Published and funded jointly by Braunston Parish Council and All Saints’ Church
We are grateful for the support of the businesses whose adverts appear on highlighted sections. Payments received from advertisers contribute to the printing costs of the BVN.
Braunston Sharks ESU took part in the Daventry District’s Explorers Big Sleep Out, to experience rough sleeping and raise awareness of the many problems associated with homelessness
Churchwardens:
Pat Milner
E: warden2@allsaintsbraunston.org.uk
T: 01788 899157
Mariann Holloway
E: warden1@allsaintsbraunston.org.uk
T: 07761 136307
Secretary: Treasurer:
Fergus McCloghry
E: secretary@allsaintsbraunston.org.uk
Peter Hobbs
E: treasurer@allsaintsbraunston.org.uk
CHURCH SERVICES FOR MARCH
2nd
Additional Weekly Services:
Wednesdays at 6.30pm Evening Prayer Ashby
Thursdays at 9.30am Morning Prayer Welton
Saturdays at 10am Celtic Morning Prayer Braunston
Rector’s letter
Dear Neighbours,
As we look for the signs of spring in our village, I thought I’d give you an update on our plans for the churchyard. The area on the north side of the church, with several beautiful trees, we hope to enhance with some woodland flowers to bring the area together. This will enhance its beauty and provide a little food and shelter perhaps for pollinators. This area may be mowed a little less but will be kept tidy.
We will also look at liberating our yew trees from the brambles that are currently using some of them as a climbing frame. The area to the west of the avenue of yews could be enhanced with further bulb planting. Perhaps next spring we could make a morning of it, and those with time or bulbs to spare could come together to enhance the space for us all to enjoy. I’m particularly grateful to those from the wider village community who have been willing to contribute their expertise and passion to this small but potentially rather marvellous little project.
It sometimes seems that nature and people are in competition. This need not be the case. From both scientific and faith perspectives, diversity and abundance are good things for all. Fashions come and go in terms of what we think looks pretty, but when we humans remember that we are part of nature/creation, not outside of it, we have the right basis for creating (or indeed co-creating) real beauty.
As the growing season begins, I hope we can all find some joy from the increase in life around us, whether it be from a pot plant, some tomatoes grown on a balcony, a garden, or the gardens and green spaces that we can enjoy around the village.
Every blessing, Kathryn Church Registers
6th February Funeral/Burial Mark Childs
Floodlighting 2025
The complete February list
7th & 8th – Remembering Sue Duddington, all our love John, Arwen, Lizzie & Theo xxx
10th - * In memory of Mansel Davies
12th - * Gordon & Helena Lane Anniversary
19th - * In loving memory of my brother Rowan on his birthday. Miss you loads. Duncan x
20th - In loving memory of Chris Rolfe. He loved his visits to Braunston
23rd - * Happy birthday Zoe. Love, Mum
The March list so far …
1st - * Happy birthday to Emily Grace
13th - To celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Gez and Colin
15th – In celebration of Colin and Gez's Golden Anniversary. Love Ray and Linda
15th - * In memory of Ada Littlemore - boat woman
15th - * Happy Birthday Debbie. Love Martin
27th - * Pat and Alison's Wedding Anniversary
28th - * Remembering Brian on our wedding anniversary, my love always. Jean
* = Friends of All Saints – A huge Thank You
Please take note: - These are all the floodlighting requests received before the BVN Deadline – 18th February 2025
Floodlighting
The current fee to light All Saints’ is £7 per evening, although you can give more, and we ask that you try to keep the length of the dedication for inclusion in the BVN to not more than 12 words. The completed message with the donation can be left at the Post Office, but note that requests are only collected from the Post Office on the 18th of each month. Please mark the envelope “Church Floodlighting”.
The Friends of All Saints
The Friends are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the church building and its contents. We play no part in funding the clergy, staff or religious activities.
Membership costs £2 a month, or £20 a year (minimum). Members are entitled to have the spire floodlit at no extra charge on a chosen date. Please contact the treasurer, Ralph Maltby, at 8 Mill Close, Braunston.
John Foster Secretary
, secretary.foasb@allsaintsbraunston.org.uk
Tiny Treasures
Parent /carer and toddler group for preschool children. Tuesday mornings during term time 9.00am to 11.00am We meet in the Parish Room, All Saints’ Church, Braunston. The Church door will be open. Just come on in. Come along and enjoy playtime, stories, craft time and singing.
