Gate Group News • Ravenstone • Stoke • Weston Underwood

October/November Issue 316 Contents and Diary Dates

Editor’s Report Page 3 Church Services and Report Pages 4 & 5 Bridge Club 2-4.30 p.m. S.G. Reading Room, Wednesdays (Jeff Lewington 551898) Sewing Circle 10.00-12.30 p.m. The Lamb, S.G. Thursdays (Chris 551659) Youth Club 6.30-8.30 p.m. S.G. Village Hall, for 10-17 year olds, Thursday Evenings Term-time (Claire Jesson 551665) Short-mat Bowls 2-4 p.m. S.G. Village Hall, Mondays (Roy Gill 551994) Coffee Morning 10.30-12 noon The Lamb, S.G. Tuesdays (Gill George 551348) Senior Citizens’ Club 2.30 p.m. Report on Page 7 Association 7.30 p.m Report on Page 9 Thursday Club 7.30 p.m Report on Page 9 Stoke Goldington Gardeners’ Club Report on Page 11 Stoke Goldington Parish Council 7.00 p.m. Meet every third Monday of the month. Report on Pages 12 & 13 Stoke Goldington Pre School Halloween Disco Saturday October 26th 1.00-3.00 pm Details on Page 15 Gayhurst News Report on Page 16 Stoke Goldington Charity Christmas Concert Friday December 6th 7.30 pm Details on Page 17 Ravenstone All Saint’s Coffee Morning First Monday of the month, 10.30am-12 noon Ravenstone News Report on Pages 18 & 19 Ravenstone W.I. Report on Page 19 All meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month, usually at 7.00pm in Weston Underwood Village Hall. Contact Gillian Rose on 01908 551152 for further information. Ravenstone Parish Council 7.30 p.m. Second Thursday of each month at Ravenstone Village Hall Weston Underwood, News & Parish Council Report on Pages 20 & 21 Clubs & Activities in the Villages Contact information on Page 23

Please note: Sunday 17th November - Copy deadline for December/January newsletter

Front cover photo by Andrew Turner

If you have copy for GGN, please first contact your Village Correspondent or Vivien Freeman, Editor: [email protected], tel: 551744 Treasurer: Roy Baker, [email protected]; Advertising: Andrew Turner, [email protected];

Correspondents: Pauline Avery: Tel. 551519 Gillian Rose: [email protected] Pat Covington: [email protected] Bob Shirley: [email protected] Martyn Wilkinson: [email protected]. and as listed throughout the newsletter. Gate Group News Editor’s Report I hope that you have all enjoyed your Summer. It was certainly a hot one! I’m delighted that TREASURER Autumn is here and the days and nights are cooler. Gate Group News My annual Painting Holiday was interesting. In the last issue we put out a desperate As always, it was a delight to meet up with old plea for a new Treasurer. I am very friends. The outdoor swimming pool was very well happy and delighted to report that we used of course. A friends Assistance dog thought it have a new Treasurer, Joy Neale, who is was wonderful. Have you ever tried telling any Labrador that No, this pool is Not for you?! happy to join our little band. As you know, the Treasurer and Advertising It is great to know that Gate Group News Manager stepped down at our AGM. will continue to flourish. I’d like to thank them both again for all of their advice and for their hard work. Roy Baker and Gillian Nicol, Chairman Andrew Turner respectively. 01234 711302 ‘Welcome’ to Joy Neale who has now joined our team as GGN Treasurer. You can contact Joy on 01908 551441.

Copy date for the December/January newsletter is Sunday 17th November

Producing the artwork for this newsletter keeps me very aware of just how swiftly time passes. As in previous years’ you can send Christmas Greetings (in lieu of Christmas Cards) to your

local friends via the GATE Group News. Email your name and details (including the name of the charity that you are supporting) - Before 17th November.

If you have any content for GGN then please contact your Village Correspondent or email directly to me by 17th November: [email protected], 01908 551744.

Viv Freeman Charity Bike Ride Saturday 12th October 2 019 @91@ 9.15am

Quick Glance (Registrration from 8.30am) 5th October Fish & Chip Supper  25 or 50 mile routes Ravenstone Village Hall  Start & Finish at      , MK16 9EX  Minimum Donation: £22 for 25 miles, £32 for 50 miles 12th October Le Tour de Info. on Page 6 Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk                 to sign up for the event.

26th October Halloween Disco This is not a race, but an enjoyable event to help raise much needed fundds for Stoke Goldington Village Hall   Join in and support the local community. 26th October An Evening with Evan Willison Stoke Goldington Village Hall 6th December Christmas Concert Stoke Goldington Village Hall

It is a pleasure to receive articles from residents in the GATE Group and, of course, we are all entitled to our opinions. However, please note that letters and articles in the GATE News should always be attributable and include the authors name. GGN Committee 3 Church Services in the Gate Group Cuc Sevces eGeGoup

