Dear Readers,
Welcome to Spring (hopefully) and April’s SCAN. A couple of things to bring to your attention, please try and put the date of Friday 12th May in your diaries, to attend and support the North Crawley Neighbourhood Plan Event which is to be held in the Institute. Our MP Mark Lancaster is kindly coming along for the evening to speak about the importance of local involvement in local planning issues so it would be great to see as many people there as possible - if you need swaying, then a glass of wine will be on offer along with the chance to win in the big prize draw! Secondly, we would like to emphasise the "use it or lose it" sentiment regarding our village shops. I'm sure we're all agreed that our villages would feel very different without our local shops so let's keep on supporting them whenever we can! Many thanks!
Until next month,
Julia and Elaine
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SCAN 471 APRIL 2017 SCAN IS ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR DONATIONS RECEIVED. MANY THANKS TO THOSE PARISH FRIENDS, RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE KINDLY DONATED THIS MONTH.
Thank you for thinking of us and helping to keep our free parish magazine coming through your doors (and online!). Julia (Editor) and Elaine (Treasurer and Advertising Manager)
DEADLINE Copy for May -
18th APRIL THE EDITOR, Mrs Julia Chinn The Old Rectory, North C rawley, MK16 9HJ Tel 01234 391976 or 07775 683804 e-mail julia.chinn@hotmail.com OR hard copy can be posted to the address above Views expressed in SCAN are those of the contributors and not necessarily shared by the editor or the treasurer TREASURER AND ADVERTISING MANAGER Mrs Elaine Tarling Tel 01234 391877 or 07931 523974 e.sturges@btinternet.com
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‘Souper’ Lunchtime Get-together
Scan fellowship, a fortnightly chance to enjoy a simple lunch together
4 Griggs Orchard Sherington 01908 616763 12pm – 2pm Wednesdays 12 April (HC at 11.30am) 10 May 24 May (HC at 11.30am) All ages welcome (children too!)
SCAN PARISH CHURCHES AGM 2017 Will be held on Tuesday 25th April Chicheley Village Hall 7.30pm – All are welcome Deadline for May – 18th April
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CHURCH SERVICES
APRIL 2 April 10.30am
‘Something Different’ – Sherington
9 April 9.30am 6pm
Palm Sunday Holy Communion – North Crawley Evensong – Chicheley
13 April 7.30pm
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion – Chicheley
14 April 12-1pm
Good Friday Reflections for Good Friday – North Crawley
16 April 10am*
Easter Day Easter Family Celebration with Holy Communion – Sherington *please note time
23 April 11am 6pm
Holy Communion – Chicheley Evensong – North Crawley
30 April 11am
Songs of Praise – North Crawley
7 May 10.30am
‘Something Different’ – Sherington
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From the Parish registers Funerals RIP Phyllis Beryl Rollinson of Sherington whose funeral took place on 23 February in St Laud’s Church followed by a burial in the churchyard Herbert Foster of Hardmead whose cremation service took place on 24 February Joyce Clare of North Crawley whose funeral service took place on 3 March followed by a burial in the churchyard Avril Jean Mary Atkinson of Sherington whose cremation service took place on 6 March ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ says the Lord. Those who believe in me, even though they die will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’
Most Lent courses last for 6 weeks, but this year we will offer a starter “HalfLent Course”. We have shared soup lunches for several years for a dozen or so people on Wednesdays, usually in our house, 4, Griggs Orchard, Sherington from 1200 -1330. We propose to extend this into the afternoon for the Lent group, on the weeks that we have lunches. You can come for either soup or the Lent group, or both! On the other week we will start the Lent group at 13.30, as follows: 5th April - Lent Group, starting at 13.30 12th April - Soup Lunch and Lent group, starting at 11.30 Do give it a try (even if you missed the first one), it should be fun! Prof John Fielding, Licensed Lay Minister Deadline for May – 18th April
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MAY DAY FAIR 1st MAY, BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY NORTH CRAWLEY St Firmin’s Church, with the help of the Cock Inn, is holding a May Day Fair on the Waste Ground, North Crawley, between 1pm and 4pm. Hot dogs, beef burgers and cream teas will be on sale, together with various stalls and other attractions. If you would like the opportunity of running your own stall or selling your own products, handicrafts etc, please contact Janice on 01234-391350 to discuss a nominal fee or contribution to church funds. Also, any ideas or offers of help would be very much appreciated.
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The Bridge It was March the sixth, on a Friday night the night that the boat went down. And some were saved from that ocean grave but over a hundred drowned. And men and women found strength to give what none of them knew they had And all of us cried for those who died and the nation's heart was sad. Though many were brave as they sought to save there was one gave special heed; He alone, all sixteen stone fulfilled a desperate need. Between two girders he stretched himself so formed a human road And Andrew Parker became the bridge which was able to bear the load.
The night was black but broad was the back and stout was the heart as he Again and again took on the strain and set those people free. And but for the span made by this man still more lives would have been lost The need was seen for a go-between and so over his back they crossed. And then I saw how once before another escape was made A bridge for all mankind to use for none of us make the grade. A man on a tree at Calvary - a bridge which was made of wood Spanning the space with Heavenly Grace by the only means which could.
