Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
THE MILLENNIUM
LYCH GATE
We are glad that so many commented favourably on the designs
detailed in the last Village Newsletter. At the time of writing, the
planning stage for the new gate is almost complete. The Local Authority
has given planning permission, and we are awaiting the "Faculty" from
Oxford Diocese which will give us final authorisation to proceed.
Richard Valentine has sorted through the various tenders for the
building work and come to an advantageous agreement with a reputable
local firm. We hope to break ground at the beginning of October so that
the Lych Gate will be ready in good time for the new millennium.
Of course it will not be cheap. Would you care to make a donation,
maybe in memory of a loved one? We hope to mark such gifts in due
course, possibly by affixing a suitable plaque on the gate or in the
church, or maybe with a memorial book. Gifts will be very welcome,
and should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer All Saints Church
Coleshill (see below).
Now we really can say "Watch this space!"
Tim Harper
Rector
Howard Pool, Hon Treasurer Alt Saints Church Coleshill,
Lansdown, Magpie Lane, Coleshill, HP7 OLX.
Cheques should be made payable to 'The Millennium Project'.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
NEWS FROM ALL SAINTS
Charitable Giving - 1998
The following donations were inadvertently omitted from the Easter
newsletter:
Brownies £103.00
Childrens'Society £ 81.00
Fuel Fund £ 50.00
Rosanna Hospital £250.00
Rushymead Hospice £250.00
Three Villages Youth Club £200.00
Christian Aid Week
The house-to-house collection and sponsored walk together raised a
grand total of £753.54. Our grateful thanks to Helen Barnes for her
organisation and to all those who gave their support.
Harvest Charity*
The first fundraising event, a Car Boot Sale, has already taken place and
raised a profit of just under £400.00. The second - About Antiques -
will take place on Friday 26th November next.
Village Fete*
This was a great success, resulting in a net profit of approximately
£2,800.00, which goes towards the Millennium Lych Gate Appeal.
Very many thanks to Philip Denyer and his team for their organisation
and to Richard and Rosemary Valentine for kindly allowing the event to
take place in their meadow.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
Sponsored Bicycle Ride*
This annual event will take place on Saturday 11 September and, again,
our church organiser is Rosemary Valentine.
Village School
Mrs Jenny Earp, currently Deputy Head at Curzon School, Peon Street,
has been appointed Headteacher from September 1999.
* Further details appear elsewhere in this newsletter.
Ruth Murphy
HOLY BAPTISM
Frederick James Timothy Davis - 28th March 1999
James Edward Roberts - 23rd May 1999
Isobel Louise Roberts - 23th May 1999
Max Alexander Alien - 27th June 1999
Ted Charles Alien - 27th June 1999
Harry Theodore Curtis - 27th June 1999
Natasha Alexandra Curtis - 27th June 1999
INMEMORIAM
Florence Hazel Pearce - 30th May 1999
Muriel May Baldwin - 14th June 1999
ALL SAINTS MAGPIE CLUB
Magpie Club continues to thrive. This term our theme has been a
"World of Stories". Each session has included a story reflecting a
Christian tradition. Some of the stories included were Isaac and
Rebekah (portraying love and marriage), Jacob's Ladder (anywhere can
be a special holy place), Jonah and the Whale (an example of a story
with humour) and Moses and the Burning Bush ( surprise).
Slimmer 1999 Issue No. 157
Yet again the children have enjoyed making various articles in craft as
well as playing games and we have especially enjoyed being able to get
out into the garden to enjoy the sunshine.
To finish this term we will be picnicking and playing games in the
School garden, weather permitting, then the new term will start again in
September. All children between the ages of 3 and 10 years are most
welcome to attend between 5 and 6 p.m. alternate Fridays in the Village
School. The dates for the new term will be posted on the School notice
board.
We would also welcome any parents or friends who would like to help.
If you are interested please telephone on (01494) 727791
Glynis Culley
HAZELL PEARCE
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the friends and
villagers who were so supportive of our family during Hazel's illness.
There were so many of you who drove Hazel to Oxford for
radiotherapy, sent cheery gifts and cards, and provided delicious
homebaked goodies.
We would also like to thank Liz Norman for performing a lovely
service and the W.I. ladies for their contribution to the church flowers
especially Catherine Green, Sharon Hall, Lindsey Haubner and
Rosemary Valentine for their beautiful arrangements. Finally, huge
thanks to the lady who has always been there for us - Dumpy Swerling.
