Gaydon Parish Magazine February 2022

index of magazines

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022


Our cover shows Her Majesty on the front of TIME Magazine soon after her accession to the throne on 6 February 1952. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning British monarch in history. She also holds the title of the world's longest-reigning female monarch. Her realms immediately proclaimed her as their new Queen following the death of her father, King George VI. At the time, she and her husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, were in the midst of a royal tour of Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.
During 1951 King George's health deteriorated and Elizabeth often stood in his absence for public events and royal duties. It was not until they returned to their Kenyan home at night that Prince Philip was informed of the King's unexpected death. He quickly broke the news to his devastated and shocked wife. At 7.30am on 6th February the King had been found dead in bed at Sandringham; he had died suddenly of a blood clot. It was a moment that shocked the nation: cinemas, theatres and sports grounds were closed and television ceased all broadcasts; even Parliament was adjourned as a sign of respect.
The following morning, the new Queen, only 25 years old, had to choose her regnal name. She famously said, 'Elizabeth, of course' and over the next few days proclamations went out across the Commonwealth. She also had to choose her surname, which traditionally should have been that of her husband, Mountbatten. However, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, insisted that she retain the House of Windsor, and two months later she confirmed that her name would be Elizabeth Windsor.


Gaydon Gazette


Parish Council        Tues 1st at 7.30pm      Village Hall
Mobile Library        Fri 11th at 2.40pm      Phone Box
Coffee Morning        Sat 12th at 11am        Village Hall
Jubilee Meeting       Thurs 17th at 7.30pm    Village Hall
Something to Look Forward to!  Sunday 24th April - Earth Day         

Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June - Queen's Jubilee Celebrations


February Church Services


Sunday 6th
                 9.30am      Morning Prayer       Gaydon
                   10am      Holy Communion       Farnborough
                   11am      Communion (BCP)      Burton Dassett
                   11am      Morning Prayer       Fenny  Compton
Sunday 13th
                 9.30am      Holy Communion BCP   Gaydon
                   11am      Holy Communion       Fenny Compton
                   11am      Morning Prayer       Northend
                   6pm       Evensong             Farnborough
Sunday 20th
                9.30am       Morning Prayer       Gaydon
                   10am      Holy Communion BCP   Farnborough
                   11am      Morning Prayer       Fenny Compton
                   11am      Holy Communion       Northend
Sunday 27th
                  10am      Group Service         Fenny Compton
                            No Service in Gaydon

Zoom Services Monday to Friday: 9.30am Morning Prayer 6.00pm Evening Prayer
Go to www.dassettmagnagroup.com and click half-way down the page
Roman Catholic Church of St Francis, Kineton: Sunday Mass 11am. www.stfrancis-kineton.co.uk

Village Meeting for Jubilee Celebrations


Thursday 17 February 7.30pm
The Village Hall Committee have teamed up with the Millennium Group to invite all other village groups and interested people to a meeting in the Hall to start planning a Street Party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. It will probably be held on Saturday 4th June during the special 4-day Bank Holiday from 2nd-5th June.
For newer residents, our village has quite a record in celebrating major events in the past; and now it appears that we are going to be able to meet up safely, let’s make this an Event to Remember! Debbie Price

