SCHOOL SECRETARY RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS from David Morley ... · from David Morley, Headteacher, St Michael’s CE Combined School The Grapevine team wishes all its readers and advertisers

DECEMBER 2020

THE GRAPEVINE: NEXT ISSUE ON OR ABOUT 1 FEBRUARY 2021. DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS & ADS: 15 JANUARY 2021 Contact: [email protected] To advertise: email or call 242137. For editorial: email or call 240350.

SCHOOL SECRETARY RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS

Also in this months Grapevine:

● p3 Getting In The Festive Spirit

● p5 We Still Remember

● p5 The Stewkley Pumpkin Trail

● p7 Village Advent

Calendar

● p24 12 Months of

Stewkley Life

Alison Cooper, our School Secretary, retired at the end of last month, after 23 years of dedicated service to St Michael's School.

Alison joined St Michael’s in the summer of 1997, initially taking on the role of Teaching Assistant, before moving on to become School Secretary 18 years ago. During her time at St Michael’s, Alison has also been, amongst other things, a parent helper, Nursery Manager, the Treasurer, Secretary and Chair of Friends Association and Clerk to the Governing Body. There is very little that she has not stepped in to do!

For anyone making contact with the school, Alison was always on the frontline, dealing with queries and questions where she was not only extremely knowledgeable about the school but also caring and empathetic. Over the course of those 23 years, Alison has supported hundreds of pupils and parents on their journey from the Foundation class towards starting at Secondary School.

Alison has worked with seven Headteachers during this time, providing loyal service to them all, helping them to guide the school onto each new stage of its development. From personal experience, I know that without Alison’s support, the last two and a half years would have been immensely challenging.

Alison’s service to the school has been remarkable and she is going to be missed by parents, staff, pupils, governors and the local community alike. We very much hope that once the pandemic is over, she won’t be a stranger and will come and tell us about her travels with her husband Selwyn, in their new motorhome.

We would have loved to have thrown a huge retirement party for Alison where we could have invited the Stewkley community to say goodbye, but sadly Covid restrictions made that impossible. We did however ensure that Alison got a good send off from the staff and children.

If you would like us pass on a message to Alison, perhaps to wish her a happy retirement, please contact the school via the School Office: office@st‐michaels.bucks.sch.uk

from David Morley, Headteacher, St Michael’s CE Combined School

The Grapevine team wishes all its readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Seasons greetings and thanks also to the delivery team which has braved all weathers and a pandemic throughout the year to get Grapevine through every letterbox in the village so quickly. We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed articles to keep the pages of Grapevine filled through this strange year when all the normal annual events could not take place. Grateful thanks also to our advertisers whose continued support in diffucult times made it possible to keep producing Grapevine. There is no Grapevine in January, so look out for the next edition published on or about 1 February.

Stewkley Grapevine December 2020

STEWKLEY WALKERS from Bridget WatsonDECEMBER AND JANUARY WALKS PROGRAMME Please note that December and January walks are subject to the lockdown being eased on 2 December. All mileages are approximate but walks usually take about two hours. DECEMBER 2020 Friday 4 December Around the Shenleys 4.5miles Meet at Howe Park Wood car park (MK4 3GG) opposite Nut and Squirrel and Westcroft Centre at 10am. The walk skirts Shenley Wood and then passes the sites of a Medieval Moat and Medieval Fort (The Toot) at Shenley Church End. The brook is followed from Shenley Brook End for much of the route back to Howe Park Wood. No stiles, hard‐surfaced paths. Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. NB There are toilets at Morrisons at Westcroft Centre.

Leaders: John and Alice Phone Alice 07905 759120 to book Tuesday 8 December Caldecotte Lake and canal 4.5 miles Meet at Caldecotte Pub and Grill, Bletcham Way (MK7 8HP) at 10am for a walk around the lake and part of the canal towpath. Level walking on mostly hard‐surfaced paths. Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. Lunch is available in the pub 01908 366188, but please check closer to the day.

Leaders: Paul and Bridget Phone Paul 07795 523588 to book Thursday 10 December Great Brickhill Loop 4 miles Meet at 10am at Great Brickhill Cricket Club/Village Hall, Horsepond (off Rotten Row), Great Brickhill, (MK17 9BA), where there is plenty of parking. This walk has only one stile and gently slopes down from Great Brickhill to the canal. It ends with a gentle slope upwards back to the start. NB There is livestock so regret no dogs. Leaders: Tom and John Phone Tom 07970 479007 to book Tuesday 15 December Aspley Guise and Husborne Crawley 1 4.5 miles Meet in Recreation Ground/Bowls Club car park, West Hill, Aspley Guise (MK17 8DX) at 10am. Take entrance to Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club and bear immediately right signed to Bowls Club and into car park behind on left. The walk is varied, crossing fairways, sections of quiet roads in Aspley Guise, one or two fields, a small wood and through Crawley Park. Good views, no stiles. Regret no dogs. No public toilets Leaders: Alice and Dot Phone Alice 07905 759120 to book Monday 21 December Rushmere Circular 1 3.5miles Meet at Rushmere Country Park, Old Linslade Road, (LU7 0EB) by the Visitor Centre at 10am. NB Parking is £3 cash or card on exit. Public toilets. The walk takes in Rushmere/Stockgrove, Rammamere Heath and Shire Oak Heath on marked woodland paths. Some uphill and downhill slopes. This walk will be adapted on the day to suit the conditions. Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. There is a cafe/hatch serving hot food and drinks.

Leaders: Thelma and George Phone 07860 654325 to book JANUARY 2021 Wednesday 6 January Loughton Brook and Furzton Lake 4.5 miles Meet at Howe Park Wood car park (MK4 3GG) opposite Nut and Squirrel and Westcroft Shopping Centre at 10am. The walk initially skirts Howe Park Wood and then follows Loughton Brook towards Furzton Lake. Shenley Brook is followed for much of the route back to the car park. No stiles. Hard‐surfaced paths. Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. There are toilets at Morrisons at Westcroft Centre. (NB this is a different walk to ‘Around the Shenleys’.)

Leaers: John and Alice Phone Alice 07905 759120 to book Wednesday 13 January Rushmere Circular 2 3.5miles Meet at Rushmere Country Park, Old Linslade Road, (LU7 0EB) by the Visitor Centre at 10am. NB Parking is £3 cash or card on exit. Public toilets. See Monday 21 December for details.

Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. There is a cafe/hatch serving hot food and drinks.