Date Time Venue Type of Service 6th October 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Family Service 9.30am Stoke Goldington Holy Communion 9.30am HARVEST 11.00am Weston Underwood HARVEST 6.00pm Ravenstone HARVEST 13th October 9.00am Ravenstone Holy Communion 9.30am Lavendon Holy Communion 10.30am Stoke Goldington HARVEST 6.0pm Newton Blossomville Evensong 20th October 9.00am Ravenstone Holy Communion 9.30am Lavendon Morning Prayer/Civic Sv 10.30am Stoke Goldington 11.00am Newton Blossomville Holy Communion 6.00pm Clifton Reyne Songs of Praise 6.00pm Weston Underwood Evening Payer 27th October 9.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Gayhurst Holy Communion 4.00pm Stoke Goldington All Souls 3rd November 8.00am Clifton Reynes Holy Communion 9.30am Lavendon Family Service 9.30am Stoke Goldington Holy Communion 9.30am Newton Blossomville Family Service 11.00am Weston Underwood Holy Communion 6.00pm Ravenstone Evening Prayer 10th November 8.00am Cold Brayfield Morning Prayer REMEMBRANCE 8.45am Newton Blossomville Morning Prayer SUNDAY 9.00 am Ravenstone Morning Prayer 10.00am Lavendon British Legion 10.00am Stoke Goldington 10.45am Gayhurst Morning Prayer 3.00pm Weston Underwood British Legion 6.00pm Clifton Reynes Evensong 17th November 9.00am Ravenstone Holy Communion 9.30am Lavendon Holy Communion 10.30am Stoke Goldington Holy Communion 11.00am Newton Blossomville Holy Communion 6.00pm Clifton Reynes Evensong 6.00pm Weston Underwood Evening Prayer 24th November 9.30am Cold Brayfield Holy Communion 11.00am Gayhurst Holy Communion 1 December 8.00am Clifton Reynes Holy Communion 9.30am Lavendon Family Service 9.30am Stoke Goldington Holy Communion 11.00am Weston Underwood Holy Communion 4.00pm Newton Blossomville Christingle 6.00pm Ravenstone Evening Prayer

4 Church News in the Gate Group Revd. Canon Christa Pumfrey

All are welcome at these services. For further information on Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals in the Gate Group please contact the Parish Administrator: Karyn Martynski on 0784 9980622 or email: [email protected]

For information on Services in the Gate Group please contact the appropriate churchwardens:

Weston Underwood: Gillian Nicol 01234 711302 Jeremy Howson 01234 711342 Stoke Goldington: David Wood 01908 551279 Ravenstone: Ann Adams 01908 551212 Gayhurst: Arthur Adams 01908 611489

It is hard to believe that Summer is already When we look at our society we can see it has gone. Children are back in school and harvest gods of money, power and fame and problems of services are upon us. The change in seasons is greed, violence and broken relationships. also noticeable in our TV programmes. The blessing of God’s fruit of love, joy, peace, Strictly Come Dancing is starting again and patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness the Great British Bake Off already had some and self-control is desperately needed. Money, power ‘soggy bottoms’! and fame are the fruit that look all bright and glossy At harvest we give thanks to God for all He so on the outside but are quick to rot on the inside. generously provides us with, crops, vegetables and Doing God’s will and working for Him produces fruit. Yet there is also a different harvest. God created fruit that will bring us together, nurture, heal and this beautiful world and he created us to live in it. sustain us forever. He created this world to produce a harvest, food for So as we celebrate our harvest festivals let us us to eat, and he created us also to produce a different thank God both for the fruits of the land and the sort of harvest. Paul calls this harvest, the fruit of the fruits of His Spirit. Furthermore, let us rejoice in Spirit which comes from God. ‘The fruit of the the gifts God has given to each of us and ask His Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, help to use them as He would wish, so that we goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ may bear much good fruit. (Galatians 5:22) With best wishes and prayers. By giving us His Spirit God has blessed us with Christa special gifts. A farm would not produce much harvest without long hours of work on the land. The farmer works with God’s creation to produce a harvest. We also need to work with God in order to produce spiritual fruit. Teachers produce fruit by teaching our children so they can fulfill their potential. The fruit of doctors and nurses is taking care of and healing the sick. Artists bear fruit by making the world a more beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring place to live in. As Christians we know that these fruits or blessings come from God and that we must give Him thanks for them.

5 Gate Group News Le Tour de Tyringham Charity bicycle event on Saturday 12th October 2019 Myself and two friends from The whole community gets involved helping with

Tyringham have organised this charity marshalling & refreshment stops along the route,

bike ride for the last 3 years. photography, registration of participants, and baking

It started when the Church advised that cakes, as well as raising money through a raffle.

Charity Bike Ride Saturday 12th October 2 019 @91@ 9.15am (Registrration from 8.30am) unless the parishioners raised £13,000 a  25 or 50 mile routes  Start & Finish at      , MK16 9EX  Minimum Donation: £22 for 25 miles, £32 for 50 miles We have received astonishing support from local

Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk                 to sign up for the event. This is not a race, but an enjoyable event to help raise much needed fundds for year to keep the church open it would   Join in and support the local community. businesses such as Michael Graham Estate Agents, be at risk of closure. So in 2017 we Alban Hill Nursery, Purcell Solicitors, Renov8, organised the first annual charity bike Dermaspa, to name but a few. We are keen to event and saw around 50 people take part, and now encourage as many people to participate as possible we are in our third year and are expecting around either in helping manage the event or taking part in 100 cyclists. the bike ride. The event provides two routes (25 & 50 miles) around the local villages, starting and finishing at St Peters Church in Tyringham.

