Issue 59

The magazine for the District of

Inside this issue: What’s on this winter • Christmas recycling tips Ten years of Care and Repair • Protecting our District’s heritage Council Information

Contacting Daventry What your district council does for you District Council Council provides a range of commonly-used services, including: • Abandoned vehicles • Housing benefits • Building control • Licences • Car parks • Local land charges Call • CCTV • Markets 01327 871100 (minicom 01327 312844) • Community safety • Open spaces Web • Conservation • One Stop Shop and outreach centres www.daventrydc.gov.uk • Council tax benefits and Email collection • Planning applications [email protected] • Daventry Country Park • Pollution reduction Write • Elections • Public toilets Daventry District Council • Environmental health • Recycling Lodge Road, Daventry NN11 4FP • Fly-tipping • Sports and recreation Visit our offices: One Stop Shop, Lodge Road, • Food safety • Stray dogs Daventry • Graffiti removal • Street cleaning Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm • Health promotion • The Abbey Information Service • Household waste collection • Travel concession schemes Brixworth Community Centre, • Housing advice Road Mondays & Thursdays 9.30am-5pm, Fridays 9am-5pm, Daventry Calling is available on request in large Saturdays 9.30am-1pm print, on audiotape or in Braille. Tel: 01604 882355 [email protected] Daventry Calling is also available online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk Information Service Long Buckby Library, Station Road Fridays 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm, Disclaimer: Saturdays 10am-12.30pm We care about accuracy and aim to correct any mistake in subsequent issues of Daventry Calling if you let us know where we’ve gone wrong. Tel: 01327 844650 Every effort is made to ensure articles are accurate and up to date. No [email protected] responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies or omissions however caused. Woodford Information Service Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Daventry Woodford Halse Library, School Street District Council. Thursdays 2pm-6pm This magazine is printed on 9lives 55 which is certified as an FSC mixed Tel: 01327 264246 sources product, and is produced with 55% recycled fibre from both pre [email protected] and post-consumer sources, together with 45% virgin ECF fibre from sustainable forest. Moulton Information Service Moulton Library, Pound Lane Mondays 1pm-5pm Tel: 01604 496954 [email protected]

2 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Welcome

Contents Leading

Page News: All the latest stories from the way Daventry District Council 4-7 Service Spotlight: Keeping up our standards Decade of Care and Repair 8-9 Development: Often it is the examples of not volunteer, even if it’s only for a Regeneration of Royal Oak mindless anti-social behaviour by a couple of hours a week? and new Scout eco base 10 small minority that can hit the For more details on the Phoenix local headlines, as opposed to the Service Spotlight: Club, contact Katie Jones on many positive activities of young Protecting District’s Heritage 11 01327 703864 or 07971 821454. people in areas such as music, To find out more about BYF, please Waste and Recycling: sport and voluntary work seen in call Jane Ames on 01604 889150. Will you have a greener both Daventry town and our Christmas? 12-13 district’s villages. Daventry District Council is involved in promoting so many Online Information: The Indigo Youth Café at the activities for both children and Improved web service 14-15 Phoenix Youth Centre in Daventry adults across the district and we offers activities and events for 13 Environment: should all be proud of the small to 19 year-olds living in the district Save energy this winter 16 army of volunteers who put so and has somewhat become a Healthy Living: much time and effort in to make victim of its own success! It Project Wii 17 the lives of others better – why operates three nights a week plus not become one of them! Feature: Saturday afternoons. So many Have you unearthed an young people now want to attend This year two of our Daventry archaeological treasure? 18 café drop-in sessions that District Sports Awards winners also Voluntary Assistant Youth Workers won their categories at the A to Z: are now desperately needed to Sports Awards. , , Flore, help supervise these sessions and Along with our free swimming and Great participate in activities with the initiative for under 16s at Daventry Oxendon 19 young café users, such as crafts, Leisure Centre over the school Events: sports and doing a turn as a DJ! holidays and other great success What’s on in your area 20-21 stories such as Daventry Town and Our largest village in the district is Woodford United football clubs Recipe: home to the Brixworth Youth and the Daventry Music Centre, Tasty winter risotto 22 Foundation (BYF) that is open to there is plenty to look forward to 11 to 14 year-olds on Monday and Reader Survey: in the years ahead. Win a radio 23 Thursday evenings. They offer a whole range of activities including Cllr Chris Millar Activity: sports, music, socialising and they Leader - Daventry District Council Brixworth cricket club 24 are looking into the possibility of setting up a theatre group. Both of these youth facilities are seeking extra help, so, if you Designed and would like to help make a positive produced by difference to your local area, why Tel: 01536 527297

Issue 59 Winter 2008 3 News News Use of personal data to help combat fraud People in Daventry District are being made aware of changes to the way their personal data is shared. Daventry District Council is Audit Commission uses and companies and sole traders paid required by law to protect public compares this data to assist in by the Council for works or money and has to share certain preventing and detecting fraud. services. Information about information which people give to This is known as a ‘data matching payments to creditors (invoices and the Council about themselves. exercise’ and it affects people payments) is also included in the This data is shared with other across the country. It is an effective Council’s annual accounts which bodies who are responsible for way of tracking potential are available for public inspection. auditing or administering public fraudsters. The Audit Commission is given the funds, in order to prevent and The Audit Commission requires power to use data in this way detect fraud. This data is carefully data this year from the Council’s under Part 2A of the Audit guarded and only shared under payroll and pensions system, Commission Act 1998. It does not secure circumstances, with certain market traders, housing benefit require people’s consent under the authorised bodies. claimants, the Council’s insurers, Data Protection Act 1998 but the Each year the Council has to taxi drivers and personal licence Council is obliged to tell people provide certain data to the Audit holders for the supply of alcohol, how their personal information will Commission which is an applicants of bus passes under the be used. For more details visit independent watchdog that Concessionary Fares Scheme and www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ regulates and scrutinises the way travel tokens, and details of the datamatching or telephone that local authorities operate. The Council’s creditors including all 01327 302385.

