Up To The Minute News – Archive 2007

Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2007

13th December 2007
Helmdon Rainbow Guides Really Deliver

Too much to do before Christmas? Let Helmdon Rainbow Guides help you out by delivering your local Christmas cards. As part of our role in the community, we are organising a Christmas card collection and delivery service around Helmdon and Falcutt.

Blue collection boxes can be found at the school, the Reading Rooms (post-office drop in and Acorns), and Seckington’s Bungalow stores. Cards can also be dropped at: [address removed], [address removed] and [address removed].

All cards should include a name and street name and house name/no. if possible (if not, please include your phone no.). Last collection on Thursday 20th December. Delivery on 22nd/23rd.

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6th December 2007
Cop A Load Of This

A community policing meeting will take place on Wednesday 19th December 2007 at the Helmdon Reading Room, Church Street from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

This meeting will cover police issues for Helmdon, Syresham, Sulgrave, Crowfield, Greatworth, Weston & Weedon Lois, Radstone and Whitfield.

The Safer Community Team (SCT) will be on hand so come along to meet your local officers, discuss any policing issues you may have in your community and to set your three priorities for the SCT to help resolve.

It is not a meeting to discuss individual cases or issues relating to themselves personally, but to discuss issues which effect the whole community as a whole i.e. speeding and anti-social behaviour.

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26th November 2007
A Legend In His Own Backpack

Helmdon’s very own Dave Bailey has raised a staggering £2,730.50 for breast cancer research by running 175 miles across Britain.

The achievement is best described in numbers: 175 miles over 6 days, running time 36 hours, 32 minutes, 23 seconds, finishing in 4th position – money raised £2,730.50.

Dave has produced a thank you poster for all those that sponsored him in his endeavours – and it’s not too late to give Dave some extra cash if you are inspired by his efforts – just click www.justgiving.com/mob07 and give generously!!

I wonder what Dave’s challenge for 2008 will be?!

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26th November 2007
Don’t Get Distracted

There has been a spate of distraction burglaries in nearby villages including Charlton, Chipping Warden and Byfield.

Distraction burglary, often called ‘bogus callers’ or ‘burglary artifice’ is a crime primarily targeted at vulnerable older people. Offenders pose as officials, including council workers, police officers and utility workers, in order to gain access to homes. Once inside the victim is distracted and the burglary is committed.

The message is simple – if in doubt, leave them out.

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18th November 2007
Wine, women and song

On Friday November 23rd Helmdon Presents are putting on an evening of music, stories and poetry from Georgian England (no relation to Bill!).

The very talented musicians, suitably attired, will be playing harpsichord and cello and will transport you back to the Regency era of wine, women and song. A very jovial evening of entertainment in St Mary Magdalene parish church, Helmdon starting at 7:30 p.m..

There will be mince pies and refreshments available to add to the atmosphere. Please email Morag Underwood to reserve tickets @ £8.00 each. Please spread the word amongst your friends.

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23rd October 2007
Fantastic Evening Of Sportertainment

Helmdon Sports Club’s First Sportsmen’s Dinner is on Thursday 8th November with Guest Speaker Mark Wright, the former England & Liverpool Footballer. The club have a few tickets remaining which can be purchased for £35 from Karl Leitelmayer on [phone number removed] or email [email address removed].

The evening will include a charity auction with all monies going to the club, a list of auction items is attached, if people are unable to attend but wish to bid for any of the items, they can lodge a sealed bid with Karl Leitelmayer at [email address removed].

And finally raffle tickets are available for purchase at £1 each, and prizes include Xmas Booze Hamper, Wayne Rooney England Shirt, Football Manager 2007 for the Xbox 360, Tickets to the Races, Tickets to Football and much much more…….. Tickets available from Karl Leitelmayer, Jamie Stothard, Geoff Bridger & George Stubbs.

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23rd October 2007
Interesting Developments

It seems there are proposed developments all around us just at the moment.

