Up To The Minute News – Archive 2010

Up To the Minute Helmdon News – Archive 2010

Posted 19 December 2010
Say Halo To The Ice

A wonderful ice halo above Helmdon – photo by Richard Jarvis
This rare and amazing photo was taken today, 19 December 2010 by Richard Jarvis of Church Street, Helmdon. It is of a 22^o ice halo above the village.

An ice halo forms as sunlight is refracted in hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. It is a very rare natural optical phenomenon.

Meanwhile Helmdon has been exhibiting its legendary community spirit with dozens of residents out clearing roads and paths and digging out cars. Residents on Shortlands Close cleared the entire stretch in order to give themselves a fighting chance of getting out to work in the morning. Perhaps it’s the Big Society in action!

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Posted 18 December 2010
It’s Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas

Tree on Wappenham Road
The snow is deep and crisp and even in Helmdon tonight.

Over six inches of snow fell between midday and 6:00 p.m. making local roads impassable except in four wheel drive vehicles. Local children were out making the most of the weather, although the snow was not the “right type” for making good snowmen.

No more snow is forecast in the next few days but temperatures are unlikely to be above freezing at all in the coming week.

On Friday Helmdon Primary School closed early for Christmas amid fears of teachers and parents being stranded.

Local roads, including the A43 and M1 were closed in sections or were barely passable as snow descended faster than it could be cleared.

For those that don’t have to go out and have got plenty of provisions in it’s a wonderful festive start to Christmas week!

Helmdon Brook in the snow – 18 December 2010

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Posted 15 December 2010
And It’s A No From Us

Helmdon Parish Council has tonight resolved to object to an application to erect five 125 metre wind turbines between the villages of Greatworth, Helmdon and Sulgrave.

At a public meeting held in the Reading Room, Helmdon the council considered all of the evidence gathered over the past few months.

The council felt that an overwhelming majority of residents objected to the proposed development, noting that concerns ranged from environmental issues to the physical impact of such large structures so close to residential dwellings.

Helmdon Parish Council will now submit its views to the local planning authority, South Northants Council (SNC), which will determine whether or not the proposals should go ahead. The SNC meeting is likely to be held in late February.

The proposals can be viewed on the SNC planning register web site under reference number S/2010/1437/MAF. The deadline for the public to submit comments is 17 December.

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Posted 08 December 2010
Is It Panto Time? Oh Yes It Is!

Helmdon’s finest thespians tread the boards this weekend in Alice in Wonderland – The Bridge Players Christmas Panto 2010.

Tickets are like the proverbial hot cakes with both performances on Saturday completely sold out but there are just a very few tickets left for Thursday night and one or two for Friday night. It’s first come, first served so phone now to avoid disappointment! Contact any Bridge Player to reserve your ticket and then pay on the door.

This year’s Panto promises the usual heady mix of thigh slapping and cross dressing all in the best possible taste, so whether you are one of the lucky ones to already have your tickets, or whether you beat the last minute stampeded for Thursday night tickets, you are guaranteed (by Jonathan Oldershaw, address details available on request, conditions apply) to have a night to remember.

Check out previous Bridge Players productions.

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Posted 25 November 2010
Public Meeting About Turbine Application

Broadview Energy Ltd has submitted a planning application to South Northants Council (SNC) to erect five 125 metre wind turbines between the villages of Greatworth, Helmdon and Sulgrave. SNC has 16 weeks to decide whether to approve or reject the application.

The plans can be viewed on the SNC planning register web site under reference number S/2010/1437/MAF. The deadline for the public to submit comments is 17 December.

Helmdon Parish Council is holding a public meeting on Thursday 2 December 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon for residents to come along and share their views. The meeting is open to all members of the public and press.

For further information about the meeting please contact the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart, at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

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Posted 20 November 2010
Countdown To A Very Helmdon Christmas

Christmas is just five weeks away, which means that Helmdon activities are about to go in to overdrive – and there is something for everyone, young and old.

Next Saturday (27 November) the Christmas Bazaar kicks off the festivities from 2:30 p.m. in the Reading Room. Come and browse the stalls, spend your money and meet Santa Claus!

