JUNE 2021

KATE’S KNITTED LOCKDOWN FAMILY FOR THE NHS

Villager Kate Whitehead-Nudd has never been one for sitting wild animals, “Most have homes to go to now, lots of them to around watching TV all day. So, in the thick of lockdown, with no family and friends as far afield as Australia and America and all gym to go to, no part-time job (other than her voluntary work at donations received will be going to the NHS.” Medical Detection Dogs) and only so much gardening she could Kate told our correspondent how much she had enjoyed her do, she was getting bored and in need of a distraction. new adventure and hoped it might give inspiration to others. Kate told the Grapevine, “I had knitted some poppies for church According to Kate, husband Joe really loves the animals and for the D-Day anniversary display which gave me an idea to knit will be sad when they have left home. Apparently, each morning and maybe benefit others for charity. I started with small Easter when he appears in the kitchen, where many of them are bunnies and knitted over 40, most going to friends for their own resident on the table, Joe asks them, “What would you all like charities.” for breakfast then?” She then progressed to big rabbit weighted doorstops and, Joe very kindly gave them all a lift on the back of his familiar getting carried away, she bought a knitted animal pattern book. truck to allow the Grapevine to photograph them. Tilly Trotter the Pig was her first attempt, followed closely by Altogether there are now over 80 animals resident at Kate and Nellie the Elephant. Joe’s, including a rhino, a panda, a hippopotamus, a penguin, six Seven months later, she has a menagerie of farmyard and mice a koala bear…

Also in this months Grapevine: • p8 Local artists exhibit at • p3 Polling Day 2021 & 20 Bucks Art Weeks • p3 Can you help Brownies • p10 Down Memory Lane • p3 A royal occasion: video from nine years ago • p20 Villagers Tackle the Hill Slide

The Grapevine: Next issue on or about 1 July 2021. Deadline for contributions & ads: 15 June 2021 Contact: [email protected] To advertise: email or call 242137. For editorial: email or call 240350. Page 2 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021

