Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2006

17th December 2006
Countdown To Christmas

With just one week left until Christmas the village is positively glowing, with more Christmas lights than ever before. The displays on Station Road lead the way once again, but there are lightshows popping up all over the village now. Love ’em or hate ’em, they certainly let you know that Christmas is just around the corner!

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7th December 2006
Could You Raise Funds For Manor?

Sulgrave Manor has an immediate vacancy for a Fund Raiser.

If you have a blend of imagination, logical thinking, persistence and attention to detail then this position could suit you. The position is part time at 20 hours per week.

To find out more contact Wendy Barnes or visit the Sulgrave Manor web site.

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28th November 2006
Don’t Be Late For Church

Starting from the beginning of December, the time of the Sunday Services previously held at 10.30 a.m. in St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Helmdon will be changed to 9.30. a.m. Please make a note of the earlier start time.

[ ] 15th November 2006

28th November 2006
Well Swash My Buckle!

There are lots of tickets left for the Bridge Players’ Panto… Oh no there isn’t!!!

The performance of Treasure Island on Saturday evening is now SOLD OUT and there are only a few tickets left for Friday evening. The best bet for tickets now is for Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon (matinee).

There is only one chance each year to see Dave Bridger and Paul Stothard dressed in women’s clothes (in public) and there is guaranteed fun for the entire family.

If you would like the opportunity to see this year’s Panto please telephone [phone number removed] urgently, or e-mail [email address removed].

[ ] 15th November 2006

Everyman Needs Your Money

The Rev’d Will Adams is asking for sponsorship to grow a moustache to raise money for Everyman, the cancer charity that aims to raise awareness of the importance of the early prevention of testicular and prostate cancer. Unhappily the incidence of this particular form of cancer has increased greatly over the last twenty years but most cases can be cured if caught at an early stage.

If you are interested in helping Will, please e-mail
[email address removed] or telephone him on [phone number removed].

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5th November 2006
From Your Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

As the clocks have gone back and the darker nights approach, this is good opportunity to remind you all to lock your doors and windows. We are experiencing a spate of people knocking on our doors – always check their identity and do not to let any stranger into your house.

Over the last few weeks there have been numerous burglaries in Helmdon, not always at night, some have occurred during the afternoons.

Whilst we live in a relatively crime free area of the country this no reason to be careless and lower our guard against these opportunist thieves.

The Police have informed me they are going to increase the patrols throughout the village, but this does not mean that this will put off the determined burglar.

The message is:

Make sure you have taken the necessary precautions as far as security is concerned and be a good neighbour.

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3rd November 2006
Be Safe ‘n Sound This Winter

Are you concerned about energy bills this winter? Would you like to feel safer about the dangers of crime in your own home? Do you have a properly working smoke alarm? Have you concerns about falling or managing the medicines you have to take?

The Safe ‘n Sound package is now available to people living in South Northamptonshire
It is designed to help homeowners feel safer from the dangers of fire, crime and the cold, as well as live more warmly and healthily in their own homes.

Download more information and an enquiry form, or contact Safe ‘n Sound directly on [phone number removed]. Details of the project will also be on show when the Safe ‘n Sound Community Roadshow arrives at Syresham Village Hall on Wednesday 15th November 2006 between 2.00p.m. and 7.00pm. See www.snvb.org.uk for further details.

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1st November 2006
It’s YOUR Council

South Northants Council takes care of many of the local services that affect our day to day lives – but how often do you make contact with them?

Are you in favour of the twin bin recycling scheme, or do you think every-other-week collections cause problems? Why not contact SNC and let them know your views, or you could post a message on this web site.

Do you have any environmental concerns? Are you impacted by someone else’s noise, smell or light pollution? Then contact Alison Richards or Debbie Shepherd (Environmental Protection Officer) on [phone number removed].

And the old favourite… the problem of dog fouling. If this one gets your goat then contact the Dog Warden at SNC – Helen Hunt on [phone number removed].

SNC provide these services as part of the local rates, so get in touch with them if you have any views – good or bad – it’s YOUR council!

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26th October 2006
Weston Ho!

