The stripped and shapely Maple grieves The ghosts of her Departed leaves. The ground is hard, As hard as stone. The year is old, The birds are flown. And yet the world, In its distress, Displays a certain Loveliness…..

Published September 2007 – Issue 44 – Non-Resident Price £2.00 ◊ Richard Wray ◊ Editor 01295 768508  talkabout@.com

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– 1 – www.helmdon.com your community website TABLE OF CONTENTS Helmdon W.I. 43 Index to advertisers 3 Tiny Tots 44 Editor’s Letter 4 Helmdon Sports Club 45 Helmdon Women’s Club 46 PARISH NEWS HAFWEG 47 1st Helmdon Rainbows 48 Helmdon Parish Councillors Contacts 7 WEA 48 Helmdon Parish Council 10 The Helmdon Web Site 50 Letter from our MP 12 Helmdon Acorns Pre-School 52 News from your District Councillor 13 Helmdon Carnival 53 A Letter from One of our MEPs 14 Helmdon Bridge Players 54 Helmdon Parish Paths Group 16 1st Helmdon Guides 54 Blackpits Recycling Centre Mon Grp 17 Helmdon Parish Plan 19 ANNOUNCEMENTS Disability Living Allowance 21 Attendance Allowance 22 Obituaries 55 Helmdon Reading Room 23 Marriages 55 Neighbourhood Watch 24 Births 56 Road to Retirement 24 Helmdon 26 REFERENCE LIBRARY Rural Reach 27 Ability Northants News 28 Our Local Elected Representatives 57 Fire Brigade 58 READERS ARTICLES Voluntary Work 58 Hospitals & Doctors 58 Drop In Centre / Visiting Post Office 30 Police 59 Helmdon Flood Support 30 Neighbourhood Watch 59 Parish Council Elections 30 Support Groups / Advice Lines 60 Embroiderers’ Guild 31 Local Authorities & Services 61 Thank You 31 Sports 61 Home Information Packs 32 Transport 62 Village Contacts 62 CHURCH NEWS Services 62 Miscellaneous 62 Group Mothers’ Union 34 Direct Numbers for Services 63 Friends of St. Mary Magdalene 35 Bus Timetables 63 Letter from our Rector 35 Household and DIY Waste 66 Village Information 67 GROUP NEWS

Helmdon Young Husbands’ Organization 38 Helmdon Presents 39 Helmdon Fellowship 40 Friends of Helmdon School 41 – 2 – www.helmdon.com your community website

INDEX TO COMERCIAL INDEX TO NON-COMERCIAL ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS

Jeffs Coaches Inside Front cover Macmillan Cancer Support 9 Private Tuition – Christine Keyser 6 Kurtis Bikes 10 Texprep - Printers 8 Rural Reach 15 Kids With Me – Lynn Bearman 10 Immobilise.com 29 John Brackenboro – Kitchen / Carpentry 12 Helmdon.com 51 Helmdon Horticultural Services – Owen Ability Northants 69 Brunsden 12 Sparkle - Window Cleaner ,Tony Locker 16 TruGreen – Lawn care 20 Business Works - Accountancy 29 KBC Wood Floors 29 Traditional Woodsman – Charcoal / Logs 29 On Tap Helmdon - Plumber 33 The Countryman - Handyman 34 Ptolemy Toys – Toy shop in Brackley 37 Manor – Good day out 40 Purely Plants – Garden Centre 42 Homeopathy and Health 46 C&E Home & Garden Maintenance 47 The Delicatessen - Brackley 47 Chimney Sweep – E. Barnes 50 GreenThumb 70 Between Ourselves 70 TJS – Builder and Odd Jobs 70 Macintyers Estate Agents Back Cover

– 3 – www.helmdon.com your community website Disclaimer : The views, comments and facts portrayed in this magazine are NOT necessarily those held by the Parish Council. This magazine is produced for the benefit of the residents of Helmdon Parish and is sponsored by the Parish Council. Its articles and comments however are from the credited individuals and organisations that choose to write to the editor for inclusion in the magazine. LETTER

Dear readers, Welcome again to YOUR village magazine. We continue to get great support from our advertising base that seems to be growing with each issue. Congratulations to Wilf Forgham our publisher who keeps them all in order. At this rate we might have to create a waiting list for advertisers. Parish elections Well done to everyone who stood for election this year, it was a great turn out. It looks like the new councillors are already off to a great start with many new issues on the agenda. Please don’t hesitate to use the magazine to further any cause you may be working on or promoting. Helmdon Floods I have been asked to publish some thank you notes for people who helped out that fateful Friday. These notes are in the readers section of the magazine and are attributed to the person or group who sent them to me. Please note however that there were many people who were helping that day, some I saw but do not know their names and many I didn’t see at all. So this is the THANK YOU to everyone who helped out that day and demonstrated such great community spirit under such trying conditions.

The parish council have been asked to produce on behalf of the whole village a report on what they think the causes, effects and potential preventative measures are. This needs to be submitted along with a number of facts and figures. This is a big task and one that currently falls to our parish clerk to organise. To help Liz there are a number of questions below that she would be grateful you answering, if your property (or rental property) was effected by flood waters in this years heavy rain.:

Name : Address : Tel : Email : Description of the flooding incident : e.g. front room and kitchen to a depth of X cm, garden shed washed away, 40% of garden under surface water, etc. Your understanding of the cause : e.g. run off from field X, or blocked drain at point Y, overflow from pond Z.

Responses need to be back by September 30th. Send to Liz Hart on 01295 760130 or by email to [email protected].

– 4 – www.helmdon.com your community website Helmdon Village of the Year For the second year running we have won the medium sized village of the year competition run by Calor Gas. This is a great achievement and is discussed further in the Chairman of the Parish Council’s article on page 10. This award comes with a £125 prize. We also got £105 last year, but as yet the Parish Council have not spent it. So the parish clerk tells me there is £230 in the pot waiting for a good idea on how to spend it on something that the whole village might see or use. Please contact Liz on 01295 760130 or email [email protected] with your ideas. Trouble in Pantoland Is the title for this year’s production by the Bridge Players to be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th December. Watch the web site and notice boards for details of the auditions and ticket availability. Wine Tasting All are welcome to a Wine tasting on Saturday 3rd November at Lukes Farmhouse, Road by kind permission of John & Louise Brownhill. Entry by advance ticket only - £12 from Morag Underwood (768922) or Ann Smith (760684). Numbers limited. Proceeds in aid of Helmdon Church. Calls for support Now on to one of the main reasons in my mind for the magazine’s existence, and that is to inform people of what is going on in their own community and ask them to participate. So in no particular order I have plucked the following from the article submissions.

• There is a big charity event on 27th of September a Whittlebury Hall in support of Macmillan Cancer Research. It is being organised by Louise Brownhill of Lukes Farmhouse and there is an advert with all the details on page 9. • Our reverend is asking for support and interest to be shown in our village bells as well as some support of the “Hope Centre” charity. • HYHO’s yet again have a cash balance they are looking to distribute to worthy village groups. Please contact Simon Cherry. • HAFWEG are calling for some more members to support their activities • Acorns are having some turnover in their management committee and ask that parents step forward to support this not-for-profit village service.

I do hope that these and other calls for help and support in the magazine get fulfilled. There are many people in our community who are selflessly giving their time and energy to these projects for the general enrichment of our community. Last Issue The time has come to pass on the role of magazine editor to someone else in the parish. This is my 11th issue and whilst it has been fun to take the magazine to the next stage in its life, I am convinced that it needs a new direction and editorship to move forward. Wilf Forgham in the role of publisher will retire also and so the whole magazine, advertiser base and cash balance is ready for transfer to a new editor. I can show whoever steps forward how we have run the process of producing the magazine to date and provide all the supporting files and email lists required to take it over. Please contact myself, Wilf Forgham or the parish clerk if you are interested in taking over this role. One – 5 – www.helmdon.com your community website idea that I think would be really fun is if a younger member of the community took this over. It would be a fantastic learning ground for anyone interested in the media as a career and a great CV item. To all contributors and advertisers please continue to send your articles and advert copy to the usual email addresses with the same deadlines : [email protected], – Advert and pricing enquiries, invoices and payments [email protected] – Articles, proofing responses, editorial enquiries Spring deadline – February 22nd (non time critical), March 1st (time critical) Autumn deadline – August 24th (non time critical), Sept 1st (time critical)

These email addresses will transferred to the new editor and publisher so that there is a seemless handover. If you need a postal address then please watch Helmdon.com for the announcement of the new editor and publisher.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this role during the last 11 issues, it has produced a valuable village resource and one we can all be proud of.

Finally a thank you again to our team of deliverers who give up their own time to distribute the 400+ copies of the magazine to all the houses in the Parish. More deliverers would be welcome and the delivery guides are posted on the web site, so you can see what you are letting yourself in for before contacting me. ◊ Richard Wray ◊ Editor: Helmdon Talkabout Magazine 01295 768508  [email protected] http://www.helmdon.com/talkabout - Look here for advertiser’s guide, contributor’s guide, back copies and current issue of the magazine for free download.

– 6 – www.helmdon.com your community website

Our Parish Councillors Contacts

Burns, Peter Thorne, John Chairman Vice Chairman 01295 768271 01295 760565

[email protected] [email protected] Stothard, Paul Barnes, Mike Councillor Councillor 01295 760518 01295 769444

[email protected] [email protected]

England, Bill Coatsworth, John Councillor Councillor 01295 760744 01295 760675

[email protected] [email protected]

Crouch, Ray Duncombe, Paul Councillor Councillor 01295 760699 01295 768231

[email protected] [email protected]

Turner, Gary Hart, Liz Councillor Parish Clerk 01280 850205 01295 760130

[email protected] [email protected]

– 7 – www.helmdon.com your community website

– 8 – www.helmdon.com your community website

Bigger, Better, Bolder! Pre-Christmas Shopping Extravaganza on Thursday 27th September 2007 9am – 3pm at The Atrium Whittlebury Park, Nr , NN12 8WP

£3 Entry Fee Please come and bring all your friends! Over 40 exciting stalls selling: Cookware, home accessories, jewellery, bags, belts, children’s and adults books, linens, candles, games, toys, children’s clothing, mirrors, kikoys, leather goods, antiques, fresh flowers, children’s and ladies shoes and boots, stocking fillers, camisoles, gastronomic delights, doorstops, baby blankets, slippers, wooden gifts, puzzles, stationery, pyjamas, gloves, silk flowers, electrical gifts, gadgets, china, miniature bronzes, prints and many, many more gifts!

– 9 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL

In May this year elections were held for the Parish Council and a record number of candidates. Fourteen stood for the nine seats available. There were a number of councillors who stood down this time and I feel a particular mention and thanks for the long contribution to the Parish matters by Jean Spendlove and David Brookhouse should be made. The outgoing Parish Council was regarded by our peers in Northamptonshire as a model for Parish Councils in the area. The newly elected councillors have a fine reputation to continue. Once again this year in the Village of the Year competition we won the cup for the best medium sized village and were runners up to Kings Sutton in the overall competition scoring 131 points out of a possible 137. To everyone who took the time for the meeting in the Bell and for all who contribute to the life of Helmdon I would like to say thank you. The full results are listed on the opposite page. The one thing that shines out is the community spirit which was evident at that meeting and was displayed further in recent weeks when the village suffered from flooding. Several people around The Green area, the school, The Bell and other properties were affected but neighbours were quick to offer their help. The Parish Council, whilst acknowledging that the weather was freak, are looking at ways of alleviating any further occurrences of a similar nature should they arise. Anyone who wishes to put forward any suggestions should contact myself or the Clerk, Liz Hart and we will make the necessary representation. The Parish Council has been asked to consider the renovation of the play area on the school field, this will be undertaken in conjunction with the school, its governing bodies, supporters and the local Education Authority. To anyone who has moved into the village recently the Parish Council extends a welcome and hopes that you enjoy being part of the village community. ◊ Peter Burns ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Council 01295 768271  peter@b urnsassoc Kurtis Bikes iates.dem on.co.uk Bike Service & Repairs

* Full Service - £12 * Fitting Parts - £5 * Simple Repairs - £2.50 * Tyre Change - £2

Contact Kurtis 01295 768028

– 10 – www.helmdon.com your community website

– 11 – www.helmdon.com your community website LETTER FROM OUR MP

I do think it is important at such times for MPs to establish lines of communication so that the emergency services can contact us to brief us or if they need help. I feel that high-profile 'factfinding tours' at the wrong moment can simply get in the way of rescue efforts. I have been keeping in touch with your Parish Council and those of your neighbours, and also with the District Council who need to draw some long-term conclusions. Meanwhile those with specific problems, e.g. over insurance claims, are very welcome to write to me at House of Commons SW1A 0AA or email [email protected] I do have some views of my own for the longer-term, not least because a decade ago I had two years as Minister for flood defences. I will concentrate on three things we need to get right: 1. Make sure we know who is responsible for every bit of our defences, so the buck will stick with someone! 2. Observe the basics, like cleaning out ditches, and keeping gullies and culverts unblocked. 3. Make more use of natural opportunities for water storage, e.g. keeping flood plains for their intended purpose and encouraging more small scale balancing of new construction. Finally, and I mention it every year, don't develop South Northants further without proper provision of all the necessary infrastructure! Tim Boswell MP ◊ Tim Boswell ◊ Member of Parliament : Daventry - Conservative  [email protected]  House of Commons, . SW1A 0AA House of Commons Phone number: 020 7219 3520 House of Commons Fax number: 020 7219 4919 Constituency Phone number: 01327 703192 Constituency Fax number: 01327 310263