Christmas and New Year opening hours Council Offices – Lodge Road Saturday, January 3. Normal December 27. It will re-open as The Council offices will be closed opening hours will resume from normal on Friday, January 2 at on Christmas Day, Boxing Day Monday, January 5. 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. and New Year’s Day. On Brixworth Information Service Woodford Halse Information Christmas Eve and New Year’s This office will be closed on Service Eve the Council’s offices will be Saturday, December 20, Christmas The Woodford Halse Information open to the public from 8.30am Day, Boxing Day, Saturday, Service will be closed on to 12.30pm. Normal opening December 27 and New Year’s Day. Christmas Day and New Year’s hours apply on all other days. It will be open as normal on Day, reopening as normal on The Abbey Monday, December 29, Friday, Thursday, January 8 at 2pm. January 2 and Saturday, January 3. The Abbey will be closed on Moulton Information Service Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Long Buckby Information Moulton Information Service will Saturday, December 27 and New Service open as usual on Monday, Year’s Day. The Long Buckby Information December 22 and Monday, It will close at 6pm on all other Service will be closed on Friday, December 29, from 1pm to 5pm. days from Christmas Eve to December 26 and Saturday,

4 Issue 59 Winter 2008 News

Anniversary celebrations a success Scores of families from across Daventry district turned out to mark Daventry Country Park’s 30th anniversary.

In the last edition of Daventry Calling we reported on plans to celebrate the momentous occasion with a day of activities at the park. Despite windy weather and the occasional rain drizzle, people young and old joined in the event, organised by Daventry District Council and the Friends of Daventry Country Park. It included a tree-planting ceremony, play sessions for youngsters, Morris dancers, lantern-making workshops and a photographic exhibition. For more information, call 01327 871100. Planting an oak tree are (from left) DDC Vice-chairman Cllr Daniel Cribbin, Cllr Colin Morgan from Daventry Town Council, Dennis Cooper from Friends of Daventry Country Park and DDC Chairman Cllr Tony Scott.

Fresh campaign to bring empty homes into use Daventry District Council wants to encourage owners of empty homes to bring them back into use with the launch of its Homematch scheme. There are over 350 properties in “From the owner’s perspective, required standard, and then ultimately the district that have been empty given the current fall in property provide them with the details of for longer than six months, while values any income that can be people on the housing register who over 150 of them have been achieved from letting the property would like to privately rent. empty for more than 18 months. will go some way towards The owner can then meet with the offsetting losses in capital value. To tackle this problem Daventry prospective tenants and decide District Council will be contacting “For local residents, bringing an who they would like to rent the the owners of these properties in empty home back into use will property to. January and inviting them to take significantly reduce the The Council can also offer advice part in the Homematch scheme, opportunities for vandalism, anti- on sample tenancy agreements which brings tenants and social behaviour and fly tipping.” and the owner’s legal obligations. prospective landlords together. The scheme involves Daventry Daventry District Council wants to Councillor Steve Osborne, portfolio District Council visiting a landlord work with owners in bringing holder for Housing and Health, at the property to ensure that it properties back into use and said: “Anything that can be done meets the decent homes criteria. anyone who would like more to bring these empty homes back If it does not, then the Council can information can contact Richard into use will benefit both the advise landlords on what they would Vallis on 01327 302237 or email owner and the locality. need to do in order to bring it up to a [email protected].

Issue 59 Winter 2008 5 News

Information service for Moulton residents New partnership Daventry District Council’s fourth information centre has opened in Moulton, giving residents access to services on their doorstep. to tackle crime and disorder Two organisations have merged to form a new partnership to tackle crime and disorder in Daventry District and South Northamptonshire. The Safer Daventry Partnership and South Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership are now known as Daventry District and South Northamptonshire Safer Stronger Partnership. It will provide a co-ordinated approach to tackling social issues like crime, anti-social People can now access a range of District after Long Buckby, services like viewing planning Brixworth and Woodford Halse. behaviour, alcohol and drug applications, ordering recycling Moulton Information Service is abuse, the environment, repeat boxes, applying for bus passes as open every Monday from 1pm to offenders, community cohesion well as asking questions about 5pm. and vulnerable young people. their Council Tax. You can contact staff on 01604 The new organisation – a The service, in Moulton Library in 496954 or by emailing statutory Crime and Disorder Pound Lane, is the fourth outreach [email protected]. Reduction Partnership (CDRP) – centre to be opened in Daventry is made up of a number of local agencies including Daventry District Council, South Daventry young sporting heroes recognised Northamptonshire Council, Two Daventry sportsmen have been honoured for their efforts at , the annual Northamptonshire Sports Awards ceremony. Northamptonshire County Council, the Probation Service, Sailor Hugh Brayshaw won the And nine-year-old Henry Pickering, Northamptonshire Police Young Sportsman of the Year award who has cerebral palsy, won the Authority, Northamptonshire following a highly successful 2007 award for Young Disabled Fire and Rescue Service, local when he qualified for the Topper Sportsperson of the Year having primary care trusts, and the National Squad and was recognised recently swam in the Leicestershire Government Office for the East by the Royal Yachting Association and Rutland Youth games. Midlands. (RYA) who have now moved him up to the next level of development.

6 Issue 59 Winter 2008 News

Brixworth’s day of treasures

Scores of residents descended on Brixworth to discover if they were sitting on a small fortune.

