Litchborough Church and Village Newsletter September 2020

8th September Virtual Parish Council Meeting Attendance November Details2014 inside

th 8 September - YOUTH CLUB New Time 6.30pm For information [email protected] or on 07422 573625

& 12th September

th th th 13 , 20 & 27 September Any articles, information, Benefice Holy Communion Services St. Martins Church notices, personal messages etc you would like in the newsletter, please send to 26th September Coffee Morning me by email by the 20th of 10.30am – 12.00noon Village Hall the month to:- [email protected] or telephone 830077 to have 3rd October - Table Top Sale – hard copy collected The Old Red Lion Car Park Thank You Printed by David and Sandy in Litchborough Sandy Aked-Walker

THE READERS WRITE Yoga Classes are now open again – so contact Sonia for ‘To mask or not to mask, That is the question. details. Dance classes are also now available contact Whether ‘tis nobler to muffle our prayers, Or risk contracting the dreaded Covid.’ Sonia for details Well, we are getting there slowly. From lockdown and closed churches, we can now meet for public prayer – no hymns though. And then, just as we thought things were progressing nicely we are hit with another command – masks will be worn! One step forward, and two back! You can have a pint (or two) in the pub with a friend; sit down and eat in a restaurant – all without having to wear a mask. But sit silently in church for prayer – masks must be worn. (And, with or without a mask, you can go to France and not come back!) There was a picture in the press recently of a priest – mask, visor and gloves – distributing the sacrament with chop-sticks! I noticed, however, that the tips of the chopsticks were not wearing gloves!! Does it matter if your prayers are muffled by a mask? Not at all – in fact St Matthew has something to say on the subject: ‘And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners (without their masks) so as to be seen by all. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room (church), close the door, (put on your mask) and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’ Look at it this way – masks are great levellers. The hypocrites are silenced and the babbling pagans kept under control! Yours in Christ Reader David

Are YOU interested in being a Village Neighbourhood Watch Officer – if so please contact David Aked-

Walker for details WE ARE OPEN To All Litchborough Ladies We are also on line As the lockdown and government guidelines are amended I hope it will not be too long before we can get together – maybe in a garden –weather permitting. Take care and keep safe Jan – 01327-830877

From St Martins Church Rev Sue is being inducted as Rector of the Lambfold Benefice on Monday 7th September. One of her first services will be in St Martin’s on Sunday 13th September. It will be one of two Benefice services that day so that as many people as possible can be accommodated. The service here will be at 10.30am, the other will be at at 9am. We will be limited as to the number of people who can be accommodated safely under social distancing requirements so would be grateful if you could let me know (Christine 830350) if you would like to come to a service, especially to Rev Sue’s first service. St Martin’s will host a Benefice Holy Communion service on each of the following two Sundays, both of these will be at 10.30 am. The church will be closed immediately after each of the services so that we do not have to undertake deep cleaning, but can be opened for private prayer on request. In August we were delighted to be able to hold two said services of Morning Prayer, both were led by Paul. It was really wonderful to be back in the church, even if the form of service was slightly different and we were not able to have any hymns. Christine Rodhouse

Dog Walking Service Dear Litchborough Neighbours I am a volunteer dog walker for the Cinnamon Trust, a charity which offers a free walking and fostering service to the elderly and terminally ill. I would be happy to assist in walking your dog, taking your pets to the vets and collecting their medication if you are ill or unable to go out during these difficult weeks. I can sort out the details of actually handing a dog over (2 metres or 3 paces apart etc etc) with whoever contacts me .Please ring me on 01327 830191 if you think I can help you. ID provided.