For High Quality: Classified Helmdon Horticultural # Kitchen fitting Adverts Services # Bathroom fitting # Carpentry Qualified Professional # Tiling Gardener Only # Decorating * Landscaping # Plumbing * Planting Plans # Electrical £7 * Design * Dry Stone Walling * Garden Maintenance Contact : * Plants John Brackenboro 35 words max 01295 760511 Contact Owen Brunsden [email protected] No pictures 01295 768708 – 12 – www.helmdon.com your community website NEWS FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Over the past three months the Council has taken several important decisions which will have considerable implications for over the next few years. STOCK TRANSFER The ballot result confirmed that the transfer of our housing stock to South Northants Homes should go ahead. A total of 72.6% of council tenants voted with 1580 (57.2%) tenants voting YES and 1182 (42.8%) voting NO. The transfer of the stock is programmed to take effect from 1st April 2008. CONCESSIONARY FARES – NEW NATIONAL SCHEME From April 2008 the Government is introducing free travel on local buses in for people over 60 and those with certain disabilities. As with the current scheme this will only apply between 9.30 am and 11.00 pm during the week and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. SNC and other transport concession authorities are obliged to issue new “nationally branded” passes which must include a photograph and are likely to be smart cards. Further information should be forthcoming in the Autumn. GROWTH AGENDA In the past few weeks there have been several announcements about the Government’s growth agenda, and the pace of implementation, as well as the number of new homes to be built. The picture is emerging slowly, but it is already clear that there will be an increase in housing numbers nationally to 2016 and that housing provision is seen as a priority for the growth areas. Towcester falls within the Development Area where pressures are already beginning to show regarding major house building projects particularly to the south of the town. SEVERE WEATHER The recent severe weather and flooding in some parts of the District brought about challenging circumstances. The Council initiated its Emergency Plan on Friday 20th July and opened the Control Room to take calls. Around twenty people worked all over the weekend across the District distributing sand bags, operating flood defences and liaising with the Environment Agency and adjoining authorities. It is believed about 55 residential properties were flooded across the District and some roads were impassable at times from run-off. As Helmdon suffered from the flooding the Council would find it helpful to have any feed back about the response from parish councils and residents. Please contact either Andy Preston (01327 322356) [email protected] or Alex Lohman (01327 322299) [email protected] with any suggestions or comments you may have so that we can, where necessary, make improvements to our emergency plan. Officers responded very professionally to the circumstances and they have received the Councillors thanks for their hard work and dedication. ◊ Robin Digby ◊ Councillor for the Astwell Ward 01280 850332  [email protected]

– 13 – www.helmdon.com your community website A LETTER FROM ONE OF OUR MEPS Awful weather is good for Brussels!

Funny weather we have been having recently isn’t it? Week after week of torrential rain, flooding, waterlogged fields and cancelled sports fixtures. Then back to blazing summer in late July as the sun came out to bake wet ground rock hard and burn the skins of those of us who thought summer was a washout. Undeniably the climate is changing – though in exactly what way is open to question. And there are differing views on why it is changing – is it pollution caused by humans, sunspot cycles or cosmic dust? Each has its supporters. But of one thing I am confident. Sooner or later the EU Commission will decide that whatever the cause of climate change the answer is to give more power to the EU from the member states. How can I be so certain? Easy. I know how Brussels works. I remember when Al Qaeda set off bombs on Spanish trains killing almost 200 people. The Commission said the cause was a lack of international security co-operation, so they set up a European Police Force with a European Arrest Warrant. I recall a food safety scare in Holland that led thousands to fall ill. The Commission said the problem was a lack of EU-wide food safety laws. So they set up a Food Safety Bureau to enforce laws cooked up by the Commission. As for declining fishing stocks – the answer to that (according to the EU Commission) was the Common Fisheries Policy. And we all know how effective that has been. So whatever the weather may throw at you in Helmdon, rest assured that out in Brussels somebody somewhere is trying to work out how it can be used to justify a transfer of power from Britain to Brussels and it is my job to try and stop them. Finally, for those of you on the web, you can access my new website on www.heatonharris.com. There you will be able to keep up to date with my work as your Member of the European Parliament. ◊ Chris Heaton-Harris ◊ , Member of the European Parliament  [email protected] 00 322 284 7523 www.heatonharris.org.uk  Boswell House, 9 Prospect Court, Courteenhall Road, Blisworth, Northants. NN7 3DG ED : I have contacted other MEP’s but not all of them reply. If you know of a local political party that may want to have their say then please let me know. I don’t want to appear one sided and I do think that articles from them can be important to our community. The list of our 6 MEPs are in the first part of the reference section.

– 14 – www.helmdon.com your community website

– 15 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON PARISH PATHS GROUP

Our Chairman, Mike Barnes, has reported before on this group’s efforts to monitor the rights of way in the parish, to carry out minor works such as cutting back hedges and to work on projects to improve access to the countryside. In recent weeks several stiles have been repaired very well by Julian Partis, and various hedges cut back. Also our discussions with the landowners on a possible off-road cycle route into Brackley have progressed. As Parish Paths Warden part of my role is to liaise with the Rights of Way officers at Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) on behalf of the Parish. Thus I am in regular contact with NCC on various matters, including signs, gates, stiles and bridges that need repairs; a list of priorities is agreed. However, that list was superseded when the floods on 20th July washed away part of a well-used footbridge. NCC officers came out and closed the path with tape and a notice; they contacted the landowners and agreed on a replacement bridge to be provided by NCC. Contractors installed the new bridge very quickly but residents soon raised several concerns about it and further work was necessary, particularly on the steps up onto it. By the time this is being read views on the new bridge may have changed? I wonder! Copies of the village footpaths map that the group produced last year have been distributed widely but some are still available. During this winter we shall be working on producing notes on circular walks around Helmdon. As ever any suggestions or offers of help will be most welcome. Please contact any of the group members who are: Mike Barnes - 760444, Vic Butler - 760564, Richard Foster - 760316, Roger Miles - 768964, John Thorne - 760565, John Watson – 760211. Also do contact me if you have a particular paths problem that you feel needs to be taken up with the Rights of Way team at NCC, or perhaps with my counterpart in a neighbouring parish if you get that far! ◊ Roger Miles ◊ Warden: Parish Paths Group : 01295 768964  [email protected]

– 16 – www.helmdon.com your community website BLACKPITS RECYCLING CENTRE MONITORING GROUP Background Information

Our National Government has set targets for Local Councils to reduce the amount of waste that is currently going to landfill sites. If this is not achieved the Government will penalise Local Authorities with extremely high charges for the use of landfill sites, which in turn will have to be passed onto the householder in increased rates. In trying to help meet this objective the Blackpits Recycle Centre was developed. The Recycle Centre started operations some three years ago, and currently takes green waste from a 20 mile radius, and composts the material. Future plans which have been approved by Northamptonshire County Council will include an ‘In-Vessel Composting’ plant, which will be fully under cover, to take food waste, and add this to the current composting facility. This new plant has started construction and will be in operation within a year. With this type of facility there will from time to time be problems with odour and contamination of the product, mainly due to plastic and other contaminants put into the green waste bins by householders. It was because of these and other potential issues that the Helmdon Monitoring Group was initiated. The Helmdon Blackpits Recycling Monitoring Group was formed at a meeting held on 26th April 2007. This was the outcome of a proposal made at a public meeting on 12th April called by the Helmdon parish council, and at open days held at the Blackpits Recycle Centre on 31st March and 2nd April. Members of the Monitoring Group The Members of the Monitoring Group are:- David Powell (Chairman), Steve Hackett, (Secretary), David Brookhouse, Cec Harold, Roger Miles, Paul Sandilands, John Thorne, Gary Turner, Phillip Ward, and Douglas and Mervyn Humphrey who attend on behalf of the operating company (Boxon Composting Company). The Liaison Committee From the Monitoring Group, three members have been selected to liaise with the Environmental Agency, Northamptonshire County Council, South Northants District Council, and the Owners. The Liaison Committee members are, David Powell (Chairman), David Brookhouse and Paul Sandilands. Douglas Humphrey will also attend the meetings, which will be held on a quarterly basis. They will take to the meetings any issues which have been raised by the monitoring group that require the intervention of, or action by, the government and local authorities. Purpose of the Monitoring Group The purpose of the Monitoring Group is to ensure that the concerns of parish residents are understood and addressed by those responsible for the planning, operation, and oversight of the recycling centre. Those responsible are the Environment Agency, South Northants District Council, Northamptonshire County Council, and the operators of the recycling centre. The group also has a major responsibility to work with all the participants involved, to ensure that the Blackpits Recycle Centre has the minimal impact on both the residents of and the environment. A planning application has been approved by Northamptonshire County Council for further development at the Blackpits Recycle Centre, which will considerably increase the input of waste – 17 – www.helmdon.com your community website material, and the output of both composted material and other material to be recycled elsewhere (such as aluminium and the plastics). This development will bring with it a marked increase in the number of vehicle movements into and out of the site. Public concern has focused on the following main issues: • Odorous pollution from unpleasant smells; • Environmental pollution from wind blown litter; • Environmental pollution from non-biodegradable materials and toxic substances; • Increased traffic flow along the Welsh Lane and ensuing danger at the Road crossing, and at the turn into the recycling centre; • Possible problems from heavy traffic flow through the village.

The Current Position 1. The Environment Agency has requested the operators to remove certain stockpiles of non- biodegradable and contaminated material, which accidentally spread onto adjoining farm roads, back to landfill sites. This has been completed. It should be noted that the Environmental Agency has to approve both the quality of the compost product for use on farmland, as well as the farmland that it is to be used on. 2. The new plant that is to be constructed at the site will not add to the wind-blown odours, however the current facility will stay in operation with the potential for odour generation. 3. During the extreme weather conditions we have been experiencing odours in the parish. Anyone concerned by this is asked to contact Douglas Humphrey (owner) in the first instance. If they are not satisfied with the response, they should contact David Powell, David Brookhouse or Paul Sandilands who will take the matter further. 4. It is important to be aware that at certain times of the year “normal” farming operations can cause extremely unpleasant odours, in particular when muck spreading is in progress. This did occur in early August and there was much confusion as to the source of the smell. The liaison committee were at the Blackpits site at the time to check it was not the cause in this instance. 5. The owners have been working with the liaison committee to look at methods of suppressing the odours generated, and over the next few weeks when all the equipment is installed, we will see if this is effective. 6. The use of barn buildings to hold materials under cover and the erection of high fences should help eliminate wind-blown litter. The operators also have a "litter picking" team available when necessary if excessive wind is experienced. It is worth mentioning that the main culprit of this plastic contamination is the householder, and the liaison committee are working with South Northants Council to look at ways we might try to inform householders of their individual responsibility 7. The planning permission does not allow lorries carrying waste to the recycling centre to travel through the village. (Other than the waste collected from Helmdon and ). The product vehicles do have permission to travel through the villages, and the owners have agreed that they are always willing to suspend these operations for special events, and contact should be made with Douglas Humphrey. 8. Whilst vigilance has to be maintained in respect of all the above, the Monitoring Group is most concerned about the traffic problems along the Welsh Lane.

– 18 – www.helmdon.com your community website Status on Traffic Movements on the Welsh Lane In mid July the Liaison Committee met at Blackpits Recycle Centre site entrance with Nick Gore from Northants County Council Traffic Division, Andrew Grant our County Councillor together with the owner Douglas Humphrey. The purpose of the meeting was to voice our concerns on the following issues: • The lack of signage indicating that slow vehicles are turning into and out of the site; • The excessive speed of vehicles along Welsh Lane (60 mph restriction).