(l to r) Jean Templeman, Pauline Kirton and Doris Harber from the Brixworth History Society took along two samplers from the late 1800s to be valued

An Antiques Roadshow Valuation he thought they might fetch at an delighted to find that a necklace and Open Day was held at auction. she found lying in the street on Brixworth Information Service holiday in Malta several years ago There was also a wide range of recently in a joint initiative by turned out to date back to the stalls where residents could go and Daventry District Council and 19th Century. find out about the various services Northamptonshire County Council. the council provides such as The 72-year-old said: “I was a bit Antique Auctioneer and Valuer recycling and housing advice, flummoxed when he told me how Stuart West was on hand to while youngsters also enjoyed a much it might be worth, but I’m inspect the items that people Rhyme Time session in the library. not going to sell it, I’m going to brought along and tell them what keep it for my daughter.” Doris Szahaj, from Brixworth, was

Issue 59 Winter 2008 7 Service Spotlight

Decade of Care and Repair is a real team effort

Daventry and South Northantamptonshire Care and Repair team is celebrating its ten-year anniversary.

The Care and Repair Team celebrate a decade of service with a cake at Daventry District Council's Lodge Road office

The Care and Repair service was which includes Brackley and with a rail on the stairs,” explained set up a decade ago to help Towcester. Joan. elderly and disabled homeowners Then in 2005 a Handy Person “They put me onto Care and who need repairs or improvements service was launched to provide Repair and I’m very pleased – I to their homes to enable them to more crucial help to those who fit can’t get over the fact that we live safe and secure in their own the criteria. didn’t have to pay for it. properties. Pensioner Joan Pitt, of Admirals “Before when I went up the stairs In that time the service has grown Way, Daventry, is one of hundreds I would have to stop half way up from a team of just two to now of residents who have got a better for a moment, but this makes a having a Co-ordinator, two quality of life because of the big difference. caseworkers, two administrators scheme. and a handy person who are “My husband, who is 82, is also working hard to make a real The 75-year-old has had a stair rail having a job getting upstairs. fitted by the Care and Repair difference in the community. “I would recommend that people service and believes it will make a There have also been other who are just like me go and find real difference to her quality of developments. out if they can get anything.” life. Back in 1998 the service only The service has also helped Sue “I have trouble getting up the covered Daventry District but in and Roger Chawner, of Gable stairs so I went to the doctor and 2004 it expanded to also serve Close, Daventry. he referred me to an Occupational South Northamptonshire, an area Therapist, and they said I could do Roger, 68, has a pulmonary

8 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Service Spotlight

What can Care and Repair do for you? • Visit you in your own home and discuss your requirements • Advise you on any repairs or improvements • Help you find reliable tradesmen to complete the work • Advise you on welfare benefits and any grants that may be available Pensioner Joan Pitt now finds it easier to get about thanks to a hand rail fitted • Advise you on further by Care and Repair handyman Roy Alesbrook ways to fund the work disease and needs to take oxygen Care and Repair service includes 24 hours a day. the Stay Safe scheme. What will it cost you? Six months ago he needed help The Stay Safe scheme is aimed at getting in and out of the bath so homeowners who are worried Advice is free but if private the Care and Repair team installed about becoming victims of building work is needed a hand rails to make things easier. burglary, and involves the service fee will be charged. Contact fitting security items such as door the Care and Repair team They also fitted an intercom so if chains, window locks and spy Sue is not in, Roger can talk to the for the current rate. holes. person at the front door and let them in. With improved marketing and a How can I pay for rapidly ageing population, all the “It has made a huge difference work? signs are that the service will because I can now go out and continue to flourish over the next know he can talk to people if they The Care and Repair team ten years as it marks its milestone come,” said Sue. will advise you on the best anniversary. way to pay for the work, “I would absolutely recommend For more information contact the including grants from your other people getting in touch with Care and Repair service hotline on them if they are in a similar local authority, charitable 01327 302322 or email situation. It’s made our lives much funding, occupational trust [email protected] easier.” funding and equity release Other initiatives provided by the

Issue 59 Winter 2008 9 Development

Major step forward for regeneration plans

Daventry District Council wants to help breathe new life into a run-down industrial estate in Daventry.

Plans to regenerate parts of the Royal Oak Industrial Estate have taken a major step forward after councillors gave it the go-ahead in October. Six old units on the site that date back to the 1960s will be demolished to make way for a new purpose-built building with a tenant who will enter into a lease agreement with DDC. The new building will more than double the floor space on the site, allowing for extra jobs and will also help to boost rental income How the site looks now and an artist’s for the council. impression of how it might look following redevelopment The development, which is expected to cost around £3.3 million, should be completed by 2010. Councillor Chris Over, Economic and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, said: “The plans to replace some of the worn-out and dated units at the Royal Oak Industrial Estate with a brand new purpose-built building will help us continue our policy of regeneration. “It will also breathe some new life into the area, and set a new standard for sustainable commercial building.”

Work continues on Scouts’ new eco base Work on building a new eco-friendly scout headquarters in Daventry is due for completion early next year.

Daventry District Council has New trees and bushes will be worked closely with the 2nd planted to help it further blend in Daventry Scouts to design with the surroundings. purpose-built premises at Ian Vincent, Executive Director at Daventry Country Park, off Daventry District Council, said: Northern Way. The low-carbon “We are very excited that this building has been designed to be project is coming to fruition. It as environmentally friendly as will be a valuable additional possible. It has a living sedum resource at Daventry Country roof – where hardy plants are Park and the Scouts see the planted to help manage water location as a great advantage run off and provide insulation – UK-sourced sustainable timber which meets with the ethos of gabion walls of local stone walls above the gabions. the Scouting movement.” incorporating living layers, and