As Andrew Parker became a bridge to save men from the sea So Jesus Christ stretched out his arms to rescue you and me. And one's name may go down in history after he's dead and gone. But the other one lives for ever more as the bridge which goes on and on. For try as men may to find the way with platitudes and deeds The bridge which was built when blood was spilt is the one to fulfil our needs; And unless I can see it is there for me then the chasm remains uncrossed And a soul unforgiven this side of Heaven will remain forever lost.
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REBECCA COOK
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ASTWOOD & HARDMEAD PARISH COUNCIL 25 Park Close, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RY.
Tel 01767 641281 or 07899801719
R U Interested in making a difference in your community and representing others? If so, why not nominate yourself to be a parish councillor? The elections are due in May 2019 taking place every four years but we are able to co-opt you now; you must be prepared to give some of your spare time and attend meetings ONLY FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY normally January, May, August & October held on a Wednesday evening. WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO JOIN US. For further details please contact Pat Reynolds-Nunn (Clerk) on 01767 641281 or 07899801719
Astwood & Hardmead Parish Council
ASTWOOD VILLAGE HALL: contact Andrea on andrea@edoneinvestments.com BRIDGE at 7 pm-10 pm THURSDAYS - contact Neil Plumb 01234 391040 CRANFIELD BRIDGE CLUB meets at Astwood Village Hall virtually every SUNDAY at 6.55 for 7 pm start to play. Details on hppt://www.cranbridge.org.uk, or ring Paul Goddard, 01234 881409. PILATES: Monday at 8 pm – contact Helen Terry on Helen@1to34pilates.co.uk BROWNIES: Every MONDAY term time, Sherington Pavilion - 5.30 – 7 pm contact: Rebecca Harrington, 15 Carters Close, Sherington PILATES 10 a.m., YOGA 11 a.m., N. CRAWLEY INSTITUTE Thursdays. Call Debbie 07764 391687 SHERINGTON FOLK WORKSHOP: 8 – 10 pm Sherington V.H. - 2nd Thursday of month – Liz 07941 403492 SHERINGTON SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB: Monday 2 – 4 pm and Friday 7 – 9 pm contact Sheila 211153 or Bob 01234391436 SHERINGTON YOUTH CLUB: 7 – 9 pm Wednesday Nights (term time) contact JO 07780 987034
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C
HICHELEY
Firstly this month, congratulations to Brian and Ann-Marie Kettell on the occasion of their marriage on the 11th March. I am aware that many people like to plan their diary events well in advance so a few from Chicheley. Wednesday 5th April a Lent lunch from 12.30 pm in Chicheley village hall. Tuesday 11th April a Parish Meeting from 8.00 pm in Chicheley village hall. Maundy Thursday 13th April, a service of Holy Communion at 7.30 pm in Chicheley church. Good Friday 14th April teas from 3.00 pm in Chicheley village hall. Saturday 22nd April, St. George’s day supper from 7.00 pm in Chicheley village hall. Contact 01234 391371 to book your place, please. Tuesday 25th April SCAN parish annual general meeting from 8.00 pm in Chicheley village hall. See details elsewhere in the magazine. Saturday 29th April Defibrillator training from 10.00 am in the village hall. Please contact Jo at 5 Bedlam Walk if you need more information. Saturday 5th May a coffee and cakes morning from 10.30 am in the village hall. Deadline for May – 18th April
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Sunday 21st May a Rogation Day service. More details next month. Saturday 17th June a Starbq at the home of Pierre and Christine Girard, more details next month. Saturday 23rd September a concert by Sharnbrook Gospel choir. This will be a joint event organised by Chicheley and North Crawley churches for general church funds and be held in North Crawley church. More details later. Chichchat will continue to be held in the village hall on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 10.30 am until noon. All that should have whet your appetite for fun and entertainment, perhaps? Please support these events if you can as the funds raised are put towards keeping our churches and village hall operating. For the village hall the management committee needs to raise between £2,000 and £3,000 every year whilst St. Lawrence’s church has to find around £10,000 every year. Much is given by the dedicated band of helpers but they need YOU to also help, so please do. 100 years ago World War One was still raging on but for Chicheley 1917 seems to have been the only year when no serving soldiers lost their lives. In 1916 the Military medal was introduced for “other ranks” for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. Jim Clarke lived in Chicheley in a thatched cottage at Little End; the cottages are no longer there, the last ones being demolished in the 1950’s. Jim was a stretcher bearer in the Lancashire Fusiliers (one of the pal’s battalions) and was awarded a Military Medal for saving a wounded officer. He himself was wounded and eventually invalided out of the army. I have included a photo of him if Julia is able to incorporate it. Deadline for May – 18th April
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It occurred to me as I was planning this month’s piece how many decorations and awards are in the shape of a cross. There may be a simple explanation for this, perhaps someone knows, but of course at this Easter season out thoughts turn to the most important cross of all. A simple wooden one on which Jesus died, the symbol of which has shaped over 2000 years of history since that day. Do enjoy the Easter holiday but please don’t forget its significance. Deadline for May – 18th April
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N
ORTH CRAWLEY NEWS AND COMMENT
