back to business · AUGUST 2020 THE GRAPEVINE: NEXT ISSUE ON OR ABOUT 1 SEPTEMBER 2020. DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS & ADS: 15 AUGUST 2020 Contact: [email protected] To advertise:

AUGUST 2020

THE GRAPEVINE: NEXT ISSUE ON OR ABOUT 1 SEPTEMBER 2020. DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS & ADS: 15 AUGUST 2020 Contact: [email protected] To advertise: email or call 242137. For editorial: email or call 240350.

Also in Grapevine: ● p3 Playing Again ● p5 Reared by Izzie with love ● p6 Bunt Scott’s Thoughts On... ● p7 The great Stewkley Pong

back to business new normal at the carps

It may have been Independence Day in America but July 4 2020 was

also a day to celebrate for anyone in Stewkley who likes to pop to

their local for a drink.

After the enforced closure on March 20, due to the worldwide

Covid‐19 pandemic, the Carpenters Arms was once again permitted

to open its doors, although anyone doing so will find a number of

changes put in place to comply with the new regulations.

Apart from having to give their name and contact details for Track

and Trace, visitors can only sit with members of their own

household and one other household, and this must be in groups of

no more than six. Standing or sitting at the bar is no longer

permitted and visitors should remain seated except when using the

toilets, which operate on a one‐in‐one‐out basis, or going outside to smoke.

Tables have been removed to ensure social distancing guidelines are met and where they can not be moved a screen has been installed.

The Grapevine asked landlady, Jakie Spencer, how people had responded to them re‐opening and how it had affected the shop service they had been running. Jakie said, “When we first opened business was at a very gentle pace, this, I think, was down to people being very cautious and possibly not being used to going out.

‘The shop we started to help people with basics seems to have slowed down now everyone can get to the shops themselves, but we still have a few people using us for bits and pieces.

“There have been quite a few new faces coming in, as well as our regular clientele returning.”

Jakie also told us, “At the moment we can't offer any music, and quizzes would be tricky with the current social distancing measures in place, unless we had an outside quiz… now there's a possibility…maybe garden bingo as well!

“We are working on a bottle bar for the garden so anyone in the back garden doesn't have to keep going into the bar area. We will be carrying on with the takeaway service as quite a few people have found it useful and will hopefully continue to do so.”

Jakie added, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped us through these trying times and to reassure everyone that we will be doing our utmost to make sure they feel safe and comfortable at the Carpenters during their visit.”

Clay and Jakie Spencer welcome their first postlockdown customer to The Carpenters Arms

NHS SPITFIRE FLYPASTOn Saturday 18 July as part of a nationwide flypast of NHS hospitals

over 4 days in July, a Spitfire PL983 on route from Stoke Mandeville

Hospital to Milton Keynes University Hospital skirted Stewkley.

The picture below was taken by Lee Walden between Stewkley and

Hollingdon.

Page 2 Stewkley Grapevine August 2020

VILLAGE DIARY

WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST

BOOK CLUB Monday 3 August 8.30pm via Zoom

Please contact Greg on 240487 for information Book to discuss: The Last Dance by Victoria Hislop

(Book for September: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler)

AUGUST Mon 3 Book Club – via Zoom, 8.30pm Tue 4 Stewkley Walkers’ resume Wed 5 Refuse: blue tops and food bins Wed 12 Refuse: green tops, garden and food bins Sat 15 VJ Day 75th Anniversary of VJ, War Memorial, 10.55am Sat 15 Deadline for submissions to Grapevine Wed 19 Refuse: blue tops and food bins Mon 24 Play Around The Parishes - CANCELLED Wed 26 Refuse: green tops, garden and food bins SEPTEMBER Sat 19 A Thankful Harvest, Stewkley-wide Sun 20 A Thankful Harvest, Stewkley-wide

STEWKLEY WALKERS from Bridget Watson

Welcome back. We are looking forward to resuming our group walks

and meeting socially following lockdown. Due to Covid‐19, there are

some changes to the way walks are organised to maintain social

distancing and to keep each other safe.

Firstly, there are restrictions on the size of groups, so you must book your walks in advance, by contacting the Walk Leader.

Secondly, members must book their own table for a pub lunch, if

applicable, in advance. The contact details are in the listings below

as well as the time to book for.

There are toilet facilities unless stated otherwise.

WALKS PROGRAMME FOR AUGUST 2020 Tuesday 4 August and Friday 7 August Whipsnade Circular 4.5 miles Park at the Chilterns Gateway Centre on Dunstable Downs,

Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, (LU6 2GY) where Alice will meet you

at 10am. Car parking: Free for National Trust members/£3.50 for

non‐members. The route crosses fields and wooded areas, and via

the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, with wonderful views on the way

back to Dunstable Downs. No stiles. Well‐behaved dogs on leads

welcome.

Lunch: Snacks can be purchased from the serving hatch at the cafe.

Leader: Alice Phone 07905 759120 to book a place.

Wednesday 12 August Tiddenfoot Round 4 miles Meet at Tiddenfoot Waterside car park (SP912239) near the

southern end of Mentmore Road, (LU7 2AE) at 10am. NB No toilets. The walk takes in the park and then over a new route opened up to

Grovebury, down to the Grove and back along the canal. No stiles.

Fairly flat walking other than Grovebury Hill. Regret no dogs.

Lunch (optional): Bring your own picnic lunch, rug/fold up chair

Leaders: Malcolm and Margaret Phone 07985 064705 to book a place.

Monday 10 August and Monday 24 August Knolls Wood Circular 4 miles Meet at The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard (LU7 2TA) at 10am. This

pretty walk follows the river Ouzel across flood plain meadows then

continues to Knolls Wood. No stiles. Dogs on leads welcome.

Lunch (optional): The Globe Inn. Phone 01525 373338 to book a

table (outdoors if possible) for 12.15pm

Leader: Bridget Phone 07756 326350 to book a place

Wednesday 19 August Caldecotte Lake Circular 4 miles Meet at the Caldecotte Pub and Grill, Bletcham Way, Caldecotte,

Milton Keynes (MK7 9HP) at 10am. The walk is fairly level on flat

hard‐surfaced footpaths around the lake and nearby area.

Lunch (optional): at the Caldecotte Pub and Grill. Phone 01908

366188 to book a table (outdoors if possible) for 12.15pm

Leaders: Alice and Bridget Phone 07905 759120 to book a place.

Thursday 27 August Stewkley Circular 4 miles Meet at Stewkley Recreation Ground, Soulbury Road, Stewkley, (LU7

OHN) at 10am. Mostly level walking across fields. Several stiles.

Possibility of cattle and sheep in some fields. Regret no dogs. NB No toilets.

Lunch (optional): Bring your own picnic lunch, rug/fold up chair

Leaders: Chris and Greg Phone 01525 240487 to book a place.

SVCC UPCOMING FIXTURESSaturday 1 August Great Brickhill Away 13:30 Saturday XI

Sunday 2 August Kimble Home 14:00 Friendly XI

Saturday 8 August New Bradwell Home 13:30 Saturday XI

Sunday 9 August Drayton Parslow Home 13:30 Friendly XI

Sunday 16 August Mursley Away 13:00 Friendly XI

Saturday 22 August Milton Keynes CC Away 13:30 Saturday XI

Sunday 23 August Haddenham Away 13:30 Friendly XI

Sunday 30 August Flitwick Home 13:00 Friendly XI

Sunday 6 September The Occasionals Home 13:00 Friendly XI

Sunday 20 September Beds Farmers Home 13:00 Friendly XI

SAVE THE DATE Decorate your front gardens or community

spaces with the theme A THANKFUL HARVEST

Saturday 19 September to Sunday 20 September Entries to Rev Donna ‐ 01525 240 589

[email protected] By 11 September

Stewkley Grapevine August 2020 Page 3

Cygnets returned in June after the setting had been thoroughly

cleaned and we had a good sort out of all the activities available to

make sure they were Covid‐19 ‘safe as far as they could be’. Our

numbers have been very depleted with not all parents choosing to

send their children back. The children are in a social bubble and

are thoroughly enjoying being back with their friends and the staff

team.

