Cublington Crier - February 2023 #426

Can you believe we are now in February ?

We’re slowly getting closer to Spring! What will February mean to you? What do you hope to achieve in this shortest month?

Did you know that February comes from the Latin word Februa and means to cleanse.

Significant February dates for your diary include :

1-5 th : National storytelling week :Schools and other institutions celebrate this event to help people explore the wonder of stories.

7th : Charles Dickens’ Day :This day celebrates one of Britain’s greatest writers on his birthday. It is a day to enjoy Dickens ‘ work as a novelist who brought social realism to the fore as his books reflected the real life of the poor in Victorian England.

12th: Darwin Day: A celebration of scientist Charles Darwin , author of the origin of the species. The day is used to highlight Darwin’s contributions to science and to promote science in general.

14th : St Valentine’s Day: A day of love that can be for any person or pet. ( The front cover , a painting of a rose by my best friend June Bailey, acknowledges this celebration.)

21st : Shrove Tuesday: This celebration is on the Tuesday before Lent and is the last chance to feast before Lent. Christians believe they are absolved of their sins during Lent through a process of confession , penance or by fasting or giving up comforts. Pancakes are the signature dish associated with this day

23rd: Ash Wednesday: Marks the start of Lent and 46 days before Easter. The name comes from the custom that churchgoers are marked on the forehead with a cross of ash to symbolise death and regret for past sins.

Mary & Beryl

CRIER CONTACTS

Sadly, but not unexpectedly, John Eadie passed away peacefully on Sunday 22nd. John was for many years the driving force behind the production of the Cublington Crier, starting it with his wife Di and Kathy Parish. He used to produce it by hand in his garage from stencils pasted (literally) together by guest editors. He also took a lively interest in the sound system at the panto and the fete. He also fostered/trained many caring dogs and was latterly seen walking these round Orchard Ground.

He will be greatly missed around the village. Our sympathies go to Bridget, Tom and his family. Rest in peace John.

The funeral will at St Nicholas church 10.30am on Thursday 16th February.

OG Carpark

The Biggs Pavilion car park is finally being revamped, New edging stones and a complete regrading and resurfacing (with similar) will take place. No cars will be able to access this space while work is going on. Thank you for your patience while work is ongoing. See article elsewhere.

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.

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 Cublington Tea Towels and Bags, help with the Art Exhibition set up costs, to name 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 help seed fund? Or if you want a pdf copy of the inserts mentioned above...

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

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" . If you know of a company who you think might like to advertise in the Crier, please let us know. If you think you can help deliver the Crier as a back up to our regulars, also please be in touch. Keep sending stuff in... much appreciated.

Thank you. Gary & Gill

The Crier Editorial Rota

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

Many Thanks.

2023.. 2024...

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

Jan ?

Feb ?

Mar Martyn & Avril Gates

Apr ?

May ?

June ?

July ?

Sept ?

October ?

November Penny Allen

December ?

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

There' s a hare there somewhere...

There’s a hare there somewhere

Nose to the ground, I can smell it, I can feel it, somewhere around.

Let me give chase, oh it’s such fun Chasing after a hare, run, run, run This field or that field, over hill and dale, he’s been here before keep my nose to the ground

I can smell him, I can sense him

Where can he be? Oh there! He's jumped up over by that tree.

Barking, barking, I can see him now, chasing up behind, he stops, he starts puts a burst of speed on, my he can run, maybe I can catch him, yes that would be fun

There’s a hare there somewhere, nose to the ground.

Can I catch him? No not a chance, as he keeps leading me on a very merry dance. He stops, he starts, goes back the way he came. he keeps far ahead of me, oh what a game...

some day I’ll catch him, if I run, run, run. Today I won’t though -

I’m done... done... done.

Shortbread is for all year round not just for Christmas!

I enjoyed making shortbread as recent Christmas gifts. The chocolate version ( just with cocoa powder added) was not as popular as the traditional one surprisingly!

It’s so easy to make and Delia Smith’s recipe is a guaranteed success;

Ingredients ;

175g plain flour

75g caster sugar

175g block butter, at room temperature

75g fine semolina

a little extra caster sugar

Method;

Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and rub together until crumbly. Bring together to a dough, using your hands. Now transfer the dough to the prepared tin and press it out evenly, smoothing it out with the back of a tablespoon. Then prick it all over with a fork and, using the prongs of the fork, press quite firmly round the edges to make a patterned border.

Bake the shortbread near the centre of the oven at 150’C for 1 to 1¼ hours until it is pale gold. Then allow the shortbread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before cutting it into 12 wedges. Remove them to a wire rack to get completely cold, then sprinkle with sugar before storing in an airtight tin.

