TowcesterTowcester TownTown CrierCrier Issue 168 March 2017 Town Hall, Towcester Towcester 917
Throughout this year Towcester is celebrating 1100 years of our town’s history. We will be marking the year 917 when King Edward the Elder (son of Alfred the Great) re-built the town’s defences and defeated the Danes at the first Battle of Towcester. For over a year local organisations have been meeting regularly to plan events. The idea behind Towcester 917 is to celebrate our town’s rich history, bring people in our growing community together, and to make it fun. Two main events are planned for this summer. Other projects include the commissioning of a new piece of music for Towcester Studio Band.
Walking Carnival Parade – Saturday, 17th June Starting at 3pm on Saturday, 17th June, a Walking Carnival will parade through parts of the town finishing at Bury Mount in Moat Lane. A community arts organisation is working with local schools and other groups to put on the event which will feature a dragon, the image chosen to represent the Anglo-Saxons led by Edward the Elder. The Walking Carnival will lead into other activities on the same day planned for the annual Midsummer Music Festival.
Saxon Fair – Sunday, 23rd July On Sunday, 23rd July a Saxon Fair is planned to take place on the Watermeadows. This will run throughout the day and will include a range of attractions: children’s Saxon workshops and activities, storytelling and music, cooking, archery etc. There will be a Saxon encampment demonstrating crafts such as weaving, coinage, leather working and weapon making. There will be exciting battles / skirmishes between Vikings and Saxons. The Saxon Fair will also include a range of modern day food stalls, entertainment and displays of interest to all age groups.
If you as an individual, or your local organisation, would like to be involved in either or both of the main events I would be grateful if you could contact me. Volunteers are very much needed for both. Alternatively, if your organisation would like to put on its own event or activity please do get in touch so we can offer you support. Events can be devised to cover any aspect of Towcester’s history.
Martin Johns Chair of Towcester 917
For more information, please call: 01327 352289 or email: [email protected] A word from the Mayor...
AsAs I Ifind find myselfmyself heading into into the the last last months months of of my my MayoralMayoral year, year, I have I have started started to thinkto think about about some some of the of reactions the I havereactions received I have during got during my term. my term.People People are often are oftinteresteden interested and surprised and surprised as to as why to whyI have I have chosen chosen to be to Mayor be Mayor at such a youngat such age. a young Whilst age. I usually Whilst disagree I usually with disagree their withdefinition their definition of young, of and young, am flatteredand am flattered by their byinterest, their interest,it also makesit me wonderalso makes why me people wonder find why this people so surprising. find this soI love surpris beinging. Ia loveresident being of a Towcesterresident of andTowcester take pride and intake the p ridetown. in Ithe thought thattown. a goodI thought way that to be a goodmore wayinvolved to be would more beinvolved to apply in the to becomegoings on a Townin the Councillor.town would It beis incredibleto apply to how be amuch Town I have learnedCouncillor. about It is how incredible the town how is much run, Iwho have takes learne responsibilityd about how for the certain town is areas run, whoand whattakes responsibiliwe can all doty forto certaintry and help ourareas town. and whatMaybe we more can allneeds do to to try be and done help to our encourage town. Maybe younger more people needs to to think be done about to encouragetaking a more younge activer people role in the to think about taking a more active role in the place they live. place they live. With the town due to carry on growing, developing and modernising over the coming years it is more important for Withpeople the to town engage due with to carry their Town,on growing, District developing and County and Councillors modernising by contacting over the themcoming with years any it concerns is more orimportant by forattending people ourto engagemeetings with to see their what Town, we Districtdo and haveand Countya chat. IfCouncillors any vacancies by contactingdo arise for them new Townwith anyCounc concernsillors in or by attendingthe future, our I would meetings encourage to see whatyounger we peopledo and tohave con asider chat. applying. Should anyOur vacancies meetings arisetake forplace new on Town Monday Councillors evenings in the future,which couldI would fit encouragein well with younger working peoplepeople, toparent considers etc. applying. It is extremely Our meetings important take to haveplace a on diverse Monday Council evenings with a which couldvariety fit of in backgrounds well with andworking experience. people, parents etc. It is extremely important to have a diverse Council with a variety of backgrounds and experience. Getting back to the time since the last edition of the Town Crier; I was honoured to be involved in Gettingthe Remembrance back to the Sunday time since Service the and last place edition a wreath of the oTownn behalf Crier; of theI was Town honoured Council to back be ininvolved November. in the As Remembrance always, Sundaythe service Service was back very inwell November attended and and place served a wreathas a poignant on behalf reminder of the onTown the Council. importance As