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February 2015
NEW HEAD IS A FIRST FOR STEWKLEY
For the first time in living memory, and possibly for the first time ever, a member of
the village community has been appointed Head at St Michael’s School. From a
short-list of four, the School Governors have selected as new Head Della Peacock
who arrived here nearly nineteen years ago and still lives in the same house in
High Street North in the village she says she “fell in love with from the start."
Della’s own children subsequently attended St Michael’s, and she has taught there
for some eight years. Neil Shefferd interviewed her for the Grapevine:
St Michael’s new headteacher, Della Peacock (left) takes the reins after the Easter
holidays, following the departure of Katherine Passmore (see page 20). Della told the
Grapevine she was looking forward to the challenge, and thanked the village for its
support.
She said, “I have had a lot of support from the community and I am ever so grateful
for that because it really makes you feel a part of the village. If you had asked me a
year ago if I wanted to do it I wouldn’t even have considered it, but I was ready for
the next step and I knew it would be a lovely opportunity to work with people who I
like and respect. When I put my name forward, I didn’t think I would get the job so I
was delighted as well as a bit shocked and surprised.”
Della has been teaching for a total of 28 years, with breaks to bring up three children, and she recalled, “I started teaching at a middle
school in Slough and I had about 40 children in a portacabin in the middle of a field!”
Della then taught at schools in Milton Keynes, where she held various roles, including as a reading adviser for the town. Her involvement
at St Michael’s began about eight years ago when she got a phone call from the then headteacher Denise McClellan, who asked if she
could do an afternoon of supply work for her. Della became full-time at the school some five years ago and she reckons she has taught
most year groups during that time.
She said, “I am looking to carry on the good work that Mrs Passmore did during her time here and I hope to take the school from strength
to strength going forward. It is a lovely school with a great atmosphere.”
Della, 52, lives in High Street North with her husband Mark and three children Joseph 17, Ben 15 and Rebecca 11, all of whom have
attended St Michael’s (Rebecca is currently in Year 6). Della is a member of the Parochial Church Council and regularly attends St
Michael’s Church. Away from the classroom, she lists her hobbies as cycling, reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
For this term at the school, Mrs Krys Kuzminska, Head of Newton Longville C of E Combined School, has stepped in as Executive Head.
SUPREME SILHOUETTE
Sixteen-year-old Owen Hearn, who works on his
grandparents’ Stewkley farm and a local arable
farm, has won another prestigious photography
competition with his stunning “Seal at Sunrise”
(right) on the Norfolk coast. Before Christmas, he
was named overall winner of the RSPCA Young
Photographer Awards 2014 at the Tower of London.
He also won the 12-15 years’ category for the same photo, and his “Nesting Gannets”
and “Gannet at Sunrise” were commended in the age category.
In addition to the stunning beauty of the photograph, the judges commented that it
was technically very strong.
Owen was previously featured in the Grapevine when he won the overall 2012
Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year with his study of a
red kite. More information on Owen and his photography can be found at
facebook.com/owenhearnphotography and www.ohearnphotography.500px.com
GRAPEVINE DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH ISSUE:
Advertising and Editorial, strictly Sunday February 15
Contact: [email protected] - or, to advertise, call 240765
Inside this month’s Grapevine:
Parish council elections, candidates wanted (page 5)
More Awards for Stewkleyites (page 4)
Singers Wow France Wow Singers (page 11 and 12)
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 2
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MONTHLY FEATURE MEET A LOCAL via STEWKLEY-STYLE
DESERT ISLAND DISCS
WILL KNATCHBULL
Home: 5 Tythe Close
Age : 16
Years in Stewkley: 16
Occupation: Student
Village Interests: Explorers
Most treasured discs:
Cassy O’ (George Ezra)
When the sun goes down (The Arctic Monkeys)
Johnny B Goode (Chuck Berry)
Up all night (Kasabian)
Luxury Item: A rugby ball
Book: Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
Would you cope? I think I’d cope very well because I like doing
my own thing and not being constrained by schedule. Also on
an island there would be no school bus to miss!
What would I miss most of Stewkley?
atmosphere
The friendly village
What would I not miss? That it’s not very close to the sea
Feature information collected by Bunt Scott
YOUTH CLUB LATEST from the Committee
The Youth Club has started up again with enthusiasm after the
Christmas break. With the cold, wet weather there is plenty to
do inside the Pavilion including the PS3, pool, table tennis and
table football.
As always, new volunteers are welcome and with the current
numbers, the average rota for helping being once every six
weeks. Please call into the club on a Monday night or contact
Jenny on [email protected]
STEWKLEY SINGERS PRESENT
STEWKLEY WALKERS from Alice Horne
The Association’s AGM will take place on Wednesday February
18 at 7:30pm at Stewkley Pavilion. The meeting will be
followed with a presentation by Lee Scriven about the birth of
Milton Keynes entitled ‘3 Curly Wurlys and 106 roundabouts’
talking about life in the 1970’s.
Donations for the
refreshments table and raffle prizes would be greatly
appreciated. New Stewkley members and walk leaders are
always welcome. Please come and attend the AGM!
Wednesday February 4
Houghton Regis Ramble
Meet at The Swan, Stewkley at 10am for lifts to the Old Red
Lion, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis LU5 6JR or meet there for
a 10.30am start. The walk is approx. four miles and takes in
part of the town, some green spaces, good views and a wooded
area in what was a quarry. The majority of the walk is on
paths but the edge of one field could be muddy after rain.
Optional lunch at the Old Red Lion which is a Crown Carvery.
Leaders: Alice, Mobile: 07905759120 and John, Mobile:
07941131608
Wednesday February 18
Ivinghoe Beacon and Woods
Meet at The Swan, Stewkley at 9.45am or at the Beacon car
park at 10.15am for a walk up to the Beacon, along the ridge,
back down the valley and up again through woods before going
back to the car park Friendly cows and sheep can be found on
the hill and dogs are welcome if well controlled. Stiles and the
chalk can be slippy and muddy. Optional lunch at a local pub.
Leaders: Malcolm and Margaret, Mobile: 07985064705
Thursday February 26
Great Linford figure-of-8
Meet at The Swan, Stewkley at 9.45am for car-sharing to Marsh
Drive car park at Great Linford, Milton Keynes or meet there
for a 10.30am start. Access from Monks Way H3 (A422). At
Great Linford roundabout turn into Leger Drive, then right into
Marsh Drive. The car park is on the right just after Wood Lane.
The walking is easy along good quality footpaths and redways
although the canal tow path may be muddy. One set of steps
and the walk goes either side of the canal into Great Linford
Park, past St. Andrews Church and historic buildings which
were formerly stables and almhouses around Linford Manor.
The distance is approx. three miles with an optional lunch at
the Nags Head, High Street, Great Linford.
Leader: Yve, Phone 01908 642445, Mobile: 07751765608
COFFEE STOP
Thursday February 5
A WINE AND CHEESE ALSACE EVENING
Saturday March 21 at 7.30pm
Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
Come and enjoy a convivial evening of tasting wines from the
Alsace region of France, perfectly matched with cheeses.