Note: If you would like to make this recipe gluten free, substitute both the plain flour and the semolina with gluten free flour.

Too Good to Go – Help End Food Waste

Globally more than a third of food is wasted each year. This is bad news for our planet and everyone’s pockets. Do you hate wasting food? Well so does Too Good to Go. Their mission is to ensure good food that hasn’t sold in time gets eaten, not wasted. The Too Good to Go App lets you buy Magic Bags of food at a discounted price directly from the business such as local bakeries, supermarkets and pubs. Go to TooGoodToGo.co.uk to find out how you can buy delicious, unsold food.

Greeting Cards for SALE in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice.

If anyone would like a browse of various greeting cards, priced at 10p each, please contact Mary Keats on 07890129481 or email marykeats1@icloud.com

Thankyou to everyone in the village who has bought cards from me. You have been so generous. So far nearly £900 has been raised for this charity providing specialist hospice at home care to people in Bucks and Hertfordshire with a life limiting illness.

Please come along for the North Field Work Parties

We'd love your help!

After a successful planting season, with most saplings surviving the hot summer, work is never ending on the North Field. Trimming, replacing dead saplings, thinning, cutting grass etc. We even have plans this year to plant a wild flower meadow, a second blossom circle and snowdrops and daffodils. Please let us know if you would be willing to spare an hour or two (or more!) helping achieve our ambitions for North Field.

Please fill in the below and return to either Martyn Waters or Charlie Toosey, or alternatively put your slip through the Biggs Pavilion postbox and we'll make sure it's collected and logged.

Yes. I would like to join a work party this Spring to help out on North Field.

Name:

Address:

Telephone: email:

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

I live in Stewkley and use the two local bus services. The daily one to Leighton Buzzard usually carries about 7 passengers. However the twice weekly one to Aylesbury via Cublington frequently has only two on board. None join after Stewkley. These services have been publicised recently in The Grapevine, the local Stewkley newspaper. I feel the BCC could terminate the services at any time to save money.

Is there support for the service in Cublington? If not what alternatives are there?

Best wishes

Robert Spier robert.spier@btinternet.com

MORE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2023

February

Wednesday1st Cublington Winos

Biggs Pavilion. 7pm for a start time of 7.30pm.

PLEASE let us know of any event in the village you are running. If we don't know about it we can't help publicise it. By the 15th of every month before please.

Friday 10th OG Movie Night 7.30pm Biggs Pavilion 8pm start

Movie TBA / Drinks / Popcorn

16th-18th Cublington Panto Village Hall - see notice inside

Sunday 19th 1pm Post Panto Parish Lunch

March

Saturday 4th Village Litterpick

Meet at Biggs Pavilion. 9.30am for briefing and allocation of roads

Saturday 11th Tree planting celebration

More info in OG section

April

Wednesday 5th Cublington Winos

Biggs Pavilion. 7pm for a start time of 7.30pm.

May

Saturday 6th Coronation Celebrations event TBC but we will do something.

June

Wednesday 7th Cublington Winos

Biggs Pavilion. 7pm for a start time of 7.30pm.

Saturday 17th Cublington fete

Orchard Ground. 8.30am set up for 1pm opening

Orchard Ground car park closed

from 1st to 25th March 2023:

The Orchard Ground car park surface is due to be regraded and relaid between 1st March and 25th March, between these dates there will be no parking on Orchard Ground. Orchard Ground is pleased to have received a grant of £7,000 towards the cost of this work from the Ivinghoe and Wing Communities Board, Buckinghamshire Council.

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

2. What was your first job?

Cleaning rooms for a lovely little hotel in Oban, Argyll.

3. Who (alive or dead) would you like to have dinner with and why? (You can have more than one!) Zac Efron for the looks, Dr Brene Brown for the brains and Kevin Bridges for the banter.

4. What historical era would you like to have lived in and why?

The 1920s - for the flappers, jazz and bathtub gin.

5. Where would you want to live if not where you live now and why? We’re really happy where we are but if the weather improved then maybe the West Coast of Scotland.

6. What is the temptation you wish you could resist? Pizza and prosecco!

7. What is your favourite book and why?

I’ll go with a recent one that’s top of mind - ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. The movie is good but the book is better! The author, Delia Owens has a pretty fascinating personal life story too

8. What is your favourite song and why?

‘The Wizard And I’from Wicked The Musical. It’s my go- to driving song, if I’m on my own I’ll pretend I’m Elphaba and sing my heart out.

9. What is the pet hate that makes your hackles rise? Unprotected sneezes and unnecessary abbreviations.

10. What is the unlikely interest that engages your curiosity? Sandwiches... I love watching shows about sandwiches and different types of fillings and then trying to recreate them.