PLAYING AGAIN - STEWKLEY CYGNETS PRE-SCHOOL from Shelagh Gallacher

NOT PLAYING THIS YEAR from Stewkley Players

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Stewkley Players Committee has

ruled out any activity for the remainder of 2020 which means that

sadly there will be no production this autumn.

It was decided that even if restrictions were relaxed to allow

amateur dramatics to take place, the logistics of staging a

production this year would be impossible.

The group will review the situation at the end of the year with the

hope that a production can be staged in the spring of 2021 if it is

safe to do so.

DESIGN FOR 2021 VILLAGE HALL SHOW PROGRAMME

Competition entries to choose a design for next year’s show were selected as

follows:

First prize: Cathy Hart

Second prize: Niamh Dooley

Third prize: Chloe Bucktrout

Cathy’s design will be used for the front cover. However, when judging the

entries, Diana Sheldon so liked the others that some elements from Niamh and

Chloe’s designs will be incorporated elsewhere in the programme.

Buckinghamshire Council has advised of the following road works:

Mursley Road, Stewkley – approximately 400m north west of Old

Leighton Farm to Plough Cottage (Friday 31 July to Friday 7

August).

Patching using a daytime road closure between 7am and 7pm.

ROAD WORKS AHEAD

email: [email protected]


PC MATTERSThe following is a summary of discussions held during the internetmeeting of Stewkley Parish Council members on 6 July. New Bucks Cllr: Cllr Ben Everitt, one of the two new Councillors for Stewkley since Janet Blake stepped down, said he was particularly interested in helping parishes during the coronavirus pandemic and with the planning processes, including supporting Stewkley in calling‐in applications. The Parish Council advised Cllr Everitt of their objection to the Soulbury Road development and of the poor state of the road from Stewkley to Mursley.

Planning and Development: Cllrs resolved to support the proposed conversion of a stable block into residential annexe accommodation at 8 High Street North (20/01668/APP). It was decided not to comment regarding the determination as to whether prior approval is required for conversion of one agricultural building into one dwelling house at Old Lower Dean Farm, Dean Road (20/01793/COUAR). Regarding the development off Soulbury Road, it was confirmed that there had been no response to the invitation to the developers, Dandara, to discuss the PC’s objections to the planning application. Bucks Cllr Scott Raven has recommended that the application be called‐in so that the PC will have the opportunity to voice its concerns direct to Bucks councillors. It was confirmed that Sunhill Farm, Dunton Road, has been granted retrospective planning permission to operate a campsite under certain conditions including a maximum of nine camping areas, no caravans or motorhomes, and improving access to the farm from Dunton Road. It was suspected that Red Brick Farm on Dunton Road was not complying with the planning application conditions: trucks travelling un‐sheeted; arriving at 6.30 am; and spilling sand and gravel onto Dunton Road. Cllrs agreed to escalate a complaint to senior managerial level at Buckinghamshire Council.

Delegated decisions: Decisions made under delegated powers during April, May and June and reported previously in the Grapevine were confirmed by the whole council.

Finance: The following payments were approved: E.ON £321.70; Website H Audouard £99; Enterprise Agency April £455.78, May £463.55, June £298.44; Fire safety storage case £27.98; Village Hall hire Dec‐March £60; Netbook Transport Subcommittee £78.24; Microsoft 365 £79.99; ink cartridge £29.85; Covid‐19 phone

expenses £155.64; Staff costs £727.44. For Recreation Ground Association: Bunce plumbing and heating £216. Petrol for burial ground £10.15. Pepper saxifrage plugs etc for Wildlife Reserve £187.99

PC response to coronavirus: The Clerk reported that although the number of requests from residents for support had dropped, there were still more than 25 calls in July. The school will be contacted re support for the food bank during school holidays.

Guidance on website accessibility: It was reported that by 23 September, the PC website would have to comply with new accessibility regulations. Thirty‐five issues have been identified that are non‐compliant and will be investigated to see how compliance might be reached. It was noted that compliance is not compulsory if it places a disproportionate burden on an organisation.

Law and order: The Linksman will remove any graffiti in future. A motion was agreed that the Clerk should formally write to Thames Valley Police to inform them that the PC would appreciate better communication.

Recreation Ground: A member of the public asked whether the addition of bicycle sheds could be considered for the recreation ground. Cllrs agreed the idea had merit and will forward it to the Rec Committee. It was noted that the notice board at the end of Drovers Lane was in a poor state of repair. The groundsman had reported that hundreds of dog waste bags had been dispensed but the number seen in the bins does not reflect the number being taken.

Highways, Footways and Footpaths Lighting: A comprehensive streetlighting survey and safety report was received from Sparkx with a quote for £23K for required repairs.

A PC working group will draw up a schedule of repairs and seek further quotes as necessary. It was pointed out that footpaths next to the main roads in Stewkley needed remedial work. There were difficulties for wheelchair users and for people with other disabilities. Gravel from private drives migrates onto the pavements, which then increases erosion when vehicles pass. Photographic evidence will be collected to present to Transport for Bucks.

No public meeting in August.

Some villagers have reported an increase in minor vandalism in recent weeks, such as graffiti on signs and noticeboards, and obscene notices on signposts.

These have been rapidly removed by our good‐spirited residents despite the difficulty.

The PC is very appreciative of these efforts but also aware of potential risks. It is therefore asking residents to report any further occurrences to the Parish Clerk and the PC will sort out the issue. If the vandalism is observed whilst taking place, we would ask residents to report it to Thames Valley Police on 101.

Dog Poo Bags

Stewkley residents are enthusiastic pet owners, especially of dogs, and many take advantage of the village's open spaces to exercise them. Over the years the PC has funded red dog waste bins sited conveniently around the village for the disposal of the inevitable and essential poo bags. Following an increase in dog poo deposits across the playing areas of the Rec due to inconsiderate dog owners, the PC supported the installation and stocking of poo bag dispensers so that any forgetful owners had no excuse not to pick up their dogs’ deposits.

Although Covid‐19 can be blamed for many aspects of our normal lives, an almost doubling in the use of bags from the dispensers is not the virus's fault. We can only assume that some owners are abusing the availability of bags.

So to all dog walkers and owners, please do not abuse this facility

FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL - VANDALISM IN THE VILLAGE as it is not reasonable for the PC and Stewkley residents to continue

to fund this inconsiderate use of the dispensers.

We are looking at ways of trying to organise an informal outdoor

get‐together in August. Because it is weather dependent can

members please keep an eye on their emails as it will only have a

few days’ notice. Might be a ‘bring your own chair and

refreshments’ do, but it will be good to meet. Possible date August

12.

Just had some guidelines from Bucks Federation about restarting

meetings, quite a few pages so haven’t read them yet. At the

moment 30 people seems to be the preferred number for a

meeting, but that may all change. I will keep you posted about any

developments we are informed about. The speaker for September

has cancelled and has been booked for next year.

On a personal note, I have had my hair cut, been to the Garden

Centre and seen my family, not all on the same day, so feel a little

more normal.

STEWKLEY WI from Sheila Fellowes

Sadly, the organisers of this event have decided that they are unable to run it with the current risks to health.

The Parish Council regrets the cancellation for anyone who was looking forward to the event.

PLAY AROUND THE PARISHES 24 AUGUST 2020


To contact the Grapevine email: [email protected]

Grapevine deadline: 15th of month. Entries received after 15th cannot be included unless previously agreed.

On the meat counter at the Littlecote Farm Shop are many offerings from several suppliers, but one range stands out. On packs of delicious‐looking bacon, gammon steaks, joints and sausages are hand‐written labels that say, “Reared by Izzie with love.”

The meat comes from ten‐year‐old Izzie Olney’s two rare‐breed Oxford and Sandy Black sows. She rears them and their piglets herself on Littlecote Farm, where she lives with Mum – Tracy, Dad – Jason, and siblings – Baylie (11) and Kenzie (12). She is in Year 5 at St Michael’s School in Stewkley, looking forward to Year 6 in September.

