24th December 2009
Merry Christmas Helmdon!
Winter Branches - Photo by Owen Brunsden.
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The web site team would like to wish all Helmdonites a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
The snow this week has made the build up to Christmas a wonderful time for children and those parents fortunate enough not to have to go in to work. For others the snow and ice is an inconvenience but everyone, young and old, must surely have loved the carol singers going around the village on Monday night whilst the snow came down - thank you to all those that braved the cold to bring us a carol singing experience to remember.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing - and whoever you're doing it with - we hope you have a very special Christmas and we look forward to bringing you even more on the Helmdon Web Site in 2010!
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14th December 2009
Guided Xmas Card Delivery
Xmas card deliveries.
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Too much to do before Christmas? Let Helmdon Rainbow Guides help you out by delivering your local Christmas cards. As part of our role in the community, we are organising a Christmas card collection and delivery service around Helmdon and Falcutt.
Blue collection boxes can be found at the school, the Reading Rooms (post-office drop in and Acorns), and Seckington's Bungalow stores. Cards can also be dropped at: 17 Shortlands Close and 40 Station Rd.
All cards should include a name and street name and house name/no. if possible (if not, please include your phone no.). Last collection on Friday 18th December. Delivery on 19th.
This service is free, however if you would like to make a donation, the charity chosen by the girls this year is Book Aid.
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5th December 2009
Men In Tights - Must Be The Panto!
Hayrick and his lenghty staff!
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Hundreds of happy Helmdonites have been royally entertained this weekend by the Bridge Players Christmas Pantomime "Babes in the Wood".
Where else (except most Friday nights in the Bell) would you find the good men of the village dressed up in drag and cavorting around in make up?!
The Panto was a rip-roaring success and huge congratulations go to co-directors Bryony Worthy and Becky Leitelmayer and all the cast and crew who made it a Panto to remember.
Click here for more details and photos.
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28th November 2009
It's Panto Week In Helmdon
£6 to see this - cheap at
twice the price!
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It's Panto week in Helmdon... oh no it isn't (sorry, couldn't resist!).
Helmdon's very own thespian troupe will be treading the boards from Thursday night to Saturday night for this year's extravaganza, Babes in the Wood.
The first performance is on Thursday 3rd December at 7:30 p.m., followed by Friday 4th, same time, and 2:30 p.m.and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th.
All performances are in the hall at Helmdon Primary School on Station Road.
Saturday night and Saturday matinee performances are sold out but if you're very quick there might be tickets available for the other performances. Call
Dave on 01295 760362 or Morag on 01295 768922 - but hurry!
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20th November 2009
Acorns' Crafty Plan For Christmas
Helmdon Acorns Pre-school invite everyone along to a Children's Christmas Crafts afternoon on Saturday 21st November 2pm - 5pm at the Reading Room.
The whole afternoon will be focused around the children making gifts for friends and family.
So if you were wondering what to give granny or uncle this year come along and all your problems will be solved!
There will be fantastic pottery pieces that the children can decorate and we will organise a local pick-up once glazed and fired.
We have put together a wide range of crafts so there should be something for all children whatever their age. Entry is free, just pay for whatever your child chooses to make.
There will be refreshments and face painting so come with a full wallet!
Any questions see Rachel Wheeler, Liz Hart or Victoria Webster.
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5th November 2009
The Return Of The Earl
Councillor Phil Earl. |
Helmdon Parish Council held a meeting on Thursday 5th November to fill a vacancy arising from the resignation of Paul Stothard. The man stepping forward is Phil Earl, from Station Road, Helmdon.
Cllr Earl is no stranger to the Parish Council having served previously from 2002 to 2007.
Cllr Earl works for local firm De Boer and has a professional background in health and safety, which should come in useful for the council, which operates the play area on the school field and owns the war memorial and village street lighting.
For contact details of all councillors click here.
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27th October 2009
Affordable Housing Drop-In
South Northamptonshire Council would like to invite all residents of Helmdon to a meeting in the Reading Room on Thursday 5th November to talk about plans for an affordable housing development in Helmdon.
The doors will be open from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. for anyone to drop in and meet staff from South Northamptonshire Council and Grand Union Housing Group, the parent company of South Northants Homes.