The link to our registration page on Eventbrite.com which provides more information is: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/le-tour-de-tyringham-charity-bike-ride-2019-tickets- 64297387216?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete Lesley Brown, Hannah Horler & Lynda Gostelow (Organisers of Le Tour de Tyringham) Happy Halloween!

Q. What do you call wood when it’s scared? A. Petrified!

Q. What do mummies like listening to at Halloween? A. Wrap music!

Q. What would you find on a haunted beach? A. A sand-witch!

Q. Why didn’t the skeleton like the Halloween Treats? A. He didn’t have the stomach for it!

Q. Why couldn’t the ghost see its mum and dad? A. Because they were trans-parents! (transparent - groan!!!)

6 Gate Group News, Stoke Goldington SRW Club news Our Harvest Festival was held in the Reading Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday Room in Stoke Goldington on 10th September October 8th in Weston Underwood Village Hall, attended by 25 members and visitors, plus the bonus with our usual start time of 2.30pm, and this will be of welcoming 16 children (and 3 adult escorts) a social afternoon. As agreed at the AGM we will joining us from the village School. again be having our Christmas lunch at the The Revd. James Howson kindly led the service, Woodland Manor Hotel in Clapham on Tuesday and after a bit of puppet-drama scattering seed on December 10th. I have again booked the Autograph different types of ground, whilst Audrey Pring read Room, as well as the coach. I hope to have menus for the Parable of the Sower, the children recited the October meeting, and those of you who wish to two poems then cheerily rendered a song about a come please bring a £10.00 deposit, with the balance Big Red Combine-harvester. James then geared his due in November. talk for the children (as well as the grown-up Our November meeting will be held on Tuesday ‘children’!) on the theme of listening attentively the 12th, and our speaker is Kevin Vardy with a talk in order to learn properly. entitled ‘Sweet Sensations’. The venue is again Sharing in two Harvest hymns unaccompanied, Weston Underwood Village Hall. we made quite a joyful noise together, before All our meetings are held on the second enjoying tea and biscuits, and squash for the children Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm, normally before they were collected by parents. Following that alternating between the Reading Room in Stoke came a lively auction of the produce everyone had Goldington and Weston Underwood Village Hall. brought, raising £79 for Willen Hospice: this is less Always check your programmes. than announced at the meeting because in their New members are always very welcome. excitement the ‘tellers’ forgot to deduct the float! For more information, please contact me, However, we hope to make that up with the sale Gillian Nicol on 01234 711302. (on ebay) of two small donated Grecian urns. Our thanks to Committee members for their hard Gillian Nicol work, and especially volunteer Ann Adams bringing the victuals and hymn-books for us. Also our gratitude to Gillian Nicol for making all of the arrangements for this and alerting all members to the earlier 2.00pm start, all before leaving for a much needed holiday. Kerrigan Pring St Peters Churchyard Maintenance The Churchyard at St Peters Stoke Goldington is an asset to the whole village; it is an ancient peaceful place of rest in a glorious vantage point. The high standard of maintenance (Grass cutting, Strimming, Tree trimming and Weeding) is a credit to the efforts of a small team of unpaid volunteers. Mainly 3 OAPs who have recently benefitted from the support of a couple of younger men - all of whom have other commitments and various pressures on their time, energy and health. We are again appealing for more volunteers who could offer some of their spare time - just a few hours a month. With an enlarged team, new projects could be tackled to address some recent concerns and this precious area could be secured for years to come. If you can find time to assist, please contact me: Oliver Starkie (tel: 01604 871020) 7 The Lamb Pub As seen on T.V!

Stoke Goldington

for Honest Home Cooked Food Funded and non-funded places Real Ales and Good Humour! available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds!

Our Sunday Roasts are Exceptional Value at £10.00 AlA relaxe d andn happy, child-led and Served from 12 noon to 5 p.m. free-flowf environment

Large parties welcome Outside catering available Rich learning opportunities through play andn exploration

Warm and welc coming, highly experienced Bed & Breakfast andd qualified staff

Call Steve or Rachel for details Higher than averageage ratios of staff to children

CAMRA Pub of the Year Winner Inclusive environmment for children with special educational needs and disabilities 2008, 2013 and 2019 Strong links with Stoke Goldington First School The Lamb Pub

16-20 High Street, Stoke Goldington      email: [email protected] Call: 07716 967723 Email: [email protected] for Reservations & Enquiries Website: www.stokegoldington-preschool.co.uk please call 01908 551233 Arrange a visit: Stoke Goldington Village Hall

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Renovators of Historic Properties If you are thinking of selling and live in a specializing in the use of traditional Gate Group village you are entitled to a 20% discount on our standard sole agency fee. techniques and antique local materials No job too small For an expert and free valuation of your home contact:

For free advice and quotation please contact Tim Lines, Director NICHOLAS FULLER O’Riordan Bond 9 High Street, Olney, MK46 4EB Telephone: 01908 290427 tel: 01234 714003 email: Mobile: 07711 446221 [email protected] Email: [email protected] marketing impact professional service

