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1st January 2005
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone in Helmdon, and to all
those who view and support the Helmdon web site.
2005 is a special year because the web site will
be celebrating its 5th birthday!
It is also the year that the British and Irish Lions
take on the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand - see
the official
web site.
At some point in the year we will all be trooping
down to the Reading Room to cast our votes in the
general
election.
And, 200 years since the Battle of Trafalgar, there
will be year-long celebrations of Britain's maritime
heritage - see
web site.
What ever you're doing in 2005 I hope it is a worthwhile
and memorable year!
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25th December 2004
Merry Christmas
A sharp frost but no snow greeted villagers when
they woke up on Christmas morning.
The Christmas lights and decorations all round the
village were the best ever this year and the carol
singing, church services and parties helped put
everyone in the Christmas spirit.
The web site team would like to wish everyone a
very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we
look forward to bringing you more goodies in 2005!
Merry Christmas!
[ top ]
13th December 2004
Three Cheers
Richard Phillips receiving
the award |
The Bell in Helmdon has been voted the third best
pub in Northamptonshire.
The accolade came from the Geddington Volunteer
Fire Brigade, and they should know what they are
talking about because between them they have visited
every single public house in the county (all 650
of them) during 2004.
The award was for the quality and range of beers,
ambiance and contribution to the community. The
Bell was runner up to the Bell at Finedon and the
first placed Fox & Hounds at Althorp.
Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade have a long tradition
of fund raising and the "2004 Aleblazers"
was this year's stunt. More details are available
on the Geddington
web site.
Congratulations go to publican Richard Phillips
and all the team at Helmdon's wonderful drinking
hole.
[ top ]
12th December 2004
Behind You!
Prince and Princess united |
Helmdon's talented Bridge Players have pulled off
another stunning production for the 2004 Christmas
Panto.
Sleeping beauty is a tale of love and jealousy
with the traditional heroes and villains. Of course,
in the finale it all ends happily ever after with
Prince Valiant of Euphoria winning the heart of
Princess Aurora.
The seasoned "pros" combined well with
the newcomers to delight packed audiences at 4 performances.
Where would the village be without the Bridge Players?
A full report will follow shortly in the Bridge
Players section.
[ top ]
2nd December 2004
Festive Fun - ho ho ho
Decorated gardens |
It's December, so it's time to start the festive
fun! The gardens either side of Station Road have
bigger and better displays than ever this year with
santas, reindeers, snowmen and even a bubble machine!
It certainly brightens up the village.
Carols around the tree |
The school celebrated this evening with a "Carols
Round the Tree" service organised by the Friends
of Helmdon School.
The massive tree was donated by the Helmdon Young
Husbands Organisation (you don't have to be one
to be one), and the impressive new lights were courtesy
of MacIntyres Estate Agents. Around 100 people joined
in with the old favourites including Oh Come
All Ye Faithful and Once in Royal David's
City.
The next Christmas event in the village is the church
bazaar in the Reading Room on Saturday 4th December
at 2:30 p.m.
[ top ]
27th November 2004
It's Not Sleeping Beauty - Oh Yes It Is!
All The World's A Stage |
That's right, it's Panto time again!
There are very few chances to see Dave Bridger wearing
a dress (at least in public) so here's your annual
chance! The Helmdon Bridge
Players are staging "Sleeping Beauty"
for this year's Panto and tickets are available
now.
Performances will take place in the school hall
on 9th, 10th and 11th December at 7.30pm and 2.30
Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available from (01295)
768922 760362 and 264999 - book now!
[ top ]
25th November 2004
Tree-mendous Start To Festivities
A carol singer |
There will be "Carols Around the Tree"
at Helmdon Primary School on Thursday 2nd December
at 6:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to come and
kick off the Yuletide festivities.
The school are also holding a service for Christmas
on Tuesday 14th December, starting at the school
and processing up to the church at 6:00 p.m.. The
service will be candlelit so it is hoped as many
people turn out as possible.
Further details are available from the school
office.
[ top ]
12th November 2004
Laptop Dancers
Two laptop computers were stolen from a home in
Helmdon. Police said the property was targeted sometime
between October 23rd and 29th by burglars who forced
a window at the back of the house. Anyone who saw
anything suspicious can call Northamptonshire Police
on (01327) 300300. (Reprinted from the Banbury
Guardian, Thursday 11th November 2004)
[ top ]
8th November 2004
The A - Z Of All Things Helmdon
This web site has grown out of all proportion since
its launch 4 years ago in November 2000 and now
contains over 1,500 pages and nearly 1,600 images.