Nick Gore was only able to address the question of signage, and it was agreed that this had been omitted from the original Traffic Survey. It was also decided that he and Douglas Humphrey would agree the exact signage required, Andrew Grant would then look at funding for the production and installation of the signs. The signs have been ordered and will be installed in early September. Nick Gore stated that to date there have as yet been no accidents at the entrance to the recycling site, so this on its own would not warrant speed reduction. He stated there have been a number of accidents (none fatal) at the Station Road / Radstone Road / Welsh Lane crossroads. Analysis shows no pattern to these accidents, e.g. in terms of vehicle types or driver profiles. This issue is being pursued by Parish Council, and Helmdon Parish Council (Peter Burns) are joining to approach the Highways Authority (Incident Reduction Unit) on the matter of speed reduction along Welsh Lane. Contact Details;- Douglas Humphrey: 01295 768886 [email protected] David Powell: 01295 760295 [email protected] David Brookhouse: 01295 760315 [email protected] Paul Sandilands: 01280 850204 [email protected] ◊ David Powell ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Blackpits Recycle Monitoring and Liaison Groups : 01295 760295  [email protected] HELMDON PARISH PLAN

Congratulations from the PPMG to all those that were elected to the parish council in May. The new parish plan representatives on the council are Mike Barnes and John Coatsworth, and with a foot in both camps they can ensure there is no duplication of effort and that everything is done in a co-ordinated and joined up way. The PPMG hopes that the new council will be active in implementing those outstanding action points arising from the parish plan for which it has whole or joint responsibility. In June the PPMG had a visit from Kathryn Smith, Rural Officer with Northamptonshire Action with Communities in Rural England (NACRE). Kathryn is the lead officer for parish plans in this part of the county and wanted to come along to challenge the PPMG to think about how far the Helmdon Parish Plan had come, and where it is going in the future. The evening provided a useful and timely opportunity to take a step back and see the wood not the trees. As a result the PPMG felt

– 19 – www.helmdon.com your community website renewed enthusiasm for the Action Plan and even mooted the idea of Parish Plan II – so watch this space! Northamptonshire County Council (NCC), in conjunction with other agencies including SNC and NACRE have set up a Rural Pathfinder project to look at how parish plans can be incorporated into strategic thinking for district and county councils. Parish plan representatives from Helmdon, Wappenham and have had several meetings to discuss areas of common interest, and to ascertain whether the village's individual parish plans had any shared objectives. The work is ongoing but there is a commitment from NCC to work with the cluster of parishes and find ways in which they can help implement the three action plans, whether individually or jointly. The next meeting will take place on 17th September. Connected to the Rural Pathfinder project, in July Helmdon had a visit from Councillor Liz Taverner and a dozen other officers and elected members from NCC. Cllr Taverner wanted to see the Pathfinder areas first hand so called in to Helmdon during a “Rural Tour” of the county. The group visited the Reading Room to see the post office and drop-in centre in action. I think it certainly helped those making the decisions about rural services keep their feet on the ground. With a round of post office closures due to be announced in the autumn it was a useful opportunity to show how valued Helmdon’s postal service is. The focus for the PPMG this year will be road safety, and we hope to galvanise several activities in this area. We are also going to be working on a welcome pack for new residents with the parish council, church, school and other village groups and organisations. We already have some cracking ideas so hopefully we can bring them to fruition during 2007. Are you interested in the work of the PPMG? We continually welcome fresh input, new ideas and different perspectives. If you feel you have ideas, knowledge or time to contribute please get in touch. A parish plan should not be an end in itself. It represents an opportunity for a community to make realistic recommendations, take them forward and follow their progress. The Parish Plan is a footpath to the future of Helmdon. You can make a comment anytime about the Parish Plan by visiting the village web site at www.helmdon.com/parishplan, e-mailing [email protected] or by telephoning 01295 768090. ◊ Danny Moody ◊ Chairman: Helmdon Parish Plan Monitoring Group : 01295 768090  [email protected]

– 20 – www.helmdon.com your community website DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE

Disability Living Allowance is a tax free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled. You may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance if: • You have a physical or mental disability, or both • Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself, or you have walking difficulties, or both • You are under 65 when you claim If you are aged 65 or over, you may be entitled to a different benefit called attendance allowance. You can get Disability Living Allowance whether or not you work, and it is not usually affected by any savings or income you may have. Disability Living Allowance has two parts called “components”: • A care component – if you need care looking after yourself, or supervision to keep you safe. • A mobility component – if you can’t walk or need help getting around. Some people will be entitled to receive just one component, others may get both. They are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you. It is normally paid directly into your bank account, although it can be received by someone else if you wish. If you start to get Disability Living Allowance, it might increase the amount of other benefits or credits you are entitled to, for example, housing benefit, council tax benefit, working tax credit and child tax credit.

To order a claim pack to find out if you are entitled to Disability Living Allowance, phone the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00. Alternatively, contact the Welfare Rights Service on 01604 636112 for further details, or to make an appointment at Towcester or Brackley Volunteer Centres. ◊ Susan Hope ◊ Strategic Housing Officer: South Northants County Council : 01327 322 371  [email protected]

– 21 – www.helmdon.com your community website ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over, who need help with personal care because they are physically or mentally disabled. It is not usually affected by any savings or income you may have. How much you get depends on how much your disability affects you. There are two rates of Attendance Allowance: Higher rate = £64.50 per week (if you need help or supervision throughout the day and during the night.) Lower rate = £43.15 per week (if you need help or supervision frequently throughout the day only, or during the night only, or someone with you when you are on dialysis.) It is normally paid directly into your bank account, although it can be received by someone else if you wish. If you start to get Attendance Allowance, it might increase the amount of other benefits or credits you are entitled to, for example, housing benefit, council tax benefit or pension credit. It is not taken as income for working out income-related benefits and credits. Your disability must require you to need: • Help with things such as washing, getting in or out of the bath or shower, dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating your needs, or • Supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in substantial danger, for example, needing someone to keep an eye on our medical condition or diet, or • Someone with you when you are on dialysis You can get Attendance Allowance even if no-one is even actually giving you the care you need – even if you live alone. You will not usually need a medical examination when you claim for Attendance Allowance. To order a claim pack to find out if you are entitled to Attendance Allowance, phone the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 Alternatively, contact the Welfare Rights Service on 01604 636112 for further details, or to make an appointment at Towcester or Brackley Volunteer Centres. ◊ Susan Hope ◊ Strategic Housing Officer: South Northants County Council : 01327 322 371  [email protected]

– 22 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON READING ROOM

The Reading Room has just had it’s “fifteen minutes of fame” – something that has entirely escaped me so far! Yes, the dear old Reading Room was featured in the national news on the day of the ‘Great Flood’ a few weeks ago. All the support services arrived and set up shop in the Reading Room just in case their help was needed – luckily nobody actually had to be housed there overnight, but it’s nice to know that the emergency plan (yes – the Reading Room does have one!) really worked. Hosting all night emergency housing is probably not specified in our premises licence BUT shortly our licence will permit us to show films in the Reading Room. At the request of ‘Helmdon Presents’ we are applying for a variation in our licence. They had the brainwave of using the hall in a new way but there may be other things that you can think of which would be suitable to hold in the Reading Room. Even if your idea is only in the planning stages, please sound out the Committee (‘phone numbers below) and they will give it every consideration. It’s your hall after all! Warning!: Bookings for hiring the hall are already being taken for next year so don’t delay. (We had difficulty in finding a date to hold our own Reading Room Annual General Meeting because of heavy bookings). Mr. Fairbrother, who so generously donated the hall to the village so many years ago, would be thrilled by the use it gets. Enjoy! Reading Room Working Committee: Bill England, Chairman 01295 760744 Jan Harrold, Vice Chairman 01295 XXXX Harold Seckington, Treasurer, Steward 01295 760327 Caroline King, Secretary 01295 768695 ◊ Caroline King ◊ Secretary: Reading Room Management Committee 01295 768695  [email protected]

– 23 – www.helmdon.com your community website NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Firstly I would like to thank David Brookhouse for his thirteen years of service to this scheme and to all that have participated in its success to date. In the last issue David asked for a volunteer to take over the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator role and take the scheme to the next stage. Given my concerns about village crime and safety I felt it was a good opportunity for me to get involved. It’s early stages and I hope to report more in the next issue of the magazine as I get to grips with the role and develop a relationship with our local police force. What I can announce however is an updated list of contacts you can call should you spot anything suspicious, want to make a report or simply want to express your concerns. Thank you for your continued support. Ray Crouch Ann Harman Christine Bridger 84 Church St. 71 Church Street 12 Shortlands Close 01295 760699 01295 760415 01295 760362 [email protected] [email protected] Val Smith Janet Lipson David Bailey 83 Wappenham Rd 14 Bell Close 1 Barn Court 01295 760675 01295 768364 01295 768129 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ross Vicars John Brakenboro Bob Lenton 20 Wappenham Rd 6 Cross Lane 5 Lukes Close 01295 760477 01295 760511 01295 768264 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

◊ Ray Crouch ◊ Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Helmdon 01295 760699  [email protected]  84 Church St., Helmdon. NN13 5QJ ROAD TO RETIREMENT The Pensions Act 2007 received Royal Assent on 26th July 2007. So what does that mean to you? • On the whole the reforms will only apply if you reach State Pension Age on or after 6th April 2007. • The State Pension Age will increase from age 65 to 68 in stages between 2024 and 2046. The following link will take you to the Pensions Service website to find out any change to your State Pension Age as a result of the Act. • http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/statepensioncalc.asp • Parents and carers will be recognised equally with working people, with more women and carers becoming eligible for a full Basic State Pension and for State Second Pension. – 24 – www.helmdon.com your community website • The number of years of either paid or credited National Insurance Contributions required for a full Basic State Pension will be 30. • There will be no minimum number of years National Insurance required to receive some Basic State Pension. • The Basic State Pension will increase in line with earnings, rather than prices, which means it will rise more quickly each year than it does now (this change will happen from 2012 at the earliest and by the end of the next Parliament at the latest, and will also apply to people currently getting their state pension or who reach State Pension age before 6 April 2010). • Some methods of contracting-out (opting out) of the State Second Pension will no longer be allowed (including through a stakeholder or personal pension). • The State Second Pension will cease to be related to earnings by around 2030.

The Pensions Act 2007 created the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority. The Government intends to set out the detailed framework for Personal Accounts in a second Pensions Bill. • From 2012 all eligible workers will be automatically enrolled into either an existing suitable work-based pension scheme or into a Personal Account. • Eligible workers can choose to opt-out of Personal Accounts or their employer's occupational scheme. • Employees will contribute 4% of their gross income (on a band of earnings between approximately £5,000 and £33,500) a year. These contributions will be matched by a minimum 3% employer contribution and a 1% contribution by the Government in the form of tax relief. • The Government plans to introduce Personal Accounts from 2012, with the employer contribution being phased in over a 3 year period. • The Government has already indicated that there will be no financial assistance available to employers in the implementation of Personal Accounts.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, your local Pension Information Worker can help. ◊ Jenny Osborne ◊ Pension Information Worker : South Northants Volunteer Bureau 01327 358264  [email protected] www.snvb.org.uk ‘Road to Retirement’ is a project of CVS Northamptonshire in partnership with Corby Voluntary and Community Services Ltd, South Northants Volunteer Bureau, Nene Valley Community Action and Volunteering Centre.

– 25 – www.helmdon.com your community website THOSE YOUNG VILLAINS? The 18th benefice SUPPER-MEETING will be concerned with that all-too- topical question. After our solid supper we shall hear

John Andrews of the Youth Offending Team and then discuss with him the problems of.

Justice for Young People when they offend against the law and the rest of society. Everyone is warmly welcome, including the young people, offending or not. On Tuesday November 13th come to Whitfield Village Hall by 7.15 for 7.30. Book your place through Jean Spendlove 01295 768196 We may review the price, which has been held down to £3 or £3.50 all the century, but will publish it in good time. HELMDON PRIMARY SCHOOL

When it rained! Well we certainly had a very dramatic ending to our academic year! As flood waters rose we sadly had to cut short our Year 6 leavers assembly and evacuate the school. Our Reception / Year 1 classroom was flooded along with our ICT suite and many parents and members of the local community came in to lend a hand in saving as much of our resources as possible. The Local Authority has worked with us over the past few weeks to repair the damage and to replace equipment affected by the flooding and we are hoping to open on the 10th September. Work has involved replacing the original four inch drains with larger capacity six inch ones. All of the computers in the ICT suite have been replaced and carpets have also been replaced. Extended Schools We are exploring possible ways in which we can support and provide additional facilities for the local community. If you are a member of a local group or would like to explore ways in which the school can provide facilities that you could use then please get in touch with us.