The Weston Branch of the WEA will run a course next term on the topic: “Landscape and the geology of Northamptonshire” by tutor Ted Walmsley. This will include some economic history of Northamptonshire, since what we see today is the outcome of past options being exercised.

Ted Walmsley is a commercial landscape photographer these days and will illustrate the course with some of his excellent digital pictures. Before taking early retirement Ted was Head of Geography and Geology at a secondary school in the county. Wednesdays at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., starting on the 10 January 2007. For further information contact Glyn Jones [phone number removed]) or email [email address removed].

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22nd October 2006
How Very PC

A vacancy exists for a Parish Councillor due to the resignation of Cllr Ren Gittens. The vacancy will be filled by Co-option at a Special Meeting on Wednesday 1st November.

Any person wishing to apply should contact Liz Hart, Parish Clerk, [address removed] or parishcouncil@helmdon.com by Friday 27th October. Candidates will have a chance to address the meeting prior to the vote; candidates unable to attend the meeting may submit a statement to be read out to those present.

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2nd October 2006
Wear It Pink

October is breast cancer awareness month and to support their fundraising Helmdon Primary School will be hosting a “Wear it Pink” afternoon tea on Friday 13th October from 2:30 p.m. at the school.

Everyone is invited to come along for a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake and make a donation for this worthwhile cause.

Click here for more about the In the Pink campaign.

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30th September 2006
Free Money!

The HYHOs (Helmdon Young Husbands Organisation) had a great time at the Summer Ball, but now comes the really fun bit – dishing out the proceeds to local groups and organisations!

Any group in the parish is eligible for a donation and all ideas (£50 to £1,000) will be seriously considered. Group organisers should contact HYHO chairman Mr Simon Cherry on [phone number removed] to submit an application.

Many organisations have benefited in the past from HYHO donations and it is a tradition that the group are keen to keep going. It’s not often you get the offer of free money so grab it while you can!

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21st September 2006
Visiting VIP

With the retirement of Tim Boswell MP at the next general election, and the proposed reorganisation of local constituencies, Helmdon will have, one way or another, a new MP in the next few years.

Laying the groundwork today was Andrea Leadsom, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the shadow constituency of South Northamptonshire, who visited Helmdon today to meet a selection of prospective voters at the home of David & Carol Brookhouse.

A mother of three children and married to Ben, Andrea has enjoyed a 20 year career in finance and is currently Head of Corporate Governance for Invesco Perpetual in Henley. Her family are planning to move to Northamptonshire during 2007.

To learn more about Andrea and her work with the Conservatives please visit her blog site at www.andrealeadsom.com.

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20th September 2006
Calling All Musicians

The Bridge Players are looking for a pianist to play for the songs in the Panto, rehearsals for which have already started.

The performances will be held in the school on 7th, 8th & 9th of December (see the Village Diary for details).

If you can help please contact Val Smith as soon as possible on [phone number removed].

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19th September 2006
Evenin’ All

NALC (Northants Association of Local Councils) and Northamptonshire Police are holding an evening to discuss the recruitment of Parish Constables (defined as “A Special who will work in a small town or village location that would not normally attract a regular patrolling police presence”) on Wednesday 11th October at 7:00 p.m. at the Northamptonshire Police Headquarters, Wootton Hall Park, Northampton (entry free of charge).

It is aimed at those interested in the recruitment process or applying themselves! It will clarify the role of a Parish Constable, discuss how it fits into the Safer Community Team, discuss the funding opportunities for Parish Councils and give an overview of the recruitment and training process

If you think Helmdon or surrounding villages could do with more policing – and you want to get involved yourself – please contact the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart by Friday 22nd September.

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18th September 2006
Wild About Helmdon

No one with open windows this week could have failed to notice that we live in a rural parish! Clouds of crane flies (or daddy long legs, or Jimmy spinners, or whatever else you’d like to call them) have infested Helmdon over the last 5 days. The winged stage of their life cycle is short so they won’t be around for long, and their eggs and larvae (leatherjackets) are far less visible.