11. How long have you lived in Cublington? 7 years. Answer somewhere in the Crier!

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

February Birthdays

Happy birthday to you...

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

Support Group Renamed as Cublington Life WhatsApp group

Toby Raymen 2 on the 7th Phoebe Mountfield 4 on the 11th going out or have a long-term a challenge with Covid 19? support to offer you!

Mike Joy on 07711290169 or ask someone to drop off this Unicorn) and we will collect it.

The support group has changed its name to reflect the ongoing situation. Useful information on power cuts/ broadband issues and the like get posted on here. Let me know if you'd like to be on the Cublington Life 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

Volunteers are required yet again please for

Litterpick and village tidy up

Sad to say that people are still throwing litter from their cars as they speed through the lanes surrounding us. Please put this date in your diaries.

Sat 4th March 9.30am

Please email me on gary@cublingtoncrier.co.uk and I will allocate you a specific road along with other volunteers. It will be up to you to bring gloves/bags/pick up sticks. Further instructions regarding pick up of waste etc.. will be issued via email with confirmation response.

Gary

LATEST NEWS and UPDATES

11th March 2023: Trees to be planted in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II

Orchard Ground Association has received a grant of £1,869.00 from The Tree Council to buy 35 trees to mark and celebrate the life and reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Trees include seven red oaks to mark seven decades of her reign and nine scots pines to mark the nine decades of her life. The scots pines being a reminder of Cublington's links with Queen Victoria whose scots pine trees can be seen off Reeds Lane; these were given by her in 1897 to mark her diamond jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II was Queen Victoria’s great great granddaughter. Other trees to be planted include English Oak, Hornbeam, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Hawthorn and Bird Cherry, all of which will help to give some height to the copse and woodland areas on North Field.

A joint Cublington Parish Council and Orchard Ground tree planting morning is planned for Saturday 11th March meeting in the Biggs Pavilion from 9.30am to 12.00 midday. Activity groups and clubs in Cublington will be invited to plant a tree. There will be opportunities for village families to plant trees and also for grandparents and their grandchildren too. To enable as many families, grandparents and grandchildren to take part as possible, trees can be planted before 11th March including during the February half term week. Please let Martyn Waters know if as a family, or as a grandparent along with your grandchildren, you would like to plant one of these trees: martyn. waters@icloud.com M: 07973754356.

North Field: On Saturday 14th January, the wettest day of the year so far, 30 people from the village came alongon to raise a glass of mulled wine in celebration of 12 months of volunteering that has taken place since the planning permission was granted in December 2021. During a pause in the horizontal rain, a guided walk around North Field was undertaken to view the progress of the tree planting to date including the community orchard, the copse and woodland areas which have been planted with tree whips, the line of new hedging and the blossom circle.

Several dog walkers have reported that the wire fencing in the middle of the hedge facing Stewkley Road has several holes in it. Work has been undertaken to plant more hedging whips along this hedge and into the far corner of North Field. Dog walkers might want to put their dogs on a lead when walking this section of North Field

Orchard Ground car park closed from 1st to 25th March 2023:

The Orchard Ground car park surface is due to be regraded and relaid between 1st March and 25th March, between these dates there will be no parking on Orchard Ground. Orchard Ground is pleased to have received a grant of £7,000 towards the cost of this work from the Ivinghoe and Wing Communities Board, Buckinghamshire Council.

North Field working dates: 9.30am - 12.00 midday

Saturday 11th February

Saturday 25th February

Saturday 4th March

Saturday 11th March: planting morning

Saturday 18th March

Please feel free to come along, even for just an hour. It’s a great way to meet up with people and to see how the planting of North Field is progressing. Martyn Waters M: 07973754356

• 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 Wednesday 22nd March 7.30pm Biggs Pavilion

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

Bit rusty or seriously want to improve?

TENNIS COACHING sessions every

Members £60 per season Non members £70 per season

Rusty rackets 6-7pm Intermediate/Advanced 7-8pm email gary@cublington.com to put yourself on a waiting list!

NOW BOOKING FOR SPRING SESSIONS

Meet every Friday 3.30pm - 5pm in the Unicorn.

We are looking for help with the PostBox Topper, ready for King Charles' Coronation. All very welcome.

Cublington Winos

Greeting from the winos.

The Cublington Wine Appreciation Society had a great 2022. For those that don’t know, each event is hosted at the Biggs Pavilion by two people but with the usual help of others. This year we have visited a local vine yard, had guest speakers and dare I say it actually learnt something new about a variety of wines. We’ve also had a lot of fun.