Parish Council Information and News
Clerk: Steve Rolt
c/o Braunston Village Hall, The Green, Braunston, NN11 7HW
t: 0800 002 9783 (Freephone)
Chair: David Cary, Vice-Chair: Graham Newman
This list shows which councillor to contact for the area you live in:
Archer Avenue and Cross Lane Alan Mawer 01788 890340
Ashby Road Gordon Kemp 07753 210625
Church Road and Barby Road Pete Morgan 07805 677559
Dark Lane Sue Harrison 07769 589459
Eastfields 0800 002 9783
The Green Graham Newman07710 290265
Greenway and Closes 0800 002 9783
High St (Old Plough to The Green) Caroline Gibbons01788 899107
High St (A45 to Old Plough) David Cary 07775 514840
The Wharf, London Rd, Hill Row, Old Rd, Marina John Pomfret 07817 234727
Spinney Hill and Closes Carrie-Ann Biggs07796 712408
Welton Rd, School Cl, Maple Cl Dave Dawson 07964 703797
Councillors can also be contacted by email. Addresses are councillors’ names separated by a full stop and followed by @braunstonpc.org - for example alan.mawer@braunstonpc.org
Forthcoming Meetings
Members of the public are invited to attend the following meetings at Braunston Village Hall.
3 March
Full Council Meeting - 7.30pm
7 April Full Council Meeting - 7.30pm
Agendas and minutes are available on the Braunston website at: https://www.braunston.org.uk/org.aspx?n=Braunston-Parish-Council
Get ready for the local elections this May
Residents across West Northamptonshire are being urged to get ready for the upcoming local elections on Thursday, 1 May.
Voters will go to the polls to elect West Northamptonshire Council’s councillors in the unitary authority’s second election since its creation in 2021. This year’s Polling Day on 1 May will see changes to voter arrangements after a recent electoral review reduced the number of unitary councillors to be elected from 93 to 76 and redrew the ward boundaries across the area.
Town and parish council elections are also set to be held in some areas of West Northamptonshire on 1 May, with further information on these to be provided in the coming weeks.
Whether voting in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (on someone’s behalf), there are some key deadlines to be aware of. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, the deadline to do so is Friday, 11 April. It’s a quick and easy process that takes just five minutes online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you’ve recently moved home or changed your name, you may need to update your details to ensure you can take part.
For those who prefer to vote by post, applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. Voting by post is a great option if you’ll be away on election day or if you’d rather not visit a polling station in person. Your postal vote will be sent to you in advance, so you can fill it in and return it at your convenience.
If you’d like someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April.
One of the biggest changes recently introduced is the requirement for photo ID when voting in person. If you don’t have an accepted form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for this is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Without the correct ID, you won’t be able to vote at your polling station, so make sure you’re prepared.
Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for West Northamptonshire, said " These elections are about your community, your family, and your future. The decisions made by your local councillors affect the schools
your children go to, the roads you drive on, the parks you enjoy, and the services that support you and your loved ones.
I know life is busy, and it’s easy to think one vote won’t make a difference - but it absolutely does. Every single vote helps shape the place we call home. If you’ve never voted before, or if you’ve moved recently, now is the time to check that you’re registered and ready to take part.
Voting is simple, and there are options to make it easier for everyonewhether that’s voting by post, asking someone to vote on your behalf, or heading to your polling station on the day. Don’t leave it too lateget ready now so your voice is heard on 1 May. This is your community, your future - make it count.”
For more information, visit the West Northamptonshire Council website.
Braunston Parish Council - Councillor’s introduction
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am Dave Dawson and have lived in Braunston for 28 years, the last three of which I have been retired. Braunston is a great village to live in with many active groups supporting village life which is not so common these days.
Since I am now retired, I felt I had the time to take on a role for the local council to try and support local residents as best I can. I am also an active member of both the walking group , organised by Ray and the BCAN (Braunston Climate Action Network) team, which is creating great ideas for a more sustainable village life. The latter I have a specific interest in developing cycling and walking activities and more importantly new and safer routes to give people access to Daventry and local countryside avoiding the main roads.
I hope to meet more of you as the role develops.
Best Regards
Dave
Village Hall Information and Contacts
Braunston Village Hall provides a facility for use by the inhabitants of the Parish of Braunston and the neighbourhood. As well as accommodating Braunston Preschool, it is used by many village organisations and regular users are listed below .