Leaders: Bridget, Thelma and George Phone 07756 326350 to book Tuesday 19 January Aspley Guise and Husborne Crawley 2 4.5 miles Meet in Recreation Ground/Bowls Club car park, West Hill, Aspley Guise (MK17 8DX) at 10am. Take entrance to Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club and bear immediately right signed to Bowls Club and into car park behind on left. See Tuesday 15 December for details. Regret no dogs. No public toilets. Leaders: Alice and Dot Phone 07905 759120 to book Tuesday 26 January Caldecotte Lake Circular 5 miles NB This is a different walk than the 8 December one. Meet at Caldecotte Pub & Grill, Bletcham Way (MK7 8HP) at 10am for a walk around Caldecotte Lake and skirting part of the Open University site. Level walking, all on hard‐surfaced paths. Well‐behaved dogs on leads welcome. Lunch is available in the pub 01908 366188, but please check closer to the day.

Leaders: Frank and Heather Phone 07938 521252 to book Walks for the Feburary programme 2021 to Bridget please by 12 January 2021 ([email protected])

When the Corvid 19 restrictions are sufficiently lifted, it is hoped that we can start a monthly OPEN MIKE evening at The Swan.

A couple of local musicians would host the evening and organise some mikes and an amp or two. They will then invite performances from anyone who would like to sing and/or play.

The length of each performance would depend on the numbers wanting to take part during the evening.

There wouldn’t be any payment for performance, but it would provide an opportunity for anyone to ‘do their thing’ in front of a small, supportive and, hopefully, enthusiastic crowd.

There would be no expectations of brilliance, only a real desire to share some talent and have some fun.

This is a tried and tested format popular all over the country. Sonia, who is running The Swan now, has witnessed the success of such evenings in another pub she used to run.

But we need to know how keen people would be to see it start in The Swan, possibly next Spring.

If you would like to support a regular Open Mike evening at The Swan, either as a performer or as audience, please email Brian, who will compile a contact list to keep everyone updated ([email protected]).

OPEN MIKE AT THE SWAN from Brian Bilson

Buckinghamshire Council is asking people who use or drive taxis, or mini cabs, to comment on proposed new rules that it will bring in next year.

The new Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy aims to:

• Protect the public

• Maintain and develop professional and respected hackney

carriage and private hire trades

• Enable access to an efficient and effective local transport

service

• Update the policy to reflect current best practice

A summary of the policy and the full draft document is available at

https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/communities/taxi‐licensing‐consultation/

Alternatively, a paper copy can be requested by calling 01494 421222. Comments can be made online until 21 December.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE TAXIS – YOU’RE IN THE DRIVING SEAT from the Buckinghamshire Council

Stewkley Grapevine December 2020 Page 3

VILLAGE DIARYWHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER & JANUARY

BOOK CLUB Monday 7 December

8.30pm via Zoom Please contact Greg on 240487 for information

Book to discuss: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Book for January: Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh)

November is the month we usually hold our Annual General Meeting. This year it had to be different. Not having ventured into the realms of Zoom etc we did it by email. Every member was sent the relevant documents and given the opportunity to vote on the election of President for the coming year. I am delighted to say that Ann Pritchard was re‐elected as President for another year. So, we are all set up and ready to go at the first opportunity.

STEWKLEY WI from Sheila Fellowes

Many thanks to all who supported our garage sale in October. The proceeds, £240, have been donated to Cancer Research.

Thank you again from Jill and Bunt Scott.

GARAGE SALE THANK YOU

This year has been a challenge for many of us, but despite the obstacles of lockdown and beyond, the mowing team of the Stewkley Enterprise Agency has once again managed to carry out their duties, keeping the village grass beautifully manicured.

The Parish Council would like to thank David Lett for the overall team management and all the mowers: David, Ben, Freddie, Ella and Kai, for their excellent mowing this year.

We are going to look at introducing some biodiversity into the scheme for 2021 so some verges may be dedicated to a different look to help with our environmental effort, but we’ll say more about that in the new year.

GRASS-MOWING from the Parish Council

1st Stewkley Scouts

XMAS TREE COLLECTION We will collect your tree to be chipped this year on

SATURDAY 2 JANUARY SUNDAY 3 JANUARY

£4 per tree Please call Andy on 07789 680719 or 01525 240108

Proceeds will go towards the Scouts Any Covid‐19 rules in force at the time will be followed Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year

Winter is the time of year when property defects become more apparent, such as a leaking roof or overflowing gutters. Worried residents might be tempted to contact a stranger who posted a flyer through their door, or another who knocks on the door claiming there’s a fault when there isn’t one.

Fraudsters will often do shoddy or unnecessary work for hugely inflated fees, or simply take money for a job they have no intention of doing. In many cases, the property is left in a worse condition than before with the home owner facing additional costs to rectify the damage.

Buckinghamshire Trading Standards offer the following tips to avoid getting tricked:

● Only use Trading Standards approved traders ‐ traders4u.co.uk or call 0300 123 2329

● Don’t be afraid to say “No thank you, please leave”, and shut the door.

● Take your time, don’t be rushed. ● Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know.

● Never allow strangers into your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and who they are.

If you would like to report a concern or receive one of our No Cold Calling packs, call 0300 123 2329

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DODGY WORKERS from the Buckinghamshire Council

Father Christmas will be making an early visit to Stewkley this year, on Saturday 12 December. Watch out for him as he makes his way through the village on his sleigh, with colourful lights and Christmas music to really get people in the festive spirit.

The event is being arranged by The Friends of St Michael's School and Stewkley Recreation Ground Committee, who have organised the special visit for the whole village to see and join in.

Father Christmas will stop at various locations throughout the village and will be joined by his elves, who will be collecting donations to support and fund resources for St. Michael's School and The Rec.

Further information to follow on Facebook about times and our sleigh tracker app.

Merry Christmas from The Friends of St Michael's School and the Stewkley Recreation Ground Committee!

GETTING IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT from Lydia Bryant

DECEMBER Wed 2 Refuse: green tops and food bins

Mon 7 Parish Council – via Zoom 7.30pm

Book Club – via Zoom, 8.30pm

Wed 9 Refuse: blue tops and food bins

Wed 16 Refuse: green tops and food bins


JANUARY 2021 Sat 2 Refuse: green tops and food bins

Stewkley Scouts - Xmas tree collection

Sun 3 Stewkley Scouts - Xmas tree collection

Fri 8 Refuse: blue tops and food bins

Thu 14 Refuse: green tops and food bins

Fri 15 Deadline for submissions to Grapevine


Wed 27 Refuse: green tops and food bins

Information correct as of 23 November.