– 26 – www.helmdon.com your community website Achievements We were delighted with our results in Key Stage one this year with 90% of children achieving level 2 and above in reading and writing and a very commendable 53% of children achieving level 3 in mathematics and 63% level 3 in reading. In Key stage 2 we achieved 100% level 4 and above in all subjects and 86% of our children achieved level 5 in science. Congratulations to children and school staff for these outstanding results. School Staff Sarah Stubbs has been appointed as the new teacher for our Reception / Year 1 class and we are in the process of finalising our teaching support staff for September. School links with scientists and engineers There are grants available from the Royal Society to fund activities in school where we involve a local business linked to science. If you work in a science related business and would be interested in working with us on a project, or think someone in your company could help, then we would like to hear from you. The project could involve our local wildlife area or be linked to conservation and recycling. There may be other ideas that could also be explored. Thank you for your continued support, ◊ Sue Blackburn ◊ Head Teacher : Helmdon Primary School : 01295 768126  [email protected] RURAL REACH…. supporting village groups Did you know SNVB now offers its help and support to voluntary groups across South Northamptonshire and Daventry districts? We advise new and existing voluntary groups. We help village groups to become established. We can offer funding advice and guidance. We help recruit new volunteers and can advise about training. We can help with constitutional matters and volunteering management. We are able to provide IT information and expertise. We are able to put you in touch with other groups having the same interests. We can signpost you to countywide and national organisations which may help you. We can connect you to the Forum on our website, advertise your activities and volunteering needs in our newsletter and on our monthly poster. If we do not know the answer to your enquiry, we are confident that we know someone who will. – 27 – www.helmdon.com your community website We have two workers, Annie Smekens and Barron Walton, out and about in villages across the two districts. If you think we can help, phone us on 01280 841250 or email us at [email protected] This new outreach support project is funded by : Volunteer Centre 5 Market House Courtyard Brackley, Northants NN13 7AB 01280 841 250 www.snvb.org.uk Registered charity 1104848 Company limited by guarantee 5068116 ABILITY NORTHANTS NEWS

A new Carers Directory of Services is now available from Ability Northants. The Directory is split into area's of the county i.e. South Northants, Daventry, County-wide, Kettering etc. and has over 147 pages of information and services for Carers such as Carers Assessments, Direct Payments, Carers sitting services and lots more.

Ability Northants, Disability Information Service is moving. As from 25th September 2007 our new address will be: Suite 58 Burlington House East Wing, 369 Wellingborough Road, Northampton NN1 4EU

All other contact details and website addresses will remain the same. ◊ Jenny Osborne ◊ Carers Project Co-ordinator : Ability Northants 01604 624088  [email protected]  13 Hazelwood Road, Northampton NN1 1LG www.caringnorthants.org.uk www.abilitynorthants.org.uk

– 28 – www.helmdon.com your community website

You can “Immobilise” crime by adding your property’s unique IMEI or serial number to a national register which, if stolen, can help you get it back if it is recovered by police. Members of the public can register their property such as electrical goods, laptops and mobile phones, free of charge, at www.immobilise.com

– 29 – www.helmdon.com your community website

THE DROP IN CENTRE/VISITING POST OFFICE

THANK YOU! The response to our posters asking for volunteers to make tea and coffee for the Drop In Centre was great. If you said you were interested in helping out, but still haven't put your name down ... IT ISN'T TOO LATE! Sadly, after the initial enthusiasm our volunteer numbers are dwindling again. Two hours a week/month/year isn't too much to ask and without you this much loved institution will have to close. Please either ring me or pop into the Reading Room on a Tuesday morning (10-12) or Thursday afternoon (2 - 4) and see what it's all about. Many of our older residents can't get out of the village much - if at all, and these twice weekly gatherings are much looked forward to. PLEASE DON'T LET THESE UNIQUE TEA PARTIES DIE OUT. PLEASE HELP. Caroline King : 01295 768695 HELMDON FLOOD SUPPORT

The school and Acorns pre-school would like to say thank you to Dave Toman who along with his 4 x 4 vehicle was able to help the children and adults avoid the flood waters. Julie Crouch

A general thank you to all those who helped the householders at the bottom of Station Rd or as it was known on the day, “Helmdon outdoor swimming pool”. There were lots of people from the all over the village who were helping sandbag doors and move furniture to higher ground. We were also grateful to Peter Burns who donated a bale of his Sorbarix water cushions to the cause. Station Rd Residents. PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

As a past parish councillor I would like to congratulate the nine successful candidates at the May elections who won a place on Helmdon Parish Council, and commiserate with the five unsuccessful candidates, who I hope console themselves with the important part they played in the democratic process. I would also like to give my personal recognition to two of the retiring councillors, David Brookhouse (co-opted to the council in 1979) and Jean Spendlove (Clerk from 1974 to 1980 and elected to council in 1983). With fifty eight years of service between them they have been stalwarts of the parish council and such longevity of service is to be commended. My own contribution to the parish council was necessarily limited to four years. In April this year I took a job as Principal Officer of the Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils, so I am now looking after all the parish and town councils in the county. A condition of the offer of employment was that I did not stand for re-election in May in order to avoid possible conflicts of – 30 – www.helmdon.com your community website interest. I hope I can continue to have a positive impact on the work of the council by bringing back and sharing examples of best practice as I find them across Northamptonshire. I would also like to thank Richard Wray, both for the exposure you gave the elections in the spring Talkabout, and for producing the excellent hustings leaflet prior to the election. Only one in five councils in South Northants held contested elections in 2007 so Helmdon should be proud of putting up fourteen candidates for nine places. The voter turnout was also relatively high (59.17%), which indicates that many people feel that the parish council is important to life in the village. The new parish council has its work cut out and I am heartened by the efforts already displayed. I hope the council will consider going for Quality Parish status in the near future and will be bold and courageous in its outlook. Danny Moody Helmdon Parish Council, 2003 – 2007. BRACKLEY EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD

We would just like to highlight that the Brackley Embroiderers’ Guild is open to new members from all surrounding areas including Helmdon.

Brackley Embroiderers’ Guild Brackley Methodist Hall High Street Brackley Northants

Meets every third Wednesday of the month (except August) 7.30 to 9.30 pm

Suzanne : Secretary Tel: 01295 811134 THANK YOU

To all the kind and thoughtful friends and acquaintances who sent me cards, letters and flowers and also offered prayers for me during my stay in the JR Radcliff hospital to have a heart bypass operation. Your thoughts and words were very encouraging and helped me over a first ever operation in a hospital. Your wishes must have been acknowledged because I am getting along so well, and so soon after the operation. I am sure I will be signed off the cardiac dept visiting list on the 10th July. So thank you once again.

V S Butler

– 31 – www.helmdon.com your community website HOME INFORMATION PACKS (HIPS)

As you are all aware Macintyers Estate Agents sponsor the Helmdon Talkabout magazine and advertise in each publication. This issue we thought it would be beneficial to inform you about the latest piece of Government Legislation … ‘the Home Information Pack’.

I am a member of the National Association of Estate Agents and I am giving you a brief outline of their guidelines. I hope you find this article informative. Hannah Daniels, MNAEA. Home Information Packs As of 1st August 2007, Home information Packs have become a compulsory requirement for properties with 4 or more bedrooms.

What is a Home Information Pack (HIP) ?

A Home Information Pack contains the key information about a property such as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), standard searches and evidence of title.

Who Compiles The Pack ?

Whoever is marketing the property is responsible for ensuring a valid pack is available. Macintyers have two ‘HIP’ providers, making the process as stress free for the buyer as possible.

Compulsory Documents …

The following documents are needed for every Freehold home that requires a ‘HIP’: · An Index · An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) · A Sales Statement · Standard Searches · Evidence of title

Further documents are required if the property you are selling is Leasehold or Commonhold.

Optional Documents …

There are optional documents which sellers can opt to include but are not compulsory. They are: · Home Condition Report · Home Use Form · Home Contents Form · Legal Summary of a Pack · Other searches · Warranties & Guarantees

Please note: this is not the complete list of the optional documents that can be included.

– 32 – www.helmdon.com your community website

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An ‘EPC’ highlights how energy efficient a property is by giving it a rating from A—G, A being the most energy efficient. The seller will benefit from an ‘EPC’ as well as a buyer as it will identify cost effective improvements to reduce fuel bills and to make the property a more attractive prospect.

When Can Marketing Begin?

Until 31st December 2007, a property can be placed on the market as soon as the compulsory documents for the pack have been ordered. It is not necessary at this stage to wait until the documents have been received. However, from 1st January 2008, the ‘EPC’ and other key documents will have to be obtained, not just ordered, prior to marketing.

Costs …

The cost of a ‘HIP’ is minimal in the overall process of moving house and don't forget that part of this cost may be mitigated by not having to pay for searches & other documents on your purchase.

Where can sellers go for more information?

For further information, sellers should visit www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

If you have any further questions or you would like to speak to me directly, please do not hesitate to contact me.

◊ Hannah Daniels MNAEA ◊ Sales : Macintyers Estate Agents 01280 701001 www.macintyers.co.uk

– 33 – www.helmdon.com your community website

ASTWELL GROUP MOTHERS’ UNION

This year our theme has been about 'The family' and family life. Our speakers have reflected this theme. We had a very interesting and amusing talk from retired GP - Dr Frank Newton when he told us about some of his experiences as a family doctor. We had a lovely musical evening in church when the three Griffiths sisters sang and played for us. They also spoke about the wonderful support they had received from their family to help them make the most of their considerable talent. At the end of July we held a children's workshop in church on the theme of Joseph and his wonderful coat of many colours. Phil Drage told us the biblical story of Joseph and his family in a very dramatic way. The children then went into groups and made puppets, face masks, decorated biscuits and a wonderful multicoloured cloak. These activities were intermingled with songs from the musical 'Joseph'. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings (Programme in church porch and on the web). If you are interested in becoming a member and are baptised and believe in the importance of family life please have a word with me. Remember in spite of the name 'Mothers Union’, membership is open to male, female, married and single people. We look forward to seeing you at our future meetings. Jenny Saunders - Secretary Tel – 01295 760721 Ann Smith - Branch Leader Tel – 01295 760684 ◊ Ann Smith ◊ Branch Leader : Astwell Group Mothers’ Union 01295 760684  [email protected] http://www.themothersunion.org

– 34 – www.helmdon.com your community website THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY MAGDALENE

Detailed planning for the most urgently required of the scheduled church repairs is well advanced. It is clear that a large proportion of the money that the Friends have raised in recent years will soon be spent. Thus we need to redouble our fund-raising efforts to provide for the further work that is needed to secure the future maintenance of the church building. Any bright ideas or helping hands will be most welcome! After the Last Night of the Proms on Saturday 8th September, our next event will be Words and Music for Christmas on Friday 21st December. We shall also be working on introducing a Bond scheme whereby commercial organisations and individuals can make loans to help our work. The Steel Band Concert in June was such a great evening that we have booked them again for next year! So please put Saturday 7th June 2008 in your diaries now! Also we have booked a concert for Saturday 27 September 2008 by two talented musicians, Ben and Jon Salfield who as the “Horsemen of the Apocalypse” will be performing an evening of guitar and lute music. Early in 2008 we shall be seeking membership renewals but please do not wait if you would like to join now. Also contact me on 01295 768964 if you would like to know more about us and what we want to do to preserve our village church. ◊ Roger Miles ◊ Chairman: Friends of St. Mary Magdalene Church 01295 768964  [email protected] LETTER FROM OUR RECTOR Bells

Bells are known to have existed in China from 2000BC, and appear in other ancient cultures, where their purpose was partly ornamental, partly to locate animals, and partly ritualistic. In the Old Testament, small bells adorn the robes of Aaron the High Priest: “The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the and when he comes out.” (Exodus 28:35) At first Christians avoided using bells because of the pagan uses to which they were put. However, by the fifth century they were used to call people to church. The Celtic church delighted in their sound and a rite for the consecration of bells was devised.