Once the event has taken place Grand Union will submit a planning application for a development on the corner of Station Road and Grange Lane.
If you have any questions ahead of the 5th November meeting they should be addressed to Alice Izzett, SNC Strategic Housing Officer on 01327 322374 or alice.izzett@southnorthants.gov.uk.
Click to download an information poster regarding the development.
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20th October 2009
Ramps, Rails And Jumps
The South Northants Play Rangers will be in Helmdon again during half term, this time with a mobile skate park.
The temporary structure will be erected in the school car park (weather permitting) from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday 27th October.
The scheme is funded by South Northants Council and the lottery.
There's no need to book - just turn up on the day with your own skateboard, roller blades or BMX.
Children aged 8 to 16 will be supervised by qualified staff but children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
So don't get bored kicking around the house - come down to school and have some fun!
Click here to download the Play Rangers poster.
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8th October 2009
Do You Agree With The Comments?
As previously reported Helmdon was pipped in to second place in this year's Village of the Year competition by Syresham. But now the judges' comments have been received back and there is a mix of praise and challenge to do more. The overall score for the village was 92%.
The judges noted that local businesses are very supportive but that there could have been more details available regarding the work available in the village.
The judges recognised that there is plenty going on in the village for under twelves and over fifties but what about the teenagers.. "there does not seem to be much in the way of socialising events for teenagers", the judges thought.
Do you agree? What do you think should be done? Send any comments to webmaster@helmdon.com for publication on the notice boards.
Click here for the full judges' comments.
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23rd August 2009
Beauty Or The Beast?
Wind turbines - sure to create controversy. |
The issue of wind farms seems to create controversy in the same way as fox hunting does, with communities split between those that think they are a blight on the landscape and those that think they are a great, even beautiful, way of creating renewable energy.
ENERTRAG UK develops on and off shore wind energy projects in the UK and they have recently sent South Northamptonshire Council a request for a 'Scoping Opinion' for a proposed site for nine wind turbines between Weston and Sulgrave. The scoping opinion will detail the requirements of a subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
A group opposed to the proposals has been established under the chairmanship of local resident, Digby Lewis. The Sulgrave and Weston Windfarm Action Group (SWWAG) held its inaugural meeting on 15th August 2009.
The secretary of SWWAG is Sulgrave Webmaster, Colin Wootton, so details of SWWAG activities are available at http://www.sulgrave.org.
Whether you are for wind farms or against them local planners need to hear your views and there will be opportunities to make your voice heard.
Key web sites:
http://www.southnorthants.gov.uk
http://www.enertraguk.com
http://www.sulgrave.org
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11th August 2009
Missed Out - Again!
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride - well not since 2002 anyway.
Yet again Helmdon has been pipped to the post in the Calor Village of the Year competition.
The winning villages in this year’s Calor Northamptonshire Village of the Year competition were announced at a presentation ceremony held on Tuesday 21 July.
Helmdon takes part in the medium villages category and was knocked in to second place for the fifth year running, this time by Syresham.
Helmdon was also voted a creditable third in the overall competition behind
Syresham and Middleton Cheney.
Syresham will now go on to represent Northamptonshire in the regional competition, whilst Helmdon goes back to the drawing board to figure out how it can make that final step in 2010.
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15th July 2009
Location, Location, Location
From little acorns... |
Helmdon Acorns is seeking a site within the village on which to locate a new purpose built building with plenty of outside space and car parking available.
We have identified one possible location but need to ensure that it is the most suitable one before proceeding further.
If you are aware of any area within or close to the village confines which may be suitable please contact Liz Hart on 01295 760130 or liz@stationhousehelmdon.co.uk.
We will be able to secure funding to either buy or lease the land.
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14th July 2009
Top Brass In Helmdon
Daventry Brass Band
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The Daventry Brass Band
will be in Helmdon on Saturday 18th July
at 7:30 p.m.
The event is being organised by
the Friends of St Mary Magdalene parish church and it will take place in the garden of Helmdon House
(next to the church)
or in the church wet. A bar will be available on the night.