Izzie was given the sows for her eighth birthday, about two years ago, by her parents and grandma Pearl Olney. Izzie chose them herself, describing them as “cute and friendly.” They were purchased from Three Locks Farm in Great Brickhill, where they returned late last year for a ‘holiday’ to be sired. The venture was successful, and the sows produced a total of ten surviving piglets back at Littlecote. She kept Hope and Elsa and sold the others on at eight weeks.

Expanding her enterprise, Izzie recently acquired a boar called Herbie. He was purchased from a farm in Oxford after Izzie exclaimed, “Look at the size of the nuts on that one!”

Herbie is indeed doing his job, and Izzie is hoping for more litters of piglets within the next three months or so, then more meat for the shop.

REARED BY IZZIE WITH LOVE

QUICK‐FIRE ANSWERS TO QUICK‐FIRE QUESTIONSTwo Councillors now represent Stewkley at the new

Buckinghamshire Council. Elections next May will see this increase

to three.

The Grapevine caught up with one of the Cllrs – Ben Everitt (Con)

– and asked him, as a resident of Newton Longville, whether he

knew Stewkley.

He said, “I’ve been to many a children’s party at the Village Hall and

was pleased to note the allocation of £70k from New Homes Bonus

funds to the village last year.

Housing: Isn’t he over‐stretched, also being an MP for Milton

Keynes North? “Having spent the last five years balancing my day

job in Milton Keynes and London and my council work, I look

forward to finding useful overlaps with my new job as an MP

[elected 2019] and councillor role. I’m a member of the Housing,

Communities and Local Government Select Committee, which gives

a great overview of national policy [and] I have a pretty good working relationship with Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust.”

Traffic: “Traffic calming should be on the list for any S106 demands. The police often advise that full 20mph zones are difficult to enforce. I’m very interested to see the results of the [village] trial. Weight limits are also difficult to enforce. Traffic calming does help. Some villages have had some success with writing to ‘serial offenders’ – asking them to slow down / take alternative routes.”

Planning: When asked about past egregious planning decisions, he said: “This really annoys me and I want to support the village as much as possible.”

Litter and flytipping: His solution? “Find them, prosecute them, fine them, name them and shame them.”

Building one million new homes between Oxford and Cambridge. He called it “a bonkers idea.”

STEWKLEY VILLAGE HALL COVID‐19 CLOSUREThe Village Hall Management Committee has decided that the hall

will remain closed at the present time. This decision will be

reviewed in the light of further Government Guidance. User groups

will be kept informed.


BUNT SCOTT THOUGHTS ON ... EARLY TEENS Early teenage years brought a mix of excitement, perplexity, muddle and spots.

Life in Stewkley continued to be fulsome, the rec being a focal point of activity with endless games of football on summer evenings involving just about every boy in the village. There were the ‘swinging trees’ to test climbing skills and hours were spent loafing around on the play equipment. The old‐fashioned see‐saw was popular for catapulting each other off one end in turn, that is until Philip Arnold was sent flying and broke his wrist.

The old Vicarage grounds (now the site of St Michael's Close) provided us with a quite brilliant cyclo‐cross course, through tall trees along a very bumpy and demanding path. We spent hours tearing along it and the incumbent of the time, Rev Cutler, didn't seem to mind. He never sent us packing. The old Vicarage, a magnificent Victorian pile, was perfect inside for playing Sardines (a version of hide and seek) and the vicar's wife Mrs Cutler, a very chirpy Canadian lady, let us make sickly peppermint sweets in the large kitchen.

On Sunday afternoons we all gathered on a bench outside the rec to listen to Alan Freeman's Top Twenty Hit Parade on a tiny transistor radio provided by Jimmy Keen, who arrived in style on his ‘Fanny Barnett’ motorbike. The Beatles and Stones figured highly. Jimmy, a bit older than the rest of us, lived on Tiger Island (Stockall Crescent) and was a very funny and cheeky fellow. Once while listening to the top twenty an innocent motorist stopped to ask the way to Whitchurch. With great poise Jimmy said, "Go down the village, turn right past the treacle factory, through Picklewhompton with the pin factory, past Will's mother’s and then ask again." The motorist set off in bemused hope.

Places in the village that we growing lads liked to explore included the old sand/gravel pit along the Bletchley Road, which to us was like a mini Grand Canyon with some old rusting items of rolling stock still there to shove about. The other more interesting place was the old brickworks along the Dunton Road with rails, rolling stock, pug mills and several derelict buildings to explore.

Whilst growing up in Stewkley we always had our own resident policeman. PC Bernard Pistil patrolled the village on a pushbike and was generally an approachable man with a friendly disposition. He re‐established the Scout Group in the village and Friday evening meetings were held in the old school hall, to which we all flocked. Getting our uniform was a time of great excitement with green berets and a black and yellow scarf chosen to match the colour of the village football team ‐ the ‘Stewkley Wasps'.

PC Pistil was, after a few years, replaced by an officer who was considerably more severe and who rode a motorbike. He took a dislike to me. On one winter evening my mother nervously announced, "There's a policeman here to see you." I was watching

telly when the PC, in his intimidating motorbike gear and still wearing his helmet, entered and proceeded to accuse me of being the leader of 'the Fenables gang'. I politely informed him that Fenables was the leader of the Fenables gang (he wasn't as there was no Fenables gang). PC Davies left disgruntled and thwarted but had his revenge when he pinched me one dark evening for riding my bike round Back Way with no rear light.

I was charged and summoned to appear in the Linslade Court House, which was a very exciting prospect as the Great Train Robbers had appeared in the same dock only a week or two before.

The JP on the day was Nell Johnson from Stewkley, a fine upstanding lady who lived at Heywood House and was the horse riding, hunting and country sort. I was fined ten shillings and got less of a telling off than PC Davies who was rebuked for wasting court time and for not just giving me a flea in my ear and sending me packing. Appearing in the same dock as the Great Train Robbers gave me great kudos amongst my fellows and was well worth ten shillings (which my mother paid).

Some years later when I parked my newish car outside the library Nell Johnson appeared and, typical of her, said, "Ah, got a new horse then?" She was always something of a village celebrity.

When the pylons were erected just south of the village in the nineteen sixties they provided a wonderful opportunity for adventure. One sunny evening six of us intrepid lads trekked down School Lane and headed to the nearest pylon to 'investigate'. Much to our delight the pylons were complete, the cables were hung but the barbed wire round the feet of each leg, to stop would‐be climbers, had yet to be fitted. This meant we were able to scale the metal beast with ease. I'm proud to say that I was the only one to reach the top and with my box Brownie camera entrusted to one of the others, the escapade was recorded. No doubt a foolhardy adventure but in our youth such considerations didn't really figure.

It was at about this time that 'girls' raised their ugly (pretty!) heads and life was never the same again.

Dear Neighbours.

We are relative new‐comers compared to some people who have spent their lives in the village. We moved to High Street North at the end of 2016.

I have been chronically ill for a long time and after a road collision in 2015, I found myself unable to drive, disabled and relying on walking frames and my wheelchair to get about. The support that I have received from my fellow Stewkley residents has been unbelievable.

Tania Bailey, Stewkley’s wonderful personal trainer and Anette Gesoff our massage therapist have coached me, cared for me and worked their magic on me so much so that I was able to get back behind the wheel of my car in January.

The wonderful Lyndsay, Julie and Amanda at Fountains kindly washed my hair twice a week when I couldn’t lift up my arms.

BEING CHRONICALLY ILL CAN BE A VERY LONELY AND ISOLATING EXPERIENCE – BUT IN STEWKLEY IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. A THANK YOU from Gemma O’Reilly

When I was told in March that I would have to shield at home for 12 weeks owing to my extreme vulnerability to Covid‐19, I was so grateful to receive support from Tricia B in kindly running errands for us.

To ensure we weren’t going without or finding ourselves climbing the walls, Jill and Colin chatted merrily to us across the street during our weekly claps and always asked after our wellbeing.

John and Sandy invited us to join in with their virtual VE Day celebrations, which was just the pick‐me‐up I needed after a tough week.

And, as always, a thank you to my wonderful husband whose unending support has kept me afloat for the past 11 years.