Starting on Thursday 9 December for three nights only is the Bridge Players Panto – Alice in Wonderland. Tickets are selling fast so contact a member of the Bridge Players committee soon!

The Friends of the Church annual Words & Music in the Church festival takes place on Friday 17 December with music, light entertainment and mulled wine to warm the cockles.

And in between the above events are Christmas lunches, dinners and parties galore. Don’t miss a thing by keeping a close eye on the Village Diary where you will find all the times, dates and contact details.

Wassail!

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Posted 07 November 2010
Two Chances To Meet MP

Andrea Leadsom MP

Member of Paliament for South Northamptonshire, Andrea Leadsom, is holding a series of surgeries across the district where members of the public can make an appointment and have the opportunity to bring up any issue of concern.

The remaining dates for 2010 are Friday 12 November, Brackley Town Hall, 16:00 – 18:00 and Friday 10 December, Wootton Community & Sports Centre, Wootton, Northampton, 16:00 – 18:00.

Whether you wish to raise local issues such as the Broadview Windfarm proposal or High Speed Rail, or national issues of concern then this is your opportunity.

To make an appointment for either date please call [phone number removed].

Please visit www.andrealeadsom.com for further details.

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Posted 25 October 2010
Application Submitted

Broadview Energy Limited has submitted a planning application to erect five 125 metre wind turbines on the land bordering Helmdon, Greatworth, Stuchbury and Sulgrave. The application is currently being validated by South Northants Council (SNC) and once this is completed it will be available to view on www.southnorthants.gov.uk under the Planning Register.

The Helmdon, Stuchbury & Greatworth Windfarm Action Group (HSGWAG) will be reviewing Broadview’s application as soon as it is available and will be sending out further communications to residents.

Locals are urged not to respond until the application is made available on the SNC web site as comments received too early may not be taken in to consideration.

To keep up to date please check the following web sites regularly:

HSGWAG – www.hsgwag.co.uk
SNC – www.southnorthants.gov.uk
Broadview – www.broadviewenergy.com
Helmdon Parish Council – www.helmdon.com/parishcouncil

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Posted 3 October 2010
For Tiny Acorns…

New Acorns Building Takes Shape.
As can be seen from the photo above, work has now started on the long-awaited Acorns building.

The footings are in and the builders are on target to complete before the end of 2010 ready for a New Year Opening. Orders have been placed for some fabulous play equipment from money received from the WNDC whilst Andrew Grant, County Councillor has provided almost £6,000 funding from the Empowering Councillor’s Scheme for a play shelter which will allow the children to get lots of fresh air even if it’s pouring with rain! In addition, Barclaycard has kindly agreed to paint the building’s interior as part of their community work programme.

The staff, parents and children can hardly wait to see it finished and would like to thank everyone who has supported the project.

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Posted 27 September 2010
Helmdon Hurler Exceeds All Expectations

Ready for the off – the inaugural Helmdon Hurler gets underway.
95 runners tackled the challenge head on as they competed in the first ever “Helmdon Hurler” on 30 August. The 4.3 mile undulating course around the “Astwell Track” attracted entrants from local villages and running clubs alike with the winner Daniel Pedory completing the course in an impressive 24 minutes and 53 seconds. Helmdon’s very own Simon Woodward finished in third place with a time of 25 minutes and 7 seconds. Maybe Simon can win the race next year?

The race started and finished at the Bell Inn, Helmdon and it seems that a combination of the good weather, the smell of the BBQ and the temptation of a well earned drink encouraged most of the runners to stay behind and soak up the friendly atmosphere of the event. The organisers would like to thank Bloomers Florist, Support Logistics, The Bell Inn and HB Gardens for kindly sponsoring the event. A special thanks also goes to all the volunteers who helped out on the day. Donations will be made to several village groups over the next few weeks.

Click here to download the full race results.

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Posted 20 September 2010
Council Needs Your Counsel

Helmdon Parish Council has a vacancy for a councillor and wishes to fill it this Wednesday (22 September).

The vacancy arose due to the resignation of Cllr Gary Turner.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the role of parish councillor should in the first instance contact the clerk, Liz Hart, at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

Click here to download the vacancy poster.

