JULY 2021

STEWKLEY LADIES CONQUER THE RIDGEWAY TRAIL

Sue Atkinson and Claire Munday at the start of their 99 mile walk

During half term, the first week of June, St Michael’s teacher “We took six days to complete the Ridgeway Trail from Overton Claire Munday, and her friend Sue Atkinson, completed a Hill near Avebury, Wilts to the Ivinghoe Beacon; the trail is mammoth six-day, 99 mile walk along the Ridgeway Trail. officially 87 miles but we completed 99 miles in total. Itwas Claire told the Grapevine, “I did the walk with friend and fellow certainly a challenge, especially carrying our packs, but it was villager Sue. Between us we raised £4400 for Pancreatic Cancer also a fantastic experience along an ever-changing route through UK and Parkinson’s. Both charities were close to our hearts as I some of Britain’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. We lost my dad to pancreatic cancer last year and Sue’s mum has would both like to thank the many Stewkley friends and families been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We wanted to raise awareness who have made donations to our charities.” not only of both conditions but also the charities themselves. Donations can still be made at: https://fundraise.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraisers/ Also in this months Grapevine: clairemunday • p3 An Event For The Whole Village or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sue-Atkinson-The- • p3 Josh Cleans Up Ridgeway-Trail-Parkinsons-UK • p5 Stewkley Brownies Get Creative See page 24 for more pictures.

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

STEWKLEY WALKERS from Bridget Watson VILLAGE DIARY Walks Programme for July JULY There are five walks of varying distances this month so we hope Sat 3 that you will find something to suit. Please contact the walk leaders if you need more information before booking. When Sun 4 Scarecrow Trail meeting up at the starting point and during walks, please keep Mon 5 No PC meeting due to non-availability of village hall a safe distance from others and bring a face covering for cafes, Informal meeting by Zoom - see P6 for details pubs and toilet facilities. Mon 5 Book Club - via Zoom, 8.30pm Wednesday 7 July Cheddington Circular 3.5miles Wed 7 Refuse: blue tops and food bins Meet at the recreation ground, High Street, Cheddington (LU7 0RG) at 10am.The car park is about 50 metres past The Old Swan Wed 14 Refuse: green tops, food bins and brown garden waste pub, but on opposite side of road coming from Wing/ Leighton Recreation Ground Association AGM, 7.30pm The Pavilion Buzzard. Thur 15 Grapevine deadline for adverts and articles Walk is on footpaths and bridleways towards Marsworth and Wed 21 Refuse: blue tops and food bins back along the tow path. Well-behaved dogs on leads only as there are sheep and horses in fields. Wed 28 Refuse: green tops, food bins and brown garden waste NB 10 or 12 difficult stiles. No public toilets. The Old Swan is a dog friendly pub with a marquee in garden if anyone wants WHAT’S ON IN JULY to stay for coffee but lunches need to be booked. Tel: 01296 662171 Leaders: George and Thelma Phone 07860 654325 to book BOOK CLUB Tuesday 13 July Maulden Woods Circular 4 miles Monday 5 July Meet at 10am in the layby off the A6 where the Greeensand 8.30pm via Zoom Trust Working Woodlands Centre is situated between Haynes Please contact Greg on 240487 for information West End and Clophill (MK45 3UZ). Much of the walk is through Book to discuss: White Gold by Giles Milton Forestry Commission ancient woodland, with plenty of shade. (Book for August: No Country For Old Men by Cormac Mccarthy) The route is through meadows towards the 13th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin at Maulden. We pass through Green End and follow the Greensand Ridge. After Forest Lodge we go NOTICE through part of a designated Faith Woodlands area. No stiles. is hereby given of the Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. No public toilets. Annual General Meeting The Flying Horse pub is nearest at Clophill ( MK45 4AD) if you of wish to stay for lunch. Book a table online or phone 01525 Stewkley Recreation Ground Association 860293. And Sports Club Leaders: Paul and Alice Phone 07905 759120 to book on Tuesday 20 July Marston Moretaine Forest Centre 6.5 miles Wednesday 14 July 2021 Meet at Forest Centre Marston Moretaine at 10am (MK43 OPR) 7.30pm at The Pavilion for a walk to Caulcot, Lower Shelton, Rectory Wood (outskirts Social distancing /government guidelines apply. of Cranfield), Wood End, Marston Moretaine and back to The To book place phone 01525 240330 Forest Centre. Toilets and refreshments at the Forest Centre. Leaders: Tom and Gay Phone 07970 479007 to book SVCC FIXTURES JULY Thursday 22 July Totternhoe Knolls 3.5/4 miles Saturday 5 Caddington 1st Home 13:30 (League) Meet at Station Road, Stanbridge at 2pm (LU7 9JF). Please park Saturday 3 Milton Keynes CC 2nd Away 13:30 (League) sensibly along Station Road where the redundant Stanbridge Sunday 4 Soulbury Away 13:00 railway station used to be. The walk will take us through a wildlife Saturday 10 Olney Town 2nd Home 13:30 (League) meadow and up onto Totternhoe Knolls where the views are fab. Sunday 11 Chearsley Home 14:00 Leaders: Sandra and Dere Phone 01525 371529 to book Saturday 17 MK Stallions 1st Away 13:30 (League) Wednesday 28 July Heath Wood Circular 4 miles Sunday 18 Buckingham Away 13:00 Saturday 24 Milton Keynes City 1st Home 13:30 (League) Meet at The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard (LU7 2TA) at 10.15am. This walk follows the canal towpath initially and includes part of Sunday 25 Shenley Church End Home 14:00 the Ouzel Valley Meander, Knolls Wood and Heath Wood. Some Saturday 31 Stoke Hammond 1st Away 13.30 (League) level walking on marked paths and gentle slopes throughout. Dogs on leads welcome. No stiles. The Globe Inn serves food Remaining junior evening fixtures: from 12pm and booking is advisable. Stewkley U15s Friday 9 Haddenham CC Away Leaders: Bridget and Dave Phone 07756 326350 to book Stewkley U13s Thursday 8 Haddenham Home Walks for August Programme to Bridget please by 12 July. Monday 12 Thame Town Away Afternoon and evening walks can also be offered. Stewkley U11s Email [email protected] Tuesday 6 North Marston & Granborough Away Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 3 AN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE VILLAGE – THE STEWKLEY SCARECROW TRAIL The Stewkley Scarecrow Trail is happening over the weekend of 3 – 4 July. Organised by the Friends of St Michael’s School, you will be able to walk around the village and view the amazing scarecrows, whilst raising funds for the School, St Michael’s Church, the Chapel and the Recreation Ground. There will be stalls, teas and cakes, refreshments, music, an ice cream van and more, along the length of the village High Streets. Maps will be sold for the Scarecrow Trail and there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Scarecrow. To enter your scarecrow onto the trail, and have it listed on the official trail map, please e-mail: [email protected] for an entry form. Here’s to a sunny weekend and good luck to all those scarecrows…the Grapevine will be on the lookout for the best ones to include in the August edition, so get snapping with those cameras.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY STEWKLEY CAR SHOW Sunday 1 August The Rec. See page 4 for more details

JOSH CLEANS UP Being a helpful young man, Josh McCabe, aged 8, from High Street South, looks forward to giving dad Kevin a hand with delivering the Grapevine every month. While distributing the June issue, Josh also took his new litter STEWKLEY WI from Sheila Fellowes picker with him so he could have a bit of a clean-up as he On the afternoon of 9 June we managed to have a get together of went. He did some more litter-clearing during the half-term Stewkley WI members, the first since March 2020. The weather was break and he plans to get started around the Rec next. warm, but luckily we had the shade of trees to sit under. Everyone brought their own chair and drink and were provided with a Kit Kat. There was obviously a lot of news to exchange and catch up on. While at first it felt strange to be sitting in a group after such a long time, it soon relaxed and was a very enjoyable afternoon. We welcomed and met two new members. We had hoped that we would be able to resume indoor meetings again in July, but after the 14 June announcement I am not sure. We will keep you informed.