Philip and Rosalind Pearce
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
INTRODUCING YOUR NEW
CURATE
Until November 1994 I really had no idea that my involvement in
ordained ministry would go any further than being married to a vicar. I
can't speak for my subconscious, of course, but I thought I was listening
to the general synod debate about the ordination of women with a
detached curiosity.
The flood of thoughts and feelings that followed that momentous 'yes'
vote showed quite clearly that something had been brewing for some
time!
Not that I had been sitting around twiddling my thumbs till that
moment. I was born in Shepherds Bush and moved to Norwich when I
was seven. Norwich was bliss after the darkness of post war London. I
can well remember the smog and greyness, and my father's first church
was no more than a bombsite.
When I set off to university to read English and Music I had ideas of
becoming an arts journalist, but two things set me on another course.
Firstly, 1 discovered that I had a voice and singing began to take over,
and secondly a gorgeous young man appeared on the scene. His name
was Tim. After I had finished my degree 1 came down to London very
much in love, both with singing and with Tim, and embarked on a post
graduate Opera Course at the Royal Academy.
During that period Tim and 1 worshipped at All Souls Langham Place. It
was an exciting period. We sang and played in their orchestra and were
part of a new Arts group, which was thinking about the theology of Art
and a Christian understanding of the post-modern world.
Musically things were going well, and 1 delighted in my first Wigmore
Hall recital and South bank debut.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
As my voice matured I sang more opera, and when Tim went to
Wycliffe Hall to train for ordination, I stayed in London and continued
to sing, both here and abroad. It's clear now that I felt a little jealous of
him, and did a counselling course while he was in Oxford and helped to
set up one of the first church based counselling centres in Morden.
With the benefit of hindsight I can see that God was giving me all sorts
of experience that would be valuable later. Once Tim was ordained it
seemed the right time to have a family, and we now have three children
who will soon have to suffer the embarrassment of having r\vo clergy
parents!
It is most unusual in the Church of England for one spouse to be the
curate of the other, but I see it as a special opportunity. We know each
other's strengths and weaknesses and hopefully we can evolve a style of
work that is genuinely complementary and collaborative.
Being ordained is undoubtedly an awesome thing. I have made promises
that I could never live up to in my own strength and know that only by
sticking close to God can I even begin. However, it feels good and right
to be here, and I look forward to an exciting few years ahead, packed
with life's usual mix of tears and joy.
Rosie Harper
Assistant Curate
NSPCC
Thank you to everyone who supported our Nina Campbell lunch in
May. We raised £2,600.00, which was a fantastic total.
We are already thinking about our Christmas crackers! If you are
holding a millennium party, why not order some crackers from us! For
advance orders contact Sharon Hall, telephone (01494) 725231.
Sharon Hall
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
Bucks Historic Churches Trust
-1999 BICYLE RIDE -
Saturday 11 September - 10am To 6pm
A clergyman on a Penny Farthing bicycle looks on as a young child leaves All
Saints, Hillesden after checking in on the Bicycle Ride
All Saints is situated in a small hamlet south of Buckingham but, oh what a
wonderful piece of Perpendicular church architecture!
Like many of our churches in Buckinghamshire, it has needed the help of
Bucks Historic Churches Trust to maintain it.
Last year on Bicycle Ride day over £33,000.00 was raised, slightly exceeding
the previous year's amount but on a very wet day. What can all you walkers
and cyclists do for us on a hopefully fine day in 1999? Great things we hope.
Remember half of the amount you raise goes to the church of your choice.
To participate and to obtain sponsorship forms, contact your local organiser-
Rosemary Valentine (01494) 725794
or the County Organiser, Paul Everitt
7 Burnham Lane, Burnham (01628) 667646
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
1999 BRITISH LEGION
POPPY APPEAL
Remembrance Sunday, this year, is on 14th November. The British
Legion Poppy Appeal will be launched at the beginning of November
and as in previous years there will be a house-to-house collection in
Coleshill. Our aim will be to match, if not better, last year's record total.
The support from our loyal collectors continues to be outstanding, but
we would welcome some additional volunteers to cover, in particular,
Village Road and Barracks Hill. Can you help?
Leslie Croydon
Hon. Organiser
Tel: (01494) 721209
ALL SAINTS HARVEST
CHARITY
This year the Church Committee decided that, in addition to supporting
Raphael as usual, the second charity would be the Thames/Chiltern
Earing Disorders Association. In support of these the Organising
Committee has planned two events.
