Up To The Minute News – Archive 2008

Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2008

22nd December 2008
Merry Christmas Helmdon!

Christmas comes but once a year… and here it is!

All of us at helmdon.com wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

This is a time of great joy and celebration, and a time when the whole village can come together and enjoy the community we live in.

Have a very safe and happy holiday! Wassail!!

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5th December 2008
Food Is Now Served

Richard & Sally are making every Thursday night Food Night at the Bell in Helmdon.

Each week a different meal will be served such as Thai green curry, sausage mash & onion gravy, stew and dumplings, meat balls and pasta, plus many more and all for only £4.00!

And if you can’t make Thursdays don’t forget that ‘Bell’isimo Pizzas are available on most other nights of the week – eat in or take away.

And for anyone with guests arriving for Christmas and nowhere to put them have you considered the Bell’s three newly completed chalets? All have central heating and are superbly furnished. Accommodation is from £65.00 per chalet per night and includes a large continental breakfast. Each chalet has its own en-suite, fridge, toaster, coffee making facilities and television.

Whether you’re in need of food, drink, somewhere to stay or just good company then look no further the Bell in Helmdon!

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28th November 2008
Festive Fun About To Start

Christmas fun in Helmdon starts this Friday with the school holding a “Carols round the tree” service. On Saturday it’s the Church Christmas Bazaar in the Reading Room at 2.30 p.m.

Then there’s a whole month of parties, plays, music, dancing and of course not forgetting the church services too!

Have you bought your tickets for the Bridge Players Panto yet (4th, 5th & 6th Dec)? Don’t be like Cinderella and leave it to the last minute – phone a member of the Bridge Players committee and book tickets right now!

And the not-to-be-missed Christmas event is Words & Music In The Church, which this year takes place on Friday 19th December at 7:30 p.m.

You’ll find details on all these events and more on the Village Diary, along with contact, times and ticket prices.

Sweep away the credit-crunch blues, it’s time for some Christmas cheer!

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9th November 2008
We Will Remember Them

In a special Act of Remembrance, several hundred people gathered at Helmdon’s war memorial on Sunday 9th November to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in war and conflict.

There was special recognition for the ten American airmen whose plane crashed near Astwell Castle Farm on 30th November 1943; 65 years ago.

Lt. Col. Terry Hayes, Deputy Commander of the American 422nd Air Base Group at RAF Croughton laid a special wreath and read out the names of the American airmen:

“They shall not grow old as we are left to grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”

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2nd November 2008
A Time To Remember

The Helmdon War Memorial.
Every year, on the Sunday closest to 11th November, villagers young and old gather at the war memorial on Wappenham Road to remember those that gave their lives for their country and those still in the armed forces today.

This year the service will for the first time commemorate the death of ten American airmen who died in service when their plane crashed at Astwell Castle Farm on 30th November 1943. Senior representatives from RAF Croughton and the 422nd Air Base Group will join locals for the 65th anniversary commemoration.

A church service will be held in St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Helmdon at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday 9th November with the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial at 10:50 a.m. All are welcome.

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18th October 2008
Jenny O – Helmdon’s Medallist

Linda Calvin DAR President General (left) and Jenny Overson
In a surprising move, the Daughters of the American Revolution, one of the most famous patriotic associations in the USA, have awarded their very first Medal for Historic Preservation to an English woman. Jenny Overson, from Helmdon, has worked at Sulgrave Manor for nearly 20 years and, last Saturday, the President-General of the DAR pinned onto her jacket this prestigious award, only introduced this year.

“The DAR’s three objectives are Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism” said Linda Calvin, the DAR’s President General on a three day visit to the UK. “We believe that Jenny’s work at the Manor not only in preservation but also in education make her a very worthy first recipient of the Association’s new medal”.

For more information please visit the Sulgrave Manor web site.

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17th October 2008
Not Acceptable

The Parish Council was disturbed to learn that there have recently been instances of vandalism at Helmdon Primary School with broken glass on the playing field and playground and interferences being made to the drainage system which could have caused flooding.

The issues have been reported to the police; please be alert and report anyone seen acting suspiciously in the area to the school or the neighbourhood watch.

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14th September 2008
Umdumo Wesizwe On Tour

Helmdon Presents… Undumo Wesizwe on Friday 10th October, 7:30 p.m. at Helmdon School.

Umdumo Wesizwe (Sound of the nation) is a music ensemble made up of talented young men. The ensemble was formed in August 1994 in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane suburb, Zimbabwe.

Umdumo Wesizwe performs Imbube music and over the years they have shrugged barriers to create their own style of imbube, which has been christened “igusheshe” This is imbube music that is laced with other music styles such as R&B, Jazz, Kwaito and Reggae.