always,of taking the a momeservicent was to very reflect on those that gave so much so we can live the way we do today. well attended and served as a poignant reminder on the importance of taking a moment to reflect on those that gave soI was much also so invited we can to liveread the a roundway we of questionsdo today. at the Towcester Youth Strategy Quiz. The round was on Towcester itself and, although I managed to get a couple of answers right, generally it was a very taxing quiz. I was also invited I towas open also the invited Towcester to read Art a roundSociety’s of questionsChristmas atExhib theition. Towcester I was amazed Youth Strategy at the local Quiz. talent The we round have. was So onme Towcesterof the art itself and,on showalthough was I absolutelymanaged to stunning get a couple and Iof would answers definit right,ely generally recommend it was people a very taxing keeping quiz. an I eyewas outalso forinvited future to open theexhibitions. Towcester Another Art Society’s fantastic Christmas night out Exhibition. was throu I wasgh an amazed invitation at the from local Towcester talent we Scouts. have. They Some ran of athe ‘Celebrity art on show wasCome absolutely Dine with stunning Me’ night and and I would I was inviteddefinitely as one recommend of the “celebrities”. people keeping I was treatedan eye toout a for 3 course future meexhibitions.al cooked byAnother fantasticthe Scouts. night The out food was was via lovely an invitation and it was from great Towcester to see the Scouts. Scouts They so focused ran a ‘Celebrity on the task Come at hand Dine whil withst Me’gaining night a and I badgewas invited for doing as oneso! of the “celebrities”. I was treated to a 3 course meal cooked by the Scouts. The food was lovely and it was great to see the Scouts so focused on the task at hand whilst gaining a badge for doing so! Towcester Choral Society treated my family to another Towcesterfantastic Christmas Choral concertSociety to helptreated get us myin thefamily festive mood.to another fantasticIf that wasChristmas not Chrismassy concert to enough, help get we us then into attended the festive the mood. Ifannual that was Carols not onChrismassy the Market enough, Square. we Thethen attendance attended the was annual Carolsprobably on the Market best turnout Square. I haveThe attendance seen for the was event probably. I was the best turnoutprivileged I have to do seen one for of the the event. readings I was and privileged thoroughly to enjoyeddo one of the readingssinging away and thethoroughly evening withenjoyed family singing and friends. away F inally,the evening I was with familyinvited and to friends. attend Finally, and present I was invited awards to at attend the Rotaryand present Young awards atMusician’s the Rotary Towcester Young Musician’sleg of the contest.Towcester The leg perfor of mersthe contest. were The performersall fantastic were and veryall fantastic brave to and entertain very brave such to a entertainlarge crowd. such It a large crowd.brought It backbrought fond back memories fond memoriesof when my of wifewhen and my I toowifek partand I took many years ago. Congratulations to all the winners. part many years ago. Congratulations to all the winners. The Mayoress has also been busy. As well as accompanying me Theto events Mayoress and helpinghas also organise been busy.the quiz As and well cookbook, as accompanying she was me toinvited events to doand a readinghelping at organise the St. Lawrence the quiz Church and cookbook, Nine Lessons she was invitedand Carols to do servicea reading and at the recently St. Lawrence attended Church a resident Nine ’sLessons and100 thCarols Birthday service party and at Ridgwayrecently Houseattended - Happy a resident’s Birthday 100th Dolly!. Birthday partyAs always, at Ridgway I am unsure House how - Happy I would Birthday have got Dolly!. through As most always, of I am unsurethis year how without I would Catharine. have got Without through her mostdrive, oforg thisanisational year without Catharine.skills and support, Without most her drive,of what organisational we have done skills would and not support, have most ofbeen what achieved. we have done could not have been achieved. Cont/d over… Cont/d over… 3
TheThe Town MayorsMayors QuizQuiz 2 2 took took place place on on the the 27th27th January January and and was was a greata great success. success. We We raisedraised around around £500 £500 for for my my chosen chosen charities charities and hopefullyand hopefully a fun a funtime time was was had had by by all. all. Thank Thank you toyou John to John Braybrook, Braybrook, our ourQuizmaster Quizmaster for forthe the night, fornight, providing for providinga challenging a and challenging interesting and quiz. Pleaseinteresting note quiz.that the Please remaining note copies that theof the Towcesterremaining copiesCookbook of the Towcesterare still Cookbookfor sale at Towcesterare still for Tea sale Rooms, at Towcester Colemans TeaStationers Rooms, and theColemans library. Towcester Get one andbefore the library.we run Get out! one The Mayorsbefore Masquerade we run out! Ball The is Mayors also due Masquerade to take place on Saturday,Ball is also 18th due March to takeand should place onbe a Saturday, great night. We18th haveMarch a and3 course should catered be a greatmeal, night.Lincoln We Noel performinghave a 3 course and a cateredbar provided meal, by Lincoln Towcester Noel Mill Brewery.performing Keep and an a eye bar out provided for further by Towcester information onMill how Brewery. to purchase Keep antickets. eye out for details on tickets.
