. There are limited funds available, so don’t delay, get your application in today!

[ ]

Posted 24 April 2014
The Digby Jones Show

The Digby Jones show rolled into town on Wednesday evening; not the hard-hitting BBC business troubleshooter but Helmdon’s very own Cllr Robin Digby and HSGWAG chairman Keith Jones, who gave informative presentations at the Annual Parish Meeting held in the Reading Room.

Members of the public were sadly a little thin on the ground with only around fifteen people present, but those that did attend received useful updates on the wind farm battle, HS2, housing development in Brackley and rural policing.

A full report will appear on the parish council pages soon.

[ ]

Posted 20 April 2014
Happy Easter Helmdon!

A very happy Easter to all from the web site team.

For some Easter is a time to celebrate the Christian mystery, for others the whole thing is just a mystery!

Our Rector, Carole Peters, tells us that Easter eggs, or “Pascal Eggs” are an ancient Christian tradition signifying Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection.

There’s no denying that it is an important time in the Christian church and for those of a religious bent you might be interested in the Easter Message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Justin Welby.

For some small children (and even some adults!) it has to be said that chocolate, rather than Jesus Christ, is the focus of Easter; you can even find out what the way you eat your Creme Egg says about you!

Whatever your take is on Easter, enjoy!

[ ]

Posted 14 April 2014
Get In Touch With Your Inner Mo

Were you inspired by the runners taking part in the London Marathon at the weekend? If so then register now for the 5th Helmdon Hurler, which will take place on the late summer bank holiday, Monday 25 August.

Whether you were impressed with the professionalism of eighth-placed Mo Farah, the determination of disabled winner Santiago Sanz, or the shere bloody-mindedness of David Dwyer who finished the marathon in 07:55:20, now is the time to get your own race on the road.

The Helmdon Hurler is “only” 4.2 miles around the roads and tracks of Helmdon, with times last year varying from 23:58 to 66:15. Whatever your standard, age and ability you can be sure you’ll have fun at the Helmdon Hurler!

[ ]

Posted 08 April 2014
It’s Your Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting (APM) for Helmdon takes place on Wednesday 23 April 2014 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Church Street.

The APM is a meeting of the people to discuss affairs to do with the village. This year there will be an update on the wind farm, a report from the Blackpits Recycling Centre on the Welsh Lane, an update from the district and county councillors and a report on crime and community safety from our local PCSO. Plus all the news and info from your parish council.

If you’re interested in Helmdon and what goes on in and around the village then this is a must-attend event for you.

Free light refreshments will be available from 7:15 p.m. and all are welcome.

[ ]

Posted 02 April 2014
Decision Delayed

The decision by Eric Pickles MP on whether or not Helmdon will have wind turbines has been delayed until July.

The decision was expected on or before 28 May but a letter from the Planning Inspectorate says “it will not be possible for the Secretary of State to issue his decision by this date as
the Inspector has needed to take into account comments from the parties concerning Other Amplitude Modulation and on the Planning Practice Guidance issued on 6 March, and these requests for comments have delayed the submission of his report.”

The Secretary of State will now issue his decision on or before 9 July 2014.

[ ]

Posted 22 March 2014
The World Around Us

Do you value the countryside of Northamptonshire and would you like to learn more about the Nene Valley in particular?

The Brackley & District Wildlife Trust is holding a talk on Monday 24 March 2014 on the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA) Project by Heather Ball of the Wildlife Trust.

It is an opportunity to find out more about the NIA and how everyone in Northamptonshire can help towards protecting, enhancing and enjoying the natural environment.

The talk takes place in the Brackley Methodist Church, Hill St, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7DT starting at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. A minimum £2 donation is requested.

[ ]

Posted 12 March 2014
History Project Gets Underway

A group of local history enthusiasts is attempting to discover the history of the soldiers of the Great War on the Helmdon War Memorial.

As part of the World War I Centenary Commemorations it is a good time to remember those who died for our country and to record their courage and sacrifice.

The Local Studies group is led by Audrey Forgham and includes Cec Harrold, Judy Cairns, Celia Terrey, Ross Vicars, Ann Smith, Julie Godwin and Danny Moody. The aim is to finish the project by 11 November.