Sandra and Nigel have kindly agreed to host the 1st February get together which is an Italian themed evening.

Provisional dates for our next planned events are as follows.

5th April, 7th June, 2nd August, 4th October, 6th December. Doors normally open at 7pm for a start time of 7.30pm.

If anybody would like to join us please contact Jackie Farrands - 07968 672707 - and you will be added to the Whatsapp group.

Steve and Jackie

11th March 2023: Trees to be planted in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II

Orchard Ground Association has received a grant of £1,869.00 from The Tree Council to buy 35 trees to mark and celebrate the life and reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Trees include seven red oaks to mark seven decades of her reign and nine scots pines to mark the nine decades of her life. The scots pines being a reminder of Cublington's links with Queen Victoria whose scots pine trees can be seen off Reads Lane; these were given by her in 1897 to mark her diamond jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II was Queen Victoria’s great great granddaughter Other trees to be planted include English Oak, Hornbeam, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Hawthorn and Bird Cherry, all of which will help to give some height to the copse and woodland areas on North Field.

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

THANK YOU to the 44 AMAZING SHOPPERS who have so far raised a STAGGERING £1,888.85. for Orchard Ground projects by simply clicking online when they shop!

Phenomenal!! You could do the same!

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

1st - Gwyneira Waters -£289.66.

2nd - Sarah George -£233.08.

3rd - Martyn Waters -£223.84.

4th - Maggie Brandon -£198.19.

5th - Kevin Shults -£167.63.

6th - Bob Paine

-£123.39.

Cublington Variety Club

proudly presents the traditional Cublington pantomime for 2023:

16th to 18th February in the Village Hall.

“What a catch! Bring him along, this is our ticket for the big time.”

“Oh no it’s not! Oh yes it is!”

“This week Cublington, then London, New York and the film rights too. I’ll soon be in Hollywood for the champagne life style.”

“Oh no you won’t! Oh yes I will!

“Just shut it you lot!”

“Boooo! Boooo!”

Come along and join in the fun.

Venue: The Village Hall, Wing Road, Cublington:

Dates: Thursday 16 th February at 7.30pm: opening night;

Friday 17 th February at 7.30pm;

Saturday 18 th February at 2.30pm: matinee performance;

Saturday 18 th February at 8.00pm: closing night

Tickets: £7.50 for adults, £4.00 for children. Tickets on sale from 4 th January 2023.

Tickets available from Jackie Farrands by email jackie.farrands@btinternet.com or by mobile phone: 07968 672707

You’ll regret it if you miss it!!

There are still plenty of tickets left for the village pantomime on Thursday and Friday evenings plus Saturday matinee but completely sold out for the final night on Saturday.

If you have reserved tickets please get back in touch to arrange to collect from 17 Bell Close

Welcome All

This wonderful local resource is FREE

Not just

- your library card gives

books

you access

a wealth of FREE online resources - including magazines and newspapers

Fines Amnesty January & February

If you or your children have fines already on your library cards, these will be waived; and no fine applied to items returned late .

Library Elf

Remember

Never forget to return an item again - register here for a FREE email reminder

https://www.libraryelf.com/base/Signin.aspx

When the floodlights are off, villagers may notice a glow from within the church...no, not on fire, but we are leaving the tower light on, it makes the building look alive an loved. Sponsored by the Alexanders

If you would like to, please contact Penny direct on 682006 or djandpallen@gmail.com or to The Crier with a dedication. Gift Aid envelopes are available from the Church and pub (when open) porches and this will enable us to recover 23p for every pound donated.

Thank you

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH LIGHTS SPONSORS

'The church lights are sponsored for week in February by Tom Gadsby, in memory of his father who passed away 10 years ago.

Remember snowdrops!!

Several people have suggested that snowdrops be planted around the blossom circle on North Field. Ideally, snowdrops should be planted ‘in the green’ just after they have flowered. So, if you are planning to divide up and move some snowdrops this spring and have some to spare, please contact Martyn Waters about planting some around the blossom circle.

From the Rector

A friend recently asked me to recommend a bible for a thirty something adult and her ten year old daughter. After chatting it through, I recommended either a New International or Revised Standard version for the adult and a version called The Message for the child. The challenge is always to find a version which communicates scripture in a way comprehensible to a particular reader without reducing scripture’s meaning. Each of the above has their strengths and weaknesses; unlike the NIV or RSV, The Message loses the poetry of the Psalms, but in the opening verses of John’s gospel, The Message conveys the radical immediacy of Jesus coming to us brilliantly (which is why we used The Message at the Christmas services for each of our group’s four primary schools). It is often heard that people dismiss the Bible as unintelligible, not making sense, today. But that applies to many old historical texts too. I recently read a biography of Margaret Beaufort, grandmother to Henry 8th who survived the wars and intrigues of 15th century England and is reckoned to be the driving force behind establishing the Tudor dynasty. Some of Margaret’s correspondence is quoted in the book and I found parts of that completely unintelligible. But that’s because Margaret wrote using the phrasing of her time; just as did the Bible writers.

