Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2005

23rd December 2005
Happy Christmas – Dot Com!

A very merry Christmas to all the readers of helmdon.com.

It has been quite a year again for the web site, culminating in the award for 2005 Calor Village of the Year for ICT in Central England.

We appreciate the support of all our readers and welcome all the feedback and messages that come in from all over the world.

Have a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[ ]

20th December 2005
Christmas Unwrapped & Recycled

Please remember to recycle as much as possible over Christmas.

In this time of so much conspicuous consumption, tonnes of extra rubbish will be produced across the district, and with Internet shopping there seems to be more packaging around than ever.

All cardboard should go in the green wheelie bin for composting, but please try to remove any plastic, including those annoying little ties that hold toys firmly in the box!

Wrapping paper should go in the green recycling box but, according to SNC Environmental Services Department, “We would prefer wrapping paper in the recycling boxes – however we can’t take any that has got foil, glitter etc on it. The best thing to do is to take as much sticky tape off as possible and flatten it down and put it in the box”.

And if you’re planning to imbibe some festive spirit remember than glass bottles go in the green recycling box and tins and cans go in the black recycling box.

Finally, the collection arrangements are slightly altered over Christmas, starting today when the black wheelie bin goes out with the green box. The full details are available here.

The full collection calendar for 2006 is available here.

[ ]

14th December 2005
Rainbows & Guides Deliver!

Helmdon Rainbows and Guides are running a Christmas card delivery for houses in Helmdon and Falcutt.

There are blue collection boxes at the school, drop in post office and Seckington’s bungalow stores. Cards can also be dropped off at [address removed], [address removed], [address removed], and The Cottage, Field way.

All cards should include name and address (street name and house name/no. if possible, with your telephone number). Donations will be greatly received for the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Girl guiding Northants Jubilee Hut Appeal.

[ ]

9th December 2005
We Want To Entertain You!

There will be a young people’s fun concert in the Reading Room on Tuesday 27th December at 3:00 p.m.

Come and relax and listen to the wonderful music provided by the children of Helmdon.

We promise great fun, great music and great food. Entry is only 30 pence at the door. Just turn up!

More information and contacts >>>

[ ]

6th December 2005
Winners Again!

Helmdon scooped the regional award for ICT at a luncheon held in London today.

The official title is “Calor Village of the Year for Information & Communication Technology for Central England 2005”.

The award was presented to Audrey Forgham and Danny Moody at a glitzy ceremony in a Park Lane hotel hosted by Calor with special guest Alan Titchmarsh.

Helmdon competed against villages from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire and Warwickshire to win the award and £500 prize money. more >

More details on the Calor web site >>>

[ ]

5th December 2005
Oh Come All Ye Faithful

With less than three weeks left until Christmas Day there is a definite festive spirit in the village already, and it was much in evidence at the school on Monday evening for the traditional “Carols Around the Tree” service.

The tree was once again kindly donated by the Helmdon Young Husbands Organisation (HYHO) and was erected and decorated by members of the Friends of Helmdon School.

Traditional favourite hymns were sung by the sixty or so staff, parents and children, accompanied by the school choir and Bee Aczel on the clavinova.

[ ]

23rd November 2005
Helmdon Presents… Talking Heads

One of Helmdon’s newest groups is set to stage its inaugural event within the village.

Helmdon Presents… is hosting the Hunt Roberts Theatre with their production of Alan Bennett’s “Talking Heads”. Picking two of the six monologues it is hoped that the touring theatre company will play to a packed venue.

The play takes place on Saturday 26th November at 7:30 p.m. in St Mary Magdalene Parish Church and there will be baked potatoes and drinks available in the interval.

The last few tickets are available from [phone number removed] or [phone number removed].

[ ]

7th November 2005
Drier Routes To School

Contractors have at last got to the bottom of the water leak that has plagued Station Road for more than six weeks.

Anglian Water’s contractors, Clancy Docwra, arrived on site this morning and discovered a leaking joint on a mains water pipe. The pipe will be shut off in the middle of the night and repaired to avoid any disruption to homeowners or the school.

The leak has been causing a nuisance since the end of September, with water being splashed over the school buildings, and any passing parents and children, every time a car passed by. The wait to have it repaired has frustrated everyone, but it might have been even longer were it not for the tenacity and dogged determination of school bursar Mrs Judith Wait, who has been on the phone constantly to Anglian Water pushing them to do something about it.

Now at last the children will be safe, and dry, on their route to school.

[ ]

1st November 2005
We Are Five Today!

