Up To The Minute News – Archive 2003

Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2003

1st January 2004
Happy New Year!

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

2004 is a leap year so I hope you all enjoy the extra day!

It is also the year the Olympic games return home to Greece – check out the official web site for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad.

Continuing the sports theme, it is also time for Euro 2004, to be held in Portugal. Here’s hoping that the England football team can emulate their rugby-playing counterparts.

And on a more poignant note, the 60th Anniversary of the D-day landings takes place in June and will realistically be the last great hurrah for a generation that saved a continent from tyranny.

What ever you’re doing in 2004 I hope it is worthwhile and memorable year!

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26th December 2003
A Weather Watch

What did you get for Christmas? Well Helmdon resident Terry Glassett of Church Street is the proud new owner of a radio-controlled weather station.

Every half hour Terry is monitoring all aspects of the weather on the Church Street side of Jeffs bridge including temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind.

We look forward to some reports of any unusual weather activity – and maybe even a prediction of when we might see the sun again!

If you received an unusual present for Christmas why not send us an e-mail and tell us all about it!

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19th December 2003
Christmas Is Nigh

Words & Music for Christmas took place in St Mary Magdalene parish church on Friday 19th December. The event brings villagers together to kick off Christmas celebrations and is always very popular. Read a full report >>>

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5th December 2003
It’s Not The Panto – Oh Yes It Is!

It’s early December in Helmdon and that can mean only one thing…. time for the Bridge Players Christmas “Panteau”!

This year’s production is the classic tale “The Three Musketeers” and the cast contains all the favourite old stagers as well as some very welcome and able newcomers.

The first performance was last night with another tonight and two on Saturday. Ticket sales have surpassed all previous years, with most performances a complete sell out.

So get ready to swash your buckles – it’s all for one, and one for all!

There will be a full report and photo gallery, as usual, on this web site after the production has closed. Why not have a look at some of the Bridge Players’ previous productions?

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29th November 2003
Ho Ho Who?

As all good children know, there’s only one Father Christmas – and believe it or not he was in Helmdon, yes Helmdon, on Saturday 29th November at the church Christmas bazaar.

Apart from Santa in his grotto there were cake stalls, book stalls, a raffle, tombola, toys for sale and refreshments for all.

The event was exceedingly well organised and the crowds flocked in, despite the dreary afternoon.

Children of all sizes went to see Santa and give him their present lists – it was just a shame that the beard wasn’t more realistic!

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24th November 2003
The Empire Strikes Back

The alarm clocks went off early, the bacon sizzled and beer started being consumed far earlier than is truly decent.

All over Helmdon people gathered together in front of TVs to watch the Rugby World Cup and see England crowned as World Champions.

The participation of Northampton stars Matt Dawson, Steve Thompson, Ben Cohen and Paul Grayson ensured there was local interest – even for those who don’t normally follow the game.

Could this be the final carrot needed to get a junior rugby team going in the village? We may even discover our very own Jonny Wilkinson.

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17th November 2003
Tree Of Remembrance

There will be a tree planting ceremony at the school in memory of past Headteacher, Mr Geoff Ipgrave, who passed away last month.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday 4th December 2003 at 10:30 a.m.

Past pupils, staff, and anyone who has memories of Geoff is invited to attend.

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12th November 2003
A Chance To Capture Eternity

A new service is available in Helmdon, and just in time for Christmas too!

Cecile Boyer, from Church Street, is offering Helmdon people a brand new way of viewing photos.

No more cupboards or boxes full of photos – your priceless prints can now be stored electronically on Photo-DVD for viewing on TV in the comfort of your own home.

A knowledgeable and experienced montage team will scan your photos, add special effects and blend the song of your choice to create an entertaining and very personal Photo-DVD.

For more information contact Cecile at [address removed] or Freephone 0800 294 3498 or visit her web site: www.capture-eternity.com

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9th November 2003
Help To Make It Happen In 2004

The carnival in 2003 was a great success, raising over £2,500 for local good causes. Everyone enjoyed the carnival weekend but it doesn’t just happen! A dedicated band of organisers work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that everything will be all right on the night!