I feel very lucky to belong to such a wonderful community and want to thank you all for looking out for each other during these turbulent times – it means the world to people like me.

With many thanks to you all.


Looking for ways to entertain her children during the school holidays, new Stewkley resident Tracey Scott has come up with a fun way for them to learn more about their home and community. She has kindly shared with Grapevine the quiz she prepared so that other families can also join in. All the answers can be found by walking or cycling around the village.

If you do decide to have a go, have fun and let the Grapevine know how you get on, with pictures of your hunt, for next month's issue.

Please be careful while on or crossing roads and remember social distancing.

1. How many bus shelters are there in Stewkley?

2. How many thatched properties are there in Stewkley?

3. From the junction of High Street North and Dean Road, how many miles is it to Bletchley?

4. What name is 154 High Street North also known as?

5. What time is the post collected on a Saturday from the box outside Bowls Farm on High Street North?

6. What time could you get a bus to Aylesbury on a Friday from opposite Stockhall Crescent?

7. Who is the bench at the end of Sycamore Close dedicated to?

8. What's the name and phone number of the estate agents for the homes on Cricketers Close ?

9. What drink is advertised on the side of Stewkley Stores?

10. How many hanging baskets are there on The Swan and Carpenters Arms added together?

11. What colour is the front door of 3 Chapel Square?

12. What is the email address of St Michael's School?

13. Who has a lamp at the village hall?

14. At what number Ivy Lane did Emmeline Pankhurst live?

15. What year was 25 High Street North built?

16. What is the minimum spend in the village phone box?

(Answer can be found without touching the phone box).

17. How many litter bins (including dog waste) are there at the Recreation Ground?

18. What year did William Bliss die?

19. How many gargoyles are on the tower of St. Michael's Church?

20. What year was the sundial at St. Michael's Church restored?

21. What are the names of the six Stewkley men who lost their lives in World War II?

22. Where does Tythe Close lead to?

23. Who were the builders of the Methodist Chapel?

24. What year was the jubilee pump first installed in Stewkley?

25. What is the name of the road heading east next to the Carpenters Arms?

26. How much does a jar of honey cost on Dunton Road?

STEWKLEY FACT HUNT FUN QUIZ FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STEWKLEY AND DISTRICT BRANCH from Steve Nicholl The Royal British Legion (RBL) is both the national custodian of remembrance and a crucial, possibly the crucial, charity supporting all those who serve, or have served, the nation in uniform and their dependents. Those two roles are reflected in the two primary activities of this branch for most of the last 100 years; organising the excellent Remembrance Sunday in the parish and raising significant sums in the Poppy Appeal to support the RBL’s charitable work. Both activities are being dramatically curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

First, the decision has been made at national level that, to minimise Covid risks throughout the Poppy Appeal chain, there will be no house‐to‐house poppy selling/Poppy Appeal collections this November.

That, of course, does not mean the need for funds has gone away. With unemployment likely to rise enormously and severe reductions in NHS and social services support for anything but Covid‐19, the needs of service personnel and their families will become even more pressing.

The RBL actually plays two roles in trying to meet those needs. First, it provides direct charitable support in an enormous range of ways from easing housing problems through mortgage guarantees to providing respite holidays for carers. Second, it acts as a ‘gateway’ to the wide array of other more specialist charities (there are some 200 service charities, from those supporting specific regiments or units to those dealing with specific mental or physical problems faced by service personnel). Both roles need funding. It will be possible to obtain poppies in November, probably via supermarkets, banks and other major organisations that can easily accept contactless payment. Please give generously when the time comes.

However, funding is not the only thing needed to get help to those in need. We also need intelligence. We need to know who needs help. Many of those whom service charities, via the RBL, should be supporting just do not ask for help, whether through pride, shame, depression or feelings of hopelessness. If you know of anyone needing help, do please email [email protected]

Secondly, although November is still a long way off in the history of this pandemic, it seems most unlikely that we will be able to pack some 200 people in St Michael’s Church or have some 500 people around the War Memorial. Nevertheless, we will mark Remembrance Sunday in some way. Indeed we will mark the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August at the War Memorial with a (national) two‐minute silence at 11am. Outdoor events are limited to 30 people and social distance (two metres) must be maintained – within those constraints all are welcome.

THE GREAT STEWKLEY PONG!Towards the end of June, residents of High Street North reached for

clothes pegs … for their noses. A stretch of pavement and part of a

front garden were awash with sewage water when the main sewer

blocked outside Pond House after heavy rain. Thames Water’s

contractors closed the footpath and unblocked the logjam, but the

smell remained for quite a while, described as “sickening” and

“awful” by residents.

John Sheldon, of Ivy Lane, told the Grapevine, “The area at the north

end of Ivy Lane, opposite Pond House where a former Drovers’ Way

pond once existed, still floods regularly in heavy rainfall, despite

the vain efforts of Thames Water to clear the problem.”

In 2016 or thereabouts, a major sewer blockage was blamed on fat

from The Swan’s kitchen, but as the kitchens have been closed for

several months now that excuse no longer washes.

John added, “Needless to say, once Cricketers’ Close gets into full

flow into the main sewer and maybe causes further distress, those

of us who have lived on the High Street for more than 30 years might well turn to those optimists at Thames Water and say, we told you so. Who’s to say what impact the Soulbury Road development will have?”

While new‐builds are required to separate rain and foul‐water drainage, this was not always the case, and historic drains in particular are notoriously conjoined.

Thames Water has advised the Parish Council that the capacity of the 80‐year‐old Stewkley system is more than adequate for current and planned development, and that blockages were not "hydraulic", i.e. volume‐related, but rag‐related, i.e. due to fat or non‐solubles. The Parish Council has requested historic data from Thames to help it investigate this further.

Residents are reminded that at all times they should limit loo‐flushes to the 3Ps only – poo, pee and (toilet) paper – and not to dispose of fat or oil down kitchen sinks or drains.

Grapevine deadline: 15th of month


Grapevine email address:

[email protected].

Find the latest issue online at

www.stewkleygrapevine.co.uk

After spinning and dying a fleece from a friend’s Jacob flock (see June and July editions of the Grapevine) I now had a basket of lovely colourful yarn.

The next job is swatching. This means to knit up the yarn to get a feel of the drape and handle of the fabric that will be produced. It also means that you can work on which size knitting needle will give the feel that you want.

I wanted to knit myself a colourful jumper inspired by Kaffe Fassett – the American artist well‐known for his colourful designs in the decorative arts. Look him up. I also wanted a boxy jumper, with plenty of ease so that I can layer it up for the autumn or cool summer nights when camping.

It is one thing looking at a book of designs, but you need to knit up a bit to see what it might look like in your yarn.

I liked the second design best. It’s called ‘oriental poppies’ and feels very suitable as we have had a most beautiful display of poppies in our garden this year.

Once the design is decided upon – it’s time to sketch out a design and together with that use my trusty book to work out the numbers. Knitting a jumper is essentially just maths. Ann Budd’s book is brilliant, once you know your gauge (the number of stitches per 10 cm) and your size, the numbers are there for you to follow. You choose what style of jumper you want; drop sleeve, raglan, yoke etc and away you go. For this jumper I chose a drop sleeve style, as it will be more boxy and relaxed.

A JUMPER’S JOURNEY (PART 3) from Polly Kempson

So the jumper is well underway and the back is nearly done. I find it so satisfying going from a bag of smelly fleece to something that I can wear and know exactly where it came from and how it has been processed. That’s the end of this jumper’s tale.

• Some road‐side verges in Bucks, including near Stewkley, were ‘scalped’ in early July by Transport for Bucks, despite hosting a colourful cornucopia of wildflowers and grasses, still feeding insects, bees and birds, and not yet having set seed for the following year. A member of Buckinghamshire Council’s Transport, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee promised to investigate whether it was possible to raise the timings of the three summer verge‐cuts so that mowing can take place after the majority of wild flowers have gone to seed. Stewkley’s verges are maintained by the Stewkley Enterprise Agency.