Tickets are just £7.00 (£6.00 for concessions)
and are available from Roger (01295) 768964
or Niki (01295) 768202. All proceeds will go to the upkeep of the wonderful 13th century church.
For more details on Daventry Brass Band please visit their official web site.
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27th June 2009
A Chance To Be Pampered
Are you suffering from the hectic pace of modern life? Would you like to take some time out and treat yourself to a little R&R?
Well come along to the Reading Room on Saturday 11th July from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and sample the delights of Reiki, massages, facials, Indian Head Massage, and Crystal Mud Treatment.
A pamper afternoon, organised by Sally Gordon of Countryside Holistic Therapies, will raise money for the Reading Room refurbishment.
Admission is free so why not take advantage of the chance to relax right here in Helmdon!
Click here to download the advertising poster.
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15th June 2009
Sounds Fair To Me
Last year's fair was a tremendous success. |
The third Helmdon Village Street Fair will take place this coming Saturday, 20th June 2009 from noon until 4:30 p.m.
Stalls will stretch from the Reading Room to Fountain House and the whole village is welcome!
There will be stalls, children's games and fun for the whole family. The weather looks fantastic for the weekend so here's hoping for a fantastic turnout.
All proceeds go to St Mary Magdalene Parish Church.
29th May 2009
Bridge Players Provide Summer Entertainment
It's all about living together. One roommate is a stickler for being neat and tidy, the other couldn't care less! The Bridge Players summer production for 2009 is "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon.
In the female version of the play the lead characters, Florence Ungar and Olive Madison, have an unusual and somewhat uncomfortable life.
"The Odd Couple" is the hilarious story of two people with opposite personalities who become roommates. And in this case, opposites don't attract!
Performances are on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June in the Reading Room, Helmdon starting prompt at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are £6.00 adults and £4.00 concessions and available from Dave 01295 760362, Morag 768922 or Michele 768603.
15th May 2009
Show Off Your Peas On The Beeb!
The Helmdon Gardening Club has been approached by BBC2 television. They are planning a programme called 'What To Eat Now' and are very interested to hear from anybody with a garden vegetable patch or an allotment who grows peas.
Of particular interest to them are pea-growers who grow old fashioned or rarer sorts of peas. But don't let that put you off: if you grow peas of any sort and would like to be considered by BBC2 for their forthcoming programme, please call Caroline King on 01295 768695 in the first instance, and I will forward your details to the BBC.
Although the BBC approached the Helmdon Gardening Club, I think this is an opportunity that should be shared by every pea-grower in the village so I would be delighted to hear from you whether you belong to the Club or not!
Caroline King
Chairman, Helmdon Gardening
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6th May 2009
Your Wish May Be Granted
Helmdon Parish Council has opened a grant application process for village groups and organisations seeking financial assistance.
Any group wishing to make an application has until Wednesday 13th May to fill in and return a grant application form to Parish Clerk, Liz Hart.
Applications will be judged on their merit against a fixed budget for grants for 2009/10.
For further information please contact parishcouncil@helmdon.com.
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26th April 2009
School Appoints New Headteacher
Helmdon Primary School has appointed a new Headteacher, due to arrive in September ready for the 09/10 school year.
The appointee, Mrs Johnson from Warwickwhire, will take over from interim headteacher, Mrs Sue Deane, who stepped in to cover the vacancy left by the departure of Sue Blackburn at the end of 2008.
Mrs Deane had retired from Towcester Infants School but offered to put off her retirement for a few months to hold the fort at Helmdon. The school has benefited enormously as Mrs Deane brought a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Helmdon Primary School achieved a "Good" overall standard at the last OFSTED inspection so it is hoped that the incoming head can build upon past success.
No doubt Mrs Johnson will be warmly welcomed by staff, pupils and parents.
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9th April 2009
115th Annual Parish Meeting For Helmdon
Flooding has been a major
issue in recent years. |
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon.
The meeting this year will feature presentations from village groups and organisations.
It is also an opportunity to meet and ask questions of District Councillor, Cllr Robin Digby and County Councillor, Cllr Andrew Grant.
There will be wine and refreshments and an opportunity to chat and celebrate all that Helmdon has to offer.