Helmdon.com is celebrating a milestone today – five years since our official launch on to the world wide web.

Although many, if not most, villages and towns have an online presence these days, back in the dark ages at the turn of the Millennium it was a different story altogether. The Helmdon web site pioneered the village dot com explosion and set up a shining beacon for others to follow (even if I do say so myself!).

From our humble beginnings half a decade ago, the Helmdon Village Web Site has won various county and national awards, has been featured on the BBC on several occasions as an exemplar village web site, and we are currently in the running for the Calor IT Village of the Year.

So help us celebrate – we’d love to hear your views, comments and suggestions, either by e-mail or via the message board.

Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy birthday dear web site, happy birthday to us!!

[ ]

29th October 2005
A Better Butterfly

HAFWEG, Helmdon’s wildlife and environment group are holding a talk on Monday 7th November at 7:00 p.m. in the primary school.

The talk is on Native And World Butterflies with Emma Butt from the Stratford-on-Avon Butterfly Farm.

The Helmdon railway cutting is designated as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) partly due to the presence of the Small Blue butterfly, which particularly likes inland chalk grassland.

Why not come along and find out more. Everyone is welcome and HAFWEG would love to see you there.

[ ]

11th October 2005
Running For Your Life

The Helmdon Harriets are going to be scarier than ever when they host their first Halloween Disco in the Reading Rooms on Saturday October 29th.

The party is in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign and tickets are £5 each to include a ploughman’s.

Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Fancy dress is optional (but encouraged) and there is a bar running throughout the evening.

Helmdon Harriets is a running group, which began in March 2003. The group has raised money for various charities, such as breast cancer, autistic society and guide dogs for the blind by running 10k’s and half marathons.

For tickets contact Gill Garner [phone number removed] or Julie Crouch [phone number removed]

[ ]

6th October 2005
Supper For The Soul

The fourteenth Astwell Benefice Supper-Meeting takes place on Wednesday 19th October in Weedon Lois Village Hall.

The speaker is Alison White who will talk about “Selling The Soul – Spirituality in the 21st century, what is it?”.

The evening costs £3.50 per person and starts at 7:15 p.m. for 7:30 p.m..

To book a place please call Jean Spendlove on [phone number removed].

[ ]

28th September 2005
Feeling Safe ‘n Sound

SNVB (South Northants Volunteer Bureau) is looking for new volunteers in Helmdon to help with an important project.

Safe ‘n Sound is a programme designed to help householders in South Northants villages feel safer from the dangers of fire, crime and the cold, as well as live more warmly and healthily in their own homes.

Available free to householders are smoke alarms, door chains, intercom systems and low energy light bulbs. Grants and subsidies are available for other energy saving measures, such as loft and cavity wall insulation and even solar energy!

SNVB manages the project and recruits the local volunteers to help in the village. If you think you know people who might benefit from the services offered and can help within the village in a “good neighbourly way”, please contact Barron Walton at SNVB to find out more.

You can also look at the Safe ‘n Sound website at www.safensound.org.uk.

[ ]

27th September 2005
HAFWEG – A Year On

Incredibly HAFWEG (the Helmdon Astwell & Falcutt Wildlife and Environment Group) is one year old, so it’s time for the AGM.

Click here for poster.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 6th October at 7:30 p.m. at Helmdon Primary School.

It is a great opportunity for prospective members to come along and hear what’s been happening during the last 12 months, and what is planned for the next 12 months.

Niki Phillips, who has chaired the group in its first year, would like to see a good turnout. If you’re interested in Helmdon’s wildlife there’ll be something for you at the meeting.

For more information contact a HAFWEG committee member.

[ ]

17th September 2005
You Can Bet On It!

The Helmdon Sports Club Race Night is very much a family thing and all are welcome in the Reading Room on Friday 23rd September.

The first race starts at 8.00pm and the races have all been sponsored by local businesses and people.

There are still some horses for sale at £5 which means a large percentage of the winnings if the horse wins.

There are six races and there will also be a jackpot where, if someone predicts the six winners, they will be laughing all the way to the bank.

All are welcome and punters should arrive in time to place their bets on the first race.

If you would like more information please contact any member of the Sports Club committee.

[ ]

12th September 2005
England Benefit From Helmdon’s Success

It seems Helmdon’s recent cricketing success has finally rubbed off on the national team.

Helmdon cricket club have been promoted in each of the last 2 seasons in the South Northants League and now play in Division 3. This year is proving a little more tough, with the improving competition, but the team have no shortage of enthusiasm and determination.