[Update: At the meeting on 22 September Helmdon Parish Council co-opted Sarah Adhemar of Wappenham Road, Helmdon to fill the vacancy]

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Posted 10 September 2010
Village Prepares To Consider Future

The second Helmdon Future Needs Day takes place tomorrow, Saturday 11 September 2010 from 11:00 – 3:00 at the school hall.

The event is organised by the Helmdon Parish Plan Group and offers residents a chance to talk about issues that affect them now and in the future.

The exhibition, which all residents of Helmdon are invited to drop in to, will be broken down in to six sections: Housing, Transport, Youth, Culture, Amenities and Environment.

Come along to raise any issues you like. Are you concerned about development in the village? Did you know Helmdon’s last shop has just closed? What can be done about it? Do you think there is enough in the village for the young people? Whatever you want to talk about, the Parish Plan Group want your views and comments.

As an added incentive light refreshments will be served throughout the day with a free barbeque from midday (prime local burgers and sausages).

Entry is free, so bring the family and enjoy a really good village day.

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Posted 05 September 2010
Bungalow Stores Closes

Saturday 4 September 2010 will go down as a historic but sad day in Helmdon, it being the final day of trading at Helmdon’s last remaining shop, Bungalow Stores.

Pat & John Woodhams have decided to close the shop, which was opened in 1957 by Pat’s father, Harold Seckington, who passed away in July.

A note on the door of the shop reads “It is with regret that after much consideration John and Pat have decided to close the shop known as Bungalow Stores. We have enjoyed serving the community of Helmdon and will miss doing so. The shop will close on Saturday Sept 4th. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us over many years. John & Pat.”

This short film records the last day of trading…

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Posted 26 August 2010
Blooming Splendid

These beautiful flowers were photographed in Helmdon by Michael (Tiger) Ayres.

The white and purple infloresence is from a common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), which is a commonly occuring species of European orchid.

The common spotted orchid is the UK’s most widespread. It produces some fabulous flowering displays across a wide range of habitats from dry grasslands to wet meadows and marshes.

There are several known flowering sites in Helmdon.

Many thanks to Tiger for sending these in.

More photos (click to enlarge)…

Posted 19 August 2010
Watch out, Watch Out

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents living within the village of Helmdon.

Between the times of 8.00am and 6.00pm on Wednesday 18 August, two properties on Wappenham Road were broken in to via the rear garden. Both properties were entered by way of forcing open the patio doors, and items were stolen from inside.

If you have any information in relation to this incident please report using the dedicated Watch number [phone number removed], or alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below quoting WB/CMS/1778/10.

Thank you.

—

Police are working with local councils to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime issues;

Please visit www.northants.police.uk and click on ‘local policing’ to see what we’re doing in your area.

Northamptonshire Police Contact Details:

Emergency: 999

Northamptonshire Police Switch Board: 03000 111 222

CrimeStoppers (remain anonymous): 0800 555 111

Doorstep Action Network (DAN): 0345 2307 702

You can also follow Northants Police on Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.facebook.com/northantspolice.

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Posted 14 August 2010
A (Twenty) Grand Effort

Thanks to the remarkable success of Bill & Doreen England’s Garden Fete last weekend, which raised a fantastic £676, the Reading Room Refurbishment Fund now stands at a whopping £20,000.

The money is being raised to install new lighting, an audio visual system, replacement sliding doors, new curtains and furniture, and a range of other improvements.

Work has already commenced on the new lighting and the works will be ongoing as funds allow.

Approximately half of the £20,000
has come from an Awards for All grant, with the vast majority of the other half coming from the fantastic fund raising skills and generosity of villagers.

Read all about the fundraising activities and feel free to get in touch if you have an idea for an event.

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Posted 04 August 2010
Creature From The… Shallow

The Helmdon Crayfish
The brook that runs through the middle of Helmdon seems devoid of animal life most of the time. But lurking in the water are all kinds of bugs and beasties.

Thomas Moody found the wierd looking creature in the photo – it is a signal crayfish, a freshwater crustacean resembling a small lobster. This one was approximately four inches long and found near the bridge at the bottom of Wicket Mead.

What have you discovered in the brook, either recently or in the past? Send details to webmaster@helmdon.com and we’ll start a list on the web site!