Learn lots and pit your wits in fun quizzes and challenges
Tickets: £12.50, can be reserved by email to:
[email protected] or by text (leaving name and
contact number) to 07903995581 or in person by
contacting Neil at Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
ALL WELCOME
10.30am to 12pm
Stewkley Pavilion
In aid of The Pink Ribbon Foundation
(Breast Cancer Charity)
Many thanks to all who helped raise £245 for Crisis at Christmas in
December and £160 for Sightsavers in January
STEWKLEY CRICKET CLUB
POKER NIGHT
STEWKLEY VILLAGE HALL
STEWKLEY PAVILION
SUNDAY ROAST LUNCH
FRIDAY MARCH 13 AT 7PM FOR A 7.30 START
FEBRUARY 1 AT 1PM
£20 Buy in (£10 for the club, £8 towards prize fund, £2 registration)
Raising money for the Club and Facilities
Tickets at £12.50 include a glass of wine, or soft drink
Call 240333, 240639, 240596 or 240076
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 3
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WHAT’S ON
th
Stewkley Players present their 113 production
‘The 39 Steps’
Showing at the Stewkley Village Hall
tickets go on sale early March
(page 8 for credits)
Stewkley Local History Group
OPEN MEETING
Wednesday February 25
A talk by Paul Brown on ‘Q Central’
Stewkley Pavilion, 7.45pm for 8pm.
Admission £3 includes refreshment
For further information contact Jill Scott 240 639
A quiet market town with no military presence was chosen as
the secret communications centre for Britain as the country
prepared for war with Germany in 1937. When hostilities
began, ‘Q Central’ attracted a dozen other clandestine
operations set up to defend the country or designed to confuse
and undermine enemy morale. Where was ‘Q
Central’?.................Leighton Buzzard!
St Michael’s Church:
An Invitation to Afternoon Tea at The Village Hall
with tiny sandwiches and cakes
Saturday February 7
3pm - 4.30pm
all villagers of 65 years and over,
their partners or carers
Entrance by £1 raffle ticket obtainable at the door
RSVP to Denise: 240524 or Liz: 240013
Please let us know if you require transport
Watch England
SIX NATIONS RUGBY
The Rec Committee will be opening the Pavilion Bar for
all of the England matches in February and March.
Come and join us to watch your team.
Wales : England
England : Italy
Ireland : England
England : Scotland
England : France
Su 1
Village Hall Sunday Lunch, from 1pm (2)
Tickets: 240333, 240639, 240596 or 240076
March 25 – 28
February 6
February 14
March 1
March 14
March 21
VILLAGE DIARY
FEBRUARY
8pm
2.30pm
3pm
5pm
5pm
Mo 2
Tu 3
Mo-Tu
2-3
We-Fr
4-6
Th 5
Fr 6
Sa 7
Su 8
Mo 9
Tu 10
We 11
Fr 13
We 18
Tu 17
Sa 21
Su 22
Mo 23
Tu 24
We 25
Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm (5)
Refuse: Blue tops
Children’s Music Bus, Pavilion, 9.30am – 10.30am
Road Closures: High Street South – Soulbury Rd
to Dunton Road (5)
Road Closures: Dunton Road – Wing Road to Littlecote
(5)
Coffee Stop, Pavilion 10.30am (2)
Workshop: Leaders & Heroes, Methodist Hall 3.45pm (7)
Afternoon tea, Village Hall. 3 - 4.30pm (3, 7)
Mobile Library, Stockhall Crescent 9am – 12pm
Refuse: Garden bin collections resume
Refuse: Green bins
WI meeting, Village Hall 7.30pm (8)
St Michael’s School closes for half term
Mutual Fellowship, Neil Rees, Methodist Hall, 7.30pm
Walkers’ AGM, Pavilion, 7.30pm (2)
Refuse: Blue tops
Children’s Music Bus, Pavilion, 9.30am – 10.30am
Chapel Lunches noon-1.30 pm (7)
Mobile Library, Stockhall Crescent 9am – 12pm
Refuse: Garden bins
St Michael’s School re-opens after half term
Refuse: Green bins
Stewkley Local History Group Open Meeting:
Q Central, a talk by Paul Brown, Pavilion 7.45pm (3)
MARCH
Tu 3
Mo 9
Fr 6
Fr 13
Sa 21
Mo 23
21-22
25-28
Fr 27
Refuse: Blue tops
Refuse: Garden bins
Women’s World Day of Prayer, 10.30am (7)
Cricket Club Poker Night, Pavilion, 7pm (2)
Singers’ Wine and Cheese Evening, 7.30pm (2)
Refuse: Garden bins
Farmhouse Breakfasts, Manor Farm, Hoggeston
Players’ Spring Production, The 39 Steps (3, 8)
St Michael’s School closes for Easter break
DATES FOR THE FUTURE
9 Apr
28 Apr
7 May
16 May
6 Jun
11 Jul
Parish Council Elections – application deadline (5)
Antiques Evening – Village Hall (8)
General, District and Parish Elections (5)
Singers, St Barnabas Church, LB 7.30pm (12)
Celebration of 60 Years of Stewkley Players
Stewkley Flower & Vegetable Show and Fete
WEEKLY REGULARS
Tu
We
Short Mat Bowls 2pm, Village Hall
Daisy Club, 10.30am, Methodist Hall
Badminton, 8pm, Village Hall
Th
Fri
Running Club, 7.30pm, Rec
Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm, Village Hall
Mobile Library, 1.30pm – 4.30pm, Rec
Su
Baby & Toddler Group, 10.30am, Village Hall
Running Club, 8.30am, Rec
Page 4
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SILVER AWARD FOR STEWKLEY SAILOR
commonsense action plan to save the country includes setting up
a demilitarised zone between the North and South Ends.
While the bookies don’t think he will win, they might change their
minds when they consider Icelandic comedian Jón Gnarr, who
thought it would be fun to run for mayor of Reykjavik in 2010. He
won.
Stand for Parish Council – page 5
MORE PUB LANDLORDS IN THE NEWS
It’s all change at The Swan with the surprise departure of
landladies Tara Birkett and Donna Harman (and their
Rottweilers), a week before Christmas, after just three months at
the pumps. The girls were wished a fond farewell from the
regulars as they took up a new tenancy In Buckingham (below).
Jean Spier of High Street North has been awarded a silver badge
by the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).
Jean was nominated for the award by the Winslow and
Buckingham fundraising branch of the charity following her
retirement as Chairman, Flag-Week organiser and committee
member last June. They cited her long service on the committee
(she joined in 1997), and her willingness to become Chairman
when the previous Chairman stepped down; many credit her with
saving the branch. The RNLI confirmed that awardees will have
undertaken exemplary work as an honorary official, or will have
undertaken duties with a similar degree of responsibility,
commitment and reliability.
Jean, pictured above sailing off Ostend (husband Robert is at the
helm and the camera) told the Grapevine, “I am very honoured to
be nominated for the award of an RNLI silver badge. As a sailor, I
shall continue to support our Flag-Week fundraising in
Stewkley in aid of the RNLI's tireless work of saving lives at sea.”
THE PUB LANDLORD’S DEGREE IN COMMON SENSE
At a ceremony in late November, Al Murray, aka The Pub
Landlord, was awarded an Honorary Master of Arts degree at the
University of Bedfordshire for his outstanding contribution to
comedy. The University of Bedfordshire also has campuses in
Aylesbury and Milton Keynes.
