Crier Dec22 #424

Merry Christmas everyone

Dear Santa, We hope this letter finds you well and not too stressed at this busy time of the year. We also hope your elves (or magical people of small stature) are ok and not considering industrial action. In case you were wondering we have both been very good this year. We’ve eaten our greens and tried to reduce our carbon emissions, although these two do seem to be rather incompatible at times. We did try not putting the heating on when the weather turned a bit colder but that didn’t last long so sorry about that. Anyway enough of the small talk and down to business. Please see below for our Christmas requests:

1. Please please do something to stop the war in Ukraine. We do have a couple of ideas on this subject but I’m sure you do too.

2. Global warming needs your urgent attention too as no one else seems to be doing much.

3.A windmill for the village (see item 2.)

4.A turkey

5.2 dozen eggs

6.A tazer gun for anyone who drops litter.

7.A tazer gun for politicians who don’t answer questions.

8.A tazer gun for scammers.

9. The tazer idea seems to be getting a bit repetitive and may be illegal so how about arranging for litterers, errant politicians and scammers to do community service picking up litter? – just a thought.

10.Beer for £2 a pint.

11. A pony (this was requested in 1961 and may have been overlooked – the slippers and personalised pencils were very nice but didn’t really cut the mustard.) Just saying.

Anyway that’s about it for this year Santa. Items 1 and 2 are our top priorities; we can probably manage without the rest.

Until next year, Lots of love, Bob and Liz

January EDITORS: Jenny and Andy Brown NEXT COPY DEADLINE is early - 12th Dec

CRIER CONTACTS

January Crier

Don’t forget the deadline for the January Crier is earlier as we have to get it printed before the Christmas holiday shutdown. All information, dates and articles to me by the 12th of December please. Thanks Gary

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. it can't possibly be worse than the last one! Can it?!

Well done Thanks

Paul and Libby at the Unicorn who kept the pub going with a generator on Nov 24th power out day for half the village- so we could stay warm, working and watered!

To everyone who has helped produce a Crier this year. It's a great help to get sent letters and pictures, spotteds and items of interest... it makes my job that little bit easier. Thank you also, to the dedicated team of deliverers and their back ups, who make sure you get yours on time (hopefully).

Please, if you enjoy the Crier, engage and send in a Who Am I? if I have asked you... it really is just a bit of fun. There are several of you out there who despite repeated requests still decline. PLEASE

CONTACT DETAILS: 0 The Crier, 18 Ridings Way, Cublington, Buckinghamshire LU7 0LW. info@cublingtoncrier.co.uk & Editorial: 01296 688548

TO ADVERTISE: Call Gill: 01296 688548 | Email: gary@cublingtoncrier.co.uk Call for media pack - also available online at www.cublington.com Annual rates payable in advance: 1/8 page - £20 Village, (£35 non-village). 1/4 page - £40 village, (£55 non-village). 1/2 page - £66 village, (£90 non-village). Full page - £125 village, (£180 non-village) Single Insertion payable in advance: 1/8 page - £8, 1/4 page - £15, 1/2 page - £20, Full page - £25. Full page Colour £35 Inserts £15 village, £25 non village. Copy deadlines by the 15th of each month. Please supply all artwork as PDF or hi res JPEG.

Cublington Crier the

Keeping you up to date on village life, news and events since 1984

The monthly magazine of the Buckinghamshire village of Cublington - the village that moved.

More Memorial ideas

I heartily concur about the new church gates suggested last month, Chris Gibby

What about a circular bench around the Cublington sign? Gary

If readers would like to forward their thoughts and ideas to the Crier, I will collate and pass on to the relevant village bodies. email gary@cublingtoncrier.co.uk

Every issue delivered to you, by our dedicated team of helpers costs us about £1.40 to produce, the firms who advertise within these pages pay for this publication. so please remember to mention you saw their ad in "The Crier" .

Thank you. Gary & Gill

Please book your slot! Now booking 2024 (yes really!) -so plenty of time to think about it! Many Thanks.

Jan Jenny & Andy Brown

Feb Mary & Beryl

Mar Alexanders

Apr Trisha Bundock

May Mike Bush

June Pippa Cheetham

July Richard & Polly Thornely

Sept Jackie Farrands

October Vanessa and Jason November Clare Hemmings December The Merrimans

To be the guest editor: You only have to design or find a front cover image, write an intro editorial of your choice and provide a few, or as many pages of content of your choice as you want. It's really not that bad or that hard. Go on please give it a go The more who do it - the less we have to ask. Thanks. Contact: Sandie Joy 01296 682446 PLEASE DROP ARTICLES TO 18 RIDINGS WAY OR EMAIL AS BELOW

CONTACT DETAILS: The Crier, 18 Ridings Way, Cublington, Bucks LU7 0LW. Editorial: 01296 688548

TO ADVERTISE: Call Gill: 01296 688548 email: info@cublingtoncrier.co.uk gary@cublingtoncrier.co.uk

As another year and another term draws to a close things have been busy here at nursery. Autumn term is always packed with fun learning opportunities (and glitter!) as we have lots of exciting events to celebrate!

The children have been getting hands on experiencing the wonderful changes in the environment that Autumn brings, using real tools to prepare Halloween pumpkins, recreating the fireworks they saw on Bonfire night and learning all about Diwali and Remembrance Sunday.

With every session full of singing, music, play and learning we will be ending the year on a high.