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Posted 27 July 2010
Harold Seckington, 1919 – 2010

Harold Seckington, aged 20.
Harold Seckington, stalwart of this parish, passed away yesterday, 26 July 2010, aged 91.

A Helmdon man through and through Harold saw the world during service in the army during WWII.

Lyndsey Glassett recorded Harold’s reminiscences in 1998 and paints a very colourful and wistful picture.

Harold was born in 1919, and has been at the centre of village life since. He was on the Fellowship committee for decades, was a founding committee member of the youth club, an ever-present on the Carnival committee from 1982 to 2006 and treasurer and steward of the Reading Room until this year. There are few people that can boast community spirit in such abundance.

Harold’s funeral takes place on Tuesday at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church where he will be buried with his wife Jean.

Harold Seckington, 1919 – 2010. RIP.

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Posted 27 July 2010
Closed Or Open – You Decide

Exposed or hidden?
Your choice.
The Reading Room Management Committee (RRMC) would like your opinion regarding the ceiling in the Reading Room. Do you think a false ceiling should go up and if so, why?

A very simple questionnaire is circulating around the village and has been sent to all the groups and organisations. Since the removal of the suspended ceiling opinion has been divided as to whether to leave it open and exposed or to reinstate it.

Please return your questionnaire by 31 July 2010 for your opinion to be taken in to account.

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Posted 11 July 2010
The Inaugural Hurler

The inaugural “Helmdon Hurler” will take place on 30 August 2010 (Bank Holiday Monday).

The organisers hope to get the residents of Helmdon and surrounding villages out of their couches and out running the 4.3 mile Astwell Track – ending with a BBQ at the Bell Inn, Helmdon.

There will also be an organised family walk for those that don’t want to run.

All profits from the run will be donated to village groups and entry is just £8 for adults (£10 on the day) or £5 for children aged 5 – 17 (£7 on the day).

The event will be a competitive run for Helmdon’s serious athletes and a fun day for all the family for the rest.

Download the event flyer and entry form. You’ll be supporting the village and having a good time!

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Posted 05 July 2010
South Northants Wind Policy

Helmdon Parish Council is holding a meeting on Thursday 8 July 2010 to consider its response to South Northants Council’s draft planning policy “Wind Turbines In the Open Countryside“.

The policy will have a major bearing on whether or not a wind farm is built within the parish of Helmdon.

The draft policy addresses issues of environmental impact, visual impact and effect on cultural heritage as well as setting out guidelines for siting and good design of turbines.

Helmdon Parish Council has until 16 July to submit its response to SNC, which will take into account all comments received before adopting the final version of the policy.

The meeting is open to members of the public and starts at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday 8 July in the Reading Room.

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Posted 30 June 2010
A Very Grave Request

The Friends of Helmdon Churchyard are planning a churchyard clean-up for Saturday 17 July and are looking for some additional helpers.

Apart from the mowing and strimming there is gardening and tidying too, so there’s something suitable for all. The clear-ups are only once a month during the warmer months and it really is a lovely place to put in an hour or two of volunteer time!

The clear-up will start at 10:00 a.m. and refreshments will be available.

Please call Judy Cairns on [phone number removed]
if you would like to volunteer, or would just like to find out more.

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Posted 24 June 2010
Have You Lost Your Dog?

A Yorkshire Terrier
Have you lost a Yorkshire Terrier? It was found in Helmdon today and has a tag but with no information on it.

South Northants Council were informed and it has been taken to Forest Lodge Kennels, Forest Road, Quinton, Northampton, NN7 2EQ. [phone number removed].

If you know of anyone in the village that has a Yorkshire Terrier please check they’ve still got theirs!

[Update: Owner and dog reunited! The missing dog turned out to be Barnie, who has recently moved to Church Street with owner Geoff. The village grapevine via the pub worked wonderfully!]

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Posted 16 June 2010
The Future In Your Hands

A date for your diary.

The Parish Plan Group are at it again! The original Helmdon Parish Plan was published in 2004 so it’s time for a refresher. Villagers may remember the Parish Plan questionnaire in 2003 which sought the views of residents about Helmdon’s needs over the next five to ten years. The results led to us having broadband much earlier than we would otherwise and to the creation of several new groups, which are still going strong today, including Helmdon Presents and the Parish Paths Group, as well as many other benefits.