Car Boot Sale
This was held on the Cricket Field on Bank Holiday Monday at the end
of May. Many people from the village helped by donating goods for
sale, taking pitches and helping with the organisation. In spite of the
gloomy weather, £380.00 was raised towards the charities.
About Antiques
Valuers from Phillips, the internationally renowned Auctioneers and
Valuers will be available to describe and value your antiques at an
interesting and informative day.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
You are invited to bring your items to the Village Hall between 2.30pm
and 5.00pm in the afternoon of Friday, 26th November. In the evening
there will be a social event with supper and more about antiques when
one of the Phillips1 valuers will be present to talk to us.
If you would be interested in what promises to be a fascinating day, it
would be helpful to Phillips and to the organisers if you could let us
know, to give us some idea of how many people are likely to come
along.
For more information telephone:-
RosieSearles (726118) or Patsy Wright-Warren (433356)
PARISH YOUTH MATTERS
Well, things are starting to wind down for the summer now, but here is
a brief update on the current state of the various groups.
Magpie Club has a regular attendance of around 30 children, and we
have been working on a "stories" theme since Easter. Next term's dates
will be published as soon as we know them.
Three Villages Youth Group continues after its successful re-launch.
The club, which covers Coleshill, Winchmore Hill and Perm Street,
meets weekly for crafts, games, trips and more. Call me for details.
The Parish Youth Group incorporates several groups. We currently
have just over 30 members from school years 6 and upwards, and new
members (or those who are simply curious) are always welcome. We
meet on Sunday mornings during the 10.15am service at St. Mary's and
also fortnightly for social events on Sunday evenings.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 15 7
Recent activities have included games nights, a newspaper fashion
show, bowling trips, a duck racing and stocks stall at the St. Mary's
fete, and a quiz night. The 14+ (school years 9 and over) group meets
on Friday evenings for a meal and discussion. A recent experiment was
a 10+ group for the younger members of the Youth Group, and although
this was not a total success, I plan to re-launch this in the near future,
albeit in a different form.
Of course, no summary like this can give a full impression of what is
going on for youth in the area, so for more details either get in touch
with me (01494) 723793, E-mail HDan>
out for monthly newsletters on the All Saints porch notice board.
One final thing: I am trying to set up a Coleshill Music Group. I know
there are some really talented musicians in the village, and 1 am sure we
could get something 'fun' together. If you are interested, jot down your
name, address, instrument and approximate standard on a piece of
paper, put it in an envelope addressed to me and place it just inside the
door at All Saints church. All standards welcome.
Howard Darvill
IST COLESHILL GUIDE
COMPANY
Meetings
• Time: Monday evenings - 7.00 to 8.30 pm
• Venue: Coleshill Village Hall
• Subs: £10.50 per term
Guider's and Helpers
• Kaye Smith is the Guider
• Helen "Nightingale" Fowler (a retired guider)
• Sarah Maclean (a really committed parent helper)
• Emma Maclean (Young Leader in training)
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
The Guides
The guides come from the village and one from Amersham-on-the-Hill.
Enrolments, Badges and Trefoils
• We are working as a company on the Local History badge this term.
We are using both Amersham Old Town and Coleshill for this. We
expect to be tested for this badge at the end of this term.
• The guides are either working on their Yellow or Green Trefoils
Activities - Theme of Challenge and Development:
Membership - as we mentioned previously please note we need support
from the village or the Company will close - we have a declining
number of guides but need to "feed" our Company from Coleshill
Brownies as well as any other girls interested.
So far this year
• We have done cooking - cakes for the Friends of Guiding stall as
fund raising for the district - as well as sweet making (truffles,
peppermint creams....)
• Jewellery evening - creating jewellery for ourselves and favourites
• Chocolate tasting evening
• We helped at the Coleshill Fete - running the bouncy castle and the
face paints - not bad for 6 guides.
• Bowling evening
• One of our guides went to the water camp at Longridge and had a
great time
We lookfonvard to
• A day out in London
• Our end of year outing - Pizza and a visit to the Cinema
• A walk from Jordans
We welcome new guides - whether you have been a Brownie or not.
If you are interested just give me a call!
Kaye Smith
Amersham 433419 or at work on 01932 896035
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS
Coleshill Village Drama Group
How will you be celebrating the end of the year?