Perhaps hinting that spring could be on the way last month was a little premature, but as I write daffodils are starting to bloom, tulips and other early flowers are sprouting above ground, birds are busy looking for sites to build their nests and the days are getting longer, all of which gives that uplifting feeling that we have emerged from the winter months. Having said that winter was a pretty mild and dull affair and personally would prefer something a bit more dramatic like a few days snow for instance, but do realise this could rather upset the school run or the commute. Happily both of these are now confined to the status of history for this household. I have been contacted by a villager who would like to help get the village walks up and running again and has the support of several friends. The suggestion is that they will take place as previously on a Sunday morning starting at around 10 am and getting back in the village for around midday. To help keep everyone in the loop, dates for your diaries will be printed in this article and although nothing is yet set in concrete, the walks may well be held on a two-monthly basis. Should this not be often enough it will be reviewed once we are up and running. Should I be asked to lead one of the walks, I can guarantee it will not be too difficult or at too fast a pace. The funeral of Joyce Clare was held in St. Firmins church on Friday 3 March. Joyce lived with her husband John, for many years in Folly Lane and had originally been one of the children evacuated to the countryside during the second world war. Although Joyce continued to live in the village following the death of John, for the past year or so moved to Newport Pagnell to be nearer her immediate family. The North Crawley Community Facebook page has once more proved to be a very useful source of information, as following the report of two young men in a white van acting suspiciously in Stoke Goldington, when a similar van with two young men in it appeared in Hackett Place recently, two informed villagers were involved in notifying the police and taking the vans registration number. Unfortunately, the van left the village just before the police arrived, but of course the reg. no. is now known, so well done to Nick and Tim for their quick thinking.
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The ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ (NP) for North Crawley continues to progress and Milton Keynes have been formally informed that the proposed designated area is all land within the Parish boundaries. All residents are encouraged to visit the PC website www.northcrawleypc.gov.uk through which you can comment on the proposal. You can also access the same information though the address http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/..../north-crawley-neighbourhood.... The next big step will be to contact all residents over the coming months via general meetings and/or questionnaires. This is an important initiative for the future of the village so please try and have your say when these events take place. If you are looking for some sociable and easy going activities, try ‘Coffee mornings’ held in the village hall on Tuesdays 10.30 -11.30, or ‘Bingo’ on a Thursday evening at 8 P.M. in the Institute. North Crawley Cricket Club The first home fixture will be played on the first Saturday in May. Historical Society Planned events: - Friday, April 7th 2017 - SULGRAVE MANOR AND GEORGE WASHINGTON - a talk (with a difference) by Martin Sirot-Smith
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Saturday 13th May - a coach trip to Duxford Please contact John Brandon (391365) or Christine Stapleton (391205) for further details and to book places Don’t hesitate to contact me if you uncover a happening or story you would like to see in print (Email - christopherflower@btinternet.com)
Hawkeye
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North Crawley Parish Council (this is an abridged version of the Minutes. The adopted Minutes can be seen on the Parish Council website www.northcrawley-pc.gov.uk after their approval at the next meeting.
The Council met on Tuesday 7th March, 2017. Apologies MK Ward Cllr K McLean, Cllr K Rogers, Cllr E Potts, Cllr T Stapleton Planning There were two pending applications to be discussed this evening: 47 High St, 3 storey side and front extension with 3 car garage and window alterations. The Parish Council is concerned with the size of the extension. Concerns have been forwarded to MKCouncil Planning Dept 12 Kilpin Green – the only concern is the impact on the street scene which has been relayed to the Planning Officer concerned. Neighbourhood Plan Cllr Magee reported that the Minutes from the last meeting on 20 th February 2017 are due out. An event is planned for Friday evening 12th May 2017 in the Institute, with MP Mark Lancaster present, to raise awareness with residents and to ensure feedback is gathered to clarify what is important. Boards and posters will be put up; Cllr Magee said that they were now 8 months into a 2 year project and was pleased to report that enthusiasm is still building. Residents are urged to attend this important event. Ward Councillors Report Cllr Geary reported that the filling of grit bins, strimming and weed spraying are still to be included in the budget following a proposal to remove these services, which is positive. Not so positive is a proposal to charge £33 p.a. to empty the green bins. This would take place from April 2017 if it goes ahead. Our Ward Cllrs are against these charges. PLAN:MK – the consultations are now 2 weeks into the 12 week deadline, so we can respond accordingly. The news update is that there will be 5,500 proposed dwellings built near Moulsoe, east of the M1. There is to be a Deadline for May – 18th April
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public meeting at Moulsoe shortly and we are urged to attend. It was suggested that we need to consider our response to this consultation at our next PC meeting. Ward Cllr Peter Geary asked for an update on the intended bollards for the High Street, Cllr Hatton advised that the project seems to be nearing the end at last. She has been liaising with Ringway, who have agreed to complete the work cheaper than first quoted by MK Council. 5 more bollards will be installed to avoid cars going along the pavement, there have been several near misses due to impatient drivers. Thanks go to our 3 Ward Councillors for their generous donation of £400 towards the cost of the bollards Finance A total of £1,416.00 had been spent in the previous month, all to cover expected items. Receipts totalled £175.00. Churchyard The late Joyce Clare – Interment Residential Safety Highways: Bollards had been discussed previously. Landscape An extra dog bin has been requested for the recreation ground, to try to alleviate the ongoing dog mess problem. Cllr Hatton offered to get a price for some signs/posters to put up around the area, it was suggested a sign could be put up at all the various entrances to the recreation ground. Clerk will order the bin, it will be decided where to place it after consultation with the IMC. Councillor Items Cllr Magee reported that Roger Batten had very kindly spent some time repairing the drain on the Village Green (aka the Wasteground); he added new brickwork and steel and made a very good job of it. Clerk will write to thank him. Resident Items A resident asked if there was any chance of organizing a working party to collect litter around the village. This was generally felt a good idea and it was Deadline for May – 18th April
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mentioned that Folly Lane and Pound Lane are particularly bad. The Parish Council will look into this . The next meeting will take place in the Village Hall on Tuesday 4 th April at 7:30pm.