The Parish Plan Group have started planning a Village Future Needs Day to be held at the school on Saturday 11 September 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be open to all residents to come along and give their views and opinions about how Helmdon should develop in the future and what the needs of the parish are. The feedback received at the Future Needs Day will be used to inform a questionnaire to go round the village in the autumn.

More information will be availble in due course on the Parish Plan pages, but for now please put the date in your diary so that you don’t miss out!

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Posted 27 May 2010
What’s Your Opinion?

Exposed or hidden?
Your choice.
Users of the Reading Room will know that the old suspended ceiling, which was well past its sell-by date, was removed last year to expose the original ceiling and beams. Since the removal opinion has been divided as to whether to leave it open and exposed or to reinstate some sort of false ceiling.

Now the Reading Room Management Committee (RRMC) would like your opinion. A very simple questionnaire is circulating around the village and will be sent to all the groups and organisations. Do you think a false ceiling should go up and if so, why?

The RRMC is also commissioning an acoustic survey and will combine the results of that and the questionnaire to make a final decision.

Please return your questionnaire by 31 July 2010.

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15 May 2010
Who Are They, And Where Are they Now!?

Many thanks to Tiger Ayres for sending in these photos via Bill England. They are pictures of a fun cricket match at the school field on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee in 1977 – 33 years ago.

Do you recognise any of these faces – perhaps you are one of them – if you dare admit to it!!

If you know any of the names, or have any memories of the day please get in touch with the web team.

Click on the photos for a larger image...

Photo 1.

Photo 2.

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6 May 2010
Decision Time

The electorate of Helmdon will file through the polling station in the Reading Room today to cast their vote in the 2010 general election.

Scott Collins (Liberal Democrat), Andrea Leadsom (Conservative), Barry Mahoney (UK Independence Party), Matthew May (Labour), Marcus Rock (Green), and Tony Tappy (English Democrat) are vying for Helmdon votes as part of the Northamptonshire South constituency.

The polling station is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. today, 6 May 2010. The votes will be counted in Towcester and a result is likely to be declared around 3:00 – 4:00 a.m. on 7 May.

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25 April 2010
It’s Your Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 28th April 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon.

The meeting this year will feature presentations from village groups and organisations, including information on the Parish Plan Refresh.

It is also an opportunity to meet and ask questions of District Councillor, Cllr Robin Digby and County Councillor, Cllr Andrew Grant.

There will be wine and refreshments available from 7:15pm and an opportunity afterwards to chat and celebrate all that Helmdon has to offer.

The Annual Parish Meeting is open to all electors in the parish. It is not a meeting of the Parish Council, but is convened and chaired by Cllr Peter Burns, the chairman of the Parish Council.

For further information please contact the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart on [phone number removed] or by e-mail at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

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17 April 2010
Ring-A-Ring-A-Church

How many people does it take to girdle the church?

No, it’s not a trick question and on Sunday 25 April at 9:30 a.m. Rev Will hopes to find out.

Girdling the Church is an ancient service, still followed in a few areas of the country, and Will hopes that as many as can will join the service on 25 April to encircle St Mary Magdalene Church thereby “hugging” the church as a symbol of thanks.

The service is dedicated to celebrating and thanking God for the community life we enjoy in Helmdon by reminding ourselves of the central role the church has in realising the many riches this brings to all parishioners.

Will thinks it will take a large number of people to girdle the church and he will provide a prize for the person who makes the closest guess!

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12 April 2010
All About Helmdon – Virtually

As heralded in the recently distributed Talkabout magazine, the Helmdon web site now includes a new interactive online message board where registered users can post messages, classified ads, reports, news… in fact whatever you like, so long as you keep it clean!

Click here to visit the new message board now.

Users need to register with a unique username and password (details of how to do this are contained on the message board or in Talkabout) and can then read items and post their own content. Non registered guests will be able to view content only, not post anything.

The board is split into five main areas: Instructions and rules, The Chequers (general chat), Issues, Groups & organisations, and Classified Ads.