STEWKLEY WALKERS from Bridget Watson VILLAGE DIARY Walks Programme for June JUNE There are five new walks of varying distances planned for June so thanks to all Walk Leaders for doing recces of these new routes. Thu 3 Refuse: green tops, food bins and brown garden waste We are now able to take up to 20 members including two Walk Mon 7 No PC meeting due to non -availability of village hall Leaders so we hope to see a gradual increase in the number of people joining our walks. When meeting up at the starting point Mon 7 Book Club - via Zoom, 8.30pm and during the walks, remember to keep a safe distance from Wed 9 Refuse: blue tops and food bins others. Please continue to bring a face covering for cafes, pubs and toilet facilities. All mileages are approximate and most of Tues 15 Grapevine deadline for adverts and articles the walks take about two hours. Wed 16 Refuse: green tops, food bins and brown garden waste Tuesday 1 June Circular Evening Stroll 2.5 miles Meet at the top of Chapel Hill by the Soulbury Stone, map Wed 23 Refuse: blue tops and food bins reference 882 271 at 6.30pm. Regulations allowing we could Sat 26 Cake Sale, Stewkley Methodist Church, 10.30am-1.30pm walk to The Boot for an optional drink afterwards. The route involves fields with easy stiles and a 100 metre single file road Wed 30 Refuse: green tops, food bins and brown garden waste walk. Sheep in the fields at the moment, possibly cattle in June but dogs on leads welcome. Leaders: Pat and Peter Phone Pat Jones 270 221 to book WHAT’S ON IN JUNE Tuesday 8 June Frithsden NW Loop 5.9 miles Meet at 10am at The Alford Arms Pub, Frithsden, Nr Hemel BOOK CLUB Hempstead (HP1 3DD). Walk starts and ends at the pub, which Monday 7 June serves lovely food and superb beer, and takes in woodland, hills, 8.30pm via Zoom valleys, cute hamlets and passes through Frithsden Beeches. Please contact Greg on 240487 for information Several ups and downs, need to be able to climb hills, if you are Book to discuss: Us Three by Ruth Jones worried about slipping you might want to take a stick. (Book for July: White Gold by Giles Milton) Leaders: Tom and Gay Phone 07970 479007 to book Monday 14 June Circular 4.5 miles SVCC FIXTURES JUNE Meet at 10am at Gawcott Recreation Ground, also known as Saturday 5 Caddington 1st Home 13:30 (League) Richard Roper Field, Lenborough Road, Gawcott (MK18 4JF) Sunday 6 N. Marston & Away 14:00 where there is ample parking. The route goes from Gawcott Thursday 10 MK Maaya Tigers Home 18:00 (LMS) to the hamlet of and back, along good paths, tracks, Saturday 12 New Bradwell 2nd Away 13:30 (League) and a short section of quiet road. No stiles, but there may be Sunday 13 Simmons Home 14:00 livestock so sorry no dogs. Although there is a pavilion at the Tuesday 12 MK Superkings Home 18:00 (LMS) recreation ground its facilities are unlikely to be open, but there Saturday 19 3rd Home 13:30 (League) are a couple of picnic tables, and vast areas of grass should Sunday 20 Home 14:00 people want to bring a picnic. Monday 21 Safran Sharkz Home 18:00 (LMS) Leaders: Chris and Greg Phone 240487 to book Saturday 26 Sharnbrook & Bromham 1st Away 13:30 (League) Sunday 27 Haddenham Home 12.30 Friday 25 June Ouse Valley Walk 4 miles Tuesday 29 TBA Home 18:00 (LMS) Meet at Water Mill Lane car park on Stratford Road, Wolverton Mill (MK12 5NZ) at 10am. The walk is along the Ouse valley towards the Grand Union canal, heading towards Cosgrove AT LONG LAST... across the Iron Trunk Viaduct and over the lock gates, to join A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY the canal. Some field walking. Fairly flat. No stiles. Sorry no dogs. Leaders: Margaret and Bridget Phone 07709 239354 to book STEWKLEY CAR SHOW Sunday 1 August Tuesday 29 June The Rec. See page 3 for more details Grand Union Canal, Great Brickhill and Rushmere 4.5 miles Meet at 10.00am in the public car park (on the right) at The from Sheila Fellowes Three Locks, Leighton Road, (MK17 9DD). STEWKLEY WI Pub lunches can be booked on 270214. The route follows the Certainly looking forward to a little more freedom, having a cup canal and then crosses it towards Paper Mill Farm (we may see of coffee without my coat on, and gloves in some instances. alpacas). From there we walk a loop via Great Brickhill to the Hopefully we are still on course to have an outdoor get-together edge of Rushmere Park and some fishing ponds on the return. in June. The provisional date (depending on weather) is 9 June NB No public toilets. Sorry no dogs. at 2.30pm in the Rec. Bring a chair and a drink. If anyone needs Leaders: John and Alice Phone 07905 759120 to book a lift please let me know. Walks for July programme to Bridget please by 12 June. Just a reminder that I have bulb catalogues, if anyone would like Afternoon and evening walks can also be offered. to have a look let me know and I will deliver one. More regular Walk Leaders needed. We are getting there, we just have to be patient and make sure Email [email protected] that this time the lifting of restrictions is permanent. Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 3 POLLING DAY 2021 A ROYAL OCCASION: VIDEO FROM NINE YEARS AGO from John Flewin It is nine years ago this month that the village went into carnival mode with four consecutive days of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Next year will be the Platinum Anniversary, marking Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, a reign longer than that of any other British monarch. The actual day earmarked for national celebrations is Thursday 2 June 2022, which has been declared an extra bank holiday. The Spring Bank Holiday is being moved to the Friday to make it a four-day celebration. As a reminder of the celebratory challenge ahead for the village next year, the Stewkley Film Archive is offering a 50-minute video of that long weekend in June 2011. It is available via YouTube from the evening of 29 May and will remain online for a week. It was always going to be a different kind of polling day with the elections being held while there were still many restrictions in place. At the Stewkley Village Hall Polling Station, having gone past the sanitisation point you were still met with a friendly, albeit masked, face. The Poll Clerks on duty above, behind the obligatory screens are, from left to right, Stewkley born and bred, Deborah Stevens, Rachel Kirchin from High Street North, and from Manor Drive, Mary Richards. The result of the election was a Conservative clean- sweep for Great Brickhill Ward, which includes Stewkley. Phil Gomm: 1,889 votes. Unlike the Airport Video shown in April, this entire production was Jilly Jordan: 1,786 votes. shot in widescreen High Definition video. It includes coverage of Iain Macpherson - 1,664 votes. the planning committee in action, school celebrations, church The vote for Thames Valley Police Commissioner was won by services, a music fest at the school, a photo exhibition and, most Matthew Barber with 313,148 votes from across the whole region. spectacularly, the grand parade down the High Street led by the Jubilee Drummers. It also features the day-long festivities in the BROWNIES IN STEWKLEY Rec on the last day, the Bank Holiday Monday. – CAN YOU HELP IT CONTINUE? With 850 views recorded on YouTube, well over 1,500 folk are thought to have watched the Archive’s Airport Campaign Video 2nd Stewkley Brownies is a thriving unit of seven- to ten-year- old Over Our Dead Bodies that was available during the week girls which also has a waiting list. The group meets on Tuesday marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the campaign. evenings (6.15 - 7.30pm) at the Recreation Pavilion. At the start of 2019 the current leadership team started to look JUBILEE VIDEO AVAILABILITY for a new member to take on the long-term running of the unit as The Jubilee Video is available for viewing from 29 May until and including 6 June for smart TVs, tablet and computer they realised younger blood was needed to help it successfully screens via the Stewkley Films slot on YouTube, or can be continue. Obviously this was put on hold because of Covid but accessed via www.stewkleyfilms.org now we really need to find someone. Until we do we cannot offer those on the waiting list a place, as it would be unfair with the threat of closure looming. DEAN ROAD DOG MESS from a Stewkley resident Full training will be given and the current leadership team will be There have been a number of comments on Facebook from there in support, both in the short and long-term. No experience residents complaining about irresponsible dog owners not is necessary. picking up after their dogs and Grapevine has received this Please can you help this very worthwhile activity continue for the letter: young girls of Stewkley. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed an ever-increasing If you would like to know more or just have chat and a visit to see amount of dog mess being left on the verge of Dean Road? I what goes on, please ring Sally on 240742 appreciate it’s not on the road itself, but as one frequently needs to walk on the verge to avoid oncoming vehicles, it turns a STEWKLEY CAR SHOW from The Rec Committee pleasant stroll into quite the opposite when you are forced to play ‘dodge the dog poo’! Only this week I witnessed a lady Stewkley Rec welcomes everyone to a static Car Show on Sunday with two dogs, both doing their business on the verge, which 1 August from 12.30pm onwards. she promptly scooped up - and then proceeded to launch into A total mix of cars covering the classic, vintage and modern eras, the nearest hedge!! Hopefully she just forgot her poo bags that as well as other wheeled wonders, will all be on display. day but leaving any kind of doggy deposit on the path, verge, The Brownies will be offering afternoon tea, cakes and ice in a field or hedge is not what I would call clearing up after your creams, a barbecue and bar will also be available, so come along dog. Dogs make loveable, loyal and rewarding pets, but they to this free event and enjoy another social afternoon at the Rec! also come with responsibilities. Page 4 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021

Nature Watch

As an April like March turned into a May like April, the fading Amphibian Visitors blackthorn blossom was replaced with the hawthorn (header). There are three newt species in the UK; the smooth or common On occasions the showers were like tropical storms, though newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is widespread across the UK, the great temperatures were decidedly un-tropical, and the arrival of crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is rare and protected, and the indoor drinking and dining was met with great relief on 17 May. palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) has patchy UK distribution. Despite the weather the birds carried on building their nests Phil Kempson of Littlecote was thrilled when he spotted some and raising their young. John smooth newts in his garden pond (below). There have also been Sheldon of Ivy Lane told sightings in Dove Street and other gardens in the village. Grapevine about the birdbox Newts are amphibians and breed in water in spring which is that has been in his garden for when they are 20 years (left). “It has residents most frequently every year, usually great tits found in garden seeing off the blue tits. Activity ponds. During has been frenetic and the the breeding tweeting of youngsters is very season, smooth noticeable as the adults swoop males sport a in. Despite the rain and cold we wavy crest along think they are about to fledge their backs, but any day now.” their colour When asked about the impact distinguishes of the cold on nesting birds the them from great crested newts. They are nocturnal and Phil RSPB responded as follows: found it “quite tricky” to get a photo leaning over the pond with “As with most bird species a torch in one hand. During the daytime they hide under plants the laying of eggs and rearing and weeds and might be missed all together. of young is closely related to Frog tadpoles are a favourite food, but a newt’s diet ranges from available food supply and with crustaceans in the water to caterpillars, worms and slugs on land. tits in particular it coincides with grubs as they appear on trees In late summer or autumn smooth newts move from ponds to and shrubs that have come into leaf.” From John’s experience it woodland or marshy areas and will then overwinter in tree roots, seems that despite the cold the grubs were plentiful. under stones or compost heaps.