We are looking forward to attending our Christingle Service at the church, showing off the children’s work in our advent window and wowing the parents with our Christmas Concert and with a Christmas party planned (with a visit by the big man himself!) we hope all the children and families will be leaving us happy and ready for a cosy, family, festive break.

And it will give us time to clean up all get glitter!

With so many more exciting plans for the new term in a January we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

News of Helen White

Dear all, I am the son of Helen White from Ridings Way. Following a recent diagnosis of dementia and hospitalisation, mum has now moved into residential care where she can receive the daily support she needs.

Mum has moved to Lime Tree Court in Twyford where she has settled well and is enjoying daily activities like puzzles, Bingo and playing with the home's two cats and a dog.

Mum moved to Cublington in 2002 and loved the village and being part of a welcoming and supportive community. Many people in Cublington knew mum through St Nicholas Church and she often spoke of the warmth and friendship of the village community; for this I am most grateful.

Thank you and Merry Christmas

David White (davidwhite2020@yahoo.com.au)

The Crier helps fund village projects through advertising revenue.

We help fund village projects and institutions... such as the printing of the book 'Cublington in Pictures Old and New', The Rememberance Commemorative Insert, The Old Village History insert, the refurbished Biggs pavilion kitchen, the village fete, the Cublington Tea Towels and Bags, to name but a few.

Do you know of any local businesses who might like to advertise in the Crier?

Or do you have an idea for a fundraising project that we could seed fund?

Contact Gary or Gill on 688548 for a media pack or see rates on inside of front cover.

it Isn,t just you gary !!....

Is it just me? Or are more motorists tooting their horns and making rude signs especially on roundabouts.

Is it just me? Or are parking spaces getting smaller.

Is it just me? Or is the person in front of me at the petrol pump also going to do a week’s shopping before they pay.

Is it just me? Or are barcodes getting harder to scan especially on bags of bananas.

Is it just me? Or are people in the queue behind me tutting and sighing more frequently.

Is it just me? Or do all supermarket trolleys have wonky wheels that aren’t noticeable until halfway up the first aisle when it’s not worth going back to change it and the whole shopping experience becomes a battle to stop veering to the left.

Is it just me? Or are more people going to supermarkets to stand in the middle of the aisles to chat to their friends.

Is it just me? Or is the person in front of me at the check out always the long lost friend of the person on the till and they have to catch up with all their news.

Is it just me? Or does everyone hate shopping.

Is it just me? That rings the doctor’s surgery on the split second of opening time at 8 am. only to find that I am already at least 12th in the queue.

Is it just me? Or does no one ever ring back when they say they will.

Is it just me? Or did someone forget to tell us that postage stamps now have bar codes.

Is it just me? Or am I the only one who doesn’t get it about “roaming” telephone charges.

Is it just me? Or does anyone else not trust a storage space called “the cloud”.

Is it just me? Or am I the only one who doesn’t use facebook, twitter, instagram, tick tock or whatever else is a la mode.

Is it just me? That has an early night, wakes up at 12.30am and can’t get back to sleep.

Is it just me? That can browse hundreds of TV programmes and not find anything to watch. It isn’t just me - is it? ……………..

ARRGGHHH... PROOF

Following on from my original Is it just me? This is proof. These are pictures from one journey, when I was late for an appointment... Pic 1. 10.40am - waited 5 minutes for him to finish delivering to Ridings Way. Pic 2, 10.50 on my return.... arrggh. I went away to do something else for 5 minutes. Pic 35 minutes later... down the High Street. Argghhh!!!

Local charity event returns to kickstart the season of goodwill

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is bringing its popular Santa Dash event back to Aylesbury this December. The event will see hundreds of participants dust off their best Christmas jumpers, don their Santa hats and take to the streets for Aylesbury’s jolliest fun run on Sunday 11th December. Whether ‘yule’ choose to run, walk, jog or scoot the 2.5km or 5km circular route, kick off the festive period in style while earning that second mince pie and raising money for local hospice care.

Bill Richards, Community and Events Fundraiser for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, commented: “Our Santa Dash is the perfect festive family event! Our last Santa Dash raised an amazing £1,500 to help us care for local patients and their families, so we’re back, hoping to make this year’s even bigger and better.”

Entry fees are £15 for adults and £10 for children and include a Santa hat and commemorative Santa Dash medal.

For full details of this year’s Santa Dash and to register your place head over to fnhospice.org.uk/santadash

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity commits to fund over £1,200,000 of hospice services each year, supporting local in-patient and at-home palliative care services across Buckinghamshire and its borders.

Florence Nightingale Hospice is located at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and provides first class specialist palliative care which is accessible and free of charge to those with a life-limiting illness in Buckinghamshire.

The Hospice is the only bedded unit in Buckinghamshire. The Hospice also provides other services such as the FNH@Home service, providing end-of-life care for patients in their homes, Florrie’s Children’s Team respite care for families, the Day Hospice and Bereavement Listening Support. For more information, visit www.fnhospice.org.uk

Bin collection dates including Christmas

1.What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional footballer

2.What was your first job? A wine waiter in a local pub / restaurant but only lasted 3 weeks as I had an accident and broke my arm!

3.Who (alive or dead) would you like to have dinner with and why? My Dad with his two brothers and one sister. My Dad was the eldest of four kids and the only one surviving by the time he celebrated his 60th birthday. He died over 10 years ago but my Mum’s still alive so she would also absolutely need to be there.