The Bucks Herald of 22 November 1902 reported on a meeting of the Winslow Guardians where it was suggested by the authorities that the spread of an outbreak of diphtheria in Stewkley was the result of parents’ carelessness.

Boards of Guardians were created under the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and amended by the 1894 Local Government Act. In the case of Winslow, members of the newly‐established Rural District Council became guardians for their area and effectively the rural sanitary authority. Mr J Hedges was the local Stewkley representative.

The inmates of six cottages, one housing nine children, near to the Black Swan pub (at the north end of High Street South), had become infected with the potentially fatal bacterial disease for which there was then no vaccine.

Stewkley School had been closed and there was no obvious quarantine facility in the village.

The Rev Bruce Dickson had offered the use of the School Room for isolation but this was rejected by the Medical Officer as being ‘impracticable’. A common disease in children at the time, many suffered only a mild sore throat, not easily diagnosed as diphtheria. The disease remained infectious for two weeks after a child recovered, and it appears that some Stewkley children were irresponsibly allowed to run about and mix with others.

Posters were to be printed warning parents against carelessness with the threat of punishment for offenders.

Diphtheria remains endemic today in parts of Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa.

Page 4 Stewkley Grapevine December 2020

PARISH COUNCIL MATTERSThe following is extracted from the draft minutes provided by Stewkley Parish Council after its November meeting, by Zoom. Stewkley Enterprise Agency: A report on the grass‐cutting activities was received from the organiser of SEA. The grass‐ cutting in 2019/20 had been more seasonally‐based but 10 mows had been achieved despite a slow‐growing spring and early summer. Some equipment maintenance will be required including engine repairs to one mower. A decision will be taken in the new year on the best areas to allow wildflower growth and changes to the mowing regime.

Democracy: Councillors approved a proposal to cease Delegated Powers and return to normal decision‐making.

Planning and Developments: Regarding whether prior approval is required in respect of transport and highway impact, noise, contamination risk, flooding and locational considerations for the conversion of an agricultural barn into a three‐bedroom dwelling house at Upper Dean Farm, Dean Road (20/03313/COUAR), Cllrs resolved to object to this application. Cllrs also objected to the application for a Lawful Development Certificate for an existing residential dwelling at Kiln Home Farm, Dunton Road (20/03444/ACL).

Cllrs supported the application for the removal of an existing conservatory and replacement with a single‐storey rear extension, garage conversion and internal alterations at 42 High Street North (20/03519/APP). Support was also confirmed for a single‐storey, rear link‐extension and conversion of outbuilding at Masons Cottage, Soulbury Road (20/03625/APP)

The Council expressed disappointment at the lack of progress with issues raised for enforcement. Communication and response times have been poor. A list of concerns will be sent to Buckinghamshire Council for follow‐up. BC Cllr Ben Everitt commented that the work of the BC planning team was to be refocussed. The intention is to improve decision‐making, consistency of decisions, and to respond to requests in a more timely and informative manner.

The dismissal of an appeal against rejection of application APP/J0405/W/20/32 re land behind 28 Dunton Road was noted.

The suggestion by Dandara (the developers) of ‘St Michael’s Park’ as the marketing name for the Soulbury Road development was welcomed by the PC.

Finance: The list of invoices for October is as follows: Wreath RBL £18.00; Website EHL £99.00; Grass cutting (SEA) £437.52; Healthmatic toilet £53,400.00; Hags 1 £40,322.58; Hags 3 £25,554.16; Reissues out‐of‐date cheque £30.00; Came & Co Insurance £1,979.69; Mower for Spinney £83.00; Sparxx lantern Bletchley Rd £367.06; spring bulbs for school £101.13; Wildlife expenses (seeds and petrol) £266.16; Staff costs £870.40. Rec Wright tractor repairs £204.00. Coronavirus: Recent responses from volunteers indicated that Stewkley’s volunteer system is still in place. New ‘Here to Help’ signs have been mounted on the noticeboards. Cllr Everitt reported that there were 160 cases per 100,000 in population and told the PC of BC’s aim to ensure Buckinghamshire is put in the correct tier at the end of lockdown.

St Michael’s School Governors’ meeting: Points for discussion: 20’s Plenty for Stewkley; yellow lines outside school; pavement issues, trips and falls; foodbank.

In and around the Recreation Ground: Completion of back‐filling for toilet project is delayed due to wet ground following recent heavy rains. Tarmac still required for potholes in the Burial Ground car park. The green bin in the car park is overflowing.

Date of next meeting: (by Zoom): Monday 7 December at 7.30pm

Stewkley Local History Group has a project in mind; to carry out research on the three brickyards and brickfields in Stewkley that produced the warm red bricks with which many Stewkley homes were built between 1850 and 1940.

It is hoped to put together a research paper that could be the subject for a History Group talk for when we can meet again.

We would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any old photographs, invoices, payment receipts for bricks or tiles, or any memorabilia from the

brickyards on the Dunton and Wing Roads that we could record and scan.

Please contact John Sheldon at [email protected] or phone 240398. Thank you.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECORDS OF STEWKLEY’S BRICKYARDS?

STEWKLEY TICKED OFF FOR 1902 EPIDEMIC

To email your articles and pictures to the Grapevine [email protected].

Find the latest issue online at www.stewkleygrapevine.co.uk

As the end of October approached Lynsey Short, of High Street North, realised that the Halloween her children had come to expect would not be the same this year. In addition, children in year 2 of St Michael’s School were isolating and could not leave their homes.

Lynsey decided that some form of Halloween‐themed activity was needed, that all could participate in.

She came up with the idea of a Stewkley Pumpkin Trail for both North and South ends of the village and asked everyone to get involved.

Forty households volunteered to create Halloween‐themed decorations outside their homes and attach a poster adorned with a letter from the alphabet next to a pumpkin. Children could then collect letters as they followed the Trail and make as many Halloween‐themed words as they could from the letters collected. Those isolated could join in; with decorating their homes and watching the fun unfold outside.

The event was deemed a great success by all involved and thanks go to Harlequin Press for donating the printed forms. The eventual winner of the event, Jet Day, is pictured above right with her prize.


As some of you may be aware two sections of the Scout Group started back after the first lockdown for a few weeks with both the Cubs and Scouts meeting for outdoor hikes, a challenge‐night, learning about tracking and model‐making.

It was thought the Beavers would start shortly after but unfortunately we have stopped again due to the latest lockdown, until we are given the go ahead from the Scout Association.

On a brighter note, one of our leaders, Gail Oliver, (pictured right) has been awarded the Scout Association Award for Merit in recognition of her outstanding service to scouting.

