This Month's Diary
Pebbles Sun 8th 10.15am Village Hall Coffee Morning Sat 14th 11am Village Hall Friendship Club Tues 17th 2.30pm Wellesbourne Men's Club Thurs 19th 7pm Village Hall Pebbles Sun 22nd 10.15am Village Hall Pilates Tuesdays 8pm Village Hall Toddler Group Thursdays 10-11.30am Village Hall Mobile Library Thursdays 5th; 26th
Trudging across muddy fields is the fate of all walkers around Gaydon at present. One is either slithering to keep balance or knocking huge quantities of mud from one's feet every few minutes. The end of the single farm payment and the rise in crop prices have signalled the end of the 6 metre boundary around hedges. It's ploughing up to the field edges now.
This is sad, not only for those who like to walk on solid ground but for a large variety of wildlife. Grey Partridges were coming back in small quantities but need these areas to feed their young; I have not seen any of them this year. Green Plovers are in much smaller flocks, too.
Hard weather is, of course, death to many frail or older wild creatures. I have even found several dead Crows on the paths over the last few days. It's a struggle even for robust omnivores like these, at present. Kestrels are perched low, hoping to spot anything and yesterday I saw a pair of Buzzards pulling earthworms from some open ground. Fieldfares are drawn to back gardens to feed on the last windfalls: listen for their rasping calls as they fly away showing patches of slate-grey and chestnut.
On a recent trip to see friends in Wales in the new year, I observed for the first time in my life a snow-white Stoat or Ermine, as it is known in its winter coat; immaculate, with a jet black tail. This is always a sign of a hard winter, seeing animals turn white - though few in the Midlands ever have to undertake such a metamorphosis.
Look out for early snowdrops on our churchyard. Many hundreds were planted last year, kindly given from Chadshunt House and they will make a good early display in a few years. Chadshunt Church is, of course, spectacular to see every year and if not quite a harbinger of Spring, at least tells us that winter is on the wane! Bernard Price
The Mobile Library will visit Gaydon on Thursdays 5th and 26th February.
We start our regular monthly coffee mornings this year on Saturday 14 February at 11am in the Village Hall.
Please bring home-made cakes and other produce or small unwanted gifts to sell; or just your purse and come and buy! There will also be a small raffle; and coffee and biscuits, of course. Come along and exchange the latest Gaydon news! Any money we make goes to the Fabric Fund to help with repairs to St Giles' Church.
The Group continues to meet every Thursday morning in the Village Hall from 10.00am until 11.30am.
After running the group for the last 5 years Anna Perry now has other commitments and is pleased to announce that Kelly Hilditch (Tel: 07739 354043) and Anna Welton (Tel: 07789 938938) are taking over the running of this friendly Group. They will continue to offer a range of toys to play with, craft activities, as well as drink/fruit snack time and song time at the end of the session.
The Group is run on a voluntary basis and thanks go to all those involved, in particular Margaret Phelps and Olive Richards who help with making drinks and preparing snacks on a regular basis.
Our numbers are increasing but we are always looking for new people to welcome, so remember to tell your friends and relatives about our Group. If you would like more information about the Group, Kelly and Anna can be contacted by telephone (numbers above) or by email on StGilesToddler@aol.com AP
On Sunday 1st March, we are organising a "Big Sing" event in the Village Hall at 6pm. Questionnaires will be distributed shortly to all houses in order to identify the "top ten" favourite songs and hymns amongst Gaydon residents. These questionnaires will then be collected in order to plan the event and the village "top ten" will be sung by us all on the night. So, get thinking and let's see if we can raise the roof in March!
Any questions or queries, please call Alastair and Jo Hotchkiss on 642248.
The next meeting will be at 2.30pm on Tuesday 17 February at the home of Josie Liddington in Wellesbourne.
If you would like to join a group of Gaydon residents for a cup of tea once a month, please ring Mary Fox on 641834 to find out more. Most of the meetings are in Gaydon.
To the people in Gaydon who kindly sent presents and greetings cards to the staff and clients here at Barnfield, we thank you all very much for your kindness and generosity, especially at this difficult time when many have limited finances. We wish you a happy, and as prosperous as possible, New Year! From the Staff and Clients at Barnfield, Church Lane, Gaydon.
Thank you all for my Christmas tips and I wish you a Happy New Year. Andrew Thomas, Paperman
Sunday 15 & 22 February 2009
Half Term 'MINI' Making Moments at Heritage Motor Centre.
2009 is the MINI'S 50th Birthday so come and join in the birthday fun with our 'MINI' Making Moments.
A free drop in craft activity for all the family from 11:00 to 15:00. Children must be accompanied by an adult and standard museum entrance fee applies.
A 12 month family gift aid season pass is just £28 so you can keep coming back to all our holiday activities.
Calling all Mini Lovers
This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Great British icon the MINI and Heritage Motor Centre is inviting all MINI lovers to contribute their very own "Mini Story" to this special little car's 50th birthday celebrations.
They will be displayed on the mini festival website and our favourites included in the 50 Years of the Mini exhibition which will open at the Centre in May.
