Cublington Crier Jan 23 #425

Goodbye 2022

January

Birthdays

Happy birthday to you...

Thomas Burford –14 on the 22nd Samuel Duthie –6 on the 24th Emily Burgess – 12 on the 31st

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

Well, what a turbulent year it has been!

Such joy and celebration at the platinum jubilee, followed by sadness and the end of an era at the passing of the Queen.

The war in Ukraine, political turmoil like we have never seen before, the recession and the cost-of-living crisis, but we must look forward. January is a time for looking forward and we have the Panto (oh yes we do!!), the coronation, the fete, the horticultural show, the art exhibition to name but a few.

We have now lived in the village for 2 years, having moved in December 2020 and going straight into lockdown with Christmas on our own, we wondered what we had done. But with lots of walks up to Littlecote and back we met several villagers over a few weeks. We also explored all the local footpaths from the village and realised no one in their right mind walks the village paths in the winter. MUD Galore !! Then out of lockdown and we were able to enjoy all the delights the village has to offer.

During the first few months, The Crier was an invaluable source of village information for us and even now we look forward to the new copy landing on our doormat. We both read cover to cover and enter all the events into our diaries.

There are so many activities going on in the village there is a danger that our social calendar becomes full without having to leave the village. This is re-enforced by the fact that everyone is so welcoming, friendly and supportive.

Over the year we have been gathering some “interesting” facts and have written a New Year quiz. See how many you know without the aid of Google.

Pretty as a picture...

So many wonderful pictures taken and sent in (thank you) after the most wonderful cold spell... the frost on the trees made the whole village so beautiful. So much so, that the inside back cover has a few to enjoy in full colour. The walk around North Field on the 14th January. So much hard work has gone into this village amenity so far and we would like to share it with you, enthuse you and enlist your help perhaps in one of a number of ways... See you there.

Don't miss The Panto is back

(Oh yes it is) Rehearsals are in full flow, tickets are on sale, the scenery is being painted, costumes are being made... if you can help out in any way, please contact Jane Alexander janea2000@aol.com

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

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.

Jenny & Andy Brown

2022 Quiz

Just a bit of fun – no prizes – but see how many you can answer without the use of Google.

1.On the day the first trees were planted in North Field what was the name of the volcano which erupted in the pacific

2.What was the name of the storm which created havoc around the country and closed the Unicorn early in February.

3.In the same storm, where and how fast was the record-breaking wind speed recorded

4.On the last Saturday in March, North Field working group hosted its final planting day of the spring season. How many trees had they planted since December 2021

5.Andy Murray executed the little used “Underarm Serve” at Wimbledon this year, but who first used it in the French Open in 1989, beating the world No 1 at the time Ivan Lendl

6.Who were the 8 Tory candidates in the leadership election for a new Prime Minister to replace Boris Johnson

7.England, Scotland and Wales all saw record breaking temperatures on Tuesday 19th July, what were they.

8.September 8th saw the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, she reigned for over 70years. She had 15 Prime Ministers during her reign, how many can you name.

9.September also saw the unveiling of the Tapestry in the Biggs Pavilion commemorating the Queens Platinum Jubilee. 16 village activites/groups are depicted – can you name them.

10.Liz Truss took the record for the shortest serving Prime Minister (49 days), do you know who held the record before her.

Answers are somewhere in the Crier (or even in previous Criers - Ed!)

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.

What a month December was for the weather, so bitterly cold but such beautiful scenery all around - see inside back page. Powercuts galore. some planned some not... perhaps a taste of things to come this next year? Let's hope not!

Let's say goodbye to 2022 - a year where we saw the Platinum Jubliee and the then so very sudden the passing of Her Majesty, and the accession of Charles III.... Talking of threes - we also had three Prime Ministers, four or was it five Chancellors? And more strikes for many a year... the cost of living going up exponentially, some price rises perhaps not justified, as if we wouldn't notice! Watch out you businesses, let's hope your costs go down as fast when pressures ease. Wait was that a pig I saw flying overhead?! Thanks to Di Grace on constant petrol price watch... oh and in case you haven't noticed, the Cublington Support Group has changed its name to Cublington Life. Get yourself on it for some useful (some gossip) information.

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.

Feb Mary & Beryl

Mar Alexanders

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 ? 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 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

Happy New year Cublington!

CUBLINGTON Cabaret Night

Another great night was had for the 22nd Cabaret night. Our MC for this year, and the first time was Brian Knights. With 52 people in attendance, the ladies did a splendid job in laying on a two course meal, whilst Kevin supplied and manned the bar.