4.What historical era would you like to have lived in and why? Life used to be much harder in so many ways so no temptation to live in another era. But if you could go back for just a few days, then that would be a different story!

5.Where would you want to live if not where you live now and why? On a wine estate in South Africa

6.What is the temptation you wish you could resist? Just one more glass of wine…

7.What is your favourite book and why? Three men in a boat by Jerome K Jerome

8.What is your favourite song and why? ‘Life on Mars’ by David Bowie

9.What is the pet hate that makes your hackles rise? Inconsiderate parking

10.What is the unlikely interest that engages your curiosity? Portrait Photography

11.How long have you lived in Cublington? 8 years Answer somewhere in the Crier!

Cublington Village Pantomime 2023

Plans have been drawn together for the next village pantomime which will take place with four performances over three days in February 2023. A draft script has been written and the pantomime group meets every Thursday at 8.00pm at The Unicorn pub.

Whether you’re totally new to ‘Am Dram’ in any format or have not taken part in anything since school, please do come along. The village pantomime is great fun, especially over the winter nights. Further details from Jane Alexander janeA2000@aol.com in aid of

The brilliant 22nd annual CUBLINGTON

Cabaret Night

Happened just after out Crier print deadline. A review will be published in January issue

CUBLI N GTON

FRIEN DS OF

In Praise of North Field

Several years ago the idea of the North Field becoming a community resource was muted. The land had been left to the village by the Biggs family in 1991 and was subsequently let out for agricultural use. As that lease was due to expire, a referendum was held to gauge opinion on what to do next.

The vote went in favour of developing the land for the use of local residents. I was a sceptical “NO”voter at the time, not because I didn’t think it was a lovely idea but because I thought enthusiasm would wane and it would be hard to keep volunteers motivated to maintain the land. I feared it could end up as a white elephant or a general headache for the Orchard Ground Committee. Well I was wrong and thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers (particularly Charles Toosey, Martyn Waters, Pippa Cheetham and Colin Antosiewicz) who have doggedly pursued the idea, kept it alive and persisted with all the detailed stuff like design, planning, grant applications etc, etc, it is now proving to be a fantastic success. Other volunteers have come forward to help, either with donations or by joining working parties for tree planting, mowing, trimming and strimming. Thankfully most of the newly planted trees survived the heatwave and by next Spring it will be really exciting to see new growth.

A bit like the Field of Dreams, once the space was there, people came. Whether to take a stroll, have a jog or walk the dogs it has definitely become a hit for many villagers. If you haven’t already done so, why not come and have a walk round? It’s lovely now and it will get even better with more trees and flowers being planted, seats for picnic areas and a wildlife pond coming soon. What a great asset for the village but of course it does need a bit of work to keep it that way. And yes, more volunteers would be great; young, old or middling, if you can spare some time please come along to any of the working parties for an hour or two (the next sessions are Saturday 3rd December, and Saturday 10th December, 9.30 to 12.00 noon).

You would be made very welcome. It’s good fun, very sociable, not too taxing and a great way of contributing to the future of our lovely village. Hope to see you there.

Liz Smith

What could be easier?

Please help us fundraise for Orchard Ground and the North Field Project anytime you shop online this Christmas - it really doesn’t cost you anything! If you’d like help setting it up please email bobpaine2002@hotmail.com who will be happy to help. Thanks

LOST & FOUND

2 childrens' brown zip-up hoodies age 4-5. One from Primark and the other has a Nike logo. Found on the fence between the football goals and North Field. They had been there for several weeks. Gift card found in the alley/footpath opposite the postbox this first week of November. Contact - Julie King, 9 Ridings Way 07902 211889

December Birthdays

Happy birthday to you...

Matilda Mountfield is 8 years old on the 2nd Kaiden Gregory is 12 on the 6th

CUBLINGTONRECOMMENDED TRADEDIRECTORY

If you have recently moved to the village and want us to include your children - please let us know. Once children reach 15 they are removed from the list. If you know of anyone who has moved away - also please let us know. Surprisingly we don't know everyone in the village! Gary & Gill

Need a plumber, a carpenter, a builder, a decorator or electrician?

I hold a directory of tradesmen who have been recommended by someone using them in the village.

You can pass on recommendations in confidence or even better if you are happy to show off their excellent handiwork to others or be called to provide a reference, please let me know that as well.

Contact Tom Gadsby on 07527 989639

Cublington SpeedWatch Group Report

What is SpeedWatch?

Community SpeedWatch is and educational scheme to help people reduce speeding traffic through their community. The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally.

Community SpeedWatch incorporates poster campaigns and a pledge system linked to direct action using speed detection equipment all under the supervision of Thames Valley Police. The use of the radar device will not lead to prosecution – drivers will get a letter from the police instead –but will help to underline the community’s commitment to reducing speed.

Since June a small group of Cublington resident volunteers have been carrying out speed checks in 3 locations around the village, The Nob, outside the Old Rectory and outside of Cublington Growers. Below are some results from those sessions. So far, the volunteers have logged almost 8o-hours of volunteering.

If you would like to volunteer for the Cublington SpeedWatch group in the first instance contact Kevin Shults (Councillor, Cublington Parish Council, with responsibility for Road Traffic matters) at kevin.shults65@gmail.com

Tennis is the perfect sport for all fitness, health & wellbeing.

New members always very welcome.

