25th December 2002
Merry Christmas Helmdon!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas comes but once a year... and here it is!

All of us at helmdon.com wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

This is a time of great joy and celebration, and a time when the whole village can come together and enjoy the community we live in.

Have a very safe and happy holiday! Wassail!!

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21st December 2002
A Sign Of The Times

The sign on the war memorial

At last, Helmdon once again has custody of the Village Of The Year sign to display in the village.

The sign, which has been erected on the green by the war memorial in the centre of the village, was collected from last year's winners, Moulton.

Parish Councillors Phil Earl and Terry Glassett put up the sign on Saturday morning.

The village is proud of its achievements in the Village Of The Year competition and the sign will serve as a reminder throughout the year of what a good place Helmdon is to live in.

To find out more about the competition, and Helmdon's entry visit the Village Of The Year pages.

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18th December 2002
Thigh Slapping And Rib Tickling With Aladdin

Widow Twanky as you've never seen her before!

The Bridge Players put on another fantastic show with their 2002 Christmas Panto, Aladdin.

The annual pantomime really marks the start of Christmas celebrations and it is always well attended by the whole village. This year over 400 people saw the production which was staged in the school hall on December 5th, 6th & 7th.

The audience were in stitches with yet another impresario display by Dave Bridger as Widow Twanky and the supporting cast were superb too with Wiggy Smith and Dave Austin putting in memorable performances.

The Bridge Players are going from strength to strength. Why not get involved in their next production, the summer play? For more details visit the Bridge Players web pages.

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29th November 2002
Last Chance To Join The Celebrations

There are just a few tickets left for tonight's (Friday 29th November) celebrations in the Reading Room.

The open meeting in the Reading Room at 7:30 p.m. is for villagers to come along and celebrate with the Lady O'Dowd Cup, which was presented to the village for winning the Northamptonshire Village Of The Year 2002.

The meeting is also the official re-opening of the Reading Room following the building works that have been carried out over the last few months to improve disabled access and refurbish the catering facilities.

There will be light refreshments available, a chance to chat, and the village web site will be on display for those who have not seen it yet!

To grab the last few tickets call Richard Bearman on 768927 or Bill England on 760744.

For further details about the Village Of The Year Award click here >>>

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25th November 2002
Going, Going....

Tickets are going fast for the 2002 Bridgeplayers Christmas panto, Aladdin.

There will be four performances between Thursday 5th December and Saturday 7th.

Friday night is already sold out but there are just a few tickets left for the other performances... Thursday night (50), Saturday matinee (35), and Saturday night (35). All performances are expected to be sold out, so hurry to book your ticket.

For ticket sales and further information call Dave Bridger on 01295 760362.

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16th November 2002
Helmdon Man Has Antidote To Viper's Venom

Rugby Union - proper rugby!

Barry Adams of Station Road, Helmdon grabbed the winning try for Towcestrians RFC in their match against Leicester Vipers on Saturday 9th November.

The game had been a closely fought contest with some excellent play on both sides and Tows were on the losing end at 19 - 15 with only minutes to go.

Then debutante Barry Adams (20) seized his chance from a line-out and crossed in the corner for Gag Evans to land a fine conversion. The final score saw the Tows win 19 - 22.

Barry has since retained his place in the first team and will line up for Tows at home in the league Cup on 22nd November.

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14th November 2002
Village Talent On Display

Some of the wonderful ceramics on display

The village was treated to an extraordinary display of arts and crafts in the church on Saturday 9th November. The day was organised by Louise Stothard who wanted talented people in the village to be able to show off their work.

Artforms included ceramics, calligraphy, needlework, tapestry and woodwork and the standard really was exceptional.

"There is so much talent in the village" said Louise, "I wanted everyone to be able to see it".

The WI provided tea and lunches throughout the day to keep visitors refreshed. Who knows, this could become an annual event!?

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7th November 2002
Ce-le-brate Good Times - C'Mon!