The entertainment, as usual was varied with singing from the ladies and gents, as well as sketches of various sorts, and even a Royal visit. A member of the audience received a Knighthood, but only for the duration of the evening, and became "Sir Hugh of the Vale"

With a raffle as usual, the total profit for the evening was an excellent £866, which goes to Friends of Saint Nicholas.

Many thanks to Brian for holding the whole evening together.

Chris and Maggie Brandon

PS Having organised the Cabaret Night for 22 years, we are now calling it a day, and hope someone will come forward and take it on.

Do get in touch if you want to know more. Tel 681972.

OMG - you are an institution, you will be sorely missed. Volunteers anyone?!! Ed

An Enormous Thank You

to the Cabaret organisers & participants for the very generous donation of almost £900 to the Friends of St Nicholas. Over the years the Cabaret evening has raised thousands of pounds for FOSN which has made a real difference to maintaining and improving the fabric of the church.

Thank you all. FOSN

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.

CUBLI N GTON

FRIEN DS OF

in aid of

Thank you to all the amazing people in the village who have donated warm winter clothing for the victims of the war in Ukraine. This little mountain will make a difference, and help spread some love and warmth on Christmas day. I would also like to thank the team at the Unicorn for acting as a drop off point.

Nigel Brilliant effort - well done. Ed.

Whynot try this New Year Root Vegetable soup with any vegetables left over from Christmas

Why not try this New Year Root Vegetable soup with any vegetables left over from Christmas

A COUPLE OR WARMING SOUPS FOR COLD WINTR DAYS

A COUPLE OR WARMING SOUPS FOR COLD WINTR DAYS

MORE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2023

January

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.

Saturday 14th: North Field Walkaround with Mulled wine and mince pies. All Welcome 10.30am - 12.00 midday

February

Wednesday1st Cublington Winos Biggs Pavilion. 7pm for a start time of 7.30pm.

Friday 10th OG Movie Night 7.30pm Biggs Pavilion 8pm start Movie TBA / Drinks / Popcorn

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

Cublington Village Pantomime 2023

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

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

A racing driver.

2.What was your first job?

A labourer on the construction of Kielder Dam in Northumberland. I earned the nickname “Liability Lill”!

3.Who (alive or dead) would you like to have dinner with and why?

James Hunt and Niki Lauda to listen to tales of racing drivers lives in the seventies.

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

I’m happy with this one but preferred the eighties and nineties to now. I suppose it’s because I was young then!

5.Where would you want to live if not where you live now and why?

Umhlanga Rocks, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, (overlooking the beach). I lived there when I was young and I loved it

6.What is the temptation you wish you could resist?

The last glass of wine. The one that gives me a headache in the morning!

7.What is your favourite book and why?

The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling. I’m not very good with books. If they don’t grab me in the first couple of pages I tend to discard them. This one really grabbed me. It was entertaining, moving and believable

8.What is your favourite song and why?

The Piano Man by Billy Joel. I like songs that tell a story and this one does

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

Oh I have hundreds but I’ll tell you three! Fly tipping, over-the-top political correctness and people that drive too slowly.

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

Car parks. I like looking at all the different cars….

11.How long have you lived in Cublington?

23 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

Bin collection dates

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? Then Cublington have some support to offer you!

Support Group Renamed as Cublington Life WhatsApp group

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. My name is I live at

gary@cublington.com to book your place or to sign up.

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

LATEST NEWS and UPDATES

There have been two working parties on North Field in December on Saturday morning of 3rd and 10th December. On 3rd December volunteers worked to clear the hedge opposite Stewkley Road, clearing out dead wood, brambles and some ivy, cutting back the blackthorn runners at the base of the hedge in readiness for hedging whips being planted to help regenerate and strengthen the hedge. All the orchard trees have been checked stakes, tree ties and deer guards, and replacing the soil where either deer or dogs have been digging around the roots of the trees. Ovo Energy via Conservation Volunteers have donated 750 hedging and tree whips to Orchard Ground sufficient spiral rabbit guards and bamboo canes for each to be planted out. Volunteers worked to plant out hedging whips along Stewkley Road and along the new hedgeline adding a double row to what was planted earlier this year.

On 10th December, a small number volunteers planted hornbeam hedging along the top edge of the outdoor theatre area, and several stands of silver birch into copse areas planted earlier this year. This was a very frosty day, and it was encouraging to see warmly wrapped volunteers working and enjoying some winter sunshine. The trees from HS2/Bucks Council have been delivered, these included a number of 5 year old hornbeam and a copper beech along with whips of oak, holly and alder bluckthorn. The holly has been planted into a holly circle and the alder buckthorn into the hedgeline. The hornbeam and copper beech have been planted out as feature trees.

