News from February 2020 February 2020 Abtalk

Pa r i s h Co u n c i l To stand for election, you need Mike Greenhalgh to complete a nomination form which must be delivered by 4pm on It is Election Year Wednesday 8th April 2020. You can County Council and obtain copies from the Clerk or go to South Northants Council are being www.electoralcommission.org.uk and replaced by a single Unitary Authority. search for Candidate Guide for Parish This means that all the local services Council elections. There is some useful will be provided by a single authority information in this guide as well as a dominated by the needs of the town link to the necessary form. of Northampton. As far as we know Bus Service it will not make any difference to the Parish Council. Elections for the new The loss of the community bus service Unitary authority take place in May a couple of years ago left our village in preparation for it to take over next without any public transport. The year. Parish Council is conscious that At the same time Parish Council as people get older, they may find elections will also be held. For many themselves unable to drive and years there has never been a contested therefore in need of public transport. election for the Parish, which is not Ability Community Transport is able really in the spirit of local democracy. to meet that need but will only do so In any case, there will be at least one if there are enough people to justify vacancy to be filled. a regular service. For instance, a Have you considered putting service from now runs on yourself up for election? As a councillor a regular schedule to . The representing your community you will Parish Council will have to assist with help keep Abthorpe a great place in setting up a service and will try to do which to live and work. You should so if there is a real need. Just let one have a positive outlook and a can-do of the Councillors know. attitude and be willing to work as part Village Tidiness of a team. If you are interested contact our Clerk, Tina Emerton by e-mail at The work done last year to tidy up [email protected]. the paths around the village green and church was much appreciated so

Editorial Team: Alison Robbins [email protected]; 857795 Tricia Holmes [email protected]; 358491 Keith Fenwick [email protected]; 857083 2 Abtalk February 2020 this year it is intended to extend the and also to ask about anything that areas covered. The cost is funded by concerns you. Come along to the Old some of the money we receive from School at 7.45pm. the solar farm near Towcester. Neighbourhood Wa t c h Speeding in the Village Following a number of crimes This is a perennial problem but the use committed in Abthorpe in the last of the speed sign seems to help so a few months the Parish Council looked second sign has now been purchased into how the village communicates which means there will always be one information about crimes committed at each end of the village. or anything suspicious. There are currently three ways the village attempts this: using Neighbourhood Watch/Abthorpe Scheme (9 people registered), Abthorpe Alerts via the village website (36 registered) and lastly Facebook/Abthorpe Noticeboard (302 registered). The Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Abthorpe has been going for a number of years but only a few parishioners are signed up to it. Only these people get the Alerts sent out on a local basis from Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch, local Police and other trusted agencies. Neighbourhood Watch’s main aims are to prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime, improve safety, and encourage neighbourliness across our communities. We feel that getting a larger section of the village community signed up will benefit the inhabitants and keep us all safer. You Annual Parish Meeting will see a ‘flyer’ with this edition of The Annual Meeting for everyone in Abtalk, which explains how to sign Abthorpe takes place on Monday 4th up to the Abthorpe Neighbourhood May. This is your opportunity to find Watch scheme and gives a useful out what has been happening with crime prevention checklist. various organisations in the village 3 February 2020 Abtalk

