The Prattler is the village newspaper for Nether Heyford and Upper Heyford in Northamptonshire, UK and Delivered free to 700 homes each month. On this site you can read news from The Prattler, add in your comments and find out more about our village life and organisations. Continue reading
Hilary and Family would like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for the many cards, wonderful messages, floral tributes and donations received for British Red Cross and Maidford Church.
Also thank you for all the support received by me and mum over the last couple of years
Hilary Rowlands
18.05.1937 – 17.10.2011
We came to Nether Heyford in 1964 and lived in Furnace Lane. Jenny worked at the printers ‘Clarke & Sherwell’ in Kingsthorpe, Northampton. The opportunity arose in 1967 to purchase the general store in Church Street from Rose Highfield.
We had the shop for 19 years where Jenny was my right hand man. In 1989 she became unwell and was diagnosed with liver disease. We decided to close the shop and she subsequently had 3 liver transplants.
The shop was converted to a house and Jenny continued to live there with me until she passed away. She was positive, uncomplaining and an inspiration to all who knew her.
To everyone who supported us over the years and for the many cards of condolence sent to me at this sad time I give my sincere thanks.
Bob Smith
As Christmas looms fast, many of the young members’ thoughts turn to festivities and the fun they bring. In the meantime the leaders continue to provide a varied and active programme across all sections of the group.
Group News:
18 Cubs and Scouts took part in an outdoor activity weekend at the end of October at a PGL site based in Shropshire. Amongst the highlights were kayaking, archery, wall climb, abseiling and high ropes. An excellent time was had by all with new challenges and experiences gained.
The details for the annual Christmas card delivery service are now finalised. Initial information of the service is dropped off to every Heyford household by the Beavers. There will then be 2 collections made by the Explorers. The first will be Monday 12th December with a second collection for those caught out by the first on Thursday 15th. Please, please hold back all your cards for delivery within the Heyfords for the young people to collect, all for a very reasonable charge. All cards are then sorted (in one ‘fun-packed’ night at the church rooms) and allotted to cubs to deliver by 18th December latest. If you can all support your local Scout Group just once in the year, please let it be this one time. The Scout Group continues to support the youngsters of the village partly through this important annual fund raising initiative (for new equipment and resources) for which all members of the group have direct involvement and reward.
The Group Christmas Party will be at Beckworth Emporium ice skating rink.
We are on the look-out for a new leader to assist Mel with running the Cub pack. Are there any budding Cub leaders out there? Ever fancied getting involved but wanted to hear more first? Please feel free to pop along on a Tuesday evening or email the leaders at leaders.heyford_scouts@yahoo.co.uk .
Beavers:
The lodge continues to thrive with an incredible 16 members (it was only a matter of months ago that there were just the 4 of them), with the 3 oldest Beavers about to move up to Cubs. The children had Hallowe’en fun with great costumes paraded and with hand and finger painting; the sole aim appeared to be to make loads of mess – the parents will vouch ‘that box was ticked’! Looking forward to the New Year they will be doing the Friendship challenge which will involve learning about our community and the people who keep us safe. They would like to learn some history about the village so if there is anyone in Heyford with a fun story or old scouting stories to tell about the village, please let Sally know (contact details as above).
Sally would like to say a personal thank you to all for the support from the scouting family and her lovely get well card from the Beavers.
Scouts:
James Payne has now been welcomed into the group as a full leader – congratulations on this achievement.
The Scouts numbers are very healthy at 18 with 3 in the process of cross-over from Cubs. These 3 have already joined the rest of the group in cooking on trangiers. These were purchased using the £100 grant from the Prattler Fund – thank you.
Explorers:
The Explorers were recently challenged to do a “Drop-Off” hike. The group of 10 started at Whilton village and the aim was to get to Harpole. Unfortunately after two and a half hours they had to be picked up from Nobottle, having run out of time. In the “post mortem analysis” at the end of the event, there were numerous excuses to explain why they had taken so long to walk 2 miles: it was dark/ foggy/ sign post was wrong/ the map was old and tatty etc, etc. Next month they might do some more map reading practice!
On a final note – as the Christmas break approaches for the hard working leadership team Pete Adey would like to publicly acknowledge through the Prattler ‘the hard work put in by the executive behind the scenes, thanks to all of you’. Not forgetting, of course, his dedication to the group.