I would likelike toto taketake this this opportunity opportunity to to thank thank everyon everyonee who who has has taken taken part part in anyin any of myof my events, events, bought bought tickets tickets for for raffles andand purchased purchased cookbooks cookbooks. I really I really do thankdo thank you you and and look look forward forward to presenting to presenting the finalthe final cheques cheques to my to my nominated charitiescharities as as I Ipass pass over over my my Chain Chain of ofOffi Officece to the to thenew newMayor Mayor and wishand themwish them every everysuccess success for their for year.their year.
David Tarbun Town Mayor
Towcester Mill Brewery launches new Watling Street beer
Towcester Mill Brewery has released a new beer named after the very road that runs right through the town. Watling Street has been brewed to celebrate the opening of the Brewery’s new shop on the Roman built Watling Street, at Bell Plantation Garden Centre.
“Watling Street is an American style IPA,” explains Brewery director, John Evans. “It’s a first for us here at Towcester Mill Brewery - customers have been telling us they wanted a return of an American style IPA and here it is!”
He added, “We have brewed an IPA in the past but it’s a first for us to put our own stamp on one, plus it's also now available in a 500ml bottle from our shop at Bell Plantation Garden Centre. The use of very pale malts in the brewing of Watling Street delivers its blond appearance and, by adding American hops, the ale gains its full bitterness along with good grapefruit aromas.”
Watling Street joins Bell Ringer, Mill Race and Black Fire as one of Towcester Mill Brewery’s core beers. To keep up to date with their latest news check out their Facebook page or visit www.towcestermillbrewery.co.uk.
5 Old Towcester – Towcester Fire Brigade and the 1886 Stoke Park fire
Towcester Fire Brigade and the 1905 steamer
1905 was a great year for Towcester Fire Brigade as they received their first steam fire engine; a Merryweather, which could steam-up in 8 minutes and pump a large amount of water. Admittedly, it needed to be drawn to a fire by horses but there was no longer the need to find men to work the two pump handles of the engine to get water to the hoses. The chief officer of Towcester’s Fire Brigade, Captain Thomas Minards Crow, probably thought back to all those previous fires where their small brigade could have done with this new machine. It is highly likely that the fire at Stoke Park, just outside the village of Stoke Bruerne, was one such case where the new machine would have been so useful.
Back in 1886, Towcester Fire Brigade had been in existence 26 years and Thomas Crow had been a member for 15 years. At that time the brigade was under the captaincy of Arthur Edwin Greville who had just obtained a new horse drawn manual fire engine so they had two, both of which were stored in a specially constructed building on Watling Street, just south of Richmond Road. At approximately 11.45 p.m. on the 30th April 1886 news reached Police Inspector Matthews in Towcester that there was a very serious fire at the ancient Stoke Park House. Stoke Park had been rented by Mr B Wentworth Vernon to Lord Cloncurry who was away as the hunting season had finished. Matthews immediately started to rouse the Towcester fireman and Thomas Crow joined the men at the engines which Matthews had been quick to make sure were horsed and ready. The first engine was off within 15 minutes of being called and travelled the four miles to Stoke Park in 15 minutes, the second engine arriving five minutes later. Arthur Greville found himself confronted by a large three storey stone building in a state of utter devastation. The roof had collapsed and flames were leaping through the windows engulfing the whole building. On either side of the building were curving colonnades at the ends of which were pavilions which had not been touched. Greville realised that although the house could not be saved it was possible to save the pavilions.