Obviously this is a huge amount of data to manage
so various navigation aids exist to help you find
your way around. The latest of these is an A
- Z Index of the site, which lists the main
sections available. When used in conjunction with
the main navigation bar (see far left) and the search
facility (see top) you should never be at a loss
to find the information you're looking for.
Of course we are constantly striving for improvements,
so if you can think of anything that would make
your visit to helmdon.com more useful please don't
hesitate to get in touch
with us!
[ top ]
5th November 2004
There'll Be Fireworks
It's bonfire night and all over the village people
will be celebrating by going to see a fireworks
display, or by having their own private display
at home.
Here are 5 points to remember on 5th November...
1 - The Brackley
Scouts display is on Saturday 6th November, 6:30
p.m. at St John's field, Magdalen College School.
2 - It is illegal
for a person under 18 to have fireworks in a public
place.
3 - Pets are
especially vulnerable at this time - see the Bluecross
web site for advice.
4 - Pets are
not the only animals that might be affected - in
Helmdon there are sheep, cattle and horses in the
fields that might also be frightened.
5 - November
5th isn't just about pyrotechnics. Why not find
out about fireworks
and their history?
[ top ]
2nd November 2004
Publication Makes History
Aspects No. 5 |
The long-anticipated Aspects of Helmdon, No.
5 is now available.
The fifth book in the popular local history series
contains articles on "The Shops of Helmdon",
"A Craftsman's Notebook", "The History
of Helmdon Parish Council", "Helmdon and
the World Beyond", and "Reminiscences
of Jim Watson".
Aspects of Helmdon is published by Helmdon
Branch WEA and copies are available for £3.00
from Audrey Forgham.
[ top ]
29th October 2004
Appeal After Farm Burglary
A whacker plate |
A farm in Helmdon was raided by burglars who stole
a hedge strimmer and a compactor from a barn.
They removed a padlock from an outside gate at a
farm in Wappenham Road between 7pm on Monday, October
18th and 7am the next day.
The thieves forced their way in to the site office
where they took the hedge trimmer and the whacker
plate - a device used for compacting ground.
If anyone has any information about the stolen items
please contact Brackley police station on (013327)
300300.
[ top ]
10th October 2004
Crafty Way To Exhibit Talent
There will be lots
on display |
On Saturday 6th November the church will be transformed
by the Crafts in Action exhibition from 10:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m..
The event follows the success of a similar
event in 2002.
Organiser, Louise Stothard, says "We are holding
an exhibition to celebrate the wealth of talent
in Helmdon and around. There will be paintings,
ceramics, cross stitch, beading and many other crafts
to see and various demonstrations too. There will
also be items for sale."
The W.I. will provide ploughman's lunch and afternoon
tea.
If you would like to exhibit during the day then
please contact Louise Stothard on 01295 760518.
"We look forward to seeing you!"
[ top ]
8th October 2004
Shame on Helmdon
Broken glass on the field. |
The actions of a few are spoiling the reputation
of Helmdon's youngsters.
Broken beer bottles were left strewn across the
children's play area on the school field during
the week, posing a serious risk to those wishing
to use the facility.
The broken glass and vandalism of the bench is uncharacteristic
for Helmdon, but such activity has blighted the
school field throughout the summer.
Those responsible must surely be aware that their
actions are irresponsible? If anyone has any information
regarding this then please get
in touch with the web site and your information
will be passed on to the relevant authorities.
[ top ]
30th September 2004
A Lesson For Everyone
The school in the 70s. |
The AGM of Parents and Governors of Helmdon Primary
School will take place on Thursday 7th October,
starting at 7:00 p.m.
This year's event will take the form of an open
evening, giving parents and villagers an opportunity
to see what's been happening at the school over
the previous year.
The recent building project has resulted in great
improvements to the layout and overall efficiency
of the school and the staff and governors are keen
to show it off.
All those who live in Helmdon and who would be interested
in the recent developments in the school, both structural
and educational, would be most welcome to attend.
Parents will shortly receive the Governors' Annual
Report. Should you have any questions for the governing
body please send them in to the school office so
they may be considered on the evening.