10 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Service Spotlight

Protecting district’s heritage for future generations In a large district steeped in history, from the Gunpowder Plot to the Civil War, protecting its heritage for future generations is no mean feat. But one small team dedicates its When dealing with listed buildings, efforts to ensuring Daventry District’s the Conservation Team carries out significant past is preserved. pre-application site visits to advise residents on the plans they wish to Daventry District Council’s carry out on the property and how Conservation Team deals with a best to carry it out. whole range of issues, from applications for works to listed They also have to deal with the buildings to helping to protect applications for changes to listed trees and hedgerows. buildings but they have warned that carrying out works of They also ensure that conservation alteration without permission can areas are set up where necessary to (Top) House built c.1508, have dire consequences. It’s a ensure future generations can remodelled 1789, home of the criminal offence to change a listed enjoy the town’s rich heritage. Spencer family. Listed at Grade I building without proper consent Daventry District Council Executive and offenders can even end up in Sutton Street, Flore, various listed Director Judy Gregory said: the courts, facing a maximum cottages including: 25, 31, 33, 35, “Daventry District is rich in heritage, penalty of an unlimited fine and up and 37. All listed at Grade II with a number of historical to two years in prison. buildings, including Althorp, Canons The team are also consulted about To find out more about listed Ashby House and Brixworth Church. applications they have received that buildings or conservation issues, “But it’s not just about the larger, may affect historical areas. contact the Conservation Team on stately-looking buildings of the 01327 871100. district – it could be a small cottage of historical and architectural Conservation factfile interest. Our team assesses the impact of work on listed buildings, Daventry District has: such as Hall, and country to ensure that this historical and • 23 Conservation Areas houses such as . architectural interest is preserved. • 1,503 Listed Buildings Grade II* for particularly important • approximately 550 Tree Judy added: “There is a national buildings of more than special Preservation Orders - in addition criteria for buildings, which is interest such as the Manor House to this, all trees in Conservation controlled by English Heritage and at Ashby St. Ledgers, Weedon Areas with a diameter of more maintain the list of buildings that Depot, and The Hall at Brockhall. are listed. than 75mm at a height of than 1.5m require consent for works. Grade II for buildings of special “It’s also a statutory duty that the architectural or historic merit. This is There are currently three local authority deals with the largest category (94% of all grades of listed building: conservation areas and residents listed buildings) and includes smaller and councillors play an important Grade I for buildings of domestic houses, barns, ancillary role by giving their views to help exceptional interest e.g. churches buildings and structures (e.g. walls, determine if somewhere will such as Brixworth, stately homes gates, pumps, statues, etc.). become a conservation area.”

Issue 59 Winter 2008 11 Waste and Recycling

Have you got it wrapped for a greener Christmas?

Residents in Daventry District can enjoy an even greener Christmas this year – with even more ways to recycle their festive waste.

Daventry District Council’s kerbside recycling collections will now also accept non-foil wrapping paper, glitter-free greeting cards, brown envelopes and white envelopes with or without windows. Parishes district-wide will also be taking part in the Christmas tree recycling scheme in the New Year. Here’s a rundown on recycling in Daventry District over the Christmas period.

Glass and Plastic Bottles Try squashing all cans and plastic bottles to help with additional room in your blue box. Should there still not be enough room, plastic bottles and cans can be put in additional bags, provided they are sorted separately and clearly labelled. The Council’s collection crews are instructed to only take separated material types in bags. However, additional glass bottles after Christmas, place any Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, or glass jars should not be put in additional flat packed cardboard in January 2009. plastic bags – householders are next to your brown bin and it will asked to ensure they are put in the be collected - but for this Christmas tree collections kerbside box. collection only. Real Christmas tree collections will take place throughout the district Cardboard Please make sure that cardboard is flat packed and relatively contained in the New Year. Please look out If you have more cardboard than so that it doesn’t blow about. for information via your Parish will fit in your brown bins due to Council, to see if they are suspended collections over Textile Bag Collections participating. Christmas, please save it for Please look out for your next bi- recycling. monthly bag collection, in aid of On your first brown bin collection Warwickshire and

12 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Waste and Recycling

Have you received Kerbside collections: your calendar? what you can recycle

Red Box Cleaning products bottles A sample of the calendar (washing up liquid bottles etc) Newspapers Bathroom bottles (shampoo Magazines Residents can expect to have bottles etc) their new collection calendar Junk Mail Food bottles (ketchup etc) through their letterbox and this Catalogues should be received by December Glass bottles & jars 7, 2008. Brochures Food & drink cans Anyone who has not received Store Directories Empty aerosols their calendar by Monday, White office paper December 8 should phone All of these items are 01327 871100 or email Telephone directories reprocessed within the UK [email protected] Greetings Cards (if not and one will be posted out to contaminated with glitter) them. Brown Bin *NEW* For more details visit Cardboard boxes and cardboard White Envelopes including www.daventrydc.gov.uk/recycling sheets windows *NEW* Grass cuttings, hedge cuttings, Yellow Pages *NEW* flowers and plants Wrapping paper (not foil type) Prunings, bark and weeds *NEW* Small amounts of turf All of these items are reprocessed within the UK Shredded paper Wrapping paper (not foil type) *NEW* Blue Box Brown envelopes (non-window Plastic Bottles including: only) *NEW* All clear and coloured drink All of these items are bottles reprocessed within the UK Milk bottles

Issue 59 Winter 2008 13 Online Information

Grand designs on an improved web service

Daventry District Council’s website – www.daventrydc.gov.uk – has been redesigned to make life easier for residents who need access to vital information.

The Council’s Business Transformation Team was charged with replacing the Council’s old website with a much more user- friendly version that contained all the information that is important for residents and businesses in Daventry District. The new website came online earlier this year with a fresh look but its development is far from over as dozens of officers continue to improve and add to its content. Executive Director Judy Gregory said: “The website changed earlier this year in March and the new one was started from scratch. Council also has access to the Only three clicks same, reliable information.” “All the service information from the info you But although much hard work needed to be updated and the need… website now provides the most has been done on the website, up-to-date information in the There are three main ways to there are still a lot of functions Council. access news and information that can be added to make it about the Council from its even better. “For example, when there was the homepage: problem with the contaminated Councillor Colin Poole, Daventry water supply earlier this year, we • By clicking on one of the District Council’s Portfolio Holder main group of links that fall got the information out very early for Access and Communication, into the relevant section of that morning. said: “Over the next 12 months the council, for example we are going to add more and “It’s about making sure that Council and Democracy, more self-services to the website. everyone can get to the same Transport and Streets, or information whether you walk in Housing. “For example at the moment to one of our offices, call us on • By clicking on one of the A there are a limited number of the telephone or surf the web, the to Z letters that will take you things you can do online in terms information we use to answer your to the relevant service you of paying for things or filling questions is taken from the need. forms in, but we are going to change that so people will be able website. • By typing the service you need into the search box to use these services 24 hours a “This is an important change and day, seven days a week – at a time means that everybody in the that suits them.