Six Days in the Life of a Slime Mould researchers at Southampton and Kobe Universities reported that In the second week of May a strange ‘growth’ appeared on a they had built a robot whose movement was remotely controlled wooden post at Littlecote. Similar to the dog vomit featured by a slime mould. The mould directed the robot into a dark in Nature Watch previously, this was another slime mould: the corner, most similar to its own natural habitat. false puffball or cauliflower slime mould(Enteridium lycoperdon) The photographs of the false puffball in Littlecote were taken common in the UK. Although similar to fungi in many ways, slime each morning over six days. On day one it was in its reproductive moulds are grouped as Mycetozoa, meaning literally ‘fungus stage, a white slimy blob, about the size of a half golf ball, with a animals’. defined structure on the surface. Slime moulds begin life as tiny amoeba-like organisms, not visible The surface then develops a smooth papery ‘skin’, underneath to the naked eye. It is only when these individual organisms join which the fruiting body produces brown spores. This ‘skin’ splits together to form a plasmodium that they are noticeable. to reveal the spores which are finally released, as seen on day six, In its plasmodial state slime mould moves, very slowly, in search leaving a spore-print on the wood. of food – which is the key difference between slime moulds and These spores continue the life-cycle, becoming tiny amoeba-like fungi. And not only does it move but it will take the shortest organisms. route to the food source in a maze. Although it may be too far- In parts of Mexico, false puffball slime mould is known as caca de fetched to gift slime moulds with intelligence, this is an example luna – moon’s excrement. of information processing without a nervous system. In 2006 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Sources: The Wildlife Trusts, Froglife, The Mushroom Diary, Woodlands.co.uk, Nature Spot Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 5 Farm Watch by Richard Heady