8 Gate Group News, Stoke Goldington Stoke Goldington Association Stoke Goldington Thursday Club During the summer months we have made some The Thursday club enjoyed an afternoon with progress to the archives, re-sorting the books and the Bowls Club at the village hall in August. some filing. We are at present helping the village Our thanks to those members of the club who school with their topic on the history of village life. gave their time to show us what to do. A general reminder that ‘today’s news is tomorrow’s This was followed by an excellent meal at the history’, so please do give us any photos and Lamb - thank you to Rachel, Steve and their team. documents you may have on your property, There was no meeting in September. especially when making alterations. We are looking forward to joining with the When this newsletter is out, we will have had the Ladies club on October 31st in the talk from Larry Haig on ‘The Mediaeval Village Hall with a special guest. Monastery of Stoke Goldington’. Thank you Larry. In November we have a Social Evening with Thursday, 24th October, we will welcome wine and nibbles and probably a quiz to get us into Polly Feeley, who will be entertaining us with the Christmas mood. ‘Music and Memories from the 1950s’ As always we welcome guests for £2.00 for the Thursday, 28th November, we will be happy to evening plus £2.00 for the raffle. re-welcome Geoff Morris, this time his talk will be ‘The Battle of Waterloo 1815’. We will begin the new year with an open day on a Best wishes. Saturday morning, when the extensive archive will be available for research and discovery. Jenny Haig On the 26th March we will welcome a return visit from Kevin Varty, who is always a very interesting speaker. We are a very friendly welcoming group, St.Peter’s Church and have our meetings on the 4th Thursday of HUNDRED CLUB the month, usually starting at 7.30pm in the Reading Room, High Street, Stoke Goldington. Draw Results The annual member’s subscription remains at £7.50, and visitors are charged £2. Monthly prizes (July): Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and we Ticket 4 Patricia Bennett £50 have a raffle. Ticket 87 John Coppock £25 Ticket 67 Dave Chisholm £25 Regards, Chris Feasey Monthly prizes (August): Ticket 88 Norman Walker £50 Ticket 38 Jackie Sharp £25 Ticket 86 Viv Freeman £25

Congratulations to all our winners! Please contact me if you would like a ticket for inclusion in every monthly and quarterly draw - only £5 per month to support the Church and have the chance to win some of the £2600/year prize money!

Pauline Avery (01908 551519)

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10 Gate Group News, Stoke Goldington Stoke Goldington Gardeners’ Club Emily Chua What a lovely I would like to thank the committee for their hard community we work on the day and to the many volunteers who have here in helped us: Marion Mason and Les Rose who Stoke Goldington! registered the exhibitors; James Chua for scoring; On Sunday Chris Feasey and David Snow who stewarded and 1st September the helped out; David Grant who manned the raffle and Garden Club held its door and Carol Rowland who helped James serve Annual Horticultural Show at the village hall. the teas. As ever we are indebted to Neale for We were delighted with the number of people running the Auction in the afternoon. Without his entering and the number of entries this year. skill and everyone’s generosity we would not be able In particular the changes to the rose, cake and flower to afford to run this village event. arrangement classes proved popular.

The 2019 winners are: Children’s classes rosettes Darcy Kipling, Elliot Kipling, Sam Kipling, Alex Potts, Sammy Rawlings Ben Duffy Shield Jon and Jane Jarrett Glen Salver Sara Loake Mary Morrisby Crystal Sue Grant Stella Coles Salver Peg Thorn Denise Gates Trophy Amanda Cross Neale Bowdidge Trophy Sammy Rawlings Saunders Cup Jon and Jane Jarrett Arthur Meade Trophy Peg Thorn Photography Cup Janet Geliher Geoffrey Marriner Salver Jon and Jane Jarrett David Sharp Cup Mark Rowland SG Allotment Society Cup Ian and Cathy Williscroft