At the beginning of this year, I was going abroad, but astronomical air
fares and difficulties with availability soon changed that idea. So now I
am yet to decide how to spend this once in a lifetime occasion. It would
seem that the same is true of other people in the village, as problems
with baby-sitters, taxis, etc. raise their ugly heads.
The Drama Group has often put on parties at that time of year and it
would be great to organise something for this very special occasion, but
unfortunately, we do not have any idea of the numbers who would
come. (Just my luck to end up on my own in a deserted village).
So, how many of you would like to celebrate with a party? There will
of course be difficulties, but if enough people want to come, we will
find ways around the problems.
If you are interested, let me know, my telephone number is (01494)
729266, fax number 727114 or E-mail:
John Bullard
RUSHYMEAD HOSPICE
If "you/ wcndd>tike* m&re>inft^matiorvabout'how
you/ca<n/help the^ "friend*of 'Ruthymead'"
please/ con-tact" HeotHef Hollcwnby
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
THE VILLAGE SCHOOL
As I near the end of my headship at Coleshill C E First School I am filled with
many memories as I look back over the four very happy years and note all the
changes 1 have seen in the school and education since 1995.
When I started in 1995 there were 25 children aged from 5 to 8 years old. Now
there are three classes and 39 children. Losing the 8 year olds meant a great
deal of rethinking and as a result we took 4 year olds and organised a special
area for them.
Some of the greatest changes in the school have been concerned with the actual
premises. When I arrived in August 1995, there was a new kitchen being
installed, which Miss Dollemore, the previous head, officially opened and this
led to her becoming a regular helper in the school.
Both the office/staffroom and the hall were improved and later a very generous
donation by Joyce How gave the children a proper school library area. The
main classroom has been refurbished with the £500.00 gift from the Church for
our 150th anniversary.
Now, as I leave, we are in the process of developing a Technology room
equipped with three computers provided by government money for the
National Grid for learning and one generously provided by an anonymous
donor in the village.
One of the events I shall always remember was the school's 150th Anniversary
in 1997. We had so many different events to celebrate it - burying a time
capsule in the garden, a Thanksgiving service and Victorian Fete both attended
by Earl and Countess Howe, a school outing to the Chiltern Open Air Museum,
an Open Day attended by many past pupils, a party for the children where
everyone was dressed as Victorians, and a music hall.
The reunion for past pupils was attended by more than 200 people, which was
wonderful. It was an evening when young and old showed how much Coleshill
School had meant to them over the years and Mr Pusey, as the eldest former
pupil, cut the cake.
Slimmer 1999 Issue No. 15 7
The result of these celebrations was the playground equipment erected in
January 1999. The children really enjoy it and Leslie the caterpillar is a
bonus, provided as one of the gifts in memory of Mr Griffiths. The pavement
outside the school makes life so much easier and safer for the children.
Without Pauline to support the music in the school our concerts, dancing etc.
would not have been the same and 1 have enjoyed working with her.
There are so many things which have happened over my time at Coleshill -
visits to Rushymead Hospice to sing at Christmas, making posies for
Mothering Sunday, numerous visits to Church, winning a steam train ride, a
visit to Milton Keynes recycling centre, the Easter competitions we have had
for hats, gardens and eggs, writing "Snippets" and country dancing. Whilst the
children have enjoyed themselves they have not forgotten others less fortunate
and have raised well over £1,000.00 for charities while I have been here.
Two of the two most difficult things I have had to cope with, neither
educational nor financial matters, are mice (I am terrified of them) and glis
glis! Mice seem to be permanent occupants of the school; one mouse even
dared to run up and down the corridor during an Ofsted meeting.
Something I feel is unique to Coleshill is the involvement of the village with
the school. The Church is also very important and we are very grateful for its
support. People have been so generous with their help, contributing all kinds of
different things and supporting our many events.
However, these memories would not be complete without the staff, governors
and children The children will provide me with the happiest memories. The
staff are so dedicated and give up many hours more than they should. I do
wish the government would look at our teachers and many like them around the
country and be thankful for their commitment. The governors too are most
supportive.
I thank you for making me feel so much a part of the village and giving me
such an excellent beginning to my first headship. I know I leave the school in
good hands when Jenny Earp takes over Coleshill C E Infant School, as it will
be called from September 1999, and I wish it every success in the future. I
shall look forward to hearing about the school and visiting it.