Al was educated at St Michael’s School, Stewkley, and Bedford
School, before graduating with an MA in Modern History from
Oxford University. His parents still live in the village.
The Pub Landlord is pictured with the Grapevine’s roving reporter
Karen Couling, and he even Tweeted about it!
As well as being fêted in the national press for his honorary
degree, Al’s alter ego hit the headlines again in January when he
announced that he is standing for “Guv’norment” in the May 7
General Election, contesting the South Thanet seat against UKIP
leader Nigel Farage. Unconfirmed reports state that Al’s 13-point
Tara
Donna
Husband and wife team, Wendy and Alan Hardiman (below) and
their cat have replaced Tara and Donna and are looking forward
to encouraging a family atmosphere and an activity-packed
calendar for 2015.
Originally hailing from Hemel Hempstead, the couple have been in
the trade for 18 years, their last tenancy being at the Romer Arms,
Newnham, near Daventry. Wendy believes The Swan is the
“quintessential village pub” and speaks highly of the friendly
villagers who have made them feel so comfortable and welcome.
A new menu is being introduced, including a selection of
children’s meals. Future events will include coffee mornings,
music evenings and quiz nights. Wendy is also keen to promote
The Swan as a venue for charity and fundraising events.
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 5
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STAND FOR PARISH COUNCIL! from Stewkley councillors
This year there will be general and district elections on May 7.
There will also be parish council elections.
Stewkley last had a “contested” parish election in 2003. A lot has
happened since then:
 There are more people living in Stewkley now, and there is
continued pressure to provide more housing. Where will
these houses be built?
 The number of cars and passing traffic continue to increase,
bringing all the added problems of road safety and parking.
Should there be traffic calming in the village?
If these kinds of issues are of interest, and playing a more active
role in the future of the community is appealing, then please
consider becoming a Stewkley parish councillor.
Applying to be a candidate is fairly easy. Nomination forms are
available from mid-March from:
 The Parish Clerk, Janette Eustace (01525 240070), or
 The Electoral Services Office at Aylesbury Vale District
Council (01296 585051), or
 www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-oragent/parish-and-community-council-elections-in-englandand-wales . From here, nomination forms can be downloaded
along with information as to how to complete them and the
simple criteria that must be met.
Completed nomination forms need to be counter-signed by two
registered electors, a proposer and a seconder, and must be
submitted before April 9, 4pm. It is safest to deliver them by hand
to the district council offices (Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury) rather
than relying on the post.
The best way to learn more about the role of a parish councillor
and the work of the Council is to come along to the council
meetings on Monday February 2 and/or March 2 at 7.30pm in
the Village Hall and see first-hand just what kind of issues are
raised and discussed. Please also talk to any of the councillors
about their own experiences in the role. Their contact numbers
and email addresses are listed at www.stewkleypc.webs.com
In addition, there is an information session for prospective parish
and town councillors on Tuesday February 10, 7-8.30pm, at
Mentmore Road Pavilion, Linslade.
Whether interested in becoming a councillor or not, it is vital that
everyone eligible to vote takes the time to do so in May, as the
local governance of the parish directly affects every resident.
PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS
The council’s own report from the December and January meetings:
Finance
The 2015-16 budget was agreed with no increase in the parish
precept.
Cheques were issued as follows. Repair of three benches £240;
Grass cutting £52.50 (x 2); Minutes £54.20 (x 2); Clerk £532.86
and £466.02; Streetlights £9,789.89; Pavilion alarm system
£76.80; Legal services (Rec Lease) £108 and £1,320; Spinney
event £36.63; Hedge cutting, Spinney £148.80; Hedge cutting,
Reserve £120.90; Christmas tree donation (in lieu) £75.
Planning – no objections
Councillors had no objections to proposals at Valley Farm,
Leighton Road, Soulbury (outline for mixed use development
including 300 dwellings); Medlar Cottage, 71 High Street North
(single-storey side/rear extension and demolition of outbuilding);
47 High Street South (single-storey front extension); 6 Soulbury
Road (non-material amendments to previous planning application
for new dwelling); Fieldside, Stewkley Lane (erection of rear
conservatory); land adjacent to 7 St. Michael’s Close (new
dwelling – this application has since been withdrawn); 62 High
Street South (side extension, pergola and shed / demolish outside
toilet); North Farm, Littlecote (amended plans for new two-storey
dwelling and garage); 12 Wing Road (conversion of loft space into
living accommodation); 65 High Street North (pre-application for
rear extension and loft conversion).
Planning – no comment
The Council had no comment regarding Red Barn Farm
(certificate of lawfulness for occupation of dwelling – change of
use from agricultural farmhouse) but were concerned that the
residential building line would be extended. There was also no
comment regarding Millway Farm, Bletchley Road (conversion of
agricultural building into dwelling), and 2 Walducks Close (single
storey extension and new pitched roof to existing garage/utility),
the latter because no drawings were available despite two
requests to AVDC. The clerk will write a letter of complaint.
Planning – trees
Councillors had no objection to tree works at 1 Tythe Gardens, the
rear of Sycamore Close, and 1 St Michael’s Close. Regarding the
felling of an oak tree at 3 Dunton Road, AVDC has responded to
the Parish Council’s comments and confirmed that a replacement
tree should be planted.
Highways and footways
Various road-flooding / drainage-ditch issues have been reported
to Bucks County Council. The issue at Ivy Lane was dealt with
promptly, but other problems require specialist equipment
and/or availability of contractors.
Road repairs along High Street South from Soulbury Road to
Dunton Road are scheduled for February 2 and 3. Dunton Road
from Wing Road to Littlecote will also be repaired, between
February 4 and 6. In both cases road closures will be necessary.
The dates are subject to the weather cooperating so there might
be some slippage. Up-to-date information is available at 0845
2302882
or
www.transportforbucks.net/RoadworksCentre/Closures-and-temporary-orders.aspx
PC Gary Ratcliffe attended the December meeting and confirmed
that as there were no parking restrictions near the village shop,
the police had no powers to act unless vehicles were parked
dangerously. In response to reports of some tractor drivers using
mobile phones whilst driving, PC Ratliffe requested that such
incidents be reported with details of licence plates.
The Clerk is to write a letter of support for the TMG Horizon
Trophy Cycle Race on July 12, commenting that a good job had
been done in previous years, leaflet-dropping affected residents.
Miscellaneous
Play-Around-The-Parish sessions will be booked for 2015 at a cost
of £520, after agreeing dates with the Rec Committee. Councillors
agreed to allow the Swan to use the noticeboard on their building
if required. It was agreed to offer Stoke Hammond Post Office
security glass left over from the old Stewkley Post Office. As part
of the push for increased broadband speeds in the village,
councillors have advised the Clerk of their home broadband
speeds for her to include in a letter to AVDC.
The Council and Bucks County Council have agreed the cost of
legal services already provided regarding drawing up a lease for
the Recreation Ground as £1100 + VAT; a further £500/600 is
anticipated to finish the lease.
Spinney signing – see page 20
BUS SERVICES THREATENED AGAIN
The Parish Council has been informed by Bucks County Council
that further cuts to the public transport budget are to be
announced imminently; the bus services will have to be reviewed
in July and changes implemented in November.
The Wednesday service to Stewkley has been saved recently, but
is under threat again because passenger numbers have declined.