May is often a month of growth on the farm; the fields and The crazy April weather had me planting crops in the snow, which animals seem to change daily, as the crops bolt upward and was a first for me and I had a tough decision to make. I could either the lambs put on a growth spurt. This is really rewarding, but at pack up and head home, leaving the field half planted, and taking the same time it highlights any short-comings in your decision the now soggy seed back to the farm, risking the seed growing in making during the previous months. Back in April the soil the bags and becoming unusable. Or I could continue planting conditions went from very wet to bone dry in just weeks, and in the snow, keep checking that the machinery was putting the during this period we had to constantly change our decisions seed into and methods to suit conditions, and we did not always get this the soil at right. We used three different seed drills (planters) to get the the correct crops in, varying our choice depending on soil moisture, the depth, and crop type, the previous crop grown in that field and the soil type hope as for that field. You have to make the best decision you can at the darkness time, and depending on the following weather this may prove to fell it be correct or ill-judged. For example we had 4.5 tonnes of bean continued seed that we couldn’t plant in the autumn as it was too wet, but to do so. I as long as we could get it planted early in the spring all was not decided to lost. As the ground conditions dried in April I was keen to get this carry on in the snow, and as it turned out this was the wrong planted and growing, so as soon as the soil allowed I planted it, decision. You can walk across that field today (header) and pick making sure to bury the seeds deep away from the crows. What I out the line between the thick healthy crop planted before the didn’t expect was for no rain to fall for the next three weeks. The snow and the struggling thin crop planted during and after the soil dried hard like concrete and the poor beans really struggled snow. to break through. It looked like a complete disaster. Luckily the ‘Every day is a school day’ in farming, throwing up new scenarios May rain has now softened the clods and allowed some more that you hadn’t expected; sometimes the weather will be on your beans to emerge. side and other times it won’t, but hopefully I can keep learning from my mistakes and become a better farmer each year. PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS ANNUAL PARISH MEETING The following is taken from the draft minutes provided by At the Annual Parish Meeting on 5 May reports on the past year Stewkley Parish Council after its May meeting. were received from the following: Parish Council Planning and Development: Cllrs decided not to comment on application 21/01138/APP: Old Forge Farm, Dunton Road, single Wildlife Reserve storey side and rear extensions, nor on CM/0066/20: Lockharts Scouts Farm Recycling Facility, Wing Road, . The PC resolved Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, to object to 21/01027/APP: 28A High Street North, new vehicular Stewkley Enterprise Agency access following part demolition of garden wall and formation Stewkley Recreation Ground Association of hard-standing in front garden (part retrospective). They did Stewkley Tennis Club support 21/01464/APP: The Coal Shed, 3 Old Coal Yard, single Stewkley Town and Poors Land Charity storey front/side extension and alterations to roof. To see see the reports in full please visit the council website at: Cllrs attention was drawn to late-night Enforcement: https://stewkley.org.uk/may-2021-minutes-of-stewkley-annual- deliveries of road planings to Red Brick Farm, Dunton Road, parish-meeting/ in an apparent breach of planning permission. SPC resolved to support submission of a report to the Council HAS IT BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU USED Enforcement Officer. YOUR BUS PASS? Finance: Payments as shown on invoice list were agreed. If you have not used your bus pass during lockdown check it is It was agreed to store the ‘Tier 1’ report Burial Ground: still valid before you travel. permanently on Dropbox. The Clerk will consult with other clerks to find out what methods of long-term storage they use. To renew an Older Person bus pass go to www.buckinghamshire. gov.uk/public-transport or use the automated phone line at : The state of the verges on Dove Street was discussed. Highways 01296 873011. Vale of Housing Trust has claimed that some of the damage was caused by vehicles other than their contractors. To renew a Disabled Person bus pass contact the Bus Pass Team The Trust will be re-contacted to discuss further remediation. on 01296 674747 or email [email protected] Annual Parish Council Meeting 24th May – Preparations for the meeting were discussed, the first non-virtual meeting since the start of lockdown. GRAPEVINE DEADLINE Cllr Wodey – The Chairman thanked Cllr Wodey for all her hard work in the years she has been a Cllr and in her time as Chair of for articles and adverts SPC. 15th of month prior to publication Date of Next Meeting. Monday 5 July at 7.30 pm in the Village email: [email protected] Hall {to be confirmed) Page 6 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 OBITUARY: JOAN WOOD Another land purchase followed and the Woods set to work creating homes in Folding Close. They moved into the end Joan Wood may have been born in house, where Joan created her own small-holding with a pig, Bletchley and lived her early years in Stoke cattle and sheep and, of course, horses. Hammond but, like her late husband, she She was a regular exhibitor at the Village Hall Flower and Produce became a pillar of the Stewkley community. Show, usually gathering awards. She was active too in sporting Joan, active and competitive to the end, competitions, some inter-village games during the campaign to died unexpectedly after being rushed to save Stewkley from the Third London Airport. hospital from her home in Dean Road. She In later years Joan became involved in racehorse ownership was 83. syndicates, working with several well-known trainers. She would For so many years, Joan and husband attend race meetings all over the country, sometimes making Charlie, who died in 2006, were doyens of three or more long journeys each week when ‘her’ horses were village cricket activities; he the fastest bowler, and she organiser in action. of, and contributor to, the legendary Stewkley cricket teas. In 1987 the first of four grandchildren arrived. Nine years later her Joan was not always in a supporting role. She had her own husband Charlie died aged just 67. In 1997 she was at the Rec sporting interests, first as Captain and more recently as the where an oak tree was planted in his memory. A Vice President long-serving Chairman of Stewkley Short Mat Bowls Club – until of the cricket club, she was asked to unveil a commemorative Covid restrictions came into force she remained an energetic plaque when the Rec Pavilion was updated. member of the village team as it competed in local league and Joan leaves behind her daughter Julia and son Andrew, four cup matches. grandchildren, and her sister, Mary. Two great grandchildren are Joan was born Joan Price to her mother, Alice, without the help due to arrive shortly. A funeral service was held at . of doctor, midwife or even her husband. Joan’s father Dick Price Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Stewkley Vicarage was out searching for a doctor, but the new daughter arrived Cricket Club and The Injured Jockeys Fund. To donate, visit: too quickly at their farmhouse home in Bletchley, located near https://joan-wood-1937-2021.muchloved.com. where the Lakes Estate now dominates. It was a farmhouse with Joan Wood, born 2 August 1937, died 27 April 2021. no electricity, or inside toilet. In her early years, farm children were seen as a free source of OBITUARY: PETER GRIMLEY labour and Joan would skip school to help with the harvest. A Stewkley resident for more than 40 years, Her parents were, however, not without a penny or two, and Peter Grimley has died from complications Joan was sent to the private Gables School at Leighton Buzzard after contracting Covid-19. He was 89. along with sister Mary. She enjoyed good times with her ponies, Peter and wife Ann lived in the same house taking part in point-to-point races and gymkhanas, and going in High Street North all their married life. fox hunting with the Whaddon Chase. Her love of countryside Behind what was, in 1980, their new home, and horse racing stayed throughout her life. St. Michael’s School had recently been One early photograph encapsulates her love of horses, and her built, and afterwards the school’s nature competitive nature. area, including pond, was created next door. Two of his grand-daughters went to the village school and both they and their friends fondly remember ‘grandpa’ sneakily passing Ritz biscuits through the fence at break time. Peter and Ann’s involvement in village life was hampered by the fact that they loved their holiday caravan in the south of France, a love that took them away from the village for four or five months every year. Peter was born in 1932 in the Indian town of Nainital in the foothills of the Himalayas, the first child of Frank Bridgeman Grimley, the provincial Inspector of Police, and his wife Avis. He spent the first 16 years of his life in India until the British Raj ended and he was shipped to England, a country of which he Competitive even in her youth had no previous experience. Together with his 12-year-old sister Jean, he arrived in Liverpool by boat in 1948. After Joan’s mother died of cancer in 1958, her father sold the In England he lived with his mother for a while, then enlisted in Bletchley farm and bought a smaller affair, Oak Farm at Stoke the Army, joining the 40th Field Squadron of the Royal Engineers Hammond. It was fortunate for Stewkley, for while in the ‘scorer’ based in Germany. In early 1953, Peter’s unit was sent to the aid role for her then boyfriend’s Stoke Hammond cricket team of the Dutch people after serious flooding and helped to rescue during a match against Stewkley, she met Charlie Wood. many from the rising waters. In 1956 he was deployed to Egypt Despite the complication of another boyfriend, they got together during the Suez crisis and was wounded in action, being shot in and married in April 1960. Early life as a couple was in a room at the leg by a sniper. Undeterred by his wound, Peter turned and the King’s Head in High Street North and daughter Julia soon shot his attacker dead. arrived. In 1963 after a short spell in an Ivy Lane cottage, they Back home in England, at the age of 26, he married and had purchased a building plot at 45b High Street North, opposite a son, Adrian. The marriage was short-lived, and more than 20 what was then the post office. Charlie was in the building trade years later he remarried. His new wife, Ann Wilson, was a former and they worked hard to build their first real home there. Son neighbour and both had been divorced. Andrew arrived during this time. Peter was employed by the GPO, later British Telecom. He was Joan took on a part-time job delivering meat for a local butcher, a telephone engineer and worked at the main switching hub on and then helped in the dispensary at the Wing Surgery. the South Bank in London, routing communications across the The family briefly moved to Drayton Parslow while Charlie built Atlantic. He set off from Stewkley at 5.30am every weekday on a second home in Stewkley, this time in High Street South, the train to London up until retirement. opposite the entrance to Dove Street. Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 7 He was devoted to Ann, to whom he was married for almost 40 Wife Joyce always supported John in his working life. They had years. Recently, during the lock-down, the couple’s health ailed. married in her home village of Southam in Warwickshire in 1962 Despite his own infirmity, Peter insisted on caring for Ann until and moved home from time to time as he changed companies – he was taken to hospital with a heart problem. He picked up from Kent to Carlisle, then back to Kent, and in 1986 a final move, Covid in hospital, dying after a ten-week battle to overcome the to Haywood Park, Stewkley, after the Wellcome Foundation virus. assigned him to its Berkhamstead office. In addition to his wife Ann, he leaves behind his son, his sister, a Joyce was working as a teacher when they met, and on arriving step-son and step-daughter, and seven grandchildren. A funeral at Stewkley she took up a post at Overstone School in Wing. service at Bierton was attended by relatives and friends from During the intervening years, the couple had two children, France. Richard born in 1965, and Elizabeth two years later. Peter Grimley born 7 January 1932, died 4 April 2020. John had a passion for music, classical and opera, and one of his great memories was attending a performance of Carmen at OBITUARY: JOHN PILLEY the Sydney Opera House with Joyce. He was a member at the Dankworth’s entertainment venue, The Stables, at Wavendon, Back copies of the Grapevine are littered enjoying everything from classical music to jazz. In his younger with the name John Pilley. As a leading days he played cricket as Joyce prepared cricket teas and in member of the village walkers’ association football, he supported Birmingham City. he and wife Joyce led so many of the organised walks that together their names John developed alzheimer’s disease just over two years ago and appear in many editions between 1997 was taken into care at Carey Lodge, Wing. Ten weeks ago he and 2010. was admitted to hospital and after six weeks was discharged to another care home, Lewin House in Aylesbury, where he died. John died last month in an Aylesbury care home after a two-year battle with He leaves behind his wife, son, daughter and four grandchildren. alzheimer’s disease. He was 91. A funeral service was held at Bierton. In his active days, the Stewkley Walkers went under the name of John Edward Pilley, born 28 February 1930, died 9 May SROWA, Stewkley Rights of Way Association. He was variously 2021. Chairman, Vice Chairman and a committee member. He was instrumental in setting up the Walkers’ first web site, and was OBITUARY: JULIE SMITH part of the team that ran a plant stall at the annual Village Hall Villager Julie Smith, who has died aged 54, show. was a popular maths teacher at Aylesbury After retiring from a corporate life in 1995, his contribution to Grammar School, a teacher who over the years taught many Stewkley teenagers. When possible she visited St Michael’s School ahead of a new school year to say hello to pupils about to make the step up. Julie first started teaching at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in 1988, leaving nine years later to bring up her own children, Ben and Chloe. Once they were old enough she returned to work at Aylesbury Grammar School. Julie was born and brought up in the Yorkshire village of Thornton, not far from Bradford, by her parents, Tony Townsend, In trademark bobble hat, out with Stewkley Walkers. a Detective Inspector with Yorkshire Police, and his wife, Hazel. She went to university and during her first year met her husband- village life also covered a range of other activities. He helped to-be Ian on a snowy December pub run into Derbyshire. They draw up Stewkley’s first Parish Plan in 2010 and was one of the married in 1990. first members of the Parish Council’s Transport SubCommittee Fifteen years ago, by then with their children, they moved into formed in the same year, being directly involved in negotiations Maltings Close. with the Tuckwell family of whose agricultural vehicles were causing concern. In a notice on the Grammar School website, the Headmaster described Julie as “a tutor who made her students feel like a John was one of the first two villagers to be trained in the family, that they were part of something special ….. she had an operation of the Speed Watch equipment, and he and Joyce impact on so many lives”. were always on the list of volunteer medical drivers – offering to take immobile villagers to and from medical appointments. Julie’s passion in life was her love for maths and teaching – she would often sit at home and work through maths questions, For a time, he was Chairman of the Committee of Leighton problems and exam papers just for the challenge. Buzzard charitable organisation Homestart, and a member of the town’s Council of Voluntary Organisations. She made many friends in the village, some the result of walking the family’s pet cocker spaniels, Pip and Lottie, over the Rec John Edward Pilley was born in Birmingham, the son of a tobacco and the fields beyond. Julie’s Stewkley friends, and others from salesman. After schooling he studied at Aston College, majoring earlier periods in her life, were there to support her in recent in Personnel and Management Training, learning skills he put months when she needed them most. to use throughout his working life with a number of blue chip companies. He said his most satisfying work was with his last These days daughter Chloe is at university studying Professional employer, the Wellcome Foundation. Dance and Musical Theatre, while son Ben has graduated from Loughborough in History and is planning to start a Masters in During his years with the Foundation he ran training courses Law in September. for various members of the management team, including a number in the USA. He also scripted some of the Foundation’s She leaves behind her husband, son and daughter, as well as her advertising videos, working with BBC newsreaders who voiced parents, and brother. A funeral service was held at Bierton. them. After Richard Baker’s contribution one year, it was Sue Donations to Cancer Research UK in memory of Julie are invited Lawley’s turn the next. He fondly remembered the end of their at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/juliesmith2021. working sessions – as it ended, he would tell, Sue kissed him. Julie Smith born July 6 1966, died 18 April 2021. Page 8 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 THE WINSLOW GROUP AT BUCKS ART WEEKS 12-27 JUNE 2021 The Winslow Group will be taking part in Bucks Art Weeks at the same delightful venue as in 2019, including three talented Stewkley artists, Bob King, Caroline Newland-Smith and Diana Sheldon. The exhibition will be held above the former Rural District Council Offices at 28 High Street, Winslow and will be opening every in a durable and day of Bucks Art Weeks from Saturday 12 to useable artefact. Sunday 27 June between 11am and 5pm. Having explored However, if anyone would like a ‘private view’ of the show outside BOB’S BOWL an idea, I tend these hours, the Group will be happy to arrange it. Covid-19 to move on to restrictions applying in all instances. something new.” Bob is currently working on a series of large Showcasing in the exhibition will be fresh exciting work from the platters for the show, using metallic lustres to accentuate aspects eight Group members, working in the disciplines of ceramics, of the design. watercolour painting, wood and metal sculpture, textiles, Diana spent the long winter of lockdown escaping to Morocco, pottery, digital graphics, printmaking and photography…in fact Spain and Italy through her painting, working from photographs something to interest everyone. and sketches in her Ivy Lane studio. She told the Grapevine Arts For further information, or to arrange a private viewing, please Editor, “With no possibility to travel, I turned for inspiration to what contact Adrian on 07976-796675 or e-mail: surrounded [email protected]. me, not in my garden but Caroline told the Grapevine, in my studio; “I have used the my very messy lockdown periods paint box, my to set up my own brushes and pottery at home, the marks experimenting they make. with new forms It has been and glazes, a productive using the time to time with no challenge myself deadlines, artistically and enabling me technically. I have to work full- made a number time.” of twin-walled All three perforated pots. Stewkley artists This tall vase is are looking CAROLINE’S VASE modelled on a forward to typical cooling exhibiting their tower form and is one of the tallest pieces I will be showing.” breadth of DIANA’S PAINTING work formally Bob confided that all his stoneware and porcelain is something of a discovery for him, “I like the flexibility of working in clay. and to giving a warm welcome to friends and visitors in their It allows me to experiment with form and surface, and results lovely venue. Do go and see them there. WANDERING WILDLIFE Isobelle Couling and her friend Sophia Batten found a hedgehog As reported in Nature in the middle of the Recreation ground. Concerned that it would Watch several newts get attacked by another animal they moved it into a hedgerow. have been spotted Grapevine checked with Tiggywinkles (www.sttiggywinkles.org. in the village, with uk/) to see if it usual for hedgehogs to be so exposed. Their finds in Dove Street advice is: “Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at and Walducks Close, night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably which both border in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife the St Michael’s rescue centre. To find your nearest rescue centre, check www. Park development. helpwildlife.co.uk.” There are concerns that the newts have been ‘evicted’ from their normal habitat. It should be noted though that when on land, newts occupy a range of damp habitats from woodlands and pastures to gardens. Photo from Becky House Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 9 Methodist Chapel St Michael’s Church Minister: Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly Benefice Rector: Rev Howard Robson The Manse, Tel: 01296 688593 High Street South Team Vicar: Rev Dr Andrew Krauss Tel 07508213154 Tel 240589 Church Wardens Email: [email protected] Neil Dickens­ [email protected] Tel: 242253 Web: www.aylesburyvale.org.uk Judy Walker­ [email protected] Tel: 240444