Courts are once again busy with members enjoying social tennis. Some league teams will resume play shortly. If you’d like to join, please contact us - details below.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND NON-MEMBER COURT BOOKINGS

(£10 PER HOUR) : Gary 01296 688548 or 07713 723788 or email at gary@cublington.com

• LTA affiliated club

• Many categories of membershipsingle/couple/family/junior/oap

• Coaching organised see ad elsewhere.

•2 great all weather courts -free floodlights for members

• This Winter 4 league teams in ADTL •Fun Club Sessions and Tournaments

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Jean Barnett 01296 392471

To be contacted if you have any concerns about safeguarding.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Caroline Lane 01296 681373 carolinelane@btinternet.com

Hello,

If you are staying at home, not going out or have a long-term condition and you feel it might be a challenge with Covid 19?

Cublington Support Group WhatsApp

Then Cublington have some support to offer you!

If you would like help, please callMike Joyon 07711290169or emailm.g.joy@btinternet.comor ask someone to drop off this completed form to the pub (The Unicorn) and we will collect it.

Rusty rackets 6-7pm

My name is I live at

Intermediate/Advanced 7-8pm email gary@cublington.com to book your place or to sign up.

Is still in existence and is available for anyone who needs any help or advice during the next period as we get back to normal. Useful information like power cuts/ broadband issues and the like get posted on here.

Let me know if you'd like to be on the support group WhatsApp, send me your telephone number and I can make sure the administrator knows and adds you. Admins are: Martyn Waters, Catherine & Charlie Toosey, Gary Brazier, Liz Smith and Miranda Mercado Gregory

LATEST NEWS and UPDATES

November has seen more volunteer working groups on North Field removing the tall grass along the new hedge line, cutting the brambles from around the old pond and cutting back the base of the hedge along Stewkley Road in readiness for planting hawthorn tree whips to block the gaps in the hedge and to help rejuvenate it. A big thank you to Hugh Vale for his cutting the hedges on North Field, Hugh has been busy cutting hedges elsewhere around the village too. The hawthorn whips should be arriving in early December courtesy of Ovo Energy and Conservation Volunteers. So busy busy times ahead to plant these out before the weather gets too cold. I hope you will be able to join us in this planting: see dates below.

Two grant applications have been sent off to The Tree Council for ‘feature trees’ that can be planted in the copse and woodland areas to help give these areas some height. Also to the National Gardens Scheme for another circle of blossom trees to give the circle more depth with an underplanting of 2,000 snowdrops; also a bench which can be placed in the circle. HS2/Bucks Council are providing 28 trees to Cublington Parish Council, by the time you read this article these trees will be collected and ready to plant on Saturday 3rd December, so again, busy busy busy. These trees will include: hornbeam, holly, oak, alder and buckthorn.

Planning permission was only granted in mid December last year, so much has been achieved by the various volunteers helping out in so many ways. North Field was previously arable land used for grazing cattle. in 12 months, areas for planting have been marked out, the community orchard has been planted with a, from planting out, clearing ragwort and dock plants, clearing thistles and tall grasses, clearing the brambles, watering the blossom circle and fruit trees, and cutting the footpaths. 60 fruit and nut trees have been planted, 1700 trees whips planted into copse and woodland areas, meadow areas marked out, the blossom circle was planted to commemorate and remember the impact of covid on the village, a number of people planted trees to mark significant birthday, an in memory of loved one who have passed away, and one person purchased several cider apple trees to mark their retirement from paid work. North Field received a grant of £2,500 from The Heart of Bucks Foundation - Green Communities Fund, generous donations from people in the village helped to match some of the this grant, other generous donations have been made by the village Fete Committee and by The Crier.

I do hope you will be able to take an active part in the next stages of work on North Field. Both Orchard Ground and North Field are village assets, available to you for your enjoyment, all because of a generous bequest made by Alice Biggs in 1991 when she left the land for ’the enjoyment of the residents of Cublington.’ Over the years, Orchard Ground was developed into the facilities it has today. North Field carries on that legacy of work for the benefit of residents of Cublington. A number of people coming to Cublington for the cricket, for tennis, or visiting family and friends have commented on the amazing facilities that the village has in Orchard Ground and North Field.

I spoke to an estate agent recently seeking some sponsorship, this discussion is ongoing. They told me they love Cublington as the Orchard Ground is the ’star in the crown of a beautiful village' and that it has ’the wow factor’ especially with all of the various activities and sports on offer.

Future working party dates:

Saturday 3rd December 9.30am - 12.00 midday -working party

Saturday 10th December 9.30am - 12.00 midday working party see below-

Saturday 14th January 10.30am - 12.00 midday -all are welcome

Come and celebrate North Field and raise a glass

Saturday 21st January 9.30 - 12.00 midday -working party

Martyn Waters M: 07973754356

Saturday 14th January: Come and celebrate North Field and Raise a glass in celebration

Meeting at the pavilion at 10.30am, guided walks around North Field will be arranged for those who want to walk, (bring your wellies) to view the work undertaken to date and to look at what else is being planned. after the walks, mulled wine, mulled apple juice for those on ‘dry January,’ mince pies, tea and coffee will be served.

• Your OG Committee currently is: Colin Antosiewicz, Chairman; Liz Smith, Treasurer; Vanessa Verity, Secretary; Jason Taylor, Maintenance; Bob Paine, Bookings & Allotments; Michael Reilly, Cricket & Parish Council; Gary Brazier, Tennis & General; Martyn Waters, North Field; Miranda Gregory, Events; Lucy Peck, General. All are volunteers.