14 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Online Information

“People can also now find their anyone could get to the of the public - it’s becoming more way around the new website information they need within three and more popular.” much easier because this is much ‘clicks’ of their mouse – and Residents can visit the website at more user friendly.” although it was tough to achieve, www.daventrydc.gov.uk where the Business Transformation Team One of the main aims behind the previous editions of Daventry believes the new site fulfils this aim. new website was to ensure that Calling are also available to The site’s homepage has also been download. specifically set up to present at Did you know? least one new piece of information every day. • Daventry District Council’s new website received “It includes things like the latest 2 million “hits” in its first council news, job vacancies, weather 200 days. forecast, travel news, and the most popular pages on the site,” said Tell us what • There have been over 40,000 makes you click….. unique visitors to the site Colin. “There are also new areas since its launch, not including such as the What’s New section that lists every new or updated web • What do you think of our staff. new-look website? Your page, so that regular visitors can • Around 50 employees in the views can help us make our Council regularly update the easily see what is going on. online service even better. website. “The feedback on the website has Email been very positive from members [email protected]

Issue 59 Winter 2008 15 Environment

Saving energy – and money Stay safe at home with DASH! Elderly residents in Daventry – this winter District can take advantage of an initiative to help keep their With the winter weather upon us and high fuel costs, many homes more safe and secure. households could face the prospect of higher energy bills over the The Daventry Area Safety in the coming months. Home (DASH) scheme is a partnership project involving a But did you know there are range of community safety number of quick and simple organisations. everyday measures that will help you save money and energy all It aims to improve the safety and year round? well-being of older people by reducing risks that commonly Here’s some top tips to help you affect them in their homes, such save up to 20% of energy…… as household accidents, home In the kitchen security and poor heating systems. When boiling vegetables, use just DASH can offer grants for enough water to keep them heating and insulation, as well Heating your water covered. as free smoke alarms for all If you have an old thin lagging jacket residents, free door chains for Use a jug kettle that has a water around your hot water tank, fit a the over 60s, free door level gauge to ensure you only new 80mm (3”) jacket over it – it’ll intercoms and free loft heat the amount of water you pay for itself in a matter of months. need. insulation for the over 70s. Lighting Spokesman Mal Thompson said: New fridges, freezers and fridge- Installing low energy lightbulbs can “Since the project began over freezers carry an energy efficiency save around £7 per bulb per year. 3,600 residents in villages across rating label (A-G). Choose an A or So, if 10 bulbs are fitted, that’s the district have taken advantage B rated appliance to get the most £70 per year. Install low energy of the initiative and now have energy efficient lightbulbs in rooms you use homes that are safer, more regularly – they last up to 15 times In the lounge secure and more energy efficient. Make sure you don’t leave TVs, longer than a normal lightbulb. “We also have 40 DASH computers, hi-fis or other electrical Insulation volunteers working in 25 items on standby. Some electricity Did you know that cavity wall villages helping to spread the providers may even have insulation could save up to £150 a word and refer people who powerdown sockets that can help. year on fuel bills? Insulating your need help to the project.” Draw curtains at dusk to stop heat loft with at least 250mm (10”) escaping and to reduce draughts. fibreglass or similar insulation can The partnership of DASH is made This can save you between £10 also save money. up of a number of organisations including Daventry District Council, and £20 per year. Grants are available for some the NHS, Age Concern, DIAL and residents – contact DDC’s Energy Heating your home Daventry Volunteer Centre. Turning your room thermostats Conservation Officer Dave Malone down by just 1C could cut up to on 01327 871100. Anyone wanting information about DASH and the services it 10 per cent off your fuel bill For more information about offers can contact Mal Thompson saving energy, go to Buying a radiator reflector panel on 01327 300614 or email www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ could also help to reduce wasted [email protected]. heat. energyadvice

16 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Healthy Living

Project Wii helps a healthier lifestyle A virtual exercise plan involving a popular games console is aiming to help overweight youngsters and their families in Daventry District learn about living and eating healthily.

Project Wii, part of the Body 4 Life alongside the physical exercise well as an improving their programme launched by Daventry offered by the Wii, they will also understanding of health and District Council and take part in sessions on healthy nutrition. Northamptonshire Teaching Primary eating and nutrition. For more information or if you Care Trust, has seen children taking Body 4 Life is an innovative 12- think your child would benefit part in physical activity using the week referral programme, run by from a referral to the sessions Nintendo Wii games console. qualified and dedicated healthcare contact Paul Pritchard on 01327 The ground-breaking format sees and fitness professionals, public 871100, or alternatively email players holding remote controls health specialists and dieticians. [email protected]. and moving their arms and legs to It aims to teach overweight and make characters move on-screen. obese 8 to 13-year-olds and their Participants are referred to the families how they could benefit project by their GP or school and from increased physical activity as

Meet the teenagers aiming for Olympic glory Two teenagers will be training hard during the winter to help keep their dreams of Olympic glory alive. Matthew McLean, 16, and Shane Midlands at a regional level. Acton, 17, are both aiming to Matthew said: “I go out on the compete at the London Olympics water to train three times a week in 2012 in their respective sports but in the winter it is too cold to after qualifying for Daventry train outside this often so this District Council’s passport to pass will allow me to train at the excellence scheme. gym a lot more during this time. To supplement their training "I have been improving a lot during the tough winter period recently and hope to be good they are taking advantage of the enough to be a contender in the scheme run by the council and next Olympics." SOLL Leisure, which awards a years’ worth of free use of For more information about the Daventry Leisure Centre’s health kayaking and is also the under 16s passport to excellence scheme and fitness suite. bronze medallist in sprint kayaking. and an application form, contact the Recreation team at Daventry Matthew (pictured left), of Shane, of Stefan Hill, Daventry, District Council on 01327 Woodford Halse, is the under 16s plays hockey for Coventry and 871100. national champion for marathon North Warwickshire, and the

Issue 59 Winter 2008 17 Feature

Have you unearthed an archaeological treasure?