23 members of the Stewkley WI, gathered in the shade of the ‘spreading chestnut tree’ at the Rec Page 4 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 STEWKLEY RECREATION GROUND NEEDS YOUR HELP from Janette Eustace To volunteer please text 07484 118511. • Become a Member (fee £5 per annum) to enjoy a drink The recreation ground is owned by the Parish Council but is in the bar and watch live Sky Sports on Saturdays. run by volunteers under a long-term agreement. Many of the • Hire the facilities for an event or regular activity. volunteers come from the sports clubs that are very active at the You can make a donation towards the cost of running events and Rec; some are interested local people who just want to help out. upkeep of the Recreation Ground and Pavilion. The Recreation Volunteers are needed to help run activities, carry out Ground Association is a registered charity and we can claim Gift maintenance and run the bar. We have a small annual budget Aid, adding 25% to all tax payer donations. from the Parish Council but most of the money needed to run the Please consider becoming a volunteer on a regular or Pavilion and keep the grounds and equipment well-maintained occasional basis. comes from volunteers’ fundraising. There is a committee that meets once a month to review the previous month and plan for future events. RINGING OUT FOR THE NHS from Bunt Scott, Tower Captain Inevitably, we lose some volunteers because they move away or are unable to continue because of personal and family The tenor bell will ring 73 times at 8pm on Monday 5 July to circumstances and we are always happy to welcome new faces. mark the 73rd anniversary of the formation of the National Health Service. Each ring will represent a year in the 73-year life Some volunteers give up a lot of their time and carry out regular of the NHS and will be a celebration and tribute to the NHS, maintenance like grounds maintenance, keeping the hedges Social Care and those that work tirelessly on the frontline. tidy and maintaining the cricket and football pitches. Being on the committee does require a bit more commitment as there are This is a national initiative with towers across the country joining regular jobs that need to be carried out like ordering supplies, in. health and safety, planning, maintenance and finance. Not all If it’s a sunny evening why not come along, sit in the churchyard volunteers are on the committee though. Some offer occasional and join in with this celebration. The more the merrier. help with specific events like Recfest or working behind the bar once every few weeks or lending their expertise to help with a WI PUMP PLANTING one-off job. The WI has carried out its annual planting of the tubs at the Everyone who volunteers helps to keep our lovely Recreation Jubilee Pump in High Street South. To ensure compliance with Ground in tip-top condition for all Stewkley folk to enjoy. Covid regulations the task was, as last year, a solo effort by Trish One of the best ways of supporting the Rec is to come along to Higgins who sourced the plants as well as planting them. The events. plants are paid for by the Parish Council and usually form part of • Check our Website/Facebook page or the Grapevine the village preparations for the Best Kept Village competition. Village Diary and What’s On features to see what’s The troughs will continue to be watered by Rebecca Bunyan. coming up. KLEY CAR SH STEW OW Sunday 1 August from 1pm at Stewkley Rec mix of cars covering the classic, vintage and modern eras as well as other wheeled wonders will be on display Ice creams Full Bar