Our next meeting, on Wednesday 9th October, For anyone interested in joining, please come to is a talk by Michael Brown who specialises in either of the events above or contact me or our making gardening history fun! ‘Many a sundry membership secretary, Sue Grant 01908 551704 flower’ is the title of his talk on the early uses of [email protected] plants: medicinal, culinary, cosmetic and practical. Starting at 8.00pm in the Reading Room. Emily Chua 01908 551092 We finish the year with our annual Cheese and [email protected] Wine. A chance to socialise and renew subs or join for the first time. The evening will start at 8.00pm in the Reading Room with a swift and hopefully painless AGM! There will be a draw for existing members for a £50 garden centre voucher, and a raffle. The event is free to members, with a £2 charge for visitors. 11 Stoke Goldington Parish Council Chris Letts, Chairman Neighbourhood Plan Flood Working Group Update Steering Group Update Work is complete on replacing the existing clay The Parish Council has received the first grant bunds by much more substantial “grasscrete” ones, funding, with some being used for the questionnaire, which can cope with heavy traffic, and including a and other ongoing Neighbourhood Plan costs. modest increase in capacity. We agreed with MKC The grant allows us to fund the NP for the near that the drain cleaning activity will occur around future, but this will be an ongoing process, with October time, so we need to liaise with MKC how further applications as we progress. All grant money that is best done, and also about ongoing is held and controlled by the Parish Council. maintenance as we go into winter. In late August we distributed 497 questionnaires The MKC report on the May 2018 flooding to every house in the Parish, giving residents the suggested a number of ways to help Stoke cope with opportunity to have their say in the future of the future flooding events. These were the creation of a village. At the time of writing we have already flood warden, production of a community flood received a return of over 25%, with the deadline still plan, and a continuing dialogue between Stoke, two weeks away. MKC, and other affected bodies. Once the deadline (22nd September) has passed The idea of a flood warden was considered, but there will be a long period of collation and review of rejected as unrealistic in practice, and we felt we the residents’ comments from this early stage of the could achieve a lot of the same goals by the route process. We intend to hold a public meeting in either we are taking with the flood committee. We did December or January, where we will outline the agree that it should be possible to draw up a initial findings, and the next steps in the process. community flood plan, and for the dialogue between We understand MKC continues to push its Stoke and MKC to continue. Indeed we believe one 2050 vision, which envisages MK expanding at a relies on the other. much faster rate than previously planned, adding We feel that ultimately there is a need to an additional 100,000 people to the previous recognise the underlying causes of the flooding, target of 400,000. It is therefore more important and to aim towards a long term solution, which than ever that we, as a community, make our may initially involve substantial investment in voices heard. hydrological surveys, and are considering ways this Website address : www.stokegoldingtonnp.co.uk may be funded. Following the note in the last GGN a few people have expressed interest in helping as the “eyes and ears” of Stoke, and doing such things as monitoring the drains and flood defences, and informing a sub group of any issues. Unfortunately there seems less interest in helping on the organisational side, which will delay the production of the community flood plan in the very near future, and may even jeopardise our continuing. The underlying reason behind the group remains. In common with all councils, MKC is suffering from continuing cuts to funding and is trying to do the best with the resources it has. Therefore to protect the village it is vital to ensure we continue to take a very pro-active approach to flood prevention.

We invite anyone who feels they could contribute

to this work in any way to contact either Ian Allen (551473), or Alex Mitchell (551230).

12 Stoke Goldington Parish Council Chris Letts, Chairman

Playground ! It’s fantastic to see the new play equipment being Stoke Goldington Church of enjoyed regularly by some many. Elly and the ! First School playground team have now received further grant funding for a wheelchair inclusive roundabout which ! Are you lookin g for an outs standing we are planning to order and to have installed this school for your child? Autumn. Thank you again to everyone for all their ! “All pupils make outstanding progreess from their behind the scenes work on this project. ! starting points and most reach standards above those of pupils nationally in readingg, writing and ! mathematics” – Ofsted 2014 Parish Council meetings are held on the third ! Monday of every month at 7.30pm. The next  High standards of achievement meetings are Monday 21st October, Monday 18th !  Very small teaching groups November and Monday 16th December at 7.30pm  Rural village location ! in The Reading Room. All are very welcome.  Outstanding care, guidance & support  ! Christian ethos and traditional values Chris Letts, Chairman  Excellent ICT facilities ! For further information , or to arr ange a visit contact the school office on 01908 551253 ! Find us on Facebook at Stoke Goldington Church of England Scho ol. Part of The Village Schools Fed deration ! www.stokegoldington.milton-keynes.sch.uk Neale’s Shop ! ! OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 7.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Saturday 9.00 a.m.-12.00 noon

Arere you gogoing to Universrsittyy or Collegegege or taking up an apprerenticeship?

If you live in the parish of Ravenstone, WeWeston Underwood, Stoke Goldington, Gayhursrst, Filgrraave or TyTyringham parishes you may be eligible fofor a grraant frorom Chapman’s’s Educational FoFoundation towardrds your costs.

ToTo geget an application foform, send your name and postal addrreess to [email protected] or phone 01908 551440.

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14 Gate Group News

15 Gate Group News, Gayhurst Martyn Wilkinson Here we are heading into Autumn, having had a very dry, warm, sometimes just unbearably hot Summer. People who took holidays in the UK have certainly had some decent weather. The farming WARNING! community have been very busy, harvesting and Neighbourhood Watch is warning that some cultivating their fields in preparation for Autumn fraudsters are operating in Thames Valley, sowing. I am sure that they and many gardeners are posing as officials from the Home Office. hoping for some decent rain. Not deluges just steady They have documents with the letterhead rain and the warmth to continue to aid germination of Department of Home Affairs and claim to be the crops that will be planted. confirming that everyone has a valid ID for the This winter, sorry to say, needs to be a wet one. upcoming Census. They are really attempting If not and we have another summer like this, we to rob homes. are bound to lose trees and have water restrictions Please be advised that we are told that there is imposed. It is noticeable that some parts of the no initiative of this kind from the Government. country have had rainfall while our region somehow Please distribute this message to your misses it. Climate change has always occurred, members. These fraudsters are moving maybe because we hear about the weather world- around the area and they look presentable. wide so quickly it makes us realise the pace of change is quickening. Please alert your members, family and friends.