The England cricket team, trying to emulate Helmdon’s success, have today won the Ashes for the first time in 18 years, beating Australia 2-1.

If you would like to get involved in cricket in Helmdon please contact any member of the Sports Club committee.

[ ]

9th September 2005
Tickets selling fast – it’s gospel!

Tickets for the Woodgreen Gospel Choir in the Church on Saturday 17th September are selling fast. Over 110 have gone already, so if you want to make sure of seeing this fabulous group you would be advised to book now! Tickets are £10 and available from Viv Watson on [phone number removed], Chris Gartside on [phone number removed] or any other committee member of the Friends.

If you decide to take a chance and turn up on the night, the concert starts at 7:30.

[ ]

2nd September 2005
Talkabout A Scoop!

Yes, it’s Talkabout time again! The Autumn 2005 issue of Talkabout has been sent to the printers and is expected to be delivered around the village the weekend of 17th/18th September.

In a scoop, the scale of which knocks the pre-release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in to a cocked hat, the web site team have got hold of an electronic copy of Talkabout and have published it here. (The file is quite large, so those without broadband may want to wait for the paper copy to arrive on their doormats).

This issue is the brightest and most colourful ever, with advertising revenue now supporting improved production methods. Advance congratulations go to the Editor, Richard Wray, and his team.

If you enjoy this Talkabout, why not write and let Richard know – feedback (of any type) is always welcome.

[ ]

2nd September 2005
New Line For Guides

Girlguiding operates in four age groups. For 5 to 7 year olds there is Rainbows. The next group is Brownies, for 7 to 10 year olds, followed by Guides for 10 – 14 year olds and then Seniors for “girls” aged 14 – 26.

There is a Rainbows group in the village already – the 1st Helmdon Rainbows meet on Fridays at the school – but there is no provision for girls over the age of 7.

Seeing a gap in the market Michele Rimmer and Sue Stone have decided to start a Guide group for girls aged 10 – 14. The first meeting is likely to take place on Monday 26th September, at a venue yet to be decided, starting at 6:45 p.m.

For further information please contact Michele Rimmer on [phone number removed], or send an e-mail.

[ ]

26th August 2005
Not Meals On Wheels, But Books

A mobile library has operated in Helmdon for many years but recently the service was under threat. Operators, Northants County Council, were proposing to reduce the number of stops in the village from 4 to just 2. Luckily the parish council were able to lobby NCC and reach a compromise of 3 stops (see here for details).

NCC’s 6 mobile libraries between them visit over 600 locations across the county. Each mobile makes regular visits every 2 or 3 weeks offering a range of books for all ages. There are also books in large print, audio books and CDs. It is free and easy to register and even if you use the mobile library you can still use your library ticket at other libraries in any of the towns or villages you visit. Books are borrowed free of charge and items such as audio books and CDs are hired for a small fee. Concessions apply for those of retirement age and people with a visual impairment or other disability.

More information is available here or on the NCC web site.

[ ]

26th August 2005
It’s Going To Be A Bright, Bright, Sun Shiny Day!

Unusually for a British bank holiday weekend the weather looks set to be fair throughout Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

With all the carnival activities taking place the sunshine and warmth will be welcome with bank holiday Monday currently forecast to be 23 degrees Celsius and sunny.

Of course things do change so for the very latest 5 day weather forecast for Helmdon please visit the BBC weather page.

[ ]

18th August 2005
Countdown To Carnival Weekend

With just over a week to go the carnival committee are in the process of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. This year’s carnival weekend promises to be one of the best ever, and everyone is praying for good weather.

The timetable of events has been published which states that the carnival procession leaves the school at 1:15 p.m. on Monday 29th August. Download the whole timetable here so you can see what’s happening when.

There will be a tug-o war competition at the carnival on Monday 29th August and, as before, Ross Vicars has agreed to provide the rope and will ensure fair play. So come on lads and lasses, mums and dads, kids of all ages, get a team of 6 together and give it a go! Entries will be taken at the sports field on the day or contact any carnival committee member.

All the latest news, and details of all the events and attractions, is available on the Carnival News page.

[ ]

8th August 2005
Coffee For Cancer

The coffee morning in support of Cancer Research UK held at the Wren House on July 27th had no chance of being a garden event this year. What an awful wet morning it was!

However, spirits and generosity were not dampened; despite being packed like sardines indoors the event raised £300, which will go to support the crucial research and development programme being undertaken by Cancer Research UK, always looking for new answers and treatments.