Like other groups all our major fund‐raising events have been put on hold, but we have decided that we are going to do the Christmas tree collection at the beginning of January to try and boost our diminishing funds.

THE STEWKLEY PUMPKIN TRAIL

The weather was kind once again on Remembrance Sunday as Stewkley expressed its thanks to those who gave their lives serving their country in two World Wars. This year was of course different as none of the usual crowds thronged to the War Memorial or gathered for the traditional church

service. It didn’t matter. Whilst many Stewkley folk observed the two‐minute silence on their home doorsteps, some 30 plus villagers, amongst them service veterans and representatives of village organisations, marked the dignity and solemnity of the occasion as they laid their wreaths at the War Memorial.

As the church tenor bell tolled half‐muffled, Royal British Legion Chairman Steve Nicholl and Parish Council Chair Keith Higgins led the shortened Act of Remembrance, being simply the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph.

Ann Pritchard and Sheila Fellowes paid tribute on behalf of the WI; followed by Brownies Grace Clarke and Daisy Krause, Connie Wiseman and Florence Smith for the Scouts, Cubs and Explorers, and parent‐governor Malcolm Lee with son Jack represented St Michael’s School.

The national sacrifices of recent months added some poignancy to the ceremony, reminding us that however gloomy life seemed at that moment, not so long ago it was a great deal more gloomy

WE STILL REMEMBER

1st STEWKLEY SCOUTS from Andy Dunn


Popular member of Stewkley Short Mat Bowls Club, Hilda Jones, has died after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer. She was 74.

Hilda and husband Brian joined the club together shortly after they retired to the village thirteen years ago. They moved from Chesham where they had lived all their

married lives, Brian working as an electrician and Hilda at home bringing up their four daughters.

She was born Hilda Marie Picton and spent her childhood years with her parents in Berkhamsted. On leaving school, Hilda joined one of the town’s best‐known employers, called TAM, an abbreviation of Television Audience Management, a company that provided viewer rating figures for all the top TV programmes.

Brian and Hilda met on a blind date, organised by a family friend. Romance blossomed and within two years they were married at Berkhamsted Congregational Church in 1967.

Their first daughter, Samantha, arrived a year later, then Hayley, Sally and Shellie came along at two‐year intervals.

Hilda was a craftswoman, especially expert at using needles – quilt work, crochet, embroidery and knitting; she was always busy, but rather shy about showing off her work. Unbeknown to her, daughter Hayley, herself a Stewkley villager, entered one of her mother’s quilts in the annual Village Hall Show. She won first prize.

In the Bowls Club, Hilda and Brian played in the club’s teams in both the Vale Friendly League and in the Robinson Cup competition. Players got to know the variations of the Village Hall floor under the club’s two mats, and the Joneses always favoured playing on ‘The Swan Mat,’ the one on the west side of the hall.

Over the last two years Brian had not been so well, and Hilda took to looking after him. She did all the driving and jobs that needed a little exertion. When she was taken ill earlier this year, just before the first lockdown, the roles reversed, Brian watching over her, with family and carer support, particularly in the final months.

Hilda died at her home in High Street North, and a funeral service was held at Bierton Crematorium. She leaves behind her husband, four daughters and eight grandchildren

OBITUARY: HILDA JONESThe Stewkley Neighbourhood Plan enters its final public consultation phase.

The draft Stewkley Neighbourhood Plan (NP) was submitted to AVDC in March this year. Following the merger of the four district councils into a unitary Buckinghamshire Council, procedures are now in place to enable Neighbourhood Plans to progress through the legal process and Stewkley NP is now in Regulation 16 public consultation – the final phase before it undergoes examination by an independent examiner.

The consultation period opened on 9 November and closes on 20 December.

Regulation 16 public consultation is managed by Buckinghamshire Council (BC) and all comments should be submitted to BC using the dedicated website link

https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/stewkley‐neighbourhood‐plan/

Comments may be entered on‐line, submitted by email or by post. Full details are provided on the BC website page.

Your Parish Council encourages all parishioners to review the documents on the BC website and to have your say.

For your convenience, the documents are also available on the Stewkley Parish Council website (stewkley.org.uk) with the link to the BC page for comments.

Please take time to look at your Plan and engage in this local democratic process.

STEWKLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN CONSULTATION

I am a relative newcomer to Stewkley, having only lived here for just over a year and a half, but I wanted to let you know about the fundraising that my colleagues and I are doing.

I am a Paramedic working for South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS). During this pandemic we have continued to work on the frontline throughout and we wanted to support the charity that supports us; The Ambulance Service Charity (TASC).

I am excited to announce that on 2 September 2021 a team of 20 frontline ambulance staff from SCAS will take on the gruelling challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It will involve a seven‐day trek through dense tropical rainforests, all the way up to the snow‐capped peaks, a climb of almost 6,000m. I will be leading the team, together with my fellow paramedic Quoc Vo.

Our goal is to raise over £75,000 for TASC which would enable the charity to continue the amazing work it does supporting Ambulance service staff physically, mentally and financially at their time of need. Please visit our Just Giving page and feel free to contact me for any further information. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamscas

TAKING ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO FOR THE AMBULANCE STAFF CHARITY (TASC) from Juliet McGill

We have been

having fun

rehearsing by

Zoom for our

virtual Music

and Mince

Pies Concert

in December.

We are hoping

to be back

with you live

in 2021, so

fingers

crossed. New

members are always welcome, please see our website:

www.stewkleysingers.org or contact Ron Sims on 240671.

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM STEWKLEY SINGERS


When our Church Warden, Neil Dickens, suggested the idea of a Village Advent Calendar we felt it was the perfect thing to add some light, colour and joy to what could be a darker December than usual. We popped a little Facebook post up to gauge interest, little thinking that within 24 hours we'd have 29 interested parties! We shouldn't have been surprised in this incredible village, and after a short chat with Reverends Howard, Andrew and Donna, decided we could risk trying for 24 windows on each High Street (and accompanying side roads). So 48 windows will be springing up, plus a display from the School and something special appearing at the Chapel too. You can find details of all these on the fabulous map by Cathy Hart.

VILLAGE ADVENT CALENDAR from Lillie Jenkins With the Church season of Advent starting on Sunday 29 November it was decided that we would put our Church window up then, plus it made space for another village home to take part.

Advent is such a special time for us as Christians as we wait for Good News; something that feels very pertinent this year. The Advent news is timeless though, it talks of Emmanuel:God with us. That's as true for us today as it was in the stable when He came as a baby to bring hope, joy and peace for all. We hope when you see these wonderful windows you'll feel a share in some of that too. Happy Advent from all at St Michael's Church.