• Buckinghamshire Council passed a motion during July’s full Council meeting, to “evaluate reaching net zero for its own [carbon] emissions no later than 2050 and possibly before this, potentially by 2030, subject to resources.” An amendment had been tabled, setting a target date for net zero carbon by 2030 for the Council's activities, a target to which the former Aylesbury Vale District Council had committed. The amendment was heavily defeated.

• Several residents contacted the Grapevine in late June, expressing their dismay that several large conservation charities had seemingly changed their minds and were now supporting the proposed Oxford‐Cambridge Expressway across the Vale and attendant one million new homes. “Engaging with the Ox‐Cam Arc” was also one of the stated priorities of Bucks Council leader Martin Tett. After exchanging emails with Greg Smith MP, Bucks Cllr Ben Everitt, BEAG (Bucks Expressway Action Group) and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (one of the reported turncoat large charities), and receiving not wholly consistent reports, it looks most likely that while the Expressway is, if not dead, then in a ‘Life‐On‐Mars‐type’ coma, the concept of some development along the as‐yet‐to‐be‐defined Ox‐Cam Arc is very much alive and kicking, even if the target of one million has been watered down. BBOWT says its original news release was misinterpreted and they have since published a ‘clarification’ saying they are against the Expressway (having previously sought a judicial review against the Government for the scheme) and that if any homes are to be built along the Arc, then a nature gain must be built into the plans.

ECO SOUNDBITES

A Stewkley and Surrounding Villages Facebook post on the evening

of 23 July created a lot of noise – attracting 123 ‘likes’ and many

positive comments ‐ why?

The post announced that The Swan pub is under new management

and is recruiting staff.

Although a date has yet to be set for re‐opening, the new

management team of Elaine and Marcus Swift, together with

Anthony Jessup, is committed to making a success of The Swan.

Already under the team’s portfolio are the successful re‐launch of

The Old Red Lion, Great Brickhill, refurbished and opened in

November 2019; a Creative and Digital Marketing Agency in Milton

Keynes; plus a coffee business.

Elaine, a former Stewkley resident, is delighted by the Facebook

response of “clear excitement from the village that the pub is

opening again.”

Watch this space (or the door of the pub) for opening news.

THE SWAN


Methodist Chapel Minister Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly The Manse, High Street South Tel 240589 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aylesburyvale.org.uk

St Michael’s Church Church Wardens: Neil Dickens [email protected] Tel: 242253 Judy Walker [email protected] Tel: 240444

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

► The Chapel does not plan to open for worship in August but hopes to have some kind of services in September. ► The Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly is writing a weekly reflection. ► On Sunday mornings at 10.30am Rev Richard Atkinson, Superintendent, is streaming a live service from Aylesbury. ► There is a daily thought for the day from one of the Circuit Ministers. ► All can be accessed on www.aylesburymethodists.org.uk ► If you would like to receive the weekly reflections or join the ZOOM Bible Study please email Donna and she will arrange for you to join in.

Hello friends, It will be a very different August this year for many of us. With holidays cancelled or postponed, many of us will be staying at home. We were hoping to go to Ireland this year. With the surname Kelly is doesn’t take much thought to work out that I have Irish heritage. My grandfather was born in a village just outside Dublin, to John and Elizabeth who had 11 children. Grandad came over

to England in 1946 to Birmingham to join family to work. It was there he met my nan, who had moved to Birmingham from Yorkshire with her family. They fell in love, married, had three children, one of whom being my dad. He met my mum, they fell in love, married and along came me and my brother. Knowing where we have come from, our history, our heritage, is important. The Bible is full of chapters of family history. Knowing the ancestors of the major characters is a crucial feature of the Gospel writers’ message. Mainly because it gives affirmation and credibility to who Jesus is, but it also gives a sense of who the people were and where they have journeyed from. A lot of encouragement can come from hearing how people of faith have wrestled with the joys and challenges of life. Whilst we have our own lives to lead, our history and the stories of those of the past will often encourage us in the decisions we make or enable us to perhaps do things differently. I do wonder what future generations will say about us. We are living through a time in history that will be remembered for many generations. What did we do right? What did we do wrong? What will be the important stories that we want to share and pass on to our grandchildren and great grandchildren? Whilst the politics and medical reports will always be there to document this time, I hope we don’t lose those stories of communities coming together, painted rainbows hung up in windows, garden picnics, help offered and love shared. These are the stories that future generations will hopefully gain encouragement from. With blessings Donna

AUGUST NOTICES SERVICES FOR AUGUST and NOTICES 2 10am Said Communion 9 10am Said Communion 16 10am Said Communion 23 NO SERVICE 30 10am Said Communion † Facebook Page – St Michaels Church, Stewkley is freely available † Please contact Neil Dickens [email protected] to receive a copy of the Sunday pew sheet by email which has prayers and readings from the Bible for the day. If you would like a paper copy delivered please ring 01525 242253

MESSAGE FROM THE BENEFICE RECTOR REV HOWARD ROBSON

Hello Everyone, This is the first of my contributions to the Grapevine and it is to introduce myself; Rev Howard Robson, Team Rector of the Cottesloe Benefice which of course includes Stewkley. My wife Joanna and I arrived here on June 16 and I was licenced on June 23. Since then I’ve had several meetings around the Group to meet folk from the eight churches and a

very good and interesting time it has been. We’ve moved from the community of Littleport in East Cambridgeshire, a place of ten thousand people, after being Vicar there for nearly seven years. Before that we were in South Norfolk with a group of five villages. We have three adult sons and three grandchildren, though they live in Australia. Joanna is an avid quilter and keen amateur photographer and I enjoy sedate canoeing, fell-walking and classic, some say just old, cars. Before ordination I worked for a high street bank and having now been ordained for twenty years, I have always worked in parish ministry. There are remarkable cross-overs between money and faith and I also have a keen interest in the way the church speaks about the Gospel; different ways of doing church proclaim the same Gospel message of Christ’s redeeming love and power. I’m very much looking forward to meeting you over the forthcoming weeks and months as the churches reopen, but should you wish to be in touch, please do so: 01296 688593 and we are living in Wing. Wishing you every blessing Howard

Grapevine deadline: 15th of month email: [email protected]

Articles received after 15th can not be included

until the following month, if still relevant.

A Fun Village Event of a ‘Thankful Harvest’

Decorate your front gardens or community spaces with the theme a ‘Thankful Harvest’. Individual, community or group entries welcome.

Saturday 19 September starting at 12noon until 4pm on Sunday 20 September

We hope that everyone will enter into the spirit of this weekend by decorating their gardens and walking through the village to view all the other displays.

Entries to Rev Donna -

01525 240 589 or [email protected]

before 11 September please


Budding Butterflies

There are four stages in a butterfly’s life: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis or pupa, and adult butterfly. Time spent in each stage depends on species and, to some extent, the weather. The lifespan of an adult is perhaps only a few days for smaller species, whereas larger species may overwinter in hibernation.

There are 57 resident butterfly species in the UK plus two regular migrants. Different species prefer different host plants and females lay their eggs on the specific plants that will provide food for their caterpillars. Once hatched the caterpillars eat their way through the host plants, some of which may be a gardener’s precious

cabbages, until they are ready to spin cocoons and turn into pupae.

When the adult butterfly emerges from the pupa, it pumps fluid into its wings to expand them and then waits for them to harden before it flies.

Caterpillars and butterflies have many predators, including birds, spiders and other insects, and have adapted

various ways to warn off predators. For example the peacock butterfly caterpillar has short spines along its body. This one (above) visited Flip Jackson in his Sycamore Close garden. The caterpillar of the small tortoiseshell is covered in bristles (header). Both these types also crowd together and jerk their bodies in unison so that they appear to be a much larger creature. Others emit bad‐smelling chemicals. Colour is used by adults as camouflage. The male brimstone looks very like a leaf with its bright yellow green colouring, above on lavender in Elaine Stavert’s herb garden at Littlecote.

Colour is also important for attracting mates, and the marbled white is one of the most attractive butterflies with its distinctive black and white chequered pattern. It has a preference for purple flowers so

its colouring is certainly not camouflage, as can be seen in this photo taken in the Wildlife Reserve by Geoff and Maggie Threlfall’s granddaughter Jessica.