SERVICES and NOTICES for JUNE SERVICES and NOTICES for JUNE Subject to Covid Restrictions there will be the following services. Subject to Government restrictions services will be held as fol- Please let Lin Jones know on 217795 if you wish to attend. lows. Please wear masks. See Facebook @ St Michael’s Church 6 10.30am Mr David Neville Stewkley for further details. 13 10am Tune in to a Zoom Service taken by the 6 10am Holy Communion Stewards. Please contact them for link. 13 10am Family Service 20 10.30am Baptism – Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly 20 10am Holy Communion 27 10.30am Mr Ken Harris 27 10am Holy Communion † The Annual Parish Church Meeting – 7pm Monday 28th June MESSAGE FROM THE STEWARDS † Food Bank: The porch is open for contributions which now Rev Broadbent-Kelly is currently on leave so go to Leighton Linslade Homeless Service. Many thanks to all the Stewards send the following message: donors. We, like everyone else, have been managing to † To sponsor the illumination of St Michael’s to celebrate a special keep in touch with the rest of our congregation by event or in remembrance of a loved one please contact Geoff sending out a weekly newsletter by email, having Ball 249765 coffee mornings and some services on Zoom. It has been hard and a little unreal not to meet MESSAGE FROM THE BENEFICE RECTOR face to face, but we have relied on God’s help REV HOWARD ROBSON to see us through this time and are now looking forward to opening One of the big plusses about coming out of for services in June, although we will still have to be socially lockdown is that we can meet up again! Fantastic. distanced. We also hope to begin providing food from the end of But what if you have restricted mobility or are June to once again spread God’s love to a wider community while housebound? Not really much change, save for raising funds for the Chapel and Charity. more visitors. This is where the benefice-wide (meaning all eight of our parishes) Prayer Sheet Subject to Covid restrictions steps in. This initiative simply invites those who are tied to the indoors to take part in the prayer CAKE SALE AND LIGHT LUNCHES life of the church; to pray for our communities, our schools, church In the Chapel School Room life both general and particular, plus prayers for ourselves. It will Saturday 26 June 10.30am – 1.30pm be delivered either online or a paper copy and will be written each Coffee, cake and/or a light lunch month by Lay Minister Annie, Rev Andrew or myself. More details will appear on the I pioneered this idea when I was at Vicar School and on placement Stewkley Face Book page nearer the time. in a sprawling post-war housing estate in Sunderland. I then took it to my first two posts after ordination, both in rural areas. In one Subject to Covid restrictions village, it was credited with reinvigorating the church – which was very humbling. Prayer works then. THE COFFEE STOP RETURNS What we need is to know who would like to take part and also, who Thursday 1 July would be willing to distribute two or three paper prayer sheets each In the Pavilion from 10.30am to 12 noon month. With safeguarding in mind, distributors would need a DBS Raffle in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice (Disclosure and Barring Service) check which we would organise. And for clarity, anybody can have the prayer sheet if they wish. On a related note, if you or someone you know would like to chat to Annie, Rev Andrew or myself, please get in touch. Our contact details are listed above. Both Andrew and myself are new here and with lockdown, have been unable to be as visible as we would have liked. With every blessing, Rev Howard Robson