In the Hebrew world of the Old Testament and the Greek world of the New, words were meant to lead to action; you didn’t just say words, you acted on their meaning. Like a child’s pop-up book, the words of scripture are intended to jump up from the page. So, when we read scripture, the intention is that we allow it to soak into our being and when necessary, to understand the context before dismissing it or not.

Which is exactly why Jesus is called the Living Word; God’s Word made real amongst us, the Life Light to live by (to quote The Message). As we move from Christmas towards Easter, allow the Christmas baby to grow, move into your neighbourhood (The Message again) and be a firm foundation for life.

With every blessing, Rev’d Howard Robson.

Church Services in February

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Volunteer Recruitment Day

Sunday 5th February 2023

Preferential rates for Cublington villagers. Contact: info@cublingtoncrier.co.uk for more details and a media pack

11am-2pm No booking required – just turn up and meet the team!

Ever thought about volunteering but don't know where to start?

Why not try your local heritage railway, right here in Quainton! The list of available roles is plentiful, and we currently need more hands on deck, so this Volunteer Recruitment Day has been set up to allow potential volunteers to meet current volunteers, take a look around the site, see an engine in steam and find out about what we do and how you might be able to lend a hand.

We have a huge variety of volunteer roles and, basically, these roles fit into one of two types:

"Behind the Scenes" volunteers generally come in during the week and help maintain the site and our artefacts whilst we are closed. This could be mowing, mending, strimming hedges and painting fences, or helping maintain or restore steam engines, carriages, railway buildings etc.

"Customer Facing"; volunteers are the ones who come in and spend the day with us when we are open to the public on Sundays and other Special Event days throughout the year. These roles range from helping in our second-hand bookshop, cafe or gift shop, and welcoming visitors on the entrance gate, to crewing one of our steam engines, being a guard on the platform or helping to park cars on our especially busy days when we need all hands on deck!

You can come for as long as you want, as often as you want. Some volunteers come several times a week, other comes only when we have a really busy event coming up. Volunteering is supposed to help you as much as it helps us, so you can do as much or as little as you like - we'll appreciate each and every minute of your time you give to us!

To find out more, why not wander down and join us anytime between 11am and 2pm on Sunday 5th February – the cafe will be open, why not bring a friend?! We look forward to welcoming you here. If you have a specific query about volunteering or about this recruitment day, please email us on office@bucksrailcentre.org

Villages Art Group

CALLING

ALL

4th February 2023, 2pm

4th March 2023, 2pm

To see these pictures in colour - go to issuu.com and search for Cublington Crier Dec 22 #424

ARTISTS (ANY LEVEL)

Come along and paint and sketch and learn together

-EVERY MONDAY 2-4pm (EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS):

Venue : Biggs Pavillion, Cublington

Dates : Every Monday

Please come along with your paints, pencils, easels etc and join us working side by side for a couple of hours

Tea/coffee and biscuits to sustain us! Small donation appreciated.

All very welcome! We know there are more of you out there so don't be shy!

Recent work shared by the group

Minutes of a meeting of Cublington

Parish Council held on 12th January 2023 at Biggs Pavilion at 7.30pm

Present:

Cllr H Vale (Chairman)

Cllr Antosiewicz

Cllr K Shults

Cllr M Waters

Cllrs A Bond and P Cooper (Bucks Council) for item 4 and item 7.5

In attendance: Mr M Joy (Clerk)

1.Apologies

Cllr D Blamires and Cllr M Reilly

2.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting held on 8th November 2022 were discussed by the meeting and duly signed by the Chairman.

3.Declaration of Interest

There was no declaration of interests.

4.Reports

Bucks County Councillors

Bucks Council has set its budget for 23/24 which shows a deficit of £10m which will result in a cut of services. BC is proposing a rise in the base rate of council tax of 2.99% from 1 April 2023. It also has to fund huge adult social care costs and are acutely aware that relieving pressures in the social care sector will in turn help the NHS during a period of considerable demand. It means taking up the government’s proposal for a social care precept of 2%, meaning an overall rise in bills of 4.99%. The Community Boards will be running their annual Community Awards to individuals who do a lot for their community. Nominations forms will be sent out shortly.