Cllr Roz Hatton
Parish Councillor Contact. Please attend the PC meetings to have your say, or send your comments through the Clerk via email address: patclerkncpc@btinternet.com The above advice is the best route to follow in most cases and ensures that points are formally recorded, but of course if there is a real emergency that cannot wait, contact your Councillors by whatever means possible
VACANCY THERE WILL BE A VACANCY IN MAY 2017 FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR If you think you may be interested, why not find out more about being a Parish Councillor? When the vacancy becomes available in May, the Parish Council will be able to co-opt you for the remainder of the current four-year term of office which ends in May 2019. As a Councillor, you would be expected to give some of your spare time and attend regular monthly meetings held on the first Tuesday of the month. For further details please contact Pat Reynolds-Nunn (Clerk) on 01767 641281 or 07899801719 Or go the Parish Council website www.northcrawley-pc.gov.uk for further information
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NEWS FROM NORTH CRAWLEY CE SCHOOL North Crawley CE School & Stoke Goldington CE First School ‘Together in Learning - Sharing Excellence and Expertise’
All children at North Crawley School have experienced another very busy and exciting month, welcoming many two, four and numerous legged visitors to school. As part of our whole school topic “Out of the Egg” the children were visited by “Bugtopia”; what a fantastic experience! All children had the chance to find out about insect conservation and learn all about the lifecycle of different bugs, critters and creepy crawlies! The children were fearless and bravely held a range of creatures including a praying mantis, a snake, stick insects and a very large tarantula. One or two brave staff and governors held them too! The children have been eagerly waiting for our next “visitors” to arrive. They have been patiently and quietly observing eggs in an incubator for any signs of movement or any faint “chirp”. Their patience was duly rewarded on Wednesday 8th March at 12.45 when all children saw the first baby chick peck its way out of an egg. Wow; the event really did cause awe and wonder throughout the school!
We celebrated “World Book Day” in style. North Crawley School invited their friends from Stoke Goldington and Newton Blossomville schools, to join them for a fantastic storytelling day at the North Crawley Institute. The children were greeted by the wonderful teacher and storyteller, Yaw Asiyama, who treated them to a day of spell-binding stories. Yaw opened the day with some stories of his own, including telling the children all about their Deadline for May – 18th April
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teachers! After helping Yaw to sing and dance their way through another story, the children were then put into groups, and they worked together to create ideas and illustrations for their own new, very descriptive and imaginative stories. They rounded the day off by practising the art of telling their own stories, using expressive actions and voices. A fabulous day was enjoyed by all! The day of story-telling was followed with the children coming to school dressed as their favourite book characters. We encountered a range of Horrid Henrys, a plethora of princesses and pirates, Cinderella, Harry Potter, a character from a favourite German children’s book and…”oh help, oh no…..it’s a Gruffalo” to celebrate the love of reading. A very BIG thank you to the “Friends Of North Crawley School” (FONS) who have very kindly funded these exciting projects for us. The School Council are now busily preparing for Comic Relief. They have been selling red noses and are organising a school ‘joke telling’ session. They have also been sharing the more serious message behind Comic Relief in collective worship.
Do you have a child who is due to start school in September 2017? Are you interested in a school place for your child in the future? Come along and see the advantages of attending a small village school and what it can offer your child. Please telephone North Crawley Church of England School on 01234 391282 or email office@northcrawley.miltonkeynes.sch.uk to make an appointment to visit our school. Alternatively visit our website www.northcrawley.miltonkeynes.sch.uk for information about our outstanding school.