[ top ]
22nd September 2004
Let's Do Lunch Sometime
The popular Luncheon Club. |
After a break of over a year the Luncheon Club
is set to make a comeback.
The club was the brainchild of Lyndsey Glassett
who started providing lunches in the Reading Room
in 1998.
To read more about the new arrangements please visit
the Luncheon
Club page, and to see the dates for this year
visit the Village
Diary.
[ top ]
16th September 2004
I Think That's A Bit Strong
Ian Kinghorn collecting a bronze medal
at the European Championships |
Helmdon can now boast a British Champion in the
rather robust shape of Ian Kinghorn, the winner
of the 2004 Masters Bench Press British Championship
in Birmingham on 5th September.
Ian won the event with a personal-best bench press
of 212.5kg - that's more than 33 stone. It was Ian's
first win at the British Masters, previously placing
in the top three for the last two years.
In August Ian was placed 3rd in the EPF (European
Powerlifting Federation) 7th Annual European Masters
Bench Press Championships. This follows on from
a 6th place in the IPF (International Powerlifting
Federation) Masters Benchpress World Championships.
This year Ian has competed and won or placed highly
in a number of divisional competitions, both in
the full powerlifting competitions and the bench
press competitions. Powerlifting comprises 3 lifts,
the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. Competitions
are either all three lifts or just the bench press
as a single discipline. He has set British records
for the bench press (both in the single lift discipline
and the as part of the full powerlifting discipline)
and still holds the record in the powerlifting tables
for the bench press in 100kg bodyweight class.
There are 2 competitions left in 2004 and Ian hopes
to add to his medal and record haul for the year
- and if he says he can do, who would argue with
him!
[ top ]
30th August 2004
Talkabout A Scoop!
The final draft of the Helmdon Talkabout for Autumn
2004 has been sent to the printers, but here at
helmdon.com we've been lucky enough to get a sneek
preview!
The biannual magazine is available to download,
in full, on this web site, although users with
standard modems will have to be patient as it is
a very large file. Those of you with wonderful new
broadband connections will have it in a zip!
Since I've already had the pleasure of reading it
I can be the first to congratulate Editor Richard
Wray and his team on another fantastic edition.
The paper version will be delivered on the weekend
of 18th/19th September.
If you missed the link above, download the magazine
here.
[ top ]
30th August 2004
Notting Hill Versus Helmdon
Judging by the numbers turning up at the sports
field in Helmdon it must have been very quiet in
Notting Hill today!
Helmdon's 22nd Carnival weekend was a huge success
and even the weather came good at just the right
times.
Congratulations go to the very hard working Carnival
Committee for another splendidly organised village
event. Read a full report here.
[ top ]
27th August 2004
A Carnival Atmosphere!
The 22nd Helmdon Carnival is due to start tomorrow
- Saturday 27th August.
The 3-day event over the late summer bank holiday
weekend kicks off with a dance on the sports field.
Children can boogie to disco sounds from 7:30 p.m.
and then rock group Rokface take over until midnight.
There will be a bar and food with a bouncy castle
for the children.
On Sunday 28th there is a jazz afternoon with the
ever-popular Porterhouse Jazz Six. Again, there
will be a bar and food or you can bring your own
picnic.
Bank Holiday Monday is the day for the main carnival
event, starting at 1:30 p.m. on the sports field.
There will be numerous attractions for all the family.
The weather
forecast for Saturday and Sunday is OK and Monday
promises to be very sunny so get along to the sports
field and have lots of fun!
[ top ]
20th August 2004
Pipped To The Post
Broadband is arriving in many homes throughout
the village, and the race to see who got it first
appears to have been won by the Underwoods. Originally
the Forghams were thought to be first (see below),
but in Olympic style they have been demoted to silver
by a matter of hours.
Mark Underwood said "I had broadband delivered
at around 9.30 and up and running, on 2 computers,
by 10.30am on the 12th. By midday I had already
downloaded the latest version of Adobe Acrobat".
Whoever was first it seems that those who have broadband
are generally happy with the 10x faster Internet
access that the new service offers.
[ top ]
13th August 2004
From Boredband To Broadband
Broadband has finally arrived in Helmdon. The Sulgrave
exchange was upgraded on 4th August and now householders
are having the new super fast Internet access installed
in their homes.