New committee members always wanted. Please volunteer to help on this committee if you can spare the odd hour or two every month. Minutes of AGM available on Cublington.com

• The next committee meeting is Thursday 19th January 7.30pm Biggs Pavilion

Cublington Winos

The next gathering is on Wednesday 7th December, organisers

Steve and Jackie, wines … you'll have to wait and see.

If any other villagers would like to join us and share in the experience and fun of wine tasting you will be very welcome. We meet every other month. There is a one off £5 joining fee and £10 minimum per meeting to cover costs. Please contact Jackie Ferrands on 07968 672707 and she will add you to the WhatsApp group.

When you Shop Online... help raise funds for the village.

THANK YOU to the 44 AMAZING SHOPPERS ( 2 new ones) who have so far raised an STAGGERING £1,805.84. for Orchard Ground projects by simply clicking online when they shop! You can do the same!

Please join in for your village - it costs you absolutely nothing and helps us a lot!

1st - Gwyneira Waters. - £263.63.

2nd - Martyn Waters. - £217.80.

3rd - Sarah George. - £210.38.

4th - Margaret Brandon. - £197.51.

5th - Kevin Shults. - £144.11.

Some of our past and present volunteers pictured at our very successful 10th Anniversary celebration last month Thank you to all who joined us in the Village Hall on 5th November and created such a lovely atmosphere. We are delighted to be at the heart of your community

Join the library here www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/librarymembership/join-library/ to access a wealth of FREE online services

Remember the other services we offer in the library: Photocopying, printing, laminating, shredding, small change collection

Christmas Hours

Please note the library will be CLOSED

Saturday 24th Dec Tuesday 27th Dec Wednesday 28th Dec

Re: Poo Corner

I have been advised not to publish the letter I really wanted to, calling out the dog owner who was totally oblivious to their dog leaving a pile behind them whilst on the phone. When will dog owners realise that they must pay utmost attention when walking their dogs?! Do not be distracted, always be on the alert for a doodoo, it can happen at any time. Fines of up to £1000 can be levied if evidence is produced and a prosecution follows. It is that serious! Lucky for them I didn't have my phone on me. Please be a responsible dog owner and make sure you clear up afterwards. Thank you. Ed

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH LIGHTS SPONSORS

Christmas is upon us and I hope you will have a tree with presents beneath it. And under every tree there is also the gift of the Christ child. We may think of this “Christ present” as a parcel in its own right or as a holy presence, but whichever, the Christ present is there to be opened, or not, as the case may be.

Despite the differing routines for present opening, they involve reading the label, maybe undoing ribbon, certainly removing the wrapping to reveal a gift. Allowing the Christ gift to be part of this is to allow Him to partner the chocolates, jumper, book, electrical gizmo. Christ becomes the frame within which the present finds its justification; the love, trust, commitment, all the emotions that underpin our festive giving find their home in the love of God for his world, a love that is incarnate, present, in our daily life. So you gave me the jumper because you love me and the gizmo I gave you says your happiness matters to me. This is framed within the Christ present because God says I love you, you matter to me and I have sent my Son to show you. The joy in giving is rooted in that ultimate gift. But of course, the Christ present is not always allowed to partner the giving. And when that happens, I think the festive giving becomes, well, all a bit flat. Are we to seriously suggest that love, joy, peace, all those wonderfully powerful emotions can be adequately contained by knitwear, confectionary and gadgets?

I know some find Christmas difficult and I’m sorry for that. But whoever we are, the Christ present is freely available.

With every blessing this Christmas, Rev’d Howard Robson.

Church Services in December

Christmas choir practices

Patient Support Service

Provided by: 3W Health, Ashcroft, Waddesdon, Edlesborough and Pitstone Surgeries. We are a Social Prescribing service, here to support you with social, emotional or practical needs, focussing on improving health and wellbeing. We can help you find what matters to you most and then direct you to services that might help. We work alongside a range of health and social care professionals, local services, charitable and voluntary

The 100 Club Draw

The draws take place at the Table Tennis evenings prior to the end of each remaining month.

If you want to buy a ticket

December 2022.

Sadly the Christmas draw was postponed due to the power cut. Details will be published next month. Whoever wins will of course get their winnings shortly courtesy of the lovely Bob and Liz.

Books for Africa

for the next round of ten draws starting next May then please contact me direct at bobpaine2002@hotmail.com or call me on 01296 680483 and we will organise it. Thank you!

We are delighted to announce that a container leftLondon on Monday 21st November heading for Soweto Golf Club outside Johannesburg, South Africa. Carefully packed pallets inside the container will have over 300 sets of golf clubs, hundreds of cricket bats, tennis rackets, hockey sticks, rugby balls and even a boxing ring with elaborate punching balls!

These items have been collected through the annual Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day which was held in September. We are indeed most grateful to the 300 plus participants of the event for their donation of equipment and the members of Burhill Golf Club where the event was staged. But we are particularly grateful to the members of Muswell Hill Golf Club in North London, where Oliver Tambo played his golf while living in London in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. Our personal thanks to Muswell Hill Golf Club member Robby Sukhdeo who arranged the collection of a vast amount of equipment from their members and then himself hired a van to transport the golf clubs to Burhill in Walton-onThames.