Joining Abthorpe Alerts is easy via Please get involved and sign up to one, the village website at www.abthorpe. two or even all of these schemes. net. Simply click on the Abthorpe Alerts email, sign up and then fill in your Do g g y b u s i n e s s details. Alerts are more focused on the More than one resident has suggested village than Neighbourhood Watch but that ‘doggy poo’ bins be provided in the take longer to be distributed. village. Following several discussions, The final way of communicating at Parish Council meetings the idea was is through Facebook by applying to rejected. The main argument against join the Abthorpe Noticeboard on it is that someone would have to Facebook, whereby you will get very empty and current information about suspicious m a i n t a i n goings on and any local crimes that t h e b i n s . have been reported. Facebook is also As dogs are used to inform people what is going wa l ke d i n on in Abthorpe and other neighbouring many areas, villages. A co-ordinator from Abthorpe several bins oversees the page. For those not on w o u l d b e Facebook we are aiming to get the n e e d e d . Facebook ‘crime alerts’ sent out on And it still needs dog owners to be the Abthorpe Alert platform. responsible for picking up the deposits The Parish Council will be organising in the first place. for some bright yellow Neighbourhood Watch posters to be displayed around Fo o t p a t h Ne w s the village, informing all that this is a David Robbins, Parish Footpath Warden Neighbourhood Watch village. There [email protected] are also some stickers available to Users of rights of way in Bucknell householders to place on a window Woods, of whom there are many in near the front door. Abthorpe, should be aware that the We aim to raise awareness of ways main byway (RA24) running from the of preventing crime while making sure chicken farm, directly west through that we, as well as our neighbours, the woods, has been closed by the remain safe. Everyone needs to be on Council for the next six months. the lookout for anything untoward that This has been made necessary, on could lead to a crime being committed, safety grounds, by the recent spell of and pass on the information or any very wet weather, and heavy usage suspicion, thereby helping to keep destroying the surface. Scrambling Abthorpe a lovely safe place to live. bikes are a particular problem, and it

4 Abtalk February 2020 is regrettable that this action has been will leave behind: children, obviously, found necessary. house, garden - in 50 years time new owners will have made their own mark Pl a n t i n g f o r Po s t e r i t y - but trees are different! Did you know that the week of 23rd “In the last 50 or so years we have November to 1st December 2019 witnessed the impact of industrialised was National Tree Week? This, the farming with ancient hedgerows UK’s largest annual tree celebration, and trees pulled out; the spread of marked the start of the winter tree devastating diseases such as Dutch planting season. Elm disease and Ash Dieback; and the Sarah Lawson, who lives at Foscote, effects of climate change and global does not do things by halves. Why warming. We are lucky to have a lot of plant one tree when you can plant...... woodland around here and at Foscote several hundred! Here Sarah explains two lovely old strip fields with ancient how and why she got involved: hedges. But there is very little new “I don’t know if it’s a sign of age or planting to preserve and enhance our because I have been seriously ill, but beautiful countryside. I have started to think about what I “In 2018 I applied to the Woodland

Sarah Lawson ‘planting for posterity’ helped by her labrador 5 February 2020 Abtalk

Trust for a grant under their and David Robbins who donated his ‘MOREwoods’ scheme and 18 months own home-grown tree collection. A later a pallet load of trees, guards and very muddy week later, all the trees posts were delivered. The trees were were planted. It was an incredibly all whips, i.e. young saplings about satisfying and rewarding experience 18in tall. They comprised a selection - especially when viewed from the of oak, hornbeam, field maple, wild warmth of our house! Hopefully, the cherry, crab apple, birch, dogwood trees will start sprouting out of their and hazel - 700 in total. guards in the next 12 months and “The appallingly wet autumn continue to grow and mature over weather was actually brilliant for the next 100 years for generations tree planting, but it was a daunting to come.” undertaking. One of my sons, Ben, came back from Uni for a bit of real Ch r i s t m a s Li g h t s 2019 work and I had amazing help from It would seem that 1st December is several families, including, from now being recognised as the start of Abthorpe, Jill and Mike Greenhalgh, the Christmas season for no sooner Fi and Stephen Noble, Andrew Dancer, had the first windows of the advent

North entrance to a brightly lit Church

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Making Christingles in the Old School Clockwise from left: Helen Taylor with daughter Grace, Thomas Zachar, Barbara Malcomson, Darcy Collett and her friend, and Claire Zachar

calendars been opened, than many the evening breeze (or occasionally village houses were arrayed with twirling vigorously in a stiff wind) swathes of twinkling lights. More and a Christmas tree sparkled on the modern forms of lighting could also be Green. As Christmas drew nearer, seen in the form of falling snowflakes a number of village children played projected magically on to a backdrop their part in making Christingles which of trees or garage doors. In the centre produced a wonderful candlelit sight at of the village a bright star hung from the Christmas Eve carol concert. the church porch swinging gently in 7 February 2020 Abtalk