The first householders to benefit from broadband
were Wilf & Audrey Forgham who got their broadband
connection up and running yesterday, Thursday 12th
August, at midday. Hot on their heels was Richard
Finch who was surfing the information super highway
broadband style at 7:00 p.m. yesterday.
Broadband means users can surf the Internet and
download e-mail at 10 times the speed of a normal
connection - it's like when the village went over
to electricity and everyone could throw out their
gas lamps!
If you know of someone who had access to Broadband
before midday yesterday send
me the details!
[ top ]
9th August 2004
Going, Going Gone
Due to a house move there will be a garage sale
on Sunday 15th August at 11:00 a.m. at Garage 10
behind Station road (Grange Farm Lane) Helmdon.
You name it, they're selling it: Furniture, books,
pictures, architects drawing table and chair, paint,
kitchen bits, toys etc. Lots of bargains.
For further information please e-mail Hannah
Harling.
[ top ]
29th July 2004
Music For A Summer's Evening
On Wednesday July 28th The Astwell branch of the
Mothers' Union held a musical evening in church,
About 70 people attended and thoroughly enjoyed
themselves.
The concert was given by Bee Aczel - flute, Anna
Mackaness - violin/viola and vocalist and Mollie
Dove on the piano. Wine, soft drinks and nibbles
were served during the evening.
About £300 was raised for the M.U. World Relief
Fund. M.U.
is a world organisation with members of both sexes,
married and single, with branches in almost every
country in the world. We are able to give instant
'on the spot' first aid before the other organisations
come on the scene with more help.
If you would like to find out more about the M.U.
please have a word with a member of the committee.
[ top ]
27th July 2004
Parish Plan Reaches Final Stages
The consultation has been done, the report has
been written, and an action plan has been developed.
Now all it needs to turn the Helmdon Parish Plan
in to reality is the participation and enthusiasm
of the people of Helmdon.
A public meeting was held on 14th July in the Reading
Room and over 60 residents attended, with 20 people
filling in participation forms.
If you would like to get involved in turning the
plan in to reality you can now register
your interest on this web site.
To see the latest Helmdon Parish Plan news please
visit the parish
plan news section.
[ top ]
20th July 2004
Tri-umph for Jenny O
Jenny Overson's annual coffee morning in aid of
Cancer Reasearch UK was a triumph this year, raising
a record £300 for the charity.
The coffee morning took place on 15th July and combined
socialising, chit-chat and a bring-and-buy stall.
It has become a landmark on the Helmdon calendar.
Jenny would like to thank Gillian, who ran the bring-and-buy,
and all those who attended and made a contribution.
The vision of Cancer
Research UK is to conquer cancer through world-class
research.
It is the largest volunteer-supported cancer research
organisation in the world with a dedicated team
of 3,000 scientists and an annual scientific spend
of more than £176 million – raised almost
entirely through public donations.
[ top ]
18th July 2004
Great Balls Of Fire
Partygoers at the Summer Ball |
The school field rocked to the sound of the Blue
Meanies on Saturday night at the inaugural Summer
Ball event organised by the HYHOs in conjunction
with the school.
The ball took place in a marquee on the school playing
field with 200 people enjoying an evening of good
food, good wine and good music.
The organisers were unavailable for comment today
due to their lingering hangovers but there will
be more photos of the night on this web site very
soon.
The evening was a huge success and has raised money
for school and village projects. Congratulations
to all those involved.
[ top ]
14th July 2004
Helmdon Make Final
Helmdon Cricket team are riding the crest of a
wave and are currently top of Division Four of the
South Northants League.
They have also carried their league form in to the
cup competition and won their League Cup Semi Final
on Tuesday evening beating Woodford Halse by 10
wickets.
The final is against either Brackley or Croughton
and is due to be played on Sunday 18th July at Priors
Ground, Byfield Road, Priors Marston. Start 2:00
p.m. with 20 overs per side.
All support would be welcome. If you need further
details please contact Dave
Bridger.
[ top ]
7th July 2004
Parish Plan Published
The future of Helmdon was delivered to every household
in the parish today.
The Helmdon Parish Plan maps out a footpath to the
future of Helmdon over the next 5 to 10 years.
The plan is based on the findings of the Future
Needs Day in August 2003 and the parish questionnaire
in January 2004.