If you’re the sort of person that is frightened by a daddy long legs (apparently the reaction can be the same as for spiders) then perhaps education is the key, and this week in Helmdon there is no shortage of wildlife education.

This evening HAFWEG is holding a talk on “British Fungi” in the school at 7:30 p.m., which promises to be a timely reminder of all the mycological activity going on around us at this time of year.

Then on Wednesday Women’s Club are holding a talk about badgers – 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room.

Members of the public are very welcome to attend either or both talks. See the web site for details or just turn up on the night to be assured of a warm welcome.

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14th September 2006
Sneak Preview

Helmdon Talkabout, the twice yearly parish magazine, will be distributed this weekend by a band of volunteers.

Although reading the paper copy is probably best, you can see the issue first by looking at it on the web site.

To download the magazine, or any of the past 4 issues visit the Talkabout Downloads page.

The Autumn 2006 edition is packed full of parish news, stories and information. It is a must read for anyone living in, or with an interest in Helmdon.

Congratulations to Richard Wray and Wilf Forgham and all of the contributors for another fine publication.

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1st September 2006
Car Boot Sale

A car boot sale will take place in Helmdon on Sunday September 10th, and there’ll be plenty to buy apart from the car boots!

The event is being organised by Philippa Lloyd and will take place in the grounds of Fountain House starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m. All proceeds will go the Katharine House Hospice.

Entry is £1 per person and pitches are available for just £15.

For more information, or to book a pitch please call Philippa on [phone number removed] or [phone number removed].

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29th August 2006
Back To School – Nearly

There is only 1 week left to go until the start of the new school year and the long summer holidays are drawing to a close.

Helmdon primary school starts back on Wednesday 6th September with a brand new set of Reception children from Helmdon and surrounds.

Also new for the start of the term is the school’s paint job, having been decorated during the holidays in the classic Northants school blue.

For a complete list of term dates for the 2006/2007 academic year please visit the school pages and click on “term dates”.

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20th August 2006
Countdown To Carnival!

See Timetable of Events.

Carnival 2006 is nearly here! The countdown above is to the official opening of the Carnival but don’t forget there is a whole weekend of action starting on Saturday 26th August with the Carnival Dance featuring live music from “Sunfly”, a pig roast and bar. Tickets on sale from committee members (See poster).

On Sunday there is a family/community service at 10:30 on the sports field, and a quiz at 8:00 p.m. in the Bell.

Carnival day itself kicks off at 1:30 p.m. with a procession from the school.

For more information please see the Carnival pages… see you there!

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9th August 2006
Trades Off

The Helmdon Trades Directory
– for whatever you need Do you wonder who to call when you need something doing around the home, office or garden?

Why not support your local businesses and look up the Helmdon Trades Directory? You’ll find listings for builders, plumbers, decorators and gardeners. There are also computer repairers, hair dressers, gift sellers and an ironing service!

As well as Helmdon-based businesses we also list those slightly further afield that provide services in Helmdon.

If you have a local company send us your details and we’ll be happy to add them to our list.

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23rd July 2006
Party In The Park

Two hundred and fifty party goers bopped ’til they dropped on Saturday evening at the 2006 HYHO Summer Ball.

The event was a massive success with all tickets sold out many weeks beforehand. The organising committee were confident of a good evening, despite a freak storm that passed through the village on Saturday afternoon which lashed the marquee with gusts of wind over 60 mph.

An auction, held after the three-course meal, raised several thousand pounds for the school and other village groups and organisations. The final tally won’t be known until all the proceeds from the raffle and bar sales have been totted up – and that won’t happen until the organisers have come down from the massive high they must have felt at putting on such a professional event.

More photos from the night here.

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19th July 2006
Support Helmdon’s Oldest Building

14th century parish church. At the Annual General Meeting of the Friends of St Mary Magdalene on 4th July a new committee was elected, comprising Roger Miles, Ann Smith, Wiggy Smith, Nikki Phillips, Vanessa Vicars and Liz Woolley. Their first meeting will be on Monday 31st July at Wiggy’s.