Residents in Daventry District who may have stumbled across artefacts dating back over 300 years can take their finds to an expert to be officially logged.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme Antiquities Scheme provides an helps members of the public to opportunity to discover more identify and record their about their find and, through archaeological finds on a national having it recorded, to take an database. active part in the preservation of our heritage.” Anyone who has found a man- made object that they believe to If these dates of surgeries are not be over 300 years old can take convenient, contact Julie to their ancient objects to Julie The two surgeries are being held arrange an appointment at your Cassidy, the Finds Liaison Officer at Daventry District Council’s convenience and she will be happy for Northamptonshire, at one of offices in Lodge Road from to advise on and record any her regular surgeries. 2.30pm to 4.30pm. human-made object that is over 300 years old. Julie is currently touring the county “Every year, all over the country, to have a look at the artefacts that thousands of artefacts are The events are open to all, are free residents have unearthed, and the discovered by members of the of charge and there is no need to next surgeries to be held in public,” said Julie. book, just turn up on the day. Daventry take place on For further information contact Wednesday, December 10, and “For anyone that has found - or Julie on 01604 237249, or email Tuesday, January 13, 2009. thinks they may have found - an ancient object, the Portable [email protected]

Schedule of Council and Committee Meetings 2008 If you would like more information about any of these or future committees or would like to attend a meeting, please contact the Governance Team on 01327 302324. All meetings start at 6.15pm unless otherwise stated.

Planning Committee Wednesday 10 Dec 2008 Licensing Committee Thursday 5 Feb 2009 Council Thursday 11 Dec 2008 Strategy Group Thursday 12 Feb 2009 Scrutiny & Improvement Planning Committee Wednesday 7 Jan 2009 Tuesday 17 Feb 2009 Committee Strategy Group Thursday 15 Jan 2009 Planning Committee Wednesday 18 Feb 2009 Scrutiny & Improvement Tuesday 20 Jan 2009 Committee Council Thursday 26 Feb 2009 Standards Committee Wednesday 21 Jan 2009 Standards Committee Wednesday 4 March 2009 Corporate Governance Thursday 22 Jan 2009 Planning Committee Wednesday 11 March 2009 Committee Strategy Group Thursday 12 March 2009 Planning Committee Wednesday 28 Jan 2009

18 Issue 59 Winter 2008 In this edition we take a look at the rural communities of Farthingstone, Fawsley, Flore, and Guilsborough….. A to Z

Farthingstone Fawsley Farthingstone is mentioned in the Domesday Book and lies Fawsley, west of and about seven miles south-east of Daventry. Farthingstone, is the site of a There are about 70 houses and a DDC ward councillors: deserted medieval village. population of about 200. The parish David White (Con) – 01327 361596 The village was enclosed in the church of St Mary dates from the [email protected] 1500s to make way for wool 13th century and is at the centre of Kevin Perry (Con) – 01327 349252 production and the villagers were the village, opposite the King’s Arms [email protected] dispossessed. It is a large area of public house. Jaymead Gardens parkland that was landscaped by provide a social focal point for the Farthingstone Parish Council Clerk: Capability Brown. Fawsley Hall, village. Mrs R J Chambers - 01327 361435 built in the 16th century, has seen a chequered past. Once the family home of the Knightley family, the hall fell into disrepair and was once used as a sawmill. Now the hall has Flore been restored to its former splendour and the integrity of the Our thanks to John Smith, Secretary of Flore Heritage Society, building has been preserved. for submitting this description of Flore: DDC ward councillor: Thousands of people see a little of Memorial, the flags of the David Jeyes (Con) – 01327 260886 Flore because the busy A45 forms Commonwealth are flown on [email protected] the village High Street. Off the main appropriate days. road there are quiet lanes bordered Fawsley Parish Council: DDC ward councillor: by thatched houses with walls of Mr D Newth – 01327 361486 Wendy Amos (Con) – 01327 local stone. Flore has long been 340386 [email protected] noted for its May Day ceremony and the more recent annual Flower Flore Parish Council Clerk: Great Festival and open gardens on the Mrs A J Weller 01327 260022 weekend nearest to midsummer. On [email protected] Oxendon High Street, round the War This small village, off the Northampton to Market Harborough road, is separated from the Leicestershire border Guilsborough by the Market Harborough A large village to the northwest of Northampton, Guilsborough golf course. centres around its green. There is a mound on this site that provides evidence of a deserted village There are several Georgian houses, at the southern end of the village here. The church’s medieval tower including Rose Manor which dates and has an Early English tower. looks quaintly out of proportion and from 1689. The old Grammar DDC ward councillor: there is a lovely Norman font. School, which has now been Chris Millar (Con) – 01604 881925 turned in to flats, was founded in DDC ward councillor: [email protected] 1668 by a Sir John Langham. Pamela Booker (Con) – 01858 Guilsborough now has a large, Guilsborough Parish Council 525569 [email protected] modern comprehensive School, Clerk: Mr P J Winterburn – 01604 Great Oxendon Parish Council built in the late 1950s and this 584771 Clerk: Mrs C Etherington 07778 serves the village and the local [email protected] 120039 [email protected] area. The church of St Ethelreda is