In 1965 David took a job with the B.B.C. at Daventry and, to reduce his travelling as well as needing more room because of a growing family, they were soon preparing to move to Nether Heyford. He and wife, Joan, and three children, Ian, Lee and Sally, settled here in August 1967. In 1971, another son Philip (known to most people as Pip) completed their family. By this time, they were joining in many village activities such as the annual Pantomime; he served on the Parish Council for a few years, only to resign when offered a two year posting to Antigua, a great experience for all the family. His job as Transmitter Technician took him all over Britain and after returning from Antigua he began travelling further afield; Hong Kong, Seychelles and six months on Ascension Island. In 1991 he was honoured with the B.E.M. in the New Year’s honours list for his services to broadcasting. Shortly after this, when numbers at the Borough Hill station were being cut, he took early retirement/redundancy.
He then needed to keep himself busy so he formed a small business with his brother in law and they cut the playing field and other jobs for many years. At about the same time he became very interested in playing bowls and the Heyford Bowls Club was formed from a nucleus of people who had attended evening classes at Campion School. A meeting was planned, a committee was formed and the first games evening was held in the village hall on 19th February 1991 using equipment on loan from Comsport Northampton. It was not long before funds had been raised to buy their own equipment. From the outset it was planned to develop an outside green at the playing field and all the members continued to fund raise until in October 1996 the green was laid. It was opened by Tony Alcock and the first season started in May 1997. As usual David wanted to do things properly so he took himself on a course at Moulton College for green keeping and turf management with a view to being the green keeper which he did until September this year. Serving on the committee from day one as chairman, then treasurer, he was given the honour of first president which he still held. During these years, David was on the playing field committee and was involved in the extension of the pavilion and the building of the bar with Hugh Taylor. It has always been known as the ‘Taylor-Juland’ bar.
He was involved with the village hall maintenance and improvements for many years and, with a willing band of volunteer helpers, the wooden plank type walls were replaced with plastic and insulation added. More recently, he assisted Tony Wright with some aspects of maintenance and was in a small way involved with the fitting of the new kitchen.
David Albert Juland BEM
Joan, Ian, Lee, Sally and Philip and their families wish to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone for the lovely messages of condolence and sympathy they received on the sad loss of David.
Your words and presence at the church were a great comfort and support to us all. We also thank you for the very generous donations to both Macmillan Nurses and Heyford Bowls Club which were chosen on David’s wishes. Thank you.
Joan Juland
Firstly, the Brownies and I would like to thank everyone at Heyford Baptist Church for their very generous donation. It is very kind of them and it really helps us enormously. We really can’t thank them enough.
We are looking forward to Christmas and going to the Pantomime in the Village Hall. We are also busy planning the Christingle Service, which is on December 11th at 6 pm in the church. Everyone is welcome, so please come and join us and perhaps take part in the activities.
We are hard at work making our pennants for the London Olympics and will be displaying them at the coffee morning, in the Church Rooms, on the morning of Saturday, 3rd December 2011, where the Brownies and I will be helping with the refreshments. So please come along and see our handiwork and have an expertly served cup of coffee.
We start again after Christmas on January 11th, 5.30 p.m. – 7 pm, in the School Hall. I have had some enquiries from boys about joining Brownies, but I am afraid it is only for girls, at present.
Vicki Hamblin – Brownie Guider
341059
Sunday Services: 10.30 am and 6.00 pm
| Dec | Morning | Evening |
| 4 | Mr A Pope | Mr C Leakey (Communion) |
| 11 | CHRISTMAS GIFT SERVICEMr R Darby | CANDLELIT SERVICEMr J Levell |
| 18 | Mrs E McMahon | LESSONS AND CAROLS |
| 25 | CHRISTMAS MORNING FAMILY SERVICEMr L Britten | |
| Jan | ||
| 1 | Mr T Boys | Mr C Leakey (Communion)United with Parish Church |
| 8 | Mr G Davenport | No Service |
| 15 | Mr L Britten | No Service |
| 22 | Revd S Litchfield | No Service |
| 29 | Mr M Buckby (Communion) | No Service |
First Wednesday Group. Unfortunately the speaker for our last meeting in November was unable to come. Our thanks go to Lotte Wallace for standing in, literally, AT THE LAST MINUTE. She told us about her love of lace making and how the craft has changed over the years. She brought samples of her work which was so intricate and must be very time consuming.