St Michael and All Angels Church It seems appropriate as we approach

Christmastide to feature our Norman parish

church. This unusual view from the south‐

east happens to be our correspondent’s

favourite. The dappled sunshine in the

contemporary image highlights the warm

mixture of limestone and ironstone in the

sanctuary and tower elevations. This 1808

engraving by J Roffe still shows the Roman

cement stucco on these elevations, mostly

removed during G E Street’s 1862

conservation. The small tower steeple was

also removed in 1862 and replaced by the

present weathercock on a decorated iron

standard. Street reproduced the design of the

weathercock standard in the painted imagery

on the sanctuary ceiling.

The two brick buttresses on the sanctuary

corners, visible on the old engraving, were

added between 1776 and 1827 when the east

elevation and roof became unstable. These

were replaced by Street with stone buttresses, although the brick

foundations of the earlier ones were temporarily revealed in more

recent excavations. The nave and chancel/sanctuary roofs were

restored by Street to their original Norman pitches of 45 degrees.

The unfortunate vestry was added in 1911 to a design of John

Oldrid Scott, son of eminent Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert

Scott.

DOWN MEMORY LANE

FROM THE GRAPEVINE 10 YEARS AGO… From December 2010, the PC’s Traffic Sub‐committee had had enough and was no longer

prepared to take ‘no’ for an answer from the

authorities to pressing traffic concerns…the

village was advised it was ‘too small’ to qualify

for BT’s current highspeed broadband plans…

early ‘fireworks’ in Littlecote were caused by a

reckless motorist demolishing a power pole…new lights were

purchased for the village Christmas tree…Stewkley Singers

were presenting a double bill of Music and Mince Pies and helping celebrate Nine Lessons and Carols in the Methodist Chapel…St Michael’s Church PCC proposed that rebuilding

the ailing Edwardian vestry was the preferred option to

providing facilities in the church…Julie Dawson was elected

chair of the Tennis Club…and Barbara Ginn ticked off those

who said in the Parish Plan that Stewkley had ‘cliques’,

recommending they join one of the many welcoming village

clubs.

FROM THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AGO… From December 2000, four ‘declarations of interest’ had been received wishing to run a Post

Office service following its closure after two

armed raids…the village campaign to retain

Malcolm Paterson as our ‘postie’ proved

successful …Charlie Wood was thanked for his

voluntary labour to remove the old slide and concrete

bases from the Rec prior to installation of the new play

equipment…John Sheldon reported on the exploits of a small

party of villagers to the WWI battlefields of France for

Armistice Day…Pete Stamp headed up both the Cricket Club’s

1st and 2nd XI batting averages…Dave and Julia Willis’

champion rough‐haired lurcher Nettle, romped away with the

adult dog champion awards at the Henley and East of England

shows…the Christmas Band Concert would mark the 75th

anniversary of the opening of the Village Hall in December

1925…and the rumour that England cricketer Darren Gough

had bought a home in the village was confirmed.

Continuing our series looking at Stewkley past and present

© Images used in Grapevine are produced with the permission of the persons

supplying them, are copyrighted to them and may not be reproduced. We are

not able to supply copies.

©

©


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 Benefice Rector: Rev Howard Robson Tel: 01296 688593 Team Vicar: Rev Dr Andrew Krauss Church Wardens: Neil Dickens. [email protected] Tel: 242253 Judy Walker. [email protected] Tel: 240444

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Subject to Government Guidelines: 6 10.30 - Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly 20 10.30 - The Stewards 27 10.30 - Rev D Broadbent-Kelly Or if services in Methodist Church not possible 13 10.00 am Zoom – Rev D Broadbent-Kelly 20 4.30 pm Zoom - Rev D Broadbent-Kelly 25 9.30 am Christmas Day Zoom – Rev D Broadbent Kelly Please contact Donna or the Stewards for further information. Services in January to be announced. ► The Rev Donna Broadbent-Kelly is writing a weekly reflection. ► On Sunday mornings at 10.30 am 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, As I write this, I hear of people already putting up the Christmas lights and decorations. And I begin to ask myself some questions. Do they love Christmas and are so desperate for it to arrive? To celebrate with family and friends, and forget the year gone by? Do they want this year to end? Christmas coming and going quicker to get it over and done with. Let’s

face it, it’s not been a good one for many with loved ones lost, furlough, Covid, lockdown and home schooling. Maybe they are longing for light and hope, in what is feeling like a dark world? I wonder though, how many of us will be packing Christmas away on Boxing Day? I wonder how many of us will sit and think that all of that preparation was worth it? And then there’s the almost inevitable feeling of dread as many think of the extra pounds both gained and lost. We often forget that before Christmas comes Advent, a time of waiting; a time of longing for hope. We can’t make Christmas come any quicker. We might want to pull the dates off the calendar now and get to that glorious Christmas morning when we are told (as Boris promises) a Christmas full of joy and love, and with family and friends. But we have to wait. We have all learnt to wait a bit more this year, and maybe our patience is beginning to run dry as we are fed up with waiting for things to get back to some normality and for Covid to go away. Fed up with the uncertainty, the feelings of loss, loneliness and isolation. For the people of Old Testament times waiting for the long expected Messiah seemed to never end, it was frustrating! “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down!”—Isaiah 64:1. Waiting involves a lot of trust; a naked vulnerable trust that requires us to be persistent and patient, but vulnerable to mockery, challenge, and temptation to take things into our own hands. But you can’t rush God, you can’t rush time. We might be feeling like we are in the Bleak Midwinter of our carols, but the light is coming. When the waiting is over and the child is born, When the shepherds have gone back to the fields When the magi have left their gifts and returned to distant lands When Mary and Joseph have fled Herod’s wrath- Keep our hearts open, O God, to the call of your kingdom. Amen. With love Rev Donna

SERVICES and NOTICES for DECEMBER SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 24 Dec 11.30pm Christmas Eve - Holy Communion