Ch u r c h Ne w s Christmas Barbara Malcomson It seemed no sooner had we taken 857066 or [email protected] off our poppies than Christmas was Remembrance Sunday upon us! On one of the few bright dry days Once again this year Jill and Mike of the autumn, a good collection of Greenhalgh hosted a Christmas Coffee villagers ranging in age from babes Morning. A wonderful selection of cakes in arms to octogenarians, gathered were on offer as well as some stunning at the war memorial to remember door wreaths, flower arrangements those who gave up so much during and table centre pieces and there were the two world wars and some outstanding raffle prizes to be other conflicts. Looking down on the current Abthorpe residents were two transparent figures, a poignant symbol of men ‘who are here but not here’. Three villagers, Alun Stevens with baby son Elliot, Peta Travis and Stephen Noble, each read out a verse of Laurence Binyon’s famous poem ‘For the Fallen’. Other volunteers then read out the names inscribed on the war memorial, before the Chairman of the Parish Council, Mike Greenhalgh, laid a wreath on behalf of us all. Following the service, everyone made their way – somewhat thoughtfully - into the church to be fortified with coffee and cake. 8 Abtalk February 2020 won. It was a lovely morning much hand-knitted crib figures made by enjoyed by all who attended, as could Carolynn Tomalin were hidden around be gleaned from the healthy buzz of the church for the children to find conversation and the delicious aroma and place in a nativity scene and the of fresh coffee and home-made tray highlight of the service was, as usual, bakes, muffins and mince pies. the moment the lights were turned off The following day we gathered on and ‘Away in a Manger’ was sung as the Green to count down to switching the children, holding their Christingles, on the Christmas tree lights. Santa and formed a circle within the church - a his sleigh called by and, after getting moment to treasure. a bit chilly singing some carols around the tree, we all went into church to Families in Church warm up and enjoy hot chocolate or Lesley Dale, our benefice Reader in mulled wine and something to eat. Training who lives in , is The children received a gift from Santa taking a Mothering Sunday Service in and tried to find all the hidden elves. our church at 11am on 22nd March. It The church looked suitably festive will be suitable for every generation. as we drew nearer to Christmas. This There will be refreshments to follow. year we embraced the Church of Not happening in our village, ’s #Follow the Star campaign. but open to Abthorpe children, is a Besides the porch star, a Winter Tree Maundy Thursday Children’s Activity stood at the back of the church on afternoon, which will be held in which people could hang stars with their own Christmas messages, and another star hung over our traditional crib. Our Christingle/Carol service on Christmas Eve saw the church packed with families and was a moving event led by our vicar, Rev Paul McLeod. Wonderful

Floral displays on offer at Christmas Coffee Morning 9 February 2020 Abtalk

Lighting the Christmas Tree on the Green

Silverstone church rooms on 9th April for sale in the courtyard. between 2pm and 4pm. These events Our Tea and Piece afternoons will are really enjoyable occasions with be recommencing once the weather lots of things to make and do and gets a bit warmer, the first of these learn about. being on Sunday 19th April. These events are an excellent opportunity Future events to have a cup of tea and a piece of We are involved with the organisation homemade cake and chat to other of the VE75 celebration weekend on villagers in the church. They are 8th to 10th May. It should be an held on the 3rd Sunday of the month enjoyable and very full weekend. between 3pm and 4.30pm. Last year We are also organising Open we had several requests from people Gardens on 28th June. Several to take a slice or two of cake home – villagers have very kindly agreed to we are more than happy to comply, open their gardens for viewing - some but it would be very helpful if you big, some small, some formal, some could bring a container along to save modern. Teas will be provided in the your cake getting squashed. Old School with a selection of plants