If anyone is interested in lace making Lotte is running a ten week course starting on Monday, 9th January 2012 from 10.00 am to 12 noon in the Baptist Schoolroom. You can get in touch with her either on 01327 340126 or at
3A, Watery Lane.
Our next meeting is on 7th December at 2 pm when all are invited to share with each other readings, verses and songs around the seasonal topic that It’s Christmas Again! Light refreshments will be served. We each bring a wrapped gift, costing no more than £2 and receive a gift in return. There is no meeting in January but on 1st February we will hear about the world of Alpacas from Caroline Trotter at the usual time and place.
There will be OPEN DOOR Coffee Mornings with a difference on Thursday, 22nd December and 26th January from 9.30am to 11.30am. The refreshments are free and you are welcome to drop in for a friendly chat.
Finally, thanks to all who supported our Coffee Morning on 12th November in aid of the Gangama Orphanage in Uganda. We raised a total of £274.
Firstly I would like to thank, Heather, John, Ronnie & Ray for their support during the last couple of months whilst the hand over was taking place. Neil and I look forward to continuing this excellent service and would like to welcome old & new members to
the club.
If you would like to join us it is on the second Thursday of every month from 11:30am. If any members have any request or suggestions then please call Debbie
07828 080648 or 01327 349163.
December’s meal will be on Thursday 8th December.
Christmas party meal is on Thursday 22nd December and
January’s meal will be on Thursday 12th January 2012.
If you do wish to join us please phone me so I know how many to cater for.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Neil & Debbie
What a lovely day we had for the Remembrance Day Parade and Service and what a wonderful turnout on the day. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to the occasion. The poppy collection in this area raised £1,739.06, a breakdown of which can be found in the shops.
Thanks for your support.
Kath Pancoust
The next Sunday walk is on 11th December starting from Welford walking along the Jurassic Way to Sibbertoft and back via Sulby Reservoir, about 5 miles. Drive through Welford down the hill and turn right at the bottom towards Naseby; the Car Park is on the left. Meet at the Reservoir Car Park at 10.30 am.
SUNDAY 15th JAN
Walk from Gayton to Rothersthorpe and back along the canal and bridleways, about 5 miles circular route. Meet near Gayton School at 10.30am.
We’ll continue walking on Tuesday mornings, meeting at the bus stop on the green at 10-30am. We don’t walk fast, we do about 3 or 4 miles, and we stop frequently to admire the view or to get our breath back. We are usually back in the village by 12-30. If you would like to join us, just turn up wearing sturdy footwear and give it a whirl.
Mick & Shirley Collins 01327 342287
Our monthly meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.45 pm in Nether Heyford Village Hall.
We do not have a meeting in December and on 23rd January we will be holding our AGM. After a short meeting to deal with the necessary business we enjoy a wonderful buffet supper. The start of another year of flowers, friendship and fun.
In February we will be back to our usual meetings with a demonstration, at the end of which all the arrangements are raffled. Guests and new members are always welcome.
For more information please ring Simone on 01327 342167 or Maureen on 01327 340789.