Stoke Park is quite remote from Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger but a few people had gathered to see what was happening. Greville tried to enlist some of the men there to help work the first manual engine that arrived but had a poor response so that there were only eight men to man both engines when the second arrived. Hoses were run down to the large lake which was about 400m away and the eight men worked hard at the engines to get the water to site of the fire. Greville directed both hoses at the two parties of fireman who were instructed to create firebreaks in both colonnades. Working in atrocious conditions the firemen hacked at and removed burning beams, pulled stone columns to the ground and tore out wooden fittings whilst the lead roof
10 was melting in all directions and threatening to seriously injure anyone caught in the flow. This work created the necessary fire breaks that stopped the fires spreading along the colonnades and so saved the pavilions. Whether Thomas Crow was working the hoses or creating the firebreaks is not known. What we can say is that Crow, Greville and the rest of the firemen using hand pumped fire engines saved a nationally significant architectural treasure.
Stoke Park is considered to be the work of Inigo Jones, the foremost English architect in the early 17th century and is the earliest house in England with a Palladian plan form that dominated the design of later grand houses. Their outstanding work that night is not recorded as part of the history of Stoke Park Pavilions and so it would be good to see a small plaque on the present ‘Happy Garden Chinese Take Away’ stating “This building was the late Victorian Towcester Fire Engine House. From here on the night of the 30th April 1886, two manual engines under the supervision of Captain Greville successfully saved Stoke Park Pavilions from being destroyed by fire.”
One of the Stoke Park Pavilions circa 1929 saved by Towcester Fire Brigade in 1886
[Sources: Northampton Mercury of the 19th Jan 1884, 1st& 8th May 1886, 12th June 1886 & 24th Feb 1905; Pevsner, “The Buildings of England, Northamptonshire” and RCHM “the Country Houses of Northamptonshire”]
Brian Giggins
11 Towcester Museum starts 2017 with a Bang! ʻTowcester Goes to Warʼ: a project sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund During 2017 and 2018, Towcester Museum with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund is commemorating World War One with a centenary project called 'Towcester Goes to War'.
This project will involve working with local history societies, collectors, re-enactment groups and schools to commemorate the contribution made by the people of the Towcester District in the Great War. The project will involve organising talks, lectures, history fairs and temporary exhibitions in the museum and at various locations around the town. The project began with an educational event at Sponne School where a number of invited speakers talked to students about different aspects of the war; sharing stories about the wartime experiences of local people. The talks were supplemented by displays of World War One artefacts and memorabilia which the students had an opportunity to handle. Later in the year, the museum will host the ‘Towcester Goes to War’ exhibition which will chronicle the personal triumphs and tragedies experienced by the people who came from the Towcester District. The exhibition will include photographic and film archives, a diorama and a wealth of original artefacts which tell poignant stories of local war heroes.
Join Our Award Winning Team!
Did you know in the last two years Towcester Museum has won awards for ‘Heritage Site of the Year’ and the ‘Best Volunteer Scheme’ by the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum? So why not come and join an award winning team? As a volunteer you will have the chance to make friends, enjoy new experiences and learn more about the history of Towcester. Our volunteers can choose to get involved a wide variety of activities including meeting and greeting visitors, helping run the gift shop, answering questions about the museum's exhibitions and helping with visits from local schools and societies. There are so many fun ways to get involved! If you think you might be interested contact Emily Bavellas on 01327 352662 or e-mail [email protected] Old Railway Exhibition Extended by Popular Demand! The Old Railway Exhibition has broken all records for visitor attendance since it opened last summer. Although it was initially intended to run for six months, due to unprecedented demand it has been decided to extend the exhibition for a further four months. The exhibition tells the story of the old SMJ and LMS Railway lines that used to come through Towcester and is illustrated with graphic and an audio-visual display together with an amazing collection of artefacts. If you haven’t yet seen it why not pop in and pay us a visit? Admission is £1 for adults and children go free.
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16 Last Night of the Proms……A wonderful evening!