Closest to home is the Blackpits Recycling Centre, where developers have submitted plans for three buildings for: the collection and transfer of dry recyclables; the processing of non hazardous, biodegradable waste; the in vessel composting of waste and the relocation of a surface water attenuation pond. Helmdon Parish Council will be considering this application on Friday 26th October at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room and members of the public are invited to attend.

Just a little further away, South Northants Council have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Silverstone. The development brief suggests a range of developments including: the continuing development of the technology park, an education campus, a new business park, hotels and restaurants, housing next to Silverstone village, a welcome centre with a museum, and an arena including an exhibition area and range of motoring activities. The developemnt brief is open for consultation until 26th November 2007 and further details can be found on the SNC web site.

Finally, Nuon UK Ltd have applied to Daventry District Council for the erection of a 60m high mast for the collection of meterolgoical data near Preston Capes. Nuon is a company that specialises in developing renewable energy projects, in particular wind farms. The details of this planning application (no. DA/2007/1007) are available on the Daventry District Council web site.

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9th October 2007
Helmdon Presents…

Helmdon’s cultural group, Helmdon Presents…, is proud to present the AJTC Theatre Company co-produced with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre production On The Black Hill.

Tickets are still available for our professional touring drama production On the Black Hill. It is being staged in the church on Friday 19 October at 7:30 p.m. Drinks available. It is about 1 hour 40 minutes long with a short interval in addition. The play is accompanied by live cello music and it promises to be an excellent evening of entertainment. This is high quality drama brought to your doorstep by Helmdon Presents and subsidised by Northants Touring Arts.

Please order your tickets NOW. £8 adults and £6 concs. E-mail orders are fine and payment can be made on the door, or when your tickets are delivered. Please provide address for delivery.

For more information please contact Helmdon Presents…

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7th October 2007
Rural Reach Reaches Out

Rural Reach project workers at South Northants Volunteer Bureau are planning a major voluntary and community sector support services exhibition in the Empress Stand at Towcester Racecourse on Wednesday 17th October 2007 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

SNVB is the Local Infrastructure Organisation providing advice on issues of concern to community groups, such as setting up new groups, personnel and constitutional matters, funding, volunteering, signposting and networking. Their client base is parish councils, village hall meeting groups, sports associations etc. as well as local and national charities operating across the districts.

For more information please visit the SNVB web site or telephone the parish clerk.

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23rd September 2007
All Wright On The Night

Helmdon Sports Club proudly announces it’s first Annual Sportsmen’s Dinner with Mark Wright former England, Liverpool, Derby, Southampton and Oxford United footballer, at Silverstone Golf Club on Thursday 8th November.

The evening will include a 3 course meal and the very funny Irish comedian Paddy Greene.

Tickets are strictly limited so get in quick!! Click here for details of how to apply.

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8th September 2007
Talkabout – Early Bird Edition

It’s definitely not one for printing out, but for those that have adapted to reading documents on-screen we offer you a sneak preview of Helmdon’s biannual newsletter Talkabout.

This edition is packed full of village news and information and is a must-read for everyone, whether you’ve been in the village 40 years or 40 days!

This is also a special edition in that it is the 11th and last to be done by Richard Wray, who is announcing his “retirement” from doing Talkabout. So who will take up the torch? Offers to Richard at [email address removed].

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1st September 2007
Tributes Pour In For Flood Volunteers

Cabinet Office Minister Phil Hope visited Helmdon on 30th August to check on the flood recovery efforts and meet volunteers and local poeple. Mr Hope visited the Reading Room to meet representatives of the Salvation Army and British Red Cross who worked with SNC and NCC to set up an emergency refuge there.

The Minister also went to the primary school to see first hand the damage caused by the floods and the repair work carried out since.

Mr Hope said “There has been some tremendous co-operation within communities to support victims of this summer’s flooding.”

“I am here to reassure the people affected that the Government will listen and learn from their experiences so we can minimise the risk of their suffering in the future”.