In addition to the report the full results of the
survey are now
available on this web site.
The parish plan team are holding a public meeting
on Wednesday 14th July at 7:30 p.m. in the
Reading Room. Everyone is invited to attend and
it is hoped that many volunteers will come forward
to help turn the plan into reality.
For more information, visit the parish
plan section.
[ top ]
11th June 2004
Why Not Potter Around Exhibition?
Cancer Research UK |
On 26 June there will be an exhibition and sale
of ceramics at Irene Inness's studio on Cross Lane
from 12:00 until 4:00.
All the proceeds will go to Cancer
Research UK and everyone is invited to attend
- and buy something!
For further details please e-mail Irene
Inness or call 01295 768104.
[ top ]
7th June 2004
Reading Room Closure
Reading Room Closure |
The Reading Room will be closed from Wednesday
9th June to Friday 11th June inclusive.
The closure is due to essential upgrades to the
electrical installation which cannot be done whilst
the venue is in use.
The closure means a short week for the Acorns, who
use the Reading Room every week day morning, and
the Post Office, which visits the Reading Room on
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
For further information please contact Reading Room
chairman, Bill
England.
[ top ]
5th June 2004
Watch Out - It's Burglar Bill
Watch out - it's
Burglar Bill! |
There was a spate of burglaries in Helmdon on Saturday
5th June as the Pandora's Box Theatre Company rolled
into town with their adaptation of best-selling
children's book "Burglar Bill".
To find out more about it - and to see if Burglar
Bill got caught, visit the Friends
of the Church pages.
[ top ]
28th May 2004
Search Me!
Freefind |
In 2000 this web site had 12 pages - with a bit
of text on each one. Four years later we have (and
yes I counted them) 1,596 pages packed with information
about Helmdon and its inhabitants past and present.
Now 12 pages you could reasonably search through
to find what you wanted, but with over one and half
thousand pages you need some help! That's where
the site's search facility comes in.
You can access the search box on the index page,
or by clicking the link at the top of each page
(scroll up!). Then just type in what you're looking
for and click "Find". Searches are not
case sensitive and you can put in single words on
even phrases. If you're looking for something specific
try putting it in quote marks - for example, if
you put in cricket club you will get every page
retuned that has the word cricket or club on it,
but if you put in "cricket club" using
quotes then you'll only get the pages that refer
to that illustriuos group of village sportsmen.
Why not have a play and see what you can find!
[ top ]
20th May 2004
Annual Hundred Miler Cycles Round
Picturesque Lechlade |
The Bell Inn Bikers, Helmdon’s Cycle Club
are planning their sponsored annual 100 miler. This
year the destination is Lechlade, Gloucestershire,
a beautiful Cotswold town on the River Thames.
All are welcome to join in. The route is gently
undulating, passing through scenic countryside with
some stunning views at times. The journey will be
pleasurable and at a pace to suit all and avoids
busy roads.
If you would like to increase your fitness and stamina
for the ride, why not join us on most Sunday mornings
at 10.30 outside the Bell Inn.
There will be a meeting on Sunday 23rd May at 7.30pm
in the Bell to discuss planning and answer any questions
you may have.
For more information contact Richard on 760121,
Brian on 760178 or Eddie on 768986 or e mail richard.finch@clara.net.
[ top ]
18th May 2004
Will They Or Won't They Continues
The Helmdon viaduct |
Central Railway has announced it remains committed
to reopening a freight route through the region
In a statement released by the corporation last
week, chairman Andrew Gritten described Transport
Minister Dr Kim Howell's refusal to back a bill
to reopen the central railway as "unacceptable."
If approved the railway would have reopened several
sections of the old Great Central Railway, providing
a direct link between Liverpool and the Channel
Tunnel.
The route would have passed through Brackley and
close to villages such as Helmdon, Finmere, Tingewick
and Twyford. The Central Railway company had asked
the Government to sponsor a bill through Parliament
backing the scheme, but the transport minister said
there was too much of a risk the Government would
have to support the project with taxpayers' money.
The full article appears on the Buckingham
Today web site.
[ top ]
11th May 2004
Europe In The Spotlight
Roger Helmer MEP |
Roger Helmer MEP, one of the two Conservative MEP's
for the
East Midlands, visited Helmdon on Thursday, 6th
May and gave an extremely interesting talk to an
invited audience of nearly fifty people in the Reading
Room, Church Street.