So whether you want to chat with others about the weather, wind farms, high speed rail links, what’s happening at HYHOs, or anything else, this is the message board for you!

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28 March 2010
New Secretary Needed

The Reading Room Management Committee urgently needs someone to take over the role of secretary when Caroline King steps down in May.

The job will take just a few hours every month (usually much less in the summer) and entails preparing the paperwork for the two main meetings a year (plus approx. two informal meetings a year), carrying out any decisions made at those meetings, and generally supporting the committee who maintain this wonderful building.

This is a great way to meet people from the village and feel that you are doing a truly worthwhile job. The position is unpaid but expenses are covered. Caroline King will remain on hand to provide help and advice during the first few months.

The Reading Room has come so far with the refurbishment campaign in the last six months: please don’t let this all this momentum be lost.

To express an interest in the role please contact any member of the Reading Room committee.

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21 March 2010
Wind Turbines Generate Debate

A public meeting will be held on Monday 12 April 2010 to discuss the proposed Spring Farm Ridge Renewable Energy Project.

The meeting is being organised by the Helmdon, Stuchbury and Greatworth Wind Farm Action Group (www.hsgwag.co.uk) and starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room. The meeting is open to Helmdon residents only.

Presentations will be made by local residents about the project specifically and about wind energy in general.

Download HSGWAG’s publicity poster.

Meanwhile, a planning application by developers Broadview Energy Ltd to erect a meteorological mast on the proposed site has been submitted to South Northants Council (SNC). The application will be considered by SNC’s development control committee, probably on 1 April 2010. Helmdon Parish Council looked at the application at a planning committee meeting held on 18 March and decided to object to the plans. The objection and comments will be forwarded to SNC for their consideration.

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13 March 2010
High Speed Train Line Misses Helmdon – Just

A proposed new train line from London to Birmingham will send high speed trains hurtling through South Northants at up to 250 miles per hour on a route that passes between Helmdon and Brackley.

The High Speed Two (HS2) line would eventually run all the way from London to Scotland with a journey time of just three and a half hours.

The line follows a slightly different route to the old great central railway and so misses Helmdon but the proposed new line crosses the Radstone Road just the Helmdon side of the Old Glebe, and crosses the Welsh Lane just the Banbury side of Greatworth Park. The proposed route shaves the edge of Greatworth village.

There are no stations proposed between London and Birmingham so the trains will simply whistle past.

The proposed route can be viewed on the Department for Transport web site, and more information on the plans can be found on wikipedia.

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22 February 2010
A Chance To Get Married For Free

Channel 4 is looking for couples thinking of getting married and couples with children for two new programmes to be aired later this year.

Do you want to have the wedding of your dreams without the drama? Channel 4 is producing a new show where a top team of wedding planners, stylists and organisers will create your ideal ceremony at our ‘Wedding House’ for FREE. All you have to do is be in love and want to get married…they’ll do the rest. For more information and a application form e-mail [email address removed] or call [phone number removed].

And Supernanny Jo Frost is looking for parents in need of expert advice to take part in her second series of Extreme Parental Guidance for Channel 4. Are your children obsessed with their looks? Is your daughter saving for cosmetic surgery? Are you worried about your son bodybuilding? Has he developed strange phobias? Are they running up huge mobile phone bills or debts gambling online? Is home life a battle ground of picky eating and sibling rivalry? If you’re experiencing these or any other problems with your kids the show would love to hear from you. For more information please call: [phone number removed], send an email or text your details to [phone number removed].

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15 February 2010
Second Wind Farm Proposal

Last summer residents in Helmdon heard that ENERTRAG UK had sent South Northamptonshire Council a request for a ‘Scoping Opinion’ for a proposed site for nine wind turbines between Weston and Sulgrave. Now, just a few months later another company, Broadview Energy Ltd is proposing up to six turbines on a site between Helmdon and the B4525.

This second proposal is for up to six 80 metre high turbines on land between Helmdon, Greatworth and Sulgrave (see site plan).

Councillors at South Northamptonshire Council gave approval on 7 January 2010 to ENERTRAG for a 60 metre high meteorological steel mast to measure and record wind speed and direction. Such masts are required in order to gather the necessary data to support a full planning application.