Several people have asked about mid week working groups as other responsibilities take up their Saturdays. As the days lengthen we’ll circulate some dates for some evening mid week working

groups. If you’re interested in helping out with these, even for an hour or so or any other matters for North Field, please contact me: Martyn Waters: 07973754356: martynvq@gmail.com.

Future working party dates:

Saturday 14th January: 10.30 - 12.00 midday: Come and raise a glass to celebrate 12 months of volunteering on North Field. Meet at the pavilion at 10.30am, guided walks around North Field to view the work undertaken to date and to look at what else is planned. Mulled wine, spiced mulled aple juice, tea, coffee and mice pies will be served in the pavilion.

Saturday 21st January: working party. 9.30 - 12.00 midday

Saturday 11th February: working party. 9.30 - 12.00 midday

Saturday 25th February: working party. 9.30 - 12.00 midday 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 Thursday 19th January 7.30pm Biggs Pavilion

Allotment Jobs

Here are some handy hints of jobs for the allotment/vegetable patch for January. Allotment

Jobs

Here are some handy hints of jobs for the allotment/vegetable patch for January.

1.Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai

2.Eunice

3.The Needles IOW and 122MPH 4.1725

5.Michael Chang

2022 Quiz Answers

6.Jeremy Hunt; Nadhim Sahawi; Suella Braverman; Tom Tugendhat; Kemi Badenoch; Penny Mordant; Liz Truss; Rishi Sunak

7.England 40.3; Scotland 35.1; Wales 37.1

8. Winston Churchill; Anthony Eden; Harold McMillan; Alex Douglas-Home; Harold Wilson; Ted Heath; James Callaghan; Margaret Thatcher; John Major; Tony Blair; Gordon Brown; David Cameron; Teressa May; Boris Johnson; Liz Truss

9. The Panto; Cublington Growers; The Unicorn; Allotments; Wine Appreciation Society; Brisk Walkers; Tennis Club; Cricket Club; Crafters; Childrens Playground; Book Club; Church Window; The Nob; The Crossroads; North Field; Flowers.

10.George Canning in 1827 held he PM post for 119 days and he died in office.

Cublington Winos

Greeting from the winos.

The Cublington Wine Appreciation Society have had a great year. For those that don’t know, each event is hosted at the Biggs Pavilion by 2 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.

The December event had a different twist. With money in the bank and bottles of wine left over from previous events we decided to host the event in the Christmas spirit with party games, no tasting - just drinking and free of charge to all members.

We thought it worthwhile before the evening got underway to get feedback from those there, in terms of frequency, getting volunteers for next event and any other comments. The consensus was that the first Wednesday of every other month seems to work just fine, volunteers easily selected and the numbers just keep growing with now just under 30 confirmed winos. We think that is around 15% of the population of the village.

So thanks to Jan and Gillian for helping us set up, to Liz for helping with the food, and Bob who became our games master. Also to all who came along to join in the fun.

Sandra and Nigel have kindly agreed to host the February get together.

Provisional dates for our events next year are as follows.

1st February, 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. Happy Christmas to you all.

Steve and Jackie

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 a STAGGERING £1854.53. 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 - Gwyniera Waters - £286.98.

2nd - Sarah George - £231.80.

3rd - Martyn Waters - £223.30.

4th - Margaret Brandon - £197.19.

5th - Kevin Shults - £165.21.

6th - Bob Paine - £123.31.

Library

www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/librarymembership/join-library/

Remember

Cublington Variety Club

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

Cublington Crafters:

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.

proudly presents the traditional Cublington pantomime for 2023:

Solutions or resolutions?

First of all, Happy New year to everyone. As this has to be written before Christmas it is an open question whether things will go as people might have hoped or planned during this time, but nonetheless all good wishes to everyone moving forward.

Newness in general has been occurring ‘in pockets’ all over the place over recent years and to the point that it is very difficult to say what changes are enduring and which are merely sporadic and circumstantial. New Year is often associated with the concept of making a resolution, and the idea of resolution is importantly different from that of finding a particular solution. A solution is problemspecific and generally keeps the same form over time; a resolution is a developing, evolving form of commitment requiring adjustment and nuance in the face of changing circumstances, and normally aimed towards a particular future goal.

