A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all residents of Helmdon - past, present and future!!

The festive weather has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. Last year we were in the grip of the coldest winter for decades, now we are having the warmest Christmas on record - barmy!

Don't forget, there's no bin collection today (Tuesday). Instead there is a collection on Saturday 31 January for the green bin and green box, then on Tuesday 3 January there will be a collection for the black bin and black box. Small Christmas trees can be left beside the green wheelie bins for the 10 January collection.

Whatever you're doing and where ever you are we hope you have a wonderful New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2012!

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Posted 04 December 2011
Latest News Is Unappealing

Roll up! Roll up!

The Bell football team in the 1960s.

Can you tread the boards in Helmdon?

Radstone Road closed for up to a fortnight.

The good news is that the Radstone Road from the Welsh Lane towards Brackley is going to be resurfaced in part. The bad news is that the road will be closed for two weeks starting on 24 October.

The County Council's Highways contractor, MGWSP is undertaking carriageway patching works on a section of the Radstone Road. To allow for the works to be completed safely the road will be closed between the hours of 07:30 and 17:00 from Monday 24 October until Friday 4 November 2011.

A bizarre diversion will operate (see map) although most people will access Brackley via the B4525 and A43.

The first week of the closure is half term but there is likely to be local disruption throughout the fortnight.

If you require more information about the patching works please contact Ciaran Murphy on 01604 883400.

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The affordable housing development taking shape - July 2011.

The four new homes currently being built on Station Road are due to be completed towards the end of the year.

To be eligible for one of the homes you need to be registered on South Northamptonshire Council's waiting list for housing and have a local connection to Helmdon.

If you are not already registered on the waiting list, please contact Alice Izzett, Strategic Housing Officer on 01327 322374 to ask for an application form.

In the next few weeks, households who are registered on the Council's waiting list and are interested in living in Helmdon (and would be eligible for a 2 bedroom flat or house) will be sent a local connection survey.

For more details contact Alice Izzett on 01327 322374 or alice.izzett@southnorthants.gov.uk.

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Due to the resignation in August of Cllr Phil Earl Helmdon Parish Council has an immediate vacancy for a councillor and will fill the vacancy by co-option at the September meeting of the council on Wednesday.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the role of parish councillor should in the first instance contact the clerk, Liz Hart, at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

The vacancy will be filled on Wednesday, so if you're interested you need to get in quick!

[N.b. At the meeting on 28 September Mr Eddie Garner was co-opted to join Helmdon Parish Council - Ed]

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Helmdon Parish Council is publishing a new newsletter for Helmdon, Astwell and Falcutt.

Over the past two years it had become increasingly difficult to produce Talkabout, the village's publication for the past 27 years. In some ways it had become a victim of its own success and had grown to such a large publication that managing it had become quite a job.

The new newsletter is a much slimmer, punchier affair that will be published four times per year and delivered in hard copy to every household. It will carry news and information from the parish council and details of key events in the village calendar.

In this first issue there are three appeals:

1. What would you like the newsletter called? Should it honour tradition and be called Talkabout, or should it reflect its new beginnings with a fresh new title? Your suggestions to Parish Clerk, Liz Hart, at parishcouncil@helmdon.com.

2. As part of the council's image makeover it would like a new logo that reflects the unique characteristics of the parish. It would be great if the design came from someone living in, or connected to the village. Get your pen and paper out and send your design ideas to Liz Hart by 18 November 2011.

3. How would you like the village to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee in 2012? The parish council has marked past Jubilee's and is seeking your ideas for this one. Again, contact Liz Hart by 18 November.

The parish council hopes you enjoy the new newsletter and that you like the new format. Please send any feedback to Liz Hart as the council is keen to ensure that the newsletter meets your needs.

Watch out for the first issue, which will be falling on your doormat over the weekend.