Please look at noticeboard for services in January dependent on

government regulations

† 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, First a note of clarification. I’d just like to make clear that in my article last month for Remembrance, there was no intention to suggest that science subjects, in and of themselves, create violent behaviour. My apologies for offence caused. And now to Christmas. We have moved here from Cambridgeshire and one of the changes we’ve needed to make is how we

deal with the rubbish...... here, the blue/green bin is for recycling so for us, blue/green is the new black and the green one is for landfill, unlike the black bin bags we had before. And here, food waste gets a dinky little bin all of its own. All of which is absolutely fine and it didn’t take long to get used to, but how we deal with rubbish and what we regard as rubbish is a much more interesting matter. That’s something Jesus encountered all the time and ultimately when they decided to get rid of him, Jesus was crucified on Jerusalem city’s rubbish dump. But it wasn’t just at the end of his earthly ministry that Jesus met with being thrown out. Christmas is upon us. We know the story well and how there was no room at the inn. An inn is a place where people meet up. Immortalised by such as The Rovers Return or the Queen Vic, they can become communities in their own right. We’re told that it’s all very human and it is, which is completely OK too. But that first Christmas night, there was no room at the inn. People were too busy for the wild and reckless God who said “here you are, have a present. No, I don’t want any money, nothing, my Son is a gift”. Instead, the Holy family had to go outside, round the back to where the dross was; to where the rubbish was put. It is almost certain that Christmas 2020 will be like none in living memory, but please watch out for details of whatever services we will be able to hold. We do intend however, that socially distanced carol singing (what a phrase!) will happen in all of our villages, even perhaps with a Nativity scene, with which you can get involved. In the meantime, it is very easy to learn some new rules about bins; the Christmas story is also straightforward where God says “here I am, please may I come in?” With every blessing Howard


The field maple (Acer campestre) is described as an ‘inconspicuous’ tree, except in autumn when its leaves turn a stunning gold (header) and in spring with its new winged seeds glowing pink. It is a relatively small tree, growing to 20 metres and is common in hedgerows and woodland edges.

Recently it has also become popular for towns and cities as it is highly resistant to pollution.

HEDGEHOG HIGHWAYS In October, Nature Watch highlighted the plight of hedgehogs and the need for ‘hedgehog highways’ through gardens. Patricia Downing of High Street South contacted the Grapevine to take this challenge a step further locally.

Patricia says, “You may have heard the dire statistics on hedgehog decline; apparently in the last ten years we have lost about half of rural hedgehogs. The good news is that you can help by creating ‘hedgehog highways’, which allow hedgehogs to travel between gardens. These are holes in walls and fences; 13cm by 13cm is sufficiently large.

“As hedgehogs roam for up to a mile at night, fenced off gardens without ‘highways’ create problems. With the layout of Stewkley, hedgehogs may be traversing back and forth across the roads, at greater risk of getting run over. If your garden fence doesn’t have a natural hole that a hedgehog could pass through, how about considering creating one? See https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ for lots of ideas on this and how to make your garden more hedgehog friendly. They will be hibernating for winter now so there is time to plan.

“I have become a Hedgehog Champion and if anyone is interested in forming a local hedgehog support group, please contact me on 240723. Maybe we could help with creating hedgehog highways between gardens if needed.”

The petition mentioned in October is still just short of its 1,000,000 signatures and needs a few more people to support the cause. www.change.org/p/help‐save‐britain‐s‐hedgehogs‐with‐hedgehog‐highways

SHEEP IN THE WILDLIFE RESERVE Trish Higgins captured this image of sheep in the Wildlife Reserve. The Reserve is managed by Stewkley Parish Council, with the objective of returning the fields to hay meadows, as they would have been before 1900. During the winter, sheep help the process by eating the remaining grass after the hay is cut and applying a natural fertiliser to the land.

Trish commented, “The one in the foreground is one of the rams, who seems to be lying down on the job,” which might explain why there are so few red bottoms in the flock.

ASH DIEBACK Ash trees are such characters in the UK’s hedgerows and woodlands, with their quirky shapes and clusters of winged seeds making them instantly recognisable. Their disappearance from the landscape will be an ecological as well as a financial disaster.

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) arrived in the UK in 2012, probably brought in on saplings imported from infected parts of Europe, where the disease had been known for 30 years. It is a fungus that originated in Asia, where it has little impact, but the European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) has no natural defence against it.

The fungus produces fruiting bodies that release spores into the air. These spores can blow tens of miles away, landing on leaves, which they penetrate, then enter the tree and grow inside it. A tree can fight back but year‐on‐year infections will eventually kill it.

It is anticipated that the UK could lose up to 80% of its ash trees, and in 2019 scientists calculated the total cost of ash dieback to the UK as around £15 billion, taking into account actual clear up costs, as well as the loss of the tree’s contribution to things like air purification.

More recently the National Trust has announced that it has suffered its worst year for ash dieback and estimates that 40,000 trees will need to be cut down on its land, rather than the normal 4,000 or 5,000. The trust predicts that it will need to spend £2 billion on felling infected trees, a sum the charity can ill‐afford on top of its lost income as a result of coronavirus.

But there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Results of a study carried out in France identified that trees are more likely to survive if they stand alone in a hedgerow rather than in a dense wooded area with close canopies. It is believed that this is because individual trees are in less shade and exposed to higher temperatures. So the good news is that those ‘characters’ in our hedgerows might well survive.

There is also work ongoing to study the DNA of hundreds of ash trees and to identify the genetic differences of those trees that are showing some natural resistance to ash dieback. It is hoped that this will mean that more resistant trees can be grown to replace those lost to the disease.

Nature Watch

BBC, Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts, The Times


By Richard HeadyI am starting to sound like a broken record…..it’s been wet, very

wet, and I am pretty sure our slug pests are growing far more

quickly than our crops. So rather than listen to me harping on about

the weather, this month I am featuring some fantastic local

producers and retailers who are busy preparing for the festive

season.

Morris of Hoggeston “We farm beef cattle, sheep, wheat for breadmaking, oats for

Jordan’s Cereals and a few pigs at Manor Farm in Hoggeston. We

farm in an environmentally friendly way, encouraging wildlife onto

our farm as

much as

possible with

our

wildflower

and legume

field margins,

areas of bird

food crops,

ponds and

the planting

of new

hedgerows.

December is

a busy month

for us as we

produce Christmas gammons and pigs in blankets from our

Gloucester Old Spot pigs, alongside running the farm! At this time

of year our cattle (header) are all in the warm barns for winter so

our daily routine is feeding them and shepherding our ewes who

are hopefully now in lamb, due to be pregnancy scanned mid‐

December. Unfortunately we have had to abandon hope of planting

any more crops this year due to the persistent rains.

Coronavirus has prevented us from running our Farmhouse

Breakfasts so we have adapted to hosting occasional seasonal

wildlife walks. Our produce (home‐grown pork, beef, lamb and

sausages) is sold directly from our farmhouse on Friday afternoons

and Saturday mornings, and we are one of the founding traders of

Winslow Farmers Market on the first Sunday of the month.”