Moving on as one must. October 31st is not only Halloween but supposedly ‘Leaving Europe Day’. Someone suggested opening the Crypt at St Peters and all hide in it !! Not going to say anything except that I seem to remember originally The Common Market started life as Free trading Bloc of Countries, that seems like a good idea? One has to wonder why it didn’t stay that way. Christmas may be three months away but here is Harvest Festival will have been celebrated at a date for your Diary December 15th at 4.00pm St Peters by the time you read this. We are having a Carols by Candlelight at St Peter’s. Always a Remembrance Day Service that will be conducted lovely service depicting the remarkable story of the by ourselves at 10.45 am Sunday 10th November birth of Jesus and singing the carols and reading the all welcome. lessons that bring the joy of Christmas right into our Holy Communion Service is held on the 4th hearts and minds. Then stay and celebrate with Sunday of each month at 11.00 am. A banner is mulled wine and Christmas Fayre. erected at the bottom of the driveway, just off the Wishing you all a trouble-free Autumn. main road when a service is being held. Here at Gayhurst house we say goodbye to Martyn Sarje, Nicola, Theo and newborn Athena. We wish you all luck in your new home. I have noticed that The Francis Drake is for sale. A perfect time for it to return to its original use as a pub again!!! No chance - but one can dream. Talking of dreams, up here in never-never-land we were connected to fibre broadband.We are amazed and delighted, thanks to Kevin who initiated and persevered with the project and the BT engineer who gave us the mobile nos of the actual person in charge. Thus enabling the completion of a promise made some two years ago.

16 Gate Group News

Presented by STOKE GOLDINGTON ASSOCIATION, VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE and ST. PETER’S CHURCH...

Charity Christmas Concert in aid of Willen Hospice

Stoke Goldington Village Hall Friday 6th December 2019 at 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm)

Featuring lots of local talent

Get your tickets early (£10 including refreshments) from Chris Feasey on 01908 551344 (email [email protected]) or Neale’s Shop

Willen Hospice Christmas Cards will be available to buy on the night

Thank you to our Sponsors... Murray’s the Printers The Lamb Public House

17 Gate Group News, Ravenstone Bob Shirley Forthcoming Events 6th October. Harvest Festival 6.00pm followed by Sadly some dog owners are not clearing up after Harvest Supper in the Village Hall. their animals with unpleasant messes being left 22nd December Carol Concert 4.00pm at the throughout the village. There are several ‘dog poo’ Church. Interested in joining the choir? Then contact bins in the village that should be used. Annie McGowan at The Old Forge. Ravenstone Cricket Club Macmillan/ Willen Hospice The match with Olney Town on 14th July All-day coffee ‘morning’ on 7th September resulted in a win for Olney, with the home team Thank you so much to everyone who found time to scoring 113 runs in their 20 overs and Ravenstone pop in for tea, coffee, cake and a catch-up, to all those lagging behind with 82. who provided prizes, cakes and donations in lieu of Best performers for the village were their presence. Dave Jones 23 runs, Andrew Mather 19 runs It was lovely to welcome visitors from further and 2 wickets and Nathan White 2 wickets. afield including Dorset, St. Albans and Newport The next match on 26th July was against Stoke Pagnell. As a result of your kindness and generosity Goldington and played at . Fortunately the the two charities will be sharing the takings of just forecast rain did not appear but the thick cloud made over £1300, a magnificent result once again. batting and fielding difficult later on. Annie McGowan and Margaret Cokayne Ravenstone opened and scored a winning 114 all out in their last over. Principal run scorers were :- Stuart Howkins (captain) 20, Manish Chandela 16, Cheerio to Manish and Jenny Chandela who Andrew Mather 11, Will Sonsino 8 and Johan have moved to a village near Witney. Although only Botes 25. Stoke only managed 96 all out, again in in the village for around 2 years they became very their last over. much involved in village life, and, particularly for Manish, the sporting activities. They made many Of the Ravenstone bowlers Manish Chandela, friends and found time to produce a very lovely Nathan White, Will Sonsino, Tom Godber, Andrew daughter, Estelle - a sister for Oliver. Mather and Johan Botes each took one wicket and Jimmy Godber 2. The star performance of the match Welcome to Claire and Ryan who have just was the bowling of young Harry Adams for Stoke. moved from Newport Pagnell, into 28 Common He took 3 wickets, nearly got a hattrick, plus a run out. Street. We hope they will enjoy living in the village. Unfortunately the match with Castle Ashby

was cancelled. The 30 over match on 8th Sept with WG11, All Saints’ Church, Ravenstone played on the lovely ground at Ascot, resulted in an 100 PLUS CLUB excellent win for Ravenstone. Batting first they scored 163 for the loss of 7 wickets with WG11 only Winners of the July draw were: managing 131 for loss of 9 wickets. 1st 6 Robert Newcombe £200 Three Ravenstone batsmen scored 25 including 2nd 98 Manish Chandela £120 Manish Chandela. Jimmy Godber scored 23 and 3rd 52 Grace De’ath £80 took ‘The catch of the season’. 4th 42 Virginia Dawes £60 Tom Godber scored 8 and in his 3 overs, including one maiden, took 2 wickets for just 4 runs. 5th 106 Robert Lane £50 Best bowling performance was by Johan Botes who in his 4 overs took 3 wickets for just 3 runs. Winners of the August draw were: Dave Jones, assisted by Manish achieved a 1st 113 Lucia Sonsino £70 sensational run out. 2nd 18 Clare Castell £50 The final match of the season will be the 3rd 93 Des Griffiths £40 traditional game with Ed Adams 3 Counties Team 4th 72 Allen Cokayne £30 and played at Home. 5th 117 Julia Graves £25 Bob Shirley