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A new face in church a little more about the Tote – and, Rev Paul is taking a three-month even better, to become a member. Sabbatical in the summer so Rev The purpose of the Tote is to raise Sue Stanley, a curate at Potterspury money to ensure that our lovely old church, will be conducting our services. church in its perfect position in the Her first service with us will be on centre of the village is kept in good Sunday 10th May at 11am. We are repair – each Tote member contributes looking forward to welcoming Sue £5 per month and is entered into a into our church and it would be lovely monthly draw. Half of the money to see as many people as possible at collected each month is paid out in the services. winnings and the other half is retained by the Church and ring-fenced to Churchyard mowing pay for maintaining the fabric of With spring just around the corner we the building. Many people assume will soon hear the sound of mowers that there is a magic pot of gold in the village. We have a rota of somewhere providing money to pay volunteers who mow the churchyard for any work that needs doing – and, grass and we are always keen to hear on an old building, that is a constant from anyone who would be willing to concern. However, nothing could be join the rota. Please contact me for further from the truth. Every penny further information. spent on repairs and renovation has to be raised by the local community. And finally The Tote is our way of ensuring that there is a regular income specifically Our Annual Church meeting will be for this purpose. held on 10th March at 7pm in the Old Recent Tote winners have been School to report on last year’s events Jane George in November, Bet Rush and the financial situation. As a very in December, and Clive and Cherilyn small PCC we are grateful for all the Fielding in January, all of whom help we get. The church is in the won approximately £200. If you heart of the village and is for all the are interested in joining the Tote, villagers, so please do come to this then please contact Richard Tomalin meeting and have your say. on 858316 or email him at richard. Th e To t e [email protected]. After all, if the church were to fall into disrepair, what For those who are relatively new to the might planners replace it with? village, you may be interested to learn

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Fo o d b a n k would like to pop something into the box. All non-perishable food is We are very grateful welcome, but currently the Food Bank to Roland Huggett is well stocked with pasta and baked for volunteering beans. Remember that toiletries and t o t a k e o u r household items are also needed. c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o To w c e s t e r Ne w s f r o m t h e Ne w In n Food Bank on a It will be no surprise to hear that regular basis – a Christmas and New Year did not go vacancy created by John Riches’ unnoticed at the New Inn. recent departure. In 2019, people The celebrations got off to a great from Abthorpe donated 226.7kg of start with the Beer and Carols evening food to Towcester Food Bank via the held on Wednesday 18th December. box in the back of church. Thank Rev Paul McLeod led the singing in you to everyone who has given food the packed pub and soon everyone to this worthy cause. The church was joining in with gusto – even if at a is generally open every day if you

Recent Quizmasters l to r: Connor, Olivia, Ben, Maisie and Dan 12 Abtalk February 2020 different pace. Throughout the month nearer the time for details. the Christmas menu was well received The Pub Quiz, which takes place in the restaurant. At New Year, live on the last Sunday of every month music and Bunny’s pig roast helped and has been running for 11 years, everyone there to see in 2020. has so far raised around £16,000 for The gastronomic evenings which various charities. For a £3 per person began in November are proving very quiz entry fee, hungry quizzers are popular and are set to continue for the provided with a sausage and chip foreseeable future. They take place on supper and so far approximately the second Monday of each month. 1000kg of chips and 25,000 sausages Chef Stuart Jones is the mastermind have been cooked! In November the behind the five-course menu, each winning team was ‘Carry on Doctor’ course being served with a wine who donated their £174 prize money selected by Stuart to best complement to Guide Dogs for the Blind to sponsor the dish. The evening is limited to 24 a puppy. In December the ‘Tows on people and costs £40 per head. Tour’ won the Christmas-themed quiz. There will be special Valentine’s In January, it was the turn of the ‘90s Day evenings on both Friday 14th and Kids’ to run the quiz; the turnout was Saturday 15th February. There are fantastic and £217 was raised for the also plans to celebrate St Patrick’s Day Alzheimer’s Society at the request of (17th March) and Mothering Sunday the winning team ‘Bring back Roger’. (22nd March) so keep an eye out

Villagers enjoying the Truckers’ Breakfast 13 February 2020 Abtalk

Supporters at Fi Noble’s Coffee Morning

Ol d Sc h o o l Ne w s Most of us have heard the old adage ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’. Well, it would seem that this is also the way to a man’s (or woman’s) wallet! Games Afternoons The Truckers’ Breakfast in November was again well attended and it was On the following Wednesday encouraging to welcome some new afternoons: faces. Nearly £350 profit was made. 19th February, 11th March, 1st Variations on the ‘fundraising by April food’ theme are in the pipeline. A from 1.30pm in the Old School coffee morning on 7th February at the home of Fi and Stephen Noble, Come along to play games with the aim of building up a fund to (you can bring your own ensure the Old School can be kept favourites or be introduced in its excellent renovated condition, to new ones) raised a total of £160. Leap Year Lunches are planned for Refreshments will be provided 29th February. These will be served A donation of £2 per person in the Old School from 12 noon and would be welcome there will be a choice of home-made 14 Abtalk February 2020