Issue 59 Winter 2008 19 What’s On

Events Forthcoming events in the district County Council’s Portable Antiquities Brixworth Village Hall, (January 17 at December Scheme. 2.30pm and 7.45pm, January 23 at 7.45pm and on January 24 at 2.30pm December 4 – 6 Guilsborough Music December 12 Christmas craft fayre & and 7.45pm). Tickets cost £5 for & Drama Society presents a comedy prize draw, 7pm at Village adults, £4 for children and night, sketches and jokes old and new Hall. Licensed bar, cheese & wine. concessions, and £12 for a family of - 'Pith & Balderdash', 8pm in Admission free, proceeds to All Saints' four (two adults, two children), Guilsborough Village Hall. Tickets are Church, Lilbourne. £8 each. Bring your own bottle or you available from Lovells Hardware, can combine the evening with a pre- December 12-14 Christmas Tree Spratton Road, and Libby Bowers on theatre meal at the Ward Arms, Festival, Weedon Church, (December 01604 880672. Please bring teddy Guilsborough at an inclusive price of 12 from 2pm-4.30pm, December 13 bears! £18. For tickets call the Box Office - from 10.30am-4.30pm, December 14 01604 740549. from 11.30am-4.30pm). February December 5 Christmas Nostalgia December 15 Health Walk, 11am at February 10 Daventry and District Sing-Along, 7.30pm at Lilbourne Daventry Leisure Centre. A three-mile Over Fifties Forum, 2pm-4pm at the Village Hall. A musical evening with walk, organised by DDC’s Recreation Saxon Suite, Daventry Leisure Centre, resident organist, Peter Thorneycroft, Team, around Daventry Country Park in Lodge Road. Tel: 01327 302418. and other special guests. Licensed Bar Northern Way and back to the leisure February 13 Family Valentine Special, and refreshments. Admission £2. To centre for free coffee and mince pies. 7.30pm at Lilbourne Village Hall. book or join the mailing list, please December 19 Tea Dance, 2-4pm at Licensed Bar. Tickets: £2 Adult/£1 email: Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, Child (Includes nibbles). To book or [email protected] or Daventry. £2.50 for Entrance with a join our mailing list, please email: tel: 01788 860120. free cup of tea and biscuits. [email protected] December 6 Christmas Tree December 26 Family stroll, meeting or Tel: 01788 860120. Lights switch-on by Father Christmas at 11am at Crick Village Green. An February 28 Race Night & Fish & at 5pm. Meet outside Kilsby Post informative family stroll to Cracks Hills Chip Supper at Lilbourne Village Hall, Office and Stores at 4.45pm to meet for a breath of fresh air, due to last 7.30pm. Can you spot the difference Father Christmas and follow his sleigh around 1 1/2 hours. Contact DDC’s between Red Rum and Muffin the to the village green at the top of Barby Recreation Team on 01327 871100 for Mule? Licensed bar. Admission: Adult Road, Kilsby, for 5pm. Hot food, mince more details. £5, child £3 (includes supper). To book pies and mulled wine will be for sale or join our mailing list, please email: and there will be entertainment for January 2009 [email protected] or the children. All funds raised will be to Tel: 01788 860120 cover the costs of the event. January 3 Wassailing, 11am at Daventry Country Park. Revitalise this December 6 Tea dances in Welford ancient tradition of wassailing for all Village Hall from 2pm to 4.30pm. the family. Ballroom, sequence, Latin and old Do you have an event you time. All welcome. Admission £2, January 13 Find out more about the artefacts or ancient objects you have would like to publicise in includes refreshments. For more Daventry Calling or on the information call 01858 575284. found at the Daventry Finds Surgery, DDC offices, Lodge Road, Daventry, Council’s website? December 10 Find out more about from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The event is the artefacts or ancient objects you Email part of Northamptonshire County [email protected] or have found at the Daventry Finds Council’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. Surgery, DDC offices, Lodge Road, telephone 01327 302341 Daventry, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. January 17, 23 and 24 Babes in the The event is part of Northamptonshire Wood by Brixworth Drama Group at

20 Issue 59 Winter 2008 What’s On

Bring your teddy along Social care on agenda for Over Fifties for panto fun Forum Youngsters are being urged to take along their teddy bears for a New arrangements for adult pantomime in Brixworth next month. social care will be presented at the next meeting of the Daventry Brixworth Drama Group will be pantomime, described the show as & District Over Fifties Forum performing Babes in the Wood at ‘traditional but with contemporary (DOF). Brixworth Village Hall. touches which should appeal to young and old alike’. The performances will be on Until recently, care has been January 17 at 2.30pm and He added: “All children coming to provided by professionals who 7.45pm, on January 23 at 7.45pm the show are asked to bring along decided how much could be and January 24 at 2.30pm and their teddy bears, since teddy spent on a patient and what the 7.45pm. bears are important to the panto’s care package would include. plot and will also really annoy the Babes in the Wood has been Sheriff who absolutely loathes the But now anybody who is eligible written by two long-time members cuddly creatures!” for care will be able to decide for of the drama group, Mike themselves what their support Culverhouse and James Skeggs, Tickets cost £5 for adults and £4 needs are and will get a personal with Mike Culverhouse also for children and concessions and budget to pay for it. directing. £12 for a family of four (two adults and two children), available Chair of Brixworth Drama Group Further information about this from Lovells Hardware, Spratton Stuart Cooper, who plays the evil important shift in care practice Road, and Libby Bowers on 01604 Sheriff of Nottingham in the will be available at DOF’s next 880672. public meeting on Tuesday, February 10, from 2pm to 4pm Moulton Theatre stages at Daventry Leisure Centre. classic pantomime Moulton Theatre is holding a performance of the classic pantomime Cinderella. Around 25 cast and crew of the Moulton Theatre opened in October Moulton Players have been busy 2004 and was formally a Methodist working hard over the past Chapel that was bought in 1994 couple of months to make sure through grants and funds, and took that the show is one of the best ten years to be refurbished by the they have ever done. players. Cinderella, which runs from The Cross Street theatre seats just December 1 to 6, is a classic over 60 people and hosts around pantomime that children, parents four shows a year by the players. and grandparents are sure to love For more information log on to as the rags-to-riches story builds Moulton Theatre’s website at up to a Grand Finale and everyone www.moulton-theatre.co.uk or phone lives happily ever after. the box office on 07704 483 516.