Parish Council News


Acting Chair’s report of Parish Council meeting on 11 January.
An Apology:
I would like to apologise to all those who attended the meeting. I had proposed to defer the Parish Council’s decision on the Planning Application for the Phase II Edgehill View development until the next meeting, and request an extension to the deadline for the application. Unfortunately, I was advised by our District Councillor, following the meeting, that a request for extension would be unlikely to be accepted. The Parish council then discussed a response outside the meeting. It was agreed that the council would support the application as it met the requirements of the Housing needs survey. However, in our response the PC noted that we took onboard the objections lodged by many parishioners; and we proposed to SDC Planning that the application goes forward to the planning committee for determination. We felt this to be a democratic approach. In the event of the application going to committee, Objectors and Supporters will be given an opportunity to present their cases to the committee.
The Meeting:
The Parish Council was pleased to see so many members of the public in attendance. It is good to see parishioners taking an interest in the meetings and the matters that concern you all. We always welcome input from the public. We are here to serve you and happy to hear of any issues you may have and how we, hopefully, can help you.
No Locks! It was noted that there were no locks on the security gates on the B4100 link road. Our County Councillor will get this resolved.
Missing Bins: The missing bins in the lay-by are causing a nuisance to residents. Our District Councillor will resolve this urgently.
Speed Signs Kineton Road and Edgehill View
Discussions are taking place between the Parish Council and Jo Archer of WCC as to who has the money to pay for new signs.
Warwick Road Unauthorised Parking signs
I have asked for 'No Waiting' signs to be erected. Signs can be installed to deter HGVs from parking but not along the Warwick Road. I shall be sent a “mockup” of how the signs will look.
County Council Matters:
New SEND School
Children and young adults with Special Educational Needs, 'SEND'.
A new 'specialist' special school, 'The Warwickshire Academy' will open in 2022. This will assist the education of people up to the age of 25. A Task and Finish Group has been set up to investigate the wider issues of SEND. Former qualified teachers are being encouraged to return to the classroom to ensure a brighter future for Warwickshire’s children. Warwickshire residents who have previously worked as teachers are being encouraged to return to the profession to support our children’s educational recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. These include:
Retired teachers; Retired OFSTED inspectors; Teachers taking a career break; Early Career Framework (ECF) teachers who may not yet have secured a position in schools; Those who have been teaching overseas but now have returned to the UK.
More details on the range of help and support available can be found here: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/returning-to-teaching
Become the ‘Voice of Warwickshire’
Warwickshire County Council is forming a new residents’ panel called 'Voice of Warwickshire' to give people a chance to share their views.
Why people should get involved:
To share their opinions and experiences of living in Warwickshire;
To provide views on key issues that impact them, their family, friends, and communities.
To help inform Warwickshire County Council’s policymaking, based on their own experiences.
Sign up to be a 'Voice of Warwickshire' member by visiting:
https://bit.ly/voiceofwarwickshire
District Council Matters:
District Council Merger: At two identically-timed Council meetings both WDC and SDC agreed to write to the Secretary of State with a view to the merging of the two Councils. There is still a huge amount of work to be done and no merger will take place unless approved by the Secretary of State, following whatever due processes required.
Community Protection: Rural Crime Advisors, Alison Packer and Rebecca Jenkins, started on 6 December 2021. Camera loans are underway as part of rural crime interventions.
Climate Change: SDC is working with WDC and have an ambitious programme to meet local carbon-saving options.
Planning:
Full details of planning applications can be viewed at: https://apps.stratford.gov.uk/eplanning/
Minutes:
A full version of the minutes is Available at: https://www.gaydonvillage.co.uk/agenda-and-minutes
Next Meeting:
Tuesday 1st February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Obituary


It is with great sadness that we record the death of Joan Morgan on 12 January 2022, aged 72 years. The funeral service will be held at St Giles' Church on Friday, 4th February, at 11am, followed by burial at Gaydon Cemetery. Donations to Kidney Care UK may be made through R. Locke & Sons.


Tackling Climate Change


The pandemic has been the worst natural disaster of our lifetimes. It is a global catatrophe that has affected every one of us. Leaders have disagreed over how to handle it and what the best solutions are; and owing to its profound impact on the poorest and most marginalised people, it has forced societies around the world to confront deep moral questions.
This is not just true of the pandemic: the same can be said about climate change. The only difference is the speed of the impact - the pandemic up-ended all of our lives, all over the world in a matter of weeks. The key to understanding and addressing these existential threats lies in both the practical and the profound: in science and engineering, but also in the idea, found in the Christian faith, that each person is precious, is worth caring for and has potential. Resolving the crisis requires commitment to the truth and we owe that to those who will suffer the most if we fail to act.
We will have to work with people with whom we disagree, sometimes profoundly. We must recognise that we are united by a common cause, that in facing the threat of climate change there is more that unites us than divides us. When it comes to human behaviour, sustainable change rarely comes from asking people to make unrealistically ambitious sacrifices. Instead, we must give people the engineered tools and the economic incentives to make choices that work for them and for the planet.
It is time to demonstrate authentic change, and an unambiguous contribution to the world's climate goals. This is about much more than renewable energy: it means rethinking the way that we consume energy, generate waste, and design the industrial processes on which our economies rely. It means setting emissions-reduction targets that are rooted in science, measuring progress against those targets, and being held accountable for achievement. Govern-ments have unprecedented opportunity to lead by example and incentivise change, building partnerships that bridge disagreement and disunity. It is time to put aside our many differences to save the one planet we all share.
Every single one of us, in all of our ignorance and selfishness as human beings, has to be part of the solution. Science and engineering have already provided us with the tools we need to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. It is now up to us to apply them at scale, to bring their cost down, and to make them part of our shared future. It will take broken people to repair a broken world, and we all have a responsibility to change our ways and bring others with us. With climate change, it is better to disagree and work together than not to take action at all. Nature is no respecter of personal perfection.
Whatever your beliefs, the teaching of Jesus Christ that nothing is beyond redemption offers a powerful message of hope for a wounded world. There is no person who cannot change, no bad that cannot be made good. There is nothing that cannot be redeemed in what Christians would describe as 'the new creation'.
Let us seize that lesson. We can all be - and it is not yet too late! - part of that work. Each of us can choose community rather than isolation, creation rather than destruction, and life rather than death.
From a joint article in The Times by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Browne, formerly CEO of BP

