LOCAL NEWS

The end of December and the start of the New Year was a very quiet time. We held an open day in early January which was a success, and eight people turned up to try out indoor bowls. Now eight might not sound very many, but it meant that they all received personal tuition and enjoyed it. Several said they would be back for more, and another open session will be arranged.

Really there is not much more to report. Internal matches between members continue, as do matches against other clubs.

Don Knight

The total raised during the Pace charity Christmas Tree Collection in January was over £3000.

Pace say: "We would also like to say a huge thank you to Waste Removal UK for supporting this event by providing the amazing collecting team who collected over 250 trees! They are a great bunch, and we highly recommend their services."

To learn more about Waste Removal UK, please visit www.wasteremovaluk.co.uk. To learn more about Pace and the children they support, visit www.thepacecentre.org.

If you've walked the Ridgeway you can't have failed to notice a feathery rustle in the bushes as you go down Hogtrough Lane - a beak, a beady eye and a dash of brilliant colour announces Cedric the Pheasant running alongside in his field before he pops out at the gate to confront anyone, car bike or walker for daring to venture near his breeding harem.

Depending on his mood, and your level of alarm, he'll escort you in close formation for a way but if you decide to confront him he'll display an extraordinary level of derring-do as he'll fly harmlessly at you.

It’s the most unusual behaviour for a bird normally at pains to avoid contact. He doesn't like his photo taken either. So next time you're up the road...look out for this extraordinary bird, and maybe take some seed to bribe your passage. I for one am hoping that February 1st comes around with this character safe from harm as he adds to the wonderful walking and hiking experience that our lovely town offers.

Paul Gardner

Could you help keep Aylesbury Vale's 17-25 year olds safe at night? Nightstop hosts open their homes to young people facing a night in an unsafe place. Youth Concern are looking for new Nightstop volunteers so that they can continue to offer this vital service in Aylesbury Vale. If you feel you could be a host or a driver, you can find out more at www.youthconcern.org.uk/what-we-do/ homelessness.

The prize was awarded at the National Small / Medium Enterprise Awards in December.

As a multi-award-winning care provider with over 30 years’ experience, Ashridge Home Care has the capacity to provide skilled, conscientious, and friendly carers to deliver safe one-to-one care to vulnerable and elderly individuals in the comfort of their own homes. See advert page 19.