Monday, 20th March, 7 – 8:30pm The Chantry House, Towcester Market Square
Our heart support group is open to anyone with a heart condition, their partners, families and carers
For further information please telephone Annie on 07554 150870 or Email [email protected]
17 TOWCESTER EVENING WI
Back in November 2016, members from the Towcester Evening WI Gardening Team worked with children from the Student Council at Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary School to plant up some flower tubs and troughs.
The WI had been donated some bulbs from a member of the public and these were put in the containers along with some pansies and primulas purchased from WI funds. The children and WI members then visited Ridgway House in December to present the floral tubs to the care home. They were introduced to Ben Williams, a resident there (formerly of Tiffield), who tends to the gardens around the home. Ben chatted away to the children and the WI ladies and showed them around the courtyard garden where the tubs will be sited. Hopefully, the floral tubs have provided some colour for the residents to look out on during these winter months and that soon the bulbs will come through to declare that spring is on its way.
Special thanks not only to the enthusiastic children who took part in this WI project but also to the anonymous donor of the bulbs; and the staff at Ridgway House who provided the children with lovely refreshments.
Towcester Evening WI meets at the Riverside Centre, Islington Road on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7:30pm. For further information please visit our website http://towcesterwi.blogspot.co.uk.
18 Rotary YoungYoung Musician Competition a a greatgreat successsuccess
On 22nd January, Towcester Town Hall was filled with many local, talented students who competed to win the Trophies of Young Musician – Soloist, Ensemble or Group.
The Rotary Club of Towcester was delighted to welcome Adjudicators Lincoln Noel and Heidi Carascon – who were amazed by the standard of both instrumental and vocal talent displayed on the day – and they both thoroughly enjoyed watching, advising and finally selecting the winners – who will now go through to the Rotary District Final of the Young Musician Competition in March 2017.
The winners were: Emily Ramplin from Towcester Primary School who took the Soloist Trophy after her beautiful voice enchanted the audience singing Castle on a Cloud and the Zip a dee doh dah. Nicholas Hawksmoor Quintet took the Ensemble Trophy with an unusual but lovely rendition of Yellow Submarine and Yesterday by the Beatles. Finally, the Group trophy was won by Silverstone Primary School Choir whose enthusiasm and passion for the songs they sung: Wild Mountain Thyme and The Wreck of John B left the audience and the judges delighted.
Although the other students may not have won a trophy, they all did remarkably well and provided a glimpse of the musical talent that will be coming to the fore in the coming years. As a Rotary Club, the Towcester Rotarians are thrilled to be able to stage such an event- not only to showcase talent, but also to offer the opportunity for young students to learn new life skills and experience performing in front of a live audience.
For details of our other Rotary Youth Competitions please contact our secretary on the below email address. The Rotary Club of Towcester meets weekly at the Saracen’s head and is always delighted to welcome new members. Please contact: [email protected] or visit www.towcester- rotary.org.uk
19 Variety is very much the spice of life for the Local History Society, as demonstrated clearly in the speaker-programme for the year up to March 2018, which has now been revealed. It ranges through murder and mayhem to secrets from Royal bedrooms, the history of Northampton’s theatres and even the history of the “Carry On” films. Three of the spring offerings are described below and then the “Carry On” talk will be a feature of the Society’s summer party in July. Members must wait until next February to hear author Roger Powell tell how key English aristocratic families provided the British Royal Family with mistresses over several generations to secure influence at court. Talks apart, the Society tackles the usual busy programme during the year and this will include involvement in the town’s celebrations to mark the Battle of Towcester in 917. This victory of a Saxon defending force over a Viking attack is widely thought to mark the start of Towcester’s development as a thriving market town. Many organisations in the town have come together, including the Town Council. Details of the planned events are shown on the front cover of this issue and the full programme of events will be published shortly. This year, the Society’s summer coach outing will be to Droitwich Spa and then Hanbury Hall on 15th July. Members will have priority but there may well be some seats available. Anyone interested can receive information by calling one of the contact numbers below.