Councillors suggest that those who use the buses might encourage
their friends and neighbours to join them. For those who don’t yet
need the buses, an occasional bus trip now might ensure the
service is still around when the need does indeed arise.
The Parish Council would like to thank Terry Brown for his donation of the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall.
A £75 donation in lieu was agreed for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital Charitable Trust.
Page 6
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
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TO HIRE THE VILLAGE HALL CALL 07582 580229
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 7
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St Michael’s Church
Team Rector Rev Philip Derbyshire
Methodist Chapel
Minister Rev Irena Byron
The Vicarage, Stewkley
Tel: 240287
Email: [email protected]
The Manse, High Street South
Tel 240105
Email: [email protected]
SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY
st
10.30am
Communion – Rev Irena Byron
th
10.30am
tba
15
10.00am
Café Church – Rev Byron
22nd
10.30 am
Rev Helen Kirk
1
8
th
EVENTS and NOTICES
● Friday Workshop 3.45pm February 6 - Leaders & Heroes;
March 6 - Mothers & Easter
● Chapel Lunches - Saturday February 21 12 noon to 1.30 pm
● Women’s World Day of Prayer 10.30am March 6 at St Michael’s
Church
Mutual Fellowship Programme: Friday evenings at 7.30 in
Methodist Hall. All Welcome
February 13 - Neil Rees – Way Down Deep in the Middle of the
Congo
February 27 - Bunt Scott – The English Longbow
March 13 - Alice Horne – Golden Road to Samarkand (collection
for Mutual)
March 27 - Mrs Catherine Roots – Street Pastors
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Time to reflect
There are similarities between the two main
cycles of the church calendar. First we have
Advent followed by Christmas and then
Epiphany. Perhaps we focus too much on
Christmas and are only aware of Advent for
the calendar opened daily for the chocolate,
Epiphany may well have escaped our notice
altogether, yet these three Christian festivals
are intrinsically linked. Advent the time of
preparation, followed by Christmas a celebration of the birth of the
baby Jesus in a stable, and finally that miraculous moment of
understanding and discovery by the wise men bearing their gifts
for the new King which we call Epiphany and celebrated on
January 6.
In February we begin another cycle, this time of Lent, Easter and
Pentecost.
Again we can focus on the celebration of Easter Day overindulging on chocolate from which some may have abstained
during the previous weeks; there seems a parallel between the
two cycles, we have a season of preparation with which we have
a sort of nodding acquaintance, picking and choosing traditions
which can have lost their original Christian purpose, followed by
the celebrations that can overshadow the Good News of Jesus
and an event which almost passes unnoticed.
Lent is an opportunity to think about our lives in a troubled world,
a time not to give up 'stuff' or habits, but rather a time to let God
speak and for us to listen. If we are truly to benefit from the whole
Easter festival, then making space for God to speak to you in the
preceding weeks is a good place to start. Your local churches
may be able to help with study groups, books to read, or guides
for Bible study in a group or on your own.
May God bless you
Rev Irena
THANK YOU from the Scouts
The 1st Stewkley Scouts would like to say thank you to all those
residents who asked them to collect their old Christmas trees for
recycling. This year they collected well over 120 trees in
Stewkley and Soulbury and raised £452 in the process. All the
money raised will go towards the cost of moving the scout hut to
its new location. Thanks also go to Sarah Gammon for the loan of
her lorry in which the trees were taken to be chipped.
SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY
st
1
th
8
10 am
Parish Communion
10 am
Parish Communion
th
9 am
10 am
Holy Communion
Family Worship and Baptism
th
7 pm
Ash Wednesday - Holy Communion
nd
10 am
15
18
22
Parish Communion
EVENTS and NOTICES
† Afternoon Tea for the over 65’s at Village Hall 3-4.30pm
Saturday February 7. Entrance £1 raffle ticket. RSVP Denise
240524 or Liz 240013.
† Jubilee Junior Church Sunday Feb 8 at 10am in the Hut
† Women’s Day of Prayer planned by the women of the
Bahamas on Friday March 6 at 10.30 am.
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM RECTOR OF THE COTTESLOE TEAM
Dear Friends
Jesus got into a verbal stand-off with His
detractors from time to time and naturally
emotions ran high. But there was a general
understanding that you did not insult the divine
or belittle someone's deeply held beliefs unless
you expected a fierce response!
This raises the question, should there be limits
to free speech or should we be allowed to say or print anything
we like no matter who it hurts or offends? The happenings in
Paris in early January have made this a very real and indeed
crucial question for us to address everywhere. If we are
mature we should be able to cope with criticism and legitimate
argument but should anyone really have to suffer foul, insulting
and obscene comments and pictures deliberately aimed at
inflaming people's tempers?
A 'satirical' magazine to one person is to another crude,
immature and deliberately offensive. Whilst we all condemn
the murders of the seventeen victims of the outrages carried
out on January 7, surely the owners of the magazine could
hardly be surprised to get a violent reaction considering all that
has gone on since it was attacked in 2009. The truth of the
matter is that Charlie Hebdo is not neutral or satirical but a
committed secularist paper anti all faith and it appears quite
pornographic also.
It is very sad when a world which has progressed so far in so
many ways can degenerate to (at best) undergraduate levels
of rudeness and extreme violence as a 'solution'. We need to
draw breath, step back, reconsider and find better ways of
dealing with difference than either of those two deeply flawed
approaches.
Whatever or whoever we believe in we surely need to resolve
and pray that this current insanity can be cured and we look at
what unites us rather than what divides, and try to find a
creative way forward rather than degenerating into crudity and
barbarism.
May peace fill your heart, mind and spirit. Amen.
God Bless. Philip.
NOT EXACTLY A RED LETTER DAY
Collection times from the village letter boxes have changed.
Each box has a new notice, but they still refer to the Post Office
on High Street North, and it looks as if the North End and South
End are on different routes, but that’s just a guess. To add to
the confusion, Littlecote is serviced by Winslow, not Leighton
Buzzard like the rest of Stewkley.
Page 8
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PLAYERS’ SPRING PRODUCTION from Gill Morgan
Stewkley Players present their 113th production ‘The 39 Steps’
from March 25-28, a hilarious version of a spell-binding thriller
and currently showing in the West End to excellent reviews!
“Rollicking fun and hugely entertaining!” (Sunday Times) “Very
funny” (The Guardian) and “Dizzyingly entertaining show” (Daily
Telegraph).
A whirlwind adventure ‘The 39 Steps’ trails unsuspecting
Englishman Richard Hannay as he is inadvertently drawn into an
elaborate plot by a beautiful spy. When the same woman is
mysteriously murdered in Hannay’s apartment, he must flee the
country in an attempt to save his own life. On the run from both
the authorities and a team of assassins he discovers the meaning
of the enigmatic 39 Steps.
Showing at the Stewkley Village Hall, tickets go on sale early
March 2015.
Credits: The 39 Steps is adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel
of John Buchan and from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock. Licensed by
ITV Global Entertainment Ltd and an original concept by Simon
Corble and Nobby Dimon.
POPPY APPEAL RESULTS from Denise Draper
Last year was a special year for the annual Poppy Appeal, being
100 years since the start of WW1. As always Stewkley responded
generously with the total village collection raising the sum of
£2814.15.