Littlecote Farm Shop “The farm shop brings a

friendly, family‐run

business to the local area,

providing local suppliers

with somewhere to sell

their products. We have

gifts and treats as well as

everyday essentials,

cheeses and meats. Most

of our customers have

found us through word of

mouth which is fantastic

and people do seem to

prefer to shop small and

local during lockdown.

You can find us in

Littlecote just outside

Stewkley, check out our

Facebook page for more

information.”

Farm Watch

Watergate Farm “We are a mixed family farm, producing free‐range white and

bronze turkeys for the Christmas market, along with our arable and

sheep

enterprises.

We stick to

traditional

family‐

farming

values with a

progressive

outlook, and a

mindful eye

on protecting

the

countryside

around us for

future

generations.

The turkeys

complement

our farming

calendar, as the arable work is usually completed by this time (not

this year due to the weather). November involves preparing the

buildings and machinery ready for various inspections which are

carried out before turkey plucking starts on the 1 December. You

can find out more at watergatefarm.co.uk, and I will hopefully see

you at Walducks Farm, Stewkley on 23 December to collect your

Christmas turkey.”

Heady Plants “At Heady Plants we supply a mix of gardening products throughout

the year. I am based on the family farm which gives me the space

to grow as much as I can in my two polytunnels, but I also source

plants from local growers and nationally.

The run

up to

Christmas

is one of

my busiest

times of

the year.

We take

the farm

lorry to a

local

Christmas

tree

grower at

the

beginning of December and fill it up with freshly cut Christmas

trees. Sometimes we have to wait while they cut our trees, that’s

how fresh they are. My sister is kept busy making Christmas

wreaths, and we will hopefully be heading to Hereford to source

some fresh holly and mistletoe. You will probably see me in my

bright yellow van as I head back and forth through Stewkley so I

am always happy to deliver Christmas trees, plants, compost and

bird food to the village and local area.”

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year

(that is warm and dry).

Richard Heady


unknowns.”

Stewkley is overflown by Luton arrivals at no less than 5,000 feet (above sea level) when the winds are from an easterly direction, which is about 30% of the time and will not change. This might not sound significant, but sometimes easterly winds can prevail for weeks at a time, particularly in the summer months. Conversely, westerly winds can set in when Stewkley is more likely to see Heathrow departures at higher altitudes. There are two Options being considered.

Option 1, on the face of it, looks similar to today’s operations once planes reach Leighton Buzzard. From there, most arrivals will be “vectored” (i.e. directed by air traffic control) south of Leighton Buzzard and well east of Stewkley. Some flights will have to go north of Leighton Buzzard, and these are more likely to clip the

The arrival flightpaths into London Luton Airport are being reviewed, and a public consultation closes on 5 February 2021. The headline change is a new stack (holding position) near Huntingdon, just for Luton traffic, which will leave the current shared hold hear Royston solely for Stansted arrivals. New routes are therefore required from Huntingdon down to the runway.

Rachael Webb, who lives in Littlecote and represents Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Parish and Town Councils (including Stewkley) on the Airport’s Consultative Committee said Stewkley residents shouldn’t be complacent to the reassuring graphics in the consultation material.

She told the Grapevine, “It looks at first as if Stewkley will either hear no noticeable change or a slight improvement in the noise climate, but the Devil is in the detail, the nuances, and the as‐yet

SOMET OR NOWT – THE IMPACT OF NEW FLIGHTPATHS

STEWKLEY

STEWKLEY


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]

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] LEE’S GARDENING & LANDSCAPES All aspects of gardening, landscaping & general maintenance. Reliable & friendly service. Lee Southall - 07776 292824

EXPERIENCED CARER AVAILABLE Get up, Wash, Dress, Breakfast, Shopping, House duties, Put to bed, Sleep overnight when needed. Bernadette Cunningham 07534 219326

FOR SALE L-SHAPED SHOWER BATH+SIDE+SCREEN White Quantum Bath 1700mm x 850/700, R/H, Carronite, Side Panel, Glass Screen 1400mm High. 3 yrs old. Will deliver Stewkley Current Cost £962 - £100 ono to Scouts. Mike 07956 679244

Deadline for Ads for February Grapevine: 6pm FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021

South End and Littlecote. The pattern is what is known as “dispersed”, i.e. no one predictable, defined path within a wide arc.

Rachael points out, “This should happen today, but some flights can be seen over the North End as well and while, for example, Leighton Buzzard was promised during the previous changes [2006] that they would not be overflown, they still are and in sufficient numbers to cause angst. Stewkley could also be disappointed when real‐life operations take over from pretty pictures.”

Option 2 would see planes routed north and south of Leighton Buzzard on well‐defined and concentrated flightpaths, with little if any intervention from air traffic control, owing to new PBN technology (Performance Based Navigation). Use of these routes would be alternated to provide respite for the worst impacted communities; both routes are well away from Stewkley.

But Rachael warns, “These PBN routes will only be used about 50% of the time. For various reasons, air traffic control will revert to vectoring per Option 1 20% of the time, with the uncertainties for Stewkley I’ve already mentioned. The remaining 30% of the time, planes will not go to the hold first but will be “shortcut” and join the PBNs closer to the runway, for example near Wingrave. It’s these shortcuts I’m most worried about for Stewkley. At the moment, some shortcuts are incredibly noisy, especially over Littlecote, because they turn quite sharply with lots of engine thrust.”

How should Stewkley residents respond? “When I respond I’ll be considering the impact on the whole of Buckinghamshire,” Rachael warned, “so I’m leaning towards Option 1, as I feel there will be fewer changes for most communities, at least in the short term before the wider airspace review for the whole region is carried out [currently delayed because of Covid]. Stewkley residents might want to risk Option 2 and hope that those planes that are vectored and shortcut are not as bad as I fear they might be.

“One thing I am sure of,” she added, “is that these new arrangements, whichever Option is chosen, will allow Luton to handle more planes than they do currently. So the best option for Stewkley and indeed the whole country, is for people to fly less. I’ve signed up to https://flightfree.co.uk/ ”

More information The consultation material is, according to Rachael, “actually quite fun” and can be found at

https://consultations.airspacechange.co.uk/london‐luton‐airport/ad6_luton_arrivals/

For those without access to the Internet, please telephone the airport on 01582 405100 for help and advice.

SOMET OR NOWT cont’d

Richard, Mieke and Ellie are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Richard's first grandchildren, Harper McBride and Albie McBride, born to Charlie Ash and Lewis McBride on Monday 19th October. At the time of writing, the babies are four weeks old to the day, and all are doing well.