Wednesday 12th April Mary, Queen of Scots Malcolm Deacon The Society welcomes back well know local historian Malcolm, this time to speak about the turbulent and finally tragic Queen of Scots. Mary, who ascended to the Scottish throne at less than a week old, lived a life full of mystery, treachery and murder and was finally execution at Fotheringhay Castle. Wednesday 10th May Arthur Rouse: Fake Life – Fake Death Paul Harrison Paul is a retired police officer and now the author of 35 books including “Northamptonshire Murders”. He will tell the story of “The Blazing Car Murder” committed by Arthur Rouse in Hardingstone Lane on 5th November 1930. The police believed that Rouse was seeking to fabricate his own death, picked up a hitch-hiker, knocked him out and then burnt the car with the man inside. Rouse was convicted and executed, but the identity of the victim remains unknown. Wednesday 14th June William Streatfield – A Gentle Man Don Martin William, who was born in 1889, was a farm worker on the St. Clere Estate near Sevenoaks in Kent who could turn his hand to anything from mending his boots to shepherding. So, how did he find himself in a Siberian winter fighting Bolsheviks, despite being medically unfit for either weather or combat? His grandson Don Martin, a Society committee member, will tell the story of his extraordinary life. Monthly meetings are held at the Riverside Resource Centre in Islington Road, Towcester, at 7.30pm. The entrance fee for non-members remains at £2. For further information call John Morris on 01327 350297 or David Wilcock on 01327 351782.
21 Towcester Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal 2016 At the time of writing this article, I can confirm that we have raised another record breaking total of £25,555! This is due partly to the number of organisations who are happy to take a Poppy tray and Collecting Can into their premises to make buying a poppy as painless as possible for the general public; to my wonderful volunteers who are happy to give up some of their time to stand and sell poppies at various outlets; but mainly to everyone in the community who seem to take the Poppy Appeal to their hearts and give very generously. So to everyone involved a very sincere ‘thank you.’ The Poppy Appeal only collects about 40% of the money which is necessary to fund the RBL’s work, which runs to over £2Million every week, so any money given is very gratefully received.
The membership of our Branch is increasing and, with the affiliation of the Army Cadets, Air Cadets and the 1st Towcester Scouts during 2015, it is looking very healthy at the moment. The Emergency Service Cadets (a joint project run by the Police and Fire Service) are also just about to be affiliated, so all of this will hopefully ensure the longevity of our Branch.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Towcester Conservative Club at 7:30pm and all are welcome. You do not have to have served in the Armed Services to become a member of the RBL. Some of the services provided by the RBL can only be offered to ex or currently serving personnel or their dependants, but that stipulation does not apply to anyone wishing to become a member. Why not pop along to our next meeting and see for yourself? You’ll be made very welcome.
David Reed, Membership Secretary & Poppy Appeal Organiser [email protected] / 07970 597044 / 01327 352414
22 Howkins & Harrison
2017 sees the expansion of Howkins & Harrison on Watling Street, Towcester. Many of you may now be familiar with the site of the residential office window in the town centre following its launch this time last year. We now have the pleasure in introducing our rural and planning teams to Towcester which will enable us to provide a wider range of services throughout Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire.
The Rural and Planning teams will be on hand to help with any RICS valuation requirements, tax and estate planning, rural business consultancy, property auctions, rural property management and planning and development opportunities.
Jennifer Whitton, Towcester Rural Manager, adds “Howkins and Harrison is an established firm with offices throughout the Midlands and I am delighted to be expanding our rural and planning department to Towcester and welcome the professional expertise of Simon Harris and Andrew Pinny to the team.”
With a team of qualified rural surveyors and town planners Howkins & Harrison are well placed to discuss your property needs. Date: Monday 23rd April 2017 Venue: Towcester Town Hall Time: 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm Tickets: £6 to include tea or coffee and cake
23 IN TOWCESTER
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Towcester Wildlife Trust Local Group
Winter/Spring Meeting/Events Programme All meetings will be at Towcester Mill (unless stated otherwise) starting at 7.30pm. Donations of £2 will be gratefully received. Entry is free to under 16’s.
Monday 21st March 2017 – Talk on hedgehogs and how to help them Andrew Jackson of Brackley Hogwatch will be talking about hedgehogs and what we can all do to help them. The plight of hedgehogs is not improving and Andrew has been collecting small hedgehogs in Towcester and the surrounding area to help them to survive over winter. He will explain the different ways in which we can help these creatures.
Monday 10th April 2017 – Rt. Hon Andrea Leadsom (Secretary of State for the Environment) Andrea will be speaking about the work and the challenges which her Department faces, not least the loss of the EU Environment Protection funding in 2 years’ time. If you have a question you want to raise with the Secretary of State, then this is your chance.