December
| December 3rd | Christmas Coffee Morning |
| December 4th | Santa Run |
| December 9th | Christmas Celebration Concert |
| December 10th | Christmas Celebration Concert |
| December 11th | Christingle Service |
| December 15th | Heyford Picturedrome – Christmas Film Night (Brassed Off)
With Dinner |
| December 18th | Carols by Candlelight |
Monthly Diary
| 2nd Sunday | Heyford Amblers walk | 10.30 am. See club diary |
| 1st Monday | Parish Council Meeting | Baptist Church Rooms 7.30 pm |
| 2nd Monday | Gardeners Club | Village Hall 7.30 pm |
| 3rd Monday | University of the
Third Age |
Bugbrooke Community Centre
2.30 pm |
| 4th Monday | Bugbrooke & District Flower Society | Village Hall 7.45pm |
| 1st Wednesday | First Wednesday Group | Baptist Rooms 2.00 pm |
| 1st Thursday | Womens Institute | Village Hall 7.30 pm |
| 1st Thursday | Royal British Legion | Baptist Church Rooms 7.30 pm |
| 2nd Thursday | Pensioners Meals | Youth Centre Roberts Field |
| 2nd Thursday | Attachment Parenting | Hill Farm, NN7 3NB 10-12 am |
| 2nd Thursday | Book Group | Baptist Church Rooms 7.30pm |
| 2nd & 4th Thursday | Heyford Singers | Village Hall 7.30 pm |
| 3rd Thursday | Heyford Picturedrome | Village Hall 7.30pm |
| 4th Thursday | Open Door | Baptist Church Rooms 9.30am |
| Friday (occasional) | Heyford Singers | Village Hall 7.30 pm |
Fortnightly Diary
| Alt Tuesday | Darby & Joan | Baptist Church Rooms 2.15 pm |
Weekday Diary
| Sunday
|
Church services
Chapel services |
For details see St Peters
and St Pauls diary See Chapel diary |
| Monday | Pilates
Crafty Club Pre-school Explorers (14-18yrs) |
Church Rooms 10.00am
Baptist Church Rooms 12.30 pm Village Hall 8.00-1.00 pm Church Rooms |
| Tuesday | Pre-school
Heyford Amblers
Pilates Martial Arts Beaver Scouts 6-8yr Cub Scouts Football Club Training |
Village Hall 8.00-1.00 pm
Weekly walk starting from the Green 10.30 am Youth Club 6.00 pm Village Hall 5.00-9.00 pm Church Rooms 6.15-7.15 pm Church Rooms 7.30-8.45 pm Playing Field 7.30 pm |
| Wednesday | Communion
Pre-school WEA Heyford Brownies Bowls Club |
St Peters and St Pauls Church 9.30 am
Village Hall 8.00-1.00 pm Bliss School 8.00 pm Bliss School 5.30pm -7.00 pm Village Hall 2.00 pm & 7.30 pm
|
| Thursday | Pre-school
|
Village Hall 8.00-3.00 pm |
| Friday | Pre-school
Mums & Tots Scouts |
Village Hall 8.00-3.00 pm
Chapel School Rooms 11-1.00 pm Church Rooms 7.15-9.15 pm |
| Saturday | Top Cats Drama School | Bliss School 9.30 am |
Forthcoming Events
| January 7th | Mark’s Benefit Gig |
This diary of events is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
To correct an entry or to include information, contact the Editor.
Recipe for December
As there is no way we can compete with all the Christmas magazines, which are full of recipes, ours are going to be two
old, tried and tested, foolproof favourites.
Vegetarian Mincemeat
Mix everything together, by hand or in a processor (softer texture if processed).
Makes 36 mince pies. This recipe is delicious; it was given to me by Mary Newstead who lives on the Green.
The next one is a Mary Berry recipe, printed many years ago in one
of her Christmas books, long before ‘The Great British Bakeoff’ was even thought of. It’s simple, tasty, easy to make and perfect for people like me who don’t like Christmas pudding and, as it is a mousse, there is no chance of the dreaded SOGGY BOTTOM.
Chocolate Mousse
Separate eggs, melt chocolate, remove from heat, beat in egg yolks,
leave to cool for ½ an hour. Whisk egg whites stiffly, fold into the chocolate mixture. Can be put into individual glasses or one big bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, longer is better.
Happy Christmas.
With an option of “Winter membership” rates had you thought of joining the village tennis club? We have 3 courts all with floodlights.
Some of our winter activities on offer are-
Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings Club tennis sessions- for those members wanting match practice.
Wednesdays Club night (all welcome) 7pm onwards
In addition to the above we have 4 teams, (6 in winter), playing in Northants leagues. These play predominantly Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. New team players welcome.
Our coaching program for children and adults will restart in spring.
Further details- Jo Dickson 01327 349094; Sue Kerrison 01327 341514
October
November
‘High Society’, the latest film to be shown at the Picturedrome, was a great success and the almost capacity audience (by Picturedrome standards) was well entertained, particularly by the Cole Porter songs. The fact that they were beautifully performed by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby was an added bonus – hearing these two old crooners perform again made one realize how good they were at their craft. Grace Kelly added the grace and beauty. Needless to say, Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong stole the scenes when he was playing and singing.