– 35 – www.helmdon.com your community website For centuries church bells have been chimed from below by means of ropes attached to simple levers fixed to the headstocks from which the bells were hung. The replacement of levers by full wheels, which began in sixteenth-century England gave the ringers better control of their bells, allowing sets of bells (rings) to be rung in systematically patterns, known as . Change ringing evolved in England in the early part of the 17th century. It is probable that if a ringer from that time could visit one of our towers today he would have little difficulty in recognizing much of our ringing. Bells have been rung throughout history for a variety of reasons, to warn of approaching danger, stormy weather, or on-set of war. However, most of all bells have been used to announce worship, to express the people’s rejoicing on special occasions be they local or national, and of course to afford pleasure both to ringer and listener from hearing the unique and quintessential sound of change ringing of English church bells. Today there are more than 40,000 ringers in the UK and smaller numbers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Southern Africa and the USA. They are young and old, men and women, short and tall, girls and boys, non-musical and musical, churchgoers and non-churchgoers. They come from all walks of life, but they share a fascinating hobby and one from which so many of us benefit. It is therefore sadness that so many of our towers are silent. Helmdon has a splendid ring of six bells and thanks to Christine Klein Wassink and neigbouring bellringers our bells in Helmdon are rung from time to time. It would be a great joy if they could be rung more regularly. We are particularly keen to have our own set of ringers and so if you would like to learn this ancient art please do get in touch with either myself (01280-850683) or with Chris (9 Luke’s Close, 01295-760403) From the Parish Register We ask for God’s blessing on: Baptism Sophie Moody 1st July 2007 James Fletcher 29th July 2007 Weddings & Blessings David Wiggins & Lorna Blain 16th June 2007 Michael Davies & Vicky Bradford 11th August 2007 Marc Dwerk & Caroline Calvert 26th August 2007 Link Charities As many of you will know, for just over a year now each of the six churches in the Astwell Benefice have joined up with a local charity to find out more about the work it does and to explore simple ways in which the parish can support its work. Helmdon is linked with Northampton Women’s Aid whose task it is to support women against domestic violence and abuse be it physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial. At our Patronal Festival on Sunday 22nd July 2007 we were pleased to welcome a volunteer from Northampton Women’s Aid to come and speak to us about the centre. Helmdon, during the period of our association, has provided children’s clothing, bed linen, toiletries, money, food and prayer. It may be that you too are able to help in some way. – 36 – www.helmdon.com your community website Each church is able to also support the work of its neighbour in the Asywell Benefice. Wappenham’s link charity is the Hope Centre (formerly Northampton Soup Kitchen). I am planning to set aside time on a monthly basis to offer some help for a few hours to this charity and wondered if there were others from Helmdon who would be willing to give a little of their time too. Please do get in touch if you are. Motorcycle Charity Ride-Outs In early May over 40 motorcyclists from across the Astwell Benefice undertook a charity ride-out raising £400.68 for Christian Aid. I hope very much that we shall be able to make this a regular twice yearly outing. Our plan is to support Radstone this September with its church’s link with The Shaftesbury Society based in Brackley. If there are still motorcyclists out there that I haven’t found who would like to join us, do please get in touch. God bless, Will Adams ◊ Will Adams ◊ Rector : Astwell Benefice 01280 850683  [email protected]  Brookdale, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley, Northants. NN13 5TQ

– 37 – www.helmdon.com your community website

HELMDON YOUNG HUSBANDS’ ORGANISATION

This year’s Barn Dance proved to be as popular as ever despite the threat of inclement conditions. But alas, we need not have worried because for 48 hrs the sun shone over Manor Farm and allowed the HYHO teams to create another very successful evening. The 2005 event was so popular, it was a ‘no brainer’ when deciding to stage a traditional Barn Dance for the whole family once again and a great way of complementing the Summer Ball. Pandemonium the band did a fantastic job of eking out some seemingly complex routines out of the 300 plus participants (well, after ½ a shandy most things seem complicated – or was it the extended lunch break in The Bell on the Saturday lunchtime……..). The food was superb – a Hog Roast, and a very generous donation of chicken from Faccenda meant that no one went hungry despite the good turn out. Front of house HYHO Mark Lovett, sporting page 3 attire I might add, and his team put Gordon Ramsey to shame! Potter’s Bar was virtually dry when time was called, which I’m sure Steve would have been proud of. A terrific amount of work and generosity created a vast array of prizes for the tombola, auction and raffle (including Sat Navs, Digital Cameras, MP4 players, meals in local restaurants, rounds of golf and lots of bottles) to boost the profits, and in some cases some over eager bidders insured nothing remained unsold! To this end I have posted a letter of thanks to all the businesses concerned and the villagers of Helmdon, for donating resources and prizes, which I hope will go some way to recognising your / their support. Shortly we hope to begin to decide how to carve up the profits and already I have been approached by a number of village groups who need funds. Therefore, if any other village groups need help please contact me. If you fancy having a fun time, come down to the HYHO, second Friday of every month at The Bell from 9pm. Next event is a tour of the Wychwood Brewery, which will be a not for profit trip, which will comprise tour, coach, meal and ½ a shandy! ◊ Simon Cherry ◊ Chairman : Helmdon Young Husbands’ Organization 01295 768670  [email protected]

– 38 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON PRESENTS

We are the cultural organisation of Helmdon whose aim is to offer a selection of theatre, film, music and art both in Helmdon and by way of outings. Since reporting in Talkabout in February we have organised a number of events: March - an outing to the Theatre Royal to see ‘Soap’ which was a very witty play based on the kind of characters and plot you might find in Neighbours and Eastenders. May – professional drama production staged in the church ‘Truly Yours CB’. This proved to be a fascinating one-woman show about Charlotte Bronte. June – Exhibition of work of local artists in the Church to coincide with the Village Fair. August – the launch of Helmdon film club was very popular with a turnout of over 30 people who came to see our inaugural film ”Little Miss Sunshine”. Helmdon now has its very own equipment for showing films in DVD format and the projector also doubles as a data projector for presentations. Funding was obtained from the Parish Council, from South Northants Council, from HYHO and we added some of our own modest profits to make up the total. We plan to show a film once a month and will shortly be publishing the programme for the next 6 months. The cost of subscription will be £15 per annum. The terms of our licence dictate that we cannot charge for entrance and neither can we publicly advertise the film showings so if you want to be included you will need to join the club. It will be possible to come along to one film free of charge prior to signing up to the club and arrangements can be made for you to bring along visiting friends for a small charge. I hope you will agree that it represents good value for money and, with a glass of wine in your hand whilst you view the film, no adverts and no nachos, what could be better? To sign up to the club or to obtain more information contact Morag Underwood on 768922 or [email protected]. The equipment is available for the use of the village. Forthcoming events (apart from films) will be as follows: Friday 19 October – Professional production of a play ‘On the Black Hill’ based on the excellent book by Bruce Chatwin. The play is being performed in the Church by the AJTC theatre company and is co-produced with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. It promises to be an entertaining evening for adults and children age 15+ starting at 7.30pm with tickets costing £8 (£6 concessions). The play is accompanied by a specially composed score played by a cellist. It is a tale of love and belonging set on the border of England and Wales and capturing the harsh realities and humour of farming life and the unique struggle of a pair of ageing twins who have one identity but two realities. Spanning almost the whole of the last century this story throws an extraordinary light on the values of our changing times through war and peace. One question has to be answered– who will inherit the farm? Friday 23 November – Music and readings from Regency England by ‘Lady Georgianna’ a group of 3 talented singers and musicians. Helmdon Presents are planning an evening of music to get you into the Christmas spirit with some food and drink available to help wash it all down. More details nearer the time so keep your eyes open and put the date in your diary now. Theatre Outings are likely to be booked shortly and to be advised of what’s coming up register your interest with Alex at [email protected]. ◊ Morag Underwood ◊ Treasurer: Helmdon Presents 01295 768922  [email protected]

– 39 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON FELLOWSHIP

The Fellowship have sixty four members at the moment, I dread to think what our combined age would be. We visited the Black Country Museum at Dudley in May, I think members enjoyed the pub, fish and chips and the sweet shop most of all. The school brought back lots of memories and we didn’t lose anyone down the coal mine, so a very successful day. In June we travelled to Nantwich to the Shire Horse centre and then onto a Secret Bunker, followed by a very popular stop at Snugburys Ice Cream Parlour. We have enjoyed a light lunch in the Reading Room in early July and a Garden Party at Acres End in August when we raised £200 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Thanks to the hosts for the coffee mornings, Cec and Jan Harrold, Jean Bearman and Trudy and Barbara Buxton, we greatly appreciate being able to use your homes in this way, they are always very sociable occasions. We have been fortunate enough to have been invited to visit the gardens of HRH The Prince of Wales at Highgrove House at the end of August – a trip we will always remember. We will end our Summer programme with a trip to Bicester Village and Blooms new Garden Centre Premises on September 26th. Our AGM will be on October 26th in the Reading Room. This will start at 12:30 with a fish and chip lunch followed by a film and talk on ‘Nostalgic Brackley’. Members will be notified of this nearer the time. Our good wishes to all who have been unwell during these recent months. We hope to see you all at the winter get-togethers. For further details of our organisation ring Carol Brookhouse on 01295 760315 or Rosemary Gulliver on 01295 760720. ◊ Carol Brookhouse : Chairman : Helmdon Fellowship 01295 760315  [email protected]

– 40 – www.helmdon.com your community website FRIENDS OF HELMDON SCHOOL

We had a very busy school year with lots of fun- packed activities taking place for both children and adults alike, which helped to add to the funds of Friends of Helmdon School resulting in extra benefits for the children and school. At the start of the next academic year there will be a new chairperson, secretary and treasurer and we want to carry on with the good work of the outgoing team and hope with everyone's help to maintain their high standards. So far we have plans for a fancy dress Halloween disco (for the pupils of Helmdon School), bags to school day, mufti days, hot lunch (sausages) day, and many more yet to be decided. Our out-going chair Becky, has kindly agreed to do another quiz night by popular demand, and this is open to all adult teams that are interested in having a great night out. Plans are in progress to purchase a new overhead projector for use in the hall but as you will all be aware the school suffered terrible damage during the recent floods, so much so that a lot of equipment, furniture, books etc were lost, although insurance covers the cost or replacing the basics. The money raised by friends this year will be welcomed by all the staff to restock and enhance what was lost and to develop further areas. The cycling proficiency training went really well, the younger children took the basic skills course and the older children in years 5 and 6 did the basic and on-road skills course. All the children enjoyed participating and the parent feedback was extremely positive. We hope to be able to continue to offer these skills in conjunction with Northamptonshire County Council. Due to the criteria set by Bike Right only children in year 6 and above are able to complete the on road course usually. However, due to the small number of children in year 6, our year 5 group was able to participate too. We always need new people to join us as your ideas are invaluable, and it’s a chance to get to know more people socially. Our next meeting will be advertised at school, please come and join us. Catherine Ruffley, Chair: Friends of Helmdon School Tel 01295 768812 Email [email protected]

Sarah Adhemar, Secretary: Friends of Helmdon School Tel 01295 760853 Email [email protected]

◊ Catherine Ruffley ◊ Chair : Friends of Helmdon School 01295 768812  [email protected]

– 41 – www.helmdon.com your community website PURELY PLANTS Countryside Garden Centre Fine Foods Farm Shop

Our Farm shop offers local meat & vegetables together with artisan bread, baked daily by Bread & Co in Wardington & a selection of dairy products, preserves, desserts & home-cooked suppers

For your Autumn Garden: ™ Chimeneas for those cooler evenings ™ Huge selection of Spring bulbs ™ Now is the best time to plant Trees & Shrubs ™ Winter Flowering Pansies and Violas

A magical Christmas at Purely Plants: ™ Visit our gift showroom for great ideas ™ Pot grown and cut Christmas trees ™ Christmas door wreaths, table decorations and cut foliage ™ Beautiful Christmas decorations & lights ™ English-grown Orchids, Cyclamen and other seasonal plants

Delivery service available. Open 9.00 - 5.00 Mon to Sat * 10.00 - 4.00 Sundays. We close at 4.30 in Nov, Jan & Feb. Tel: 01295 713570

– 42 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Our evenings are becoming shorter and cooler and we can take time to look back over the summer – the interesting speakers, the enjoyment of serving lunches and our calendar of events. HELMDON HAS A THRIVING W.I. BUT WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS. DO READ ABOUT OUR PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND WE HOPE YOU WILL WANT TO JOIN US, 14th March, 2007 Personal Stylist and Colours Our speaker was Jackie Adler, a personal stylist who gave us a fascinating insight into ways of making the best of our bodies with clever dressing. She gave us personal advice and showed us how to disguise our faults and enhance our good points by wearing colours that suit us. 11th April, 2007 Cartoon Drawing Our speaker, Pat Finn showed us a collection of her cartoons before setting members to work trying their hand at drawing in this style. 9th May, 2007 Contemporary Flower Design The title that our speaker, Caroline Eyles, chose left our members wondering what was in store for them but Mrs Eyles expertly demonstrated her skills with flowers and foliage to produce two charming and contemporary bouquets. 13th June, 2007 A Trip to Grafton Regis We enjoyed an excellent “living history” evening which was hosted by villagers in period costume who took us on a village trail and painted a picture of Grafton Regis and its links with the kings and queens of England. We ended the evening with refreshments in the Village Hall. 11th July, 2007 Tour of Members and friends enjoyed a very good tour of Stowe House. Our guide told us about the history of the house and explained some of the details of the paintings and interior of the building. We can thoroughly recommend this tour. We ended the evening at the Queen’s Head at Chackmore for a meal and chat. We are still looking forward to: 12th September, 2007 Olympic Doctor A talk by Dr. Frank Newton, who has been involved with the Olympic rowing team and care for the athletes. 10th October, 2007 AGM followed by the Harvest Supper in the Reading Room. 14th November, 2007 Making Christmas napkin rings with Carol King. 5th December, 2007 Christmas Meeting – food and candles. We will be holding a Christmas Market in the Reading Room during Post Office Hours on the morning of the 27th November. Do come along.