* Special Note - Change of Date* The third Monday in April falls on Easter Monday. Therefore, the meeting will take place on the second Monday of the month on the 10th and may possibly be in a different location.
Monday 15th May 2017 - Chris Stratford and Paul Almond of Cherwell Vale DC Talk on the Future of Towcester Watermeadows Chris and Paul will give us the details of the results of the work by Environmental Consultants in formulating the planned developments for the Watermeadows.
Watermeadows Management Group Work is currently underway by Environmental Consultants to offer proposals on how the Watermeadows can be developed in the future. Come and hear the May Speakers to learn the results of their proposals.
New Equipment for Youth Groups We have pond dipping and bug sweeping equipment and lots of ID charts for Schools and youth groups to use. The equipment is available for use now and donations by participating groups will be welcomed, to cover general wear and tear.
If you are interested in any of the above, or would like to know any other details about our Local Group then get in touch with David Reed on 01327 352414 or [email protected]
TOWCESTER AND DISTRICT ART SOCIETY
Towcester and District Art Society is an amateur group formed 30 years ago by a number of local, like- minded people to meet and share their passion for art. We meet weekly on a Thursday evening in Paulerspury Village Hall to paint together, share knowledge and experience.
The Society holds two exhibitions a year in Towcester Town Hall, one at Easter and one on the last weekend in November. We also support local churches with exhibitions. All members of the Society are encouraged to exhibit and we have a huge selection of very affordable art covering flowers, landscapes, abstract, seascape, animal paintings etc. in all media.
Many of our members take commissions for pet portraits and other subjects; please make contact through our website www.towcesterart.com where our gallery pages can also be seen.
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News from from the theTown Town Council Council……
It’s a particularly busy time for the Town Council. As well as all of its regular business, it is also overseeing the refurbishment of the former Towcester Library, to be renamed ‘The Sawpits Centre’, with anticipated completion of the works being April 2017. Please keep your eyes out for news of its official re-opening by the Town Mayor, as the next issue of the Town Crier will not be published until May. The Town Council will be seeking to appoint a new Caretaker/Cleaner for the premises in due course and you can register your interest in this upcoming vacancy by emailing the Town Clerk, Elizabeth, on [email protected] or telephoning the office on 01327 350995.
To name but a few, current projects include the securing of a 299-year lease of the Malthouse Court allotment site from the Hesketh Estate, which has been ongoing for some time but is now hopefully moving towards completion; forthcoming replacement of the Belle Baulk adventure playground with a trim trail; negotiations with Highways England to complete the installation of 3 covered bus shelters in the town centre and assisting the Towcester 917 Committee with preparation of its planned activities to celebrate the town’s 1100th year.
One item being given due attention by the Town Council is the condition of the lower bridge which runs between the Recreation Ground and Waitrose. The bridge was repaired on 2 occasions last year and the Town Council is progressing plans for its complete replacement. This will be a costly project (as well as inconvenient) and, as such, the Town Council has found it necessary to increase its precept request for 2017/18 for this purpose. Based on the projected calculations provided by South Northamptonshire Council, the increase of 2.79% should equate to less than £3 per annum on a Band D property.
Since the last issue of the Town Crier, the Town Council has been delighted to welcome two new members, Cllr Bob Cutts and Cllr Karen Shackell. The Town Council is now back up to its full complement of 16 Town Councillors and would like to wish Bob and Karen every success in their new role.
How could we not include this fantastic photograph taken of the Bury Mount and Moat Lane? Thank you to Mike Potter for kindly sending this in.
29 Towcester Writers Club... Extract from ‘Her husband astounded’ by Phil
“Hey, Mary!” called out Harry Parkes, “it says here that the manor house taken over during the war is to be opened to the public.” “Fancy that, I was recruited there over fifty years ago in order to identify someone suspected of treachery,” was Mary’s casual response. Harry’s reaction was a burst of incredulous laughter. “Just who do you think you’re kidding? When I was away in the army, didn’t you have a cushy factory job?” “Yes, I did, but that didn’t prevent me from being given an important role to play and having to sign the Official Secrets Act.” “You, a secret agent in counter espionage? Rubbish! You’re either making it all up, or more probably, going around the bend.” Incensed, Mary stormed out of the room and up the stairs.
