The WI in Nether Heyford

2012’s Programme has a varied selection of speakers. We meet the first Thursday of the month at 7:30pm in the Village Hall and are a very friendly group. Visitors are very welcome and the refreshments are always delicious.

February      2nd             ‘How the Brain works, use it or lose it’
Steve Reynolds

February      25th            Fund Raising Quiz

March         1st               ‘My Great Grandmother and Napoleon 111’
Tony Boullemier

April            5th               ‘Neuroskeletal re-alignment Therapy’
Pippa-Jane Thomas

May            3rd               Outing

June            7th             ‘Tracing your family tree’
Peter Gout                

July             5th              ‘The Grand Canal of China’
Liam D’Arcy-Brown

August                           No Meeting

September  6th              ‘Rockingham Castle and the Watsons’
Mick Boyce

October      4th              Annual General Meeting
‘Quilting’
Carole Wood

November  1st               ‘Potting with a Wheel’
Chris Dawes

December   6th              Christmas Dinner
Contact Ann on 342491 for more details.

HEYFORD PICTUREDROME at NETHER HEYFORD VILLAGE HALL

On Thursday 16th  December the Picturedrome audience celebrated a first – a delicious supper before the screening of the film.

Thanks to a band of willing helpers the capacity audience enjoyed a two course supper, complemented by wine or fruit juice, in a jovial atmosphere until about 9.00pm when the film was shown.

The theme of Brassed Off was certainly not festive but it was well received and was generally thought provoking.   It was set in the days of pit closures and the story revolved around the Grimeley Colliery Band and the effect of the demise of coal and consequential pit closures on the musicians and their families.    The film contained many good performances, not least of which was the performance of Pete Postlethwaite as the bandmaster, but the inspirational high light was the brass band music performed by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.    An excellent film, continuing the success of the film evenings in Nether Heyford.

A change of style was introduced with the first film of the Spring Season, shown on Thursday 19th January – Inception - billed as a thriller with action, adventure, espionage and Sci-Fi.   Well it certainly had action and espionage (I think) and was packed full of sci-fi trickery.   However the multi-level-dream states defied the comprehension of most of the audience.   One presumes that the Director knew what was going on but he kept the audience guessing throughout with car chases; Bond-like chases on snow covered mountains; falling lifts; floating fights and a few black holes to keep you on your toes – but where did that train come from?    As far as the Picturedrome audience was concerned I think the term is ‘A bomber’ – for Inception read Exception!

Next month on Thursday 16th February the Picturedrome will get back to normality with a home-grown film – A Private Function.   Made in 1984, the film stars Michael Palin and Maggie Smith and is based in a small town in England in 1947.   The war has been won but there’s still rationing of meat.  Local businessmen want to slaughter an illegally raised pig to celebrate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and to impress local government.   Unfortunately someone has stolen the pig.

Usual times apply: 7.30pm for tea or coffee and 8.00pm for the film show.

Admission: £4

Venue: Nether Heyford Village Hall

Bob Wilson

VILLAGE HALL EVENTS

Garage Sale

The return of the popular garage sale will take place on April 22nd. If you’re having a clear out over Easter, why not try to sell it by holding a Garage Sale. To participate in this whole village scheme will cost you only £5. Publicity will draw in dealers from across the county.

To register your interst and get your garage on the map phone Barron Walton 01604 831803, Christine Watts 01327 340041 or Vicki Hamblin 01327 341059.

The Queen’s Jubilee Celebration, 
Village picnic, 
Fete and Fun Dog Show
June 9th 2012

Make it a date in your diary

NETHER HEYFORD 
BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Services:  10.30 am and 6.00 pm

Feb Morning Evening
  5 Mr R Chapman Mr C Leakey (Communion)
12 Mrs W Manley No Service
19 Mr L Britten No Service
26 Mr M Buckby (Communion) No Service

The First Wednesday Group will meet on 1st February at 2 pm when the speaker will be Caroline Trotter telling us about the World of Alpacas.  Everyone is welcome to join us for what promises to be a fascinating afternoon.  Refreshments will be served and there will be a sales table for group funds.

The next OPEN DOOR Coffee Morning with a difference will be on 23rd February from 9.30am to 11.30am.  Please pop in and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or coffee or just a chat.

P Thackray

Coffee Morning

Heyford Parish Church

invite you to a

Coffee Morning

Saturday 4th February 2012
10-11.45am
in the Church Rooms
Home-made cakes, raffle, bring and buy and book stall.