– 43 – www.helmdon.com your community website If you would like to learn more about the W.I. why not come along and join our meetings? We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon. Many of our speakers and visitors are very stimulating and non members are always welcome to join us. Do telephone for more information – Jennifer Saunders 01295 760721 A feature from the latest W.I. Life, the national magazine - Top tips for a wildlife friendly pond. 1. Water quality is the most important thing and the cleanest supply- and the best for wildlife – is rainwater. Tap water contains nitrates and phosphates and stream water can often be polluted. Refilling your pond from rainwater butts is a sensible ecological choice. 2. The surround is just as important as the pond itself. Bushes and plants are perfect cover for wildlife visitors. 3. People worry too much about appearance, pulling out water plants that many species use as cover. Most creatures don’t like open water, preferring to hide among plants. 4. Fish are beautiful but will eat everything in the pond unless there’s excellent plant coverage. Ideally, a wildlife pond won’t feature fish – though you could consider having two ponds!

Learn something new with the W.I. every month! ◊ Jennifer Saunders ◊ Secretary: Helmdon W.I. 01295 760721 http://www.womens-institute.org.uk TINY TOTS

Tiny Tots continues to meet during term time on Wednesday mornings, 10:00 to 11:30 am approx. at Weston Chapel premises. Our sessions include an opportunity for playtime, a chance for parents to socialise. We also include story & music time with Christine, which is very popular. Following this parents and children are more than ready for refreshments which are provided. We sometimes have visits from Usborne Books and Phoenix Cards representatives. Families come from a number of villages around the Helmdon and Weston area. Before we finished for summer we sadly had to say goodbye to some of our regular attendees, some of them will be joining Acorns others going on to other Nursery Schools. We shall miss them but wish them all the best in their new environment and look forward to seeing new babies and tots at our group. We make a nominal charge each session to cover expenses i.e. cost of hiring premises and replacing toys when they become worn out or broken. We are a very warm and friendly bunch of people and love to make new friends, why not come along and meet us one Wednesday morning. Any further information give me a call. ◊ Rosemary Gulliver : Organiser : Helmdon Tiny Tots 01295 760720  [email protected]

– 44 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON SPORTS CLUB

It has been a busy year for the club both on and off the field. Last year our old roller which had four reverse gears and one forward was replaced by a sit-on roller and we were able to renew our rusting goal posts. Unfortunately during the final mow of 2006 the gang mowers finally after many years fine maintenance by Nobby Somerton ceased and with the help of the Carnival we were able to purchase a new sit on mower. As many of you know the Parish Plan produced a document supporting the need for a new amenity for the village at the ground. This has been submitted to the council along with the proposals for the building. We are awaiting a meeting with SNC to establish exactly what type of building we can have at the ground and once we know, planning will be applied for. Having said this if planning permission is granted for a village facility the project would have to be controlled by a working party within the village groups and not just the Sports Club. The football team finished a creditable third place last season and have been promoted to the first division of the Sunday Morning League. After several years managing the team, Matt Sleath has stood down as manager, to concentrate on his playing career. Most people do this the other way around but Matt considers himself like a vintage wine. In any event we are very grateful to Matt and thank him for his continued support for the club. Nick Phillips and James Turnham have taken on the team management role and our first game is on 2nd September our first home game is on 30th September at 10.30am against Banbury Spurs. The Cricket team is undoubtedly the youngest in their division and have put in some creditable performances. The season has been decimated by the weather and even if the team does get relegated they have always given 100% and enjoy their cricket. The highlights so far have been beating Brackley in the Helmdon cup, gaining our first league win of the season on 11th August and Adam Hodges’ magnificent 138 in the same game. The billiards team had a mixed season. The A Team had won the Jackson cup and finished runners up in the league. The B team had finished second to bottom, but this was an improvement on last year. Tony Wilson was voted Sportsman of the year following on from Gerald Holt who won the award in 2006. No doubt the passing away of Geoff Gulliver has been mentioned elsewhere in this issue, but we cannot finish this piece without mention of him. Geoff and his family have been involved with the club for many years. He was always encouraging and was a great support for the younger members of the club. He always had a story or a joke. Quite often when he was umpiring and one was standing next to him he would crack a one liner and our players would be giggling for the next few minutes as the joke went around the team. Geoff did so much for the club, but more than anything he will be missed as a great character and I personally miss him as a great friend. ◊ Dave Bridger ◊ Secretary: Helmdon Sports Club 01295 760362  [email protected]

– 45 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON WOMEN’S CLUB

As the members of Helmdon Women’s Club reach the AGM and the end of our social year, we are able to look forward to producing our next year’s diary. We hope to welcome Jenny Saunders in her guise as a designer of Christmas wreaths. An evening of Line Dancing - A gardeners question time with Christine Duke; don’t tell her yet as I haven’t asked her!!! We also hope to invite someone to talk to us about Kinky Boots ! A visit to the catering college for a meal. Our yearly quiz and much, much more. In fact, if any of you have any ideas for speakers, or places you would like to visit, please let me know. Producing an interesting diary for any club can be an onerous one, and any good ideas are gratefully received. NB. For Members:- Our September 2007 meeting is a visit to Take Thyme in Middleton Cheney for a cookery demonstration, taster and coffee/tea cost £1. If you would like to join us on this visit please let Lee know. Thank you We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 8.00 p.m. (except August) in the Reading room, so why not come along and meet new friends. If you would like more information, contact Lee Alfandary, Secretary 01295 760599 or Judy Cairns Chair 01295 760537. ◊ Lee Alfandary ◊ Secretary : Helmdon Women’s Club 01295 760599  [email protected]

– 46 – www.helmdon.com your community website HAFWEG

It has been a quiet summer for HAFWEG, with no events having been arranged. The amphibians also had a quiet time in Spring, when the anticipated hordes of frogs and toads did not arrive. Those of us on stand-by for "Toadwatch" helped only about forty during the three-week period when hundreds were expected to cross the Wappenham Road at Astwell to spawn in the Millponds. The reason for the great decline in numbers is not clear, and it will be interesting to observe what happens next year. It is possible that the wet start to the year followed by a dry and warm early Spring effected their migration to traditional spawning grounds, so they stayed local to their winter habitats, or perhaps so many were squashed by traffic in 2006 that the numbers were drastically reduced in 2007. Time will tell. Neither weather nor traffic can be blamed for the lack of activity on the part of HAFWEG members. We need more people to help run the Group so the tasks can be shared, particularly a secretary and two or three volunteers who will arrange events such as meetings with guest speakers. If you are interested in Helmdon's wildlife and environment, and would like to help for a year or two, please contact me on 01295 760117. Meanwhile, following Michael Jordan's talk last year, HAFWEG has spawned a fungi group which is being affiliated to the British Association of Fungi Groups. The purpose is to meet, mainly during the autumn and winter, to go on forays in the surrounding area to locate, record, and possibly collect fungi, of which there is a rich variety around Helmdon. Anyone who would like to find out more about this Group should contact Glyn Jones on 01327 261265 or Jean Stubbs on 01280 850630. ◊ John Thorne ◊ Chairman: Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt Wildlife and Environment Group 01295 760117  [email protected]

– 47 – www.helmdon.com your community website 1ST HELMDON RAINBOWS

As a Rainbow your daughter is a member of Girlguiding UK, the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in this country. It has about 600,000 members. Any girl aged five or over can be a Rainbow and when they reach seven they are eligible to join Brownies, our nearest unit being in Syresham. Rainbows make this simple promise that they share with members around the world; “I promise that I will do my best to love my God and to be kind and helpful.” We currently have some spaces, so please contact our Unit Guider, Eleanor Shepherd for information on how to join.. We meet every Monday evening during term time in the reading room and our meetings are full of games and activities, indoors and outdoors, as well as working towards the odd badge or two. In the two terms, the activities included: a torch lit treasure hunt, chocolate mud cups, grass caterpillars, Easter egg hunt, friendship bracelets and chocolate truffles for fathers day. Finally, we will once again be organising a fund raising Christmas card delivery round for the village, so look out for the blue post boxes appearing at various venues in Helmdon in December. ◊ Eleanor Shepherd ◊ Unit Leader : 1st Helmdon Rainbows 01295 768727  [email protected] THE WEA

The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) provides a range of friendly and enjoyable courses using expert tutors. We also run occasional visits to places of interest. The WEA is supported by funds from the Learning and Skills Council so that course fees can be kept as low as possible. If you wish to enjoy one evening per week learning about a wide range of subjects then give the WEA a try. Courses are run in the autumn and spring and are open to all adults. No qualifications are required to join any course. If you have a disability or extra learning needs then the WEA will try to help - please contact the WEA before you start the course. In addition to organising courses and events, local WEA members commit a great deal of time and enthusiasm into maintaining the Helmdon website (http://www.helmdon.com). Recent Events In June 2007 we travelled, courtesy of Jeff’s Coaches, to Lacock in Wiltshire. Here there was plenty to see, including Lacock Abbey, the Fox Talbot Museum of Photography and the many old buildings in Lacock village. Members were able wander around the Abbey Gardens and see the ongoing work restoring the Botanic gardens. – 48 – www.helmdon.com your community website Recent Courses The spring 2007 course was “Comparative Religions” with tutor Ted Bray. This course gave us the opportunity to learn about how a range of religions have developed throughout the world. When many news events involve some aspect of religious belief, it was fascinating to learn about history of religions and to understand the similarities and differences between them. Future Courses For autumn 2007 we have a new course “Lost and Deserted Villages of Northamptonshire” with tutor Ted Walmsley: In the past, the rural landscape of Northamptonshire boasted over 400 villages. Some grew to become market towns or were swallowed up by urban expansion; others became deserted. Some were reduced to a manor house, church or isolated farm. We will study a selection of these villages, examining locations, reasons for their demise and the evidence that can still be found in the landscape. This ten-week course starts at 7:30pm on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at Helmdon School and each session is 1½ hours. Our spring 2008 course will be “Magic & Medicine” with tutor Patricia Taylor: Explore the origins of domestic remedies through folklore, herbals, journals and household books from pre-history to the present day. Discover who used them, who recorded them and how superstition and science influenced beliefs about illness and healing. We’ll examine ingredients and methods for dealing with everyday events, from childbirth, gout, baldness and the bite of a mad dog to more unusual conditions and even more surprising cures. This ten-week course starts at 7:30pm on Tuesday 8th January 2008 at Helmdon School and each session is 1½ hours. The full fee for these courses is £37.50 with concessions at £33.75 (fees payable on second week). No course fee is payable by 16-18 year olds and those on jobseekers allowance or certain other benefits. Those on low household income may also qualify for help with fees and other expenses. Whilst our courses are very well attended, new adult learners are always welcome. To register for a course just turn up at the school between 7:15pm and 7:30pm on the first (or second) week. Further Information Full details of courses are available on the Helmdon website (http://www.helmdon.com) and will be posted on village notice-boards at least one month before each course starts. The WEA was founded in 1903 as an adult educational charity with no religious or party political ties. In 2006 the WEA became a company limited by guarantee in England number 2806910 and registered charity number 1112775. The WEA Helmdon branch committee members are: Jan Harrold (Chair); Richard Foster (Treasurer); Richard Farquharson (Secretary); Judy Cairns; Cec Harrold; Kate Moody and Margaret Reardon. ◊ Richard Farquharson ◊ Branch Course Secretary : WEA Helmdon Branch 01295 760079  [email protected] http://www.wea.org.uk WEA is a registered charity no. 1112775

– 49 – www.helmdon.com your community website THE HELMDON WEB SITE

Helmdon’s home on the Internet can be found at www.helmdon.com. Why not point your browser to it now and have a look what’s going on?! It’s a place where groups and organisations publicise their events and activities, where individuals express their views on the message board, and where all the news and goings-on in the village can be found. In the last Talkabout I reported that the navigation of the site had been improved. Well it has now been improved again! The script based menu trialled over the summer caused problems for a small number of people meaning they were unable to view the full site so I have gone back to a more traditional menu style which will be less error prone, and should mean that content pages load even more quickly. Visitor numbers have climbed again, up nearly 50% on the previous six months. The number of visitors to the site now averages 19,588 per month (February – July 2007). The Village of the Year judges told me that “Helmdon’s web site is so far ahead of all others in the county that the rest will always be competing for second place”! Kind words, but far from making me complacent it is a spur to redouble the effort to stay ahead of the game! When the site was launched in 2000 it was one of the first comprehensive village web sites but now almost every community has an online presence. One of the most pleasing aspects of being Helmdon’s webmaster is knowing the impact that the Helmdon web site has had on this progress. Many would- be village webmasters from around the country got in touch to ask “how did Helmdon do it?” and advice and support was freely given. It is interesting to see how many sites have purloined our ideas for themselves and, in some cases, even developed them further. We hope you continue to enjoy the web site, and we welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions. The web site is designed and maintained by members of Helmdon WEA, and sponsored by Helmdon Parish Council and HYHO. Please contact Danny Moody on 01295 768090 or e-mail [email protected]. ◊ Danny Moody ◊ Webmaster: Helmdon.com 01295 768090  [email protected] http://www.helmdon.com

– 50 – www.helmdon.com your community website

www.helmdon.com

● Do you consult the Village Diary to see what’s on? ● Do you read the Message Board? ● Have you posted any Classified Ads? ● Have you been on the Village Trail? ● Have you used the Search Facility or A-Z Index?