CAKE, BOOK, JIGSAW AND TOY SALE On Saturday 15 May, St Michael’s Church held a cake sale in the garage of Geoff and Debbie Ball on High Street North. (Picture left). Despite the very wet weather the event still raised £650 for church funds. Thanks go to all who donated to and supported the event. Pictured L-R Sharon Dooley, Debbie Ball and Ann Latham. Page 10 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 DOWN MEMORY LANE Continuing our series looking at Stewkley past and present

The Gentle Sweep of High Street South One of the widest stretches of the village High Street, this wide, long and gentle sweep of High Street South still retains its grass verges on both sides and its distant view of mature trees linking to the countryside behind. There is a slight but discernible cross-gradient in the road which enhances the shrub and tree boundary on the east side and reduces the impact of newer housing development at Lovetts End and Maltings Close, set lower than the road, to the west. In the 1930’s image, the chimneys of Griffin’s substantial brick farmhouse can just be seen behind the © magnificent thatched barn which stood half-hipped, gable end onto the High Street. All lost today of course, Griffin’s Farm occupied the site on High Street South where four bungalows now stand. At the vanishing point of both images can be seen the Methodist Chapel and Clarendon House. On the right is another Grade II Listed Building, Grove Cottage, No 44 High Street South. Having a gabled thatched elevation and principal ridge at right angles to the High Street, this home with its attractive and miniature single-storey bay, reinforces the distinctive rural character of the village. © Images used in Grapevine are produced with the permission of the persons supplying them, are copyrighted to them and may not be © reproduced. We are not able to supply copies.