To hire the hall visit the website: www.braunstonvillagehall.org.uk, email to braunstonmemorialhall@gmail.com or call the Bookings Secretary on 07890 072487
Wi-fi is available in the Village Hall. The network name and password are shown on the notice boards in the entrance corridor and the library.
Contacts for Village Hall activities
Please check with contacts listed below for information about holidays
Braunston Preschool - Monday to Friday 01788 891891 braunstonpreschoolcio@gmail.com
Pop Mobility
Lorraine 01788 890846 Tues 2.30-3.30
The Hive Gill 07963 821052 1st Weds 2.15-4
Art Group
Alan 01788 890526 Weds 2-4
Yoga Sheila 01788 891831 Weds 7-8
Short Mat Bowls Bill 01788 891145 Thurs 2-4
Brownies Clare 07544 936589 Thurs 5.30-7
Friendly Club Jenny 01788 890186 2nd and 4th Mon 2-4
Learn to Crochet Gill 07711 742575 1st and 3rd Tues10-12
Braunston Quilters Laura 01788 890102 4th Thurs 9.45-1
Gardens Association
Gill 07963 821052 2nd Thurs 7.30-9
David 07775 514840
Cinema Club Arthur 01788 890508 Last Sat 7-10
Braunston C of E School
As we approach our halfway mark, we are celebrating the lived experiences of ‘Learning for life in all its fullness’ John 10:10, at Braunston Primary School. The children have been given many enrichment opportunities this term, including visiting Compton Verney, the Gurdwara, Young Voices and Cummins.
Many of our children have represented the school in various sports and we have had to purchase a new trophy cabinet to fit all our trophies. Over 30 children in Key Stage 2 took part in the cross-country competition and we were delighted to come in 3rd place overall. We are equally delighted by the fantastic encouragement that the children give to each other and how they demonstrate our value of resilience.
You may have noticed that our Eco-committee have been out in force collecting litter at the Braunston Playing Fields with a member of the Parish Council. The children work hard to keep our school environment tidy too –even the cloakrooms are being kept tidy at the moment!
During half term, our pond area is having a significant makeover, and we hope to return to a Peace Garden that all the children can enjoy. We are thinking about what we can call this area as children will be able to sit, use the digging areas and try to spot the newts when they arrive. With 200 children at school, we are not sure that the title Peace Garden fully reflects how the garden may be used!
Forest School continues to be enjoyed at Braunston, and we were delighted to welcome Braunston Preschool children to enjoy exploring our grounds. Please check our Facebook page for regular updates about Forest School and see what we are getting up to!
We welcomed the author Luke Temple into our school, and he entertained us with extracts from his books. Children were able to buy a signed copy and talk to Luke about the process of writing books. Our librarians have been busy organising the non-fiction side of our library, so that the books are more accessible. We would like more books on dinosaurs, the weather, space, mental health, jobs and comics. If you would like to donate any of these books to school, we would be delighted to receive them!
Our new website is now live and offers a good overview of school life. Please take a look.
We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. Lianna Willis
Clubs and Groups
The Hive
Following our first meeting of the year we welcomed 2 new members to The Hive and planned events for the first 6 months of 2025. It is not too late to join us, just pop along to a meeting (£3.00 for nonmembers) or coffee. The February meeting was for members only and we enjoyed a visit from Amanda from Glass Alchemy, who demonstrated and let us make, a small glass project which we really enjoyed. The items were taken away for firing, so we await our results at the next meeting!
Remember, we meet every 1st Wednesday of the month, usually in the village hall but do check, and every 3rd Wednesday in The Wheatsheaf at 10.30 for coffee and cake and chat.
Dates for your diaries are:
Wednesday 5th March, 2.15 in the village hall, this is our AGM. We have Chris Harvey from Daventry volunteer centre coming to explain the opportunities the centre offers. We will have a raffle and clothes swap (£1.00 per item). Refreshments as usual. Members only to this meeting.
Wednesday 2nd April –
Garden visit to Long Buckby to see the spring flowers. DACT bus for transport from Braunston, 2pm at The Green and includes refreshments at the venue. Please let us know if you are coming to ensure enough seats!
Wednesday 7th May – skittles in The Wheatsheaf, tea and cake. 2.15 until we’ve finished playing!