Some of the research has already been done (a few documents being in the historical resources section of this web site) but further information needs to be sought on the wider internet, and there may be further information in Northampton Record Office, the Northampton Library and possibly elsewhere.

If you think you may have any information about any of the men recorded on the War Memorial, or indeed anything Helmdon-related to do with World War I, we should be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Audrey Forgham by e-mail or telephone [phone number removed].

[ ]

Posted 1 March 2014
A Tax On All Our Houses

It’s that time of year when council tax bills will soon hit our doormats. So what’s the cost going to be this year?

A Band D property in Helmdon will pay approximately £1,454 for 2014/15. The money is collected by South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) and is then split four ways: £38 comes back to Helmdon Parish Council to be spent on services in Helmdon itself. £170 is kept by SNC for services such as waste collection, recycling, housing and leisure. £1,049 goes to Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) for facilities and services such as highways, education, public health and social services. The remaining £197 goes to Northamptonshire Police for crime fighting and community safety.

Helmdon Parish Council’s rate is up just under £3, SNC’s rate is the same as last year, NCC’s is up by £21, and the Police rate is up by just under £4.

The rises mean that the council tax for a Band D property is approximately £28 higher for 2014/15 compared to 2013/14.

Although any rise in council tax puts extra pressure on already-stretched budgets it should be noted that NCC has the lowest council tax of any county council in England. And with Helmdon Parish Council’s precept being only half the district average, Helmdon is relatively “cheap” as far as council tax goes. Households in Rutland for example will be paying in excess of £1,700.

Do you have any comments about council tax in Helmdon? Why not post a message and give us your views.

[ ]

Posted 25 February 2014
A Holy Conversion

Work has begun on converting the former Baptist Chapel on Wappenham Road, Helmdon in to a single residence.

The site had previously been subject to a proposal to demolish the chapel and build two detached houses, but the plan now is to retain much of the existing building and create a five bedroom dwelling within.

According to the most recent bat survey, the brown long-eared bats know to have roosted in the roof space appear to have moved on some time ago, either because the building was no longer a suitable site for them or, just like the Baptists, they have relocated to the Weston Chapel!

It is not known how long building work will take, but there is likely to be local disruption for the majority of 2014.

More details of the development are available on the SNC web site.

[ ]

Posted 13 February 2014
We’re On the Road To Nowhere

Motorists could be forgiven for being a little bit baffled by some confusing road signs that appeared at the bottom of Church Street this week. The signs appear to divert traffic towards a closed road!

The road closure is due to some resurfacing works that have been carried out on the Falcutt road towards the B4525 and along the Astwell track.

The diversion is for traffic that may have wanted to use the Astwell track coming from the Wappenham direction (which is probably no one other than those who live along the track).

Thankfully residents of Church Street have been able to access their homes throughout the period of the roadworks without difficulty.

[ ]

Posted 10 February 2014
On Sale Now!!

Dig out your best bib and tucker – tickets for the HYHO 2014 Summer Ball are on sale now!

Tickets are £59 per person if purchased before 1 March and £65 is purchased after 1 March. Tickets are available from Andrew or Liz Hart, Huw or Fiona Davies or Paul Underwood. All tables that are paid for by the end of February will be entered into a draw, with a lucky two winners each getting to nominate a song for the band to play on the night (subject to some obvious suitability vetting!).

The Summer Ball is always popular and there have already been enquiries for 6 tables, so don’t miss out!

Further details are available on the HYHO pages where regular event updates will also appear.

[ ]

Posted 31 January 2014
Bobby On The Beat

Are you concerned about crime in Helmdon? Do you think there should be more visible policing in the village? Then why not volunteer and become Helmdon’s very own bobby on the beat?!

Northamptonshire Police is looking for volunteers to join the growing ranks of the special constabulary. Special constables play an essential role in the success of Northamptonshire Police, offering their time to support the force and make a difference throughout the county. They are volunteer police officers who hold the same powers and wear the same uniform as that of a regular police officer.

Special constables are involved in a variety of police work gathering intelligence, executing warrants and responding to emergency incidents such as burglaries, domestic abuse, assaults and traffic offences.