FROM THE GRAPEVINE 10 YEARS AGO… FROM THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AGO… From June 2011, there was a kerfuffle of From June 2001, the Village Hall Committee a reshuffle at the Parish Council when adopted a report from its working group to chairman of 17 years Cllr Arthur Lyttle was proceed with a £100,000 plus scheme to extend unexpectedly ousted by Cllr Paul Smith… and upgrade the present hall…Stewkley had the Bucks Best Kept Village judges were now reached the head of the Bucks County about to descend on Stewkley…Stewkley Council queue to borrow repayable funds for Local History Group was launching its publication a traffic calming scheme for the entire village which of the history of Stewkley School to mark the school’s 150th was to be the subject of an exhibition and consultation by anniversary, to coincide with the school’s annual fete and the Parish Council…scaffolding had been erected around street parade…the village mourned the passing of well- St Michael’s Church as investigations got under way into the known character and Japanese POW veteran Noel Samuel condition of the stonework, prior to long-planned conservation aged 94…there was to be a Norman encampment and work to both West and East elevations and the Tower… an evening concert of classical piano music and poetry Eleanor Johnson, who made public service to Stewkley and during St Michael’s Church Flower Festival…lots of village the local area part of her life, had passed away aged 85 years… celebrations went on to mark the Royal Wedding in the Rec former local lad Al Murray (aka the Pub Landlord) was quoted Pavilion, Village Hall and a street party off Ivy Lane…and in the national press giving great praise to his junior school Nature Watch featured Chinese water deer in residence off headmaster in Stewkley, the late Geoffrey Ginn, “He’d been a Dunton Road. paratrooper in 1944 and was a tremendous teacher.” Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 11 ADVERTISING IN STEWLKEY GRAPEVINE FOR SALE The Stewkley Grapevine is published monthly, except for January. CLASSIC VEHICLES Car & Caravan from Long-time Stewkley Copies are distributed free of charge to all households (over 780) in Stewkley. Further copies are made available for visitors at various Resident. 1985 Citroen 2CV-Sunflower Yellow, Galvanised Chassis locations in the­­­ village. It is also available for download at £3,500 o.n.o www.stewkleygrapevine.co.uk 1981 Rapido Folding Caravan-ingenious French design, well Publication date: 1st of each month except January. equipped, Offers invited. Call Geoff on 240593. Deadline for advertisements: 15th of month prior to publication. Advertising Copy: By email to [email protected] or by HOME MAINTENANCE hand to 111A High Street South. T.G.R ELECTRICAL

Display Ad Format: Stewkley based, Elecsa Approved Electrician. Sockets, lights etc. Electronic advertisements should be supplied as .pdf, but we can also accept .doc or hi resolution .jpg files.For best quality, images should be Free quotes. Call: 240498 or Mobile: 07840 100501 300dpi. All advertisements are printed in greyscale. Please check your ad STEWKLEY DECORATING is readable in monochrome. Pre-paid ads may be changed at no extra cost. Quality work, Guaranteed, Fully Insured, Reliable, Trustworthy & PDA Member. Instagram @stewkleydecs. [email protected] Classified Ad Guidelines: Generally one line header, plus up to 12 words of text, plus contact www.StewkleyDecorating.com Call Stewart on 07981 226922 details. One line header plus 13- 24 words of text, plus contact details for DAVE REID. FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTER twice the price. Kitchen & bathroom upgrades, staircase conversions, Stewkley Non-Stewkley Advertising Rates: Replacement doors, general maintenance & small building work. For Sale (Max of 2 items) £5 £10 07939 146630 email: [email protected] (Soulbury) Classified £5 £10 Classified highlighted £10 £20 JTS DECORATING SERVICE & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Forthcoming events Free* Not available Call John on 240372, mobile: 07809 113090, (*Limited to Classified Allowance). Email: [email protected] Display, Eighth Page £15 £25 (w:94 x h:65mm landscape) LEE’S GARDENING & LANDSCAPES Display, Quarter Page £25 £35 (w:94 x h:135mm portrait) All aspects of gardening, landscaping & general maintenance. Display, Half Page £35 £55 (w:194 x h:135mm landscape) Reliable & friendly service. Lee Southall - 07776 292824 Ad Payment Terms: Payment in advance of first publication 3-5 issues 5% discount SERVICES 6-10 issues 10% discount COUNTRY FRAME 11 issues (annual) 15% discount The complete picture framing service. From prints and posters to Monthly Standing Order on 12th of month. 10% Discount. Minimum paintings and needlework. Tel: 240163 / 07771 508805 : Paul period - 6 months. Cost of 11 Issues is spread over 12 months. Body. Please call first. Ad Payment and copy Contact: HORSE RIDING LESSONS IN STEWKLEY 01525 242137 or email: [email protected] From complete beginners to experienced riders. Adults and children. Fully licensed/ insured. Call Sarah Gammon, Kilnholm Stables. 240529 or 07712 854034. 1-2-1 TUITION IN MATHS, SCIENCE, ENGLISH Maths, Science/Physics: KS1-4, English: KS2. Inc 11+ Qualified 121 tutor with CRB. Call Roger Crews on 07946 568153 or Email: [email protected] STORAGE

Automotive Engineers STEWKLEY STORAGE LTD For all your storage needs. Domestic & Commercial Rooms & Containers. Larkshill Farm, Stewkley Rd, Soulbury Forge Farm, Wing Road, Stewkley www.stewkleystorage.co.uk Tel: 01525 240297 Andrew Gurnett MOUNT PLEASANT FARM STORAGE For a reliable service and all your 20 foot shipping containers available for general storage motoring needs, give me a call Short or long term lets at competitive rates Mount Pleasant Farm, Dunton Road, Stewkley Tel: 07866 609047 or Email: [email protected] Servicing Tyres NEW DOG WALKING BUSINESS based in Stewkley MOT’s Repairs I am a Level3 Animal Management student who has recently set up a dog walking business. Exhausts I have a qualification in dog walking, first aid in puppies, dogs and humans as well as a Level3 & more Stewkley BTech in Sport. Golf Club Contact Nicole on: Tel: 01525 240991 Facebook: K-9 Kompanions, Mobile: 07980 600095 Instagram: k9kompanions2 Forge Farm T: 07930 716146 Wing E: [email protected] Page 12 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 D.B’S GAS PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES CHARLES HILL Local village company with GARDEN SERVICES LTD over 25 years experience. DESIGN I BUILD I MAINTAIN Boiler breakdowns, repairs & servicing. Full heating installations and extensions. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS Gas safety checks and certification NCH Horticulture. City & Guilds Garden Design A professional company working with all your garden NO JOB TOO SMALL requirements from design to complete landscape. All workmanship fully insured O.A.P. 10% DISCOUNT ON HOURLY RATES 07773 723236 NO CALL OUT CHARGE. COMPETITIVE RATES. www.charleshillgardenservices.co.uk Tel office: 240784 www.allyearoundbbq.co.uk Tel Daron: 07799 122971

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1 Wing Road, High Street South, Stewkley Page 14 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Smash your goals and get results at Hunt Fitness

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HUNTER’S GARAGE

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prior arrangement. 01525 240696 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 15 DAMIAN STEWART PLUMBING & HEATING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER ● For all your Plumbing equirements Specialised building work ● Boiler & appliance inst ystem upgrades, servicing, fault finding & repair ● Oilboiler and tank ins t epair New builds and extensions ● Complete bathroom inst ● No job too small / Fee no obliga e / No call out charge Tel: 01296 688968 / 07527 900028 Kitchens supplied and fitting service E mail: [email protected] www.damianstewartplumbing.co.uk 7 Chiltern Road, , Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 2QQ