Parish Council chair, Peter Burns, said he hoped funding could be made available to improve the drainage system in the village.

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28th August 2007
Hope For Flood Victims

Were you affected by the flooding?

Phil Hope, MP for Corby and Minister for the Third Sector will be visiting Helmdon on Thursday 30th August at 11:30am to see the areas where Helmdon was flooded. He will be accompanied by Jean Morgan, Chief Executive of South Northants Council and representatives of Northants County Council and voluntary organisations. There will be refreshments in the Reading Room afterwards and members of the public are welcome to attend.

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23rd August 2007
Countdown to Carnival!!

With literally days to go the excitement is building for the annual extravaganza that is the Helmdon Carnival weekend.

In its silver jubilee year, this Helmdon Carnival promises to be one of the best ever.

The fun starts on the night of Saturday 25th August with music and a hog roast on the sports field. On Sunday there’s a special Songs of Praise in the morning and a pub quiz in the evening. The main Carnival is on bank holiday Monday, with a procession starting from the school at 1:30 p.m.

For full details download the carnival flyer.

It’s a fantastic family weekend – we look forward to seeing you there!

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7th August 2007
Ray Of Hope For Playground

A fund raising event was held in the garden of the Bell on Saturday to raise funds for the playground.

Bill England said “It was a tremendous success, and everyone, young, and not so young had a good time”.

A bouncy castle, face painting and other activities were arranged to keep the youngsters happy, while the older ones could enjoy a cake stall, barbeque, and try a pint or two. A raffle added to the fun which proved very popular, as was the auction a little later on, and promoted some fierce bidding. In the evening there was music and dancing to “The Fred Chase Band”.

Even though the evening turned a bit wet, with the help of a few brollys and a tent, no one’s ardour was dampened. Ray Crouch who organised the event was overwhelmed with the support and help he received during the event, and would like to thank everybody for helping to raise in excess of £1800.

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26th July 2007
School’s Out For “Summer”

School won’t open in time.
Extensive water damage at the school means that it is unlikely to open in time for the start of term on 3rd September. The earliest start date looks likely to be 10th September according to head teacher, Sue Blackburn.

The floods on Friday 20th July caused major disruption on the last day of term with children having to be moved out of school by landrover. The water poured through the school and came up through drains. One floor in the reception class toilet was so badly affected that it is to be dug up and relaid. The ICT suite, that was built and equiped by parents in November 2000, was completey ruined and everything from the carpet up will have to be replaced.

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23rd July 2007
Floods Cause Havoc

Station “Road”
The worst floods in living memory hit Helmdon on Friday 20th July 2007.

Up to 20 houses were flooded as well as the school and pub. The water was 1 metre deep on Station Road.

A month’s rainfall fell in a matter of hours leaving the village cut off and homes flooded. The water level was higher than the 1998 Easter floods.

The Reading Room was set up as a temporary shelter but in the end was not used.

Some elderly residents were moved out of their homes as a precuation but the emergency services were stood down by 6:30 p.m.

Please send your flood photos and stories to [email address removed].

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8th July 2007
A Family Fun Day For A Good Cause

Mr Ray Crouch of Church Street Helmdon is organising a family fun day on Saturday 28th July to raise money for repair and refurbishment of the play equipment on the school field.

The event starts at 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Bell public house. Attractions will include barbeque, aunt sally, bouncy castle, apple bobbing, and much, much more. The entertainment will continue into the evening with live Blues Brothers/Commitments style music.

Entry is free but money raised from the barbeque and other attractions will be used to repair and upgrade the children’s play facilities. Ray says “The playground needs a bit of care and attention. It needs the village to come together for something really worthwhile”.

Further information is available from Ray Crouch.

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25th June 2007
Nearly Time To Swing Your Partner

Yeehaw!! It’s just days to go until the famous HYHO barndance swings in to action at Manor Farm, Helmdon (opposite the church).