Wednesday 4th June. 2.15 in the village hall, John Pomfret to give a talk on Medical Pioneers in Northamptonshire. There will be a raffle.
Guests welcome to this meeting, £3.00
Braunston Friendly Club
We meet in The Gallie Room at the Village Hall, 2pm to 4pm. We are a growing village group and enjoy meeting new friends, so do visit us on any of the dates shown below.
We enjoy tea, cake, fruit and a variety of activities that are organised through the year. Come along and find out more about what we do. We have extra cups, cake, chat and a cheery smile ready for visitors arriving to their first meeting.
Monday 10th March – Photo Quiz - 2pm-4pm – Village Hall
An informal quiz to entertain followed by refreshments. Visitors are very welcome.
Monday 24th March – Age UK Northamptonshire - 2pm-4pm –Village Hall
We have arranged a meeting for anyone in the village to attend. Pandora Kenyan will be telling us about the services offered by Age UK in Northamptonshire that are available for us to link into.
Visitors are very welcome.
FINAL day to pay for the National Memorial Arboretum Visit.
THANK YOU to Braunston Film Club and the Village Café.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Braunston Film Club for entertaining us and the Community Café for warming us up with delicious late lunches during the short days of February.
We all appreciate the generosity of the volunteers in giving their time. For more information telephone Kate 01788 890340 or email
Cheers! The Friendly Club thank the Village Café for their generosity in providing late lunches during February
Braunston Community Café
Spring will soon be with us, the crocus and daffodils are poking their heads up and waiting for the sun to shine. At the Café we are preparing for the arrival of boaters, hikers and cyclists who every year add to chatter with tales of daring do.
I am very pleased to let you all know that yet again we have been awarded a 5 star rating from the Environmental Health Officer and would like to thank all of the volunteers who work hard to make the Café a very special place for the village and visitors.
January was a busy month for us with celebration menus for a Burns’ (Haggis) Lunch on the 24th, Australia Day brunch on the 27th and on the 29th our very own take on the Chinese year of the Snake. We took it easy in February with Connie’s special Rolo Cakes on Valentine’s Day.
Our planned events for March include St David’s Day, International Women’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. Keep a look out on the Bugle and our Facebook page for more details.
Grants awarded so far this year have included funding for a natural pond in the wildlife area of Jetty Field, supporting the Shark Explorer Scouts for the purchase of additional equipment and sponsor of a day at one of our stately homes for our French visitors from QuincyVoisins, who will be here in early May. If your organisation has a project that needs a boost of funds, pop in for an application form. All we ask is that you drop by and purchase a coffee and support us in return for our financial support.
Thank you
Rob and Rachel of 35 Church Road write to thank all the many passers by who kindly took the trouble to visit our front door with the unwelcome news of a mains water leak in our garden. This neighbourly act just confirms our belief that we are fortunate to live in such a wonderful village.
Thank you, Rob Buckley.
Braunston History Society Tuesday 18 March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Michael Curtis will talk about Roman Northamptonshire
We look forward to seeing you all.
Members free, guests £4
Braunston Community Car
The Braunston Community Car is for you! It is a service operated by volunteer drivers for the benefit of any adult resident of Braunston (including in the marina).
Funded purely by donations, it is available for journeys to hospital, doctors and other medical appointments for all residents and to enable the less mobile to attend local clubs, the village hairdressers and to go shopping. Whilst priority is always given to health appointments, trips can be considered for other reasons but please be aware we are not a replacement taxi service.
To enquire or to book call 07984 412921. Pre-booking essential, preferably with 24 hours notice.
As always our grateful thanks to Zak of Vinetree Automotive and also the Braunston Community Café for their continuing support.
Jetty Field
By the beginning of February the pond was dug. Work on the wildlife pond has continued. We are now sourcing a suitable liner. When this is in place surplus water from the brook at the side of the allotments will be used to fill the pond.
Some of the paths have become muddy in the wet winter weather. In March we hope to receive a gift of wood chippings resulting from work done on road verges by the highways contractor. If we are successful we will use these to make some sections easier to walk on.
Please let us know if you can offer help with jobs in Jetty Field and would like to join our group work events which are usually on a Saturday morning. This month we will be there from 9 to 12 on Saturday 1st March. If you can spare an hour or two to help maintain the area it would be appreciated.
jettyfields@braunstonpc.org 07554 264742
Braunston Twinners
• next Quiz - 22 March at 6.30pm in the Village Hall;
• next Craft Fair - 26 April at 10.30am - 2.30pm in the Village Hall.