Issue 59 Winter 2008 21 Recipe

Time to veg out with this tasty winter risotto

Youngsters at Welford Primary School served up a real seasonal treat during a cookery session with Daventry District Council’s Countryside Rangers.

Buttery roasted squash and creamy risotto Serves 4 You will need: 1 large butternut squash salt and fresh ground black pepper Method: Return to the heat and add the white wine stir until it disappears, 2 tbsp Olive oil Cut the squash into quarters and then add 2 ladles of stock, enough 1/2 litre chicken or vegetable stock remove the seeds. Put in a roasting to cover the rice. Simmer, stirring, pan, season with salt and freshly 50g butter, softened until the rice has absorbed all the ground black pepper. Drizzle with 1 red onion, finely chopped stock. Repeat this process until the olive oil and roast for 30 minutes, rice has absorbed nearly all the 2 carrots, finely chopped until the flesh is soft and the skin liquid. This should take about 15 3 sticks celery, finely chopped has shrivelled. Remove the flesh, minutes. 1 garlic clove, finely chopped chop into large chunks and leave 150g Risotto rice to cool. Stir in the remaining butter, the squash, and parmesan and stir 40ml white wine To make the risotto, bring the briefly. Allow to sit and absorb the chicken stock to the boil and keep 85g Parmesan finely grated flavours for 5 min. at a simmer. Serve garnished with the pumpkin Melt 25g of the butter in a large seeds or crunchy amoretti biscuits. To garnish: frying pan over a moderate heat a small handful of toasted and fry the onion, carrots, celery pumpkin seeds, or be daring and and garlic until soft. Add the rice sprinkle with a small handful of and stir off the heat until all grains crushed amoretti biscuits. are coated.

22 Issue 59 Winter 2008 Reader Survey

Give us your views and win a radio!

Help us make your Daventry Calling magazine even better by filling in our readers’ survey.

If you give us your views Q1: How much of Daventry Calling do you read? by January 12, 2009, you’ll be entered into a All o Half o Less than half o free prize draw to win a Q2: How interesting do you find the magazine? Sony clockwork radio. Very interesting o Quite interesting o Of no interest o Simply complete the form and send it back to Q3: Which of the following features do you enjoy most (please pick as us using our Freepost many as you like) address. Alternatively News o longer features o Events Guide o you can fill it in online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ Service Spotlight (information on services) o daventrycallingsurvey. A to Z of villages o Sports & activity features o Please return this form Q4: What other features would you like to see in Daventry Calling? to Daventry Calling prize draw, Daventry District Council, FREEPOST RRYE-AJGB-GEBS, Lodge Road, Daventry NN11 Q5: Is Daventry Calling a good source of information about Daventry 4FP. District Council? Entries must reach us by Yes o No o noon on January 12, Q6: What do you think of the design and format of the magazine? 2009. Very good o good o okay o poor o Terms and conditions. By entering this prize draw you Q7: Would you be interested in receiving Daventry Calling via email? agree that Daventry District Council may process your details Yes o No o in accordance with data protection principles. The data Q8: Would you like to share any further comments about Daventry supplied will only be used by Daventry District Council for the Calling? purpose of statistical data and to ascertain the winner of the prize draw and will not be passed on to any third parties. All entries received, both online and postal, will be allocated a number and the winner will be selected at Name: random. Closing date for entries is noon on January 12, 2009. The Address: prize draw winner will be informed by email or post no Tel: later than January 31, 2009. Email

Issue 59 Winter 2008 23 Activity

Cricket legend boosts revived Brixworth Club

Brixworth Cricket Club has shot back to the top league following the opening of its new ground and help from a former star.

Devon Malcolm has been plying his trade at the club over the past season and has helped his teammates win promotion into the Northamptonshire Premier League.

The club received a massive boost Former England cricketer Devon Malcolm with Brixworth cricket ground owner when they moved to their new Dallas Burston ground at the start of the 2008 (last) season after plans were undeniably helped by the presence approved by DDC because the of former Northamptonshire and First phase players now have a first class setting England legend Devon Malcolm. for their home matches and also complete on Renowned as a fast bowler, his their own practice facilities which greatest moment came against South village rec they previously had to share with Africa at the Oval in 1994 when he local football teams. revamp ripped through their batting order to Chairman Chris Timm said: “It’s record figures of 9-57. Work on the first phase of been an opportunity for us to move “Devon has made a significant improvements to the recreation from our old ground in the village contribution for us this season – he ground in Long Buckby has which we had out-grown. lives locally, so it’s easy for him to been completed. “The cricket club has done get here,” explained Chris. A climbing frame for youngsters incredibly well and this has given us “Obviously he’s in the twilight of his under the age of five has been the opportunity to move onto career and just having him at the built with a traditional wooden another level in terms of both the club has helped to raise our profile. rather than metal frame. junior and senior teams.” “It’s great having him at the club – And now the Long Buckby The first team will be playing in the when players walk onto the field Children’s Recreation Committee Northants Premier League next with him they feel pretty motivated. is planning on getting more play season after being promoted at the equipment for 12 to 18-year- first attempt at their new ground. Councillor Chris Millar, leader of olds, along with some benches Daventry District Council, said: “I’m “We got relegated about three and trees once a decision on delighted to see the cricket club do seasons ago and this season we have funding has been reached. so well at its new ground. just been promoted back into the A climbing wall and an area for Premier which is fantastic because it “It’s down to everyone at the club BMX riding and skating is also gets us back playing at the top level working so hard for something they being considered, and it’s hoped of league cricket,” said Chris. can rightly feel proud of and it can all the work will be completed only contribute towards giving sport The team’s progress has been within the next few years. in Brixworth a massive boost.”

24 Issue 59 Winter 2008