ASH FAMILY WELCOME NEW ARRIVAL


(Opposite Aylesbury Vale Golf Club) Wing Road, Stewkley, Beds. LU7 0JB Telephone : 01525 240837

Regular Opening Hours : Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 4pm

Closed for lunch 1.00pm-1.30pm)

(Closed Mondays)

Throughout the year we have a great range of Herbaceous Perennials,

Shrubs, Roses, Alpines, Herbs, Cacti and Bedding Plants

FROM SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER We are selling non‐drop Xmas trees, Welcome Xmas door wreaths

and a selection of wreaths for the grave. Potted arrangements can also be made for the grave by request.

WE ARE TAKING ORDERS FOR XMAS GEESE AND DUCKS.

Please note, the nursery will close Thursday 24 December 4pm until Tuesday 2 February 10am.

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support through this difficult year.

Follow us on Facebook: BLACKTHORN NURSERY Gardening Tips ‐ New Stock ‐ Event Information

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. 1-2-1 TUITION IN MATHS, SCIENCE, ENGLISH Maths, Science/Physics: KS1-4, English: KS2. Inc 11+ Qualified 121 tutor with CRB. Call Roger Crews on 07946 568153 or Email: [email protected]

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]

NO GRAPEVINE IN JANUARY Deadline for Ads for February Grapevine:

6pm FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021


To be held in the 'Pre-School'. All proceeds to Stewkley Cygnets Preschool.

Come & create a beautiful festive table decoration, price includes all materials plus a glass of wine

and tuition from our resident trained florist! Wednesday 9th December 8pm - standard table decoration

(festive plant pot + candle, £20) Thursday 10th December 8pm - luxury table decoration

(hurricane lamp + candle, £30) Full refunds offered if cancelled due to covid restrictions.

Places very limited - call Clare to book 07713 990 579 Also for sale: Pre-made Christmas cracker table decorations, £10 each. Please call number above or see Stewkley Facebook page for details coming soon.

Thank you for supporting our Pre-school.

CHRISTMAS FLORAL MASTERCLASS

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We are back...

We are now fully open and offering: ‐ Physiotherapy appointments ‐ Mat‐work Pilates ‐ Reformer Studio (very limited places in classes) ‐ Hydrotherapy Pool

Whatever your fitness level, ability or disability our aim is to help you be the fittest, healthiest version

of yourself so you can live life to the fullest!

If you are interested in any of our services and would like to discuss how we can help you please contact:

[email protected] 07811 238163

www.cottesloephysio.co.uk Cottesloe Physio Cublington Rd Wing LU70LB

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


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


Order now for Christmas: �� Gammons

�� Beef �� Pork

�� Lamb �� Sausages & Bacon

�� Local turkeys

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

Home produced Pork, Beef & Lamb

The Granary Giftshop will be open earlier this year for gifts & Christmas shopping!

NOVEMBERWEDS TO SAT 10AM- 4PMSupporting local artists, makers and designers, producing quality handmade gifts.

DECEMBEREVERY DAY UNTIL WEDS 23RD DECIncluding locally grown, freshly cut Christmas trees and beautiful handmade wreaths, using our handwoven willow bases, fresh foliage and dried seed heads & flowers from the farm.

Locally grown, premium quality Christmas trees on sale from 30th November

For enquiries please call Rosie 07876 394 086 or to order please go to wildroseflowercompany.co.uk

Wild Rose Flower Company, Town Farm, Hoggeston, Buckingham. MK18 3LQ @wildroseflowercompany

SUPPORT LOCAL

FLOWER COMPANY

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ThE CARPENTERs ARMs sTEWKLEY

TEL: 01525 240029

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... Wishing you all a Merry Christmas...


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requirements from design to complete landscape. 07773 723236

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

CHARLES HILLGARDEN SERVICES LTD

DESIGN BUILD MAINTAIN

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]

DAMIAN STEWART PLUMBING & HEATING

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER ● For all your Plumbing, Gas, Oil & Heating requirements

● Boiler & appliance installations, system upgrades, servicing, fault finding & repair

● 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

01525 240285 01525 261715


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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Get in touch to discuss how we can help you smash your fitness goals.

www.huntfitness.co.uk

huntfitnessuk huntfitness.uk

Cublington Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0LB

Smash your goals and get results at Hunt FitnessWe offer tailored one-to-one, small group and online personal training with our dedicated coaches, who will support you at every stage of your fitness journey.

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

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

HUNTER PEST SERVICES

Domestic and Commercial Pest Control Fast, Reliable, Discreet | No call out charge

Beds, Bucks and surrounding areas.

Contact Tim Hunter T:07976 802 362

E: [email protected] www.hunterpestservices.co.uk

Moles, Rats Fleas, Bed Bugs, Wasps

Cockroaches, Glis-glis, Squirrels All crawling and flying insects, Pest birds

and much more...


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: [email protected]

Web: www.parrottbros.co.uk

ANNETTE GESOFFAdvanced Clinical Massage

Therapist AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR MANY

CONDITIONS Visit my website for further information:

www.gesoffmassage.co.uk Please phone: 01525 240135 or 07709 629283

Or email: [email protected]

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


Save up to 50% on your main dealer prices Audi qualified & licensed technicians with over 54 years combined experience Diagnostic repairs with the latest equipment All servicing and mechanical repairs carried out to the highest standards including brakes, clutches, cambelts etc Complimentary courtesy car subject to availability MOTs, Tyres and puncture repairs

www.vass-tech.co.uk T: 01296 641429 E: [email protected]

5A High Street, Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire HP22 4JU

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

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 Email: [email protected]


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 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 4.00pm

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

T: 01908 501019 E: [email protected]

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“Dedicated to the provision of outstanding childcare”

We provide a safe and fun environment with a wide range of toys and activities for the children to express themselves and develop.

Our large garden provides extensive opportunity for outdoor play.

Our team of highly qualified staff are committed to providing exceptional care and education that ensures our children’s

progress towards the Early Learning Goals.

We offer places for 2 to 5 year olds:

• Morning sessions: Mon to Fri 9.00am - 12.00 noon

• 2 yr old sessions (PAFT): Mon to Fri 9.00am – 11.00am • Lunch Clubs available: Mon to Fri 12.00pm - 1.00pm • Rising 4s afternoon session Thursdays 1.00pm - 3.30pm

For further details please call/text 07925 541118 or e mail [email protected]

Stewkley Cygnets Pre-school, Chapel Square, Stewkley, LU70HB


12 MONTHS OF STEWKLEY LIFE

Documents

SCHOOL SECRETARY RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS from David Morley ... · from David Morley, Headteacher, St Michael’s CE Combined School The Grapevine team wishes all its readers and advertisers