Examples of innovative games

soup (suitable for vegetarians), jacket Bob’s latest invention, still in the pre- potatoes and sausage or bacon butties. production stage, called ‘Wordstep’ – If anyone in Abthorpe just happens to described by Mark as “Scrabble with have been born on 29th February, they a difference”. can claim a free lunch (providing there is documentary evidence!) Ab t h o r p e Br o a d b a n d As s o c i a t i o n A new venture which is taking off Tim takes the reins is the Games Afternoons. Mark Evans who attends these Abthorpe resident Tim Newton tells sessions brings with him a selection how he got involved...... of games invented by his father, “Growing up in and Silverstone resident Bob Evans. Bob working in Motorsport for 35 years I took up this hobby on his retirement and have been fortunate to be involved already has two games in production, in some fast moving, interesting and both available from Amazon. ‘Fyzuntu’ technically challenging roles. Over is a dice game that comes in a burger- the last year I have become involved shaped dice shaker and, like most with ABbA/Tove Valley Broadband and good games, is simple in concept but I am learning about fibre optics and fun to play. ‘Additrapp Galactic’ is whether I have any usable skills I can easy enough for children to play (and, add to the mix. incidentally, learn fascinating facts “We moved to Abthorpe in 2002 about the Planets) or can be taken to and at that time I was spending a higher level for those who like a bit about 6 months of the year travelling more strategy involved. Look out for to different race tracks all over the 15 February 2020 Abtalk world where we would set up our kit system maintenance are performed and communicate with the factory on a voluntary basis so in the same back in UK. Over the years this way as the hardware requires tracking progressed from simple fax to ISDN and checking, the people that keep the and Satellite and finally to ADSL and system running need support too. fibre communication. I would move “Please note that the ABbA/Tove from a very fast-paced lifestyle at Valley Broadband AGM will take place work to a nice quiet one at home, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th May all the time needing to try and even in The Old School – all are welcome the imbalance between the two. The to attend”. setting up of ABbA and my ability to then communicate from home made VE Da y – 75t h An n i v e r s a r y a big difference to my quality of life As you may – or, indeed, may not – as I could do more without having to be aware, this year’s May Day Bank travel to work. Holiday has been moved by the “What I still find remarkable is Government from the first Monday of how ABbA has managed, with a small May to the Friday of that week, namely group of very dedicated and skilful Friday 8th May. This is to enable individuals, to set up and maintain people in villages, towns and cities what is a world-class network and throughout the UK to hold celebrations all this at a price much cheaper than to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE any other potential suppliers. These Day. volunteers have also managed to stay Plans are well underway in Abthorpe ahead of the trends and demand by with activities spanning three days moving from a satellite-based system from Friday 8th through to Sunday to ADSL and now fibre. 10th May. This is a non-profit making “As I now have more free time, I event, although if there is money in have started to try and understand the coffers after expenses have been how it all works and assist in any met, this will be given to SSAFA (the way I can. Taking on the role of Armed Forces Charity). Chairman will, I hope, free up some Further details will be announced of the pressure on others and give a nearer the date but the details opposite fresh perspective to the organisation. should whet your appetites. All help Originally set up as a not-for-profit would be greatly appreciated: this organisation, we must also avoid is a community event so the more being a loss-making enterprise so, as everyone gets involved the more fun in all things, finding the right balance it will be. is important. All the installations and

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Friday May 8th

Tea Dance

Nation’s Toast

Bar

Ringing out for peace

Pig Roast

Saturday Abthorpe 75th Anniversary VE Day celebrations May 9th Plans are gaining pace so make sure you save the Rounders th th date: May 8 – 10 Cricket