The purpose of collecting golf clubs and sporting equipment is towards the establishment of the Oliver Tambo Golf and Sporting Academy in Soweto. This is being co-ordinated by High Commissioner Ambassador Ms Nomatemba Tambo, the daughter of Oliver Tambo who has worked tirelessly and will continue to strive to develop the Sports Academy.

The annual 26th Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day will continue with this initiative next year when we aim to collect double the amount from this year. This annual event has already distributed over £3.5 million to charities in South Africa improving the lives of children through education, housing, health, sporting facilities and the disabled.

GEOFF JOHNSON

Founder and Chair: Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day

Email: geoff.johnson@sjpp.co.uk

Mobile: + (44) 7850 752 433

drop to Geoff Johnson in Roses Close and they will get to this charity. Any sports equipment, old golf clubs, tennis racquets and the like. All gets shipped to Africa. Thank you

Following on from the recent and very impressive Cublington Art Exhibition we thought we would share with you some inspirational work by the Mouth and Foot Artists. (MFPA).

The robin on the front cover of this month’s Crier is by Rob Trent who paints using his mouth only. Rob was disabled from birth and started mouth painting at school.

The MFPA was formed in 1957 and is part of an international association of artists who paint without the use of their hands. There are currently 22 British artists and almost 800 members from over 8 countries. The MFPA is owned by the painters whose aim is to make their living from their art giving all members the opportunity to succeed through sales of their paintings.

If you would like to support these amazing artists you can see more of their work by visiting www.mfpa.co.uk and maybe order some Christmas or birthday cards.

Cublington Bags

688548

Village Residents and fully paid up members of Cublington clubs and organisations.

£8 per hour

Outside Cublington Clubs and organisations regularly using the facilities. £10 per hour Discounts for block bookings

Dances, discos & parties

(There should be at least one adult present for teenage parties)

Cublington residents £70 Non Villagers £100 Weddings etc. (Whole day - 9.00am - midnight)

Cublington residents £250 Outside of village £300

A refundable deposit of £25 is required at time of booking. Deposit will be returned if no costs are incurred with regard to cleanliness or damage to property, fixtures or fittings.

Alice Gadsby - 680452*

Charlotte Keane 688133

Katie Keane 688133 or 07803939530

Hannah Alexander - 681104

Izzy Law - 688019 or 07896 894914

Harvey Mack - 682820

Emily Mack - 682820

Maisy Parsons 01296 68230 007368 26143

Powell 01296 680467

TOP gadgets

Don’t you just love a good gadget?

There was a flurry of correspondence on the Cublington Support WhatsApp group recently when someone was trying to offload a spiralizer. There were no takers and it turned out that other members of the group confessed to having the same gadget gathering dust in their cupboards.

This got me thinking about the wonder of gadgets and I thought I would share with you some of ours.

Top favourite. The cheese slitherer. Slides smoothly across a block of cheddar creating the perfect skinny slithers to pile up for cheese on toast.

Very handy. The folding step stool. Whoever dreamed this one up is a genius. Just the right height for doing all sorts of things, has a nifty little handle and folds flat for easy storage.

Ever wondered how to drain that can of sweet corn or tuna without losing half of it down the sink? Well here’s the answer to your prayers. The marvellous Can Draining Sieve fits perfectly over the top of a tin and has wings to grab onto.

Bob’s choice.

Still in the wrapper. The One Touch Can Opener. Might come in handy one day. A cut price deal from the travelling salesman with the big bag of stuff who I was beginning to find a bit scarey.

That’s it for now folks. (We have more).

What are your top tips for “must have” gadgets? Anybody want a flexible mini drain blocker?

(Liz and Bob)

the

Cublington Crier the

Xmas Greetings

Happy Christmas to all our friends in Cublington. Thank you for all your love and support over what has been quite a difficult year for us both. Martyn and Gwyneira xx

(A donation has been made to Canine Partners, who partner Gwyneira with Nicki)

Happy Christmas everyone and a fabulous 2023 Di Grace

Happy Christmas and New Year To you all. AvrilB.D.

Happy Christmas to all our lovely friends, Let’s hope for a better than expected 2023.

Gary & Gill

A very Happy Christmas to everyone And a Good New Year Mike and Sandie x

Wishing all our friends and neighbours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2023.

Julie & Doug Merriman

To all the lovely people in Cublington, we would like to wish you a happy and healthy Christmas and a better New Year! Virtual love and hugs, Bob & Liz.

Every year villagers post their community greetings here, and instead of spending money on cards and stamps, we ask they donate the same amount to a charity of their choice.

From all at the Crier.

Have a cracking Christmas - let's hope the new year brings peace and goodwill to all.

Dear Residents,

With the darker nights drawing in, we historically see an increase in burglaries at this time of year. With this in mind, we would like to take the time to offer you some security advice.

• If you are leaving your home during the hours of darkness, please leave a light on. We recommend using a light timer switch, along with a low energy bulb in a lamp, which can be set to come on and go off at a time which suits you. This makes it appear that someone is home. Burglars are usually opportunists and patrol areas. So don’t let your home be their target.

• If you are going away, ask a neighbour to use your driveway if it is going to be vacant. This makes it appear that someone is coming and going.

• If you buy high value items, or you receive any for Christmas, don’t leave the empty boxes outside your home as this advertises what you have inside your property.

•Make sure you key lock your door, not just pull it shut.

•If you have an alarm, ensure it is set when you are not in your property.

•Consider installing CCTV.

• We recommend installing sensor security lights which come on when someone walks onto your property.