The Annual Parish Meeting is open to all electors in the parish. It is not a meeting of the Parish Council, but is convened and chaired by Cllr Peter Burns, the chairman of the Parish Council.
For further information please contact the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart on 01295 760130 or by e-mail at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.
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2nd April 2009
A Chance To Visit And Ask Questions
The operators of Blackpits Recycle Centre are holding an open evening on Wednesday 8th April 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the centre on the Welsh Lane, Helmdon.
Visitors can see the operation, with escorted tours around the site, and ask any questions about the current and future operations of the facility.
All visitors will be offered a bag of compost from the site free
of charge (please take a plastic liner in case the compost is wet).
More information is available from any member of the Blackpits Liaison
& Monitoring Group.
For more about the operation please visit the Blackpits section of the web site.
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22nd March 2009
Watch Out, Watch Out
Helmdon is one of the safest villages in one of the safest areas of the country, but there's still no room for complacency.
As the weather warms up and more people are outside, opportunist thieves may take advantage of open doors and windows. It is particularly important to make sure that garden sheds are kept secure at all times to prevent burglars accessing tools and ladders that can then be used to break in.
If anyone sees anything or anybody suspicious the village has a network of Neighbourhood Watch contacts that you can report it to. Or if in doubt call 999.
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12th February 2009
Love Is in The Air
Forget snow - it's now love that is in the air. And hearts all over Helmdon will be melting faster than the ice on Station Road when all the hopeless romantics in the village celebrate Valentine's Day on Saturday.
And what better way to celebrate than spending the evening in the cosy surroundings of the Bell Inn with your loved one?
Delicious food (chilli and rice or jacket potatoes with different fillings followed by French apple tart or chocolate fudge cake with cream) all for just £5 per person! Served from 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Then relax with a drink and watch two teams trying to outwit each other in a game of Call My Bluff at 9.00 p.m.
OK, so you could whisk your loved one down to Luton, Easyjet it over to Barcelona and treat them to an evening on the Ramblas followed by a luxury suite in the Hotel Majestic but where's the romance in that when you can get all the same brownie points just up Church Street?
And to show their true devotion the Helmdon Young Husbands Organisation (HYHO) will be holding their monthly meeting in the Bell on Friday night - just checking everything will be alright for the Saturday night of course!
For further information about Saturday's entertainment please call Richard on 01295 768155.
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6th February 2009
Snow Wonder The School Is Closed
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Most residents in Helmdon have been snowed in for the last two days.
The heaviest snowfall in eighteen years fell on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th February.
Despite valiant efforts there was no option but to close the school as driving conditions made it dangerous for staff and children to travel.
The week started with heavy snow across much of southern England with a white blanket descending on Helmdon around 1:00 a.m. on Monday 2nd. But come Monday morning the roads were passable and most people went to work. However, heavier snow was forecast for Wednesday night and Thursday morning and the forecasters were absolutely correct!
Read more on the snow and see photos and video of the snow in Helmdon >>>
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23rd January 2009
Talkabout Helmdon
Why not seize your chance to contribute to Helmdon's excellent biannual magazine, Talkabout.
Contributors have until 22nd February to submit articles, stories, photographs, advertisements, appeals, announcements and other publishable information.
Contributions should be sent to the editor, John Thorne, at talkabout@helmdon.com.
Whether you are a secretary of a group with news and information to report, or a private individual with something to say, the Talkabout team want to hear from you. Remember, Talkabout is your magazine.
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10th January 2009
Helmdon From The Air
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A wonderful selection of oblique aerial photographs has been added to the Helmdon Picture Gallery.
The photos, which feature many of Helmdon's roads and landmarks, were taken by Mike Barnes during a flight over Helmdon in a gyrocopter with Mike Elliot.
All the photos are fascinating, but of particular interest is one of Cross Lane which is taken from a similar angle to another photo from several decades ago and clearly shows the changes and development over the years.
Very good aerial pictures of Helmdon are also available at Google Maps. The photos of Helmdon have been updated within the last few years.
If you have any new, old or interesting photos you would like to share with the web site please contact webmaster@helmdon.com. We can scan hard copy photos for you and we promise to take care of them whilst in our possesion!
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