Thank you to all those who gave so generously: to the village
shops, pubs and school for displaying boxes, to the Stewkley
Players for permitting a bucket collection at each of their
November performances, and especially to the 17 folk who turn
out each year with collecting boxes in all weathers and knock on
every door in Stewkley; we are very grateful to you all.
SANTA’S BEEN BUSY from Barbara and Jonathan Ginn
Thank you again Santa for using your magic to find our front doorstep at Old School House. We wish we knew your first name to be
able to thank you properly.
STEWKLEY WI from Sheila Fellowes
December’s meeting was an enjoyable and festive evening
consisting of a hot meal and some carol singing.
The first meeting of 2015 was well supported when Barbara
Barber came to speak about her Olympics Experience. She is both
a competitor and judge in the shooting section. She was at the
London Olympics and the Commonwealth Games as a judge.
In February Alice Horne is coming to talk about The Golden Road
to Samarkand.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the
Village Hall and start at 7.30pm.
Non-members are welcome to attend without any commitment to
join straight away.
SOULBURY ROAD CAR ACCIDENT
Mick and Viv Irwin of Dove Street would like to thank all the
people who very kindly stopped to offer help and assistance when
Viv crashed her car on ice in Soulbury Road on December
30.Particular thanks go to the gentleman with the dark blue or
black Landrover who pulled the car from the ditch.
Fortunately there were no injuries, but we appreciate all the
concern shown and the help offered.
STEWKLEY VILLAGE HALL from Sheila Fellowes
A very successful and enjoyable Band Concert was held before
Christmas. Thank you to all who helped in any way.
On Tuesday April 28 there will be another Antiques evening, so
get up in to the attics and sort out those family heirlooms to get
them valued.
COFFEE MORNING RESULTS from Michelle Peck
The coffee morning at the Pavilion on December 13 raised
£422.01, which will go towards the Florence Nightingale Hospice
and BURPS, a charity for premature Babies.
Thank you goes to Michelle’s family, Mary Palmer and Allison
Milligan.
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 9
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS LOCAL SOCCER from Rob Pollard
Stewkley Under 7s showing off their new kit, tournament trophy and medals. Standing (l-r);
George Hull, Joshua Pollard, Harry McKenna, Charlie Ward, Sam Gibbs; Kneeling(l-r) Archie
Mills, Josh Oliffe, Dylan Mansfield, Lewis Orr
OBITUARY: BRIAN BOTSFORD
Brian Botsford may not have been born in Stewkley, but after
moving here at the age of 19 he became very much part of the
village community. He died suddenly in December aged 73.
Brian loved football and, living in Dove Street, just a stone’s throw
from the Rec, it was his love for the game that led him to become
involved with the village soccer team. Every Saturday for many
years he and his brother in law Trev Weston marked out the
football pitch ready for the weekend’s game. He also refereed
some games.
He enjoyed being part of the Stewkley football set-up, but he was a
Luton Town supporter and come Saturday afternoon was a
regular, with Trev, at Luton’s ground at Kenilworth Road.
Brian was born in Leighton Buzzard, one of a family of 12 children
and it was in Leighton that he met his wife-to-be, Stewkley girl
Valerie Weston. They married at Stewkley Methodist Chapel and
set up home in the village where they brought up their two
daughters, Belinda and Samantha.
Being part of the community, Brian took part in some of the more
eccentric village activities in the early years. Together with
brother-in-law Trev they used a springy old-fashioned pram to
take part in the 1970s in the then
annual pram races in which, with
many a tumble, participants took a
route around the Village Hall – up
High Street North, round Ivy Lane
and back. But it was in 1978 that
Brian hit the headlines. Wearing his
wife’s hot pants, a wig and some
other very feminine attire he
headed off the Chapel Square to
take part in a competition to chose
Miss Stewkley – a contest organised
by the Scouts and limited to entry
by male villagers.
Lined up against rivals including
Dave Tofield and David Carter,
Brian was the unanimous choice of
the judges and was duly crowned
Brian Botford enjoying himself
Miss Stewkley 1978.
at Carey Lodge last month
Stewkley Football Club’s newest team to
the thriving junior section has started
the season with great success. The
Under 7s play in the Milton Keynes
District Development League and have
been fortunate enough to receive a new
stylish kit, donated by the local Milton
Keynes McDonalds’ franchise and the FA
Charter Standard Kit Scheme.
Stewkley FC is one of the first clubs to
benefit from the new community
programme, run in partnership with the
FA and their official kit supplier Nike.
The team is also fortunate to have
received a sponsorship donation from
Stewkley-business owner Andy Gurnett
at AG Autos, whose business logo
appears across the front of the shirts, in
addition to the McDonald's logo on the
sleeve. The club will invest the
additional
sponsorship
towards
equipment.
The season has started incredibly well,
with Under 7s completing the winter
league, where they won four, drew one
and lost one. They also won their league
trophy tournament, which was staged in
September, an event that Stewkley
hosted, becoming overall winners.
In 2010, Brian was interviewed for the Stewkley Film Archive’s
Village Hall presentation of old films of Stewkley activities,
describing his pram race and Miss Stewkley experiences.
For most of his working life, Brian
worked for the London Brick
Company. In later years he suffered
from mental illness. His wife of 54
years, Valerie, cared for him
unconditionally and in the last
period life was a struggle after Brian
was diagnosed with dementia. He
spent the last weeks at the Carey
Lodge home in Wing, being visited
daily by family members.
He leaves behind Valerie, daughters
Belinda and Samantha and their
husbands, Dave and Mark, and
As Miss Stewkley 1978
grandchildren Ryan and Kerry
Anne. A funeral service at Stewkley Methodist Church was
conducted by the Rev Irena Byron.
Donations are invited in Brian’s memory for the mental health
charity MIND and Diabetes UK via the family or the undertakers, S
R Dillamore of Leighton Buzzard
Brian’s family would like to thank everyone who attended the
funeral and those who sent kind messages of sympathy and cards.
Films of the 1978 Miss Stewkley and the pram races can be viewed
at www.youtube.com/user/stewkleyfilms
CORRECTION: GEORGE ROBINSON
The following corrects some inaccuracies in a report in the
December Grapevine, for which the editorial team apologises:
George Robinson died suddenly and unexpectedly on November
13 last year, aged 86.
George was born and lived in Stewkley for the majority of his life.
In 1951 he married Joy Morris whose family had moved from
London to Stewkley during WW2. George spent most of his
working life at Vauxhall Motors in Dunstable.
In 2012 George and Joy moved from their house in Stewkley to a
more manageable bungalow in Milton Keynes.
Page 10
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
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CHRISTINGLE SURPRISES, ALL IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTE by Neil Shefferd
There was entertainment for all ages at St Michael's Christingle service on December 21.
This year's amusing interlude was a performance of Stewkley’s very own Twelve Days of Christmas, partly
written by Joy Derbyshire. The star-turn was undoubtedly Bunt Scott dressed as a very grumpy fairy (main
photo). After the service and the modelling of hats (below right), there was one last surprise in store for the
congregation; Vicar Philip Derbyshire made an appearance dressed in a Christmas tree overall (main
photo, left).