Although it takes a lot of effort to organise the carnival, the rewards are also there and help to make it all worthwhile. So why not volunteer to join the carnival committee? They are looking for lots of new members, and especially someone to take on the role of secretary. If you like fun, hard work, and the help and support of a willing band of fellow committee members then helping with Carnival 2004 could be for you!

Contact any member of the 2003 committee, or just turn up to their next meeting – to be held on Tuesday 2nd December 2003 at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room.

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4th November 2003
Remember, Remember

Another Bonfire Night is nearly upon us and many people in Helmdon will be going to see public firework displays in Brackley, Banbury and surrounding areas.

Some families will also be holding their own mini private displays in their back gardens.

Remember, remember the firework code and be safe at all times. Particularly important in a rural area is to remember livestock that may be in fields close to your house, in particular horses that are easily scared by loud bangs.

For information and advice about how to get your pets and other animals through this potentially stressful time please visit www.bluecross.org.uk to see their special leaflet.

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2nd November 2003
The Last Assembly

The village was saddened to learn of the death of Geoff Ipgrave on 24th October 2003.

Mr. Ipgrave was Headteacher of Helmdon Primary School from 1957 to 1978.

The Ipgraves were very active in the village and many people will have memories of them. Geoff was one of those instrumental in setting up the Helmdon branch of the WEA, which is still going strong, and in 1999 he wrote an article for Aspects of Helmdon charting the history of the school since 1850.

The funeral will be in Northampton Crematorium on Tuesday 4th November at 1:30 p.m. and his family have asked for any donations to be made to the Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

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29th October 2003
Remembrance Service

There will be a service of remembrance in Helmdon on Sunday 9th November.

The service will start at the parish church and then the Parish Council will lead a short service at the War Memorial in the centre of the village, starting at 10:45 a.m. and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Members of the Parish Council are also calling on all homes at this time to collect for the Poppy Appeal. Please give generously. To find out more about the Poppy Appeal please visit the official web site.

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16th October 2003
Poor Show For Safety

At a meeting of the SNC Community Safety Committee on Wednesday, October 15th, in the Baptist Chapel in Wappenham Road, the chairman of the committee introduced the police inspector in charge of the South Northants area and other members of his team.

Although the meeting was poorly attended by Helmdon residents, when asked what the effect of the changes in manning at Brackley Police Station will be, the inspector assured the meeting that the changes will have little or no effect on the response times for any emergencies in Helmdon, and that the new community beat constable who will be responsible for Helmdon, now that PC Tinker has been moved, will be based at Brackley and she will commence her duties on the 27th October.

When asked about the safety of the school children attending Helmdon Primary School, Councillor Brookhouse reported that the new school travel plan has been approved by Northants County Council and that the physical effects of the plan will shortly become visible in Helmdon.

It was reported that further meetings of the Community Safety Committee will be held throughout South Northants and notice of these meetings will be announced in due course.

For more information please visit the SNCSP web site.

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11th October 2003
Community Safety Meeting

There will be a public meeting of the South Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership on Wednesday 15 October 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Baptist Chapel Hall, Helmdon.

Residents from across South Northants have been invited to the meeting to have their say and air their views on community safety, and the venue makes it an ideal opportunity for residents of Helmdon to bring up any worries or concerns they may have.

The meeting is particularly timely with the news this weekend that twelve police officers have been taken out of Brackley and moved to Towcester – this on top of the five officers that the area lost to Northampton only a few weeks ago.

For more information please visit the SNCSP web site.

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17th September 2003
Building Your Knowledge Of Architecture

The WEA course for the Autumn Term starts on Tuesday 23rd September.

The course is “Architecture Around Us, 1500 – 2000” with tutor Judith Hodgkinson. The course is open to all adults and takes place in the school on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m.. The fee is £28 for 10 weeks and concessions are available.