This is an event not to be missed. Tickets are just £8 from any of the Helmdon Presents contacts or at Bungalow Stores.

Click here to download the publicity poster.

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29th August 2008
26th Annual Carnival A Great Success

The weather stayed dry and the crowds turned out for the 26th Helmdon Carnival, held on the sports field, Wappenham Road on bank holiday Monday.

Nick Mead’s now famous tank lead a procession through the village, which include motorised floats again for the first time in 5 years. The Helmdon Acorns carried of the best float award, presented by Carnival guest of honour Councillor Andrew Grant (pictured above with Acorns chair, Rachael Wheeler).

The dog show attracted entrants from far and wide and the craft and produce show was as hotly contested as always.

More news, lists of winners, and details of funds raised for local good causes will be announced soon.

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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24th August 2008
Countdown To Carnival 2008

One day until the carnival and the carnival committee can relax knowing there’s nothing left to do (what do you mean “last minute panics?!”).

The weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon is 20 degrees and overcast but dry and with sunny intervals so it promises to be a great afternoon.

For a small entry fee you will have a marching band, dancers, tug-o-war, vintage ploughing, sheep shearing, dog show, farrier, children’s funfair, craft and produce show, and a multitude of side shows and stalls.

Roll up, roll up – it’s the greatest show in town!

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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23rd August 2008
Countdown To Carnival 2008

Two days left until the carnival and tonight (Saturday) is dance night at the sports field.

It’s going to be a great night’s entertainment and will get us all in the mood for the weekend’s activities.

All proceeds go into the carnival coffers so let the fund raising begin!

And don’t forget tomorrow (Sunday) there’s a Songs of Praise service at 10:30 a.m. on the sports field, followed by a barbeque at the Bell in Church Street. Everyone is very welcome at both events.

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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22nd August 2008
Countdown To Carnival 2008

Only three days to go until the 2008 Helmdon Carnival, which promises to be one of the best ever.

Float builders have been busy getting together their entries for the welcome return of the float parade, which will start from Helmdon Primary School at 1:30 p.m. and process along Station Road and Wappenham Road up to the sports field.

Come out of your houses and wave the parade on (watch out for clowns with water pistols!) and then follow along for a fun-filled afternoon at the sports field.

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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21st August 2008
Countdown To Carnival 2008

Four days left until the carnival and the holiday weekend is almost in sight!

On Saturday night you can kick off the fun and festivities with a dance at the sports field from 7.30pm until late to the Fred Chase Band and The Ya-Yas.

Tickets are only £6.50 and are available at the gate. There will be food and bar to keep you going throughout the evening.

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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20th August 2008
Countdown To Carnival 2008

Just five days to go until the 2008 Helmdon Carnival. The main event takes place on the sports field, Wappenham Road starting at 2:00 p.m. on bank holiday Monday.

There will be a full afternoon of events and attractions including marching band, dancers, tug-o-war, vintage ploughing, sheep shearing, dog show, farrier, children’s funfair, craft and produce show, various side shows and stalls.

All proceeds will be going to worthy local causes so please come along and support the carnival and have fun at the same time.

For further details contact a member of the carnival committee.

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1st August 2008
Time For The Tar Again

Roadworks in 2004

It doesn’t seem like four and a half years ago that Helmdon’s roads were resurfaced, but it was!

Now it’s time for Northants County Council to complete the job by resurfacing the road from the 30 mph signs on Station Road just above Seckington’s Stores, right up to the Welsh Lane.

But this time it’s not just a nice new smooth layer of tarmac required, virtually the whole road needs replacing because it wasn’t constructed to take the volume, speed and weight of traffic that it does today.

The repair is called haunching, where the sides of the road are reinforced and kerbed to provide a solid base for the carriageway surface.

Work will commence either next week or the week after depending on weather and other factors and there will be diversions in place throughout the works, which are scheduled to last approximately six weeks.

Any questions should be sent via the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart, on parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

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7th July 2008
One Of The Best Aspects of Helmdon…

Aspects of Helmdon 5 is virtually sold out.

In 1996, a group of WEA members were sufficiently enthused by a course on Local History to attempt to put together a booklet detailing some of Helmdon’s past; some months later, in 1997, the first edition of Aspects of Helmdon came into being.

Despite the initial concerns that there may not be sufficient interest, 2008 sees the publication of the 6th booklet in the series.

The six booklets have seen contributions from many members of the village but there is one person who, in addition to being a contributor, has been the driving force behind all six issues and is primarily responsible for the continued success of Aspects – and that is Audrey Forgham.