Slithering Snakes

Lily Liu of Ivy Lane was taken by surprise when she saw this large snake out in the open near the basketball courts at the Rec early on a Saturday morning. She told the Grapevine, “It turned to look at me for a few moments, then slithered off a few metres to continue sunbathing in peace.”

This is the UK’s largest snake, the grass snake (natrix helvetica), and it can grow up to 150cm (almost five feet); females are larger than males. It is usually greenish in colour with a yellow and black collar, pale belly, and dark markings down its sides.

Grass snakes are particularly fond of wetland habitats but are also found in dry grasslands and gardens, especially where there is a pond nearby, as in the Wildlife Reserve. Food consists of fish, small mammals and birds.

When threatened the grass snake often ‘plays dead’ hoping that it will look less good to eat. They will also hiss and strike with the head but they do not bite and are harmless to humans. They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and a UK Post‐2010 Biodiversity Framework priority species

Bird Watch

Stewkley was recently visited by BORG (Bucks Owl and Raptor Group) monitor Norman Shepherd. BORG, run by volunteers, build, position and manage owl and raptor (birds of prey) nest boxes.

There are several boxes around the village and most were unoccupied, but Graham was thrilled to find four kestrel chicks in one of the barn owl boxes.

Graham took the chicks out and tagged them before putting them back in their nest. He said that, because the vole population is down this year, barn owls are not nesting at the moment but are focused on survival. The hope is that things will improve and they may lay in October.

Visit the BORG website https://www.giveahoot.org.uk/ to find out more.

Nature Watch

Sources: Wildlife World, Butterfly Conservation, Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB


By Richard Heady

It’s harvest time; the combine harvester is serviced and washed,

the barns where we store the grain have been hoovered clean with

our three‐motor ‘big brute’ vacuum cleaner, and we are just waiting

for the crops to ripen. The challenging growing season continues

as the recent wet

weather, after

the prolonged

dry spring, has

led to crops and

weeds putting

on a late growth

spurt of new

seed heads. This

leaves us with

ripe and unripe

crop in the same

fields. If we

harvest too early

we will collect green grains, making the crop damp, and could lead

to reduced grain quality. If we harvest it too late the earlier ripening

grains may have already fallen to the floor. Meanwhile the pigeons

and crows are turning out in their thousands to feast on a diet of

‘pick your own’ grains.

Our farm is in an ‘Environmental Stewardship’ scheme. This

provides us with an annual payment for accomplishing

environmental work and it is at this time of year you really see the

benefits it provides. We have water course buffer strips; these are

24m‐wide strips of grass and wild flowers that protect the streams

and ditches from potential soil or chemical wash off. These buffer

strips are currently blooming with knapweed, thistles and other

flowering plants, attracting numerous different types of butterfly.

Farm Watch

We also have a ‘Legume fallow’ (header) which is a mix of clovers,

vetches, trefoil and grasses, improving our soil quality whilst

providing food and habitat for wildlife. These legumes are all in

flower at the minute and attracting so many bees that it is very

unnerving to walk through due to the low droning buzz of millions

of bees, and little black bodies zooming in all directions.

When you think of lamb for a Sunday roast or see it on a menu it is

too easy to think of tiny new‐born lambs, but in food terms ‘lamb’

refers to much larger and older animals. An eating‐lamb would be

up to a year old (after a year it becomes ‘hogget’) and generally

weighing between 40 and 55kg.

Although

the

quantity

of grass

growth

has been

far lower

than most

years, my

lambs are

growing

incredibly

well in the

warm

weather,

so much

so that they will mostly be ready for the butcher over harvest,

which isn’t ideal timing, but that’s life.

To find out more, follow me on Facebook – headysfarm and

@headysfarm on Twitter and Instagram.

OBITUARY: ADAM WHITTAKER

A regular at The Swan pub

since arriving in the village

ten years ago, Adam

Whittaker, whose death from

cancer was reported in last

month’s Grapevine, loved his

daily walks around the

village and wildlife fields

with Pluto, his beloved black

Jackador dog (a cross

between a Labrador and a

Jack Russell).

He lived at two locations in

High Street North, both close

to The Swan. In the second, a

cottage close to the north

end of Ivy Lane, he was lucky to escape in January this year when

a serious fire broke out.

After his death at the age of 57, the many pals and acquaintances

he had made over the years paid tributes on‐line to “a kind man

with a gentle nature,” describing his life as being “full of

adventure, friendship and laughter.”

Adam Roger Whittaker was born in Lincoln in February 1963. He

was a great storyteller and proudly told tales of being a local

youth football hero. His parents divorced in the late 60s, and he

moved to West London where he lived with his brother and two

half‐sisters. He went to Burlington Danes School until a prank

went wrong and he was suspended for swearing over the school

tannoy system.

The tragic loss of both of his parents to brain tumours and a

short‐lived marriage caused great sadness and he found solace in

friendship, music, booze and fun. With a large social circle, Adam

loved dancing in the sunshine at Notting Hill Carnival or at

Glastonbury. He turned to travel too, visiting Thailand, India and

Nepal extensively.

Professionally he worked in the private sector and for London

Councils in property management. He concluded his career at an

extraordinary office and restaurant development known as St

Luke’s in Old Street, a historic building originally a church school

founded in 1698, that has been painstakingly restored.

The fire at Adam’s home in January happened after a period that

saw a rapid decline in his health. He was hospitalised at Milton

Keynes and, when lockdown measures were introduced, was

moved to Mallard House, a care home at Grange Hill, Milton

Keynes, where he was under quarantine restrictions because of

the coronavirus.

Adam loved living in Stewkley with the ease of commuting into

London for work and to socialise. He enjoyed good friends, eating

great food, drinking fine wine and was a familiar face in the pubs

and restaurants in surrounding villages.

Adam is survived by his brother and two sisters. His dog Pluto

also survives him, and is happy living with a new owner in

Stewkley.


The Carpenters Arms and ‘The City’ Known to its locals as simply ‘The Carps’, the premises at No 1 Wing Road has been a pub

since 1867.

The double‐pile building with gables to the front is mainly early 19th‐century. There is some

evidence of a 17th‐century timber frame with brick infill at the east end of the south range.

The construction is of brick in Flemish bond with some dark headers. The old image indicates

that the pub purveyed ales brewed by Roberts and Wilson of Ivinghoe. We know that this

image pre‐dates 1927, as the Ivinghoe brewery was acquired that year by Benskins of Watford

and brewing ceased at Ivinghoe.

To the left of the pub, the lane known as Kings Street leads up to the locality of ‘The City’,

once the site of an old windmill built by three Tofield brothers in 1839, and long since

demolished. Across the High Street can be seen the corner of Wing Road Farm, the former

home of the Keen family, the site now occupied by Farm Close.

DOWN MEMORY LANEFROM THE GRAPEVINE 10 YEARS AGO… From August 2010, Methodist Minister Rev

Jim Gorringe took his

concerns to the Parish

Council about

aggressive, speeding

drivers through the

village, where police checks showed

67% of vehicles were exceeding the

legal limit…the PC was to discuss traffic

calming with BCC and the police (no

change there then)…the sun shone on

the Village Hall Flower Show where Gill

Burhouse took the Mitchell Cup for

highest aggregate classes…Stewkley’s

new Big Screen audience in the Village

Hall watched England exit the soccer

World Cup…Peggy Bartell stood down

after many years delivering the

Grapevine to village homes…Nature

Notebook reminded us of the sole

redeeming feature in the behaviour of

the common wasp was spending most

of its life devouring greenfly and similar

pests…and Stewkley Under 10s and

Under 13s junior six‐a‐side teams

triumphed in the village Festival of

Football against sides from across the

region

FROM THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AGO… From August 2000, the

Millennium

commemorative plates,

commissioned by the PC, finally arrived

to be delivered to each household in the

parish…Robert Dickens was preparing

to publish his Stewkley in Camera Volume II…the Village Hall Flower Show

raised £890 for funds with John Mead

and Margaret Carter winning the major

trophies for produce…Rev Arthur

Cowburn took up his position as the

new Methodist Minister…ten gardens

opened to the public for St Michael’s

Open Garden Weekend, raising £2,622

towards the Church Bell Restoration

Fund…Stewkley Cricket Club won both

the Coronation and Stewkley Cups for

the second year running…the

Recreation Ground Committee

expressed concern about damage to the

turf as a result of young people ignoring

the rule of ‘no cycling’ across the grass…

and Stewkley Library (yes, we did have

one once) had DVDs to rent for £2.10

per week and use of the library

computer for £1 per hour.