Afternoon teas Barbeque served by the Brownies Craft StallsBouncy Castle please come along to this free event and enjoy another social afternoon at The Rec. Like to show your interesting vehicle? Call 01525 240115. Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 5 METHODIST MINISTER MOVES ON STEWKLEY BROWNIES Methodist Minister at the Chapel in High Street GET CREATIVE from Sally Shefferd South, Reverend Donna Broadbent-Kelly, will Stewkley Brownies have been enjoying outdoor be moving on to pastures new in August. Rev meetings at the Airport Spinney in Dunton Road. Broadbent-Kelly and her family have lived at The weather has made some meetings rather The Manse for the last four years. challenging but the latest one was on a glorious Her last service will be on Sunday 25 July. evening. The girls have explored the three petals, See page 8 for Donna’s memories of her arrival identified wild flowers, played hide and seek (some and time spent in Stewkley. very successfully), built structures using natural materials, worked in small groups on various POST OFFICE RE-OPENS challenges and designed and made pictures from The post office and store in Swanbourne natural materials. have now re-opened under new ownership. Jean-Claude and Julie Blanc, having A beach scene previously lived in the area, moved back to Swanbourne earlier this year after 15 years in France. The post office opening hours are Monday- Saturday, 9am - 1pm. FLOWER TUBS AT THE REC Many will have noticed, and admired, the beautiful display of oak tubs at the Rec, containing a colourful mix of plants each summer. What they may not know is that these A spider’s web are a labour of love, planted in memory of Ray Edmunds who died in 2007. Ann and Alan Winsor grow the flowers and plant up the tubs, with contributions from the Edmunds family, Y CA David Carter and many KLE R SH other village friends. EW OW They then keep them ST watered all season long. READERS WRITE from Judy Walker, High Street North Dear Grapevine, A school teaching assistant In the April Grapevine, I was thrilled to see a photograph taken many years ago of what I believe to be an Austin 7, parked outside the cottages in High Street South. (inset). Yesterday, 31 May, I took my Austin 7, parked her in the same place and took a photograph in memory of her old ‘sister’ from all those years ago. My van was built in 1934; I think the car in the photo is about a 1928 saloon version. Page 6 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS NEW FACE ON THE BLOCK AT Taken from the draft minutes of the Annual Parish Council THE PARISH COUNCIL Meeting held in The Village Hall, 24 May After three years in the role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Stewkley PC positions: Cllr Keith Higgins was re-elected as Financial Officer, the present Clerk, Rob Mann, is stepping Chairman of the PC for a further 12 months, and Cllr Gill Morgan down. He has recently moved to Newton Longville and, busy was re-elected as Vice Chairman. with home improvements and family commitments, he feels the Representatives on outside bodies were appointed to the North clerk’s role will better suit someone younger, with more time to Bucks Parishes Planning Consortium, Winslow Community be closely involved in so many aspects of Stewkley life. Rob says Board, Recreation Ground Committee, Buckinghamshire Council he will continue to stay in touch with the Stewkley community Parish Liaison Group, Village Hall Committee and the Teaching through his ongoing involvement with his allotment, and his and Learning Pupil and Community Committee. wife, Linda, is equally active with the Players and Stewkley WI. The following sub - committees / working groups were formed / Rob will officially leave at the end of July when Jo Simonds confirmed and PC members appointed: will replace him. Jo is already part-time Clerk and Responsible • Financial sub-committee: To make an annual assessment Financial Officer for Stoke Hammond PC and will fulfil a similar of financial risk and recommend any changes to financial role for Stewkley from the beginning of August. procedures where appropriate. To consider and advise The PC would like to wish Rob all the best for the future and the council on any matter of financial importance. thank him for his considerable contribution to the Council and • Traffic sub-committee community during his time in office. • Streetlighting sub-committee It is also looking forward to welcoming Jo into her new position, • Wildlife Reserve helping it to face the many challenges of local democracy. • Airport Monument Spinney The Clerk’s email will remain unchanged as stewkleyparishclerk@ gmail.com but there will be a new phone number from 1 August • Neighbourhood planning • Stewkley Enterprise Agency COORDINATOR NEEDED FOR • PC Website VOLUNTARY MEDICAL TRANSPORT SCHEME Owing to the non-availability of the Village Hall for June’s PC from the Parish Council meeting and the proximity with this Annual PC Meeting, a workshop will be arranged to discuss how the new PC would As many Stewkley residents will know, the voluntary medical operate. transport scheme has been operating for many years under the auspices of St Michael’s Church, and in particular the organiser Buckinghamshire Council: Recently elected BC Cllr Gomm explained that the three Cllrs elected to the Great Brickhill ward Pam Dickens. (Phil Gomm, Jilly Jordon and Iain Macpherson) would all actively Pam has decided that the time is right to step down and has support their Parish Councils. Cllr Gomm wished to be involved asked the Parish Council to help find a village volunteer to run in any significant issues affecting Stewkley. He commented that this invaluable service for those who do not have their own BC has allocated £4,000,000 to drainage county-wide. He also transport to get to a doctor’s or a hospital appointment. has a particular interest in the prevention of speeding and also Although the service is currently on hold, there are still drivers asked to be involved in planning issues. He will join a review willing to assist as soon as a coordinator is in place. So the meeting with Transport for Bucks on 14 June, a few days after the role is not ‘starting from scratch’ but building on established PC’s proposed meeting with Stewkley’s Local Area Technician. foundations. Planning and Development: Cllrs resolved to object to the If you have some spare time and are interested in using your application for land at Bletchley Road (Old Highway Depot): organisational skills to help keep this service going, please Change of use to equestrian and erection of a stable building contact the PC via the Clerk ([email protected]) to (21/01596/APP). discuss what the role entails. Highways, Footways, Footpaths and Lighting: Reports have been received of trucks travelling down Dunton Road to ST MICHAEL’S SAYS GOODBYE unload at Red Brick Farm late at night. Greg Smith MP and BC’s enforcement officer have been advised. St Michael’s School has reported that Mrs Clarke will be moving on at the end of the Summer Term. Mrs Clarke has worked at the It was proposed that electricity suppliers for the streetlights be School for over ten years in a multitude of roles, including that switched from E.ON to SSE on a three-year contract, using an of Teaching Assistant and Student Teacher, before becoming a agency. The Clerk will contact E.ON to request a price review, Class Teacher in 2014. The school describes her as “an incredibly and Slapton PC for further references. The PC approved the dedicated teacher who has thrown herself wholeheartedly into proposed purchase of a new Speed Indicator Device. everything for the benefit of our community and children.” Chapel Square: A resident has requested that residents of Mrs Beach, who has been at St Michael’s for three years, Chapel Square manage the maintenance of the island and verges working in Years 1, 3 and 4, is also on the move at the end of the in the Square. To be discussed further with the residents and the Summer Term. The school is very grateful to Mrs Beach for her Enterprise Agency. It was also requested that the PC investigate commitment to the school during this time and wish her well for the possibility of adding a socket to the street light lamppost for the future. Christmas lights, the costs to be borne by the residents of the Square. The Clerk will investigate. Health and Wellbeing: The organisers of the medical transport To send articles, adverts and notices scheme had stood down and new organisers are needed. to Grapevine Date of the next meeting: Due to the unavailability of the village hall there will be no meeting on Monday 5 July but an email: [email protected] informal meeting under the devolved powers will be held via Zoom. Please contact the Parish Clerk if you wish to join. by 15th month Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 7 STEWKLEY VICARAGE CRICKET CLUB 2021 SEASON UPDATE from Alan Hardings After a cold April and a wet May, some good news……the ended up on 145 for 4, a really good start given this was the first electronic scoreboard is now back working and underneath it time they had played together as a team. North Marston made we’re sporting the advertising board of our new local sponsor, a good start but the boys saw it through for their first win. A Andy Gurnett (AG Autos) [Photo below]. warm May evening saw us host a strong Haddenham team that batted first and scored 132 for 2. We struggled against a strong bowling attack and finished on 65 for 7, giving the lads a bit of a shock. Next up was Aston Clinton away, the hosts batted first and Antony Chater took 2 early wickets, Callum Meader bowled 2 superb overs finishing with 1 wicket for 1 run. Aston finished on 101 for 8. Ferdy Middleton opened the Stewkley batting with a fluid 16, and Anthony and Noah Kingham came together for a 50 partnership to see us across the line. In the rematch at North Marston, Ferdy opened the batting and retired on 50, however we finished on 116 for 5, which felt a little on the low side. The hosts began strongly before a run out from Owen and it came down to the final over …….. 4 wickets fell in that over but we lost off the final delivery. The fielding towards the end was excellent and the end result doesn’t reflect their efforts. Across the younger age groups (U9 and below) we have significant numbers of children enjoying the current training sessions on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. Its pleasing to see as many girls as boys in the groups, and also some of the parents The club extends its thanks to Andy for his support this season and children at the Rec on Saturdays when a home match is and hopes that he also benefits from his kind sponsorship. If any being played. other local businesses are interested in sponsorship then please If you would like to see more of the action from the contact Alan Hardings on 07458 979636. 