There will be a village open meeting in the Reading Room on Friday November 29th at 7:30 p.m. for villagers to come along and celebrate with the Lady O'Dowd Cup, which was presented to the village for winning the Northamptonshire Village Of The Year 2002.

The meeting is also the official re-opening of the Reading Room following the building works that have been carried out over the last few months to improve disabled access and refurbish the catering facilities.

There will be light refreshments available, a chance to chat, and the village web site will be on display for those who have not seen it yet!

For further details about the Village Of The Year Award click here >>>

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31st October 2002
Carnival Doubles The Fun - And The Money

The 2002 Helmdon Carnival

The 2002 Jubilee Carnival has been hailed a huge success, and the total money raised has topped £4,000 - double the amount raised in 2001.

The 2002 Carnival Committee worked harder than ever to stage this year's event, which has become a 3 day extravaganza of entertainment, competition and community.

Cheques totalling £2,400 will be presented to worthy Helmdon groups and charities at a ceremony to take place on Wednesday 6th November at 8:00 p.m. in the Reading Room. Members of the public are invited to attend and voice their opinions regarding the Carnival and perhaps volunteer to be part of next year's committee.

A sum of money is being ploughed back this year to purchase much needed new marquees, which the Carnival Committee hope to be able to hire out to other organisations throughout the year. The remainder of the cash will be used as a start up fund for 2003.

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28th October 2002
Hilda Does It Again!

Another massive charity fund raising effort has been accomplished by Hilda Gulliver.

Hilda's 2nd "Super Special Humungous Big Sale" took place on 17th & 18th October at the Baptist Chapel and raised a Super Special Humungous £670 for charity.

The two main beneficiaries are Diabetes UK and Tear Fund, a Christian action organisation that works with the world's poorest people.

Hilda's first sale in 2001 raised £600, so to exceed that this year was particularly impressive.

Hilda said "Thank you so much to all of you who so kindly supported my sale by giving items and donations, by coming and buying and by praying. I really appreciate it all." "£670 is wonderful - and I'm glad to have my landing back!"

Apparently Hilda already has enough items and support for another sale - she says "You have been warned!"

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27th October 2002
Storm Hits Helmdon

Fallen trees near Jeffs Coaches

Winds gusting up to 70 mph ripped through Helmdon on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th October 2002. The storm snapped several trees, bought down power cables and caused minor damage to houses, fences and gardens.

The whole of the UK experienced the storm with some areas worse hit than others. Winds up to gale force 11 were recorded on the south coast.

Residents at the top of Church Street were left without power on Sunday morning, and many more were out in their gardens clearing debris or propping up broken fences.

The winds bought an abrupt end to Autumn with many trees being stripped of their red and golden leaves overnight. In addition, the clocks went back at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, further adding to the feeling that Winter is now upon us.

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6th October 2002
From Little Acorns....

Helmdon Acorns Pre-School require a pre-school assistant.

We are seeking an enthusiastic person to work 2 mornings per week (Wednesday and Thursday), from the end of October 2002.

Ideally qualified (or willing to gain qualifications) to Level 1 (CPP or equivalent) or above. For further information please phone Bee Aczel on (01295) 760816.

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27th September 2002
Helmdon Grabs Top Spot

Great news! Helmdon has been selected as the Northamptonshire Village Of The Year for 2002!

Congratulations are due to the Parish Council, the village groups, the unsung volunteers, and everyone who helps make Helmdon a good place to live.

For further details about the award click here >>>

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20th September 2002
Jumpers For Goal Posts - Marvellous!

Training has begun once again for the Helmdon junior football team.

If you are 10 years of age or over we would welcome you to our training sessions. We start practice at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons at the Sports Field on Wappenham Road.

For further information please call Dave Bridger on 760362.

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18th September 2002
Reading The Future - Use It Or Lose It

Northamptonshire County Council run a mobile library service that serves rural communities throughout the County. In recent months the service has come under pressure because of the dwindling number of people who are using it.