During his talk, which embraced many aspects of
the European Union, he said that when the Conservative
Party is back in Government it will not withdraw
from the European Union, but, as Conservatives are
opposed to the proposed Constitution because it
will take away our freedom to govern ourselves,
it must be re-negotiated to ensure that we do not
become one of twenty five countries who will form
a new country called Europe.
Roger Helmer stressed that when a Conservative
Government is elected at the next General Election
it will veto the Constitution as it now stands,
and this will ensure that it will have to be re-negotiated
by the European Parliament.
Roger Helmer answered fully the many questions
that members of the audience raised.
Visit Roger Helmer's web site here.
[ top ]
10th May 2004
May Ye Mow In Peace
What are you doing this coming Saturday morning?
The Friends of Helmdon Churchyard are organising
a biannual tidy up of the churchyard starting at
10:00 a.m. this Saturday, 15th May.
There is plenty of mowing and strimming to do (especially
if you have your own machine that you could bring
along) and some lighter work as well, including
weeding, trimming and raking.
The churchyard is a wonderful place to be for a
couple of hours, so the work is a pleasure as well
as helping keep the churchyard looking wonderful
for everyone else.
If you would be prepared to dedicate 2 hours to
this community effort please phone Judy Cairns on
760537 for details.
[ top ]
28th April 2004
Marathon Effort
The London Marathon |
Congratulations are due to Richard Pamment of Shortlands
Close, Helmdon who successfully completed the Flora
London Marathon in the very respectable time of
4:34:58.
Richard would like to pass his thanks on to everyone
who supported him. To raise money Richard asked
sponsors to guess his time at £2.50 per guess.
The closest guesses were by John Freer (4:35:00)
and Gareth Dean (4:36:00). Both will receive a prize
from Richard.
Richard raised around £600 which will be divided
between two charities; Children
with Leukaemia and the Helmdon School Governors
Trust.
[ top ]
22nd April 2004
Annual Parish Meeting - All Welcome
The Annual Parish Meeting takes place in the Reading
Room on Wednesday 28th April 2004, starting at 7:30
p.m..
It's the public's chance to find out what the parish
council have been up to over the last year and put
any questions to the parish councillors. It is an
open meeting and all parishioners are invited.
There will be reports from the various parish council
committees and our district and county councillors
will also be present.
So whether you want to congratulate the parish council
on the way it conducts its affairs, or complain
to Northants County Council about potholes, now's
your chance!
[ top ]
15th April 2004
Running Man
Richard in training |
The 24th London
Marathon, sponsored by Flora, takes place on
Sunday and Helmdon's very own Richard Pamment will
be amongst the starters.
Richard is raising money for Helmdon Primary School
and also Children
with Luekemia.
Richard, his waistline a shadow of its former self,
has been in serious training since the end of last
year and hopes to complete the race in a very respectable
time (he recently completed a 20 miler in 3hrs 20mins).
If you would like to sponsor Richard, make a donation
to the cause, or simply send a goodwill message
of encouragement, please contact marathonman@helmdon.com.
[ top ]
8th April 2004
Grave Position For Lichens
Ivan Pedley from the British Lichen Society
and Judy Cairns inspect the gravestones |
Helmdon's churchyard is special for lots of reasons
- one of the most important being that it is in
the top 30 churchyards in Britain for lichens.
128 species of lichen have been recorded, with another
11 identified and awaiting official recognition.
Any churchyard with more then 100 species is considered
to be extremely important, so nearly 140 is a real
national treasure.
Apart from the sheer diversity of lichens (an indication
of the varied substrates and habitats in the churchyard)
there is also one special inhabitant.
Physcia clementei |
Physcia clementei is classed as a nationally
scarce species and it is only found in a handful
of churchyards inland - Helmdon being one of them.
The rich diversity of Helmdon's churchyard was first
appreciated by Tom Chester from the British Lichen
Society, who happened to live in Evenley and visited
Helmdon, and other churchyards in the area, on a
regular basis. Mr Chester passed away in 2003 and
his knowledge and enthusiasm is sadly missed.
Ivan Pedley, also of the BLS, now has responsibility
for Helmdon and inherited Tom Chester's notes and
lists. On a recent visit Ivan said "Helmdon
has a special churchyard, one of the most important
in the British Isles". It is hoped that Mr
Pedley will return to Helmdon sometime soon to impart
more of his knowledge and advice.