The aim is to collect as many funny, quirky, memorable, unbelievable stories as possible in tribute to the nation's favourite little car. Simply email an image and a brief story to enquiries@heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
Throughout the year there will be numerous other MINI themed events going on at the Centre, including special MINI themed tours, family activities, specialist lectures, and the highlight will be the Gaydon Mini Festival Weekend on the 4-5 July. For more information visit www.minifestival.co.uk or Tel: 01926 641188
Elsie Elizabeth White
1919-2008
It is with sorrow that we record the death of Miss Elsie White who lived in Gaydon for many years before moving to Banbury. Her funeral took place on 6 January 2009. We extend our sympathy to her family and friends.
1 8.00 Eucharist Burton Dassett
10.00 Eucharist Fenny Compton
11.15 Morning Service Gaydon
11.30 Eucharist Farnborough
8 9.00 Eucharist Fenny Compton
10.00 Morning Service Farnborough
10.00 Eucharist Northend
11.15 Growing Together Gaydon
6.00pm Evening Prayer Northend
15 8.00 Eucharist Farnborough
9.00 Eucharist Gaydon
10.30 United Service Fenny Compton
10.30 Eucharist Northend
22 9.30 Eucharist Northend
10.30 Family Service Fenny Compton
11.30 Family Eucharist Gaydon
6.00pm Evening Service Northend
Ash Wednesday
25 7.00pm Group Eucharist Fenny Compton
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Time is rolling on and soon I shall be away from the parishes on mobilised duty. The new Bishop of Coventry is coming to the parishes to bid me God speed and to celebrate a Eucharist on March 8th at 11.00am at Burton Dassett. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet our new Bishop and also an opportunity for you to meet my locum, Canon Roy Brown, formerly Vicar of Harbury. After the service, lunch will be served in Northend Village Hall and to help with the catering, please let the churchwardens know if you would like to attend the lunch.
Please remember me in your prayers, kind regards, Philip Francis.
Pebbles is an activity group for children aged approx 4-8 years. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 10.15 in the village hall.
Sessions include games, stories, craft activities and quizzes, all of which allow us to explore stories from the bible whilst having lots of fun. We finish with a drink and biscuit before moving over to church for the family services.
We'd love some more children to come and join us. If you have children who may be interested, please contact Jo Hotchkiss 642248 or Chris Corner 640523 - or pop along, join in and see what you think!
Dates of February meetings: 8th and 22nd.
The next meeting of the Gaydon Men's Group will take place in the Village Hall on Thursday 19th February at 7pm for 7.30pm. The speaker is the Rev Andrew Goldsmith who will discuss 'Career or Vocation'.
The evening includes a supper of sausages, mash and onion sauce followed by apfelstrudel with custard. Those attending are asked to make a donation of £6 towards costs.
If you wish to come, please contact: Rev Philip Francis on 01295 770400 or John Goldsmith on 01926 642571.
Below is a message from the Ambulance Service which provides information about an extremely useful idea.
In Case of Emergency or ICE
We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in their memories. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phones but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency, under the name 'ICE' (In Case Of Emergency).
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but he didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.
Flood Defence Plan
We are continuing to liaise with Highways and understand that they are investigating different options and addressing our concerns.
We hope to resolve many issues shortly and will update you as soon as possible.
Highways
We have been told that in the short term, patch repairs will take place on the Banbury Road lay-by. In the longer term, Highways have added it to the 5 year plan and hope to get funding to further improve
this area.
Greens and Verges
Following our complaint to Severn Trent Water over the state of the village green and the verges along the Kineton Road, Balfour Beatty have contacted us. They say that they will put the verges and green back to their original condition. They plan to carry out work in the Spring as weather conditions will be more favourable.
Play Area
We are actively seeking funding for this and so far have approximately £2000 in pledges from local companies, £2000 from the Parish (accumulated over many years) and are hoping to secure a grant from the District Council.
Lights
The lights on the Banbury Road and by St Marks Close should have been repaired. If you see any lights out could you please let the clerk know on 641220.
Precept
At the last meeting it was agreed that the precept would be increased by 3% next year.
Hamper
Ellis and Co. Machinery very kindly gave the Parish Council a hamper. It was agreed that this would be given to the Salvation Army for their Homeless Action Project.
Next Meetings
Annual Parish Assembly at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 3rd March at which Councillors give an update on the year.
This will be followed by the ordinary Parish Council meeting at 8pm. All residents are welcome.
Friday 6th February
Karaoke & Bob Marley''s Birthday. Test your singing skills in front of friends and family: Experience IS NOT necessary.
Saturday 14th February
Come and try our fantastic Menu with Valentines specials or pre-order our Seafood Platter. Book your Table Now!
Sunday 22nd February
Quiz Night-Starts at 7.00pm, test your knowledge! £5.00 per team of four, which includes a cheese supper!
The Gaydon Inn, Banbury Road, Gaydon. CV350HA Telephone: 01926 640388
or email: thegaydoninn@btconnect.com
Breakfast will be served again from 14th February and will be served every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 11am.
Don''t Forget: We also do Main Meals and Sandwiches and can take pre-orders or Take-away over the phone!
Come and visit us! Food is served on Sunday evening 6.30pm - 9pm. For any Further Information Contact Us!
The Gaydon Inn, Banbury Road, Gaydon. CV350HA Telephone: 01926 640388
or email: thegaydoninn@btconnect.com