•If you have a keyless vehicle, please ensure the key is kept in a signal blocking box or pouch.

• Be vigilant. If you note a suspicious person or vehicle, report it. It may seem like a small piece of information, however it may be the missing piece of our jigsaw.

If you would like to speak with the team, or have any concerns, please email us on the below email address.

greatbrickhillwingivinghoenhpt@ thamesvalley.police.uk

Kind Regards

“Here’s a bright idea, leave a light on”

The Wing and District Neighbourhood Policing Team

Minutes of a meeting of Cublington

Parish Council held on 8th November 2022 at Biggs Pavilion at 7.30pm

Present:

Cllr H Vale (Chairman)

Cllr M Reilly

Cllr Antosiewicz

Cllr K Shults

Cllr M Waters

Cllrs D Blamires and A Bond (Bucks Council) for item 4

In attendance: Mr M Joy (Clerk)

1. Apologies

Cllr P Cooper

2. Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting held on 12th July 2022 were discussed by the meeting and duly signed by the Chairman.

The meeting scheduled for 13th September was cancelled due to the official mourning of Queen Elizabeth II.

3. Declaration of Interest

Cllr Shults declared an interest in item 7.3 of the agenda.

4. Reports

Bucks Council Councillors Cllr Bond explained an initiative by the Community Boards called Helping Hand to identify ‘warm places' for people to use who are having difficulty in paying energy bills. Small grants were available to supply soup and bread in these warm places.

Lockharts Farm was discussed and Cllr Blamires would be making a representation to the Inspectorate.

5. Accounts

5.1 To approve payments since last meeting

The following invoices were passed for payment from 1st July to 31st October 2022:

12/7 Autela Payroll £64.02 payroll services

12/7 Reimbursed expenses M Joy Majestic Wine £161.82

Wine for Queen’s jubilee celebrations

21/7 Swalec - Electricity £97.94

24/7 Reimbursed expenses Cllr Shults £63.77 Speed awareness signs

26/7 Clerk Salary £164.63

21/8 Swalec - Electricity £100.93

25/8 Clerk Salary £164.63

31/8 PKFLittlejohn LLP - Audit fee £240

23/8 Autela Payroll £51.61 Payroll services

26/9 Clerk salary £164.83

23/9 HMRC -PAYE £123.40 20/9 Reimbursed money to Tricia Bundock £150

bulbs for planting

20/10 Mainly Mowing £327 20/10 Forde & McHugh £621.38 Street light maintenance for the year 25/10 Clerk Salary £164.63 20/9 Swalec - Electricity £100.03 20/10 Swalec - Electricity £104.08

5.2 To review accounts to 31st March 2023. There was a surplus of £6,183.09 to 31st October 2022 and the forecast to 31st March 2023 is a deficit of £2,575.91 with accumulative cash balances of £16,033.04. There is committed expenditure of approx. £2,750 for legal fees to granting Orchard Ground charity a lease, and traffic calming project of approx. of £3,800. The accumulative surplus is earmarked for traffic calming projects and street lighting.

6. Orchard Ground/ North Field Report

The bookings for the Pavilion were back to pre Covid period . An application for a grant has been made to the Community Board for £7,000 relating to the cost of resurfacing the car park . The resurfacing will go ahead regardless of the grant being awarded. North Field working parties carried out maintenance work in September and October , and November and there will be some further planting of trees from HS2 funding. Cllr Waters is investigating grants for storage and sit on mower for North Field.

6.1 Draft Lease Considerations/New Charity

The lawyers had issued a briefing note for the meeting concerning the lease and setting out the responsibilities of the Parish Council. The comments were noted but it was felt there was a basic misunderstanding by the lawyers on the rationale for issuing a 99 year lease and some of their interpretation of the Local Government Act 1972. There is a requirement to advertise in the local press setting out the proposed transaction.

7. Planning Permissions

7.1 19/04435/ACL -Wing PC – Wing

Caravan Site – application for certificate of lawfulness for existing caravan site. No change – case referred to Inspectorate.

7.2 21/002583/APP

Ridings Cottage Ridings Way Cublington

Buckinghamshire LU7 0LW

Demolition of the existing cottage. Redevelopment of site with three detached dwellings and additional access to Ridings Way. This planning application has been refused by Bucks Council..

7.3 22/02625/APP

Application of conversion of remaining roof void over garage and insertion of dormer window into roof slope

Maple Cottage High Street Cublington – no objection

7.4 APP/P0430/W/22/3300155

Lockharts Farm Waste Recycling Facility – appeal by Bulk Transfer on their application to alter various conditions of their operation. A draft representation to the Inspectorate had been circulated before the meeting and approved for submission.

8.Village Matters

8.1 Traffic

Cllr Shults gave a summary of the speedwatch for the period 9th June 2022 to 8th November 2022. Volunteers have logged almost 80-hours of volunteering . The chairman thanked Cllr Shults for his organisation of Speedwatch and the volunteers who have assisted him in the checks.