You will gain a wide variety of skills which you will be able to transfer to your regular job and everyday life. The thorough training provided can also increase self-confidence and the ability to cope with everyday situations. You will also meet new and interesting people and have experiences beyond the realms of your regular employment.

Becoming a special constable is an excellent opportunity to experience different aspects of policing, develop new skills, pursue a career within the police service and make a difference where you live.

Please visit www.northants.police.uk/specials to find out more.

[ ]

Posted 28 January 2014
Traditional Favourite At The Bell

Do you have any meal plans yet for Thursday? Why not pop along to the Bell, Helmdon for a hearty plate of traditional Ham, Egg & Chips this Thursday, 30 January.

Food is served from 6:00 p.m. and the cost is just £5 per person.

[ ]

Posted 25 January 2014
Winter, But Not As We Know It

A huge hailstorm passed over Helmdon today, Saturday 25 January. Between 3:30 and 3:45 it turned almost dark, the wind got up, there was thunder and lightening overhead and hail came down heavily. Within moment the ground was covered white and the roads were streaming with water.

The wintry storm followed a midday high of 10 degrees Celsius. By 4:00 p.m. there were clear blue skies and sunshine.

It has been unusually wet and warm throughout January, and that following on the heels of the eighth warmest December since 1910.

Will we get any real “winter” this year? Who knows!

[ ]

Posted 11 January 2014
It’ll Be A Real Step Up

Work has commenced on replacing the steps to the slide in the school field. The old steps were worn and uneven so Helmdon Parish Council took the decision to have them replaced. When the new steps are in place children will be able to access the slide safely and can look forward to a summer of fun. The contract, worth around £4,500, required the complete removal of the old steps to be replaced with more modern and safe materials. The step treads will be made out of recycled hardened rubber that is both safe and hardwearing.

The project is just one aspect of planned improvements to the school field. The school is planning a big project to improve the drainage at the school field and enlarge the playground. The school has been awarded funding from the London Marathon Charitable Trust for the project which involves drainage works and an extension to the playground to provide enough space for the children to play without colliding and to provide an area for a tennis court and community seating. The total project cost is approximately £79,500 and the London Marathon will be funding £61,800.

The school field is a wonderful asset for school children and is rented by the Parish Council for community use outside school hours for all to enjoy.

[ ]

Posted 1 January 2014
Happy New Year Helmdon!

Happy New Year Helmdon! It’s 2014 and what a year it promises to be for the village.

In the first half of the year a final(?) decision will be made about the proposed windfarm in Helmdon. The planning application, which has been through several appeals and challenges, will now be determined by the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP. The decision will be published on or before 28 May 2014.

In the summer of 2014 BT plans to install superfast broadband in the village. The whole of Northamptonshire will have fibre broadband by the end of 2017 but, thanks to the village’s response to the demand survey in February 2013, Helmdon is near the front of the queue.

In November 2013 a hybrid Bill was submitted to Parliament (the “High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill“) that will grant the powers necessary to construct and operate Phase One of HS2 between London and the West Midlands, passing within 3 miles of Helmdon village. Members of the public now have the opportunity to scrutinise the Bill and make comments on it as it passes through the parliamentary process during 2014.

Sports fans will be looking forward to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia and the FIFA World Cup, which runs from mid-June to mid-July (or mid-June to late June for England supporters!).

In politics the key event of the year is the Scottish Referendum, which takes place on 18 September 2014. There are no local elections in Helmdon in 2014, the next parish council and district council elections being May 2015.

Whatever you’re doing in 2014 and wherever you are we hope it is an enjoyable and memorable year.

With very best wishes from the web site team.

[ ]

Posted 28 December 2013
Housing In Helmdon – What’s Your View?

The village confines.

South Northants Council (SNC) is consulting on how the district should grow and develop over the next ten to fifteen years. SNC is asking every village in South Northamptonshire to answer a few questions to do with how many houses should be built and whether or not villages should be restricted to their current layout (the “village confines” – see map for Helmdon).

The Helmdon Parish Plan Group (HPPG) is considering the questions from SNC and a copy is available for you to download here (MS Word).

The HPPG is meeting on 20 January 2014 to consider SNC’s questions and put together draft responses. The draft responses will then be considered by Helmdon Parish Council at its meeting on Wednesday 22 January 2014 (7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room) before being sent off to SNC.

