Posted 26 August 2010
Blooming Splendid
These beautiful flowers were photographed in Helmdon by Michael (Tiger) Ayres.
The white and purple infloresence is from a common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), which is a commonly occuring species of European orchid.
The common spotted orchid is the UK's most widespread. It produces some fabulous flowering displays across a wide range of habitats from dry grasslands to wet meadows and marshes.
There are several known flowering sites in Helmdon.
Many thanks to Tiger for sending these in.
More photos (click to enlarge)...
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Posted 19 August 2010
Watch out, Watch Out
This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents living within the village of Helmdon.
Between the times of 8.00am and 6.00pm on Wednesday 18 August, two properties on Wappenham Road were broken in to via the rear garden. Both properties were entered by way of forcing open the patio doors, and items were stolen from inside.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436, or alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below quoting WB/CMS/1778/10.
Thank you.
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Police are working with local councils to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime issues;
Please visit www.northants.police.uk and click on 'local policing' to see what we're doing in your area.
Northamptonshire Police Contact Details:
Emergency: 999
Northamptonshire Police Switch Board: 03000 111 222
CrimeStoppers (remain anonymous): 0800 555 111
Doorstep Action Network (DAN): 0345 2307 702
You can also follow Northants Police on Facebook and Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/northantspolice.
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Posted 14 August 2010
A (Twenty) Grand Effort
Thanks to the remarkable success of Bill & Doreen England's Garden Fete last weekend, which raised a fantastic £676, the Reading Room Refurbishment Fund now stands at a whopping £20,000.
The money is being raised to install new lighting, an audio visual system, replacement sliding doors, new curtains and furniture, and a range of other improvements.
Work has already commenced on the new lighting and the works will be ongoing as funds allow.
Approximately half of the £20,000
has come from an Awards for All grant, with the vast majority of the other half coming from the fantastic fund raising skills and generosity of villagers.
Read all about the fundraising activities and feel free to get in touch if you have an idea for an event.
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Posted 04 August 2010
Creature From The... Shallow
The Helmdon Crayfish
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The brook that runs through the middle of Helmdon seems devoid of animal life most of the time. But lurking in the water are all kinds of bugs and beasties.
Thomas Moody found the wierd looking creature in the photo - it is a signal crayfish, a freshwater crustacean resembling a small lobster. This one was approximately four inches long and found near the bridge at the bottom of Wicket Mead.
What have you discovered in the brook, either recently or in the past? Send details to webmaster@helmdon.com and we'll start a list on the web site!
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Posted 27 July 2010
Harold Seckington, 1919 - 2010
Harold Seckington, aged 20. |
Harold Seckington, stalwart of this parish, passed away yesterday, 26 July 2010, aged 91.
A Helmdon man through and through Harold saw the world during service in the army during WWII.
Lyndsey Glassett recorded Harold's reminiscences in 1998 and paints a very colourful and wistful picture.
Harold was born in 1919, and has been at the centre of village life since. He was on the Fellowship committee for decades, was a founding committee member of the youth club, an ever-present on the Carnival committee from 1982 to 2006 and treasurer and steward of the Reading Room until this year. There are few people that can boast community spirit in such abundance.
Harold's funeral takes place on Tuesday at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church where he will be buried with his wife Jean.
Harold Seckington, 1919 - 2010. RIP.
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Posted 27 July 2010
Closed Or Open - You Decide
Exposed or hidden?
Your choice. |
The Reading Room Management Committee (RRMC) would like your opinion regarding the ceiling in the Reading Room. Do you think a false ceiling should go up and if so, why?
A very simple questionnaire is circulating around the village and has been sent to all the groups and organisations. Since the removal of the suspended ceiling opinion has been divided as to whether to leave it open and exposed or to reinstate it.
Please return your questionnaire by 31 July 2010 for your opinion to be taken in to account.
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Posted 11 July 2010
The Inaugural Hurler
The inaugural "Helmdon Hurler" will take place on 30 August 2010 (Bank Holiday Monday).
The organisers hope to get the residents of Helmdon and surrounding villages out of their couches and out running the 4.3 mile Astwell Track – ending with a BBQ at the Bell Inn, Helmdon.
There will also be an organised family walk for those that don’t want to run.
All profits from the run will be donated to village groups and entry is just £8 for adults (£10 on the day) or £5 for children aged 5 - 17 (£7 on the day).
The event will be a competitive run for Helmdon's serious athletes and a fun day for all the family for the rest.
Download the event flyer and entry form. You'll be supporting the village and having a good time!
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Posted 05 July 2010
South Northants Wind Policy
Helmdon Parish Council is holding a meeting on Thursday 8 July 2010 to consider its response to South Northants Council's draft planning policy "Wind Turbines In the Open Countryside".
The policy will have a major bearing on whether or not a wind farm is built within the parish of Helmdon.
The draft policy addresses issues of environmental impact, visual impact and effect on cultural heritage as well as setting out guidelines for siting and good design of turbines.
Helmdon Parish Council has until 16 July to submit its response to SNC, which will take into account all comments received before adopting the final version of the policy.
The meeting is open to members of the public and starts at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday 8 July in the Reading Room.
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