For further information please contact Audrey Forgham on [phone number removed].

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17th September 2003
Is It You That Left The Pooh?

Many people complain about the amount of dog mess around the village. Please make sure you pick up after your dog – remember it is an offence not to do so.

The sports club would like to point out that dogs are not allowed on the sports field and that infection can occur if excrement gets in to cuts and grazes sustained during football matches.

Dog mess recently had to cleared off graves in the churchyard which is particularly nasty.

Most people are very responsible when it comes to cleaning up after their dog but it would be good to have a dog-mess free village!

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14th September 2003
Parish Council Require New Clerk

Due to the retirement of the present incumbent, Helmdon Parish Council are looking for candidates to be considered for the position of Parish Clerk.

The position is salaried and is on a permanent part time basis.

Interested parties should contact Peter Burns, chairman of the council, for further details. Click here to read the full job advertisement.

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5th September 2003
Driving Ambition To Teach Helmdon’s Youth

Public transport in Helmdon only goes so far to meeting the needs of the villagers. Sooner or later the 17+ age group will want to take to the road on their own. That’s where driving instructors step in.

Driving Ambition was established by Mark Prewett in 1991 and now covers Brackley, Towcester, Buckingham and the surrounding area.

Mark says “We have successfully taught over 70 pupils from Helmdon”. That means 70 parents who no longer have to act as an on-call taxi service for their children!

Driving Ambition’s web site carries details of all their news and services as well as a “Hall of Fame” of past pupils.

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29th August 2003
Take Care At School

Following the departure of Jeannette Adams, who has gone off to the sunnier climes of Cornwall, Helmdon Primary School are looking for a new caretaker.

The position would suit a local person, male or female, and duties will include general cleaning, some light maintenance, building security and key holding.

For details of how to apply please contact the school on [phone number removed].

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27th August 2003
Another Successful Carnival

The carnival committee have organised another very successful carnival in Helmdon.

Thousands of people flocked to the sports field on Wappenham Road for the annual event, and the theme this year was “Old School Days”.

There were the old favourites, such as sheep shearing, vintage tractors and sky diving, as well as some new additions such as a WWII tank and some very impressive model helicopter display flying.

The committee will be counting up all the proceeds and donations and will be presenting cheques to the beneficiaries in November.

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13th August 2003
School Administrator

Helmdon Primary School require a School Administrator. 31 1/4 hours per week, 40 weeks per year.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated person to join our friendly team. SIMS knowledge an advantage but full training will be given.

Salary NJC Scale 3.

Contact [phone number removed] for an application form.

Closing date 29th August 2003.

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6th August 2003
Many Happy Returns!

There must be something good in the water in Helmdon! Hilda Gulliver is the third Helmdon senior to celebrate a landmark birthday this year after previous celebrations for Jack Ayres (90) and Alice Hearne (100).

Hilda Elizabeth Gulliver, née Storer, celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at the Baptist Chapel on 5th August.

Hilda was born in Woodend, married farmer Harold Gulliver in 1936, and lived in the village until Harold retired in 1969. Then they moved to Abthorpe, returning to Wappenham Road, Helmdon, in the early 1990s.

We wish Hilda all the best.

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29th July 2003
Jenny Does It Again

Jenny Overson has done it again with her annual coffee morning in aid of Cancer Research UK held on Thursday 24th July.

This year’s coffee morning, aided by a bring and buy raffle, raised a record £215.

The vision of Cancer Research UK is to conquer cancer through world-class research.

It is the largest volunteer-supported cancer research organisation in the world with a dedicated team of 3,000 scientists and an annual scientific spend of more than £176 million – raised almost entirely through public donations.

Jenny would like to thank all those that attended the event at the Wren House in Helmdon and who contributed to the sum raised.

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23rd July 2003
Footpath To Helmdon’s Future

There’s only 10 days left until the Village Future Needs Day which takes place at the school on Saturday August 2nd from 10:00 ’til 4:00.