The event takes place on Saturday 7th July at 7:30 p.m. and hundreds of people will be swinging their partners and dosi dohing.

If it’s anything like the barndance in 2005 then the village is in for another special treat. A few tickets are left, strictly first come, first served!!

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6th June 2007
Parish Council Temporarily Offline

Due to an unfortunate lightening strike on her house the Parish Clerk for Helmdon, Mrs Liz Hart, is temporarily without communications. The Harts hope to be up and running in a week or so, but in the meantime members of the public are asked to direct their enquiries to the chair of the Parish Council.

The wonders of modern technology!

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5th June 2007
Steel Yourself For A Night Of Fun!

What are you doing this weekend?

How about enjoying a fantastic night of musical entertainment with the Ocho Rios Steel Band in Helmdon church on Saturday 9th June at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are still available from Roger Miles at £10 (adult) and £5 (child) including a welcome drink. The event is organised by the Friends of the church, and proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the building – so you can have fun and help this worthy cause all at the same time!

[ ]30th May 2007
Tickets On Sale Now!!

Tickets for the Bridge Players’ next performance on Friday & Saturday June 15 / 16 are now on sale.

This summer’s production is a double bill – in ‘School Ties’ old friends are reunited, but for some the past is too close for comfort. Claws are drawn early in this sharp comedy. After the interval we’re doing ‘A Collier’s Tuesday Tea’, in which a hapless group of amateurs attempts a gritty drama set in a mining community – with disastrous results.

The show starts at 7.30pm and ends at around 9.10pm. Refreshments in the interval.

For tickets contact Dave Bridger on [phone number removed] or Paul Underwood on [phone number removed]. £6 each (£4 concs). Hurry – numbers are limited!

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14th May 2007
Introducing Your New Parish Council…

Helmdon Parish Council held its AGM in the Reading Room on Monday 14th May 2007.

Councillor Peter Burns was re-elected chairman for the year, with a new member, Councillor John Thorne, elected as vice-chair.

The full contact details of each councillor are on the council members’ page, where you can also see the councillors who represent the parish in various roles and groups. For instance, Ray Crouch is the new Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, and Paul Stothard is the Parish Highways Representative.

This is your council, and it needs your support. Please get in touch with them at anytime and let them know what issues you think are important to Helmdon.

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9th May 2007
Auction Goes Like A Dream

A dream auction, where the lots on sale were goods or services donated by local residents, has raised an incredible £3,890.

The event was held on Saturday 28th April in the Reading Room, Helmdon and fully exceeded all expectations.

Event organiser, Morag Underwood, said “We are absolutely delighted and very grateful to all helpers and contributors”.

The proceeds will go towards the running costs of St Mary Magdalene parish church.

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7th May 2007
Watch Out, Watch Out…

There’s a thief about.

On the night of May 2nd and the morning of May 3rd a car in Lukes Close, Helmdon, which was left unlocked, had a Dell Laptop computer stolen from it.

Please be aware that there are people about who are looking for such cars that are left open and also houses left unattended.

Please make sure to lock up all possessions.

From: David Brookhouse NHW Co-ordinator

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4th May 2007
Results Of The Parish Council Elections 2007

The votes have been counted. Your voice has been heard. The result was declared at 4:15 p.m. on Friday 4th May and the Returning Officer for South Northants Council duly declared the following elected (in alphabetical order, number of votes in brackets):

Mike Barnes (228), Peter Burns (222), John Coatsworth (201), Ray Crouch (207), Paul Duncombe (189), Bill England (197), Paul Stothard (228), John Thorne (208) and Gary Turner (192).

Those standing but not elected:

Richard Bearman (171), Alex Burnham (160), Phil Earl (166), David Powell (136) and Paul Sandilands (166).

So, there will be seven new councillors, and two existing councillors making up Helmdon Parish Council.