Dust off your 1940’s outfits and join us throughout Bar the weekend Fish and Chips on x Enjoy Live Music along with a Tea Dance, and the Green later a Pig Roast Sunday th x Get your “whites” out and loosen your arm for May 10 village Cricket and Rounders ‘Street Party’ bring x Join friends on the Green for a drink, Fish and some food Chips and the Street Party and join your More details to follow. Want to help? We would love friends & to hear from you! [email protected] family on All proceeds to SSAFA the Green

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Cl a s s e s i n t h e Ol d Sc h o o l : on four days of the week. On Mondays there is a Circuits Art Classes session between 7 and 8pm. On Following the success of the classes Tuesdays, a Fitness class runs from she held in the autumn, Paula Le 9.30 to 10.30am, with Chair Pilates Baigue is offering another block of 5 following straight afterwards for the classes beginning on Saturday 22nd next hour. In the evening there are February and taking place every a further two classes running from alternate Saturday until 18th April, 6.30 to 7.30pm and then from 7.30 the sessions taking place in the Old to 8.30pm. School. These evening sessions are You need to bring your own repeated on Thursdays at the same materials. times, whilst on Saturday mornings, The cost of the classes is £70 and two further sessions are scheduled the skills and techniques to be covered from 9.00 – 10.00am and then 10.00 are detailed as follows: – 11.00am. 22nd February - Using the grid If anyone would like to join a class, system to transfer your image and please email [email protected] underpainting and your details will be forwarded to 7th March - Completing the painting Sarah Crisp from Blue Lotus Pilates. 21st March - Painting in acrylics 4th April - Painting in watercolour Ne w y e a r , n e w j o b f o r So u t h 18th April - Abstract in acrylics No r t h a n t s j o b s e e k e r s Paula is also holding some 2-day Job seekers looking for new work in portrait painting classes (oil on canvas) 2020 are being invited to join South on three occasions over a Wednesday Northamptonshire Council’s popular and Thursday – 26th/27th February, and successful Job Club. 25th/26th March and 22nd/23rd April Following a short closure over the – the cost is £90. festive season, the SNC Job Club If you are interested in attending has re-opened its doors to continue any of these classes or if you would offering free and confidential advice like further details, please email Paula on a wide range of topics to help equip at [email protected] or call people with the tools and skills to find her on 07738 561341. work, change career, or even start their own business. Pilates Classes Help is available with CV writing, The Pilates classes in the Old School covering letters and application forms, are proving very popular and there are and there is information on all the now classes to keep you fit and flexible 18 Abtalk February 2020 latest local vacancies, apprenticeships, more services moving online it is volunteering opportunities as well as important that people can get proper debt, money and welfare advice. In access to advice and make sure they addition, the SNC Job Match service can use the internet. It is hoped that also matches potential employees with these Hubs will play an important role local businesses. For those thinking in bridging that gap. of potentially setting up their own business, the SNC Enterprise Club Co m m u n i t y Sp e e d Wa t c h advisor is also available to offer advice As has already been highlighted and support to get you started. earlier in this edition of Abtalk, we do Job Club takes place in Towcester have a problem with people speeding Library at the Forum every other through our village, so you might Tuesday between 11:30am and be interested in the following article 1:30pm. The next session will be on recently published by Northants Tuesday 25th February. There is no Police: requirement to book in advance. In early December it was announced For more information, visit https:// that volunteers have helped improve www.southnorthants.gov.uk/Job- safety on our local roads. Club, email jobclub@southnorthants. Community Speed Watch is an gov.uk or call 01327 322087. initiative which sees fully trained residents use speed detection devices On l i n e h e l p a t h a n d a s Di g i t a l Hu b to monitor vehicles travelling through o p e n s i t s d o o r s i n To wc e s t e r their towns and villages on roads with Residents who want to improve their limits of 20, 30 and 40mph. online skills are being encouraged to Warning letters are sent to the visit a new Digital Hub. In partnership registered keeper of any vehicles with Citizens Advice, the SNC is caught exceeding the speed limit, hosting Digital Advice Hub sessions which aims to increase awareness of at the Forum in Towcester. the dangers of speeding and encourage At these events a trained coach drivers to reduce their speed. will be available to help residents The drivers’ details will also be become more confident with the use held on record to identify any repeat of computers and in accessing online offenders and anyone caught exceeding council and government services. the speed limits more than twice can Not everyone feels comfortable going expect a visit from the police as well online to use Council services, such as as targeted enforcement. making payments or ordering bulky Between April and November, a waste collections, but with more and total of 686 Community Speed Watch

19 February 2020 Abtalk sessions were carried out by the groups, which resulted in 4,875 warning letters being sent to drivers caught speeding. If you are interested in becoming a Community Speed Watch Volunteer, please visit www.northants.police.uk/CSW for more information.