The day looks set to be a good one judging by all the hard work that’s been put in by the Helmdon Parish Plan working groups. There will be interactive displays, lots of information on Helmdon and lots of ways that you can give your ideas, thoughts and opinions on the future of your village.

There will also be free food and drink available, as well as visiting dignitaries, including local MP Tim Boswell.

Please make a date in your diary to come along some time during the day. It promises to be time very well spent!

For further information visit the Helmdon Parish Plan section on this web site.

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18th July 2003
Friends Reunited?

Do you remember any of your old school friends from Helmdon? If you’re still in touch with any of them why not invite them along to the carnival on August bank holiday weekend?

You can compare haircuts, collar size and waist measurements! You could reminisce about your favourite teacher – or your not so favourite one!

On this site there are old school photos going back 80 years or more – just imagine how many children have been through the school in that time – and where are they all now?

If any old Helmdonians would like to visit the village this year for the carnival please get in touch with carnival secretary Karen Valentine.

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17th July 2003
There’s Gold In Them There Hills

Helmdon Sports Club are holding a car treasure hunt, with a separate hunt for children, on Sunday 10th August 2003 starting from the Sports Field at 2:00 p.m.

Prices, including refreshments at the finish are: £5 per car plus £2 per adult, £1 per under 11, free under 5.

Tickets are available from Dave Bridger, Geoff Gulliver or from the Bell. Please book by August 5th so we know the numbers to cater for.

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14th July 2003
90 Not Out!

Helmdon’s oldest male resident, Mr. Jack Ayres (Tiger), celebrated his 90th birthday this week, with a garden party, held at his home on Station Road.

It was attended by over 40 guests, consisting of friends and relatives from in and outside of the village.

Jack was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts and cards he received, and would like to thank everyone for being so kind and generous on his special day.

What happened in 1913?: Briton Henry Brearly invents stainless steel. Thomas Edison invents the telephone recorder. Georgia Broadwick becomes the first woman to make a parachute jump. Jack Ayres of Helmdon is born.

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3rd July 2003
It Could Only Have Been The Bridge Players

The Helmdon Bridge Players treated the village to yet another excellent performance at the end of June 2003 with their rendition of Alan Aykbourn’s “It could be any one of us”

The cast held an intimate Reading Room audience in suspense as the plot thickened and the suspect list grew.

For a full report and a gallery of photos click here.

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1st July 2003
Village Revs Up For Speed Watch

Helmdon has been selected to take part in a scheme which aims to reduce speeding and improve road safety in Northamptonshire villages.

Helmdon has operated a Speed Watch campaign for a number of years now and the new scheme will be a natural extension of previous activities.

Newly appointed Community Safety Officer, Councillor David Brookhouse, will coordinate the scheme in Helmdon, working in conjunction with Northants Police, SNC and ACRE.

The scheme requires public support to move forward so the Speed Watch team will be looking for your signature as a pledge of support. More details will appear soon on this web site.

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14th June 2003
Bridge Players Gear Up For Production

There’s only one week to go now until the much-awaited summer production from the Bridge Players.

This year they will be performing another Alan Ayckbourn play, the comedy Whodunit?, “It Could Be Anyone Of Us”

The Players have been busy with rehearsals and hope to follow on from last year’s successful play “Don’t Dress For Dinner“.

The play will take place in the Reading Room on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets prices are: Adults £5.00, concessions £3.00 and the last few are available by calling [phone number removed] or [phone number removed].

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10th June 2003
A Walk On The Wild Side

Freeman Safaris specialises in eco-friendly safaris in Kenya and is owned and operated by Brian Freeman, who recently moved to Wappenham Road, Helmdon.

Brian was born on the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa and has a passionate interest in birds and animals, as well as in the country and its people.