1st XI please look at the photographers instagram site: The club’s 1st XI has started strongly, with 3 wins from 4 played, https://www.instagram.com/glennalcockphotographer/ 3 matches were cancelled through rain in May. Some fine individual performances were topped by Sam Carter’s century against Milton Keynes CC and Ahsen Razzaq’s 5 wickets for 22 runs, which won us the match against Caddington CC. Another pleasing aspect is the good availability, in particular the average age of the Stewkley team which has been far lower than clubs we have played against in the League. Our Sunday XI remains an excellent means for developing younger cricketers alongside more experienced players. The culture is focused on being competitive, inclusive and enjoying cricket in a friendly environment. Once again we have missed the odd game due to weather, had some wins and some losses, but we have seen great performances from our juniors who are stepping up to senior cricket for the first time this season. On the junior front, again we have seen some positive results across the age groups. At time of writing, our U11 side was topping their division with both the U15s and U13s lying second in theirs. The U11s tied their first game away to Waddesdon with Zachary Fitzboyden hitting a 4 off the last ball, Jack Blackwell top scored with 30 and Luke Harris took 2 wickets for 9 runs. They won their next 3 matches against Chearsley, North Marston & Above and below - 1st XI v Stoke Hammond Granborough and Waddesdon, with some excellent teamwork and also fine individual performances. The U13’s have had a great start having played 2 and won 2, with another abandoned in a tropical rainstorm! In the first game the team hit their target of 89 in just 11 overs against Waddesdon, with wickets from Sam Gibbs and Jack Blackwell and a run out from Cody Clark. Runs came from Dylan Mansfield who retired on 31 and Tom Honan 29 not out. In their second match batting first against North Marston, the U13s scored a massive 175 from 20 overs without conceding a wicket. Our U15s have performed well so far, given the late scramble to ensure we could field a team. First match up was North Marston on what was a chilly late-April evening. Owen Mansfield is the team’s skipper and started well with a great captain’s knock of 41 not out and bowling 2 wickets for 15 runs. We Page 8 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 pens, real animals and a Santa on a quad bike bringing baby Jesus Methodist Chapel across Walducks field, creating the most magical nativity service. Minister: Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly Of course there have been the quieter moments too: sharing a cup of The Manse, tea and hearing the stories of the past, sitting with the dying, holding High Street South the hand of a bereaved daughter as she said her final goodbyes at the Tel 240589 graveside, sitting in a field talking to a farmer who was concerned Email: [email protected] about the future and struggling with their mental health and Web: www.aylesburyvale.org.uk being sat in the chapel alone, praying during the endless weeks of SERVICES and NOTICES for JULY lockdown when we couldn’t gather as a worshipping community. Subject to Covid Restrictions there will be the following services. Moving on is never easy, and it’s certainly not going to be easy to Please let Lin Jones know on 217795 if you wish to attend. leave here. Stewkley and its people will always hold a special place 4 10.30am Communion followed by Church AGM - in my heart. So all that’s left to say is thank you. Thank you for Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly welcoming me and my family; thank you for sharing your stories and 11 10.30am Mrs Lynda Hart inviting us to journey with you during the most difficult and most 18 10am Zoom service led by the Stewards joyous times, it has been a privilege to do so. May God continue to 25 4.30 pm No morning service pour out his blessings on you all. Rev Helen Cameron – Rev Broadbent-Kelly’s My final service will be on Sunday 25 July at 4.30pm. I moveat leaving service and Circuit Service the beginning of August to Whitchurch in Shropshire where I will be joining the Cheshire South Circuit as presbyter for the Rural MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER Missional area covering one market town church and seven rural After just three hours sleep and last minute chapels. questions of “are we sure we want to do With love and blessings, this?” we shut the van door. On arrival we Rev. Donna were met by Lynda Hart, the Steward who had pulled the short straw and had to tell us APOLOGY that we couldn’t move into The Manse. The The Grapevine apologises for the misspelling of Rev Broadbent- workmen hadn’t finished, there was no running Kelly’s name in the June edition and for any upset this caused. water and the place was full of dust and dirt. We wish Donna and her family every happiness in their new As I looked out into the sheep field trying to conceal the tears, I heard home. the whisper of God say – it will be fine. And it was, within half-an-hour, the village had rallied around. Jill and Bunt very kindly moved us into FORMER GRAPEVINE EDITOR MARRIES Dormer Cottage and people from the village popped in with toys for the children, meals and offers of help. This was back in 2017, and I’m Former villager and Editor of the Grapevine in its earlier days, Beryl Grimditch has married her long-time partner Mike Lithgo still quite proud that I made it up to the North end on my very first day. at Stewkley Methodist Chapel. Being the minister here has been an absolute joy. What I love dearly about Stewkley is that people know one another; there is a strong sense of community that is historical and goes back to days when there were at least 10 pubs in the village but is it also an integral part of today’s life too. Of course there have been challenges – but life would be pretty boring if there weren’t any. As a community you have welcomed me and I have journeyed alongside many of you in times of joy and sadness. And as a whole most of the experiences have been my first! My very first funeral was for the much-loved Stewkley man, Gerald Smith. The chapel was full and it felt quite daunting for this new minister. Since then I have done many a funeral at Stewkley, each one a privilege but just as daunting. I don’t think I will ever stop being nervous. My first baptism was for Edwin Vale where perhaps I was a little bit too liberal with water! And my first wedding was a secret, and only revealed in the Grapevine afterwards, for Cathy and Richard Faulkner, and as payment in kind, they were my Mary and Joseph in the open air nativity. I think what I have enjoyed the most has been the opportunity to try things out and play! St Michael’s children and staff have been a delight in allowing me to play in assemblies with dressing up outfits, and a basket full of props. My favourite has to be when I got Mr Jones and Mrs Clarke to eat cat food as part of an assembly on how not to judge a book by its cover. I still have the screams of the children ringing in my ears. I’ve made a papier-mâché model of a Beryl, who now lives at Stony Stratford, has continued as a giant elephant head for the village scarecrow event which later took regular member of the congregation at the Chapel where she central view for a funeral. I’ve sung along to Mary Poppins in movie is a Communion Steward. The wedding was conducted by afternoons; pretended to eat playdough with toddlers at Daisy Methodist Minister the Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly and the Club; I’ve got a little bit too excited bidding on the pumpkin at the bride was given away by her son James. Harvest auction - well it is for a good cause! I’ve fed new-born lambs The service was held shortly after restrictions on the numbers of and, with the help of local farmers, seen some of my crazy ideas people attending weddings were eased and as a result a number become a reality with a shining star, a huge stable made with cattle of village friends attended. Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 9 to do, and, done properly, can be character-forming, but sometimes St Michael’s Church we may feel we simply can’t wait any longer. In particular, waiting for Benefice Rector: Rev Howard Robson Tel: 01296 688593 important information can often be the worst part of it, especially Team Vicar: Rev Dr Andrew Krauss when we can’t move forward or make decisions otherwise. Tel 07508213154 Patience, of course, is something we always have to muster in Church Wardens: to be announced. the present moment. In the biblical literature the idea of ‘waiting’ is usually connected with an ever-present sense of alertness and expectation, especially regarding a sense of God’s presence. In SERVICES and NOTICES for JULY English there is also the distinction between waiting for somebody Subject to Government restrictions services will be held as fol- (or something) and waiting on somebody – and there is clearly some lows. Please wear masks. See Facebook @ St Michael’s Church connection between the two, whenever our expectancy in life is Stewkley for further details. bound to our service towards someone or something. 4 10am Service led by Laity Joyce Meyer once famously said “Patience is not the ability to wait 11 10am Family Service but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting”, while Luc de 18 10am Holy Communion Clapiers referred to patience as ‘the art of hoping’. Art tends to have 25 10am Holy Communion some form of structure or order, even if not fully visible or obvious at † Tea, Cake & Book Stall at the Church: Sat 3 and Sun 4 July as first, and a good attitude can give a sense of order and stability to part of Scarecrow Trail, 2 – 4pm our hope. Writing this in the first half of June it is still far from certain † Food Bank: The porch is open for contributions which now what the coming weeks and months will bring, but what is surely go to Leighton Linslade Homeless Service. Many thanks to beyond dispute is that we need stability, and should continue to all donors. work together to achieve this. † To sponsor the illumination of St Michael’s to celebrate a Rev Andrew Krauss special event or in remembrance of a loved one please contact Geoff Ball 249765 RETIREMENT OF CHURCH WARDENS MESSAGE FROM THE BENEFICE RECTOR At the Parochial Church Meeting at the end of June, Judy REV Howard Robson Walker retired as Church Warden, having served from 2014 The Art of Waiting? to 2021. Neil Dickens has also retired, having been in post If there is one thing that has probably taxed most from 2011 to 2014 and from 2019 to 2021. Their service and of us quite severely over the last sixteen months dedication has been much appreciated. it is the ongoing need for patience. We are all generally told from a young age that patience is Subject to Covid restrictions a virtue, normally to stop us nagging people, but as we age cynicism may kick in. THE COFFEE STOP RETURNS Perhaps there are some things that should be POSTPONEDThursday 1 July TO nagged about, or that are genuinely too important to wait for. In the PavilionThursday from 2 10.30amSeptember to 12 noon Coping with uncertainty is certainly something we need to be able Raffle in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice

KEEPING STEWKLEY LOOKING GOOD from John Flewin

June, would have been the time when the Best Kept Village judges would have been taking a close look at us. There was no competition this year, so it was a good time for a few experiments. Allowing some normally mown areas to ‘go wild’ was a scheme adopted and the Parish Council is presently assessing the impact of this. Meanwhile, the results of litter picking by individuals and by various organisations helped keep things tidy. The organisations involved were the Players, the Walkers, the Local History Group and the Women’s Institute. Each worked in a designated area and their operations followed the double visit by Buckinghamshire Council’s roadsweeper. Villager Elaine Goss provided the flowering baskets that now hang alongside all the village bus shelters. Volunteers local to the shelters keep an eye on the baskets, watering them regularly. In the 2019 Best Kept Village competition Elaine Goss and husband Robert putting this year’s hanging baskets in place on Stewkley won its category, so next year the the village bus shelters. The baskets are sponsored by the Grapevine. village should be competing against the winners of all other categories from last time. Page 10 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021

Nature Watch When Trish Higgins visited the Wildlife Reserve, just before the Flip’s other buggy discovery last month was not so harmless, at June storms hit, the meadows were in full bloom and looked least not to his Solomon’s seal plant. spectacular. Trish was particularly keen to see the orchids, and The first sign of trouble she was not disappointed. She told the Grapevine that she had was the appearance of never seen so many of them before. The Reserve’s manager, small black and shiny flies Alan Dickens, confirmed that he had counted about 500 orchids (left) back in May. This was in the three meadows followed by an infestation of this year, compared to large, creamy white, black- 250 in 2019 and very few spotted caterpillars that set last year. This increase about demolishing the plant may be linked to the (below). orchids’ relationship This is the Solomon’s with soil fungi, known seal sawfly (Phymatocera as mycorrhizal fungi. aterrima), recognisable by its These are like moulds all-black colouring and the and permeate the soil long antennae that are at least like an invisible web; the three times as long as the width of the head. Its larvae (caterpillars) older and less disturbed are renowned for defoliating the host plant, often leaving only a the soil, the thicker skeleton of leaf ribs the fungal mat. The by the time they relationship between are fully grown and plant and fungi is ready to pupate. described as symbiotic or mutually beneficial, There are about and is also plant type- 550 species of specific – each plant sawflies (Symphyta) type has a specific fungal in Britain and most partner. have either a single preferred food Orchid seeds are tiny, plant or a specific less than 1mm long, and type of plant. The larvae are an important food source for birds have little or no seed and it is thought that blue tits feed their young far more sawfly energy stores (endosperms). To germinate and grow, the seeds larvae than they do butterfly or moth caterpillars. need help and this is where the fungi come in. They penetrate the root cells and provide the main source of nutrients for the Norman Shepherd from BORG (Bucks Owl and Raptor Group) seedling until it is able to produce its own through photosynthesis made another visit to the village recently and found five kestrel (i.e. the use of sunlight to produce foods from carbon dioxide chicks in a local kestrel box. and water), though some types of orchid continue to rely on BORG volunteers attach a unique ring to the leg of any adults fungi throughout their lifetime. or chicks they find during their rounds. No harm is done to the The orchids in the Wildlife Reserve (above and header) are chicks and the mothers don’t reject them after being handled. common spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). It is the County flower of West Lothian and is also known as ‘Adam and Eve’, ‘adder’s flower’ or ‘dead man’s finger’. Flip Jackson spotted this imposter in his Sycamore Close garden. This long-horned beetle looks and behaves like a common wasp to protect itself from predators, mimicking the sideways walk and jerky flight of a wasp. Aptly named, the wasp beetle (Clytus arietis) is perfectly harmless and adults live on pollen. Eggs are laid in decaying wood and These rings record the date, location, sex, etc., and this larvae feed on the wood information can be retrieved if a ringed bird is captured at a later until they emerge as date. These statistics give insights into a bird’s life over time and mature beetles. thousands of such instances help to build a countrywide picture, providing wildlife organisations with the data they need to Widespread throughout the UK it can be found in hedgerows encourage local and national responses to trends that emerge. and woods in summer. Sources: Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife, Woodland Trust, Plant Scientist, Hartslock , The Sawflies of Britain and Ireland Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 11 Farm Watch by Richard Heady

Although it was clear that summer was on the way, it has caught I take it as a sign of getting old when I get excited over a rain us unprepared as usual. This time of year gets a little hectic, gauge, but at least if rain ruins my work plans I can now quantify especially when we have had a hot and dry spell of weather it in my moans. The June dry spell broke with two days of heavy following the rain in May. rain. I recorded 65mm in 48hours; that’s more than the wettest The crops and grass fields have now had ample to drink, a warm week we had over the last six months (since I started recording soil environment and plenty of energy from the sun, providing rainfall). Although most of the crops will be happy with this, the perfect growing conditions. So at the moment we have lots of taller crops closest to harvest, such as autumn-planted barley, grass that we need to preserve to feed the cattle over the winter, have been knocked down by the weight of water. These flat as well as treating the crops to keep them healthy and give them crops can be a nightmare to harvest, so it’s a little disappointing, the best chance of producing good quantities of grain. but the size of the ‘ears’ (seed heads) on the barley plants looks You may have noticed several tractors buzzing around the village promising, so we are still hoping for good yields. lately with the strange-looking bits of kit that we use to collect This is my favourite time of year for wildlife on the farm. While and preserve the grass as silage. Check out the pictures below checking the crops the other day I found a young fawn hiding and see what you have spotted. amongst the wheat waiting for its mother to return (header). We First we use a big mower to cut the grass, leaving it to dry in also found a skylark’s the sun. Next we use a big rotary rake to put the cut grass into nest in our grassland. rows before either a big forage harvester picks it up, chops it Although we have loads and blows it into a trailer, or a baling machine comes along of skylarks nesting on and squashes/rolls the grass into bales. The bales will then be our farm, it’s not often wrapped in plastic by another machine, to preserve the grass you find a nest because and stop it going mouldy. they are so well hidden, with tiny camouflaged Meanwhile our arable crops are pushing out fresh leaves that eggs. Wildlife is need protecting from fungal diseases, and the weeds around incredibly hard to spot them are growing equally fast and need controlling; to do this from a tractor. Skylark we use PPPs (Plant Protection Products – Pesticides). nests need to be found If we do not control the weeds they will shade out our crops and by walking and seeing spread their seeds, creating more of a problem for next year. where the birds fly up, The fungal diseases infect the leaves of the crop, and without then trying to spot their walking routes to and from the nest. You functioning leaves (like natural solar panels) the crop will not can spot fawns by looking for flattened areas of grass or crop. have the energy to produce a good yield, so it is important that The problem is that they won’t run away; they just sit and wait for we act now to protect our fields. their mother to return.