Continuing our series looking at Stewkley past and present


HOME MAINTENANCE T.G.R ELECTRICAL Stewkley based, Elecsa Approved Electrician. Sockets, lights etc. Free quotes. Call: 240498 or Mobile: 07840 100501 STEWKLEY DECORATING Quality work, Guaranteed, Fully Insured, Reliable, Trustworthy & PDA Member. Instagram @stewkleydecs. [email protected] www.StewkleyDecorating.com Call Stewart on 07981 226922 DAVE REID. FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTER Kitchen & bathroom upgrades, staircase conversions, Replacement doors, general maintenance & small building work. 07939 146630 email: [email protected] (Soulbury) JTS DECORATING SERVICE & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Call John on 240372, mobile: 07809 113090, Email: [email protected] SERVICES COUNTRY FRAME The complete picture framing service. From prints and posters to paintings and needlework. Tel: 240163 / 07771 508805 : Paul Body. Please call first. HORSE RIDING LESSONS IN STEWKLEY From complete beginners to experienced riders. Adults and children. Fully licensed/ insured. Call Sarah Gammon, Kilnholm Stables. 240529 or 07712 854034.

THE GRAPEVINE, STEWKLEY

The Stewkley Grapevine is published monthly, except for January. Copies are distributed free of charge to all households (over 780) in Stewkley. Further copies are made available for visitors at various locations in the village. It is also available for download at www.stewkley.org Publication date: 1st of each month except January. Deadline for advertisements: 15th of month prior to publication. Advertising Copy: By email to [email protected] or by hand to 111A High Street South. Display Ad Format: Electronic advertisements should be supplied as .pdf, but we can also accept .doc or hi resolution .jpg files For best quality, images should be 300dpi. All advertisements are printed in greyscale. Please check your ad is readable in monochrome. Pre-paid ads may be changed at no extra cost. Classified Ad Guidelines: Generally one line header, plus up to 12 words of text, plus contact details. One line header plus 13- 24 words of text, plus contact details for twice the price. Advertising Rates: Stewkley Non-Stewkley For Sale (Max of 2 items) £5 £10 Classified £5 £10 Classified highlighted £10 £20 Forthcoming events Free* Not available (*Limited to Classified Allowance). Display, Eighth Page £15 £25 (w:93 x h:65mm landscape) Display, Quarter Page £25 £35 (w:93 x h:135mm portrait) Display, Half Page £35 £55 (w:192 x h:135mm landscape) Ad Payment Terms: Payment in advance of first publication 3-5 issues 5% discount 6-10 issues 10% discount 11 issues (annual) 15% discount Monthly Standing Order on 12th of month. 10% Discount. Minimum period - 6 months. Cost of 11 Issues is spread over 12 months. Ad Payment Contact: 01525 242137 or email: [email protected]

Deadline for Ads for September Grapevine:

STRICTLY 6pm SATURDAY 15 AUGUST

STEWKLEY STORAGE LTD For all your storage needs. Domestic & Commercial

Rooms & Containers. Larkshill Farm, Stewkley Rd, Soulbury www.stewkleystorage.co.uk Tel: 01525 240297

STORAGE

MOUNT PLEASANT FARM STORAGE 20 foot shipping containers available for general storage

Short or long term lets at competitive rates Mount Pleasant Farm, Dunton Road, Stewkley

Tel: 07866 609047 or Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

D.B'S GAS PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES

Local village company with over 25 years experience.

Boiler breakdowns, repairs & servicing. Full heating installations and extensions.

Gas safety checks and certification NO JOB TOO SMALL

All workmanship fully insured O.A.P. 10% DISCOUNT ON HOURLY RATES

NO CALL OUT CHARGE. COMPETITIVE RATES. Tel office: 240784

Tel Daron: 07799 122971

WANTED HELP NEEDED IN STEWKLEY GARDEN

For general garden maintenance. No mowing. Tidying hard areas, trimming shrubs & weeding.

Initially a half day each week. References required. Phone 240684

Because more people are at home at the moment in response to the coronavirus pandemic, there is an increased demand for domestic water, which is causing pressure‐problems at certain times of the day. The following steps will help maintain water pressure at busy times, as well as eke out supplies for the whole summer and stave off a hosepipe ban.

• Reduce water use during peak times of 7am‐9pm and 6‐10pm. Set dishwashers and washing machines to come on at other times.

• Make sure the dishwasher is full and use the eco setting

• Make sure the washing machine is full

• Take shorter showers

• Don’t water the lawn. Let it go brown. It’ll return to green once it rains

• Use a watering can, not a hose, for plants and shrubs

• Don’t clean the car

• Wash hands frequently to avoid the coronavirus, but turn the tap off during the 20‐second scrub!

WATER WATER WHEREFORE ART THOU?

FOR SALE/GIVEAWAY BRIC-A-BRAC GIVEAWAY Call 240639 to view.


Seasonal British FlowersDirect From the Farm

The Artisan Gift Shop is now open

Locally Grown Country Flowersfor weddings, funerals and events

Bouquets for local delivery

Creative workshops

‘growing wildly beautiful, naturally scented flowers’

Open Fri & Sat 10am – 5.30pm

Supporting local artists & makers

For enquiries call Rosie 07876 394 086Town Farm, Hoggeston Buckingham MK18 3LQ

Chappell

Plumbing and Heating Ltd

Fully qualified and insured

gas safe engineer.

All central heating and

hot water work undertaken.

Boiler servicing,

breakdowns and installations.

Landlord certificates.

Stewkley based.

07725 480047

[email protected]

568424 www.chappellheating.co.uk

We have been supplying and fitting carpets for 30 years and have a wide

range of carpets, vinyl and lvt luxury vinyl tiles and accessories at our

Little Horwood showroom.

Free measuring and estimating

PHOENIX CARPETSPHOENIX CARPETSYour local carpet & flooring showroom

SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES: Mon-Thu: 10am to 4.30pm

Fri: closed Sat 10am to 1pm 16 Bacon House Farm, Little Horwood MK17 0PS

T: 01908 501019 E: [email protected]


we are BaCk measures have been taken to keep all our

customers safe and comfortable. Our rear beer garden is now ready.

Tiki Bottle Bar opening soon. see boards and posters for revised hours.

The CarpenTers arms sTewkley

Tel: 01525 240029

1 wing road, high street south, stewkley

The CarpenTers arms sTewkley

Tel: 01525 240029

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07801 938632

SUPERIOR INTERIORS DECORATING SERVICES

Provide a highly professional and comprehensive decorating service with over 30 years experience

PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.superiordecor.co.uk

Contact Jim Munro

Mob: 07788 921865 Tel: 01525 240741

Email: [email protected]

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

NCH Horticulture. City & Guilds Garden Design A professional company working with all your garden

requirements from design to complete landscape. 07773 723236

www.charleshillgardenservices.co.uk www.allyearoundbbq.co.uk

CHARLES HILLGARDEN SERVICES LTD

DESIGN BUILD MAINTAINHome produced pork, beef, lamb &

sausages

Open as usual: Friday afternoons & Saturday mornings

Outside shop

Contactless card payments

Manor Farm, Hoggeston, MK18 3LH 01296 714239 [email protected] www.morrisofhoggeston.co.uk


Computer Support for Home & Business Users

Problem Solving: Virus, spyware detection & removal Internet & email assistance Fault diagnostics, repairs & upgrades Slow running PCs

Services: Computer support for PCs, Mac & Linux Wireless & wired networking Data recovery Install & setup Health checks Sales: Desktops, laptops, printers, peripherals & software

For friendly advice call John on

07968 536068 or 01525 261381

email: [email protected] - www.computamation.co.uk Computamation Services Ltd - 9a Lower Way, Great Brickhill, Bucks, MK17 9AG

Established 1999 with over 25 years experience

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● Oil‐boiler and tank installations, service & repair

● Complete bathroom installations & design

● No job too small / Fee no obligation quote / No call out charge

Tel: 01296 688968 / 07527 900028 E mail: [email protected] www.damianstewartplumbing.co.uk

7 Chiltern Road, Wingrave, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 2QQ

Lowes Bookkeeping (Est 2013)

Small Business Accounts & Tax Returns Experienced, qualified, professional Bookkeeper

Starting a new business? Like help setting up your accounts? Like your business to run more efficiently to save you time and money?