Louise Stallwood
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
A COLESHILL MEMORY
One day earlier this year I meet Vie Payne in the churchyard. I was
doing some clearing-up, and he was tending a family grave. In
conversation he began to tell me a story of his family during the war,
which I wrote down the next day.
Vic's elder brother Bob was in the Army from the very beginning. He
had not long been married, and had left the family home in Coleshill,
taking a flat at Hazlemere. He was drafted to France just as the Germans
were sweeping across towards the Channel.
Bob's unit had retreated across France until they came to St Malo,
hoping to find a ship. But the port was closed and the last ship had gone.
A small group of them laid up in a wood close to the town. The German
soldiers were so close that their Sergeant told them not even to breathe.
They decided that their best chance was to split up and make towards
Brest in the hope that there might be a ship from there.
Bob walked west for five days non-stop, and at last came near to Brest.
He met a Military Policeman on the road, who said "Keep going lad. It's
only half a mile now, and Jerry's very close." It was the last ship in port,
and he got aboard just as it started to move.
Eventually he got back to England, and was immediately given a week's
leave. During the chaos in France his mother had been told that he was
'Missing Presumed Dead'. There was no time for him to contact home
en route, and soon he reached Amersham Station, and set out in the dark
to walk to Hazlemere and his wife. He did not find her there, and
uncertain what to do, he set off back towards Coleshill.
In Village Road Bob's mother and a brother were standing in the dark
looking over towards London, as they often did, watching the Blitz - the
red glow of the fires, and the searchlights sweeping the night sky.
Suddenly Mrs Payne said: "That's Bob's footsteps!"
"What do you mean, mother?"
"That's Bob's footsteps !" And of course it was.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 15 7
When he asked where he could find his wife, he was told she had
moved to Winchmore Hill. "I'd best be off then." But he finally gave in
at his mother's " You're not walking another step tonight, Bob. You'll be
staying here until the morning!"
Chris Wege
COLESHILL BOWLS CLUB
The short mat bowls club continues to enjoy a healthy membership
although we were saddened to lose two of our members this year. Sam
Mallet, a founder member, who lived in the village until his wife, Jess
died. He then moved to Chesham, but continued to come to the club on
an occasional basis until his own recent death. The other member, Tom
Wall, came from Amersham and died suddenly in February, his wife
Thelma is still a very active member. Both Sam and Tom will be sadly
missed.
On a brighter note, the club finished second in the South Bucks League,
only losing in the final game to Widmer End, well done to all
concerned.
The summer season is with us again and this is an excellent time for
newcomers to try out the game whilst the more established bowlers are
outside playing, this means the mats are not as busy and is the ideal time
for novices to try their skills, either come along any Monday at 7.30pm
or telephone John Holland (01494) 729357.
The internal competitions have been held and the winners are- Singles
Peter White. Pairs, Alec Edwards & John Holland. Triples, Peter &
Simone White with Eric Wood. The Lynda Pyle Memorial Shield was
won by Peter White & Henry Hext. Well done all.
John Holland
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
VILLAGE FETE
On behalf of the fete committee and millennium lych gate appeal can I
thank every one who came to this year's fete and made it such a
success. £2,700.00 was raised. 1 would like to thank Richard and
Rosemary Valentine for lending us their meadow for the day.
There was a moments panic as the rain came in just before the fete
opened. Were we going to have a repeat of last year? Liz Norman's
prayers worked though and soon the sun came out.
Thomas the Tank Engine was kept busy all afternoon, and the children
from the school danced beautifully. In the "round the common race",
two very fresh runners crossed the finish line several minutes before a
very exhausted field trailed in. As the race was run on the road their
muddy boots were a little suspicious.
Unfortunately the rain could not hold off for the evening but Grand
Union Morris valiantly danced on in the rain, and the band played on.
Can I thank also the members of the committee and all the stallholders
who worked so hard on the day.
Philip Denyer
COLESHILL W.I.
Coleshill WI's main event has been the celebration of its Golden Jubilee
this summer. To mark the occasion a delicious lunch was enjoyed by
members followed by an amusing entertainment by singer Fiona
Harrison and her accompanist. Founder member Ruby May cut the
splendid 50th Anniversary cake - golden, of course, as were the raffle
prizes, the flowers and the exhibition of articles under the title "All that
Glisters is not Gold"!