If you value the service it is important to support it as much as possible. The mobile library visits Helmdon every other Tuesday at the following times:

If you would like to comment on the service please contact Brackley Library on 01280 703455.

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9th September 2002
Your Chance For Fame And Fortune

The Helmdon Bridge Players are holding auditions for their Christmas pantomime.

The Group will be putting on their own, specially adapted, rendition of the ever popular classic, Aladdin.

Auditions will be held on Friday 13th September in the Baptist Chapel starting at 6:30 p.m. The Bridge Players are looking for new members of all ages from 5 upwards.

If you would like to join in please contact Dave Bridger on 01295 760362 or e-mail.

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22nd August 2002
Helmdon's Answer To Wisley And Barnsdale

A Bee Orchid

Sue Wallace opened her wonderful gardens at Peters Farm, Helmdon on 4th August as part of the 2002 National Gardens Scheme.

Sue says "It was huge success, with over £1,000 going to the National Gardens Scheme and the Friends of the Church (who did the refreshments)".

Sue was "chuffed to bits" that over 300 people went along and has heard "nothing but praise, which is lovely". She has obviously spent a great deal of time in the garden, which was looking absolutely lovely.

The gardens are complimented by an interesting farm museum with some very wierd and wonderful old farm implements.

National Gardens Scheme Web Site >>>

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19th August 2002
There's A New Bobby On The Beat

CBO Alan Tinker

Helmdon is fortunate to welcome Alan Tinker as the new Community Beat Officer responsible for Helmdon.

Alan is a family man who has been married for 22 years and has 3 children; two boys and a girl.

Our new CBO joined the Northamptonshire Police Force in March 1980 and has been based in Northampton for all of that service. "I worked in the Crime Investigation Department for 16 years and Uniform duties for the other years. I wanted to be a community Beat Officer to try and impact on community problems and work with various people of the area to resolve day to day issues of that area."

Alan, Constable 709, actually joined Brackley on 1st July 2002 and has the official title of "CBO for King Sutton". His beat takes in the villages of Aynho, Croughton, Evenley & Hinton in the Hedges, Farthinghoe, Greatworth, Helmdon, Kings Sutton, Newbottle, Radstone, Sulgrave, Syresham, & Weston & Weedon. He takes over from PC Fred Dawling who retired earlier in the year.

For any police matter relating to Helmdon get in touch with Alan at: alan.tinker@northants.police.uk or telephone 01604 700700.

To find out more about policing in this area visit the Northants Police web site.

For urgent police matters telephone 999.

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14th August 2002
Helmdon Featured On BBCi Web Site

BBCi Web Site

Helmdon has been featured on the BBCi web site in Northamptonshire's "Sense Of Place" section.

A short article written by Danny Moody describes some of the changes that have occured in Helmdon over the centuries.

Helmdon is one of 5 towns and villages featured in the South Northants section.

View the full article >>>

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12th August 2002
A Grand Charity Effort

Flying the flag for charity

The Flag Fund will be closing shortly, having reached its target of £1,000.

The Fund has been the work of Lyndsey Leeden Glassett who wanted to raise money to buy new cookers for the Reading Room.

Many of you will have seen the flags flying at Leeden Tye on Church Street proclaiming a birthday or anniversary. The flags have become a feature of the village itself.

Lyndsey also runs the monthly Luncheon Club which regularly caters for up to forty villagers (some of whom come from Wappenham and Lois Weedon) with a home delivery service within Helmdon to those who have difficulty in coming to the Reading Room.

Lyndsey says "The domestic facilities in the Reading Room which had served us for so long had become totally inadequate and needed replacing with the utmost urgency. Grateful thanks are due to all those who contributed in any way to reach this magnificent sum of money."

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12th August 2002
Helmdon Makes The National News

The BBC highlighted the plight of millions of rail passengers today in their report "Soon All This Could Be Railway (Again)" and singled out Helmdon as an example of what the future might hold.