Photo by
John Edwards
Kate Moss rivals, from left:
David Carter, Neil Dickens, Bunt Scott,
David Major and Neil Shefferd, with
Barry Archer at the front.
WHERE THERE’S BRASS …
The annual Band Concert at the
Village Hall on December 14
welcomed back Secklow Brass, who
entertained the crowd with a mix of
musical genres, from traditional
carols such as Hark the Herald, to
pop favourites made famous by
Robbie Williams and Tony Christie.
Conductor Mike Crofts (top left), who
bears a striking resemblance to the
vicar, complimented Stewkley on the
wonderful Christmas decorations,
decreeing that the North End was
better than the South End, and
revealing that the Grapevine had
used last year’s photo of the Secklow
trumpeter for this year’s report on
the Remembrance Service at the War
Memorial.
SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS... from Lynda Hart
Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, (pictured
right with Santa) visited the Annual Christmas Bazaar held at the Methodist
C
Chapel in November. He looked at the stalls set out in the Schoolroom, having managed sufficient time to meet and talk with
some Stewkley constituents (including Santa). The event was well attended and raised a total of £470, which largely benefits the
charity “Embrace”, formally BibleLands, through which Stewkley High Street Methodists have been sponsoring a Bethlehem
student. Many thanks to all who helped.
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 11
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MUSICAL FEAST IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
There was some new
music, new readings, new
faces, and new positions
for the Stewkley Singers
during Musique et Mince
Pies before Christmas.
The tenors and basses
were moved to the front
and, the two tallest
sopranos moved to the
back, their flammable,
hair-sprayed
locks
precariously close to the
Christmas lights.
But this distraction was
soon forgotten as the
sINGERS
Singers opened the evening
with a glorious performance
of Gaudete and continued
with a dress rehearsal for
their forthcoming French
adventure (see below).
The mince pies shared top billing!
FIFTEEN YEARS A SCHOOL GOVERNOR
Faith Kemp of Dunton Road was thanked by St Michael’s School
during worship on December 17 for her 15 years’ service as a
school governor. All four of Faith and husband John’s children
have attended St Michael’s, and John too was a St Michael’s
governor. Faith also looks after the school library. Chair of
Governors, Neil Clarke, presented Mrs Kemp with an early
Christmas present of flowers and cards from the staff,
governors and children (below).
St Michael’s School Choir shared the accolades
STEWKLEY WALKERS’ BOXING DAY WALK from Peter Wade
Nine members of Stewkley Walkers (below) met at The Swan for
their final walk of 2014. They walked the locally named “Figure-ofEight”, a 2½-mile route that was the first walk undertaken by the
group in 1988 and devised by founder Bob Dickens.
The walkers set off via Ivy Lane and Garners Lane on footpath 20 to
Foxhole Spinney that was frequently mentioned in the Stewkley
Players’ recent production, 'Stewkley God Help Us.' The group
continued along the Cross Bucks Way (Footpath 19) to the point
where it joins High Street North. Here they turned right and then
left onto the Cross Bucks Way (now Footpath 14) and crossed three
fields to a point where footpath nine joined. Here they turned left to
Crackersford Pond and on towards Bury Farm, before turning left
into Fishweir and Chapel Lane and arriving at the Swan.
ENCORE ET BRAVO LES CHANTEURS DE STEWKLEY from Ingram Murray
On December 13, Stewkley Singers joined with
French Choir Des Amis DeSiDeLa from the Colmar
suburb of Logelbach, Alsace, to perform English
and French Christmas music in the modern
L'Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption in
Wintzentheim. The Singers started with music
performed at “Musique et Mince Pies” in
Stewkley.
1922
They were then joined by DeSiDeLa, the combined
voices filling the packed church with a truly joyful
sound. The choirs together sang “Stille Nacht:”
verse one in English, the second in French and the
third in German. They ended the first half with a
resounding “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
DeSiDeLa started the second half of the programme with Maurice Duruflé’s moving “Notre Père” and then swapped conductors for
Rutter’s “Nativity Carol” and “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree”. They followed with several French carols and the evening ended with
“Jingle Bells”. The choirs were rewarded with a standing ovation – the Singers’ first, and well deserved!
The following day, the Singers entertained the residents of an old persons’ home, and in the evening the choirs combined again to
entertain the Senior Citizens of Logelbach at their annual Christmas feast. This was a huge affair in a community centre, overseen by
the Mayor, who conducted the audience to encourage them to join in the carols. More on the Singers’ trip to France – page 12
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 12
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nature
This month’s header is two for the price of one – the same photo,
as taken (left), and inverted (right) to see more easily why this
fungus is called turkey tail. It is just one of the items in the
Cublington Spinney (see page 20) identified by Matt Dodds,
AVDC’s Bio-Diversity Officer on January 22.
Matt visited the spinney to offer valuable advice to the working
group on its future management and development. Responding to
the many questions of the eight villagers present, he proffered
practical guidelines on how to encourage wildlife and manage the
large area of relatively young woodland. (Forty-two years since
first planting is very short in tree-years!) Topics included
improving the under-storey growth (smaller trees and bushes
such as hazel, crab apple and holly), selecting the best areas for
bulbs (e.g. bluebells) and other flowers (e.g. primroses, violets and
wood anemones) and different techniques for hedgemanagement. Matt suggested that "wildlife hedge-laying," where
the hedge is allowed to grow much higher and with thicker stems
before being laid without trimming, would suit the spinney
boundaries and provide excellent bulk cover for wildlife.
While the working group has worked hard to clear the
“Monument petal” as a formal accessible glade for visitors, Matt
encouraged the group to leave the “Kingsbridge petal” in its
natural state, with attention only to the footpath that crosses it.
EXPLORERS’ UPDATE from Jo Gammon and Sarah Deeley
The Christmas period was a busy time for the unit. Work
continued in the spinney and, continuing the theme of ‘getting
close to nature’, the unit also did a drop-hike from Hoggeston back
to the scout hut.
Thanks to Bunt Scott who kindly showed off the ropes in the bell
tower of St Michaels Church. Some Explorers pretended to be the
monks from the mars bar advert and we all thoroughly enjoyed
being deafened by the smallest of the bells at the very top.
The next gang show from the unit will
be Swan Lake On Ice, due to the success
of a recent trip to the new Planet Ice in
MK. There were many surprises from
certain members who turned out to
have impressive skating skills, and not
too many people fell over.
The Defiance ESU parties hard, and this
year was no exception. Many members
helped to run the Scouts, Cubs and
Beavers’ Christmas party in return for
free food, which was full of fun, perhaps
due to the fact that all our leaders were
dressed up as various Christmas
characters (left). There was even a
surprise visit from the big man himself,
much to everyone’s delight. The unit
also had its own party, which was also
filled with much food, games and fun.
Thank you to Chris, Roy, Felicity, the
Scout leaders and everyone else who helped to make this year
fabulous and here’s to another great one!
If anyone is interested in joining the Scouting movement please
contact Chris Oliver at [email protected] or Felicity at
[email protected]
STAND FOR PARISH COUNCIL – see page 5
Watch
In addition to buzzards, fieldfares and red kites, bullfinches have
been reported to the Grapevine this month. The bullfinch is a
quiet, secretive heavily-built finch that usually spends its time
among the branches and dense undergrowth of woodlands, and is
occasionally found venturing
into gardens. The handsome
male (right) was one of three –
two males and a female –
visiting a High Street North
garden last month. Among the
leaves of the bullfinches’
target plant, a member of the
nettle family producing small leaves and flowers in summer, were
tiny seeds. They made such a good meal that all three birds made
numerous return visits, shunning the nearby bird-feeders where
green and gold finches and chaffinches had their fill.