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
In April we walked on a glorious day with bluebells and larks in
abundance around Pitstone. There we had a guided tour of the windmill
which has been beautifully restored and continued our milling education
with a visit to Waterstone water mill - very picturesque and equally
fascinating. In June we visited the Warburg Conservation Forest on a
trip entitled "Know your Wild Flowers". An extremely knowledgeable
young warden explained the nature of the conservation work and gave
us detailed descriptions of ways to identify wild flowers. Very useful
for those of us who don't know our agrimony from our eyebright!
We have had two visits - one to the Hindu Temple at Neasden and
another to Hampton Court Palace, both of which were very much
enjoyed. It was wonderful to have a coach taking us straight to our
destinations from the Village Pond. No worries about traffic or
parking!
At our monthly meetings we have had talks on Worcester China and on
the resolutions to be discussed at the WI AGM in the Albert Hall. We
will have a follow-up report on the latter at our next meeting in July as
well as a talk on the history of Stoke Court in Stoke Poges. In August
we shall be entertaining our friends from St Saviours - a club for the
deaf in London - to lunch and tea.
We shall be taking part in the Craft Spectacular at Wycombe Abbey
School on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th August and we are looking
forward to an outing to Richmond including a trip to the theatre there in
September.
Our September meeting on the 9th is an open one so any ladies who
think they might like to join us would be most welcome to come along.
Ours is a thriving WI and there are smaller groups within it which meet
on a regular basis to discuss books and poetry or to do sewing or
patchwork. Our regular meetings are on the second Thursday of each
month except August at 2.30pm (2.00pm during winter months).
Catherine Green
Slimmer 1999 Issue No. 157
THE VILLAGE HALL
Our AGM on 1st June 1999 was the last meeting for Graham Swerling as our Chairman.
We would like to thank him for all his support, encouragement and guidance over the
past seven years. Howard Green was unanimously voted in as our new Chairman. He is
no newcomer, having served on the committee for six years!
Is there anyone out there who could help by auditing the Village Hall accounts? (not an
arduous task!) If so please contact our chairman Howard Green on (01494) 724922.
Lindsey Eardley
1ST COLESHILL BROWNIES
We have had yet another action packed term and welcomed two more Brownies, Alice
and Jasmine into the pack. Every Brownie took their Stage 1 cooks badge and six took
their Stage 2. We had a wonderful evening sampling their delicious food.
We also had a very successful visit to Amersham Fire Station to learn about fire safety.
We saw the fire engine inside and out, dressed Tawny Owl as a fire fighter, and all the
brownies had a go with the fire hoses and leamt how to prevent a fire, as well as what to
do in a fire. All those who attended this meeting successfully obtained their Fire safety
badge the following meeting.
We had an adventurous walk along the Misboume having to take a major detour due to
a rather angry looking bull ! The pack sponsored Tawny Owl on the Three Peak
Challenge.
We have had tremendous fun this term but, sadly the pack looks in danger of closing as
both Brown Owl and Tawny Owl are leaving this term and, as yet, absolutely no one has
come forward to take over. It will be such a shame to see such an important part of the
village life in Coleshill disappear.
Is there anybody who feels strongly enough about this to help?
Please contact Jean Flack Telephone (01494) 728562
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
HORTICULTRAL SOCIETY
Our Spring Meeting was a talk by Steve Hitchen entitled "Home and Away"
(horticultural advantages in Coleshill and more exotic locations). This was a very
enjoyable evening for the few people who attended, mainly committee members! Steve
talked us through gardens in Coleshill and many National Trust Gardens from here to as
far away as Canada and New Zealand.
A coach trip to Hatfield House, to visit the "Festival of Gardening" was thoroughly
enjoyed. Unfortunately yet again we had difficulty filling a coach, but for the people
who went they were taken right up to the door, thus avoiding parking the car. To add to
this it was a sunny day and the group booking got a reduced rate. What more could you
want? The house was beautifully decorated and the displays were colourful and
interesting
Hopefully there will be lots of entries in the Village Show on 4th September. The
schedule should be out later this month. Remember to get your completed entry form in
to one of the committee members by Wednesday 1st September. Lets try and make this
year a bumper year for entries. Remember all new villagers are members by right of
living in the village.
Judi Herbert
COLESHILL CRICKET CLUB
A very wet May resulted in a number of early matches being cancelled. In the league,
the 1st XI have drawn most of their matches and so reside in the bottom half of their
division. The 2nd XI have fared a little better. For those interested, the league tables and
results appear regularly on the Red Lion Notice Board.