The Strategic Rail Authority will put forward plans later this year which could see the old Great Central Railway, which runs through Helmdon, reopened as a fast North-South main line.

BBC cameras and reporters were in Helmdon on Friday taking photos for their report and interviewing Parish Chairman Peter Burns on the subject.

For a full copy of the news item visit the BBC News Pages.

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30th July 2002
Carnival Dance Gets The Beatle Bug.

The "Boys" strongly suggest that you attend the Helmdon Carnival Dance on Saturday 24th August.

Music will be provided by Accrington Stanley who formed in 1980, playing Beatles songs. This is something they still do today. Unlike many of the other 'tribute' acts around though, they don't try to talk or look like the original members.

Accrington Stanley have tried to do many different things with the Beatles music. This includes playing the whole of Sergeant Pepper and Abbey Road live, an evening of John Lennon songs and another dedicated to Paul McCartney.

You can purchase tickets by credit card on the ticket hotline - 01295 768378.

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24th July 2002
Do You Want To Be On A TV Show?

You could be a star!

Would you like the chance to win a life-changing sum of money on a new TV show? No special skills necessary!

Helmdon residents are invited to apply to be on a new TV show.

A contestant research team from a TV company in London are recruiting for a new show for one of the main terrestrial channels saying "It's rare that word gets out to people beyond Britain's largest cities when it comes to going on TV shows and we would like to redress the balance by talking to smaller towns and villages to see if people are interested in finding out more."

For more information and an application form please Call: 020 7432 2943/2941/2919 or send an e-mail to: tvshow@newexperience.co.uk.

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18th July 2002
Did You Go Down To The Woods Tonight?

Watch Out!

Helmdon Primary school staged the biggest art exhibition in their history this Tuesday and Wednesday and over 200 people walked through rainforests and swamps to see the artwork that the children had created.

The school hall was transformed in to a tropical rainforest - even down to an authentic humid climate. There were snakes, spiders and crocodiles and all manner of jungle trees and vegetation.

All years in the school took part - even the reception class created a "grass people" wedding scene.

To see more photos from the event please click here.

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15th July 2002
It's A Jungle Out There.

Helmdon Primary school are holding a whole school Rainforest art exhibition on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th July from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the school.

Entrance times are staggered to allow people to fully experience the exhibition so please apply to the school office for tickets and further information on 01295 768126 or e-mail.

Tickets are £3.00 for adults and £1 for under sixteens.

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1st July 2002
It Must Have Been Fête.

Helmdon Church Fête 2002

The sun shone and hundreds of villagers turned out for the 2002 Church Fête at Manor Farm, Helmdon.

The fête was the first half of a Manor Farm double bill with the HYHOs following up in the evening with their "Dance In A Barn" event.

The usual stalls were present at the fête (everyone went home with a delicious cake or a plant) and this year there was bouncy castle, skittles and children's games.

Helpers keep the tea flowing

The new kitchen in the church was put to full use to provide teas and coffee for thirsty visitors as they wondered around the church looking at all the wonderful Golden Jubilee displays made by each of the village groups.

The church now has full catering and toilet facilities which means it can be used more often as a gathering and meeting place for the whole community.

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29th June 2002
And.... They're Off!

Ready for the off - The Cycle Club departs from the Bell

16 brave riders set off from the Bell this morning on a 100 mile cycle ride to raise money for charity.

The group hopes to raise up to £1,000 in sponsorship for the 2-day ride whilst having fun (and a few drinks) along the way.

The route has been kept secret this year to prevent front riders from getting too far ahead. Instead, the support crew (inc. Eddie Garner and Richard Phillips) will reveal the route stage by stage, no doubt using various hostelries along the way for their check points!

The riders are expected to return during tomorrow afternoon.

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21st June 2002
Take Your Partner By The Hand!

Get ready to dance the night away as HYHOs (Helmdon Young Husbands) bring us the "Dance In A Barn" event on Saturday 29th June at Manor Farm, Helmdon at 7:30 p.m. until midnight.