Broadview Energy Ltd has also made an application for a meteorological mast for their “Spring Ridge” project.

Residents of Helmdon are invited to an open day on Tuesday 2 March 2010 between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. in St Lawrence Village Hall, St Lawrence where representatives of Broadview will be available to answer questions.

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24 January 2010
203 New Homes In Helmdon? Don’t Think So.

It’s planning madness. The West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit (WNJPU) has published a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) that identifies six potential sites in Helmdon with a supposed potential for 203 housing units.

The trouble is that SHLAA doesn’t take in to account whether or not the land is actually available, what the environmental status of the land is, or whether the village can support such growth.

Essentially a SHLAA is an audit of land that may, or could be, developed up to 2026. Every local authority must have a SHLAA so that the Government can see the potential for new housing.

Helmdon Parish Council’s Planning Committee met on Wednesday 20 January 2010 to consider the SHLAA consultation, responses for which have to be returned by mid February. The Planning Committee discovered inaccuracies in the site identification and discrepancies between the site information and the maps. Consequently they decided to return the plans and ask WNJPU to resubmit.

The SHLAA could simply be a paper-exercise audit of land in the area, or it could be the thin end of the wedge. If a site is identified in the SHLAA and is subsequently chosen as a preferred site then the development pressure could be immense.

Members of the public are able to view the proposed site and leave comments on the WNJPU site. It could be a case of speak now or forever hold your peace.

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9th January 2010
Big Freeze To Continue

Temperatures as low as -9 degrees were recorded in Helmdon on Friday night as the big freeze continues to grip the village.

The snow, most of which fell on Tuesday 5th January, has not melted at all as temperatures have been at or below freezing all week.

Station Road and Wappenham Road have been gritted and are passable with care but Church Street is an ice rink and the sides roads are all thick with ice and snow. Cars have been unable to get all the way up Church Street or Shortlands Close since Tuesday.

Even the kids turned down a fifth day of tobogganing, preferring to stay indoors to keep warm and dry.

The freezing weather is set to continue well in to next week with more snow forecast for Saturday night and Sunday. Temperatures are not predicted to climb above freezing until Wednesday.

Helmdon should be getting to used to this though – it’s less than a year since we had similar conditions!

If you have any snow pictures or stories to share please send them to webmaster@helmdon.com.

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8th January 2010
School Open Today

Helmdon Primary School is open to children today, Friday 8th January 2010.

However, road conditions in the village remain treacherous so parents travelling to school by car, especially from outside the village, are advised to consider whether or not they feel they can get their children to school safely.

The school was closed to children on Wednesday and Thursday this week as it was not possible for most staff to get there safely. The weather hasn’t changed much but Station Road is now passable with care.

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6th January 2010
A Chance To Get Involved

The Reading Room Management Committee is looking for someone to take over the position of secretary.

This is a very important job, as the Reading Room cannot function without someone to fill this position. The position is purely voluntary but any expenses incurred will of course be paid in full.

It would be ideal if anyone would like to take over this role, to start as soon as possible, so as to work alongside the present secretary (Caroline) and take over full duties in May 2010.

This is a very crucial time for the Reading Room, as many of you know, especially with the refurb. and money raising, but with Caroline and the committee’s guidance I’m sure the transition will run smoothly.

If anyone is interested could you please contact Bill England [phone number removed] / [email address removed] or Caroline King [phone number removed].

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1st January 2010
Happy New Year!

STOLEN – Ten years from 2000 to 2010. If anyone knows what happened to those ten years please contact the Webmaster!

Yes, it’s 2010 and the dawn of a new decade. It seems like only yesterday that we were all in a tizz over the millennium bug and wondering what the Noughties would bring us – now it’s all history.

So what can we expect in 2010? Well there will definitely be a general election and a new government. For sports fans there’s the Winter Olympics in Canada and a smorgasbord of football at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Closer to home the Village Diary for 2010 is already filling up fast, so if you are planning an event you better secure a date quick! 2010 also marks the 10th Anniversary of the Helmdon Web Site (launched on 1st November 2000). We will mark this achievement with several special features throughout the year.

Whatever 2010 brings you I hope it is a happy and safe year for us all.

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see the archive for 2009