(There will not be a coffee morning in March as the Heyford Singers have already booked one for 3rd March. Otherwise we will be holding them on most first Saturdays. Thanks very much to everyone who supported the one in January which raised £94)

Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul

Services for February

Friday 3rd   4.30pm Nooma café in Heyford church rooms
Sunday 5th   8:00am Prayer Book Holy Communion at Flore
    9:30am Holy Communion at Upper Stowe
  11:00am Holy Communion and Sunday School at Heyford
  11:00am United All Age Service at Flore
  11:15am Celtic Morning Prayer at Brockhall
     
Sunday 12th 10:30am Holy Communion for the whole Benefice at Flore with the Bishop of Peterborough
Saturday 18th   3:30 -              5:00pm Messy Church at Flore
     
Sunday 19th   9:30am Holy Communion and Sunday School at Heyford
  10:00am Family Service at Upper Stowe
  10:00am United service at Flore URC
  11:15am Prayer Book Holy Communion at Brockhall
    6:00pm Holy Communion at Flore
     
Sunday 26th   9:30am Holy Communion at Flore
  11:00am Family Service at Heyford
  11:00am Holy Communion at Church Stowe
    6:00pm Holy Communion with the Baptists at Heyford Church

Midweek Communions are held weekly on Wednesdays, 9.30am at Heyford and Thursdays, 10am at Flore – all welcome.

Ash Wednesday is on 22nd February. There will be a service of Holy Communion at 7.30pm in Heyford Church and no 9.30 service that morning.

During February we shall be praying for people living in Hillside Rd and Hillside Crescent here in Heyford, Sutton St, Yew Tree Gardens and Sutton Acre in Flore, The Manor in Church Stowe and the Gate House and the Old Dairy in Brockhall.

Church attendance up this Christmas

Along with many churches across the country, I am happy to report that attendances at all the Christmas services across the benefice were up this year. Thank you for your generosity at these services. We have sent the collection from the Christingle, £126.85, to the Children’s Society; and the Carol service collection of £110 to the Northampton Hope Centre. While this increase may have something to do with the appalling weather in 2010, I hope and believe that it has more to do with a spiritual need.

Recently the press has reported that children in Britain are well down on the happiness scale.  Research by the Children’s Society into the factors which affect children’s wellbeing highlights that family relationships are most important. Apparently the structure of the family doesn’t matter – what is important is stability, security and positive relationships. Personally, I think this is true for the well –being of us all, not only for our children. I think that the current rather gloomy state of the country has made many of us realise the importance of relationships – with God, with our families and with our communities.

Even some religious sceptics are recognising the emotional centrality of the churches in our communities. One atheist writer wrote last year “we are not a religiously observant country – except when it counts”! Thank God that our village churches are there when it counts, for rites of passage like baptisms, weddings and funerals and for Christmas. But, thank God, too, that we are always  there,  and we always want to welcome everyone. We are trying different forms of worship to suit different people, for example Messy Church.This takes place in Flore, but we do have some regulars from Heyford and Stowe. Nooma café, which caters for our teenagers, is moving from Flore church to Heyford Church Rooms on the first Friday in the month from 4.30 till 6pm, as most of the regulars live in Heyford.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 22nd February and there will be a Communion Service at 7.30pm in Heyford Church. We shall be running two Lent courses this year, a bible based one and one called “Finding a Voice” which is based on the film The King’s Speech. If you are interested in joining either of these please contact me.

Ann Slater 342201

Buy to Let – Is it time to think again?

Buy-to-let may not be the hot property it was during the boom but lower house prices, rising rents, poor interest returns at banks, unsure pension payouts and improving mortgage deals have caused us all to think again.

If you are willing to accept that the value of a property may slide in the short term, and can ensure the property meets the criteria of at least 75% to 85% loan-to-value and returning 125% of monthly mortgage payments then it can be a good long-term investment. Like any investment, buy-to-let comes with no guarantees, but for those who have more faith in bricks and mortar than stocks and shares here are some top tips:

1. Research the market If you are new to buy-to-let, what do you know about the market? Do you know the risks, as well as the benefits? If you know someone who has entered the buy-to-let market, ask them about their experiences.

2. Choose a promising area Promising does not mean most expensive or cheapest. Promising means a place where people would like to live and this can be for a variety of reasons.

3. Do the maths Before you think about looking around properties sit down with a pen and paper and write down the cost of houses you are looking at and the rent you are likely to get. Traditionally buy-to-let lenders want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments. Deposits required are around 15-25%.

4. Shop around Do not just walk into your bank and building society and ask for a mortgage. If you are looking for advice consider using a specialist buy-to-let mortgage broker. Remember asking them for information means you are under no obligation to use them.

5. Think about your target tenant Instead of imagining whether you would like to live in your investment property, put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant. Who are they and what do they want?

6. Don’t be over ambitious We can’t all be buy-to-let millionaires with huge portfolios but we can secure a better future for ourselves if we are sensible. To compare different property’s value use their yield, that is annual rent received as a percentage of the purchase price. You should easily achieve 5%, far more than your money will get in a bank currently.

Finally, choose an agent to help you. Their advice is free and you do not have to go for a High Street presence as many independent agents offer an excellent and personal service.

Jonathan Barker 
Horts Estate Agents

Nether Heyford Village Fete

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Village Picnic, Nether Heyford Village Fete and Fun Dog Show

Quite a fun day! Something for everyone in the village!