As well as the weather, availability has been spasmodic, causing the captains additional
problems. Both seem to have improved and we hope for all round improvement in the
second half of the season.
The exceptional generosity of our vice-presidents this year has enabled the extension to
the changing facilities to be completed on time. At a very convivial cocktail party held
on Sunday, 11th April, we were able to thank those who attended in person. To those
not able to attend, we extend our thanks and hope that we may see you all at the club
during the season.
Graham Flack
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
We are pleased to be able to report that we seem to be continuing in our
success against house burglaries although the summer visit of our
friends in the A3 5 5 lay-bys appears to have once again coincided with a
spate of out-building break-ins. Three local farmers have had tools and
equipment stolen and another arrived home in time to frighten them off
before they actually got in.
A house in Tower Road has also been a victim of a garden tool robbery.
In this case, the close circuit TV camera at Rushymead picked up the
perpetrators on film and this is currently being used to help the Police.
Another house had a bicycle stolen from a shed. Thames Valley Police
tell us that trailers and caravans are also being targeted at present
although none have been reported in the village to our knowledge.
The new Area Beat Officer, Colin Bedford, told us of a case where a
suspicious car was stopped and found to have five strimmers in the
boot. Not one of them had been post-coded so there was no proof of
ownership. Colin was present at the Village Fete and post-coded some
of the children's bicycles.
All he does is etch your post code into the metal work. You may be
able to do this yourselves but we suggest you paint or varnish over it or
the metal may rust. By post coding and fitting secure locks and hinges
you may save a break-in to your property. And remember they know
that you are likely to replace your tools with new ones and may be back
for them too, so take extra care.
The only other crime we have to report was that a house in Chase Close
had a car stolen. Another stolen car was found at the end of the road
and it appears that the thieves needed to exchange this, for whatever
reason, and helped themselves to the one in the Close.
Jack & Lindsey Haubner
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
With the sun shining and the temperature rising towards the eighties (as
I write this) the above seems rather incongruous, however please read
on...
The Christmas Newsletter will be distributed at the beginning of
December therefore would everyone who wishes to send Seasonal
Greetings to their friends in the village in the usual way please let me
know before the 9th November,
Enclosed is a pro-forma and if you would like to complete this and
return it to me together with a donation of £1.00 or more, I will arrange
for your Greeting to be included. By the way there is no need to wait
until November!
.00
Kenneth Crossley
COLESHILL TENNIS CLUB
We have had a good summer of tennis. Our one-day tournament in June
was a great success with the winners of the McCammon Shield being
Michael Wellington and Margaret Butler.
The club championship matches have been taking place, culminating
with the finals on Sunday 12th September next. All spectators welcome!
Sharon Hall
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
PARISH COUNCIL
As mentioned in the last edition of the Village Newsletter, this was the
year for elections to the Parish Council. On each occasion since 1991
we have had the opportunity to vote for our local councillors. Sadly this
time only five people put their names forward. These were Tony
Barber, Gillian Bungey, David Hall and Richard Valentine, who were
already members and Sue Miles, standing for the first time. This left
two vacancies to be filled by co-options. However, six people then
expressed their interest and the Council decided to chose the two by lot.
As a result John Jefford and Nick Sadler joined the Council.
At the Annual Parish Meeting on 25th May, Richard Valentine was reelected
as Chairman. Councillors accepted the following special
responsibilities: -
Vice Chairman David Hall
Planning Richard Valentine
Open Spaces Tony Barber and Richard Valentine
Footpaths Tony Barber and Sue Miles
Village Hall John Jefford
Play Area Sue Miles
School Governor Gillian Bungey
Highways Nick Sadler
Tennis Club David Hall
Traffic Calming
During the Easter holidays Bucks County Council carried out the
construction of a pavement along the School frontage which has proved
a success and is popular with parents and staff. The County Council is
now in the process of carrying out road repairs around the village.
Millennium
The Parish Council's application for planning permission for a lych gate
into the churchyard has been accepted. More details about this
Millennium project will be found elsewhere in the Newsletter.
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
Village Pond
Concern has been expressed about the amount of fishing in the Village
Pond and the amount of litter left around. This is especially serious
when it is fishing line which can endanger the wildlife. A compromise
is being sought so that the long tradition of children enjoying this
pursuit can be continued without harm to the pond and its surroundings.