Mower Rake Self-Propelled Forager

Pull-Behind Forager Baler Wrapper Page 12 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 DOWN MEMORY LANE

Stewkley’s Great War Trail When Angie Abrahams in Luton recently came to sort through many soldiers alive. Two platoons of ‘A’ Company immediately her late mother’s sewing basket, she came across a simple began to dig them out under enemy sniper fire. During the day, tarnished medal which she could have had no idea would cause excitement and have importance in Stewkley. Angie had the presence of mind to contact John Sheldon via the Bucks Remembers website, as the medal in her possession was engraved on the reverse side with the name: ‘Pte 17610 G. Roadnight, Oxf and Bucks LI.’ John identified the simple bronze star as a ‘1914-15 Star’ and explains the importance of this medal and its provenance. ‘Although one of the most common Great War campaign medals, awarded for service around the world in any early theatre of war to British and Imperial forces, we should not forget that its recipients were not conscripted but mostly volunteers. They could have been involved in some of the most severe fighting of the war – in the Ypres Salient, the Western Front, at Gallipoli, in Mesopotamia and Salonika. Over two million of these bronze stars, with a red, white and blue ribbon, were awarded with the recipient’s name, rank, serial number and unit, engraved on the reverse side. However, the significant thing about this particular 1914-15 Star is that it was awarded to Stewkley Lad, Private George Roadnight. Born a ‘South-ender’ in 1884, George married Ellen Dimmock in August 1909. They lived on Dunton Road and after their first child, also George, died in infancy in 1910, they hadtwo daughters, Iris and Grace. George enlisted in Oxford in January 1915 into ‘A’ Company of the 5th (Service) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, a Territorial Battalion of Kitchener’s First New Army. George had only been with his battalion in Belgium for 13 Pte George Roadnight’s grave in Belgium days when they arrived under heavy enemy shellfire in Railway (photo courtesy of Steve Berridge.) Wood trenches in the Ypres Salient. On 17 October 1915, the Germans detonated a mine under the British trenches, burying ©