Jan, Road

Litchborough Gardening Club Hello all, Well at least we’ve had a little rain in the last couple of weeks and the Your Village Defibrillator – Need it and you are on your own – gardens, and lawns particularly, are looking a little less stressed. help is at hand A huge thank you to Chris Watts and those who donated plants or Several people have kindly offered their phone numbers to be contacted volunteered their time to establishing the four planters on the entry roads to go and get the defib and bring it to you. Sonia -07929-963976 or Anna into the village. They look beautiful. A huge thank you too to those who 07940379650. Sandy and David 01327-830077/07759-326675 are sorry have offered to keep them watered. but are still Shielding and can only help if no-one else can. -Thank you to Teresa’s table top sale was really well supported and took £391 which was the volunteers. shared equally between the Gardening Club, Church and Play Area. This support is wonderful and helps the funds we have available for garden visits, perhaps contributing to travel expenses. Due to the ongoing situation with the virus, we have no planned garden visits until our final outing to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, on We deliver daily newspapers and Sunday 25th October. We will leave firming up on next year’s outings until magazines to the village. our AGM in January 2021. Hopefully by then it will be safer to make plans. So far we have one diary entry which is our visit to the Thenford Any combination of days per week catered for. Arboretum on Saturday 3rd July 2021 (one of their open days). Here is the RHS guidance for things to do in Ring us on 01295 268499

September: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/september. Time to or e-mail divide herbaceous perennials, collect and sow seeds. I can’t believe how [email protected] quickly the year is going! With best wishes from Sue (01327

831545, [email protected]) and Teresa (07962

925709, [email protected]) *********

Village Lottery Stuart Moore Plastering Two more lucky winners again this month so far. Barbara Logan ‘s number matched the National Lottery Bonus Ball on Saturday the 8th and John Local based plasterer Green’s matched on the 15th . All Aspects of plasterwork completed Both receive a cheque for £25 and our congratulations. Specialist in restoration and conservation of lime plaster Ring 01327-830823 to arrange your lucky number for only £13 per and ornate plasterwork Contact Stuart on 07841-021802 quarter. email:[email protected] Ian Lowery

********

Whittlebury Bakery Bread Delivery to the Village. Friday Afternoon Community Cuppa The bakery orders are still proving very popular so I’m happy to carry on Hello again Everyone, ordering for villagers for the foreseeable. The bread is delicious and it’s Slightly different words, but the same message. So sorry. so nice to be able to support a local, independent business. But think how we shall party when this awful bit of history has been dealt There have been a few yummy additions to the list, please see below: with! So, my gate is perpetually open these days, various cups of whatever on offer, be great to see you. But not today. Please no. It's throwing it Prices: Large loaf (white, brown or multiseed) £1.85 down. Small loaf (white brown or multiseed) £1.40 Take care and keep safe, Sourdough large £2.50 Carol x -830517- 07923985637 Sourdough small £2.00 ********** Rolls (pack of 8.) white £1.80 Rolls (pack of 8.) brown or granary £2.00 Baguette £1.10 Welcome to Litchborough Large Sausage roll £1.50 We would like to welcome Vernon Coffey, his wife and children to their Jam doughnut 90p new home in Road. We are also pleased to welcome Mr Louis Apple turnover £1.05 James and Emma to Ivens Lane and hope they will all enjoy our lovely The bread will be delivered keeping social distance to your doorstep village. by Village volunteers who will knock on your door to let you know. We have two deliveries per week- on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please text or email me your order (and payment- I’ll email you my bank details) by 2pm on Mondays for Tuesday delivery and 2pm on Thursdays for Friday delivery. Playing Field and Children’s Play Area Any questions, please get in touch. Val Mahoney - 07815 059826 Vandalism Why do some always have to spoil things for others. Two youths were seen with cider cans in the playing field and after they left it was discovered War Memorial Flowers that the football posts had been broken –just mindless yobs. Not welcome 5th September - Sandy Aked-Walker 12th September - Carol Hakin here that’s for sure. However new posts were ordered and thanks to 19th September – Chris Coade, 26th September. - Vivienne Green Graeme and Luke Whitcroft have been assembled and are back in action. 3rd October - Liz Robinson Extra Thanks and congratulations to Luke who was rather tired after ************ celebrating his “A” level results and place at University ***********