Fi r s t s i g n s o f Sp r i n g ? In the fields behind the Stocking Frame the first lambs of the seaon have put in an appearance, watched over by their doting mothers.

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Ca l l i n g y o u n g p e o p l e w h o w a n t t o to broadly reflect the make-up of the b e h e a r d county, including those who may have The Northamptonshire Office of the direct experience of the police and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner justice system. is looking to welcome more members The role is open to people aged to its Youth Commission to understand between 14 and 19 years (up to 24 and meet the needs of local young years for people with additional needs) people. who live in Northamptonshire. The Youth Commission was launched The deadline for applications is in May 2019 to ensure the voices of Saturday 29th February 2020. young people in Northamptonshire Anyone interested can complete are heard. Since that time, 20 young an application form here - http:// people have been working on a project www.northantspfcc.org.uk/ they named the ‘Big Conversation’, northamptonshire-youth-commission- to seek the views of as many young application/ people as possible about two key Paper copies are available by topics - gang violence and road safety. contacting commissioner@ Results will be presented at an event northantspfcc.pnn.gov.uk. in March. N o r t h a m p t o n Ru r a l Ma t t e r s The Youth Commission enables Ne w s l e t t e r young people to get involved in, and express their views, on a range of now publish issues affecting the communities a newsletter about the work going on where they live, as well as being a to fight rural crime in the county. It great opportunity to meet new people, covers such issues as fly-tipping, rural gain new skills and help make a burglary, the welfare of wildlife and difference. theft of farm equipment – and, in the Those interested will get to work latest issue, looks back at the sheep on topics such as mental health, butchery affair, the problem of hare anti-social behaviour, hate crime and coursing and the case of neglected domestic abuse. They will gather the horses, among other articles. views of other young people, plan and A copy of the current newsletter get involved in events, and present is available at https://www. findings back to the Police, Fire northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert. and Crime Commissioner and other co.uk/images/site_images/55270_ partners in Northamptonshire. Rural_Matters_Jan_2020.pdf Membership will ideally be made up of a diverse group of young people

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St o r m Ci a r a - Timberrrrrrrr ! Residents around the Green were greenery he was amazed to find barely given a mighty shock on Sunday a scratch on it! morning when, with a great crash, Our resident tree surgeon, Bunny one of the churchyard Western Red Hutchings, living just around the Cedar trees fell victim to Storm corner, was hastily informed of the Ciara’s rage. Although the main trunk tree’s demise and was at the scene remained standing, a huge side branch with admirable speed. Bunny assessed came smashing down. Fortunately that the rest of the tree, now looking nobody was hurt as the branch fell painfully scarred, was not in danger mostly across the churchyard itself, of falling imminently, although it is so but its top branches hung so far over damaged that it will have to be felled. the wall that Tina Emerton’s car was Only a day later, Bunny and his team, completely hidden from view. When including a female chain-saw handler, Darren tentatively got into the car had worked miracles and the offending and edged it out from beneath the branch was no more. 22 Abtalk February 2020

Eighty years to grow..... Half a day to go! and see over the page for the final result

23 February 2020 Abtalk

And, incidentally, looking at these photos showing the Green is a reminder about......

Vi l l a g e Gr e e n Mo w i n g As usual, Philip Berry will be organising the rota for mowing the village green. As a couple of people have dropped out, a few more volunteers would be welcome. Each person generally only has to do it twice or possibly three times and you get the chance to sit on our relatively new ride-on mower. You will get training in its use. If you would like to help, contact [email protected].