We will be welcoming our friends from Quincy-Voisins to Braunston between 2-5 May. Anyone interested in participating and/or willing to host please contact Liz Fraser on 07890 072487.
Braunston Village Gardens Association
Braunston Community Garden Shop
We are now open every Sunday morning until the end of May. Our shop is at the rear of the Village Hall. The volunteers will be there from 11 to 12 to sell compost, canes, fertilisers, bark, twine and liquid garden feeds. Please let us know if this is not convenient as we can make other arrangements. We aim to sell sustainable products at good prices avoiding the need to travel out of the village.
Roger abrb82@hotmail.co.uk 01788 316891
Alan a.mawer66@gmail.com 01788 89034
Richard rmstapley@talk21.com 01788 890475
2025 Braunston Open Gardens
Sunday 8th June
Organised by Braunston Village Gardens Association to celebrate gardening and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Would you like to take part this year?
We like to welcome new gardens and gardeners.
Visitors enjoy the wide range of gardens; all shapes, sizes and styles that show off the variety of gardening taking place in Braunston.
To be more involved in any way or to ask for some more information about the event please contact Catherine Eastaff catherine.eastaff4@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07989840790
Remember, if you live in the village, you are automatically a member of BVGA, there is no fee, if you would like to be involved in any of our gardening activities do contact us. We will start work again at 9.00am on Fridays during March, in either the village hall, Jetty Field, bottom lock, UCC or Butchers Bridge gardens and always follow up with a brew at The Wheatsheaf around 10.30, so do come and find us.
Come and join the fun
BRAUNSTON CINEMA CLUB
Relaxed and Informal Atmosphere
Sat Mar 29th 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Safe, Secure Learning Environment
Childcare Vouchers Accepted
Excellent staff ratio
Mon to Fri 9:00-15.00 term time only
2024 Cert PG
Morning and Afternoon sessions
Only £17 per session. Full day £34
Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Lunch £3
Come & see for yourself
Tel: 01788 891891
Isabella Rossellini
braunstonpreschoolcio@gmail.com
When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the
Village Hall, Braunston NN11 7HW www.braunstonpreschool.org.uk
Braunston Heart
We are here for anyone who needs help – all you need to do is ring 0800 002 9066 - leave a message and someone will get back to you.
Contact us when you are unable to collect your shopping, medication, change light bulbs or even to walk your dog. We will try to help with most things and will signpost where we cannot. The Twinkle Team hearttwinkleteam@gmail.com
We have had our first meeting of the year and discussed future events. We hope to put on another Duck Race courtesy of the Admiral NelsonJune onwards, another Family Funday at the Playing Field, Scarecrow Trail and Twinkle on the Green on the 7th December. If you have an idea for another event then please let us know.
Our next meeting will be in The Wheatsheaf on Thursday 6th March 7.30pm. We would welcome others to our small group of organisers so please join us and help plan events. New heads often equate to new ideas.
Jo Glover Kindness and Compassion
Community larder
This is a valuable resource for the village and visitors. It is on the left as you go into the church at the back.
Donations can be left and those in need are welcome to access it as needed.
Braunston CAN (Climate Action Network)
The biodiversity on which we depend is getting depleted. This is in large part caused by accelerated climate change. It is also another result of the actions causing climate change. In order to protect biodiversity we believe we should recognise and celebrate it. You may have seen the Braunston Naturefile postings on the Bugle. The idea behind it is to have a record throughout the year of the biodiversity in and around the village and, if possible, the locations of where examples might be found. Any photographic contributions to these regular postings would be very welcome!
Here is the latest posting: Signs of spring!
One of the first signs that spring has arrived is the mass of white blossom that covers the blackthorn bushes in our local hedgerows. Unusually, these white flowers appear before the green leaves (unlike our other common, thorny hedgerow plant - hawthorn, which starts to produce its green leaves before any white blossom appears).
Blackthorn is also the source of sloes - the dark purple fruits that are in demand in autumn for producing delicious sloe gin!
A good place to see an impressive display of blackthorn blossom locally is in the hedgerow on the west side of Jetty Field - hopefully it won’t be too long before it appears! The Woodland Trust is keen to gather information on how the changing climate is impacting wildlife through our shifting seasons. The link below can be used to find out more, and help to record three of spring’s first vital signs: flowering blackthorn, frogspawn and a singing song thrush.