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THE SWAN Stewkley 01525 240285

The team are delighted to be back open again and The pub will open from 9am at the weekends for some hopefully it’s back for good this time! mouth-watering breakfast items and speciality coffees We’ve been working hard whilst we’ve been closed to otherwise our normal opening hours are: make our menu even tastier than before, more items Wednesdays-to-Sundays 11am to 11pm. are locally sourced and homemade so the quality is even Finally, we are planning some exciting events for the more consistent than before! We’ve also improved our summer, including BBQ’s, music events and much more range of ice creams with tasty toppings that the kids will so please watch this space. love! We’ve also improved the garden, including much better Please call the Swan on 01525 240285 to make a lighting and invested in lots of new furniture with smart booking or order a takeaway or email us at new umbrellas for the summer sun and the occasional [email protected]. shower! Our sister pub The Old Red Lion at Great Brickhill For the first time ever we are offering a takeaway menu would be delighted to see you all too, please call 01525 for collection. 261715 or email at [email protected] Also, from the 17 May when we can offer you dining inside again and we will be offering a brand new breakfast menu for those lazy weekend brunches. Thank you so much for your support! Page 16 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 A.B.EATON KG HAYERS • BATHROOM DESIGN & INSTALLATION Carpentry - Joinery - Maintenance • PLUMBING HEATING www.kghcarpentry.co.uk • UNDERFLOOR HEATING • TILING & REFURBISHMENT  City & Guilds Qualified • APPRENTICESHIP SERVED  General Carpentry & Joinery • OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE  Doors  Storage Solutions CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE  Locks 07801 938632  Kitchen Installation & Upgrades  Staircase Upgrades  General Property Repairs  Domestic & Commercial  Fully Insured  Waste Carriers License  Free Quotes

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MOTs, Tyres and puncture repairs Stewkley Grapevine June 2021 Page 19 Chappell Plumbing and Heating Ltd HUNTER PEST SERVICES Fully qualified and insured gas safe engineer. All central heating and hot water work undertaken. Boiler servicing, breakdowns and installations. Domestic and Commercial Pest Control Landlord certificates. Fast, Reliable, Discreet | No call out charge Stewkley based. Beds, Bucks and surrounding areas. Contact Tim Hunter T:07976 802 362 07725 480047 E: [email protected] www.hunterpestservices.co.uk [email protected] Moles, Rats Fleas, Bed Bugs, Wasps Cockroaches, Glis-glis, Squirrels All crawling and flying insects, Pest birds and much more... 568424 www.chappellheating.co.uk Page 20 Stewkley Grapevine June 2021

Continuing our series on Stewkley characters past by Bunt Scott. Fred Heley 1917 - 1995 I remember Fred Heley as a placid and genial rosy-faced farmer. He lived at Dovecote Farmhouse (now called Dove House) High Street South with his mother Lizzie. Fred’s family were village farmers owning quite a lot of land, some below Dovecote Farmhouse but most being along the Soulbury Road. Fred, along with his older brother George and mother Lizzie, ran the farm until it was bought by neighbouring farmers H Faulkner and Sons in 1963. Dovecote Farmhouse was part of the deal and Fred was allowed to remain there until he eventually moved to a bungalow in Sycamore Close. Faulkners incorporated the Soulbury Road land into Walducks Farm where for some years Fred helped out with some of the routine jobs. Brother George had married Bessie Bailey a village school teacher and lived in High Street North. Mother Lizzie, a great bosomy and formidable lady, but also very kind-hearted, died in 1967. As a teenager I helped Derrick Smith deliver Sunday papers and I remember delivering Fred’s paper at Dovecote Farmhouse where he lived alone, Fred Heley in May 1989 exclusively in one downstairs room. It was all a bit dingy with light coming from a single bulb hanging from the ceiling. I had the shot enlarged to A4 size and presented it to Fred was chirpy enough and always out and about on his bike in his flat cap him. He never twigged that it was not of him posing and raincoat tied at the middle with a bit of baler twine. The photo shows at the gate and taken from on high. Thankfully he Fred on his bike arriving at 7 High Street North (where I now live) and about was chuffed to bits with the image and immediately to visit the Hedges brothers, Ray and George. Fred would stop at the gate took it to show Colleen Burnett, his great friend and and loudly clear his throat which was a signal. If either brother responded companion. with a similar loud throat-clearing then Fred would wander in for a chat. If no Fred spoke with a wonderful Stewkley accent and signal then off he would trundle on his bike. one of his favourite sayings was, “’At’s neither On one occasion I was on the church roof with my camera and spotted faggots nor ‘ard ‘ood (hard wood).” Meaning it’s Fred arriving at number 7. I shouted down, “Hey Fred give us a smile.” He neither here nor there and a phrase that Fred responded with a noble pose at the gate and I took his photo. Unfortunately managed to apply liberally to many a situation. I had run out of film so no shot. The next time I saw him he said how much Fred was born and bred in Stewkley, lived here all his he’d like to see the photo. Feeling guilty I agreed to show him once I’d had life and was of the generation that had little need to the film developed (not digital in those days). I lay in wait for him, hidden in ever leave the village. He had a lovely demeanour, Dormer Cottage garden, and managed to secretly take the photo of him on was full of gentle mischief and had a twinkling smile his bike. that endeared him to many. VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS TACKLE THE HILL BUCKS ART WEEKS from Lindsay Waring SLIDE from Janette Eustace 12 - 27 June 2021. Free entry with 13 Artists’ Studios open. Stewkley artist Lindsay Waring will be exhibiting in her new studio at the 17th-Century Farm House, Westbury Arts Centre, Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, MK5 6AA. “I’m thrilled to have a new studio at Westbury Art Centre where 20 other artists work and a staggering 12 artists will be opening to the public this year to showcase how much amazing talent we have in this county.” The venue welcomes families, artists and the curious. All Covid guidelines will be in place including a one-way system. Refreshments will be available in the marquee, limited disabled access. Please support your local artist and enjoy a wonderful day in beautiful surroundings.

The new hill slide was installed last year but due to the very wet weather it had become a mud slide and was getting dangerous. Charles Hill and five of his neighbours volunteered to repair it with matting and grass seed and completed the task on Saturday 15 May. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved. Please stay away from the fenced off area to give the grass a chance to grow.