Data from 9/6/2022 to 09/11/2022

Count Speeders 30mph 230

% of All Records 100 %

Max Speeder 30mph 57 mph

Average Speeder 30mph 37 mph

Count All Sessions 30mph 53

Avg Speeders per Session 4

Count Sessions with Passing 30mph 64

Vehicles Passing 30mph 7080

Avg Vehicles Passing per Session 110

Avg % Speeders/Session 3 %

Session time at roadside 78.5 Hours

Avg Offenders per hour 2.9

Vehicles without MOT 7

Vehicles without TAX 7

Vehicles on SORN 2

Police Actions taken if known

Reported to Thames Valley Police 230

8.2 Street Lighting:

Cllr Antosiewicz had received an estimate of £7,000 to replace all our mercury lamps with LED which is between £300 and £350 per lamp. We already have some LED lamps so the actual cost to replace maybe less than £7,000. Cllr Antosiewicz will obtain a formal quotation before a decision is made. M Joy confirmed there were sufficient reserves for this expenditure.

8.3 Trees and Planters

Cllrs Reilly and Vale met a representative of Bucks Housing Trust to discuss the tree at the back of 10 Bell Close. The tree was in a poor condition and diseased

Di - our lovely Postie

which was a potential threat to property and life. CPC made it clear the tree was the responsibility of the Trust, and the Trust had a duty of care to its tenants and property. The Trust confirmed its responsibility for the tree, and it has been taken down.

Cllr Reilly showed an outline of what would be on the proposed lectern at the crossroads showing the history of Cublington which had been sketched by Gary Brazier.

Cllrs Reilly will issue more detail for the next meeting .

8.4 Thames Water works at Silver Street

M Joy had further contact with Thames Water and had suggested the company should have a maintenance programme for sewage pipes which keep blocking . The company did not consider the issue to be sufficiently serious enough to require such a programme. It’s review of the pipes concluded the blockages were due to misuse but offered to carry out a leaflet drop and door to door calls. CPC has opted for a leaflet drop. The meeting felt there was nothing more it could do on this matter and M Joy was asked to produce a summary of all the work which has been carried out on this subject over the past 5 years.

8.5 Kerb Posts and condition of Chapel Alley and Church Path

Bucks Council legal department has contacted the resident who installed the kerb posts near New Dairy Farm to have the posts removed .

The local technician has reviewed the condition of Chapel Alley and Church Path. He is arranging for Church Path to be repaired where it has broken up.

8.6 Meeting Dates

This was not discussed at the meeting but the following meeting dates are proposed for 2023.

Tuesday 10th January 2023 Tuesday 7th March Tuesday 9th May and AGM

Tuesday 11th July Tuesday 12th September Tuesday 14th November

All meetings to start at 7.30pm at Orchard Ground

The next meeting of the Parish Council and will take place on Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 7.30pm

News reaches us that Di has an injury and is off work awaiting treatment. I'm sure the village will join me in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Ed

Unit 2 Ladymead Farm, Quainton, HP224AN Tel: 01296 670777

Email: enquiries@jrplumbingandheating.co.uk Website: www.jrplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk

A Professional Gas and Heating Company

• Fully Qualified Heating Engineers carrying out all aspects of plumbing and heating work.

• Specialising in boiler changes, offering up to 10 years warranty under the Worcester Bosch accredited installer Scheme

• Full central heating systems, including design and installation

• System upgrades, servicing and repairs

• Landlord gas safety inspections and certificates.

• Radiators, towel rails and under-floor heating systems including electric systems.

• Conventional and unvented hot water systems.

• Complete bathroom/shower room renovations including design and installation

• All GAS, LPG and OIL work undertaken.

“I would just like to say how impressed we are with you and your team. You are one slick and professional operation, so to speak! Your guys worked hard all day, were extremely pleasant and did a brilliant job” (Customer Review).

Martina collects my ironing every Tuesday and returns it on Thursday. Great job, never had any problems. Martina is always reliable, accommodating and cheerful. When my washing machine broke Martina took all the laundry and ironing, a great service, I can not recommend her highly enough. Debbie (Cublington resident)

SPOTTED!

Spotted Paul at the Unicorn taking absolutely no chances during the planned power cut on the 24th November. Thank you.

Spotted Tom foraging for field mushrooms... what a beauty Tom!

Spotted Bod on sheepwatch after the ram disappeared from the Stewkley Road field.

Spotted During December you might come across a stone Santa somewhere round the village. Find one, keep one, but leave some for others. Happy Christmas from the Art Group.

PLEASE keep your eyes peeled ... If you spot anything, and we really do mean anything of interest (silly or serious or even just slightly interesting) in the village - please let us know.

Spotted

That darn witch off course again

Spotted

Poppy strings illuminated by moonlight.

Spotted Candles on the graves on All Saints Day, Thanks to Gina, Jane and Diane.

Spotted

What distressing news about Lockharts Farm that the planning refusal is likely to be overturned on appeal and we will be faced with even more huge trucks (pictured) up and down the Wing Road. Even more disturbing is that the Council Traffic Officer allegedly never even left their desk to see the impact on the roadside verges, Disgraceful. An accident waiting to happen.

Trail map

Cublington's 6th ADVENT Trail

From 1st December, each evening will see additional windows lit, in our sixth Advent Trail. Look on the map and plan your route around the village, as more than one window might appear each day. By the time we reach 24th December, 36 different windows will have been lit and our church will be open, for visitors to finish their Advent walk and partake in some carols and mince pies.

Windows are lit from 6pm - 9pm and are visible from the pavement or road. Some may need a keen eye to spot them! Please do not trespass onto private driveways or gardens. The Unicorn will hopefully, as usual, be extending a welcome to all walkers! Each year we have done this, the windows form an important link amongst the wider village community.

Please email Janea2000@aol.com to be involved next year!