Coleshill Common
Working parries on the Common will resume in September. Anyone
who is interested in joining these fun occasions should contact Patsy
Wright-Warren (433356) or Ann Trotman (433545).
Future Meetings
It was felt that the period between meetings was sometimes too long so
an extra meeting was arranged for 15th July. Meetings for the
remainder of the year will be on 12th October and 7th December.
Members of the public are very welcome at all meetings and have an
opportunity to speak or raise any issues at the beginning of each
meeting.
Patsy Wright-Warren
Clerk
THE RED LION
Traditionally the summer is a quiet season for regular activities, apart
from the Summer Darts League on Mondays. It is disappointing that we
had no response to the suggestion of a summer quiz league for the
village in the last newsletter.
For newcomers to the village, a reminder that groceries can be
purchased from 7.30am and newspapers ordered. If we can help you in
any way, our telephone number is 727020.
Chris & John Ulinun
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Rev'd Tim Harper
Jill Preston
Helen Spencer
lan McCallum
Howard Pool
Ruth Murphy
Catherine Green
Ruth Murphy
Ken Crossley
Patsy Wright-Warren
Ann Lawrence
Glynis Culley
Howard Darvill
Kaye Smith
Jean Flack
Jenny Earp
Jack & Lindsey Haubner
Lindsey Haubner
Sharon Hall
Howard Green
Sharon Hall
John Bullard
John Holland
John & Chris Ullnum
Graham Flack
Rector 01494724426
Parish Secretary 01494 729380
All Saints' Pro-warden 01494 725857
All Saints' Pro-warden 01494 725083
Hon Treasurer, All Saints' 01494 727687
Hon Secretary, All Saints' 01494 433539
Church Flowers 01494 724922
Organist & Choirmaster, All Saints' 01494 433539
Newsletter 01494433718
Clerk, Parish Council 01494 433356
Village Hall Bookings 01494 433421
Magpie Club 01494727791
Parish Youth Worker 01494723793
Coleshill Guides 01494 433419
Brownies 01494728562
Headmistress, Village School 01494 727206
Co-ordinators, Neighbourhood Watch 01494 722589
President, Coleshill WI 01494 722589
NSPCC 01494725231
Coleshill Horticultural Society 01494 724922
Secretary, Coleshill Tennis Club 01494 725231
Coleshill Drama Group 01494 729266
Coleshill Short Mat Bowls 01494 729357
The Red Lion 01494727020
Secretary, Coleshill Cricket Club 01494 728562
Slimmer 1999 Issue No. 157
DIARY DATES
Thursday 15th July
Saturday 4th September
Thursday 9th September
Saturday 11th September
Sunday 12th September
Thursday 12th October
Tuesday 9th November
Sunday 14th November
Friday 26th November
Parish Council Meeting - 8.15pm
. ..„::•&*»
Horticultural Show, Village Hall ! ''
Coleshill WI, Ladies Open Meeting
Bucks Historical Churches Sponsored
Bicycle Ride - 10.00am to 6.00pm
Coleshill Tennis Club - Finals
Parish Council Meeting - 8.15pm
Last day for Greetings to be submitted for
inclusion in the Christmas Newsletter
Remembrance Sunday
All Saints Harvest Charity -
Antiques Day, 2.30pm to 5.00pm
followed by Supper
Thursday 7th December Parish Council Meeting - 8.15pm
Summer 1999 Issue No. 157
St Mary's
All Saints'
St Mary's
St Mary's
All Saints'
All Saints'
St Mary's
CHURCH SERVICES
8.00am
9.00am
10.15am
11.45am
11.30am
6.00pm
6.00pm
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Matins
Family Service - 24th September,
17th October (3rd Sunday of month)
& 28th November 1999
Evensong ( 1 st Sunday of every month)
Evensong (except 1st of each month)
ALL SAINTS' SERVICES
Harvest Festival
Sunday 7th November
Sunday 14th November
Sunday 12th December
Sunday 19th December
Christmas Day
Sunday 26th December
- details to be announced
- Patronal Festival Holy Communion 9 00am
- Patronal Festival Choral Evensong 6.00pm
- Remembrance Day Holy Communion,
followed by short service at War Memorial
- Christingle Service 5.00pm
- Service of Lessons and Carols 3.00pm
- Holy Communion & Family Carols 9.00am
- Said Holy Communion 9.00am