Brian says “My game drives usually start before daybreak and end after dark before returning to camp where, around the campfire, you can sit with a beer or gin reviewing the day’s adventure before hot showers and dinner. Days are also spent just soaking up the atmosphere of the camps – luxury tents spaced out in a glade or by a river under slender yellow acacia trees or dom palms. A variety of game, including zebra and impala graze the hillside opposite the camps, elephants daily enjoy the river within meters of the tents, numerous birds and monkeys inhabit the trees, while leopard and lion frequently pass through at night.”

If you think a safari might be your cup of tea, or just to dream a little, take a look at Brian’s web site at www.freemansafaris.com.

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27th May 2003
Friends Land Major Music Coup

A critically acclaimed choir is coming to Helmdon on Saturday 5th July. “Vivamus” was formed about one year ago and has quickly established itself as a leading London based choir. They are due to sing at St Paul’s Cathedral in June and at the Royal Festival Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in December, so it is quite a coup to have them sing in Helmdon.

The event starts at 7:30 and will be held in the garden of “Glebe Farm” by invitation of Mr and Mrs David Mason. The programme will be a departure from the normal Vivamus performances, with a selection of songs in a jazz style, ranging from “Ain’t Misbehavin” to “Nellie the Elephant”! The nearest comparison we can think of is The Swingle Singers.

Glebe Farm is close to the Welsh Lane / Station Road crossroads – ample parking will be available. The location and event is ideal for an evening picnic – seating will be provided but bring rugs etc if you want to sit on the grass. A free glass of wine is provided on arrival. Drinks and strawberries and cream will be available.

Tickets are £12 each and are available from committee members of the Friends of St Mary Magdalene.

Proceeds will go towards upkeep of historic local churches. If the weather is unsuitable the event will be held a short distance away in Helmdon Church, where parking will also be available.

Thanks go to David Mason for the inspiration, instigation and sponsorship.

You can find out more about Vivamus on www.vivamus.org.

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16th May 2003
Hat’s The Way To Do It!

The Helmdon branch of the WI had a very interesting evening in the Reading Room this week with a talk on the history of hats from the 17th century.

The meeting was followed by a play written by Ann Smith and performed by Ann Smith and Sue Mantle. To read all about it, visit the WI section.

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8th May 2003
It’s As You Were At The Reading Room

The management committee of the Reading Room held their AGM last night, 7th May.

The well attended meeting brings together all the organisations in the village that use the Reading Room throughout the year.

Chairman of the management committee, Mr Bill England, reported that it had been a busy year for them with the refurbishment of the toilet facilities, the installation of disabled access, and the repair of the extension roof. Further work is planned for the next financial year, including the replacement of the porch roof and the refurbishment of the kitchen.

The exisiting committee was re-elected en bloc; chairman – Bill England, vice-chairman – Michael Ayres, secretary – Richard Bearman, treasurer – Harold Seckington.

For any questions relating to the Reading Room please e-mail Bill or Richard.

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2nd May 2003
Election Results

The votes have been cast, the ballot papers counted and the results announced.

281 out of 693 people, or 40.5% of the electorate, turned out to vote on Thursday May 1st in the Reading Room. The ballot papers were counted on Friday afternoon in the council chambers at SNC in Towcester.

The results were as follows: Richard Bearman (140), David Brookhouse (194), Peter Burns (192), Phil Earl (141), Bill England (151), Renhart Gittens (157), Terry Glassett (138), Danny Moody (181), Val Smith (164) and Jean Spendlove (153).

The returning officer duly announced that Richard Bearman, David Brookhouse, Peter Burns, Phil Earl, Bill England, Renhart Gittens, Danny Moody, Val Smith and Jean Spendlove were elected.

The new council will meet next on the 28th May for their AGM and members of the public are invited to attend the meeting – see the Parish Council section for further details.

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24th April 2003
Only One Week To Go

Next Thursday, 1st May, the local and Parish Council elections will take place in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon.

It is your opportunity to have a say in the running of your village, district and county. You might like to give a vote of support to Councillors that you think have done a good job, or you may wish to vote for a change – whatever your views, it is important that you cast your vote.