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North Crawley W I Our Speaker at WI was Paul Walsh on ‘Shire Horses’. He was an excellent speaker with a keen sense of humour and a love of shire horses. He brought all their tack and I could not pick up its huge head collar all covered with brass details. Paul shows his horses ploughing and his video showed these huge horses getting to the end of a furrow and gently putting their feet so delicately to turn the plough and straighten it for the next furrow. As there are two of them, one walks in the furrow and the other one on the unworked ground. Paul was saying one old boy boasted he could get the two horses working with the two reins around the handles and he then took a catapult, killed a pheasant and by the time he got back to the farm he had a pheasant hanging from the handles with no feathers on! It reminded me of talking to Walter Parker who used to be the horseman for the Halton farm at the top of East End. They would walk 12 miles to an acre, walking after the horses etc every day of the week including Sunday, and when tractors came in, they were out of a job. Wally said when the church bell was rung at midday he took the bit out of the horses mouth and gave him his hay and then he had his packed lunch. Wally could tell you every tree in the area. When you walk 12 miles you have time to look at the countryside. Something we have lost.
Pam We are saying goodbye to a very well liked lady from North Crawley. Betty Hewitson is going to live in a retirement flat in Shenley Wood Village, she will be greatly missed. It is the 90th birthday of Gwen Goodman. She is a founder member of WI. We hope she enjoys her day. Gwen has lived all her life in North Crawley but for the last two years she has been in Newport Pagnell. Deadline for May – 18th April
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NORTH CRAWLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN On Monday 13th March the Neighbourhood Plan Committee held a very productive meeting at the Cock Inn, thank you to all who attended. As I am sure everyone appreciates, anything to do with planning is complicated! Development and approval of a Neighbourhood Plan is no exception especially when it comes to communication! So we therefore spent time discussing how to make sure we have a clear Vision. We discussed and agreed the major objectives we want the plan to achieve and we then got into the organising details for the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan Event that is being held in May…… and in case you haven’t already marked it in your diaries the details are as follows:-
“Want to Know More Event?”
Where: At the Village Institute on 12th May 2017 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm When: Doors Open and welcome drinks (wine/soft drinks) served from 6.30pm What: Learn more about the Plan that is being developed and why a plan is important. Talk with the committee members and volunteers. Learn how you can be involved or learn how to submit your views Speakers: Mark Lancaster MP will talk about National and MK Planning and Alexander Boswell will talk about what this could mean and the opportunities for the Parish
Our next working meeting will be on Monday 10th April at 7.30pm in the function room of the Cock Inn and if you would like to come along or volunteer some time to help with the “Want to Know More Event” then we look forward to seeing you there.
The North Crawley Neighbourhood Plan Committee
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Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell Rotary International’s major global project for the last 30 years has been the eradication of polio. In 1985 there were around 400,000 new cases of polio. A worldwide programme of immunisation rapidly reduced the number of new cases per year to a few hundreds by the mid 1990s. In 2016 there were 37 new cases. Polio remains endemic in only Afghanistan and Pakistan, although there was a single case in Northern Nigeria in 2016. As an infectious disease, it is essential to reduce the number of new cases to ZERO per year, otherwise it could start to spread and increase again. Rotary continues to raise awareness of polio eradication through its “Purple4Polio” events globally. One local example is the planting by Rotarians of purple crocuses. These have been in flower during March, brightening our early spring days. Tuesday 14th March was an important day for our Club when we started installation of a public defibrillator in front of the Medical Centre in Newport Pagnell. Electrical connections will be made soon, then the unit can be registered with the Ambulance Service and put into service. Generous donations by the public, and grants by Newport Pagnell Town Council and Milton Keynes Community Foundation have made this life-saving facility a reality. Thank you! We were unable to enter a team in the Milton Keynes Rotary Swimathon this year. However, one of our members joined another team and contributed to the 145 lengths of Stantonbury Pool that they swam in 55 minutes. The event raises over £20,000 for local causes. The recently formed Woburn Sands and District Satellite Rotary Club held a street collection and raised £280 for Willen Hospice. At our weekly meetings we had presentations by the charity Hope & Homes for Children, the local branch of the RSPCA, and Slated Row School. At the end of March we had a dinner with partners with a presentation on The History of Cranfield University. Another social event was a lunch at the “The Brasserie”, run by catering and hotel management students at Milton Keynes College. On 19th April we will have our annual cheese and wine evening, this year at Lavendon Village Hall. Arrangements are not yet fully in place, but we are planning a Blood Pressure Monitoring Day in Newport Pagnell on 22nd April, in partnership with The Stroke Association. Other diary dates are our annual Plant Sale to be held in Olney Market Square on 3rd May, and a 40s Style Garden Party, organised by the Woburn Sands and District Satellite Rotary Club on 4th June. The Garden Party will be held in Broughton and will include a BBQ and entertainment by the Diamond School of Performing Arts. More information about the Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell is available from our web page, Facebook and Twitter. If you are interested in knowing more about our events, or joining Rotary, please contact us via social media or by e-mail at rotary.np@btinternet.com.
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CHECK OUT ALL THAT NORTH CRAWLEY SHOP CAN OFFER We are very lucky in North Crawley village to have the convenience of a local shop offering a wide range of goods at very competitive prices. The owners Lakhi and Prakash work hard to ensure the shop is well stocked and kept clean and tidy. They have earned themselves a 5 rating for hygiene which is the highest level you can achieve. They offer a wide selection of magazines and newspapers and are happy to order in any others you may require. If you buy a number of items that you feel you may struggle to carry home, then Lakhi is happy to deliver these for you on purchases of over ÂŁ15.00. So when you are popping in for your daily newspaper just think what other item you could pick up at the same time such as milk, eggs, bread or vegetables. We need the shop to remain open so make the most of it and support it in anyway you can. Remember a local shop is not just convenient it helps add value to the house prices too! The main message as always is USE
IT OR LOSE IT!