You can bop til you drop to blues magician Robert Hokum and his band, The Guv'nors.

There will be a bar, barbecue and top prize tombola.

Tickets are £7.50 (adult) and £3.00 (10 to 16 year olds) with under 10's free if accompanied by an adult. Contact Peter on 01295 760278 or Paul 01295 768922 or e-mail barndance@helmdon.com.

Robert Hokum is well known throughout the British blues scene for his virtuosity, eclectic tastes, showmanship and audience participation. He will be joined at the weekend by Graham Wright on bass, and Tim Strange on percussion, the rhythm section of The Guv’nors, Robert’s big band which has headlined the Ealing Blues Festival every year since 1989. Affectionately known by many fans as “The Bluesmaster”, Robert and friends are guaranteed to provide many memorable moments over the weekend.

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17th June 2002
Going The Extra Mile For Charity

The Bell Cycle Club

Cyclists from the Bell will be going that extra mile for charity on 29th and 30th June - in fact 100 extra miles!

The annual 100 mile sponsored cycle ride has become an eagerly anticipated feature in the village's calendar.

Last year's event raised well over £1,500 for the Macmillan Nurses, and a similar amount is hoped for in 2002.

Riders will set off from the Bell on Saturday 29th June at 10:00 a.m. and the last riders are expected back by late afternoon on Sunday.

If you would like to take part it is not too late to raise some sponsorship. Please contact Richard Finch for further details.

And remember, if you're not riding you should be sponsoring!!

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11th June 2002
Still A Chance For Tickets

The Bridge Players are gearing up for their Summer production which takes place in the Reading Room this Friday and Saturday, the 14th and 15th June at 7:30 p.m.

They will be performing "Don't Dress for Dinner" - a very fast paced comedy which is guaranteed to have you in stitches!

Tickets are still available (£5 each) by calling Dave Bridger on 760362.

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11th June 2002
Parish Council Join School For Jubilee

Parish Councillors make the presentation

The school assembly at Helmdon Primary had a special note to it on June 11th.

Members of Helmdon Parish Council attended to present all of the school's children with a mug to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee.

The mug forms part of the Parish Council's Golden Jubilee celebrations, which also includes the commissioning of a new bench on Church Street.

The children receive their mugs from the Parish Council, watched by Headmistress, Sue Blackburn

Headmistress, Mrs Sue Blackburn, said the children had already received a Jubilee coin from the school and that this mug would help to make the anniversary even more special for the pupils.

Chairman of the Parish Council, Peter Burns, made the presentations aided by Vice Chairman David Brookhouse, Councillor Jean Spendlove and Parish Clerk, Wilf Forgham.

The mugs have the royal coat of arms on one side and are inscribed "Helmdon Parish Council, to mark the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, June 3rd 2002" on the other.

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20th May 2002
Evenin' All

PC Fred Dawling

PC Dawling will bid his last "Evenin' All" to Helmdon this Summer when he retires from the force after more than 20 years service in the Brackley area.

PC Fred Dawling has been Helmdon's beat bobby since 1999 and has become a familiar face in the village. "I have patrolled Helmdon for four years and have liaised closely with the Parish Clerk and the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator" said PC Dawling at the recent Annual Parish Meeting.

Although crime has slightly increased in Helmdon this year it is still a very safe and secure place to live.

Fred's official title is Community Beat Officer. The CBO's role is to really get to know their community and work to solve any short or long-term problems, such as on-going crime issues, anti-social behaviour and juvenile nuisance, with the help of local people. They work to prevent and resolve problems rather than purely responding to them.

Fred's replacement has not been named yet but will be introduced to Helmdon upon his or her appointment.

The whole of Helmdon wishes Fred all the best for a long and happy retirement.

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14th May 2002
Village Of The Year

Sponsors

Helmdon will once again enter the Village Of The Year competition, sponsored by Calor Gas in association with Northamptonshire ACRE.