If you are eligible to vote you will have received your polling card this week in the post which you should take along to the Reading Room on 1st May between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m..

The current members of Helmdon Parish Council are standing for re-election en bloc with the exception of Michael (Tiger) Ayres. Two new candidates this time are Danny Moody and Valerie Smith making a total of 10 candidates for 9 places.

There follows a short message from Valerie Smith…..

Be a pal VOTE for VAL

My name is Valerie Smith. I’m a relative new comer to the village. However, you may have seen me as the Empress in last year’s Panto. I am a retired Head Teacher from Kent. I was Head of a large primary school on the Greenhill estate of Herne Bay. I am married to John Coatsworth who you may have seen in the Bell – or any other local hostelry. I have a son Robert who is a graphic designer. We live in the house that previously belonged to Jane and Sean Sleeth.

We have been made very welcome in this village and know that it is a good place to live. I therefore wish to contribute to the welfare of it to ensure that it continues to be a good place for all of us to live.

My strengths are that I am approachable, friendly and have no axe to grind. I have no preconceived opinions of the issues here and can therefore approach them with fresh ideas. I would also be able to bring a woman’s perspective to discussions.

I hope you will give me the opportunity to play a useful part in this community. I feel I could serve it best as a member of the parish council. Please vote for me on 1st May.

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22nd April 2003
Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd April 2003.

It is an opportunity for you to come along and find out what’s happening in the village and to meet the members of Helmdon Parish Council. This year you will also get a chance to meet district and county Councillors, hear about the Village of the Year competition, find out what’s happening with the Helmdon Parish Plan, and view the award-winning Helmdon web site.

You are invited to come along and discuss in an informal way, anything you feel affects Helmdon with your Parish Councillors, your County Councillor, your District Councillor and your village Policeman.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available.

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18th April 2003
The Best Of British!

We’re No. 1!

Yes, the Helmdon village web site has been chosen by YOU as the best village web site in the UK in a competition run by UK Villages Online.

Voting took place during March and the results were announced on Thursday 17th April. Helmdon was pitted against 11 other villages, all of whom were winners of the Web Site Of The Month competition during 2002/3.

The web team would like to thank all those that voted for us – both from within the village and from as far afield as America and Australia.

To read more about the award click here.

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10th April 2003
Snow Way!

The crazy 2003 weather pattern continues!

Just when you thought it was safe to put away your winter woollies, the temperature plummeted to four degrees Celsius as villagers woke up this morning to snow and a biting, icy wind.

This remnant of winter follows on the heels of the sunniest March on record. The daffodils, covered in snow this morning, have not lasted very well this year because of the lack of rain in the last 5 weeks.

To find out what’s coming along next in Helmdon click here.

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5th April 2003
No Hanging Chads Please!

After collecting in the nominations, South Northants Council have confirmed that there will be a Parish Council election in Helmdon this May.

The council consists of nine members, and there have been 10 nominations, just enough to force an election.

The poll will take place on May 1st in the Reading Room in conjunction with the District Council elections. Polling cards will be delivered to every household in the parish in the next few weeks.

The nominees for 2003 are; Richard Bearman, David Brookhouse, Peter Burns, Phil Earl, Bill England, Renhart Gittens, Terry Glassett, Danny Moody, Val Smith and Jean Spendlove.

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2nd April 2003
Helmdon Parish Plan Underway

54 people crowded in to the Reading Room last night to see the launch of the Helmdon Parish Plan.

A Steering Group has been formed along with 6 Topic Groups which will look at issues as diverse as sports, recycling, affordable housing, footpaths, Internet access and crime.

The planning process will take place during the course of the next 8 months and all residents of the Parish will be asked to get involved by attending Future Needs Days or by filling in questionnaires.

Lots more information will be available soon and a new section will be set up on this web site where you can follow all the latest developments.

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26th March 2003
I See ICT

Helmdon Primary School kept its doors open on Tuesday evening so that children could bring in their parents to see the extensive new ICT (Information & Communication Technology) facilities.