Ne x t Ed i t i o n o f Ab t a l k

Abtalk will be published again in June. The Editors would appreciate all articles or information you would like included to be submitted by 31st May …… and remember we can only include news we know about.

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Pe o p l e

A number of newcomers have chosen to move to Abthorpe in the past few months and we hope they will all settle in well and feel happy to start joining in the various village activities mentioned in Abtalk. We would love to see you.

Among others, we extend a warm welcome to Tracey and Roger who have moved to The Green, and to Harriet and Jacob who are now resident in Road. The same goes for Nick and J’Nel Metherell who have moved into Stanhill Row, along with their three children Gracie, Rocky and Zeb plus two cats. They are looking forward to a bit more space, the country air and a quieter life compared with Wolverton where they previously lived.

We also welcome the Arneill family who moved to Orchard Close in December from Helmdon. Phil is a geoscientist working for an oil company based in Uxbridge, whilst his wife Sophie is a beauty therapist specialising in eyelash extensions and facial treatments and is based in her home salon. They have a daughter Esme who is 7 years old and goes to school in Northampton. They also have a dog called Maggie. Phil says that they are looking forward to becoming involved in village life and have already started to frequent the fantastic pub.

From l to r: Sophie, Esme and Phil Arneill

25 February 2020 Abtalk

Fa r e w e l l t o Bi g Jo h n Just a few days before Christmas, Abthorpe said goodbye to one of the real stalwarts of the village. John Riches, known affectionately as Big John, has moved to St Albans to be close to his son and family. He and his lovely wife Joyce, who sadly died in 2018, had lived in Abthorpe for over 40 years and John’s presence will be sorely missed. John was a good listener, a great talker and was interested in everything that went on around him. He loved nothing better than having a meal or a pint of Hooky at the New Inn and would regale his friends with stories and anecdotes on the many and varied topics that took his interest. Above all, John was a genuinely compassionate man and he was not reticent about sticking up for the underdog or those in need. He was forthright, o p e n - m i n d e d a n d principled with a strong sense of what was right and his contribution to life in Abthorpe was immense.

John Riches holding his farewell gift of Hooky ales

26 Abtalk February 2020

DIARY (c o n t i n u e d )

Sunday 12 April Easter Sunday Holy Eucharist Service, 9.15, followed by coffee

Sunday 19 April Holy Eucharist Service, 9.15, followed by coffee Tea & Piece in the Church, 3.00 – 4.30

Monday 20 April Parish Council Meeting, The Old School, 7.45

Sunday 26 April Charity Quiz, The New Inn, 7.30

Monday 4 May Annual Parish Meeting, The Old School, 7.45

Friday 8 May VE Day Celebrations, from 3.00 onwards: Tea Dance & Pig Roast

Saturday 9 May VE Day Celebrations, from 2.00 onwards Cricket/Rounders, Fish and Chips on the Village Green

Sunday 10 May VE Day Celebrations Church service, 11.00 followed by Street Party on the Village Green

Wednesday 13 May ABbA /Tove Valley Broadband AGM, The Old School, 7.30

Sunday 17 May Holy Eucharist Service, 9.15, followed by coffee Tea & Piece in the Church, 3.00 – 4.30

Monday 18 May Parish Council AGM, 7.45, The Old School

27 February 2020 Abtalk

DIARY

Wednesday 19 February Games Afternoon, The Old School, 1.30

Sunday 23 February Charity Quiz, The New Inn, 7.30

Saturday 29 February Leap Year Lunch, The Old School, 12.00 – 2.00

Sunday 8 March Holy Eucharist Service, 11.00

Monday 9 March Parish Council Meeting, The Old School, 7.45

Tuesday 10 March Annual Church Meeting, The Old School, 7.00

Wednesday 11 March Games Afternoon, The Old School, 1.30

Sunday 15 March Holy Eucharist Service, 9.15, followed by coffee

Sunday 22 March Mothering Sunday Service, 11.00

Sunday 29 March Charity Quiz, The New Inn, 7.30

Wednesday 1 April Games Afternoon, The Old School, 1.30

Thursday 9 April Maundy Thursday Children’s Session, Silverstone Church Rooms, 2.00 – 4.00

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