For 12 years now, Audrey has been pulling together articles for each issue but has decided it is now time to pass on the baton.

So, this note serves two purposes:

Firstly to place on record the village’s appreciation to Audrey for the sterling work done over the first six issues.

Secondly, to ask if there is anyone else out there who would like to pick up where Audrey has left off?

If you would like to put together Aspects of Helmdon No 7, please contact Richard Foster at [email address removed].

Your copy of Aspects 6 (at £3) can be purchased from Seckington (Bungalow) Stores, the Post Office and Drop-in Centre, the Old Hall Book Shop, 32 Market Place, Brackley or from Audrey Forgham, [address removed], Richard Foster, [address removed], Richard Farquharson, [address removed] or Jan Harrold, [address removed].

Copies can also be dispatched to interested readers within the UK for £3.75 inclusive of postage and packing.

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1st July 2008
And… Relax

A new service in Helmdon

Sally Gordon, of Station Road, Helmdon has started a new business offering Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Swedish Body Massage and Reiki.

Clients of Countryside Holistic Therapies can visit the home based therapy room or receive treatment in their home or place of work.

Sally is having an open day on Saturday 5th July from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. at 38 Station Road. For details please contact Sally direct by e-mail.

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28th June 2008
It Must Be Fête!

Fun for all the family

It’s time for the annual Helmdon Village Fair. Stalls and attractions will open today around the village from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.

The weather forecast is dry and warm (hopefully not famous last words!) so organisers are hopeful of a good turnout.

There’s a vast variety of stalls selling books, food, cakes, fruit and veg, toiletries and children’s toys.

The whole event finishes with a church service in the parish church at 4:30 p.m. where the raffle will be drawn.

Click here for a guide to where the stalls are located and please come out and support the village!

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2nd June 2008
Calling All Budding Gardeners

The pump garden on Church Street.
For years the pump garden on Church Street has been lovingly tended by the Hardiman family but now it’s time for someone else to do their bit.

A volunteer is needed to maintain the pump garden so if you are a keen gardener with a couple of hours to spend a month then Helmdon Parish Council would like to hear from you.

This is a voluntary role but all expenses will be met.

If you are interested please contact the parish clerk, Liz Hart, on [phone number removed].

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29th April 2008
How Much Is That Doggy On Shortlands?

Jules – the proud mum!
Only the hardest of hearts could resist – so don’t read on unless you’re sure you can cope!

The winner of Helmdon Carnival’s “prettiest bitch” competition in 2004 has had puppies and they’re available for sale now!

Proud mum Jules had seven puppies all together and there are just three bitches and one dog left. All are vet checked, home reared and well handled – perfect for children! The dad was another Helmdon black labrador so all the pups are pure bred and black.

The bitches are £350 and the dog is £300. Please phone Denise on [phone number removed] – it’s first come first served!

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29th April 2008
Your Chance To Have A Say

There will be a village meeting on Thursday 8th May at 7:00 p.m. on the sports field to discuss plans to build a new village hall for Helmdon.

The Sports Club have submitted outline plans to South Northants Council for a new facility on the sports field that will bring the pavillion up to modern standards but also incorporate a large hall that could be used for plays, dances and indoor sports.

Villagers gave their support to the venture at a meeting in November 2006 but now its time to start planning the build. This is your opportunity to have a say about the precise size, location and design of the building. Village groups and organisations who are potential users of the facility are encouraged to attend to outline their needs and wants. This is the time to say – not once the plans are finalised!!

There will also be a lot of work involved in bringing the project to fruition and it is proposed that a management committee be set up to oversee it. If you would like to be involved, or have any skills that you can offer, now is the time to put your hand up.

The meeting is being organised by the Parish Plan Monitoring Group. For further information please contact the PPMG chair, Danny Moody on [phone number removed] or by e-mail.

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24th April 2008
Cutting The Ribbon On Safer Playground

New tyre swings have been fitted.
The adventure playground on the school field has been given a safety overhaul in the last few weeks and will be officially reopened on Monday 28th April at 12:00 p.m.

The work was possible thanks to the tireless fundraising activities of Ray Crouch and a donation from Cllr Andrew Grant who put £3,927 of his Empowering Councillors funding towards the project.

The two swings have a new safety surface, the slide now has a hand rail and the adventure trail has been repainted and new bark put underneath.

Helmdon Parish Council, who commissioned the work, own the equipment and lease the ground from the school outside school hours for the whole village to enjoy.

For further information contact Helmdon Parish Council.