Just one of over 1,000 images on the web site

HELMDON.com All about Helmdon, virtually

Contact Danny Moody: 01295 768090 [email protected]

helmdon.com is designed and maintained by members of Helmdon Branch WEA and sponsored by Helmdon Parish Council and HYHO – 51 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON ACORNS PRE-SCHOOL

Acorns continues to provide a fun and structured learning environment for pre-school children from Helmdon and the surrounding areas. Our excellent and dedicated staff is led by Pre-school Supervisor Lisa Canning, assisted by Judy Butler, Julia Toman and Jane Lake. We are a fully OFSTED inspected pre-school run as a registered charity by a volunteer committee. The committee appoints the staff and oversees the general running of the setting. Our most recent OFSTED inspection awarded us a Good rating, of which we are justifiably proud. HELMDON ACORNS PRE SCHOOL Whilst most of our funding comes from fees and Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon. pre-school grants from the local authority, we top WE TAKE CHILDREN FROM 2 YRS 6 this up with fund-raising activities spread MONTHS AND OPEN FOUR throughout the year. This past year has seen a SESSIONS A WEEK AS FOLLOWS:- Pampered Chef evening and cake sale boost our coffers, whilst previously we have held a fashion MONDAY show and Christmas Bazaar. 9.30am – 12.30 Acorns meets on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday WEDNESDAY and Friday mornings in the Reading Room 9.30am – 12.30 between 9.30 and 12.30 with an optional Lunch THURSDAY Club between 12.30 and 1.00 on Thursday and 9.30am – 1.00pm Friday. If you would like more information or to (INCLUDES LUNCH CLUB) register your child for a place please contact Lisa Canning either at the Reading Room during a FRIDAY session or on 01280 822157. 9.30am – 1.00pm (INCLUDES LUNCH CLUB) Many of the existing committee members are ‘retiring’ as their children move on to school in CONTACT September. We are therefore very keen for Lisa Canning existing and prospective parents to become 01280 822157 involved in the running of what is YOUR pre- school. Our AGM will be held in the Reading PLACES AVAILABLE FROM Room on Tuesday 11th. September so please do SEPT 2007 to SEPT 2008 come along and show us your support. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR ◊ Mark Hedley Secretary : Helmdon Acorns Pre- INTEREST NOW TO SECURE YOUR School CHILD’S PLACE! 01295 768604  [email protected]

– 52 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON CARNIVAL REPORT

The Helmdon Carnival Committee would like to say a huge “Thank You”, to everyone who put time and effort into ensuring that the Carnival weekend was a success. Also many thanks for continued support from the village community and to those who volunteered, sponsored, attended and contributed, during the lead up and over the Bank holiday weekend. Carnival weekend was deemed a great success with positive feedback. For once this year the weather was undoubtedly on our side all weekend and enabled an ideal setting for the village to get together and have pleasurable few days. The Carnival originally began in order to raise monies for the Sports Club and the Reading Room and also provides donations to Brackley Cottage Hospital and local groups and organisations such as the Guides, Helmdon School, the Church and the Rainbows. So if anyone would like to start a new project, or set up a new group, or just help an existing one then please apply in writing to the committee, with the reasons for your request and how much before the 12th October 2007. Carnival weekend began with a Disco and Karaoke held at the sports field on the Saturday night. On the Sunday morning a lively, “Songs of Praise”, followed in the evening, by a Quiz and very successful Auction, at the Bell Inn. On the Bank holiday Monday the Carnival was incredibly well attended. This year it was kindly opened by members of the first ever Carnival Committee from 1982! Events that took place included 1460 Sqn. Marching Band, St Johns Ambulance demonstration, “Crufts” Dog Show, Irish Dancers, Icarus Falconry display, “Rodeo Dan”, Grand Draw and a very competitive Tug of War plus many other stalls and attractions! Village groups and organisations had stalls and organised refreshments to enabling the event to be a success. This year children of Helmdon School produced some tremendous drawings in a competition to illustrate the front cover of the programme. Local volunteers offer their services, time, tractors, fields, physical strength and support, in preparing for the weekend and also make up the Carnival Committee. This demonstrates, even after 25 years, how our Village continues to achieve and maintain a sense of community spirit, support and fun for its residents and those in the nearby villages. If you would like to become more involved please contact a member of the committee. ◊ Ros Spence ◊ Chairperson : Helmdon Carnival Committee 01295 768046  [email protected] visit www.helmdon.com for more information about the Carnival

– 53 – www.helmdon.com your community website HELMDON BRIDGE PLAYERS

We are the Bridge Players - a lively group of amateur thespians providing entertainment to the village twice a year by way of our Christmas panto and summer play. In the Summer the Bridge Players performed two short plays, ’School Ties’ and ’A Collier’s Tuesday Tea’ both under the directorship of Paul Underwood, there were a few moments in rehearsals when things weren’t quite working, but under the strong leadership of Paul the plays came together and were a huge success. The backstage crew once again worked hard designing and painting the set as well as organizing the endless props which ensured a truly professional performance was achieved. The Christmas panto ‘Trouble in Panto Land’ will be directed by Felicity Dyndor. The panto will be performed on December 6th, 7th and 8th in the evening with an additional matinee performance on Saturday , so please put the dates in your diaries and come along (see notice boards nearer the time for more details). Audiences are a vital ingredient to the success of any play, so join us for what will no doubt be another great production. Tickets are available from Dave Bridger 01295 760362, Morag Underwood 01295 768922 or Michele Rimmer 01295 768603. The group is always pleased to welcome new members, whether it’s to take part in a production or to join our very important band of backstage crew. We are a friendly group aiming to have fun with our productions, so please contact me for further details. ◊ Michele Rimmer ◊ Chairperson : Helmdon Bridge Players 01295 768603  [email protected] 1ST HELMDON GUIDES

Being a Guide is all about learning new skills, making new friends, helping others and having FUN! Guides are usually aged between ten and 14, although some Guides like to stay until they are older. We started the 1st Helmdon Guide unit less than 3 years ago with 3 guides - we now have 20 with more to join in the next 6 months! We do operate a waiting list, so please contact our Unit Guider, Michele Rimmer, on 01295 768603 if you think your daughter would like to join. We meet every Monday evening during term time. We have undertaken ‘penny walks’ in the dark, orienteering, cooking, rifle shooting, exercise and health sessions, swimming, roller skating and campfires - the list is endless! We are soon to go on our first camping trip, which will no double be lots of fun. We would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their continued support and to local organizations, HYHOs (Helmdon Young Husbands Organization) and the Carnival Committee who have helped us with financial donations. ◊ Michele Rimmer ◊ Unit Leader : 1st Helmdon Guides 01295 768603  [email protected]

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This is a free section for the community to place announcements they wish to be seen by the whole Parish. It is editorial policy not to “chase” or “find” entries for this section. Please contact the editor by email or telephone to place an entry here. OBITUARIES, MARRIAGES & BIRTHS Obituaries Geoffrey Harold Gulliver 1937-2007

Geoff was born to Harold and Hilda and was the eldest of the four children. He attended Helmdon School from 1943-49, most of the time, and then continued his education at Tettenhall College in Wolverhampton. On leaving school in 1954, Geoff joined his father at Hill Farm and was taken into the partnership in 1958, followed by brother Phil ten years later. Geoff loved his cows and all the livestock on the farm and was very subdued when the farm was sold in 1992. However, this was not the end for Geoff as he was involved in so many things over the years in Helmdon. He had been an assistant scoutmaster, served on the Parish Council, involved with Helmdon Fellowship, the Carnival and Sports Club. He had also played football and cricket for the village, the latter he played for 50 years. In addition, he had also served on the South Northants Cricket League Committee and the Helmdon Cricket Cup Committee. He was a keen Stamp Collector and was an active member of the Northamptonshire Philatelic Society and Brackley Branch. He was also an excellent card player and organised whist drives for various groups as well as having a weekly Bridge game. As you can see, Geoff was keen to get involved, not just sit back and let someone else do it. He really was a people person. Rose and family have been overwhelmed by all of the cards and donations received in Geoff’s memory. The donations amounted to £1600 which was shared between, Diabetes UK, Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses, a wonderful tribute to a man who liked to help others. Geoff loved Helmdon and his home ‘Barnstones’ and he had his wish to remain there till the end of his days. As was typical of Geoff he planned his own funeral, saying ‘any complaints could be sent to him’ his sense of humour remained with him until the end. In the memorial service Reverend Will Adams said ‘Thank God for Geoffrey Gulliver’, Geoff would have added ‘and Helmdon’. Marriages None received.

– 55 – www.helmdon.com your community website Births

Andrew and Liz Hart are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Victoria Jane on 29th April 2007. Victoria is a little sister to Katherine and

Alex and weighed in at 9lb 14oz.

Diane and Steve Mountford are delighted to announce the birth of their precious daughter Ruby Sky. Born 16-05-07, weighing 9lb 12oz. Little sister to Kyle.

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REFERENCE LIBRARY

In this section I have listed lots of contacts and facts that may be useful to the new or long time resident Helmdon villager. If you can think of any I have missed then please contact me and I would be happy to include them in the next issue. Items in bold are usually your nearest or first number you should try. Our Elected Representatives Our representative on the South Northants Council is; Councillor R E Digby: Hill House, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley, Northants NN13 5TQ. Tel: 01280 850332 (home and business) Email : [email protected]

Our representative on Northants County Council is; Councillor A G Grant: 1 Gilbert Scott Court, Towcester, Northants. NN12 6DX. Tel: 01327 350336 [email protected]

Our member of parliament is: T E Boswell MP, c/o Lloyds Bank Chambers, North St. Daventry, Northants. Tel: 01327 703192 Email: [email protected]

Our Members of European Parliament Conservative Roger Helmer Independent Robert Kilroy-Silk Labour Glenis Willmot Conservative Chris Heaton-Harris UK Independence Party Derek Clark Liberal Democrats Bill Newton Dunn Addresses and email details are available at http://www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/MembersMain.htm under East Midlands

– 57 – www.helmdon.com your community website Fire Brigade Northampton 01604 797000 Always call 999 in the event of an emergency! Voluntary Work South Northants Volunteer Bureau, Towcester 01327 358264 Volunteer Connection, Milton Keynes 01908 662744 Towcester Area Door to Door 01327 351716 Hospitals & Doctors For Accident & Emergencies (A&E) it is often useful to call ahead and find out what the waiting time is. This may affect your choice of hospital. Please note the Brackley Cottage Hospital does NOT operate an A&E service. However they do have a 24hr First Aid room for minor injuries to which local doctors attend. Always call 999 in the event of an emergency! Horton General, Banbury 01295 275500 The John Radcliffe (Oxford) 01865 741166 Northampton General, Cliftonville 01604 634700 Milton Keynes General, Standing Way 01908 660033 Stoke Mandeville, Mandeville Rd, Aylesbury 01296 315000 Brackley Cottage Hospital, Pebble Lane 01280 702388 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Springfield Surgery, Brackley (Appointments) 01280 704122 Springfield Surgery, Brackley (Enquiries) 01280 703431 Washington House Surgery or http://www.whsurgery.co.uk 01280 702436 SNODOC (out of hours GP Service) 01327 702215 Brackley Health Centre – Doctors 01280 703460 Brackley Health Centre – Dental Clinic 01280 702391 Paulerspury Surgery 01327 811630 Towcester Medical Centre 01327 359953 Silverstone Surgery 01327 857240

– 58 – www.helmdon.com your community website Police • From 1 December, 2005 we have a NEW telephone number for ALL non-emergency calls • Use it wherever you are in the county • You will get through to our Force Communications Centre, where an automated call-handling system will help you connect quickly with the person you need speak to • Calls will be charged at the normal local rate • Emergency calls to the 999 number are not affected Daventry 01327 300300 Banbury 01295 252525 Oxford 01865 266000 Northampton 01604 700700 Police Community Support Officer 01327 300300 Community Watch Co-ordinator 01327 307943 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Helmdon (David Brookhouse) 01295 760315 Crime stoppers 0800 555111 Victim Support 01327 701650 Always call 999 in the event of an emergency! Neighbourhood Watch Contacts Ray Crouch - Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Helmdon Tel: 01295 760699

Ray Crouch Ann Harman Christine Bridger 84 Church St. 71 Church Street 12 Shortlands Close 01295 760699 01295 760415 01295 760362 [email protected] [email protected] Val Smith Janet Lipson David Bailey 83 Wappenham Rd 14 Bell Close 1 Barn Court 01295 760675 01295 768364 01295 768129 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ross Vicars John Brakenboro Bob Lenton 20 Wappenham Rd 6 Cross Lane 5 Lukes Close 01295 760477 01295 760511 01295 768264 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