18 Gate Group News, Ravenstone Helen Anderson Ravenstone Parish Council

Flooding Milton Keynes Council is collecting data There are also some other general repair projects about flooding on 27th May 2018 being carried out to our noticeboard and to the (Bank Holiday weekend) when several houses in entrance to the cemetery. Fallen branches are being the village suffered. If you were one of the cleared from there and some tree pruning will take unfortunate victims can we ask you to inform our place. The cemetery is a joint responsibility for the Parish Clerk, Julian Vischer, whose contact details Parish Council and the Parochial Council so the work are on page 23 of this magazine or give me a ring. is being funded jointly. Hopefully this information will help Milton Keynes Council to assess the scale of the problem and Helen Anderson, Parish Councillor help them to take action to avoid a recurrence in the future.

Ravenstone Neighbourhood Plan Councillor Les Postawa is forming an Implementation Group to make sure that the actions At the NFWI Annual identified as community projects in the plan are Meeting in June the followed through. If any residents are interested in Resolutions ‘A call being involved with this group then please contact against the decline in Les at The Old Dovecote [email protected] local bus services’ and A recent planning application, which was initially ‘Don’t fear the smear!’ were accepted for action refused and then went to appeal, has been turned by the WI nationally and are now official down. The Neighbourhood Plan was quoted in the campaigns. reasons for refusal so it was heartening to know At our August meeting Miss Louise Reid showed that the views of the village expressed in the plan us the Bollywood Dance and then persuaded us to were listened to. get up and dance. Those of us with limited mobility did the dance movements while sitting. She then Litter Pick talked to us about the culture of the Dance. It was Following our successful Spring Clean in a most enjoyable and informative evening. April we are hoping to repeat the operation on Our September meeting was slightly more serious 3rd November at 11am. By then the leaves will when Mrs Helen Pakes told us about the work of have dropped which will make the job easier but the Parole Board. It is an independent body that also the litter even more conspicuous. Please join in determines whether prisoners can be safely released if you can. into the community. It is all about risk assessment There has been more fly-tipping recently. Please which starts when the Ministry of Justice refers a can residents report any they spot directly to Milton prisoner’s case to the Board. Board members review Keynes Council. Once they have been informed they all reports and evidence about the prisoner, and then seem to clear it very promptly. decide whether or not to release the prisoner or to send him/her to an open prison. It all sounded very Recreation Ground challenging but important. You may have noticed that the swing seats have Ravenstone WI has members from the Gate been replaced recently as they were looking the Group of villages plus Gayhurst, , Olney, worse for wear. In the next couple of weeks you Newport Pagnell, , Sherington and Little should also notice the benches being restained. Linford. All meetings are held on the third Tuesday There is also a new base being prepared for a of the month at 7.30pm in Weston Underwood memorial bench to be installed for Richard Rook Village Hall. New members are always welcome. who served the village in many capacities, not least For further information please contact the President, as Chair of Ravenstone Parish Council. We hope it Betty Horwood (01908 612924). will be enjoyed by many. Gillian Rose, Hon. Secretary 19 Gate Group News, Weston Underwood Pat Covington Hi Everybody Dates for your diary

WHOOPS!! Sorry Mr & Mrs Roper Harvest Supper Very belated Congratulations to daughter Alice on Saturday 5th October her Marriage to William Stevenson on 1st June. 7. 30 pm in the Village Hall £10.00 per person including two-course supper. Christopher Marler Please book your places in advance with Following a very well attended Memorial Service Pat Covington at The Old Post Office. on 12th September, a glorious late summer’s Tel: 01234 711677 e-mail: [email protected] morning greeted attendees at the auction of Please bring your own drinks. Christopher’s birds and equipment on 15th There will be a Harvest Auction in aid of September. This was quite a sad occasion but all Willen Hospice. We would be grateful if you would birds seemed to be going to good homes. Fortunately bring along items to auction off for this good cause. a pair of ducks and the Flamingo Gardens signs We are also pleased to announce that Monica were bought by villagers. No apologies for saying it Grady CBE, Professor of Planetary and Space again - this is truly the end of an era. Science at the Open University will be giving a short talk entitled ‘Moon, Mars, Meteors & Me’. Fete Committee Update From past experience, this will be a fascinating Arts and Crafts Exhibition evening. I could legitimately say that we were ‘blown away’ with the success of this event! Despite gale Christmas Tree Switch On force winds on Saturday that were trying their best to Sunday 1st December 6.00 pm send the teas marquee down the valley to Olney, the Scary though it may be, we are heading rapidly event was well attended on both days and was a great towards Christmas again. Last year the Parish success. We had a wide range of arts and crafts on Council kindly sponsored a Christmas Tree on the display. Painting, drawing, needlecraft, pottery, Village Green. This proved popular with the jewellery, woodturning and photography. Exhibitors residents of the village and this year the Fete were pleased with the interest they received from Committee will be organising an event for the visitors. A number of visitors have asked to exhibit at switching on of the lights. There will be the singing a future event. I know a number of people were of carols and some refreshments to warm you on a disappointed that they missed the exhibition because cold winter’s evening. We look forward to seeing you of holidays and so we may look to hold the event on the village green on 1st December. earlier in the year in future. Thank you to all who contributed to the event, Village Play either as exhibitors or in the setting up, providing food, serving teas or welcoming visitors. Saturday 7th December A special thanks must go to Monica and Debbie Full details are still under wraps but the who battled through serving teas in the marquee in Weston Players will be putting on a play on the gale force winds on Saturday afternoon. I was the 7th December in the Village Hall. This will be a expecting them to ‘evacuate’ the marquee but they Fish & Chip Supper followed by the play. Put the carried on regardless! We were fortunate in having date in your diary and look out for more detailed some heavy tombstones nearby to tie the marquee information to follow. down to. The event raised £610 that will be going to church funds. Church Fete Sunday 14th June 2020 Yes, we all had a rest this year (supposedly) but next year will be Fete year. Please put the date in your diaries. Look out for more information in the New Year.