WIND TURBINE UPDATE
The Government has refused the planning application for four
turbines near Stoke Hammond, although the decision could be
challenged in the High Court. In the meantime the country’s
largest turbine has been built at Quarrendon, and the second
largest has been erected at Heath and Reach. One or both can be
seen from Stewkley and Littlecote. Finally the proposal for four
turbines at Newton Longville remains on the horizon.
MORE ON COLMAR from Ingram Murray
As a result of an initiative by the Director of the Stewkley Singers,
Jenny Morgan, 40 members travelled to Colmar in the Alsace
region of France for four days, and gave three concerts, at a
church, an old people’s home and a community centre (see page
11). The members of their host choir, Les Amis de DeSiDeLa, come
from France and Germany, the Rhine being a few kilometres to the
east of Colmar. Alsace has changed several times from being part
of Germany to France and back again. Many Alsatians are bilingual
in French and German and work in Switzerland or Germany.
Colmar is “twinned” with Abingdon, so the singers of DeSiDeLa
also know parts of England and speak English.
From the very first moment, the welcome the Singers and their
entourage received was outstanding. On emerging from Basel
Airport, they were greeted by DeSiDeLa and swept into Colmar in
a convoy of cars. Some of the Singers stayed with members of
DeSiDeLa, others in a modern hotel on the northern outskirts. On
the first evening everyone met over supper to get to know each
other. On the following morning, the Singers were treated to a
tour through the narrow streets of the medieval centre of Colmar.
Five Christmas markets were in full swing, and a sizeable number
of the annual total of two million visitors were in circulation
inspecting the stalls and trying the Glühwein. After lunch the
choirs took themselves off to rehearse. The convoy then re-formed
to take everyone to the evening concert.
Over the weekend, meals for everyone were provided in the social
club of the local Gendarmerie. Then there was a night-time tour to
see the spectacular Colmar Christmas lights. When the final
convoy on the Monday afternoon returned the Singers to Basel
Airport, they were wondering how Stewkley could possibly match
such a welcome - plans are being made for a return visit in May,
when the choirs will take part in an exciting weekend of activities,
culminating in a concert of music by Franz Schubert, George
Shearing and John Rutter, performed at St Barnabas Church,
Leighton Buzzard on Saturday May 16.
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 13
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE GRAPEVINE, STEWKLEY
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HOME MAINTENANCE
JCK ELECTRICAL
Electrical and property services. Qualified electrician, painting &
decorating, gutter repairs etc. Tel: 01296 720587/07952 499042,
JCK Electrical & Property Services Email [email protected]
T.G.R ELECTRICAL
Stewkley based , Elecsa Approved Electrician . Sockets, lights etc.
Free quotes. Call: 240498 or Mobile: 07840 100501
STEWKLEY DECORATING
Quality guaranteed work. Reliable trustworthy service. PDA & FSB
members. Fully insured. Call Stewart, 01525 242121 Mobile: 07981
226922 Web: StewkleyDecorating.com
SERVICES
WING PARK MOTORS
Automobile Engineers. Repairs and servicing all makes of car. VW
and Audi specialists. Tel: 01296 688256. Stewkley Rd. Wing
COUNTRY FRAME
The complete picture framing service. From prints and posters to
paintings and needlework. Tel: 240163 / 07771 508805 : Paul
Body, Mount Pleasant Farm, Dunton Road
CARPET SERVICES
All makes carpets and vinyl. Personally supplied and fitted. 25
years experience Paul Levett Tel: 01296 689179 or 07976 204433,
20 Hawthorn Way Wing. Free estimates. paul.levett@homeca l l.co.uk
COUNTRY CATS
Small peaceful boarding cattery on a farm in Wing. Inspection
welcomed. Gillian Alexander 01296 681104.
Email: [email protected]
PRIVATE SWIMMING LESSONS
For adults and/or children. Small indoor heated pool.
Qualified teacher. Tel: 240240. The Orchard, High St South
HORSE RIDING LESSONS IN STEWKLEY
From complete beginners to experienced riders. Adults and
children. Fully licensed/ insured. Call Sarah Gammon, Kilnholm
Stables. 240529 or 07712 854034
1-2-1 TUITION IN MATHS,SCIENCE, ENGLISH
Maths, Science/Physics: KS1-4, English: KS2. Inc 11+ Qualified
121 tutor with CRB. Call Roger Crews on 07946 568153
or Email : [email protected]
DOG WALKING & PET CARE SERVICES
Bespoke Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Packages, tailored to you.
Call Hannah Fulton on
07403 396871 or Email:
[email protected]
KS1 OR KS2 EXTRA MATHS OR ENGLISH TUITION
18 year old A-level student available for 1-2-1 Maths and English
tuition. Contact Hannah Lett on 07834 739302 or Email :
[email protected]
STORAGE
STEWKLEY STORAGE LTD
For all your storage needs. Domestic & Commercial
Rooms & Containers. Larkshill Farm, Stewkley Road
Soulbury www.stewkleystorage.co.uk Tel: 240297
FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTER
Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms etc. Small building works and
property repairs. Contact Dave Reid on 07939 146630 or
01525 279524. Email: [email protected]
JTS DECORATING SERVICE AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Call John on 240372, mobile: 07809113090,
Email: [email protected]
THE LEIGHTON OVEN MAN
Dirty Oven? Professional cleaning by experienced local company.
Tel: 01525 372393 or Email: theleightonovenman.com
GET THE WHOLE JOB DONE
No more juggling workmen - kitchens, bathrooms, electrical,
plumbing and more. Anything considered. Chris Dowell
Tel: 01296 681109.
SUPERIOR INTERIORS DECORATING SERVICES
Provide a highly professional and comprehensive
decorating service with over 30 years’ experience
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE
INFORMATION
www.superiordecor.co.uk
Contact Jim Munro
Mob:07788 921865 Tel:01525 240741
Email: [email protected]
The Grapevine team, having said farewell to longserving member David Carter before Christmas, bade
adieu to Jose Cornish and Diana Sheldon, who
stepped down last month. Both gave tremendous
support to the Rev Norman Cotton, who founded the
Grapevine over 21 years ago. Amongst their many
tasks were collecting news items from villagers, taking
and collecting copy to the printers (pre-email days!)
and their delivery rounds in the village. They are due a
huge thank you from the rest of the team, and indeed
from the whole Stewkley community.