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Posted 26 August 2011
Update On The Bridge

For those wondering whether anything is happening with the bridge on Station Road, here's the latest update from MGWSP, the highways contractor for Northamptonshire County Council:

1. The bridge at Station Road, Helmdon is owned by British Rail Board – Residuary (BRBR) and takes the C20 Helmdon to Radstone road over a disused rail line. Within the rail cutting a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies adjacent to southern boundary of the bridge.

2. As a result of concerns expressed by MGWSP regarding the condition of the bridge a load capacity assessment of the bridge was started in January 2011. It was soon established that the bridge had ‘weak’ edges that are not able to support vehicular loading. For safety reasons it was therefore decided to restrict traffic to the centre of the bridge and a two-way traffic signal system was installed in February 2011.

3. Discussions were held with BRBR and a 50/50 cost share for any proposed strengthening was agreed. Since that time options to strengthen the bridge have been reviewed and it is considered that infilling beneath the bridge is the most cost effective solution. The infilling will be undertaken partly using earthworks materials completed with a topping of pumped concrete. Embankments either side of the bridge will be necessary to support the infilling materials.

4. A preferred scheme has been designed and negotiations are now underway with: • BRBR to formalise the funding agreement and transfer; • Natural England regarding the SSSI; • Landowners regarding the embankment land take.

5. It is hoped that this scheme will be completed during this financial year (2011/12). This will however depend on legal negotiations running smoothly and some minor environmental issues being resolved.

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Time to get healthy and get out and about on your bikes.

Catherine Ruffley is starting a Family Ride on Wednesday evenings from 7pm - 8pm, starting on the 24th of August.

Meet outside the Reading Room on Church Street in Helmdon at 6.50 (leaving by 7.10). Everyone is welcome with no age or ability limits. All children, and preferably adults, must wear helmets. Children must be accompanied as it is a Family Ride not a children's ride!

For more information e-mail Catherine here.

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photo: Phil Bridger

It's easy to make the mistake of thinking that the cricketing highlight of August will be the third and fourth tests when England will be crowned No.1 team in the world. But that is to overlook the Helmdon 10/10 cricket extravaganza taking place at the Sports Field, Wappenham Road on Sunday 28 August 2011.

Three teams, “HYHO’s select XI”, “Helmdon CC” and “The Bell Bandits” will be slogging it out to grab the inaugural Helmdon 10/10 title.

The event is open to all and starts at 1:00 p.m. There will be a bar and BBQ available throughout the afternoon and evening. Entry is free.

Come down and support one of the teams... you are guaranteed a good time! All proceeds to the Helmdon Sports Field.

Click here to download a poster for you to print out and stick on your fridge!

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Posted 19 July 2011
No Longer the Bridesmaid

The Brackley Male Voice Choir

The HYHO (Helmdon Young Husbands Organisation) Summer BBQ is only weeks away and tickets are on sale now.

The main event in Helmdon's social calendar takes place on Saturday 9 July 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight on the Sports Field, Wappenham Road.

There will be games and sports, children's entertainment, bar, disco, hog roast, BBQ, prize raffle, auction and to top it all off, live music from local band Acxent.

Tickets are just £10 per adult, £5 per child or £20 for a family ticket (2 adults and own children under 18). Tickets are available from Toby Ballantine (768853), Mark Lovett (768500) and Huw Davies (768755).

With a firm like Ballantine, Lovett & Davies in charge, it promises to be a night to remember - so get your tickets quick!

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Posted 3 June2011
Have Your Cake - And Eat It!

The old shop at Wappenham.

Helmdon Parish Council is, for the third year running, opening a grant application process for all village groups and organisations seeking financial assistance.

Any group wishing to make an application has until Thursday 12th May to fill in and return a grant application form by email or post to the Parish Clerk, Liz Hart.

Applications will be judged on their merit against a fixed budget for grants for 2011/12.

For further information please contact parishcouncil@helmdon.com or contact Liz on (01295) 760130.

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Why not try your hand at sailing this weekend?! The Banbury Sailing Club invites you and your family to try sailing for FREE on Sunday 1 May.