Helmdon won the Northamptonshire Village Of The Year award in 1996 and 1999.

This annual competition is, above all, one competition where appearances aren't everything - it's how you care for your village that counts.

For each of six regional finalists there's a prize of £1,500. Regional winners of the Community Life, Business, Young People, Older People and Environment and Information Technology categories will receive £375 for each category.

Judging begins on June 1st. For more about this competition visit the Village Of The Year web site, or for further information about Helmdon's entry contact Terry Glassett.

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5th May 2002
Just The Ticket

Tickets are now on sale for the 2002 Carnival Sports Draw.

The prizes will include tickets to Silverstone, Daytona Grand Prix Karting vouchers, a Jeffs holiday, a box of goodies from Bronnley's and £20 worth of plants from the Bell Plantation at Towcester.

Please support the carnival by buying some tickets - they will be sold around the village and are also available from any of the carnival committee and the Bell - and if you would like to sell some please contact Karen Valentine.

The Sports Draw will take place on Sunday 9th June.

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29th April 2002
Everybody's Walking The Dog

Brackley Deanery Mothers' Union are having a sponsored walk on Saturday 4th May.

Dogs and pushchairs are very welcome. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Helmdon Church and walk to Syresham Church for act of worship, tea and literature reading.

Proceeds are in aid of the Daylight Trust and sponsor forms are available from Helmdon or Syresham Churches.

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27th April 2002
Tiptoe through the..... bluebells

Bluebells in Whistley Wood

This dazzling display is from Whistley Wood, near Helmdon, as hundreds of Bluebells blossomed in April.

The annual show is an attraction for walkers from miles around.

But don't get too tempted.... Britain has 20 per cent of the world's bluebell population and these bluebells have recently been offered protection by the amendments to the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. From the 16th April 1998, it has been an offence to sell bluebells that have been picked from the wild. Those convicted of selling wild bluebells can be fined up to £1000. The Wildlife Trusts urge the public to check the source of any bluebells bought from nurseries. You should only buy cultivated bluebells.

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6th April 2002
Patting Our Own Backs!

The 5 Signpost Award

helmdon.com has scooped its first major award!

After looking at several community websites Amdow Web Design were very impressed by the standard and quality of them, and appreciated that a lot of time and effort goes into creating and maintaining these sites, often for little or no reward.

"We, at Amdow Web Design, felt that some recognition of this hard work should be given by the provision of our Community Website Award 2001 and Community Website Award 2002. Any community website that meets our criteria is capable of winning this worthy recognition. We have found that most community websites we have looked at already reach our standards, although a few do not (yet).

"We would expect at least 6 of these criteria to be met:

Regularly updated site.
Index page loads within an acceptable time.
Information is relevant to the community the site serves.
Site is easy to navigate for inexperienced surfers.
Provides for local readers to comment or contribute. Provides a page of local links.
Includes a Guestbook for visitors.
Solid HTML construction.

Web sites are considered for a "Signpost" rating between 1 and 5.

We were pleased to award the Helmdon web site 5 signposts. Our decision panels comments were "A well laid out site which is about 18 months old. Very easily navigated and containing diverse information and resources. Gives the impression of being well supported by the local community. Provides information for both the local population and to visitors. Particularly liked was the photographs of the three contacts. A good example to follow".

So there you have it! Now all we have to do is keep up the good work!!

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26th March 2002
Parish Council commemorate Jubilee

Helmdon Parish Council's Jubilee mug

The Parish Council will be giving each child who is on the roll of the Helmdon Primary School on 3rd June 2002, a Jubilee mug to commemorate the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

If any Parishioner would like to purchase a Souvenir Golden Jubilee Mug (which will be on display at the Council meeting on Wednesday 27th March and at the Annual Parish meeting on Wednesday 24th April, both at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room) please contact the Parish Clerk, Wilf Forgham, on 760680, for details.

The LAST date for purchase will be 24th April, 2002, when ALL orders must be received, together with the cost of £4.75 per mug.

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