Now, to the next film night on Thursday 15th December. As you may already be aware, a supper is planned before the film screening and the timing is quite important, so if you are planning to join us please take note of the times which are different from normal:
7.00pm doors open
7.30pm prompt supper served (with free glass of wine/juice and coffee/tea)
8.30ish pm ‘Brassed Off’ to be screened
‘Brassed Off’ was first released in 1996 and is best described as a black comedy. The film is set in a Yorkshire mining village which faces the closure of the local pit and all that entails.
The star of the film is undoubtedly the real Grimethorpe Colliery Band which plays superbly right through to the film’s climax. Family tensions run through the film with a wide range of emotions on display. A film not to be missed, starring Peter Postlethwaite, Stephen Tomkinson, Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald, and of course the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, in excellent performances.
Tickets for the Supper evening at £12 are available from Bob Wilson (01327 340803), Irene Reeves (01327 340407) or Keith Mason for Stowe (01327 341146).
Closing date for ticket purchase – 8th December.
Bob Wilson
Stewart Hore, an old pilot, recited a story of when he was hired to ferry fly (empty with no passengers) old Aer Lingus DC3’s from Dublin to Nepal. Accompanying him was a co-pilot for Nepal Airways.
They departed Dublin heading east routing over Anglesey. Just for interest and to break the ice between them, Captain Hore said to the co-pilot when they were overhead Anglesey and looking at the mountains of North Wales, “Down there is Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales.” Looking out of the window the co-pilot said, “Where?”, “Down there,” Stewart said; unimpressed the co-pilot said, “Oh”.
About a week later they were flying through the foothills of the Himalayas with the peaks above the aircraft. The co-pilot said, “These are mountains!”
The moral of the story; never judge a mountain by its size and boast about it.
Smith, son of Smith
For our spring term course in 2012 we shall look at the Tudor years, its customs and traditions. A look at the ritual year in Tudor times and its associated traditions and customs. We’ll explore the meaning and significance of these events to the peoples of the time and examine activities that are still the basis of seasonal celebrations today. A visit to a typical Tudor house is included (there may be an extra charge for the visit).
Christmas is coming!
Christmas Celebration – Heyford Singers popular Christmas Concert – is coming and once more there will be two performances in the Village Hall:
Friday 9th December at 7.30pm
Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm
Please see the poster elsewhere in The Prattler for details and make sure that you obtain your tickets in good time.
____________
On Friday 16th December, starting at 6 o’clock, the Singers will be carolling around the village with collecting tins and buckets. Everyone is warmly invited to join in singing traditional carols and contributing to our Charity target – or you may prefer to just stand at your front door and listen. Whatever your choice, we hope that you will enjoy the carol singing.
The Singers will assemble at the Baptist Rooms in time to start on the carolling route at 6 o’clock prompt. The route is shown in a broken line on the Village street map.
The Singers will begin singing at The Peak and there will be several stops (marked X) at which the Singers – and villagers if you feel the urge – will entertain with a few carols.
It is planned that the carolling will finish at about 8 o’clock at The Olde Sun.
REMINDER
Heyford Singers will be celebrating their tenth anniversary at the end of next year’s Spring Season and have set themselves a target of raising £1000 for five charities/churches, including the Village Baptist Church and the Parish Church.
The Singers would be grateful for your support to help us to reach the target so please donate generously during the carol singing and make sure that you buy tickets for one of the concerts.
Heyford Singers take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Bob Wilson
Saturday 15th October saw the Indoor Bowls last but one competition this year, the “MIXED PAIRS BENCO SHIELD”. A great turnout saw 22 players (11 pairs) competing this year for the trophy. Because of the time element involved, ends had to be cut to six with a seven end final. Some excellent bowling on all mats and the number of short ends, developed into some very tight elimination matches. The final once again saw a very tightly fought contest, with high quality bowling from all the four bowlers. An exciting match developed which swung one way then the other; the eventual winners were Mo Wright and Ray Haddon over Pauline Thackray and Tony Wright by the narrow margin of 7 to 6 decided by a brilliant last end.
Saturday 19th November will see the earlier postponed Men’s Pairs played and will be reported on at a later date. On the 21st January we are holding our Fish & Chip Supper, with various fun games afterwards. This is a very popular event so please get your names down as early as possible.
It has been a very good bowling year with some excellent turnouts, so let us keep this momentum going and happy bowling in 2012.
Den Taylor