YOUTH CLUB, Tuesday 8th September at 6.30pm FREE RANGE EGGS We will meet at the Village Hall and weather permitting it will be outside As we have many more eggs than we need, we would like to make them activity on the Playing Field. If wet then it will be in the Village Hall. available to the lovely people in the village. We kindly suggest a donation of Watch Out for the reminder notices at the Playing Field, Village Notice £2,00 per dozen, which will go back to the upkeep and welfare of the hens Board and “A” Board by the telephone box. Contact Sarah for more The honesty box is located at 36 Banbury Road We really hope you enjoy the eggs as much as we do. information at [email protected] or on 07422 573625 *******

The Old Red Lion & SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE – SATURDAY 12TH WE ARE OPEN SEPTEMBER 2020 Bored of walking through the same fields? Fed up with cycling along the same lanes? Looking for a reason to get up and go out? Why not try visiting a few local (or not so local) churches? Even if you can’t go inside, and a lot of churches are not open this year, you can admire an historic building, Our usual opening hours probably in beautiful surroundings. The Historic We hope you will come and enjoy being in our spacious garden but Churches Trust Sponsored Ride and Stride is going ahead on 12th if the weather is unkind to us, inside we have made changes to September but there is nothing to stop anyone riding or walking around on allow social distancing – but sorry no skittles and NO FOOD a different date. Any Special Events will be on the Notice Board outside Any sponsor money you collect is split 50: 50 between the NHCT and the ********* church you have chosen. If you would like to take part but do not like asking for sponsorship then sponsor yourself! If you do not fancy participating yourself but would like to support this charity at a time when churches are short of money, please contact me and LITCHBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL I will point you towards various people in the village who are planning on Litchborough Parish CounciI has a vacancy for a taking part. I am hoping to cycle to about a dozen local churches or walk parish clerk to a fewer number. (responsible finance officer.) Money raised for St Martin’s will be used by the Fabric Trust on the church building. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and The Ride and Stride will be conducted taking account of Covid 19 experienced persons, The post of Clerk involves working from regulations which apply on the date. home plus some evening work and occasional attendance at For more information please contact Val Hartley, Bay Tree, 12 Towcester civic functions. Good communication skills plus ability to use Road. (01327 831162) [email protected] Information is also Microsoft Word and Excel are required. available on the NHCT website, www.nhct.org.uk Friendly and positive outlooks are essential. Registered Charity No 1021632 The post is paid and the expected requirement is 16+ hours a ********* month. Travel is paid plus a small allowance for working from home. The successful applicant would be expected to have, CiLCA {Certificate in Local Council Administration). Village Hall Car Park th The closing date for applications is 4 September 2020. Now the village hall is coming back into use will you please NOT use the car If you are interested in the position please contact the Acting park unless you are in the village hall for an event. Clerk for an Application Form at [email protected] Road works are finished and there are spaces in the lay by to be used as or contact one of the current Parish Councillors. before. Thank you

Badby & Farthingstone Cricket Club News SOFEA Emergency Community Larder Box Scheme Matches continue to come thick and fast as the club try to make up for lost time The SOFEA Emergency Community Larder Box Scheme has now ended. after the delayed start to the season. Since the last update, six matches have Since it started, 191 food boxes were delivered in Litchborough by local been played resulting in four wins, two defeats. First were visitors Abington who, volunteers. In total, almost 1,700 food boxes were delivered throughout against tight bowling and fielding, slumped to 90-9 until a last wicket stand saw by 49 volunteers. Without their help not one of them total 127 (35 overs). In reply B&FCC also struggled against some excellent these boxes would have been delivered. This was a truly magnificent bowling to be always slightly behind the required run rate. This left the final pair response to the global crisis. Should there be a second spike in Covid-19, needing 16 off the last over, a task that proved to be beyond them resulting in a 12 the possibility of renewing the Scheme will be considered. run defeat. Well played Abington. The club then played a home double header against Braunston Paddox CC – a midweek evening 20/20 followed by a 35-over Should anyone want to continue to receive a weekly food box from SOFEA, Sunday affair. The first saw the home side post a respectable 127 but doubts this will cost £3.50 a week for a box of 10 items of long shelf-life food remained as to whether it would be enough against their big-hitting visitors. In a (worth approximately £12), or £7 a week for 20 items of long shelf-life tight, even game with two overs left the visitors needed 20 runs for victory, one food (worth approximately £24). Please contact Gareth Lugar-Mawson on wicket remaining, and the home side hung on courtesy of some tight bowling to win 01327 830219 (email: [email protected]) should you want to receive by 8 runs. Sunday’s match also ended with a close finish, the visitors recording a one of these boxes. below par 124 against some fine home bowling most notably from the Dicks family, ************ all three of whom (Will, George and Alfie) performed creditably. In reply