The fun-filled Open Day at this local family friendly club on Boddington Reservoir runs from 2pm-5pm and is guaranteed to offer something for everyone. Whether it be getting your first taste of sailing under the watchful eye of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) instructors or simply sampling the social side of what life at Banbury SC has to offer, the club Open Day doors are open to welcome everyone regardless of age, gender or experience. Download the BSC event poster here.

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The long Easter weekend is nearly here, the weather forecast for Helmdon looks absolutely wonderful (don't let the occasional thundery showers put you of your barbeque!), and there is fun in the village for all the family.

The Helmdon Acorns are holding an Easter egg hunt on Saturday 23 April. Arrive at the pre-school at 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 start. Download the Easter egg hunt poster for more details.

On Sunday night it's Quiz Night in the Bell. New teams are always welcome - if you think you've got what it takes! Contact the pub for further details.

Whatever you're doing and wherever you are, the web site team wish you a happy and safe Easter holidays.

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Posted 16 April 2011
Two Off, Two On

A tawny mining bee and her nest

Kids were literally climbing the walls.

South Northants Homes Managing Director, Paul Calland, wields the sledge hammer.

The original two bungalows owned by SNH had fallen into disrepair and had been empty since last December. It is hoped the four houses will be complete by the end of the year.

SNH is still hoping to secure £75,000 in grant from the Homes and Communities Association (HCA) for the scheme which has been designed by Roger Coy Partnership. The work will be carried out by the contractor Relmfield Builders Ltd., working with Agent Robert Lombardelli Partnership.

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Posted 12 March 2011
Helmdon Man In Japan

The earthquake has caused widespread disruption.

Helmdon's very own Chris Page was in the 8.9 quake to hit Japan yesterday. Chris sent the web site this report:

"I am out here for a week on business and have been staying in Tokyo.

We had a small earth tremour on Tuesday which is not uncommon for Tokyo - if a little disconcerting. On Friday I was 50 miles North of Tokyo visiting some of our sites for DHL. We left our last site at around 2:15 pm and were only about 10 minutes away when the quake struck. We were parked on a bridge in a people carrier waiting for the lights to change when the car starting moving from side to side. At first I thought it was HGV traffic passing us and buffeting the car in their wake, but after 20 seconds realised that no other traffic was moving and that the bridge was swaying violently. At one point I could see the buildings around us rippling and waving. The quake lasted for at least two minutes. Luckily the bridge we were on held up so we continued to drive back into Tokyo. Most of the highways here are multi-tier and after a number of small aftershocks we decided to leave the highway. Within 30 seconds of leaving the highway a second quake struck measuring 6.9. I got out of the car and could see the three tier highway above me wriggling about like a bowl of spagetti!

We spent the next 7 hours driving back into Tokyo which was completly gridlocked as the entire public transport system had stopped. Eventually we ditched the car and walked the last 40 minutes back to the hotel. The hotel lobby was full of people wrapped in blankets and sleeping on the floor who couldn't get home.

I was due to fly back to London today but did not make my flight as a number of the highways are still shut so for the time being I'm stuck here. We are stll getting slight tremours."

Obviously we wish Chris all the best for a safe return and send our thoughts to everyone in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

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Posted 22 February 2011
The Objections Are In... 400 And Counting

400 Objections received so far.

Following months of detailed work, the Helmdon, Stuchbury & Greatworth Windfarm Action Group (HSGWAG) has now submitted its objections in relation to Broadview Energy’s wind farm application to South Northants Council.

For those who wish to see a copy of the final document, please contact the Helmdon Parish Clerk Liz Hart, who will be happy to lend you one. Alternatively, visit www.hsgwag.co.uk where you can view it online or download and print.

Click here to open the latest HSGWAG update report.

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Posted 21 February 2011
Last Chance To Return Your Survey

Time is running out to return your survey.

Thank you to everyone that has returned their parish plan survey so far.