Obverse (face) and reverse sides of Pte George Roadnight’s medal

© Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 13 two officers and 13 other ranks were killed and 23 other ranks were OBITUARY: SHEILA CHAPPELL missing, believed killed by the mine explosion. Amongst them was 31 years-old Pte George Roadnight. He is buried in the Commonwealth Lifelong villager Sheila Chappell, War Graves Commission’s Godezonne Farm Cemetery near Ypres and a friend to many who took part in his name is commemorated on three Stewkley War Memorials. countless community activities, has George’s widow Ellen was later remarried in June 1920 to William S died aged 88. Beasley. George Roadnight’s family would have also posthumously Sheila and late husband Bill were received two further engraved campaign medals, the 1914-18 British often out together, sometimes War Medal and the Victory Medal, so ultimately receiving three as Royal British Legion poppy campaign awards, which popularly became known as Pip, Squeak and collectors, always at The Coffee Wilfred. The whereabouts of these latter two medals is unknown.’ Stop when it was held regularly at the Rec Pavilion, and often with Angie does not know how the medal came to be in her mother’s sewing other older villagers enjoying basket, except that her great uncle, Stanley Capp, was an antique pensioners’ lunches at the Three dealer who lived in Stewkley at 60B, High Street South for many years. Horseshoes in Drayton Parslow. She has presented George Roadnight’s medal to John who will be The most testing time for the Chappells was between archiving it with its provenance in the collection of the Buckinghamshire 1969 and 1971 when Stewkley faced its airport battle. Military Museum Trust in Aylesbury. Bill was always in the forefront when things needed to (Editor’s note: The Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust is always be done -- building bonfires, erecting signs, climbing pleased to receive donations of medals and honours from the families telegraph poles to hang banners across the High Street of Buckinghamshire people, or those who served with Buckinghamshire and more. Sheila was always around to support him. Regiments, so that they can safely be preserved for the county. Go to Sheila was born Sheila Mary Page, the daughter of Robert www.bmmt.co.uk or contact John at [email protected].) and Mabel Page at their High Street South home. That © Images used in Grapevine are produced with the permission of the persons supplying them, home doubled as a place of work for the family; her father are copyrighted to them and may not be reproduced. We are not able to supply copies. was a Master Butcher, his eldest son William his assistant, and another son, Arthur, the bookkeeper. Sheila went to the village school and later to Bletchley Secondary Modern. On leaving, she became a bookbinder at Faith Press in Linslade, each day cycling to work. It was her husband-to-be Bill who taught her to ride a bike when FROM THE GRAPEVINE 10 YEARS he worked as a delivery boy for the family business. AGO… After that Bill went off to war and lost contact. They got From July 2011, plans were announced for a together later and married at St Michael’s Church in 1953. wind farm of six giant turbines on the border They set up what was to be their home for all their married of the village with Stoke Hammond… life at 32 High Street South. Sheila continued to live there Shaun Christie broke the Cricket Club’s until her death. The Chappells had three boys, Andy born all-time individual batting record with 181 in 1956, Michael known as Mick in 1961 and Clive in 1965. not out against Wicken…Ingram Murray stood down from A METHODIST AT HEART chairman of the local RNLI branch…St Michael’s School Although married in the village church, Sheila was a head teacher, Kieran Salter bade farewell to the school Methodist at heart and a regular member of the Chapel amidst a Musical Extravaganza marking the school’s 150th congregation. A good friend was villager Gert Clarke anniversary…the village also said goodbye to the Rev Ian and together they cleaned the Chapel every week, also Ogilvie who had been temporary Priest-in -Charge at St helping at Chapel lunches. She regularly attended ‘Bright Michael’s for nearly two years…a gaggle of Stewkley lasses Hour’ in the Chapel Room and was a member of Stewkley took part in the Cancer Research Race for Life at MK Bowl Women’s Institute. raising £2,000 for the charity…and Nature Watch reported a Every year Sheila went to the Daffodil Rally held in aid of good month for common spotted orchid resplendent in the the Marie Curie charity at Central Methodist Hall in London Wildlife Reserve. where she enjoyed the service and communal singing of hymns. With Bill, a member of the Royal British Legion, she frequently went to the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. FROM THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AGO… From July 2001, Steve Neale was at the end of At home Sheila never used a washing machine, hand- his epic cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands washing everything ,and she was not keen on using End raising £1,500 towards St Michael’s Bell a microwave. Sheila loved gardening and flowers, especially the hollyhocks growing in her garden. Older Fund…the Parish Council, working closely with villagers recall an annual and always well-attended affair Bucks County Council, staged a Village Hall — going to Sheila and Bill’s on Bonfire Night, whatever exhibition in advance of plans to implement the weather. A huge bonfire was built down in the orchard a traffic calming scheme for Stewkley…Stewkley beyond the garden and Sheila brought out sausages and parishioners set a fine example, leading Buckinghamshire jacket potatoes. and the country as a whole, in achieving a 75% turnout at She was very active until three years ago when she suffered the local and national elections in June…new children’s a badly broken leg, thereafter receiving care at her home. play equipment was being installed at the Rec…and Stewkley North-end XI (‘Uppers’) defeated the South-end Sheila leaves behind her three sons and six grandchildren. XI (‘Downers’) in the annual cricket match, mainly due to a A funeral service was held at Crownhill Crematorium, Milton Keynes. The family has asked for donations in her fine Martin Gregory century. memory to the charity Medical Detection Dogs Sheila Mary Chappell (neé Page) born 31 August 1932, died 5 June 1921. Page 14 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 OBITUARY: PETER PRESTON carried out the operation wearing full-cover boiler suits and rubber gloves so as to leave no clues. Although Peter Preston may have lived in In April 1971 when Government Ministers visited ahead of the village for a total of 37 years, and even making their final decision, they toured the area in convoy with married a local girl in St Michael’s Church police and members of the press and television. At Hollingdon, in 1958, he had little to do with the village a rope was stretched across the road accompanied by a sign “If community. However, he was one of the You Want a Fight, Pick this Site.” Below it was a package with very active members of the group that 50 batteries and curly wires. It stopped the convoy in its tracks. It years ago saw off the threat of the Third looked like a bomb but, of course, it was a fake. The incident London Airport, saving Stewkley from made headline news. destruction. David wrote the sign, Peter made the ‘bomb’ and together Peter died in hospital after suffering a heart they set up the scene minutes before the ministerial procession attack while partaking in one his favourite pastimes, sailing, on arrived. Caldecote Lake. He was 83. At home, Peter could turn his hand to anything, turning over his It was December 1970 and the campaign to save Stewkley was entire barn to provide engineering solutions to any problem he well underway when Peter made a telephone call that changed cared to address. One of his daughters is the proud owner of a the public perception of the airport struggle. The call was to a t-shirt printed with the words “If Dad can’t fix it, no one can.” local journalist, alerting him to the fact that overnight a leaflet The t-shirt was rarely proved wrong. had gone into circulation instructing villagers how to defend their homes and, most controversially, how to make petrol Sailing was one of Peter Preston’s passions bombs. The result was that the threat of violence from a ‘Dad’s Army’ made headlines in all national newspapers, and on radio and television. Ministers in the Conservative Government of the day were on the brink of making a decision on the location of the airport. Suddenly they were faced with the threat of violent civil disobedience, a threat that lingered with them as they made their decision five months later. Peter John Preston was born to parents Ernest and Edna Preston and, like his father, Peter was to become an engineer. He attended Wolverton Technical College and by the time he met his wife-to-be Ruth Carter at a dance at Stewkley Village Hall he was working in the drawing office at Vauxhall Motors in Luton. The newly-weds set up their first home in the town, moving to Stewkley in 1967, the first of two periods as a villager. Engineering and his insatiable appetite for knowing how things worked, how they were assembled and manufactured, dominated Peter’s working life and sometimes his home life. Every day at his home, Old Leighton Farm on the Mursley road, the sound of chimes from Peter’s clock collection would shake the house. He didn’t care much what the hands of his clocks said; their appeal sat under their faces, in the mechanisms that made Peter was an avid sailor, on sea or lake, as well as being an the hands move. Understanding the role of each intricate piece accomplished skier. Home life was centred on his family. He and was a passion. Ruth were married for 63 years, a marriage blessed with two Peter’s proudest professional achievement was the design daughters, Sarah and Caroline. of a forklift component that helped lead his last employer, a A funeral service ahead of cremation was held at St Michael’s mechanical handling company, to international success. Meeting Church. As well as his wife and daughters, Peter left behind six potential customers, he was able to design, on the spot, working grandchildren and four great grandchildren. parts to meet their requirements. The family has invited donations to the British Heart Foundation WHEELCHAIRS AND MOBILITY AIDS and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He left that company 30 years ago, setting up his own business, Buckingham Engineering, where his mechanical design talents Peter John Preston born 6 July 1937, died 25 May 2021. were put to full use designing, manufacturing, adapting and marketing mobility aids – wheelchairs, stair lifts, mobility scooters JOAN WOOD and their like – a business that grew to need more space to The family of the late Joan Wood would like to express gratitude expand. In 1993, Peter and Ruth moved back to the village to for all the support, cards and kind words they received on the Old Leighton Farm. The workshop and office moved with them. death of Joan. Back in Stewkley, as well as growing the company, Peter was able To date a total of £450 has been raised for Stewkley Vicarage to reflect on his activities in the Airport Campaign that saved Cricket Club, and a further £305 for the Injured Jockeys Fund. the village. In 1967 he teamed up with another newcomer of the Thank you to everyone for the generous donations. time, David Stubbs. They became best friends, helped set up the Stewkley Action Committee and together carried out some audacious activities. JOHN PILLEY: MANY THANKS Early one morning in 1970 they set off on one mission. David’s Joyce Pilley sends many, many thanks for all the messages and estate wagon was loaded with huge “No Inland Airport” signs, cards from thoughtful villagers following the death of John on and they drove 30 miles to South Bucks. At three o’clock in the 9 May. She adds, “I’m so grateful to be living in this wonderful morning they placed a dozen of them outside the homes of the village”. High Court Judge leading the airport inquiry and the Chairman of the British Airports Authority. Later that day, the police were To contact Grapevine called, but they had no hope of tracing the culprits. They had email: [email protected] Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 15 ADVERTISING IN STEWLKEY GRAPEVINE HOME MAINTENANCE The Stewkley Grapevine is published monthly, except for January. T.G.R ELECTRICAL Copies are distributed free of charge to all households (over 780) in Stewkley. Further copies are made available for visitors at various Stewkley based, Elecsa Approved Electrician. Sockets, lights etc. locations in the­­­ village. It is also available for download at Free quotes. Call: 240498 or Mobile: 07840 100501 www.stewkleygrapevine.co.uk STEWKLEY DECORATING Publication date: 1st of each month except January. Quality work, Guaranteed, Fully Insured, Reliable, Trustworthy & Deadline for advertisements: 15th of month prior to publication. PDA Member. Instagram @stewkleydecs. [email protected] Advertising Copy: By email to [email protected] or by hand to 111A High Street South. www.StewkleyDecorating.com Call Stewart on 07981 226922 DAVE REID. 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20% OFF PEDICURES IN SEPTMEBER CHARLES HILL GARDEN SERVICES LTD Covid -19 safety compliant 20% O(CFFov PEid19DICU saREfetyS coINmp SEliaPTnt)ME BER DESIGN I BUILD I MAINTAIN (Covid19 safety compliant) LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS NCH Horticulture. City & Guilds Garden Design A professional company working with all your garden requirements from design to complete landscape. 07773 723236 www.charleshillgardenservices.co.uk www.allyearoundbbq.co.uk