©Phil 2016 • • • •
31 The Rotary Club of Towcester fund raises for William Blake House
Towards the end of December you may well have spotted Santa Claus and his sleigh outside either Tesco or Waitrose. Members of the Rotary Club of Towcester donned their festive apparel to persuade members of the public to part with their loose change so that it could be collected and donated to the William Blake House in Blakesley.
The William Blake House provides care 24/7 for adults with learning disabilities. Most of the residents are there for life and the staff of the William Blake House do their best to provide a stimulating, safe and rewarding environment for the people they care for.
As a specific fund-raising activity, Rotary were collecting in December to help fund the new garden project which, amongst other things, entails improving pathways, raising beds and providing a better garden area for the residents to use and enjoy. It also involves keeping some pets, which the residents love.
Says Jane Other – CEO of William Blake House: “Our home in Blakesley has a large garden which is being developed by our residents and staff. Jobs include weeding, resurfacing, choosing and buying flowers and other plants, buying and maintaining tools, and keeping the outbuilding clean and tidy. We're also creating an allotment so we can grow our own vegetables, and we have rabbits, hens, and quails to care for. Residents, staff, and volunteers alike are really enjoying the fresh air and exercise, whilst knowing they're making a significant contribution to the development of our garden and allotment for the ongoing enjoyment of the whole community.”
The Rotary Club of Towcester would like to thank the residents of Towcester and the surrounding area for their generosity in helping us contribute towards this worthy cause.
You can find out more about the William Blake House at: www.williamblakehouse.org/pages/wbh-home.php
The Rotary Club of Towcester meets weekly at the Saracen’s head and is always delighted to welcome new members. Please contact: [email protected] / www.towcester-rotary.org.uk
Towcester Youth Showcase
You are all most welcome to join us at this year's Towcester Youth Showcase Event on Tuesday, 21st March between 5.30 – 7.30pm at Sponne School.
Last year over 35 youth organisations were represented to show the activities they offer to young people aged 8-18 in the area, and this year is going to be even bigger and better.
Entry is free, refreshments will be available and everyone will be entered into a prize draw with some great prizes on offer. Entertainment will be provided by Towcester's own Rock schools.
If you have any questions or would like to showcase your activity, contact [email protected].
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN THE TOWN HALL Every Friday Antiques 2 Go Indoor Market MARCH Saturday 4th A Slice of Craft – Sale of Handmade Crafts Monday 6th, 7:30pm ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN Saturday 11th Woodlands Garden Furniture Sale Saturday 25th The Gift Bazaar APRIL Saturday 1st A Slice of Craft – Sale of Handmade Crafts Saturday 15th – Monday 17th, 9am to 5pm Towcester & District Art Society Exhibition Saturday 22nd The Gift Bazaar Monday 24th Watling Friends Presents – Malcolm Deacon MAY Saturday 6th A Slice of Craft – Sale of Handmade Crafts Saturday 20th The Gift Bazaar
A date for your diary...
This year’s Midsummer Music Festival will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 16th, 17th and 18th June 2017
Towcester Town Football Club
Do you want to play football? Come and give MiniKickers a try!
Towcester Town Football Club’s MiniKickers is open to all children aged between 4 and 6 years old. Sessions take place on the all-weather pitch at Towcester Centre for Leisure on Saturday mornings from 9am-10am. A contribution of just £1 is requested per session to help cover costs.
MiniKickers is taught by qualified coaches and is an excellent way to introduce children to football whilst having fun. Children who are interested will have the opportunity to progress into TTFC’s Under 7s teams.
Towcester Town FC Under 12’s are currently looking to recruit year 7 children to join their squad ready for next season. For more information contact Samantha Hurrell at: [email protected] or call 01327 353284
Towcester Town Crier is published by Towcester Town Council and is open to contributions from all organisations and individuals in the town. The last date for advertising is 24th March and for copy 31st March 2017. We are now operating a strict deadline for advertising / copy and materials will not be accepted after these dates.
Copy should be sent to Elizabeth Cox / Melissa Yates at the Town Council Office (tel: 01327 350995; email: [email protected]). For advertising, please contact Jim Lynch (tel: 01327 350899). Articles appearing contain the views of the person submitting the item and are not necessarily the views of the Town Council. The Town Council’s website address is www.towcester-tc.gov.uk.
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