A brand new computer network has been installed which means the children can access their work from any computer in the school, and every computer looks the same and has the same operating system (Windows XP™).

In addition to the ICT suite, which opened in November 2000, there are now computers in every class in the school.

The set up is exceptional for a small primary school and is the result of much hard work by staff, parents and the Governor’s ICT committee.

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23rd March 2003
Best Kept Churchyard?

A band of willing volunteers congregated in the churchyard on Saturday morning for the first churchyard clear up of 2003.

The weather was very kind to the dozen or so people who were mowing, strimming, gardening, pruning and raking, and they soon got the churchyard knocked in to shape.

There are normally 2 major clear ups, in Spring and Autumn, but in between there is also a lot of work involved to keep on top of things.

Churchyard maintenance is co-ordinated by Sue Lidgley [phone number removed]) and Jean Spendlove [phone number removed]) so please give either of them a call if you think you’d like to do your bit to keep the churchyard presentable.

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19th March 2003
Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness!

Can you spare some time this Saturday, the 22nd March, from 10:00 until 12:00?

The Friends of the Churchyard at St Mary Magdalene are having a Spring tidy up and would like as many people as possible to help out. Please bring your own tools (petrol mowers, strimmers, rakes, shears, forks or spades) and we’ll find you a job to do! Many hands make light work!

If you have any questions please call Sue Lidgley on [phone number removed]. Thank you!

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14th March 2003
Spring In To Action On April 1st

Helmdon has been awarded a grant by the Countryside Agency to carry out a Village Action Plan.

The scheme is part of the Countryside Agency’s “Vital Villages” programme and is run in conjunction with Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) and South Northants Council.

The Action Plan process aims to identify the village’s current and future needs and to make sure that resources are found to meet those needs.

An open meeting, hosted by the Parish Council, will take place on Tuesday 1st April @ 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room and all residents of the parish are invited to come along.

There will be an opportunity to learn more about Village Action Plans from NACRE’s Rachael Abbott and to get involved in developing Helmdon’s plan during the course of 2003.

For further information contact Danny Moody.

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6th March 2003
Who’s The Best? You Decide!

The Helmdon village web site has been nominated for Village Web Site Of The Year at UK Villages Online. We are in competition with 12 other monthly winners, all of which are very good web sites in their own right.

Many people have expressed their support and appreciation for the Helmdon web site and now you have a chance to vote for us!

Please visit the UK Villages Online web site to see a list of all the entrants. At the bottom of the page you can choose which village you’d like to vote for by selecting it from a drop down list.

We hope we can count on your support, and, whatever the outcome of the voting, we hope you continue to enjoy the Helmdon web site and that you continue to find it useful and enjoyable.

Please tell all your friends too. Anyone is eligible to vote in this competition, the more the merrier.

Voting closes at midnight on 31st March 2003.

Many thanks!

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28th February 2003
Fires The Imagination

Local inventor Mr Douglas Hadlfield could be set to spark off a revolution in open fire place design.

Douglas’s research on the history and design of the open fire has led him to a dramatic conclusion: the shapes of fireback with which we are familiar, including the British Standard shape, are far from the ideal both in terms of the prevention of smoking and in terms of heat output. His research has led him to a wholly new design of fireback for the traditional open fire. He calls his concept the Helmdon Fire, after his home village.

Douglas says “The Helmdon Fire has a one-piece fireback in the general shape of a half-cone. This not only eliminates smoking but also means it gives out about twice as much heat as a conventional fire from the same amount of fuel. In other words it doesn’t smoke, and is approximately twice as efficient as the standard fireplace, approaching the efficiency of a closed stove. So it is much cleaner, and is much easier and much more economical to run, as well as being more environment-friendly.”

Douglas has patented the design of the Helmdon Fire and has installed it for a number of pilot customers. Now he is looking for a partner or partners to further develop, manufacture, market and install the whole package, in conjunction with suitable fire surrounds.

If you would like to know more about the Helmdon Fire, please contact Paul Hadfield.