We are a group of Braunston people who are promoting policies and taking local action about climate change. You would be very welcome to join us. Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th March in the Village Hall. Please message 07703 438173 or 07989 421836 or 07554 264742 or use the contact information under climate emergency on the Braunston website.
Telling good tidings to Zion
Tim Coghlan reflects on this Christmas’s fine display of needle-artwork by Braunston’s Fran Haynes, seen on the 1834 Horseley Ironworks bridge at the marina entrance.
Where urban canal landmarks have increasingly suffered at the hands of antisocial graffiti artists, the village of Braunston and its canal have benefitted in the opposite direction. This is due to the good fortune of having as unofficial resident, the talented Fran Haynes, whose needlework collages have for a number of years graced prime sites around the village and on the canal. They normally appear during Christmastide and the build up to Remembrance Sunday, with the Christmas story and poppy themes respectively. But they also appear for special occasions, like the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III. Remarkably Fran receives no Arts Council or any funding – she just sews away.
This Christmas, Fran’s chosen theme was the visit of the Three Wise Men from the East; and with it the consequent Flight into Egypt, when the Holy Family became homeless refugees, fleeing the murderous King Herod across the waterless Sinai Desert. Between the two biblical scenes was the Star of Wonder, and a pair of angels trumpeting the Wise Men and the Holy Family on their journeys.
The setting of the artwork was enhanced by the chance-mooring nearby in the marina of a narrowboat with the biblical name of ZION - hints of the Prophet Isaiah’s ‘Oh thou that tellest good tidings to Zion’. The boat was on brokerage with the marina over the Christmas period.
Looking ahead to Christmas 2025 and the setting of the marina entrance bridge, given that Wallace and Gromit had just tried narrowboating on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct for their Christmas special, Fran could well consider the Holy Family and the Wise Men arriving by three narrowboats. Whilst all the bells on earth might not be available, a fine peal from Braunston’s All Saints’ Church could go a long way to bringing joy to the world.
Braunston Paddox Cricket Club
The 2025 season is fast approaching and the club are well into preparations for our first matches at the end of April.
Attendance at practice nets on Sunday mornings at the Randolf building at William Parker School has been excellent. More than 30 club members have been honing their skills. Ages range from 12 to 70 plus and there is always room for more, no matter what your experience.
Weather permitting, pitch preparations will start soon and two of the grounds staff will be attending a groundskeeping course held at the County ground in early March.
As last year we intend running All Stars coaching for the 5 to 8 year olds and in addition we will also hold Dynamo sessions for the 9 to 11 year olds. More information will be available in a few weeks time.
Both the Northants County league and the Rugby and District midweek league fixtures have now been published. The two Saturday teams have been promoted whilst the Wednesday team have remained in a very competitive division 2. We will also have more Sunday friendly fixtures this year.
Tom Sabin being presented with the Northamptonshire Division 15 Trophy by former England cricketers Devon Malcolm and Ryan Sidebottom
Braunston Walkers
Saturday 15/2/25 Ashby St Ledgers
For the second walk of the year the weather was a trifle damp! First let me apologise to farmers as I had mentioned that the track from Staverton in last month’s walk was deliberately covered in slurry. With the current weather it’s hardly surprising and another farmer pointed this out to me. I was really pleased that they had read my whole article. Anyway we met up on a soggy morning ready to tackle the route over to Ashby St Ledgers where we planned to try the Coach House, which is now under new ownership. It was drizzling as nine souls met up at the villlage hall and walked along the road and down Dark Lane. I was trying to avoid the muddy fields and succeeded until the afternoon! We passed the Admiral Nelson and continued up to Anchor House along the tree lined track with daffodils bursting into life either side. Here we joined the towpath and walked along in the rain to the tunnel entrance. Always lots of water on this stretch. Up the steps we passed by the cycle path and continued, mostly uphill passing Middlemore to the A361. The rain continued as we crossed the road and walked to the tunnel exit. No kingfishers today as we strolled on the towpath. We reached the road over the canal and then walked along to the lovely old village of Welton. We climbed up through the village noting the gravestone in the church graveyard erected in memory of a boy who sadly died of starvation through neglect back in 1806.