The churchyard is covered by a Wildlife Trust and
English Nature action
plan which aims to protect Physcia clementei.
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5th April 2004
Royal Mail Calls Time On Last Post
Every household in Helmdon received a letter recently
from Royal Mail about changes to deliveries, stating
that first and second deliveries will be combined
into a single daily delivery and warning that consequently
the post may be delivered later to some properties.
So what does this mean for Helmdon - given that
there is only one delivery per day anyway?
Helmdon has long enjoyed a "first class"
postal service from local postie Will Francis, and
before him, the inimitable Bob Hodson.
Will says that the changes mean he will have to
sort more post before starting his round because
the objective is to clear all the post every day.
He estimates that he will be 45 minutes to an hour
later than usual.
It is worth remembering that although there will
be extra work for the local posties, their pay will
remain the same.
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26th March 2004
Talk About A Good Newsletter
Talkabout Spring 2004 |
Helmdon's fabulous newsletter "Talkabout"
has dropped through most people's doors over the
last few days. If anyone has not received one yet
then expect it over the weekend.
The Spring 2004 edition is packed full of news and
information from all the groups, organisations and
activities in the village.
Talkabout is a parish council publication, although
advertising revenue means that the newsletter is
currently self supporting.
A tremendous amount of work is involved in writing
articles, putting it all together, selling advertising
space, and distributing the finished article. Congratulations
to all involved.
If you'd like to comment on this issue please e-mail
Richard Wray at talkabout@helmdon.com.
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23rd March 2004
We're Going To Win The Cup, We're Going To Win The
Cup....
On Sunday 28th March at 10:30 a.m. Helmdon FC will
kick off against Middle Barton FC in the cup final
of the Banbury Sunday Morning league.
The game is being held at Easington United Football
Club on Addison Road in Banbury.
Everyone is very welcome to come along and cheer
the lads on. We need your support!
For further details please contact Dave
Bridger.
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20th March 2004
Mum's the Word
Happy Mother's Day |
Tomorrow is Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday as
we like to call it in Great Britain.
For son's and daughters everywhere it's an opportunity
to say thank you to Mum, and to give her a break
from everything that she normally does on the other
364 days of the year.
This year there will be a special Mother's Day service
at St Mary Magdalene parish church starting at 10:30
a.m. and all are welcome. There will be posies for
the children to give their mothers and coffee after
the service.
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12th March 2004
Snow Comes Late - Again
The view along gravel path. |
There hasn't been much snow this winter, but when
it's come, it's come thick and fast. Helmdon woke
up to 4 inches of snow that had fallen overnight
turning the village in to a Christmas card scene.
The last snow was January 28th when a snow storm
swept across Great Britain causing much disruption.
This latest fall however is not likely to hang around
very long, it had already started melting away by
mid morning.
The last snow of 2003 fell on 10th April, so we
may not have seen the end of winter just yet. Mind
you, that followed on the back of the sunniest March
on record - no such luck this year!
For any younger school children reading this, Magdalene
School is closed but Helmdon Primary is definitely
open!
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6th March 2004
Trigger Happy
We're there! Thanks to the hard work of Helmdon's
broadband co-ordinator, and the desire of many people
in the village to have access to high speed Internet,
we have now achieved the 250 registrations that
BT required before considering upgrading the telephone
exchange in Sulgrave.
The next step is for BT to issue a date by which
they promise to actually carry out the necessary
work. Sometimes this can be up to a year hence but
Helmdon stands a good chance of getting it much
more quickly because of the recent success of the
broadband campaign.
Thanks go to all those who helped in the campaign,
and of course to the 250 people that register their
interest to help reach the trigger.
For further information please e-mail Jane Keys
on webmaster@helmdon.com.
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13th February 2004
Don't Bin It - Bag It!
The school is holding a fundraising "Bag 2
School" collection on Friday 27th February.
The aim is to fill as many bags as possible with
recyclable materials e.g. shoes, clothing soft toys
etc. Bags are available from school, alternatively
black bin bags can be used. We can raise up to £200
per tonne. The collection is taking place from school
on the above date.
For further information please e-mail Judith
Wait.
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12th February 2004
Two Hundred Up
The campaign to get the BT Sulgrave exchange enabled
for broadband Internet access is gathering pace.