5.Accounts

5.1 To approve payments since last meeting

The following invoices were passed for payment from 1st November to 31st December 2022 :

5.2 To review accounts to 31st March 2023. There was a surplus of £5,478.18 to 31st December 2022 and the forecast to 31st March 2023 is a deficit of £2,212.82 with accumulative cash balances of £16,396.13. 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 .

5.3 Precept 2022/23

A forecast of income and expenditure for 2023/24 was presented to the meeting which showed a deficit of £3,344 after estimating an increase of £600 in the precept to £12,600. The forecast expenditure related to recurring expenditure plus the installation of LED lighting for all the streetlights. It was suggested and agreed the precept should increase by £600 to £12,600 (5% increase).

6.Orchard Ground/ North Field Report

Film night to come, recent Bingo evening and New Year’s Eve gathering, bookings for December were good. Considering solar panels estimated cost £24,000 and looking for WREN grant of 90%, need to check weight load of panels and requirement for new switch board. OG awarded £7,000 grant for maintenance of car park . Total cost likely to be £23,000 and work is likely to be carried out in 2 -3 weeks before Easter. M Joy to notify insurers and request to see contractors’ insurance cover.

£1,495 grant obtained from Tree Council to mark Queen Elizabeth II reign and life . Suggestion children to plant trees at an event hosted by OG and CPC along with clubs and groups which use OG –dates 11th or 18th March .

Saturday 14th January marks 1 year since the start of tree planting and there will be a field walk and tea and cakes to mark the occasion.

OG is applying for outline grant from Heart of England for storage facility and mower.

6.1 Draft Lease Considerations/New Charity

CPC responded to the legal advice received from the lawyers and a meeting needs to be arranged to discuss the lease. M Joy felt we should pursue a 7 year lease with an automatic renewal . A 99 year lease would deem to be a disposal of an asset and requires more consultation with the public and costly professional advice without a guarantee of

being able to issue a 99 year lease.

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 P0430/W/22/3300155 Lockharts Farm Waste Recycling Facility – case referred to Inspectorate –awaiting decision.

7.3 22/03927/App – Little Acre Ridings Way application for erection of detached garage – no objection

7.4 22/04245/Vrc Land Adj Walnuts 4 Aston Abbotts Road – variation to conditions 1 – no objection .

7.5 Ridings Cottage 21/002583/APP

Planning permission for the demolition of this property was refused by Bucks Council. The owners removed all the roof tiles on Sunday 8th January and cleared the grounds to ease access to the site. There was concern that the property will be exposed to the elements which, if left, could cause significant damage to the structure. Enforcement Officers were notified and inspected the site on 9th January, and they will be contacting the owners to establish how they are going to protect the property from further damage.

The whole site is of archaeological significance.

8.Village Matters

8.1 Traffic

Two new volunteers for speedwatch – Graham Dunn and Lucy Clunie. There is a new site for Speedwatch which is on Aston Abbotts Road. Speedwatch is being carried out on regular basis.

8.2 Street Lighting:

One light is out on the High Street and will be changed with LED lighting. There is one light on all the time which will be dealt with. Awaiting a formal quotation for replacement of all mercury lamps with LED. It was agreed that LED lighting similar to Chapel Alley/Church Path should be bought for the playground .

8.3 Trees and Planters No update as Cllr Reilly was not at the meeting .

8.4 Kerb Posts Matter with Bucks Council legal department concerning removal of kerb posts near New Dairy Farm.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 7th March 2023 7.30pm at Orchard Ground.

New Draw Tickets Available Next Month

Tickets available shortly for the next round of ten draws!

Sellers will soon be knocking on your door. First draw of new round scheduled for May!

If you want to buy a ticket online for this round of ten draws starting in May, then please contact me direct at bobpaine2002@hotmail.com or call me on 01296 680483 and we will organise it.

Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Bob & the Orchard Ground Committee.

Time for a rational, constructive conversation?

There were numerous people who contacted me as they had SPOTTED work starting on the plot that is Ridings Cottage. Work continued apace with all the roof tiles being removed and then the garden area being totally cleared of trees - most rotten I'm told. What is left is a derelict house, an empty plot without planning permission and some villagers apparently getting quite animated in their objection to any development that includes the demolition of the cottage. While the original planning permission for three five bedroom monstrosities has rightly been rejected, we do need to have a discussion as to what can be done with the site, without emotion. The new owners tell me they are keen to work with people, to produce an appropriate scheme that seems fair and reasonable.

Whilst Ridings Cottage is perhaps a building of some village interest, in reality, it has no great architectural significance, otherwise why would English Heritage refuse to list it time and time again. It has been changed so much over the years that little remains of the original house (once thatched) dating back centuries. In fact it is only hearsay that a cottage has stood on the site since the time of the old village - so perhaps many iterations and not the original one consistently. Indeed it can be agreed that the room sizes are truly of a bygone era.