On googling the top suggestions for 2023 resolutions one can find such proposals as reducing waste, clearing clutter, volunteering for something, giving at least one compliment a day, writing down something to be grateful for each day, turning mobiles off for an evening each week and reducing multitasking. All these are accompanied by a brief explanation of why they are important. Many of these and other ideas are aimed at reducing negativity and its after effects, but one suggestion that really stuck out unexpectedly to me was to travel somewhere without a map (specifically without Google maps or GPS). The reason given is simply the spirit of adventure – the ‘you never know where it might take you’ approach. People will presumably differ in whether they see that as positive and fun or negative and potentially asking for problems, but real life of course does involve at least not having a complete map, figuratively speaking. First, we need to discern the broader boundaries and more obvious contours, before filling in more detail between them.

Seeing ‘through the eyes of faith’ is a phrase that, among other things, suggests a resolution to trust that those boundaries and contours are there for important reasons, and to use them to help guide and concentrate our attention in ways that will make the nature and direction of the journey for which we are truly best suited always at least just clear enough that we can continue to move forward, and that, I think, is the spirit in which I want in particular to say best wishes for 2023.

Andrew Krauss

Church Services in January

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH LIGHTS SPONSORS

church lights were also sponsored in December by Chris Shults in loving memory of her wonderful dad George Robert who passed away 10 years ago in December.

& Doug are sponsoring the church floodlights for the month of January in memory of Julie’s mother, Nancy, who passed away in November at the magnificent age of 108

celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in January.

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 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

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.

December 2022.

1st Prize - £50 - Kerry Sletcher.

2nd Prize - £40 - Kim Walls.

3rd Prize - £30 -Alison Head.

4th Prize - £20 -Adam Lackey.

One off Christmas draw - £100 - Dave Parsons.

Laptop

Why not advertise your business in the

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

Beaver Scouts are out of this world...

Over 500 Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) from across Buckinghamshire had a sleepover at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Held over two weekends the children enjoyed a variety of events with some late nights and early mornings.

The activities included several planetarium shows, time in the galleries with lots of buttons and dials, a talk about space and rockets, and an interactive track system.

Reggie Moore said, “I really enjoyed the quiz and spending time in the galleries. I liked learning about where the planets were and how far away they are from earth. I am worn out.”

Ellie said, “I liked learning about space. It’s been very tiring, but I’ve loved exploring. The sleepover has been amazing. My favourite activity was seeing the planetarium shows. I hope I will be able to get my Space badge”

Adult volunteer Bernie Dickens said, “I’ve been a volunteer for three years. It’s very rewarding seeing children achieve something. The smile on a child’s face when they use a flint and succeed in starting a fire is a sight to behold. I’ve challenged myself and done activities I have never done before. I never thought I would go dragon boating.”

Tessa Ingram lead volunteer for Beaver Scouts said, “We had planned to come here in 2020 but lockdowns put the lid on it. It’s been great to see over 500 children and 150 volunteers have a great experience at the Space Centre. To hear and see the excitement from the children reminded me why I volunteer.

James Palin, lead volunteer for Buckinghamshire Scouts said, “Scouting in the County is growing and we are looking for more volunteers. With more and more children and young people (boys and girls aged 4 to 17), on the waiting list we are looking for adults who can help provide activities.

For more information about scouts please visit www.scouts.org.uk/join

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

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)

She gave up ten seconds later....

Brisk walkers striding up to Littlecote before Xmas lunch at The Unicorn

North Field looking magnificent

SPOTTED!

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

During December you might have come across Christmas stones all around the village. Many have been found and now have new homes. Seems like you really enjoyed the 'treasure' hunt! Adults even have been so excited to find one and give it a new home. Thank you the art group for a bit of Christmas cheer!

More are planned over the year I'm told. Keep a watch out!

Spotted

new solar lights all down Church Path and Chapel Alley - brilliant - thanks to Kevin Shults I'm told. Can we have some round the play area footpath pretty please?!

Spotted

Amazingly BOB is back... been on holiday for a few weeks...looking a bit knackered by all accounts the lucky boy.

Spotted at the Christmas Parish Lunch - enjoyed by all who went. Thank you organisers

Spotted

Poo Corner

Trouble is - it's warm so it melts the snow. How come you couldn't see those ones you selfish dog owners?!!

Spotted

at the top of Ridings Way - The Nob... Reminded me of a feature we did a few years ago about collective pronouns. So this might be a drool of dogs?! A feast of labradors; a hungry of labradors; a leash of labradors; A chub of labradors; a party of labradors; a beg of labradors?

Any other ideas?!

All the lovely advent windows around the village - well done to all who took part - splendid effort.