Braunston’s bowling attack predictably hit back strongly and both sides were still th in with a chance as the match entered its final over. B&FCC needed just five runs Virtual Parish Council meeting – 8 September to win, Braunston one wicket. The home side’s man of the match Chris Pratska hit For those wishing to attend the Parish Council meeting the zoom entry the second ball agonizingly close to the boundary ropes for four runs before being details are on the Parish Council Notice Board on the Agenda outside The out lbw the following delivery, leaving both sides on 124 and an excellent match Old Red Lion played in great spirit ending in a The next three matches were all away – at Pattishall, Bugbrooke (v South Northants Council) and Everdon. Firstly Pattishall, winning the toss and batting in hot, sunny conditions, made a solid 164 from their 30 overs. But B&FCC rose to the occasion winning with over three overs left, stand-in captain Malcolm Alphonso scoring the winning runs. A fine, all-round team performance. There followed a trip to Bugbrooke for a 20/20 midweek match against long-standing rivals South Northants Council. The visitors made 89. After a bright start, three batsmen retiring on 25 not out, the innings lost momentum leaving SNC a relatively modest target which they achieved in the 18th over. Special mention to young bowlers Noah Eales and Lucas Whitcroft White who both took wickets on their club debuts. Well done boys. Last Sunday saw another exciting finish, this time at old rivals Everdon. Batting first the home side made 122 with the wickets shared by Jude Dyke, Jordan Shingler, Ryan Haynes and Grady Nightingale. In reply excellent batting by Kieren Bennett, captain Charlie Ashmore and man of the match Ryan Haynes saw the visitors home by one wicket, another close, exciting win. Club news and fixtures are on the new noticeboard at the Badby ground as well as on the club’s Facebook page at http://ow.ly/nKPs50APtiP

Table Top Sale To All Dog Owners Please don’t forget to use the bins Why do a few spoil things for the majority As can be seen from the email below we are now losing the volunteer service which we have enjoyed for a long time because of their thoughtless actions. “We have raised this issue before but clearly, the culprits are not taking notice. Outside our property on 4 Towcester Road, there is a strip of land owned by the council. I do however on a voluntary basis keep this area mown and tidy. Today, there were 6 dog fouls on the strip which makes it really unpleasant when I am mowing the lawn. I have also put up a sign stating “ no dog fouling” I have now decided that I will report to the council and also cease from keeping this area tidy. Can you please publish. Any queries, 01327 830324 Thanks Ewan” ***********

Thank-you to all who helped with the Towcester Road Table Top sale on the 1st & 2nd August, especially to Anita, Emily, Rebecca, Sue, Ian, Vanessa, Isla, Sophie and Valentina. On counting up the takings (including the large pot of donated 1p's!) we made a total of £391 which was quite an achievement. 26th September- MacMillan Coffee Morning Thank you for the generous donations. The monies will be divided and given to the Church, Play Area and Litchborough Village Hall 10.30am – 12.00noon Gardening Club. Our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning will be a bit different this The next sale monies again to go to the Play Area, Church and Gardening year. Please enter the Village Hall by the main door, collect your Club, will take place in the car park of the Old Red Lion on Saturday 3rd cake on a paper plate and coffee in a paper cup and leave by the October from 10.00am -2.00pm in The Old Red Loin Car Park put the fire exit door onto the play area where there will be a few tables date in your diary and look forward in seeing you there! and chairs socially distanced. Teresa Please wear a mask if you can while in the hall –Thank You ***********