20 Gate Group News, Weston Underwood Pat Covington Parish Council As previously mentioned, there will be a Tree on the Green again for Christmas, a permanent socket is to be installed. A quiet couple of months, no meeting in September. Following continued badgering MKC are providing ideas and costs to reduce speeding traffic, these should be available for discussion at the October meeting on the 14th.

The Village Hall is available for hire. Contact Angus or Sheridan Clarke on 712047.

Items for the Christmas issue to [email protected]

Thanks, Pat

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Q. Why do vampires need mouthwash? A. Because they have bat breath. 21 Roy’s Home Improvements stay For all those little jobs around the home Local, friendly and affordable at the old post office • Plumbing • Bathroom and Kitchens installed 45 high street • Tiling • Flooring • Carpentry • Building projects stoke goldington mk16 8np • Shelves and Storage solutions • Patios Laid and Cleaned • Decking and Fencing bed & breakfast No job too small 1 twin ensuite No obligation Free quote provided 1 double

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For all your General Garden Maintenance

Call David Blunt on Tel: 01908 617282 Gardening Services Mobile: 07721 059381 22 Clubs & Activities in the Villages Church Services Details of services on each church notice board and in the Gate Group News Contact: Revd. Canon Christa Pumfrey email: [email protected] 01234 240103 Gate Group News Bi-Monthly Magazine with ‘News and Events in the Villages’ Contact: Gillian Nicol 01234 711302 or Viv Freeman [email protected] STOKE GOLDINGTON Parish Council 7.30 p.m. Third Monday of each month in the Reading Room Contact: Julian Vischer email: [email protected] http://www.stoke-goldington.org.uk Hire of the Reading Room Contact: Cathy Williscroft, 01908 551808 Hire of the Village Hall Contact: John Rutherford, Treasurer & Lettings 07763 512377 email: [email protected] Stoke Goldington Pre-School Contact: Vicky Cartwright 07716 967723 [email protected] Stoke Goldington First School Contact: 01908 551253 www.stokegoldington.milton-keynes.sch.uk Allotments Contact: Les Rose 01908 551152 Stoke Goldington 7.30 p.m. On the 4th Thursday of each month in the Reading Room Association Contact: Chris Feasey 01908 551344 Pam Matthews 01908 551452 Bell Ringing 7.30-9.00 p.m. Fridays at Stoke Goldington, with the first Friday of the month at Weston Underwood Contact: Sheila Ware 01234 713667 Book Club Contact: Amanda Cross 01908 551726 Bridge Club 2.00-4.30 p.m. Stoke Goldington Reading Room every Wednesday Contact: Jeff Lewington 01908 551898 Coffee Morning 10.30-12 noon The Lamb, S.G, Tuesdays Contact: Gill George 01908 551348 Cycling Group Tuesday and Friday morning (Weather permitting) Contact: Mike Wesson 01908 551266 Gardeners’ Club Contact: Emily Chua 01908 551092 Golf Association Contact: Phil Gott 07799 060159 or Martyn Ingles 01908 551202 Guntrip Trust Contact: Rob Lockey 07836 546879 [email protected] Senior Citizens’ Club 2.30-4.15 p.m. Second Tuesday of each month Contact: Gillian Nicol 01234 711302 Sewing Circle 10.00-12.30 p.m. The Lamb, S.G, Thursdays Contact: Chris 01908 551659 Short-mat Bowls 2.00-4.00 p.m. S.G. Village Hall, Mondays Contact: Roy Gill 01908 551994 Thursday Club 7.30 p.m. Meeting on the second Thursday of each month in the Reading Room Contact: Rose McKenzie 01908 551724 Youth Club 6.30-8.30 p.m. Term-time S.G. Village Hall, Thursdays Contact: Claire Jesson 551665 GAYHURST Parish Meeting Contact: Robin Thompson 01908 615974 RAVENSTONE Parish Council Contact: Julian Vischer email: [email protected] http://www.ravenstone-pc.gov.uk Ravenstone W.I. 7.30 p.m. Meet at Weston Underwood Village Hall on the third Tuesday of each month Contacts: President Betty Horwood 01908 612924 Secretary Gillian Rose 01908 551152 WESTON UNDERWOOD Parish Council Contact: Shelagh Muir email: [email protected] Painting Group Weston Underwood Village Hall Contact: Len Hollman 01908 551526 Serving the Community for over 200 years

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