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 14
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WOBURN BUILDING
SERVICES
Specialised building work
New builds and extensions
Design and build service
Listed building refurbishments
Interior and exterior alterations
Stewkley- based
STUART JAMES COLEMAN
01525 242111
:
07970 888236
Email : [email protected]
www.woburnbuildingservices.co.uk
EST: 1986
TO HIRE THE METHODIST HALL, CALL 217795
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 15
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Office hours 8am-9pm Mon-Thu; 8am-midnight Fri & Sat
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 16
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNETTE GESOFF
Fully Qualified
Massage Therapist
Member of the Federation of
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chronic back pain
neck and shoulder pain
headaches
sleeping problems
asthma
stress and tension
frozen shoulder
carpal tunnel syndrome
hip and knee problems
tennis elbow
breathing problems
plantar fasciitis
Massage can help these and many
other conditions
For further information please phone:
01525 240135 or 07709 629283
or view my website:
www.gesoffmassage.co.uk
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 17
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dean Chappell
Plumbing and
Heating Ltd
Forge Farm, Wing Road, Stewkley
Fully qualified and insured
gas safe engineer
Boiler breakdowns, repairs
and serving
Landlord certificates
Full central heating
installations
Gas cookers and fires
Free quotes
Mob 07725480047
Tel 01525 240578
FOR ALL OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING
REQUIREMENTS.
DOMESTIC CLEANER REQUIRED
WE ARE EXPANDING AGAIN!!!!
CARPET CLEANING
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ANOTHER FABULOUS CLEANER IS REQUIRED TO JOIN
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IF YOU ARE A CAR OWNER, CAN CLEAN TO A HIGH
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WE ARE A SMALL, FRIENDLY BUSINESS, BASED IN
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CALL CHRIS STEVENITT ON 01525-240512
OR 07850-540393.
EMAIL: [email protected]
TO HIRE THE REC PAVILION OR TENNIS COURTS, CALL 240330
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 18
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steve Buchan
Property Services
All Aspects
of Property Care
Qualified Carpenter and Joiner : Double Glazing Repairs
( Broken Handles/ Hinges, Misty Sealed Units etc )
Flat Pack Assembly : Gardening : General Maintenance
Stewkley Based
Tel : 01525 242098 Mobile: 07973 752901
[email protected]
Beechmoor Farm, Cublington Road, Whitchurch
Home Produced Meat : Pies, Cheeses & Olives : Fruit & Veg
Milk, Bread & Eggs : Pickles & Preserves : Frozen Produce
Open Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 8am-5pm
Saturday 7.30am-1pm (closed Sunday & Monday).
Tel: 01296 641207 : Email: [email protected]
Web: www.parrott-bros.co.uk
CAJ ELECTRICAL
Local Village Electrician based in Stewkley.
No job too small with all work guaranteed
and certified.
New fuse boards, indoor and outdoor lighting
additional sockets or new power supply to
garages, all domestic work carried out
Call – Craig 07968 152 709
Email - [email protected]
D.B'S GAS
PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES
LOCAL VILLAGE COMPANY WITH
OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
BOILER BREAKDOWNS, REPAIRS & SERVICING
FULL HEATING INSTALLATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
GAS SAFETY CHECKS AND CERTIFICATION
NO JOB TOO SMALL
ALL WORKMANSHIP FULLY INSURED
O.A.P. 10% DISCOUNT ON HOURLY RATES
NO CALL OUT CHARGE. COMPETITIVE RATES.
TEL OFFICE: 240784
TEL DARON ON : 07799 122971
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 19
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE FURNITURE
WORKSHOP
LAKESIDE BARN, SOUTH LANE, (OFF DUNTON RD)
STEWKLEY, LU7 0HZ
ANTIQUE RESTORATION
& RE-UPHOLSTERY
OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
TRADITIONAL & MODERN RE-UPHOLSTERY
FURNITURE REPAIRS & RE-POLISHING
RE-CANING
CUSHION REPLACEMENT
DINING CHAIR SEAT RECOVERING
CALL COLIN FOR ALL YOUR FURNITURE
REQUIREMENTS OR FRIENDLY ADVICE
HOME.... 01525 242003 or
WORKSHOP.... 07597 152011
ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED LOCALLY
Male working at Stewkley shop,
needs a room to rent locally.
He is a non-smoker and has no pets.
If required, one month deposit can be paid.
Rent will be paid in cash either weekly or monthly.
Good references are available.
Please call Nada on 07809566654
Or Email: [email protected]
For more details
Stewkley Grapevine, February 2015
Page 20
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEASE SIGNED TO SAVE THE SPINNEY
The 99-year lease for the Cublington Spinney and Airport Monument, on the corner of Dunton Road and Cublington Road, was
signed by the Parish Council on December 14 in front of over 30 witnesses, who celebrated the occasion with a seasonaloffering of
mulled wine and homemade mince pies. The Council will now maintain and improve the spinney, Bucks County Council having
divested itself of the responsibility (but still retaining the freehold) owing to continuing cutbacks in public expenditure.
Parish Councillor Keith
Higgins, Chairman of the
Spinney Working Group,
was Master of Ceremonies.
His message was clear –
Stewkley needs a new
generation of volunteers to
keep alive the story of the
fight to save the village
against the proposed third
London Airport over 40
years ago, which the
spinney and monument
commemorate.
He thanked the Parish
Council for supporting the
project; Julia Carey (Bucks
CC Planning, Advisory and
Compliance Service) and Samantha
(Above) Supporters of the spinney in front of the Airport
Perkins (Bucks CC legal department) for
Monument, displaying a campaign poster.
their positive, helpful attitude and
(Left) David Body witnesses the lease signed by Cllrs Keith
pragmatism;
Bucks
Community
Higgins (right) and Paul Smith.
Foundation for its £3000 grant towards
spinney improvements; AVDC’s Green Spaces team in anticipation of their advice on all things ecological (see page 12) and financial
support for new hedging; Stewkley Explorer Scouts who have delegated authority from the PC to manage and use the northern ‘petal’;
and to all the village volunteers who tidied the monument petal and made it more accessible and attractive in time for the signing
ceremony. He also thanked David Body, who used to farm part of the spinney land and who donated it to Bucks CC for the original
spinney planting. In recognition of this, the Council asked David to officially witness council Chairman (Cllr Paul Smith) and Cllr Higgins
sign the lease. More information on the spinney project is available from Cllr Higgins at [email protected]
A Fond Farewell
St Michael’s School Council presents
out-going Head Teacher Mrs Katharine
Passmore with cards and gifts on the
last day of term on December 19 (left).
Year 2 pupils were allowed to enjoy a
non-uniform day because they
achieved the best overall attendance
during the term.
There was more good news that morning.
The Parish Council learned that the flytipping that had been dumped the
previous day, blocking Littlecote Lane just
before the ford (below), had been
promptly removed by Bucks CC, following
a report from a resident to the police.
To advertise in the Grapevine,
email [email protected]
or telephone the new number:
240765. An advertising ratecard
appears on page 13
TAILPIECE TALES
FROM THE GRAPEVINE’S CUDDLIEST CORRESPONDENT
Hello, Stewkley. My name is Boz the Bunny and I live somewhere along High Street
South. I am looking for a new home with other rabbits cos I’m really lonely on my
own now. My friend Snowflake (a big French lop-eared softy) died a while ago and
I don’t like being on my own anymore. I’m grey and small and think I’m about six
years old but I can’t tell as I can’t remember when my birthday was (my last home
was at the rescue sanctuary Rabbit Ritz in Aylesbury – lovely place). I would come
with my big hutch supplied and delivered all free of charge – all I ask is that you
look after me and keep taking me to the vets for my injections as I am all up to
date at the moment. Can I please come and live with your bunnies? Thank you so
much - call my owner Will on 240115 if you can help me.