Organiser Jenny Overson would like to thank all those who came, contributed and spent well, and kept smiling.

[ ]

28th July 2005
Helmdon Snatches Top Spot

Helmdon has won the 2005 ICT (Information Communication Technology) Award in the Northamptonshire Calor Village of the Year competition and also came runner up to Brigstock in the overall standings for 2005.

The county Village of the Year competition is organised by Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) and the awards were presented to the winning villages on Wednesday 27th July at a special meeting held at ACRE’s Hunsbury Hill Centre in Northampton.

The Canon Dunn Memorial Bowl for ICT was presented to the chair of Helmdon Parish Council, Mr Peter Burns, who said “This is a good day for Helmdon, a lot of effort went in to this year’s competition and the awards are a credit to everyone involved”.

The ICT category examines the use of web sites, e-mail and other electronic media to enhance community life and improve local communications within villages and surrounding areas.

The web site has won previous accolades, most notably UK Village Web Site of the Year in 2003.

[ ]

18th July 2005
Art Attack

Helmdon Primary School is getting ready to host its next big Art Extravaganza.

A whole-shool art exhibition will take place on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July at 6:30 p.m. and all members of the public are invited to attend, whether or not you have children at the school.

The classrooms are beginning to look like artists’ studios, with fantastic creations being produced. The children are really keen to show off their work and are looking forward to seeing you.

The Rainforest exhibition in 2002 is still talked about today, the standard achieved by the children is truly remarkable.

FOHS (Friends of Helmdon School) will be cooking sausages and burgers and providing refreshments.

[ ]

11th July 2005
Parents Are Doing It For Themselves

When you see something that needs doing you can either complain that no one else is doing it, or you can get on and do it yourself.

School governor and parent Gary Turner is definitely one for getting on and doing things, so when the state of the flower beds at the front of the school was discussed in a recent governor’s meeting, Gary’s response was to organise a working party to sort it out.

Gary and a team of helpers hacked back weeds, trimmed bushes and strimmed grass to leave everything looking very trim and kempt, and now that a new caretaker is in place at the school the weeds will be kept at bay and the shrubs will grow on and create a pleasant entrance to the school.

Good job Gary!

[ ]

5th July 2005
Gardening, Wildlife & Farming

Sue Wallace is opening Peters Farm garden, Sulgrave Road, on 17th July from 2-6pm.

The garden is a five acre haven for wildlife with a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, meadow grasses and ponds. See what can be achieved despite the rabbits and the deer, and what to grow to attract the humming bird hawk moth among many other things.

The entry fee of £3 for the National Gardens Scheme gardens open for charity includes a look around the farm museum of implements used in the past by many local residents.

Teas available and plants for sale. For more information contact: [phone number removed] / e-mail.

[ ]

24th June 2005
Church Fête Gets The Boot

The Church Fête takes place on Saturday 2nd July 2005 and this year it will be accompanied by an added attraction – a car boot sale.

The car boot sale will take place in the paddocks behind the church and gates open at 3:00 p.m. to members of the public. Booters will have access from 12 noon onwards to set up and the charge for a pitch is £5 per car, pay on the day.

The fête itself features the usual attractions and takes place in the church and at Manor Farm opposite. Refreshements are available and the proceeds from both events go to Helmdon Church.

For further information about the car boot sale please e-mail the web site.

[ ]

7th June 2005
Anyone For Bridge Players?

Helmdon’s very own thesbians are taking to the stage again, this time for the summer play in the Reading Room.

The piece this year is entitled “Trivial Pursuits”, a comedy by Frank Vikery.

The usual suspects are involved along with some interesting debutants. Dave Bridger is directing (apparently the casting couch sessions have been a real eye-opener) and the whole thing takes place on sets created by Peter Fisher and John Coatsworth.

The dates are Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June. Both performances start at 7:30 p.m. prompt, in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon.

Tickets are a paltry £5 for adults and £3 for concessions – superb value for money. They are available from [phone number removed] or [phone number removed] or from a member of the Bridge Players committee.

[ ]

6th June 2005
Application Refused

The planning application made by Orange to erect a 15m mast in Falcutt has been refused by South Northamptonshire Council.

SNC stated “The proposed development would be contrary to policies GS5 and TEL1 of the Northamptonshire County Structure Plan and policies G3, EV1, EV2 and EV31 of the South Northamptonshire Local Plan which seek to protect the character and appearance of the area. In this instance the proposal would, by virtue of its siting and design, introduce a visually prominent and intrusive form of development to the open countryside, detrimentally banning the visual quality and character of this rural setting. The Local Planning Authority therefore require that further consideration be given to the siting of the proposed development in order to reduce the visual impact on the surrounding countryside.