Many far more important historic buildings were demolished in the past to make way for new houses, (Bell Yard replaced by Bell Close houses in 1965 for example - see Cublington in pictures history book). New houses are much needed in a village like ours and development has been permitted time and time again.

Perhaps it would be best if constructive discussions were held between the interested parties, as I understand that the ideal would be to demolish the cottage and erect two, potentially three similar, cottage type houses, end on in style, so in keeping with the cottage at present. These would be modern, energy efficient homes, ideal to attract young families to the village.

These would, in my opinion, be of real benefit to the village rather than a smaller development below the current cottage and a husk of a building left to decay into ruin, which perhaps will be the alternative! It would potentially cost far too much to retrofit and bring it up to the required standard for modern living. It plainly doesn't suit the criteria for modern housing.

Just a thought. What do you think?

Gary

These are personal thoughts, nothing to do with the Crier

SPOTTED!

Spotted

In the Stewkley Grapevine, the disturbing news that Thames Water had been polluting our river at the bottom of the valley with untreated sewage (from whatever source) no fewer than 204 times in 2020 and 2021, for a total of 2,617 hours... that is a total of 109 days continuously!!! Unbelievable - our dogs swim and drink from there quite regularly. How can they be allowed to get away with it?!!

Did you know...

That the earth's population has recently exceeded 8 billion people.

The value of UK exports in the 12 months to October 2022 was £758.5 billion?! An increase of 21.8% on the previous 12 months! Staggering. But we're also a net importer so those figures must also be truly astounding.

That at the end of January/early Feb, there will be a once in 50,000 year chance to see a green comet...

The comet is located in the northern sky (in the northern hemisphere) near the constellation Boötes.

On the evening of Feb. 1, when C/2022 E3 (ZTF) as it's called, is passing closest to Earth (a mere 28 million miles away), it will be within the boundaries of the vague and dim constellation of Camelopardalis.” - facing north, to the left of Cassiopeia (the crooked W as I describe it)

New year, new challenge

Florence Nightingale Hospice are looking for people to take on a challenge and help them be there for more patients this year.

Whether you are looking to test your physical limits or set a personal goal, take on an exhilarating experience or journey across the world on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the charity is there to support you to make the most of the challenge.

“There’s only one feeling better than that of completing a challenge. And that’s completing a challenge for charity and raising much-needed funds for a local charity, who supports people you know and love.” says Bill Richards, Fundraising Officer at the charity. “We have some really exciting challenges planned over the next year for people to join, or can help you design your own challenge and support you with your fundraising.”

With a growing and ageing population, the charity know that the number of patients across Buckinghamshire and its borders who could benefit from specialist care is going to increase rapidly and are determined to be there to support everyone who needs them.

Helen, a Day Hospice patient says, “Until I needed palliative care, I hadn’t realised how much Florence Nightingale Hospice relied on charitable funding. I am incredibly thankful for those who donate and undertake fundraising activities.” The charity has dates coming up to take part in an adrenaline filled skydive or train for a once in a lifetime experience by trekking across the Saharan Desert next year. Some supporters prefer to take on their own challenges, in previous years these have included headshaves, pub crawls and egg and spoon races!

Sisters Paula & Fiona are taking on The Conqueror’s Lord of the Rings virtual challenge in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, aiming to walk over 1800 miles with their much-loved dogs Buzz and Zoe. Already, just a few days into the New Year, they have clocked up 25 miles! Paula tells us “We like to do a challenge each year for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, which has always been close to our hearts – we have had a number of friends who have been looked after by the amazing team. We are so fortunate to have such an excellent facility locally, but like all charities they rely on donations to survive. We are pleased to be able to help in some small way”.

Visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/challenge to start planning your next adventure, or you can email fundraising@fnhospice.org.uk or call 01296 429975

Whatever you chose to do, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity will be very grateful for your support in 2023 and beyond.

Cublington Bags

All proceeds go to village causes 20 already sold, £200 donated to the North Field trees project

£10 each or 2 for £18

Interested? Then please contact us now.

email: info@cublingtoncrier.co.uk or call Gary on 01296 688548

BABYSITTING DIRECTORYall listed

are 14+

Alice Gadsby - 680452*

Charlotte Keane 688133

Katie Keane 688133 or 07803939530

Hannah Alexander - 681104

Izzy Law - 688019 or 07896 894914

Maisy Parsons 01296 68230 007368 26143

Charles Powell 01296 680467 * School or Uni holidays only

Answer: Abby Stopher

Rental Rates

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.