The new Committee will probably run a limited number of events in the first year so that they can become established. Some of the outgoing committee have offered their help if required, but new faces would be welcomed to bring in fresh ideas.

You certainly don’t have to be a churchgoer, because the main aim of the “Friends” is to make sure that the ancient building stays beautiful and well maintained. Remember that the building is available to all of us, to be used for many purposes – quiet contemplation, musical events, meetings or anything similar that you can think of.

If you are willing to help by being co-opted onto the committee, by helping on an ad-hoc basis or in any other way, please contact one of the new committee.

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17th July 2006
More Tea Vicar!?

The churchyard, Helmdon. The Rev’d Will Adams would like to invite everyone for tea on Sunday 23rd July from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Antone House.

“Please come along and share afternoon tea and cakes” says Will, the Rector. All are welcome; he’s looking forward to seeing you!

If you can’t wait until Sunday for refreshment why not go along to Wednesday’s coffee morning at Jenny O’s in aid of Cancer Research UK. There’s a bring and buy and raffle so there’ll be something for everybody. The event runs from 10:30 until 12:30 midday. Send an e-mail for further information.

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12th July 2006
Parish Council Takes Hart

Liz Hart. Helmdon Parish Council has appointed Mrs Liz Hart as the Clerk to the Council with immediate effect.

Liz and family moved to Helmdon in June and she and has taken the plunge straight away by getting involved in village organisations and making a contribution to the parish. The role of Parish Clerk includes being the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer of the Council and acting as a link between the Parish Council and the District and County Councils.

If you would like to get in touch with Liz, or indeed any member of the Parish Council, all the contact details can be found on the Council Members page.

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10th July 2006
Fair Neighbours

The Weston Community Fair takes place on 28th and 29th July.

It will be held on Friday evening (7 to 9 pm), July 28th and Saturday (9.30 am to 3 pm), July 29th, at the refurbished Community Project building on the Main Street at Weston (near The Crown Inn).

The Community Fair promotes awareness of the social, cultural and recreational activities that are already available in our area, and others that could be provided, so everyone should try and pop-in. There is no charge for exhibiting and no charge for entrance to the Fair. Simple refreshments will be provided free of charge and a Bouncy Castle will be available for the youngest visitors.

Further information for would-be exhibitors can be had from Glyn Jones on [phone number removed], or Phil Drage on [phone number removed].

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3rd July 2006
It’ll Be A Ball

The 2004 Ball was a huge success.

With less than three weeks to go until the 2006 HYHO Summer Ball the excitement is reaching fever pitch.

The Ball takes place on Saturday 22nd July on the school field starting at 7:30 p.m. and finishing around 1:00 a.m., survivors permitting!

The last Summer Ball in 2004 raised more than £5,000 for village groups and the school and it is hoped that the same sort of funds can be raised this time around. Partygoers are reminded to bring their cheque books and wallets with them and to bid generously in the auction, which once again features some stunning once-in-a-lifetime prizes.

The photographers Ward – Hendry will be available on the night and will be taking photos of couples/ individuals and table shots if requested. The photographs will be available on the night to purchase by cash or cheque.

There is no parking at the school field, and the venue is surrounded by residences so please be considerate to all during the evening.

For more information please contact Gareth Dean [phone number removed] or Peter Fisher [phone number removed].

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30th June 2006
Weekend Of Fun

The Village Diary

This weekend promises to be a lively one, and you can be sure of never missing anything that’s on in the village if you keep an eye on the Village Diary page.

Our Village Diary contains listings of all that’s going on in Helmdon and surrounding areas. So whether it’s the Church Fete (2.30 p.m. Saturday 1st July), the Carnival Fun Day (12:00 p.m. Sunday 2nd), or any other great event in the year you can be sure of finding it in the Village Diary.

To submit an event for inclusion please send an e-mail to the Webmaster.

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21st June 2006
England Shirts Up For Auction

Roll up Roll up!! Here is the fantastic opportunity to place a bid to own 1 or even 2 signed England Shirts (proof of authenticity) by John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Monies raised goes towards Helmdon Carnival Charities. Click on one of these links to bid for the John Terry shirt, or the Frank Lampard shirt by e-mail (state your name, telephone number and amount) – or come along to the Sports Raffle to be held on Sunday July 2nd from 12 pm at The Bell Inn, Helmdon.