Orange has a right to appeal to the Secretary of State against the decision within 3 months but if there is an appeal the residents of the parish will have a further opportunity to make comments.

[ ]

6th June 2005
HYHO Hoe Down

The HYHO Barn Dance will take place on Saturday 9th July at Manor Farm, Helmdon.

The HYHOs (Helmdon Young Husbands Organisation) try to have one big fund raising event per year, with monies going to various worthy village causes. Last year they staged a very successful Summer Ball and this year it is a return to the ever-popular Barn Dance.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and features live music from Pandemonium, a pig roast, bar and entertainment for adults and children.

Tickets are only £7.50 for adults, £5.00 for children and £20.00 for a family ticket (up to 2 adults plus own children under 18). Tickets are available from the Bell and the shop or from Paul [phone number removed] or Danny [phone number removed] or simply send an e-mail with your name and address stating how many tickets you’d like by clicking here.

[ ]

30th May 2005
Village of the Year

This year’s Village of the Year competition is slightly different in format to previous years.

In previous years the judges have gone round the village on their own and unannounced but this year they have let each village know when they will be visiting and have allowed 2 hours for each village to put on a presentation.

The judges will visit Helmdon on Monday 6th June between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

To find out more visit the Village of the Year pages >>>

[ ]

22nd May 2005
Villagers Mast Make Their Voice Heard

Whether you are for or against the proposed Orange mast near the parish church in Falcutt, you must make your voice heard.

Please see the message board for details of how to contact SNC and who to send your e-mails and letters to.

The first opportunity to make your voice heard publicly is at the parish council meeting on Wednesday 25th May, 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room. This is an ordinary parish council meeting but includes a special time set aside for “Open Forum” where members of the electorate have an opportunity to air their views.

For further details of the meeting please see the notice boards or contact the Parish Clerk.

[ ]

18th May 2005
Reading Room Meeting

The Reading Room committee are holding their AGM on Thursday 26th May at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room, Helmdon.

The agenda includes a chairman’s annual report, finance report and items to do with the fabric and maintenance of one of Helmdon’s most historic buildings.

The meeting is relevant to any group, organisation or individual that may use the Reading Room – which is just about everyone in the parish!

Everyone is welcome to attend and their will be wine, nibbles and chat after the formalities.

For more information contact Bill England or Caroline King.

[ ]

17th May 2005
It’s The Nature Of Things To Come

HAFWEG – the Helmdon, Astwell & Falcutt Wildlife & Environment Group – is gearing up to hold its first public events.

On Tuesday 24th May there will be a walk and talk with Dr. Barry Meatyard from Warwick University on grasses and non-flowering plants. The talk part will be at Home Farm starting at 7:00 p.m. and then Dr Meatyard will lead the group on a circuit round the village pointing out areas of particular interest. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge so please do join in!

On Saturday 11th June at 2:00 p.m. there will be a family fund raiser at the school to raise working funds for the group. It is hoped to have many and varied attractions for all ages including, plant sale, raffle, competitions and rides. There will also be a sale of second hand tools and HAFWEG would be very grateful for any donations. If you have any old tools you could donate please contact Niki Phillips, Jess Quiney, Phil Bridger or John Plunkett.

Finally, HAFWEG are starting a survey of the parish’s wildlife so if you spot anything unusual (like the white squirrel seen recently near the old railway line) please e-mail Niki Phillips or the Helmdon Webmaster, who will keep a log on the village web site.

For further details of any event, or to join the group, please contact any member of the committee.

[ ]

11th May 2005
Base Station Falcutt

Many residents of Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt may not be aware that Orange™ intend to place a mobile phone mast in the parish.

There are already 2 messages on the message board about it, so why not add your view so that Orange™ and South Northants Council know your views; whether you support it because you may get better mobile phone reception, or are against it because of the impact on the environment.

To see what the mast might look like visit the Bytham village web site who already have one.

[ ]

6th May 2005
Helmdon Gets The Blues

The votes are cast, the ballot papers have been counted, and the results are a resounding local victory for the Conservative Party.

Tim Boswell held his seat with an increased majority, up 2.4% from 2001. He polled 31,206 votes, with nearest rival Andrew Hammond (Labour) polling 16,520.