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20th February 2003
Here Comes The Cable Guy

A major cable duct is being excavated along Wappenham Road to house a fibre optic cable from Swindon to Wellingborough for the Nationwide Building Society.

The work is being carried out by O’Connor Utilities and is laid in the road as shown on the photograph.

Assurances have been given by both the Contractor and Northamptonshire County Council that an inspection when the work is complete will ensure that it is within the requirements of HALJC and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and will be completed to very high standards.

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18th February 2003
Love Is In The Air II

The Valentine’s Dance held on Friday 14th February 2003 made a net profit of £156.

The money will go towards the repair, maintenance and upkeep of the Reading Room.

Reading Room committee chairman, Mr Bill England organised the event, which was a repeat of a similarly successful event last year.

Bill would like to thank all those that supported the event and contributed to its success. The Reading Room relies heavily on fundrasing and donations – there’s always something needing doing in an old building like this.

Same time next year Bill?

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11th February 2003
Love Is In The Air

Poems, flowers, chocolates? Whatever you give your loved one this year for Valentine’s Day, make sure you give them the ultimate romantic gift… an evening out in the Reading Room!

Yes, last year’s Valentine Dance is being repeated again this year on Friday 14th in the Reading Room from 8:00 p.m..

The music this year will be supplied by The Rejects.

A few tickets are still available at £6.00 to include a buffet. There will also be a bar and raffle and you can get your tickets from Bill England on [phone number removed], or from the pub or shop.

And finally, an honourable mention to the HYHOs (Helmdon Young Husbands), who normally meet on the 2nd Friday of each month in the Bell, but have decided to postpone this Friday’s meeting to allow members to spend it with their wife, girlfriend or significant other (whichever one they choose!). Well done HYHOs – you’re all thoroughly modern men!

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30th January 2003
All White On The Night

Villagers in Helmdon awoke to an amazing winter wonderland on Thursday 30th January after 3/4 of an inch of snow had fallen overnight.

The snow was accompanied by icy winds which made it feel extremely cold, especially in the more exposed places. Weather forecasts suggest that more snow could be on its way from Scandinavia and that transport is likely to be disrupted as a result.

The snow is just one element of the strange weather we’ve been having this year (see below) and the new born lambs at Priory Farm near the war memorial must be wondering what crazy world they’ve been born in to!

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20th January 2003
Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire?

This Friday at 8:00 p.m. there will be a fun quiz in the Reading Room in aid of the Friends of
St Mary Magdalene.

Ross Vicars has set the questions – “All very easy” says Ross – and Vanessa Vicars plays the part of Chris Tarrant!

There will be a fully stocked bar (well, at the beginning of the evening anyway!) and the entry fee for each team of up to 4 people is £10.

All the proceeds will go to support the work of the Friends of St Mary Magdalene, so your support and participation is greatly appreciated.

If you need further information please call Ross or Vanessa on [phone number removed].

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10th January 2003
Little Enlarging On Banbury Past

Helmdon Women’s Club would like to invite anyone who wishes to attend to an open meeting entitled “Whatever Happened to Historic Banbury?”, presented by Brian Little.

Brian is a well respected local historian and has written many articles on local history for the Banbury Guardian so it promises to be an informative evening.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th January in the Reading Room at 8:00 p.m. and entry will be £1.50.

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5th January 2003
New Year Brings Crazy Weather

The normal trickle of the Helmdon brook was turned in to a torrent at the start of the New Year as heavy rain caused flooding across much of England.

The first five days of 2003 in Helmdon have seen snow, frost, floods and bright sunshine.

On Friday 3rd there was the briefest flurry of snow, whilst on Saturday 4th there was dazzling sunshine – despite Brackley, only 4 miles away, being covered in snow.

The heavy rain has now abated but more bizarre weather is in store according to weather forecasters.

Plants, birds and animals are confused too. Some trees in the village are in blossom and bulbs are starting to push through in sheltered areas.

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