Bids will be accepted up until 3.30 pm on Sunday 2nd July and the successful person being named at 4 pm. See the Carnival link on the main page for further details about this and the fantastic Sports Raffle draw. See you all there!

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13th June 2006
What’s In Store?

A meeting to talk about the future of the old Baptist Chapel in Helmdon is being held on Wednesday 14th June from 7:45 p.m. at the home of Irene Innes.

Rev. Phil Drage will give a brief up-date on the situation and answer any questions.

Drinks and nibbles will be provided. The social is arranged by the Helmdon Baptist Cell.

For further details please Ring Irene ([phone number removed]) or Kate ([phone number removed]).

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11th June 2006
It Must be Fête!

The Helmdon School Fête is less than a week away now, with all the fun due to kick off at 12:00 midday on Saturday 17th June.

Attractions include a surfboard simulator, boa constrictors, pony rides, face painting and much, much more.

All the attractions will be complemented with a BBQ, tea and cakes.

The Friends of Helmdon School hope to raise lots of money and would like to see loads of people there joining in with the fun.

The event takes place on the school field and runs from 12:00 til 3:00 p.m.

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17th May 2006
Your Help Needed – Please

The Drop In Centre urgently needs your help!

Helpers are required for just 2 hours on a Tuesday morning or a Thursday afternoon at the Drop In Centre, which offers a warm cup of tea and a friendly chat to anyone that wants to, well, drop in!

If a small but willing team can be built up then a rota system can be developed so that each person has only to do say one morning or afternoon a month.

Without your help the Drop In Centre can’t function and a lot of people, especially our senior citizens, will miss out on their only chance to meet up with friends and have a chat.

Please call me, Caroline King, on [phone number removed], or just ‘Drop In’!

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17th May 2006
Bridge Players Do It Under Lights

The Bridge Players will be at it again in the Reading Room on 23rd & 24th June for this year’s summer production of Francis Durbridge’s “House Guest”.

Tickets always get snapped up quickly, so book yours on [phone number removed], [phone number removed] or [phone number removed].

To see a list of previous performances by the Bridge Players please click here.

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17th May 2006
That’s A Lot Of Dough!

The Table Top Sale in aid of Breast Cancer Research which took place on Saturday 13th May raised an amazing £650. All proceeds will go to support breast canacer research and organiser, Carol Brookhouse, would like to extend her thanks to everyone for all the support.

Don’t forget, the date for the Race For Life is fast approaching (14th June). Watch out for dedicated runners practicing in earnest around the village!

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9th May 2006
George – Don’t Do That!

Many of you will remember the performances on radio and television of Joyce Grenfell – one of Britains best loved comediennes. Some of her familiar and endearing characters will be brought back to life on Saturday 10th June in Helmdon Church, when USA based actress Catherine Flye will present a celebration of her life. Catherine is the Artistic Director of the Interact Theatre Company in Washington DC and has many awards and nominations there, both for her acting roles and her productions. She will be accompanied by Ian Clarke, who is a regular performer with the City of Oxford Orchestra.

This is a unique opportunity to see this production and also to save over £300 by avoiding the need to travel to the USA!

Tickets are £10 each, to include a free glass of wine, and are available from Brackley Tourist Information Office and members of the Friends of the Church committee.

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4th May 2006
Table Top Sale For Breast Cancer Research

A Table Top Sale in aid of Breast Cancer Research will take place on Saturday 13th May from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Acres End in Field Way, Helmdon.

There are lots of entrants from Helmdon in the Tesco Race For Life, the UK’s biggest women only fundraising event, which has raised over a £100 million for Cancer Research UK and welcomed over 2 million women to the events. The local Race For Life takes place at Silverstone Circuit on Wednesday 14 June at 19:30.

For further information about the Table Top Sale please contact [phone number removed].