The Conservatives were also successful in the County Council elections returning new candidate Andrew Grant as County Councillor for Brackley East, which includes Helmdon. Cllr Grant polled 2,728 votes compared with Douglas Barry (Labour) on 1,858.

Turnout was reasonable, and slightly above the national average, with 61.84% for the Council election and 68.1% for the parliamentary election.

Full contact details of Helmdon’s representatives are available here.

[ ]

27th April 2005
Bins, Bins Everywhere.

The first collection of green bins took place on Tuesday 26th April 2005.

The green bins contain compostable material, such as grass, weeds, leaves and cardboard, and are part of South Northants Council’s new Twin Bin scheme operating in the village.

Green bins and black bins are collected on alternate Tuesdays, so there is 2 week’s waste in each bin. The council have offered to pick up additional bags of rubbish for the first few collections to ease the transition to the new scheme.

In addition to the Twin Bin scheme, residents also now have kerbside recycling boxes for paper, glass, tins and plastic.

[ ]

22nd April 2005
Annual Meeting Of The Parish

Helmdon’s Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 27th April at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room.

The meeting is an opportunity for the residents of the Helmdon to come together and hear about what’s happening and to raise issues concerning the parish.

There will be short presentations by our County Councillor, District Councillor, police and many village groups and organisations. In addition South Northants Council’s Environmental Services Manager will attend to talk about, and answer questions on the new Twin Bin scheme now in operation in the parish.

After the meeting there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to see the entrants in the village photograph competition.

To see the complete agenda for the meeting please click here and for more information please e-mail the Parish Clerk.

[ ]

12th April 2005
Road Closure Imminent

All of Sulgrave’s roads are to be stripped-back and resurfaced. A major undertaking.

The legal notices state that the work could commence at any date after 10th April and the contractor, WS Atkins, have informed Sulgrave Parish Council that work will definitely commence by the end of the month.

The work on Helmdon Road and Magpie Road will mean temporary closure to through traffic. Those who travel through Sulgrave to other places will need to find other routes for a short period. Temporary road closure signs will be erected on all approach roads.

[ ]

12th April 2005
Saxons and Vikings To Invade Helmdon

The WEA Helmdon Branch have announced details of their autumn 2005 course “Anglo-Saxon and Viking England”. This illustrated course will look at the archaeology of England during the Anglo-Saxon and Viking era (c. AD 400 – 1066). The course will be given by Dr Denise Cowley and will include the following topics: Who were the Anglo-Saxons, Archaeology of the Invasion Period, Anglo-Saxon Settlements, Anglo-Saxon Culture & England on the Eve of the Norman Conquest.

For full course details please visit the WEA section.

[ ]

10th April 2005
Village Thanked For Generosity

Jacquelynne Watson from HOMSA has written to thank the village for the generosity shown at the village auction held in aid of the tsunami appeal.

Ms Watson says “On behalf of the trustees and committee, I would like to thank you for your hard work and for choosing to support HOMSA in our efforts to make a difference to the tsunami victims of Sri Lanka.

“The response to our appeal has been quite overwhelming and we are now in a position to fund a number of projects, including the construction of a brand new orphanage for 30 children in Jeyanthipuram in the Batticaloa district, restoration work on a damaged boys’ home in the same area, the provision of 1,000 temporary homes and the creation of a skills training workshop where local people will be taught new skills by teams of visiting UK craftsmen.”

The auction, held in the Reading Room on 18th March 2005, raised £2,646.

See the letter >>>

[ ]

4th April 2005
London on 16th April for only £9 return!

A coach trip to London has been organised for Saturday 16th April 2005. The destination for WEA members is the Victoria and Albert Museum. However, other Helmdon residents and friends are welcome to fill the last few spaces on the coach (to visit other places of interest or for shopping, etc.)

The coach will leave Helmdon at 8:30am and the V&A museum at 4:30pm for the return journey. The coach trip costs £9.00 per person and is subject to availability of places.

For more information please see village notice-boards or contact Richard Farquharson, WEA Helmdon Branch Course Secretary: tel: [phone number removed] or send an e-mail.

[ ]

4th April 2005
Rev Becomes Retiring Type

With a mixture of emotions Helmdon bid farewell to retiring vicar the Reverend Canon John Roberts at a special service held on Sunday 3rd April 2005.

The service of thanksgiving took place at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church in Helmdon where there was standing room only for well wishers. A celebration lunch followed at the village hall in Syresham.

John Roberts became rector for Helmdon in 1993 and has left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. Reader in the Benefice Miss Jean Spendlove wrote “…we shall remember many things, including our indebtedness. But he is a good teacher: he has not made us dependent on him. We shall miss him, certainly, but are not afraid to go on without him.”