The AGM takes place on Monday 14th May at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room at which a chairman for the year will be elected. Members of the public are invited to attend.

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26th April 2007
Who Will Get Your Vote?

This time next week you, the electorate of the parish of Helmdon, will have chosen your new parish council – the nine members who will serve for the next four years.

Voting takes place on Thursday 3rd May in the Reading Room from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., so there should be every opportunity for people to cast their vote. A good turnout is essential so that those elected feel they have a mandate from the parish.

There are 14 candidates for 9 places, which means a hotly contested election. In order for people to get to know the candidates, Mr Richard Wray of Station Road (Talkabout Editor) has taken it upon himself, at his own cost, to produce a Candidates’ Leaflet containing a photo, contact details, and up to 250 words from each candidate. This is a superb effort from Richard and will ensure that all votes cast are informed and considered. The leaflet will be delivered to every house in the parish over the weekend.

Read the Candidates’ Leaflet online, and also peruse Talkabout Spring 2007 which contains an illuminating article from retiring councillor, Jean Spendlove on what to consider when choosing your next parish council.

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23rd April 2007
Annual Parish Meeting

The 2007 Annual Parish Meeting will take place this Wednesday, 25th April in the Reading Room starting at 7:30 p.m. and all members of the parish and community are invited along.

The Annual Parish Meeting is not a parish council meeting (although it is usually chaired by the parish council chairman), rather it is an open meeting where residents can come along, hear a bit about what is happening locally, and ask questions or put forward views and observations.

The meeting will be followed by light refreshments and further opportunity for chat.

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14th April 2007
Dream On

Helmdon Church are holding a Dream Auction at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room on Saturday 28th April 2007
In aid of Church Funds.

Niki Phillips says “Please come along and join us. There will be a buffet supper with a glass of wine or other drink at a cost of £7 per person – eat as much as you wish! We have already had many generous offers of items for the auction, the following being just a selection of these:

You can also download the full sale catalogue to print out and bring with you on the night.

Children will be most welcome at a cost of £7 for two children.

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27th March 2007
Recycling Centre Exhibition

Mervyn and Douglas Humphrey would like to invite you to a public exhibition on Saturday 31st March from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm and on the evening of Tuesday 3rd April from 4.00 pm until 7.00 pm at Blackpits Recycling Centre, Helmdon. Refreshments will be served. The plans for the development of the Recycling Centre will be presented.

The concept of the centre is a local facility which recovers a wide range of wastes into useful products which can help to contribute to a sustainable future. The Centre will produce renewable energy, a compost to be used in agriculture and horticulture, animal bedding and dry recyclables for reprocessing. A Visitor and Education Facility is included in the plans as an amenity for the local neighbourhood and schools with provision for guided tours and exhibitions. This is designed to be a local facility to treat local waste and to be a benefit to the local community.

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11th March 2007
Talkabout – 43rd Edition!

The spring edition of Talkabout (Helmdon’s twice yearly parish magazine) will be dropping through your door next weekend.

Congratulations go to Richard Wray, for whom this is the 10th edition, for another outstanding effort. You can download a sneak preview of the magazine or even look through an ever-increasing back catalogue.

There are many appeals and calls for support in Talkabout so please give it a careful read and see what you may be able to get involved with!

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5th March 2007
Starter for ten…

The Friends Of Helmdon School Quiz Night takes place this Friday night, 9th March, at 7:30 p.m. at the school.

Teams of up to 8 people can enter and tickets are £5 per person to include a chilli and jacket potato supper, bottle bar and, of course, a FANTASTIC quiz!! For tickets, please contact Becky Leitelmayer on [phone number removed].

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15th February 2007
Something For Everyone

No one could say that there is a lack of things to do in Helmdon, and whatever your tastes you will find something that suits. Next week is a good example…

For those that enjoy a bit of the outdoors and learning about wildlife there is a talk on British amphibians taking place on Monday 19th February. (Click here for publicity poster). The talk is organised by local wildlife group HAFWEG and will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Weston Community Building. Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

If wildlife is not your bag then there is a more cultural evening taking place on Saturday 24th February courtesy of Helmdon Presents when the Whispering Dragon show rolls in to town.