Registrations have now hit the 200 mark, with 250
needed for BT to upgrade the exchange.
Campaigning started in earnest in November 2003
because the registrations had plateaued at just
over 100. A concerted effort, including leaflet
drops, posters and other publicity, has led to the
registrations being doubled in 3 months.
Jane Keys, Helmdon's broadband campaign organiser,
is working closely with representatives from the
others villages on the Sulgrave exchange to ensure
a coordinated approach.
If you haven't registered yet please click here.
You don't have to commit to purchase anything, it
is simply a registration of interest. For further
information you can e-mail Jane on webmaster@helmdon.com.
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8th February 2004
And The Results Are...
The Parish Plan questionnaires have been collected
in and the steering group have reported a tremendous
75% response rate!
Every household in the parish was invited to take
part and it is a measure of how interested people
are in the community in which they live that there
was such a good response.
Now all the data from nearly 500 Individual Questionnaires,
over 260 Household Surveys and 70 Under Elevens
Surveys has to be entered in to a database for analysis.
The Steering Group hope to be able to start reporting
initial results within 4 weeks.
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20th January 2004
Baptist Chapel To Close
Helmdon's Baptist Chapel |
The chapel at Helmdon will be closed at the end
of January 2004. Regrettably the buildings have
structural damage that is too expensive to repair.
Most activities associated with the Chapel will
continue at the Baptist Chapel at Weston.
The last service in the Helmdon Chapel will be
held on Sunday 25th January at 10.30am.
There will be a "farewell meeting" at
2.30pm on Saturday 24th January in the Helmdon Chapel
with refreshments in the schoolroom afterwards.
People who have been associated, over the years,
with the Chapel are cordially invited to attend
these meetings.
The Helmdon Pastor and congregation of the Tove
Valley Baptist Fellowship.
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15th January 2004
Smoothly Does It
Resurfacing Church Street. |
No resident of Helmdon can have failed to notice
the roadworks that have been going on on Station
Road and Church Street since the start of December.
Just like decorating, the last few weeks seem to
have been all preparation, but now the gloss coat
has been applied! This photo was taken on the 13th
January as the workmen resurfaced the junction between
Church Street and Station Road.
The works are part of the government's Safer Routes
to School scheme, which is designed to encourage
children to walk to school rather than go by car.
Of course, there are also benefits to the wider
community.
The work will continue for some time yet as new
footpaths are being installed leading up to both
sides of Jeffs Bridge.
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5th January 2004
Broadly Speaking?
Broadband - not boredband! |
Will 2004 be the year that broadband Internet access
comes to Helmdon?
A group of residents have got together with BT to
launch a campaign to get our telephone exchange
- which is in Sulgrave - enabled for broadband services.
Broadband means faster access to the Internet for
surfing the web and using e-mail. Speeds up to 10
times higher than normal modems are achievable -
and the cost is not that much greater.
BT recently announced trigger levels for 21 rural
exchanges in Northamptonshire (see
press article) and the target set for Sulgrave
is 250. Currently there are 156 people regsitered
so there is still some way to go.
If you think you might be interested in broadband
you can register, with no committments, here.
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1st January 2004
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! |
Happy New Year to everyone in Helmdon, and to all
those who view and support the Helmdon web site.
2004 is a leap year so I hope you all enjoy the
extra day!
It is also the year the Olympic games return home
to Greece - check out the official
web site for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad.
Continuing the sports theme, it is also time for
Euro
2004, to be held in Portugal. Here's hoping
that the England football team can emulate their
rugby-playing counterparts.
And on a more poignant note, the 60th Anniversary
of the D-day
landings takes place in June and will realistically
be the last great hurrah for a generation that saved
a continent from tyranny.
What ever you're doing in 2004 I hope it is worthwhile
and memorable year!
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26th December 2003
A Weather Watch
What did you get for Christmas? Well Helmdon resident
Terry Glassett of Church Street is the proud new
owner of a radio-controlled weather station.
Every half hour Terry is monitoring all aspects
of the weather on the Church Street side of Jeffs
bridge including temperature, humidity, rainfall
and wind.
We look forward to some reports of any unusual weather
activity - and maybe even a prediction of when we
might see the sun again!
If you received an unusual present for Christmas
why not send
us an e-mail and tell us all about it!
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