Sherington Life "Plip plip plop little April showers" But no! Today has been the most beautiful Spring day with temperatures hitting 16 degrees and a cloudless sky. It really does bring a happy buzz to the village as children begin to play out and gardeners begin to potter. It only seems like yesterday that we were battening down the hatches to escape the clutches of Storm Doris. Many trees fell (and we were kept well informed of the effect on the village through the Sherington Forum on Facebook - do Deadline for May – 18th April
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check it out,) competition was fierce to claim the wood for the log burners. As this piece is written ahead of time there is every possibility that due to the vagaries of the British climate there is every chance that you are sitting in front of a log burner at the beginning of April but there you go. The village is looking beautiful at the moment, with an abundance of Spring flowers. It is lovely to see. Sherington is generally quite litter free, due in no small part by several residents who have been seen litter picking as they go about their business. It is great to see this and hope it sets an example for all of us. It's also the time of year for maggots to find their water wings as the Sherington Danglers polish their rods ready for the 2017 fishing season. Fishing widows have been knitting bunting all winter for this happy day - we will of course keep you updated with details of their fishy tales. We have the most exciting news! On 1st April a very special lady (Elizabeth) will be visiting Sherington to formally unveil the Quercus robur (the Common Oak to you and me) that has been planted on the corner of Crofts End and School Lane. This commemorates the 90th birthday of HRH - the tree has been kindly donated to the village by Sherington Nurseries. There will be details of the visit on posters around the village, look out your best bib and tucker. Don't forget to mail us with details of what's happening scan.featheredfriends@gmail.com Happy Easter and see you in May!
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Sherington Parish Council Sherington Parish Council did not meet until the 21st March so draft minutes of the meeting will only be available via the website, www.sherington pc.co.uk
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Sherington Neighbourhood Plan Recent Timeline
6/12/2016 Neighbourhood Plan submitted to Milton Keynes Council (MKC) 9/2/2017 End of the official MKC consultation 115 responses were received, 95% in support of the Neighbourhood Plan 14/2/2017 Examiner was appointed 20/2/2017 Further information requested by the Examiner 24/2/2017 Response provided to the Examiner 2/3/2017 Unaccompanied site visit by the Examiner (planned) The plan has now reached the crucial final stage. End March/ beginning of April Expecting Examiners Report The Examiner may choose to call a public examination of the plan IF a public examination is called there will be a 3 week notice period. IT WILL BE VITAL THAT ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ATTEND THIS MEETING IF IT TAKES PLACE. Please keep an eye out for communications regarding future Neighbourhood Plan meetings via door drops, posters, local media and the Parish Council website (www.sheringtonpc.co.uk) May/June 2017 Should the plan pass examination the village will then be given the opportunity to VOTE to formally adopt the plan. This will be a referendum where every voter on the electoral roll will be able to cast their vote regarding the plan. You can register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, to find out how to vote by post visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Deadline for May – 18th April
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News from Sherington Pre-School March was an exciting month for the pre-school children as they watched the construction of their new playground. The new facilities include a mud kitchen, a bubble play panel and a painting easel to enable the children to enjoy messy play activities outside. The children will also have an opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables in the dedicated gardening area. Once again, many thanks to everyone in the SCAN parish who donated to our playground appeal. To celebrate World Book Day the children made mini books and enjoyed the ‘library themed’ role-play area. Many of the children enjoyed the opportunity to dress up for the day.
We have introduced cooking sessions on a Friday afternoon. These sessions have proved popular with the children, who have enjoyed creating fruit kebabs, cheese and leek scones and soda bread. The children have enjoyed a variety of topics during the second half of term including ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘Promoting British Values’ which involved flag making and listening to the national anthem and songs from around the world. We also welcomed Groovy Movers into pre-school to deliver a creative dance and movement class.
Deadline for May – 18th April
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We are collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers to exchange for new sports equipment. If you have any that you would like to donate, please leave them in the foyer of the village hall for us. The pre-school now has four iPads, kindly donated by a contact of former parent. They are set up with a selection of educational preschool games promoting numeracy, literacy and mark making. The children are encouraged to share and they are time limited in their use. Introduction to ICT is a requirement of the Early years Framework.