Any unwanted Christmas gifts??!!!

Keep in mind The Fete Committee will gladly take and store any unwanted Christmas gifts. Call Debbie on 07764611684 to arrange pick up.

and DON,t forget if you still use the post!) from Jan 31st 2023

Volunteer Community Interpreter Initiative

Local charity Community Impact Bucks has gathered a network of volunteers to offer their interpretation language skills, for FREE, to newly arrived Ukrainians settling in Buckinghamshire.

The Volunteer Community Interpreter Initiative aims to help Ukrainians, their hosts and the groups that support them, to overcome language difficulties through the use of a volunteer interpreter who is fluent in Ukrainian or Russian, as well as English.

Anyone wishing to find out more should visit www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk or if you would like to request the services of a Volunteer Community Interpreter, please fill in the online Request for a Volunteer Interpreter form.

Potholes are particularly bad at this

time of year - watch out! Drive carefully. (no pun intended)!

The 100 Club Draw

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

February 2023 the last draw of this round

1st Prize - £50 - Brian Knights.

2nd Prize - £40 - Mike Bush.

3rd Prize - £30 - Freddie Bradbury.

4th Prize - £20 - Tony Horsler.

If you want to buy a ticket 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!

TUTOR UP TO GCSE

Cublington-based

FORALLOFYOUR DOMESTIC CLEANING

YOUR  LOCALSTEWKLEYBASEDCOMPANY

CHOOSEFROM  WEEKLY OR FORTNIGHTLY FULLY  INSURED

ALLSTAFFPOLICECHECKED

ALLCLEANINGMATERIALSPROVIDED

CONTACT  CHRIS  STEVENITT  FOR  MORE  INFORMATION

ON:

OFFICE:  01525-­‐242042

OR

MOBILE:  07850-­‐540393

EMAIL: chris@exquisitecleaning.co.uk

WWW.exquisitecleaning.co.uk

With more of our expert team in your local area than ever before, if you have a plot of land, county or equestrian property to sell, please get in touch with your local Alexander & Co team.

Aylesbury: 01296 710200

Winslow: 01296 715386

Whatever your property aspirations, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Bedfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Oxfordshire

Northamptonshire

www.alexanderandco.co.uk

We are looking for patients from the Wing, Whitchurch and Winslow surgeries to join the

3 W F r i e n d s

You will be supporting our practices by helping with fundraising which we use to support requests for equipment, enabling us to enhance patient care, comfort, and treatment.

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.

For more information please contact; Jan Lewis – 07835461361

jart.lewis@btinternet.com or Amanda Tofield – 01296 640100 ac.tofield@gmail.com

Looking forward to hearing from you.

We work alongside a range of health and social care professionals, local services, charitable and voluntary organisations

To refer yourself or someone you care for, please phone or email the team

Tel: 01296 713434 (option 6)

Email: Contact@NorthBucksPatientSupport.info

Or make enquiries at your GP Surgery

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)

Unit 2 Ladymead Farm, Quainton, HP224AN

info@cublingtoncrier.co.uk

SPOTTED!

PLEASE

Spotted

The big beast of Cublington? Trackers are out and about I'm told! Either a huge foot print or a childs shoe!

Spotted

15 participantsallegedly Brisk Walkers!

Spotted

A generator outside the Brandon's in Silver Street since before Christmas! Just been removed as this goes to print... what appalling service?!

Spotted

those that braved the rain to have a walk round North Field on the 14th, preceded by very welcome tea and biscuits in the pavilion!

Spotted

Notice appeared at the allotments... Note from Thames Valley Police : We have indeed placed these posters up – we have placed them on a number of allotment areas within our specific policing area. This is following various reports of thefts from sheds/ allotments. This is not specific to Cublington however, rather most villages within the rural areas have been targeted. We hope that these signs will act as a deterrent from future crimes.

In regards to residents, the important thing is to ensure they’re aware of the safeguarding advice around thefts etc. Installing heavy duty padlocks, CCTV systems, keeping expensive items within the house.

< Spotted

Poo Corner

Makes you wonder if people are blind or just so forgetful they just went home another way?!

So ….. start of dog walk passed 13 vehicles and at least 18 workmen parked up on the Stewkley Road on a beautiful Monday morning. Returned an hour later and the same scene. Enquired what the plan was as thus far no work being done! Apparently they are ‘recycling’ the road surface on the Stewkley Road beyond Reads Lane. The potted surface between the crossroads and Reads Lane is not on the schedule! With such a large workforce and so many maintenance vehicles I hope whatever they’re doing is worth it? Perhaps I’m becoming a cynic in my old age?

At least it wasn’t raining

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.