If you haven't yet returned it but intend to do so please deliver it by hand to 30 Church Street. Although the survey is now closed late entries will be taken in to account if they arrive by the end of the month.

The Helmdon Parish Plan Group will be compiling the results of the survey and will present it to the village at the Annual Parish Meeting on 27 April 2011.

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Posted 13 February 2011
A Bridge Too Weak

Traffic lights on the Station Rd bridge.

The bridge on Station Road, Helmdon over the old Great Central railway has been deemed too weak for two lanes of traffic.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place to restrict traffic to a single lane in the middle of the bridge carriageway. In addition a 20 mph speed limit has been applied to reduce the impact of passing traffic.

Highways contractor MGWSP imposed the restrictions following an assessment of the bridge's structural capacity.

No news has yet been received as to what might happen next, but an indication might be the plight of traders on a Wellingborough industrial estate who face a six-week road closure because of a similar weak railway bridge.

Updates will appear on the Helmdon web site as the situation develops.

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Posted 7 February 2011
Time To Have Your Say


Helmdon Parish Plan surveys were delivered a couple of weeks ago (see below) and are now due back in. A member of the Helmdon Parish Plan Group (HPPG) will call round to collect your completed surveys over the next week or so.

It is important that everyone that wants to has a chance to input in to the survey, which will be used as the basis for writing Helmdon Parish Plan II - a plan for Helmdon for the next five years.

Many thanks to the twenty or so people that have already filled in their survey and dropped it off at a collection point. For everyone else, please have your surveys near your door and ready for collection!

The survey results will be reported to the village at the Annual Parish Meeting on 27 April 2011.

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Posted 31 January 2011
Dig In

Helmdon Parish Council operates allotments on land behind the Green, on Station Road. Normally the allotments are in high demand, but currently there is only one person on the waiting list, with plots likely to become available later this year.

If you are interested in taking on a plot and would like to find out more, please contact the parish clerk, Liz Hart, by e-mail or on 760130.

Allotment gardening is fun and can be a great activity for families, whilst teaching children where their food comes from. Imagine, you could be eating your very own home grown vegetables by the autumn!

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Posted 19 January 2011
It's Survey Time Again

 

The "original" parish plan for Helmdon was published in 2004 and is in need of a refresh. Members of the Helmdon Parish Plan Group (HPPG) have been working over the past six months to identify the current and future needs of the village and the next step in that process is a village-wide questionnaire.

In the coming days a member of the HPPG will be delivering your questionnaire forms to you. There are only twenty questions and it shouldn't take very long at all to fill in. Every person over 11 years of age is invited to fill in a questionnaire.

You views are very important and will be used to inform the final parish plan, which will be presented to the village in April.

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Posted 13 January 2011
Road Ahead Closed

 

Please be aware that the road between Weston and Woodend will be closed to traffic on Monday 17 January 2011. A diversion through Wappenham will be in operation.

Works are being carried out by A Plant Lux on behalf of BT.  They are carrying out renewal and repair works to telegraph poles and cabling along the road in question and this can only safely be done by closing the road to through traffic.  The road will be closed for one day between 09.30 and 15.30 on the 17th January 2011.

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Posted 1 January 2011
Happy New Year Helmdon!

Happy New Year to everyone in Helmdon, and to all those who view and support the Helmdon web site.

2011 promises to be an interesting and exciting year, albeit with inevitable financial pressures.

In sport the year will hopefully get off to a good start with an Ashes series win against the Aussies, and for rugby fans it is a World Cup year.

For Royalists there is the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April, as well as planning and preparations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Closer to home there are parish council elections in May, so now's your chance if you want to stand for election.

In February/March the outcome of the Broadview wind farm application will be known - will they or won't they be successful?

And make sure you are at home in Helmdon on 27 March 2011 to be recorded for posterity in the 2011 Census.

Whatever you're doing in 2011 and wherever you are I hope it is an enjoyable and memorable year.

Best wishes from the web site team.

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