We followed the road back toward Braunston and then joined a small gated road toward Ashby St Ledgers. In the beautiful old village we saw the jet airliner in thatch on top of one cottage and, thankfully, reached the Coach House where we settled in the dry and were soon enjoying excellent food and beer. The service was very good and it was good to dry out a bit. Sadly, all too soon, we had to pull on soggy clothes and walk along a very muddy Jurassic Way back to the village. An excellent walk with good friends even in the rain. Our next walk is on 15 March, when, hopefully, spring will have sprung!
Ray Scrivens (rayscrivens@btinternet.com)
Braunston Canal Society
During the only task party in January and with the weather in their favour a crew of eleven split into two teams. The onside team filled a wash hole in the towpath and trimmed hedges between locks 2 and 3. They went on to trim the hedges that BCS planted at locks 4 and 5 removing the protective wraps from the now established whips. The 'Skippy' team did some offside cutting between locks 2 and 3 and proceeded to remove vegetation from the lock gates on the flight.
The Society is always keen to welcome new volunteers so if you would like to come along and have some fun you can email us at braunstoncanalsociety@gmail.com or phone/text us on 07817 435911. If you would like to see our previous activities check out our website at www.braunston.org.uk/bcs
The Explorers who moved on from 2nd Braunston Scouts have worked hard over the past few months to complete the last few elements of the top award a Scout can achieve. Four Explorers have now been awarded with the Chief Scout’s Gold Award.
Adventure Awaits! Join 2nd Braunston Scout Group!
When: Every Wednesday (during term time)
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Scout Den, Cross Lane, Braunston, NN11 7HH
Are you ready to unleash your inner explorer? At 2nd Braunston Scouts, every week brings a brand-new adventure!
What’s in store?
• Fire Lighting & Survival Skills
• Camping Under the Stars
• Water Sports & Raft Building
• Hiking & Orienteering
• Knot Tying & Pioneering Challenges
• Backwoods Cooking & Outdoor Feasts
• Nature Exploration & Wildlife Tracking
• Creative Crafting & Badge Earning
• Problem-Solving Games & Leadership Activities
• Build Friendships, Confidence, & Memories for Life
Why Join Scouts?
Scouting is all about adventure, teamwork, and learning life skills while having a blast in the great outdoors. Whether you’re exploring, making new friends, or tackling exciting challenges, there’s something for everyone!
Come along and give it a try! Your adventure starts here!
For more info, contact: Email: george.annison@braunstonscouts.co.uk
Join us at our Friends Night on 5th March 2025!
Fully Insured NACS Trained Good Rates
Open fires, log burners & stoves swept
Braunston Village Charity
The Braunston Village Charity was formed in 2015 to bring together a number of smaller charities dedicated to assisting and supporting villagers by making small, one-off grants and gifts.
The Charity is managed by a Board of Trustees representing the Parochial Church Council, and Parish Council and other village organisations and areas of the village.
The Trustees have developed a webpage for the Charity which is hosted on the Village Websitehttps://www.braunston.org.uk/org.aspx?n=Braunston-VillageCharity
This gives details on how to apply to the Charity using the Application Form and more details on the type of help that can be given. To be eligible, recipients must live in the village and the grant or gift cannot be to provide something that should be provided by the state.
Village information
Wanted - Used stamps, postcards and old coins
A big thank you everybody who’s donated stamps, coins and postcards. The total raised to date this year is £636.80 which is donated to various animal charities.
We are continuing to collect into the future. PLEASE keep sending to Val Ward at 51 High Street.
Bin Collections for March
Wednesday 5th Food and Garden
Wednesday 12th Food and Recycling
Wednesday 19th Food, Garden and Waste
Wednesday 26th Food and Recycling
Small electrical items and batteries can be recycled by putting them in a bag and leaving on the lid of the black general waste bin on your normal waste collection day.
Batteries must not be put in any bin.
Braunston Village News
The BVN is published by Braunston Parish Council and All Saints’ Church. There are 11 editions per year from February to December.
BVN Deadline - April 2025 Edition
The next newsletter will be published on 1st April. Please submit material to bvn@braunstonpc.org by noon on 18th March or the Post Office by noon on 18th March.
Delivering the BVN
Please contact Deb Hope if you can help delivering the BVN in the village. Also a person is needed once a month to drive to Norton to pick up the BVN from the printers and apportion them for the volunteer distributors. Email: deb21low@gmail.com