SUPERIOR INTERIORS DECORATING SERVICES QUIET BEAUTY STUDIO IN STEWKLEY Provide a highly professional and comprehensive QU• GeIETl NaBEAUils •TY Ma STUDnicuIOre sIN & ST PediEWKLcureEYs decorating service with over 30 years experience • Ge• l Nails • Ma• Facnicuialsre s • & WaPedixicungre s PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION PRE-BOOK• NOW • T: Fac 078ials01 56• 42Wa13xi ng www.superiordecor.co.uk

PRW:E- www.laurenBOOK NOWar mor.T: 078co01.u k56 4213 Instagram: @laurenarmorbeauty Contact Jim Munro W: www.laurenarmor.co.uk Mob: 07788 921865 Tel: 01525 240741 Facebook: @laurenarmorbeauty Instagram: @laurenarmorbeauty Email: im.m.munrogmail.com Facebook: @laurenarmorbeauty THE SWAN Stewkley 01525 240285

The team are delighted to be back open again and The pub will open from 9am at the weekends for some hopefully it’s back for good this time! mouth-watering breakfast items and speciality coffees We’ve been working hard whilst we’ve been closed to otherwise our normal opening hours are: make our menu even tastier than before, more items Wednesdays-to-Sundays 11am to 11pm. are locally sourced and homemade so the quality is even Finally, we are planning some exciting events for the more consistent than before! We’ve also improved our summer, including BBQ’s, music events and much more range of ice creams with tasty toppings that the kids will so please watch this space. love! We’ve also improved the garden, including much better Please call the Swan on 01525 240285 to make a lighting and invested in lots of new furniture with smart booking or order a takeaway or email us at new umbrellas for the summer sun and the occasional [email protected]. shower! Our sister pub The Old Red Lion at Great Brickhill For the first time ever we are offering a takeaway menu would be delighted to see you all too, please call 01525 for collection. 261715 or email at [email protected] Also, from the 17 May when we can offer you dining inside again and we will be offering a brand new breakfast menu for those lazy weekend brunches. Thank you so much for your support! Page 22 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021

32 years in print HUNTER PEST Your friendly local printer... SERVICES

HARLEQUIN PRESS Ltd Lithographic and Digital Printing Booklets Leaflets Brochures Letterheads Domestic and Commercial Pest Control Business Cards Magazines Fast, Reliable, Discreet | No call out charge Compliment Slips Newsletters Beds, Bucks and surrounding areas. Delivery Notes Note pads Contact Tim Hunter Directories Order of Service T:07976 802 362 Draw Tickets Personal Stationery E: [email protected] Event Tickets Postcards www.hunterpestservices.co.uk Invitations Programmes Invoice Books/Sets Timetables Moles, Rats Fleas, Bed Bugs, Wasps and Grapevine Cockroaches, Glis-glis, Squirrels Friendly Service, Free Advice All crawling and flying insects, Pest birds Tel: 01908 506722 and much more... 12 Bacon House Farm • Little Horwood • Milton Keynes • MK17 0PS [email protected] • www.harlequin-press.co.uk

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MOTs, Tyres and puncture repairs Stewkley Grapevine July 2021 Page 23

That's a load off your mind! Ironing and Laundry Specialised building work

Services New builds and extensions

 Ironing Kitchens supplied and fitting service  Laundry

 Dry Cleaning Bathroom design and fitting  Duvet & Pillow

Cleaning Interior and exterior alterations  Curtains Cleaning  Alterations Stewkley- based

STUART JAMES COLEMAN Free Collection & Delivery 01525 242111 : 07970 888236

01296 422 500 [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.steam-on.co.uk www.woburnbuildingservices.co.uk

EST 1986 PHOENIX CARPETS Your local carpet & flooring showroom

SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES: Mon-Thu: 10am to 4.00pm Fri: closed Sat 10am to 1pm 16 Bacon House Farm, Little Horwood MK17 0PS

We have been supplying and fitting carpets for 30 years and have a wide range of carpets, vinyl and lvt luxury vinyl tiles and accessories at our Little Horwood showroom. Free measuring and estimating T: 01908 501019 E: [email protected] Page 24 Stewkley Grapevine July 2021

Continuing our series on Stewkley characters past by Bunt Scott.

Clarice Wheeler 1925-2016 Clarice Wheeler was another villager with a wonderfully broad Local and national events were recorded in the diaries that Stewkley accent and whose preferred mode of transport was by Clarice kept during most of her life and, as a staunch royalist, bike as she busied herself about the village. Chatting to her once she filled a scrapbook with photos and articles about the Royal by Stockall Crescent, I asked her where she was off to. “Well,” Family. In another she chronicled the life and times of the village, she said, “I’m going up to the memorial and then down to the filling it with all manner of articles, news snippets and photos (HStS Methodist) Chapel.” gleaned from the Leighton Buzzard Observer and other local When I pointed out that they were both in the same direction so newspapers, which on occasion she proudly showed me. how could one be ‘up’ and the other ‘down’, she responded in If anyone could ever be described as a Stewkley Girl through best Stewkley brogue, “Well that’s how it’s ‘allus been.” and through then I think Clarice deserves that acclaim. She was Her knowledge of geography was very local. I once had occasion a well known and loved character, content to immerse herself in to explain to Clarice that the Black Forest was in Germany, she all that Stewkley had to offer. responded with, “Well, if it’s not between here and Aylesbury I wouldn’t know where it were.” Clarice outside Penfold End Farm As a girl Clarice lived at Penfold End Farm in Chapel Square with her parents and grandmother. She attended the village school until she was 15, leaving with certificates for reading and religious education. All her life Clarice sang with copious enjoyment and enthusiasm but never with any hint of her natural speaking accent. As a girl in 1939 she came second in the Leighton Buzzard Eisteddfod, singing a solo piece, and throughout her life her love of singing never wavered. I well remember her strong and distinctive voice which in choir or congregation was always to the fore. During the war she worked as a Land Girl on the farm and became charmed by Philip Wheeler who was the brother of Betty her best friend. Philip, universally known as Chick, was a farmer, a reserved occupation during the war. His role during those years was as a gas warden, ringing a warning hand bell in the event of a gas attack. Thankfully he was never called upon to ring his bell although during the war Clarice did note various events in her diary, including, “we had Germans over during the night”, “took gas masks to be refitted”, “heard six bombs drop”, “saw Chick and Clarice watching cricket an aeroplane crash at Dunton”, “lots of evacuees came today”. Clarice was devoted to the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Chapel Square (now a house on the site) and it was the base of her social life and, coupled with the ‘gang’ from the Primitive Methodist Chapel (HStS), provided her with a social whirl involving regular get-togethers, tea and cakes, abundant laughter and plenty of chit chat. Clarice and Chick married in 1946, Chick was a very jolly fellow and together they were a popular couple at village ‘do’s’. Clarice was also an energetic member of the WI and sat on the Village Hall Committee. I well remember her dishing out teas at assorted village events and at the resultant washing up she was considered expert and invaluable. Latterly, along with Chick, she helped sort the Grapevines for delivery and would happily sit for hours watching cricket at the Rec.

Cont. from page 1: A long walk ahead for Claire & Sue...... finally at the finishing point. 99 miles DONE!