The production, which takes place in the Reading Room, will be very suitable for families with children over 5 and it lasts about an hour. The evening starts with a light bite of Chinese-style food and a glass of wine or a soft drink which are all included in the price. With authentic Chinese stories and music played on Chinese instruments it promises to be a fun and fascinating evening for people of all ages. Tickets from [phone number removed]; [phone number removed] or bungalow stores. Space is limited so don’t leave it too late!

Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t attend both events – it promises to be a fun week!

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13th February 2007
Carnival Cash Now Available

Helmdon carnival committee are requesting that any group or organisation in need of money gets in touch with them by 1st March 2006.

Funds are now available from the 2006 Helmdon Carnival so if anyone would like to start a new project, or set up a new group, or just help an existing one then they should apply. An application form can be downloaded here.

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8th February 2007
Schools Out For… Winter!

Half term has come two days early for the children of Helmdon Primary School.

The school was closed today, Thursday, and a decision was taken late afternoon to remain closed on Friday as well due to the forecast of snow and ice in the morning. Parents and staff alike will be glad that they don’t have to attempt a journey tomorrow morning, and the children will be delighted to have an extra day to put the finishing touches to their snowmen!

Station Road was just about passable today but Church Street remained snow covered throughout the day.

A very special mention goes to the extraordinary efforts of Will Francis, Helmdon’s very own postie, who managed to provide a near normal postal service today despite the weather. Come rain or shine, snow or ice he seems to be able to deliver on time. Thanks very much!

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25th January 2007
Your Chance To Be Published

The Helmdon Talkabout magazine editor is distributing his ‘reminders’ to tell everyone that articles for publication in the magazine should be with him by Feb. 24th.

The Spring 2007 issue will be published for the weekend of March 17th or 24th (depending on the printers). Articles of general interest to the parish and in particular articles from our younger community members would be greatly received.

There are some guidelines available in a downloadable leaflet here. Articles and questions should be emailed to [email address removed].

This is the 10th edition that has been overseen by Richard Wray as editor of Talkabout, so let’s help him make it a special one by sending in lots of great copy!

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10th January 2007
And They’re Off – At The Reading Room

The Helmdon Sports Club are holding a Race Night in the Reading Room on Friday 2nd February and it promises to be a great night of family entertainment.

Everyone is welcome to come along – the first race starts at 8:00 p.m. – and you can place bets on each race and even own your very own horse. There’s free admission and a bar.

Will it be a good night? You can bet on it!

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10th January 2007
Big Garden Birdwatch Needs You

The RSPBs Big Garden Birdwatch is now in its 28th year, it has more than 450,000 participants recording more than eight million birds. This year’s event takes place on 27th & 28th January and your help is needed.

If you want to be involved, simply visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/ to read all about how to participate. Helmdon’s Alex Burnham would also like to collate the results of all local participants, to form a basis for a record of the birds in our parish. Contact Alex for further details.

This is a great activity for young and old alike, and a fantastic opportunity to promote wildlife awareness. For more about this year’s Birdwatch please click here.

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7th January 2007
New Year, New Faces

A very happy New Year to all Helmdonites, both past and present.

And with the New Year came the birth of a daughter to helmdon.com’s webmaster Danny Moody. Sophie Eleanor was born at home on 5th January, weighing 7lbs 7.5oz. Mum Kate and baby are doing brilliantly and settling in to life in the village.

Other events happening in 2007 include the Rugby World Cup, where England could be the first ever team to make a successful defence of the title, the Local Elections at which you, the voting public, will have a chance to vote for parish, district and county councillors, and on July 7th – The New Seven Wonders of the World are set to be revealed in a ceremony in Portugal.

Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are, make 2007 a special year!

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