Contact Diane Lowes 07930 923109 or 01525 270752

[email protected] www.lowesbookkeeping.co.uk

Virtual bookkeeping, ‘socially distancing’ compliant! Licenced with the world’s largest body of professional Bookkeepers Flexible service tailored to the needs of the business

13603 www.bookkeepers.org.uk

Beechmoor Farm, Cublington Road, Whitchurch Home Produced Meat : Pies, Cheeses & Olives : Fruit & Veg Milk, Bread & Eggs : Pickles & Preserves : Frozen Produce

Open Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 8am -5pm

Saturday 7.30am - 1pm (closed Sunday & Monday). Tel: 01296 641207 : Email: parrottbros@parrottbros.co.uk

Web: www.parrottbros.co.uk

KG HAYERS Carpentry - Joinery - Maintenance

www.kghcarpentry.co.uk

� City & Guilds Qualified � General Carpentry & Joinery � Doors � Storage Solutions � Locks � Kitchen Installation & Upgrades � Staircase Upgrades � General Property Repairs � Domestic & Commercial � Fully Insured � Waste Carriers License � Free Quotes

Contact Karl: T: 01525 240484 M: 07855 749610

E: [email protected]


Forge Farm, Wing Road, Stewkley

Andrew Gurnett

Mobile: 07980 600095Tel: 01525 240991

Automotive Engineers

Servicing Tyres

RepairsMOT’s

Exhausts& more

For a reliable service and all your motoring needs, give me a call

Stewkley

Aylesbury Vale Golf Club

Forge FarmWing

WOBURN BUILDING

SERVICES

Specialised building work

New builds and extensions

Kitchens supplied and fitting service

Bathroom design and fitting

Interior and exterior alterations

Stewkley- based

STUART JAMES COLEMAN

01525 242111 : 07970 888236


www.woburnbuildingservices.co.uk

EST 1986

BLOCKED DRAIN?

COUNTY DRAINAGE & PLUMBING SOLUTIONS

YOUR LOCAL DRAINAGE EXPERT

WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

01525 222439 or 07944297538

High Pressure Water Jetting ‐ CCTV Survey’s

Specialist in Drain Repair ‐ Replacement and Relining

All work fully Guaranteed



12 Bacon House Farm • Little Horwood • Milton Keynes • MK17 0PS

[email protected] • www.harlequin-press.co.uk

HARLEQUIN P R E S S L t d

Lithographic and Digital Printing

Friendly Service, Free Advice

Tel: 01908 506722

Booklets Brochures

Business Cards Compliment Slips Delivery Notes

Directories Draw Tickets Event Tickets

Invitations Invoice Books/Sets

Leaflets Letterheads Magazines

Newsletters Note pads

Order of Service Personal Stationery

Postcards Programmes Timetables

30 years in print

Grapevine is printed by Harlequin Press Ltd.

WE HAVE GONE ONLINE...

It is now more important than ever to

STAY FIT AND HEALTHY both physically and mentally

so why not join us for one of our PILATES or YOGA classes via zoom.

Classes run by chartered physiotherapists to suit all level and abilities.

FREE 1:1 assessment session when you sign up.

We are also offering VIRTUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

sessions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION email: [email protected]

J & J LUXFORD LTD

Stewkley based builders For all your building needs project

managed from design to completion For testimonials and information visit

www.luxfordbuilders.co.uk Contacts:

Julian Luxford 07885 455203 James Luxford 07860 726741


07464 171032

[email protected]

www.odd-jobs.co.uk

BIKE SERVICE/SALES HOME MAINTENANCE

DECORATING FLOORING

GARDENING STABLES & FENCING

TV & CCTV WEB DESIGN

Handyman based in Drayton Parslow, covering Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard,

Aylesbury and surrounding areas.

Indoor and outdoor lighting

New fuse board Additional sockets New power supply

Full rewires Fire alarms

Smoke detectors Perodic testing

CCTV All work guaranteed.

PART P approved

No job too small Call: Craig 07968 152 709


Local friendly village automotive garage offering: ● Servicing ● Repairs ● MOTS on site ● Diagnostic and tuning ● Tyres ● Exhausts ● Batteries We also offer the service to collect and deliver vehicles from the Leighton Buzzard area.

Courtesy car available by prior arrangement.

Contact details: Unit 3-4, Manor Business Centre High Street South, Stewkley 01525 240696

HUNTER’S GARAGE


TAIL‐FEATHER PIECE TALE

This photo could be mistaken for that of a juvenile spotted flycatcher and it fooled a High Street North resident into thinking that’s what it was, arriving to feast on insects left after a hedge-cut. But when, the following day, it arrived again, this time after the lawn was mowed, and began to seek insects hiding in the newly-mown grass, it was clear it was not hunting as the flycatcher does. These were more like the actions of a robin, regarded as the gardener’s friend. A quick check in the bird-spotter’s book and there it was, a photo of a young robin looking remarkably like the picture on another page of a young flycatcher. Flycatchers usually grab their prey spectacularly in mid-air, robins hunt their food on the ground. The book revealed that juvenile robins have speckled buff-brown upper parts and underparts so that adult birds do not attack them in territorial disputes for which robins are well known. The speckled feathers are lost in a partial moult when the bird is about two to three months old.

REC COMES TO LIFE On Monday 29 June work began to demolish the old toilet block at the Rec. By mid‐July the existing play equipement was removed and work had begun on installing the new as Buckinghamshire Council gradually reopens its Council‐managed outdoor play areas and gyms. Everyone who uses these outdoor areas is asked to maintain strict social distancing and good hygiene practice, such as frequently using their own hand wash and sanitiser.

A WALK ON THE WILDLIFE SIDE

GARDENER’S FRIEND

When the Covid‐19 lockdown was first eased, one of the first places Rachael and Doug Webb from Littlecote visited was the Stewkley Wildlife Reserve in early July. It was a cloudy but warm afternoon, with a little breeze, and they were spoiled for photo opportunities. Here is just a selection.

1 – A red kite soars overhead.

2 – A meadow brown butterfly (maniola jurtina) landing on common knapweed (centaurea nigra). The meadow brown is one of Britain’s most common butterflies, seen abundantly on grasslands, in gardens and parks. Common knapweed, also known as 'black knapweed', is a thistle‐like plant that can be found on all kinds of grasslands, from roadside verges to woodland rides, clifftops to lawns. It is in bloom from June to September and is a huge favourite of all kinds of butterflies.

3 – More common knapweed, this time with a bumble bee (bombus).

4 – Beetles taking over pignuts (conopodium majus). Related to the carrot, the pignut root is edible and sought out by pigs, which can smell the root, hence the name.

5 – A crow is silhouetted against a cloudy sky.

6 – Meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria) and purple loosestrife (lythrum salicaria) by the pond. In earlier times, meadowsweet was used to flavour beers, and also in medieval times was strewn on the floor as its fragrance would mask other smells.

7 – Sloe berries (prunus spinosa) will be ready for picking in the autumn.

8 – One of several species of vetch (vicia) at the Reserve, it is a member of the pea family, complete with tendrils to help it climb and cling to other plants, and its seed pod looks like a small pea pod.

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Buckinghamshire Counci also advises that children should not use the equipment if they are clinically vulnerable.

With lockdown restrictions easing Stewkley was able to begin enjoying the Rec once again.

Anyone wearing disposable PPE is asked to take it home with them or use bins where provided. Please do not litter.

Documents

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