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8th April 2008
The Funeral Of Richard Lloyd

St Peter’s, Brackley
The funeral of Richard Lloyd of Helmdon will take place on Wednesday 16th April 2008 at 2:30 p.m. in St Peter’s Church, Old Town, Brackley, Northants, NN13 7BX.

Additional car parking available at Honda F1, Brackley NN13 7BD (please be there before 2:00 p.m. in time for transport to church).

The service will be followed by a celebration of Richard’s life to be held at 4:15 p.m. at Silverstone Circuit, Nr Towcester, Northants. NN12 8TN.

Richard’s friends are welcome to attend either or both.

The family has asked for no flowers: Donations to: Cystic Fibrosis Trust, BRDC Benevolent Fund, c/o undertakers J&M Humphris, 32 Albert Street, Banbury, Oxon. OX16 5DG.

Any further details from Apex Motorsport, [phone number removed] – e-mail / web site.

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21st March 2008
Free Sand On The Green!

There is a pile of sandbags on the Green which are now redundant as SNC has supplied special Aquasacs to houses likely to be affected by flooding.

Helmdon Parish Clerk, Liz Hart, is trying to arrange collection of the pile by SNC but they would prefer them to be disposed of locally so please help yourself if you could do with some sand!

Contact Liz on [phone number removed] if you have any queries.

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9th March 2008
Reading Room Refurb

Your village hall needs you!

The Reading Room is about to receive a ‘makeover’ and your ideas will be greatly valued because, after all, the hall belongs to everybody in Helmdon.

The Reading Room Committee is holding an Extraordinary AGM in the Reading Room on:

WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL 2008 @ 8.00 P.M.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to hear your ideas. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful facility but the hall needs a new look and that’s where you come in. Please come along on the 2nd April and be a part of the planning process for the refurbishment of the Reading Room.

If, sadly, you can’t make that date, please ring either Bill England on [phone number removed] or Caroline King on [phone number removed] and let us know how you think the Reading Room could be improved.

Caroline King, Secretary, Reading Room.

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18th February 2008
Your Chance To Help Make A Difference

The first meeting of the 2008 Carnival Committee takes place on Tuesday 19th February at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room.

This is your chance to help make a difference in our village, as all the funds raised go back in to improving and supporting our village community, for example some of the monies raised last year went to: Helmdon Fellowship, Helmdon School, Friends of St Mary Magdalene, Helmdon Acorns Pre-School, Helmdon Sports club, Reading Room, Friends of Helmdon School, Helmdon St Mary Magdalene Church & Brackley Cottage Hospital, as well as those entertained throughout the carnival!!!

Meetings normally last approx one hour & we generally have one meeting a month between now and the Carnival – August bank holiday weekend.

Please come along and join us, everyone’s help is valuable – see you there!!!

Please contact Ros Spence if you require further information.

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11th February 2008
Reading Room Refurb – Your Choice

As some of you will be aware, the Reading Room main hall hopefully, will be refurbished during the course of this year.

The discussions so far have been whether to expose the original ceiling, or to have another suspended one, as is there at the moment. There have been one or two issues on this matter; one of them is heat loss if the ceiling is exposed, another is the condition of the original ceiling.

As the photos show the condition is pretty good and in my opinion will not take much work to bring it back to it’s original glory. Where the heat loss is concerned, when I opened up the suspended ceiling I found it to be as warm above as it was in the main hall. It is YOU who should have the say on this matter. It is YOUR hall. Please let us know what you want. Reply to:- Bill England [phone number removed] email [email address removed] or Caroline King [phone number removed] [email address removed].

A meeting will be arranged sometime in March so could we have your comments by the end of this February.

Bill England.

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12th January 2008
Grab it. Bag it. Bin it.

Dog excrement in the village is increasingly becoming an issue – particularly bad spots are on Church Street and on Station Road near the junction with Grange Lane. South Northants Council has adopted the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 which enables them to designate land where the ‘poop-scoop’ law applies. The designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks. It is an offence… more >>

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5th January 2008
Happy New Year!

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

2008 is the International Year of Planet Earth which aims to capture people’s imagination with the exciting knowledge we possess about our planet, and to see that knowledge used to make the Earth a safer, healthier and wealthier place for our children and grandchildren.

On 21st February look out for a total lunar eclipse, and any other strange weather 2008 might bring us!

In sport 2008 is a leap year so that must mean the Olympic Games – hosted this time by Beijing from 8th – 24th August… with only 4 years to go until the games are coming home! And dare we hope that on November 2nd 2008 Britain will be able to celebrate a new F1 world champion?!

Whatever you’re doing in 2008 I hope it is a worthwhile and memorable year!

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see what was new in 2007