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4th April 2006
It’s A Question Of Gardening

The newly refurbished Reading Room will play host to BBC Radio Northampton’s Gardeners’ Question Time on Monday 24th April, starting at 7:30 p.m..

The event has been co-ordinated by Susan Lidgeley and gardeners both new and experienced are attending to put their questions to presenter Dave Watkins.

A few tickets remain and are available for £6 each to include a ploughman’s by telephoning [phone number removed].

To have a question answered on the night please e-mail it in advance to [email address removed].

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4th April 2006
A Chance To Serve The Community

The Parish Council are looking for a new Clerk (see notice) for immediate appointment.

The successful applicant will be Helmdon’s 20th Clerk since 1894 and will be responsible for the running and day to day management of the council’s business.

A parish council is normally the only statutory body in a village and the clerk is the Proper Officer and (usually) the Responsible Financial Officer. On a small scale it’s like being the council’s Chief Executive.

For more about what the role of a clerk entails visit the National Association of Local Councils web site, and to apply for the vacancy in Helmdon contact the chair, Cllr. Peter Burns.

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3rd April 2006
Your Thoughts And Ideas Wanted

A planning meeting for the 2006 church fete will be held on Tuesday 18 April at Ann Smith’s, who is keen to have as many there as possible who will bring along thoughts and ideas and be willing to help in various ways to make this year’s fete as successful as previous years.

For more information telephone Ann on [phone number removed] or send an e-mail.

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29th March 2006
Cuttings Record Helmdon Celebrations

Three old press cuttings given to the web site via John Woodhams recently evoke memories of past celebrations in Helmdon.

The first one records the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1979 of the founding of the Helmdon Women’s Meeting. Next is a cutting of the remarkable Diamond Wedding celebrations of John (Jack) and Louisa Holloway in 1985. And finally there is a cutting of the Golden Wedding anniversary of Harold and Hilda Gulliver in 1986.

Click on the links above to access the cuttings directly, and why not browse all the other historical press cuttings here.

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28th March 2006
The World’s Gone Pottery

If you’d like to try your hand at a new skill then this could be right up your street.

If an interested group of people come forward then a new ceramics class will start on Tuesday afternoons in the Irene Inness Ceramics studio on Cross Lane.

If you might be interested, please ring Ros Partis on [phone number removed] for more details.

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21st March 2006
Ethically Speaking

The Sulgrave Village Shop has received a nomination in the Observer Ethical Retailer of the Year Awards 2006. Voting is open to anyone but votes have to be in by 31st March 2006 at the latest so please act now! If you would like to vote please click here to visit the Observer web site.

The Retailer category includes online and smaller farm shop retailers as well as specialist organic stores and even ethical supermarkets. Turnover and size is taken in to account when totting up the votes to create a level playing field.

Vote for Sulgrave Village Shop – Your support will be appreciated!

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8th March 2006
That’s Something To Talkabout

The latest edition of Helmdon’s esteemed biannual magazine is due for publication in the next few weeks.

The content is bolder and brighter than ever before, with all of the village groups contributing articles, news and information.

Talkabout is essential reading, whether you’ve lived in the village for ninety years or ninety days!

For those that absolutely cannot wait for Talkabout to drop through your door, you can take a sneak preview and download a copy today!

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8th March 2006
Going, Going, Nearly Gone

The 2nd HYHO Summer Ball will take place on Saturday 22nd July 2006 on the school field in Helmdon.

Two hundred and fifty tickets have been issued and all but a handful have been snapped up by people who remember what a superb evening it was when the inaugural ball was held in 2004.

If you would like to secure one of the last remaining tickets please contact Peter Fisher on [phone number removed] – hurry!

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3rd March 2006
Nature Conservation In Helmdon

Dr James Littlemore of Moulton College will be visiting Helmdon on Monday 20th March to give a talk to HAFWEG about conservation, with particular reference to the Helmdon School conservation area and the Helmdon brook.

The talk will take place at Helmdon School starting at 7:30 p.m. and refreshments will be available at half time.

Everyone is welcome to attend, you don’t have to be a member of HAFWEG! For more information please contact John or Ben Thorne on [phone number removed] or send an e-mail.