– 59 – www.helmdon.com your community website Support Groups / Advice Lines Samaritans 01604 637637 (Local Rate Service) 08457 909090 Citizens Advice Bureau (Brackley) 0870 2200608 (Open Mon/Wed/Fri 09:30-12:00 at the SNVB Office in Market Sq.) Citizens Advice Bureau (Northampton) 01604 636000 Citizens Advice Bureau (National) 08450 505162 Help the Aged’s Senior Line 0800 269626 Childline 0800 1111 National Blood Service 0845 7711711 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Cruse Bereavement Care 01296 425757 DIAL 01327 701646 The Compassionate Friends (Bereavement) 0117 9539639 RELATE (Support for relationships) 0845 1304010 Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 Time to Talk (Youth Counselling) 01327 706706 NSPCC 01933 223920 Home Start 01327 703434 Elder Abuse Response 0808 808141 Domestic Violence (Women’s Aid) 01604 639099 Rape & Incest Crisis Centre 01604 250721 Off the Hook (Drug & alcohol abuse) 01604 259178 Solve It (Solvent abuse) 01536 420604 Re-Solv (Solvent abuse) 0808 8002345 CAN (Drug & Alcohol abuse) 01327 701674 National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 AL-Anon (support for families of alcoholics) 0207 4030888 Aquarius (Drug & Alcohol abuse) 01604 632421 Drinkline 0800 9178282 Quitline (smoking) 0800 002200 JiGSAW 01604 828400 – 60 – www.helmdon.com your community website Local Authorities & Services www.southnorthants.gov.uk ……….….For up to date information on local services South Northants County Council (SNC) 01327 322322 Northants County Council 01604 236236 SNC Recycling 01327 322320 Health Information Line (Now NHS Direct) 0845 4647 Northamptonshire Health Authority 01604 615000 Northamptonshire South Community Health Council 01604 27722 Disability Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882200 Brackley Library 01280 703455 Helmdon Primary School 01295 768126 Bulky Household Waste removal 01327 322349 Magdalen College School 01280 846300 Northamptonshire ACRE 01604 765888 Social Services (Child & Mental Health) 01327 351822 Social Services (Adults) 01327 313200 Housing Advice 01327 322394 Road Safety 01604 763438 The Street Doctor Hotline 0845 601 1113 Abandoned Vehicles 01327 322347 Trading Standards Advice 01604 707900 Sports Brackley Leisure Centre 01280 701787 Brackley Swimming Pool 01280 704906 Towcester Leisure Centre 01327 358188 Helmdon Sports Club (David Bridger) 01295 760362

– 61 – www.helmdon.com your community website Transport Trains (National Line) 08457 484950 Jeffs Coach Hire 01295 768292 SMS Executive Travel 01327 353118 Chiltern Railways 08705 165165 PJ Cars (Brackley) 01280 704330 Castle Cars (Banbury) 01280 264774 JASON 0800 032 3208 Jeff Amos 01327 260522 Carters Travel 01536 330789 CD Cars (Taxi Bus) 01295 711888 Journeys Around South Northants is a minibus service for Brackley, Towcester and all the villages in South Northants. Operated by the British Red Cross in association with South Northants County Council. It provides a service for anyone who finds it difficult to use the existing bus services. Registration with the service is required before use : An application form can be obtained from the number above, or by writing to: JASON c/o Northamptonshire County Council, Riverside House, Floor 2, Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5NX Village Contacts The Bell Inn (Richard & Sally) 01295 768155 Bungalow Stores 01295 760327 Wappenham Post Office 01327 860329 Services Powergen Customer Service 0800 0564256 Powergen power cuts……………………………………………………… 0800 0568090 East Midlands Electricity Emergency Service 0800 0568090 Environment Agency General Enquires 0845 9333111 Environmental Agency, Emergency 0800 807060 Miscellaneous Environment Agency Floodline 0845 9881188

– 62 – www.helmdon.com your community website Direct Phone Numbers for Council Services

Market Days General Market Farmers’ Market Brackley Friday Third Saturday in each month Corby Tuesday & Saturday - Daventry Tuesday & Friday First Saturday in each month Desborough Thursday Northampton Tues / Wed / Fri / Sat Third Thursday in each month Towcester - Second Friday in each month Bus Timetables The infrequent traveller should always check their journey with traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or www.traveline.org.uk as there can be minor changes to the service during the year. Our Parish Clerk will also post any new bus timetables in the village notice boards, so always have a quick check there.

– 63 – www.helmdon.com your community website BRACKLEY - Greatworth - Helmdon – BANBURY – Service SMS 508 Monday to Saturday (Not Sundays or Public Holidays) Operator: SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS Service Number: 508 508 508 508 508 508 Brackley, Tesco Store -- 0905 1135 1405 1605 1715 Brackley, Market Place (Garage) 0657 0907 1137 1407 1607 1717 Brackley, Halse Road Health Centre 0659 0909 1139 1409 1609 1719 Halse, Mission Church 0705 0915 1145 1415 1615 1725 Greatworth, Crossroads Helmdon Road 0711 0921 1151 1421 1621 1731 Helmdon, Station Road/The Green 0717 0927 1157 1427 1627 1737 Sulgrave, Magpie Road Church 0723 0933 1203 1433 1633 1743 , Lindsays Corner Myrtle Cottage 0728 0938 1208 1438 1638 1748 , Bus Shelter 0733 0943 1213 1443 - 1753 Middleton Cheney, High St opp Red Lion 0739 0949 1219 1449 - 1759 Banbury, Bus Station 0748 0958 1228 1458 - 1808

Operator: SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS Service Number: 508 508 508 508 508 508 Banbury, Bus Station 0752 1012 1312 1512 - 1812 Middleton Cheney, High St Red Lion 0801 1021 1321 1521 - 1821 Thorpe Mandeville, opp Bus Shelter 0807 1027 1327 1527 - 1827 Culworth, Lindsays Corner Myrtle Cottage 0812 1032 1332 1532 1638 1832 Sulgrave, Magpie Road opp Church 0817 1037 1337 1537 1643 1837 Helmdon, Station Road opp The Green 0823 1043 1343 1543 1649 1843 Radstone Turn | | | | 1654 | Greatworth, Crossroads Chapel Road 0829 1049 1349 1549 | 1849 Halse, opp Mission Church 0835 1055 1355 1555 | 1855 Brackley, Halse Road opp Health Centre 0841 1101 1401 1601 | 1901 Brackley, Market Place (Toilets) 0843 1103 1403 1603 1701 1903 Brackley, Tesco Store 0845 1105 1405 1605 1703 --

– 64 – www.helmdon.com your community website Jeffs Coaches – Friday Only Service to Brackley Leaves Helmdon, Station Rd (bottom of Church St) 09.52 Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.06 Arrives Brackley, Tesco 10.10 (30 mins to do some food shopping) Leaves from Brackley, Tesco 10.40 Arrives Brackley, Market Place 10.50 (1hour to do shopping around the town) Leaves Brackley, Market Place 11.50 Arrives Helmdon, The Green 11.58

Jeffs Coaches – Wednesdays Only Service to Northampton Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:15 Arrives Northampton, The Drapery 10:30 Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham, Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden. Blakesley, Woodend, Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough Leaves Northampton, The Drapery 13:00 Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.

Carters Travel – Saturdays Only Service to Northampton Leaves Helmdon, The Green 09:50 Arrives Northampton, The Drapery 11:05 Passes through villages, Weston, Weedon Lois, Wappenham, Slapton Turn, Abthorpe, Bradden. Blakesley, Woodend, Maidford, Farthingstone & Litchborough Leaves Northampton, The Drapery 13:55 Passes back through the villages dropping off on request.

– 65 – www.helmdon.com your community website Household AND DIY Waste Nearest Waste Tip and Recycle Centre : If you have non-recyclables to dispose of the nearest place to go is Towcester. If you go to the A5 / A43 roundabout and turn right to go down the A5 towards Towcester you will see a petrol station on your right. If you then take the 1st right immediately after the petrol station, you will find the waste centre at the end of this road. It is open weekdays and Saturdays, heavily encourages re-cycling and has a little sort of jumble sale going on there. You are limited to five large DIY waste items per month. e.g. baths, sinks, beds, kitchen worktop, radiator .. For more information call 01604 236617. Towcester Old Greens Norton Road Towcester NN12 8AW

Tel: 01327 353006

April to September 8.30am - 19.00pm Monday to Friday 8.30am - 17.30pm Saturday/Sunday and Bank holidays October to March 8.30am - 17.00pm Monday to Friday, Saturday/Sunday and Bank holidays Open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

– 66 – www.helmdon.com your community website If you have undertaken a DIY project in your home (and have not employed anyone to do the work for you) then you can take the waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). Please note that whole house renovation works are not accepted free of charge (please see tables below for number of free visits of DIY accepted per 2 month period and details of the pay-as you go scheme).

No. of free visits of DIY waste per household, Vehicle Type per 2 month period / Cost per Extra Visit

Small car 8 Trips / £15

Large car, Estate, MPV, 4 x 4 4 Trips / £26

Small van, short trailer 4 Trips / £26

Transit van(SWB), Large trailer 2 Trips / £45

Transit van (LWB), Luton box van 1 Trip / £65

Village Information We are hoping that this section will be particularly helpful to those just moving into the village and trying to find their way about.

Recycling Centre The village has its own recycling centre located just off Station Road. Turn left on the corner just before the School as you come into Helmdon. 20 metres and turn left again. The recycle bins are now in front of you and to the side of the Station Road garage block. They accept paper & glass (clear & coloured). Please keep the area tidy and try and take your empty boxes away with you!

Seckington (Bungalow) Stores This is the one remaining village shop (there have been numerous shops in the village in the past all closed through lack of business, so let’s try and keep this one). Bungalow Stores Station Road Helmdon Stockists of : General Groceries, Fruit and Veg, Confectionery, Soft Drinks, Frozen Foods, Ice Cream, Pet Food, Household Goods, Tobacco and Cigarettes, Helmdon Talkabout Magazines , Aspects of Helmdon local history booklets and Agents for Dry Cleaning Opening Hours :- Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri – 8am to 6pm Wed & Sat – 8 am to 2pm Sunday Closed

– 67 – www.helmdon.com your community website This is also the place to book, pick up / drop off the keys for the Reading Room and purchase tokens for its electric meter

The Reading Room Located half way along Church Street. these rooms provide the meeting place for many of the village groups , such as the WI, Women’s Club and the Fellowship. You are welcome to contact Harold Seckington (01295 760327) for details of how to book use of the hall. Prices range from £2.50 to £50 depending on the use. Very useful for children’s parties! Some groups will use the small meeting room only, some like the Acorns group will use the whole building. The hall is split into two by a wooden curtain divider so you can adjust the room size to fit your requirements. The kitchen is fully fitted out with all the utilities you would expect. Reading Room Management Committee Chairman: Bill England (01295) 760744 Vice Chairman: Jan Harrold (01295) XXXX Treasurer/Steward: Harold Seckington (01295) 760327 Secretary: Caroline King (01295) 768695

Allotments The Parish council maintain a smallholding behind “The Green” where villagers are welcome to maintain allotment plots for the princely sum of £5 per year. Contact the Parish Clerk if you have an interest. It should be noted that these are not connected with the privately let allotments behind the 3 cottages on Wappenham Road owned by Tony Wilson of Shortlands Close.

Sports field The sports club has the use of a large playing field located on the left hand side as you leave the village on Wappenham Road. It is kept in great condition throughout the year by members of the sports club. The field is also used for the Helmdon Carnival held on the August Bank Holiday and on some occasions for wedding receptions. I believe that recently the carnival committee have purchased new marquees that can be rented for such occasions.

Playground The village playground is maintained by the Parish Council and is located at the top of the school playing field. You can access it from the school car park or from two entrances located on what is known as “gravel path”. This is a path that joins Station Road to Church Street. It is kept clean and safe by the kind efforts of those who use it and some dedicated Parish Councillors. Please keep it clean and safe by reporting any equipment failures or concerns to the Parish Clerk immediately. As this play area is part of the school facilities as well, we should only use it outside of school opening hours.

Post Office & Drop-In-Centre Opening times are: TUESDAYS – 10am to 12 Noon THURSDAYS – 2pm to 4 pm Tea / coffee and biscuits served – 68 – www.helmdon.com your community website The Bell Inn The Bell Inn is our last pub in the village and provides the community with its greatest informal meeting place. It is has a welcoming atmosphere with lots of character drawn from its 18th century construction. The present owners (Richard and Sally) continue to add to the property with new interior decorations, furniture, and now a newly opened three room B&B extension. A lot of the B&B building work was done by Richard himself, which has distracted him from running the pizza side of the business. Don’t worry though, Richard and Sally have every intention of resuming the service shortly. The first two rooms of the B&B are now open to business and the first guests were very pleased. Rooms can be booked at £70 per night, per room by calling 01295 768155. The pub also offers a great range of beers, pool table, and large range of activities throughout the year (e.g. darts team, quiz nights, discos, comedians, etc).

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