Attractions already booked and planned: Village Picnic, Fun Dog Show, Punch & Judy, Rich Tones, Daventry Brass Band, Brackley Morris Men, tree planting ceremony, Kids Disco, Barn Dance.

Further Stalls and attractions wanted and new ideas welcome
Contact Barron Walton 01604 831803 or email heyford_fete@yahoo.co.uk

Tug of War

It is hoped to restore the Tug of War competition that was so successful in days gone by. Make up a team from your pub, village, street, organisation or just friends and register your interest in participating in what is an all round fun event!

Make it a date in your diary!

Parish Council Notes

The December meeting of the Parish Council took place on December 5th at the Baptist Church Rooms.

Mandy Lumb of South Northants Council gave an introduction to the revision of the Conservation Area for the village. Some minor changes had been made, and the consultation is open until Jan 13th. The documents are online at SNC’s site or at the Towcester offices.

Regarding Heygates lorries: Cllr Kirkbride referred to a meeting in Bugbrooke. She reported that a grit bin would be installed in Winston Close, but not by the canal bridge. This area would, however be gritted in severe weather.

Graham Smith reported several awkward encounters on the junction of Middle Street and The Green. He felt that the idea to change priorities at this junction had been sound 10 years ago, but that additional traffic and parking had made a review of the situation urgent.

Allotments. Rent night to be combined with a meeting at the Youth Club on Feb 23rd.

Village Fete Council discussed celebrating the Queen’s diamond Jubilee at the fete in a number of ways. Jubilee tree planting could coincide, but the sapling would need watering. Clerk estimated that a good size sapling with a plaque would cost £350.

Council decided to grant £1000 to the fete organisers towards entertainment for the people of the village for the Jubilee, This would be in addition to the cost of the tree.

Precept

Further to last month’s deliberations, it was felt that money should be set aside for the Jubilee fete, that a realistic view should be taken of Youth club expenses and that heed should be taken of the Internal Auditors warning that reserves were low. It was therefore resolved to set the precept at £50,000.

Neighbourhood Plan Liam McCormack to attend Neighbourhood Plan meeting at SNC on Jan 9th. In view of the importance of this meeting it was decided to rearrange the Council meeting scheduled for Jan 9th to Tuesday Jan 10th.

Youth Club  Ray Wray reported that the Youth Club steering committee had had a successful meeting with the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, resulting in the formation of a new club which would open in February.  A constitution had been approved and was examined by Councillors.

Playing Field  It had been hoped to negotiate for money from the New Homes Bonus for rebuilding facilities at the playing field, but confusion continues to reign regarding this. The District Councillors feel it unlikely that it will be paid out to Parish Councils.

Flood Warden Colin Thomas had attended a “Flood Fair” and made contact with the Environment Agency. The lower half of the village was deemed a flood risk, but on a once a century basis. Each village is supposed to produce a plan.

The January meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday Jan 10th at the Baptist Church Rooms.

The January meeting of the Parish Council took place on Jan 10th at the Baptist Church Rooms .

Cllr Kirkbride (NCC) reported that a meeting with Heygates had proposed a routing that would exclude use of Heyford by Heygates vehicles, but this was still under discussion. Fingers crossed then, as this would make a big difference to the village. She had been impressed by the updated online Streetdoctor and recommended that Parishioners use it to report potholes and problems with roads and pavements. I can confirm that it is straightforward to use and seems effective.

Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Harries (SNC) reported that Neighbourhood Plans could cost between £17,000 and £63,000 to produce.  The situation was still unclear, but it was felt that the working party should proceed as some sort of plan would be required. From what the speakers said, in Heyford’s case, it would be worth doing the work, but it is not yet clear if it is worth producing the whole plan; SNC might well accept an outline plan anyway.

Middle Street/Green Junction. Clerk had met Helen Howard of NCC onsite. She felt that the junction was doing what it was supposed to do; namely slowing down traffic, but agreed that the situation needed addressing. Her suggestion was to choose limited areas for yellow lines, which could now be enforced as wardens had to enforce parking in Bugbrooke.  Council have  asked for 15 yards of Yellow lines at the junction West of Coronation Row.

Youth Club. Due to open on February 6th. We hope that it will be well supported. A lot of hard work has gone into this project.

Dog Fouling.  Yet again this unpleasant subject has to be raised. The Playing Field Association have reported problems on the Playing Fields. Please remember that no dogs are allowed in the Playing Fields at all – let alone to foul it as  there is a byelaw prohibiting dogs on the Playing Field

The linkman has asked me to point out that some people (presumably Parishioners) are putting large bags of dog mess in the ordinary bins – even though there are now three dog bins on the green. This is unnecessary as dog waste – properly bagged – can be put in your domestic waste

Guy Ravine, Tel: 01327 340410
E-mail: g.ravine@btinternet.com

JENNY SMITH

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

Heyford Scout Group

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.

David Juland B.E.M.

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

Brownies

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

NETHER HEYFORD
 BAPTIST CHURCH

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.

PENSIONERS MEALS CLUB

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