Members of the public with views about how Helmdon should grow and develop over the next ten to fifteen years are invited to download the questionnaire and send any responses to [email address removed] by 19 January. You can answer one or all questions or simply make any comments you wish. Members of the public are also invited to the Parish Council meeting to make representations in person.

Do consider contributing your views… the more people that express a view the better the village’s response will be.

[ ]

Posted 21 December 2013
Carole’s In The Barn

Nativity in the Barn.

The Reverend Carole Peters led a nativity service at Home Farm, Helmdon this afternoon complete with live donkeys, llamas and a real baby!

The “Nativity in the Barn” service started with mulled wine and mince pies on arrival and a crowd of around two hundred and fifty people joined in with classic carols, such as Away in a Manger and Little Donkey.

The setting was brilliant and Jemmy and Morgan the donkeys and all the live animals made it a real treat. Congratulations are due to all the performers, both human and animal, and a special thanks to the Watsons for the use of the barn.

Reverend Carole took on the part of the Angel Gabrielle but, having now started this tradition, perhaps she’s the one that should “Be Afraid!” Same time next year Carole?!!

[ ]

Posted 8 December 2013
It’s Behind You!

Smelle chats to Claude.

Once again the Bridge Players have done the village proud. This year’s Christmas Panto was Beauty and the Beast, ably directed by Zoe Dyndor, and hundreds of people packed into the school hall over four performances between Thursday and Saturday.

You know the story: The Beast (whose castle is at the top of Shortlands Close) is saved from the wicked witch by the fair maiden (who comes from Upper Helmdon)!

The title roles were performed by Jonty Bridger and Shannon Smith and they were well-supported by a cast that only included two adults (Goody Two Shoes and Fairy Bovver Boots). Although certain “old-stagers” were missed the youthful cast showed that there is plenty of talent on its way through.

The players had musical accompaniment from a band that included a guest appearance by Chris Filbey of The Autumn Buskers on lead vocals.

This was the Bridge Players’ 25th Panto and judging by the quality of the young actors and actresses there will be at least another 25 to come!

[ ]

Posted 30 November 2013
Ho Ho Hovember

Christmas celebrations got underway today in Helmdon with a visit by Santa to the Reading Room for the annual church Christmas Bazaar.

The Bazaar is the traditional start of all things festive in Helmdon and the Reading Room was full of stalls selling books, cakes, bread and handcrafts. There was also a tombola, raffle and children could even decorate their own biscuits!

And what would the Bazaar be without Santa’s grotto and a visit from the man himself? Santa entertained the “believers” and even some of the “not so surers”! And yes, that is a real beard!

For children it is a wondrous start to Christmas, and for the church it helps to raise a few pounds to boot.

Merry Christmas Helmdon!

[ ]

Posted 26 November 2013
Helmdon Remembers

Photo by Charles Binns

It was a particularly poignant November in Helmdon this year, starting with a special remembrance service on 2 November 2013 to honour, exactly seventy years on, the ten airmen killed when their B-17 bomber crashed at Astwell Castle on 30 November 1943.

Villagers also gathered on Remembrance Sunday, 10 November, first at the church and afterwards around the war memorial to remember Helmdon’s lost and fallen.

As has become customary, both God Save the Queen and The Star-Spangled Banner were played during the service.

[ ]

Posted 23 November 2013
Wild About Helmdon

Due to a last-minute hiccup at Natural England Monday’s Wildlife talk in the Reading Room will now be “Beautiful Moths” with expert Tim Pridmore.

The talk by Adam Kwolek of Natural England about the Helmdon SSSI will now be in January or February 2014 (to be announced).

Tim Pridmore led the moth trapping evening in the churchyard at the end of September (see entry below posted 1 october 2013) and is a great enthusiast on all things lepidopteric. It promises to be a fascinating and eye-opening evening.

Everyone is welcome to the talk on Monday evening (25 November), starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon (minimum donation £2.00). The talk is organised under the auspices of the Brackley & District Wildlife Trust.

[ ]

home

Groups and series: Village news ("What's New")
Topics: WEA and village information

Researched and written by Helmdon Local History Group volunteers. We do our best, but we can sometimes get things wrong. Corrections and additions are welcome.