The successor is Rev Wil Adams, who becomes Helmdon’s 64th rector. The Benefice is lucky to have someone who has already well known to the member churches and their communities.

[ ]

31st March 2005
Helmdon’s New Twinning Scheme

The South Northants Council’s Twin Bin and Door to Door Recycling Schemes are being introduced to most households in Helmdon during April and May. After this phase nearly three quarters of the District will have the recycling schemes.

Households on the Twin Bin Scheme will have two bins: a new green one for cardboard and compostable garden waste and the existing black bin for any rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted. The green bins are emptied one week and the black bins are emptied the following week. The rubbish in the green bin is turned into compost and used on local farmers’ fields instead of being buried in a landfill site.

Residents new to this scheme will also be receiving the Door to Door Recycling Scheme. On this service they will be given two boxes for the recycling of cans, plastic bottles, foil, aerosols, newspapers, magazines and glass.

The new bins and boxes are being delivered in April and collections will begin in May. All residents will receive a letter and instructions through the post to tell them the exact arrangements in their area.

For more information contact South Northamptonshire Council on 0845 2300 226.

A representative of SNC’s Environmental Services will be attending the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 27th April at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room.

[ ]

24th March 2005
It’s A Quiz – Be Prepared!

Whistley 2000 Scout & Cub Group are holding a Family Fun Quiz on Friday 15th April 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Reading Room, Helmdon.

Whistley 2000 is an amalgamation of the Helmdon Group and the Turweston Group and many boys and girls from the village attend both the cubs and scouts on Friday evenings. The Quiz is to raise funds for the group.

There will be a maximum of five members in a team and the entry fee for each team will be £5.00 there is also a bar. Please contact Dave Bridger for further information.

[ ]

23rd March 2005
A Grand Effort – Two And A Half Times Over

The village auction, held on 18th March 2005 raised an incredible £2,646 for tsunami relief.

The event was organised by Sue Lidgley and the money will go to UK based charity HOMSA.

HOMSA lost their orphanage in Sri Lanka in the tsunami and will use donations to rebuild it. They are also looking to expand to a second orphanage because there are an additional 400 orphans in the area as a result of the tsunami.

Sue’s band of helpers including Margaret Reardon, Pauline Butler, Sue Wadeson, Chris Gartside, Judy Cairns and Danny Moody all ensured that the event would be a success.

Sue would like to thank all those who donated an item to be auctioned, and those who placed a bid either before, or on, the night. Well done all!

[ ]

20th March 2005
Make A Date With A Friend

The Friends of the Church have been fortunate in booking two performances which should be noted in your diaries. On Friday June 10th Fiori Musicali will make a return visit, this time playing Paris Quartets – music to entertain Louis XV of France – on flute, violin, cello and harpsichord. Since Fiori Musicali are recruited from professional concert musicians the playing is always of a very high standard and should not be missed. Tickets will be £10 and can be pre-booked with any of the Friends committee.

And now for something completely different. On Saturday September 17th we have a Gospel Choir from Wood Green Church in London. These are a nationally recognised group of singers who are expected to fill the church and raise the roof. It’s not often we get the chance to hear this type of music locally, so this is another one to note well in advance.

[ ]

8th March 2005
Village Gears Up For Auction

Helmdon agitator Sue Lidgley is the driving force behind a charity auction due to take place in Friday 18th March.

The Village Auction is in aid of the Tsunami Appeal and all the money raised will be going to HOMSA – “Hope Outreach Ministries South Asia” who work with affected families, primarily in Sri-Lanka.

The highest value lot on offer will be a course of teeth whitening, valued at £500, which has been kindly donated by Tom Pomeroy. Other lots include a Sony In Car MP3 System, a day trip with Jeffs, car valet, babysitting, theatre tickets and many many more. For a full list click here.

The auction starts at 7:30 p.m. on the 18th in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon. Tickets are £5 which includes cheese and wine and are available from Sue Lidgely ([phone number removed]) or Vanessa Vicars, or can be reserved by e-mailing this web site.

[ ]

24th February 2005
Sign Of The Times

An eagle-eyed motorist spotted these misspelled signs by the War Memorial and Welsh Lane cross roads.

The sign should read “PAST WAPPENHAM”, since the roadworks are (currently) beyond our neighbouring village.

This pours scorn on the already controversial roadworks between Helmdon and Towcester. A public meeting held in Wappenham last week addressed concerns regarding road safety and wasted public money in the “improvements”.