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27th February 2006
Out With The Old…

We are happy to say that the very tired looking Reading Room kitchen is being totally refurbished in April.

Unfortunately, however, the Reading Room (the entire building) will be CLOSED FROM THE 1ST – 18TH APRIL 2006 INCLUSIVE. Those organisations who have already booked the hall during this time have been notified. If you have any queries about this, or any other matter relating to the Reading Room, please don’t hesitate to call either Bill England (Chairman) on [phone number removed], or myself, Caroline King, on [phone number removed].

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13th February 2006
Religion & Violence In The Reading Room!

The fifteenth Benefice supper takes place on Wednesday, February 22nd in the Reading Room, Helmdon.

The subject for discussion is “Religion And Violence”, a talk by the Rev’d David Wiseman.

All faiths, opinions and doubts are most welcome. Book your place through Jean Spendlove on [phone number removed]. Don’t wait to be asked!

The meeting starts at 7:15 for 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost £3.50 for supper and the evening.

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9th February 2006
Not Just Thinking It – Doing It

A family from Falcutt will be starting a new life in the Dominican Republic at the end of April to work as part of an international aid effort helping destitute Haitian refugees.

Simon & Diane Redmile and their two children are selling up and moving half way round the world to help others.

The Redmiles are having a house sale this Saturday, 11th February to raise money to help them set up base in the Dominican Republic and would greatly appreciate lots of people turning out to buy furniture, books, pictures and other household goods.

The sale takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Granary Barn, Falcutt. Call [phone number removed] or e-mail [email address removed] for further information.

For a full press cutting about the family’s move, click here.

Visit the Mission Direct web site to learn more about the important work of this Christian charity.

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31st January 2006
Old Tyme For A Good Tyme

The Friends of St Mary Magdalene presents an Old Tyme Music Hall in the Reading Room on Saturday 18th March at 7:30. A sausage and mash supper will be served in the interval – this is included in the cost of tickets at £8:00. Why not get a group of friends together and book a table. You can be sure of an evening of varied entertainment with plenty of chances to join in or just heckle!

Tickets are available from members of the “Friends” committee – Vanessa Vicars, Wiggy Smith, Liz Woolley, Viv Watson, Paul Underwood and Lynn or Chris Gartside – also from the Bell Inn and Bill England. Alternatively telephone [phone number removed] or [phone number removed].

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20th January 2006
One Stop Cop Shop Number

A new telephone number for all non-emergency calls has been introduced by Northants Police.

It can be used wherever you are in the county and you will get through to the Force Communications Centre, where an automated call-handling system will help you connect quickly with the person you need speak to.

Calls will be charged at the normal local rate.

Emergency calls to the 999 number are not affected.

More information is available here.

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11th January 2006
Whittling About Whittlewood

Helmdon Astwell and Falcutt Wildlife and Environment Group (HAFWEG) have arranged for Andy Patmore to visit the School at 7:30 p.m. on Monday 16th January to talk about the natural history of Whittlewood, the ancient Royal Forest of which remnants are around the district.

The Whittlewood project makes use of a variety of historical documents, both medieval and modern, in order to provide a context for archaeological research. Studies have been made both of individual settlements and the project area as a whole, which includes Stowe and Whittlebury.

Everyone is welcome. Please just turn up, or contact the HAFWEG committee for further information.

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1st January 2006
Happy New Year!

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

2006 is a football World Cup year so I hope everyone will be following their team’s progress on the official web site. For sports fans there’s also the Commonwealth Games in March and the build up to the Olympics Games 2012 throughout the year, and will Wembley be ready in time for the FA Cup Final in May!?

In technology a new version of Microsoft’s Windows Operating System will be launched to take over from Windows XP. There will be an ever growing market for PCs, especially laptops, and there is set to be an explosion in sales of 3G mobile phones.

The Conservatives will be hoping for a good showing in the May local elections and will there be a change of leader for the Labour party or Liberal Democrats?

Whatever you’re doing in 2006 I hope it is a worthwhile and memorable year!

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