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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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 Acorns won the best float award — The Acorns won best float.

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

HPP logo

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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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

Phil Hope meets school staff and governors.

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

The face painters struggled to stay on target.

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!

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Researched and written by Helmdon Local History Group volunteers. We do our best, but we can sometimes get things wrong. Corrections and additions are welcome.