If you have a comment about the roadworks why not submit a message to the message board.

[ ]

20th February 2005
All the Reading Room’s A Stage

The Helmdon Bridge Players are holding their AGM on Monday March 7th at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room.

The AGM will be followed by auditions for the summer production (“Trivial Pursuits” written by Frank Vickery) and any lovey wanabees are encouraged to come along and let their talents shine. For further information please contact Dave Bridger.

[ ]

19th February 2005
Treasured Past Time

Back by very popular demand, the sports club are organising a car treasure hunt on Sunday 8th May.

Chief instigator, Mr Geoff Gulliver, is legendary for organising such events and contestants always have a fun and challenging time.

Further details will be released nearer the date, but for information contact Geoff on [phone number removed].

[ ]

9th February 2005
Site Supervisor Required At School

Helmdon Primary School are looking for a responsible person to maintain and care for the school buildings and site. The successful applicant will be responsible to the Head Teacher and Governors. This is a permanent part-time position.

The aspects of the job will include energy management, cleaning and porterage, security, opening and closing of the school, and some aspects of general maintenance and grounds maintenance. It is expected that most of the duties will take place between the hours of 5pm-7pm. We welcome visits to the school, please contact the school on [phone number removed] to arrange a time. Hours of work: 10 hours p.w., 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. NJC SS1A pay spine 6 £2963 p.a.

E-mail the school for additional information.

[ ]

7th February 2005
Ian Goes From Strength To Strength

Helmdon strongman, Ian Kinghorn, has just retained his British Masters Bench Press Champion crown.

The competition took place over the weekend and Ian won his class, and totalled more than the ‘open’ class winner too. He lifted 220kg to win his class; the open category was won with only 205kg.

With the performance Ian secured a place in both the British senior team and the British masters team for this year’s World and European championships, which take place in April (World masters), August (European masters), September (European ‘open’) and December (World ‘open’).

As well as being a fearsome competitor Ian has also completed a course and examination to become one of the first 11 nationally recognised powerlifting coaches with BWLA (British Weight Lifters Association).

Good luck to Ian in competition this year!

[ ]

20th January 2005
Reading Room Says Farewell To Secretary

Richard Bearman has resigned as secretary of the Reading Room committee after several years in the post.

He was instrumental in securing various grant aid which led to significant improvements in the facilities and fabric of one of Helmdon’s most historic buildings.

The new secretary is Caroline King, who takes over with immediate effect.

Chairman of the Reading Room committee, Bill England, said “On behalf of Helmdon Reading Room Management Committee I would like to thank Richard for all the hard work he has put in as secretary over the past 3 years and for all the help he has given to me. I would like to welcome Caroline King as the new secretary and hope she enjoys helping the community in this important role.”

Full contact details and information on how to hire the Reading Room is available on the Reading Room pages.

[ ]

14th January 2005
A Chance To Get Involved

The Helmdon Carnival Committee are organising a public open meeting in the Reading Room on Tuesday 18th January to discuss the Helmdon Carnival 2005.

The committee are looking for helpers, volunteers, organisers – in fact anyone that would like to be involved in making this annual event successful.

It could be anything from being on the committee, organising an event, or just being there on the weekend to help set things up and take things down.

The meeting starts at 8:00 p.m.. For further details please contact Bill England.

[ ]

4th January 2005
Service Of Remembrance

A vigil will be held for all the victims of the Tsunami disaster at 6:00 p.m. in Syresham church this coming Sunday, January 9th. In addition bells will be tolled in each of the churches in the Astwell Group from 6 – 6:10 p.m. and a single candle will be lit in each church as a way of remembering the disaster – the churches will all be open for individual prayer at that time.

At the service in Syresham there will not be a collection, but gift aid envelopes will be available to give to Christian Aid to assist their continuing help and support of the victims over the months to come.

Donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee Tsunami Earthquake Appeal can be made online at www.dec.org.uk.

[ ]

1st January 2005
Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone in Helmdon, and to all those who view and support the Helmdon web site.

2005 is a special year because the web site will be celebrating its 5th birthday!

It is also the year that the British and Irish Lions take on the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand – see the official web site.

At some point in the year we will all be trooping down to the Reading Room to cast our votes in the general election.

And, 200 years since the Battle of Trafalgar, there will be year-long celebrations of Britain’s maritime heritage – see web site.

What ever you’re doing in 2005 I hope it is a worthwhile and memorable year!

[ ]