We wish you all a Happy Easter and hope to see you at our egg hunt event at Alban Hill Nursery on Saturday 15 April 9.30-11.30am. (see separate advert for details.) Sherington Pre-school provides high quality care and education for children from the age of 2 years old until they go to school. For more information or to arrange a visit email manager.sheringtonpreschool@yahoo.com or call 01908 611398. Visit our website at www.sheringtonpreschool.co.uk
Deadline for May – 18th April
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Deadline for May – 18th April
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THE NEW THURSDAY GROUP On Thursday 2nd March Hazel Reynolds from Dementia Friends came to talk to us about this disease which many of us have come to know well through parents, partners or other family members. She took us through the principal types of Dementia, of which Alzheimer's is of course only one, but the most common and probably the best known and also told us how despite the ever rising numbers of Dementia sufferers, this is primarily the consequence of the fact that so many of us are living longer. Hazel outlined five key messages to take away with us; 1 Dementia is NOT a natural part of ageing 2 Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain 3 Dementia is not just about losing your memory, but can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks 4 It is possible to live well with dementia 5 There is more to a person than the dementia. Food for thought, but this was far from being a depressing evening! Hazel also told us about how everybody can help both those with dementia and their carers by becoming part of Dementia Friends, an Alzheimer's Society initiative aiming to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. She outlined and illustrated the many lively and enjoyable activities run locally in Newport Pagnell and around Milton Keynes for those with dementia and their carers. We saw many happy smiling faces! If anybody would like further information, support or advice, the following links may be useful, www.alzheimers.org.uk www.dementiafriends.org.uk Email dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk Or the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122
Deadline for May – 18th April
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THE NEW THURSDAY GROUP 6th April
China – OPEN MEETING, 8 pm We are pleased to welcome back Ray Rowlson who enjoys his travels and photography. This time Ray is going to tell us about the huge and very varied country of China As this is an Open Meeting we would welcome all visitors, male or female from the SCAN Parish to join us. The cost for visitors is £3, which includes refreshments.
4th May
Signs of the World Mark Davis will provide an amusing talk and slide show on the English Language and how it can become wrongly translated into amusing signs and notices.
The New Thursday Group meets in Sherington Village Hall on the first Thursday of each month at 8.00 pm, unless otherwise indicated. It is open to all ladies from the village and surrounding area and new members are always very welcome. There is a varied programme of talks by visiting speakers, outings and events throughout the year. If you would like more information please contact Julie Smith on 01908-615043 or, alternatively, just come along to the village hall for one of the meetings.
Thumbsticks - Sunday 2nd April Please meet at The Knoll at the usual time of 9.30am. We shall be walking from Sherington, a distance of approximately 4 miles in the area around Chicheley. Please wear appropriate footwear as some of the public footpaths will take us across fields. J & A
Deadline for May – 18th April
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London Marathon – 23rd April 2017 If you happen to be watching the London Marathon, either on the streets of London or on the television and you see a brightly coloured Jamacian two man Bobsleigh running along, don’t be too surprised, they haven’t lost their way. Alex Smith of Sherington and his friend Chris Stone are running, joined together inside the bobsleigh. They are hoping for a time of around four hours and are looking to raise money for Willen Hospice at the same time. If you were interested in obtaining a bit more information, Alex and Chris have a Just Giving webpage. This can be accessed by going on “just giving/willen hospice” and then putting in “alex smith and chris stone” in the search box on the home page
Deadline for May – 18th April
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Sherington CE School News In Robins class, we began our new topic “Do Cows Drink Milk?” by designing and opening our very own Farm Shop. The children enjoyed designing menu items to serve to their customers and created posters for the walls of their shop. We have also been very busy planting beans and writing Bean Dairies. So far we have put our seeds in water with paper towels and are watching them germinate. In Owls class, as part of their “Dinosaur Planet” topic, the children have created their own volcanic landscapes for our Dinosaurs to live in. Using papier-mâché and card to create 3-D landscapes, the children tried to replicate Earth’s surface when Dinosaurs roamed the planet! As a whole school, the children have enjoyed making their own pancakes, focusing on weight and measure and taking turns to add ingredients and stir the mixture. We also had a wonderful day celebrating World Book Day and saw a range of book characters in school from the Gruffalo to Paddington Bear! We were also very fortunate to be visited by Senior Librarian for the School Library Service, Mr Paul Dorney, who delighted the children by reading his favourite books as well as his own book!
Deadline for May – 18th April
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Mrs Phyllis Rollinson We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the support and kindness we have received over the last four years during our Mother’s struggle with dementia. Also, we would like to thank everyone for the messages of sympathy and cards we have received since she passed away on 5th February. She would have been amazed at the warmth conveyed to us all. She was 97years old. Thank you all. The family, Yew Tree Farm, Sherington
Jess Vale - Operation Raleigh: Nicaragua By the time you read this I will be in Nicaragua working under the support of the Operation Raleigh ICS, being part of the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) project. The goal of the project is to provide clean, potable, and readily accessible water to the local area. I will be part of a team of volunteers working in an isolated community in rural Nicaragua where we will be working to provide households with access to clean water. During this time I will be not only working closely with local people, but also living with them. After I passed the selection process, I was targeted to raise £800, which is to go straight into the area to support my stay, where only 27% of the rural population have access to clean drinking water, and only 34% have access to sanitation facilities. I wanted to thank everyone who donated towards my Nicaragua trip, I have been really taken aback by everyone’s generosity, it feels like a long time until I’ll be home again, but I’m sure it’ll fly by and I am looking forward to coming back and telling everyone about all the amazing things I’ve got up to. Thank you everyone again! Jessica Vale
Deadline for May – 18th April
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Generally the Society meets in Sherington Village Hall on the 2nd Tuesday on the Month. Entry: £2 for members, £3 for non-Members, this includes refreshments.
Wild Sherington / Sherington – Sights and Seasons, Photo Competition: Congratulations to Peter Soul, Grace and Anna Kennedy who were our winners for the 2016 competition. These pictures can still be seen on the web site (http://www.mkheritage.org.uk/sherington/) You will all be glad to hear that we are running the competition again this year. However we are going to merge the under 18s / over 18s in to one category. If the younger photographers want to provide their age when they submit, I am sure that this will be taken into consideration with the Judges. You don’t have to have an expensive camera to take a good photo. Composition is the important thing. Entries will be accepted from all devices capable of taking still images – eg mobile phones, tablets, compact cameras, DSLR cameras. Entries will be accepted in any standard digital format, or copies of prints for those still with a love of film. All photos for both competitions must be taken within the Sherington boundary and taken this year (2017). Please send us any photos you take through the year, letting us know the location, time and date. All images should be emailed to the following email address: shs_photos@mediadrome.co.uk. If you would like submit prints of just send an email to the above address or call 01908 612306 and talk details to Liz about how best to submit. March: AGM: Tuesday 14th The business of the AGM covered the first half of the meeting and after teas we have a film compilation put together by Oliver Powell from his own archive of Sherington events starting from the mid 1990s then moving closer in time. At the AGM, Caroline Leslie stepped down from the committee after serving for 11 years. She confirms that she is not going to become a stranger to the Society, and still wants to be involved, but feels that it is time for someone else to take the reins with regards to the Events Secretary. We need to give thanks to Caroline for all the work that she put into making the Society a success. If you have a couple of spare hours a month to help us in running the society, we all would be very grateful.
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April: Tuesday 11th Roy Smart - Amy Wonderful Amy Roy will present a great pioneer, Amy Johnson, the inspirational darling of the nation in the 1930s who disappeared mysteriously while in the service of her country. This is a story of extraordinary and uplifting achievement, given added colour with music, poetry and rich illustration and an insight into her calamitous marriage to ‘The Flying Scotsman’.
DEREK FERRIS As most would have heard by now and I am sure that you will have read or will read from others in SCAN the sudden passing of Derek. Although never a member of the Society, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the village. He was always seen as an approachable person that was a very knowledgeable and sensible council, with a wonderful sense of humour. Derek was a massive force for good around the village and area. The below extract from "A Little Bird" column out of the SCAN at the point of his retirement as Chairman of the Parish Council after being a member of that body for 24 years says it all: Tuesday 13 April saw the final meeting of our Parish Council before the forthcoming election on 6 May. It also saw the retirement of Chairman, Derek Ferris, a long-standing servant of this village, who has given 24 years of service on the Parish Council. It is a record of outstanding dedication and one which Sherington acknowledges with grateful thanks. Rarely do we get such a person who will give willingly of his time and expertise to a cause he firmly believes in and who is prepared, at any time of day or night, to address all sorts of problems on behalf of others. Such is the reputation of Derek Ferris and there are many who say that he will never be replaced. We say a heart-felt thank you to Derek and his family for all the consideration he, and they, have shown, for almost a quarter of a century, in the way of benefiting their adopted village and for maintaining all that is good and proper in local government. I don’t think I can add much to that. He didn't stop helping the community that he lived in after that point, he just focused in other areas. He was still serving as a member of Sherington DCC (Church committee) and was instrumental in setting up the Friends of St Lauds Trust. He will be sorely missed. To Tina and the family we offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this time. MV The Sherington Historical Society
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Practice Nights:We have practice / learners evening on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month between 7.30 and 9pm. If you want to come and have a look or a go, you are very welcome, if you hear the bells just come up and say hi. Or you can call 01908 216543 to confirm details. 6th April 7:30pm – Sherington 11th May 7:30pm – Sherington
27th April 7:30pm – Sherington 25th May 7:30pm – Sherington
SATURDAY MORNING COFFEE or TEA? We meet on one Saturday a month between 10.00am and midday we will be serving teas and coffees at St Laud's with the opportunity to enjoy it with company and a slice of homemade cake. So book the below dates in your diary to save disappointment: 15th April (Easter Saturday) 13th May Any queries 01908 216543. Hope to see you all there!
Deadline for May – 18th April
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A READER WRITES:The last line of the Sherington Parish Council notes of March (Item 16) announced there would be a meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday March 7th 2017 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. There was nothing wrong with that, only, there was no such meeting. Five Villagers arrived at 7.25pm. The lights were on, the Hall laid out for the PreSchool, but no Parish Councillors and so they went home at 7.40 pm.
The sad news of the death of Derek Ferris on Thursday 16th March means that a light has gone out in the Village.
Sherington Youth Club Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm
(Term time only ) Sherington village hall Sherington and surrounding village children welcome aged 9+
DBS checked helpers.
Entrance £1.50 Tuck shop selling sweet and drinks 25p – 60p For more information please contact Jo Lusted 07780987034 Deadline for May – 18th April
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