January Nature Notes


There’s a rather cold, albeit dry, spell at the present. The birds of Gaydon are well-served by many villagers with an array of bird feeders, regulary topped up with peanuts and fat balls. Niger seed needs a special feeder for the diminutive black seeds but the investment will bring you the brilliant colours and delightful song of Goldfinches.
I have a good opportunity to observe the visitors to my garden through a large picture window in my study. You soon get to know regular ones, who have quickly adapted to the containers. Blue, Coal and Great Tits were quick to use feeders, having previously learnt to drill holes in the foil tops of milk bottles on doorsteps to reach the cream. Large groups of Long-tailed tits often cover the feeder in all directions, their long tails transforming it into a spiny tube. Some other species have now learned the balancing act by clinging to the side. Jackdaws are quite heavy and rather aggressive but very clever. I notice that one will smash up fat balls and shake out nuts whilst its comrades wait on the ground to pick up the falling debris. House sparrows have also learned this trick.
Some more discreet species never cling to feeders but wait on the ground to consume the falling pieces. The pair of Dunnocks/Hedge sparrows are my favourites: like little mice they skulk in the under-growth but frequent my patio and areas around the feeders. Robins and Blackbirds are fearless, waiting for any crumbs to fall earthwards. The very smart, though scarcer, Chaffinches will sometimes come too. Their call ‘finch,finch' is thought to be the origin of the word Finch. Like Greenfinches, they are now much scarcer than ten years ago and Bullfinches are now rare, too. Goldfinches, by comparison, are more numerous. They were rarer in the 19th and 20th centuries when they were trapped to be cage birds; they could be crossed with canaries as ‘Mules‘ which had great singing abilities.
I have positioned feeders near undergrowth in an open area, creating a café for passing Sparrow hawks when the victims cannot flee into cover! A Kingfisher regularly visits a garden in Church Road. Deer have been stripping the leaves from brassicas on the allotments, my own included.
Avian flu is a problem in Stratford. I have enclosed my own hen run and have Disinfectant sponges and bowl of Jeyes Fluid to treat my shoes when I collect eggs. It’s best to be cautious although water birds are the main carrier. There is little roadkill - the usual pheasants seem to be picked up by Buzzards and Red kites; I witnessed this happening on the Fosse way yesterday.
Opposite Knightcote Bottoms, it is great to see some new woodland being planted in memory of a well-known village family. Bernard Price

Mobile Library


Friday 11th February at the Telephone Box from 2.40-3.10pm.

Coffee Morning


Village Hall on Saturday 12 February at 11am. We look forward to seeing everyone again!

To All Dog Owners


New for 2022 at Wendy's Ark
Personal hire of enclosed secure areas for exercise, training or just
having fun with your dog.
Artificial grass area, lighting, fresh water bowls, coded Gate and free
parking.
Choose a time to suit you and your dog(s):
                                Weekdays  6pm to 9pm;
                                Weekends  10am to 9pm;
Other times can be accommodated by request.
Fee  £10 per 45min  per owner and dog(s)
To Book email  wendi.mccaughan@gmail.com or call 07801098656

Seasonal Recipe


Easypeasy Leek Soup
Ingredients
1 large leek, outer leaves removed, washed and finely sliced
2 large potatoes, peeled and finely diced
500g frozen peas             
700ml vegetable stock        
2tbs olive oil
4tbs toasted mixed seeds or 1 tbs chopped mint, optional to serve
Method
Put the oil in a pan on a medium heat, add the potatoes and leeks and fry until soft but not browned.
Pour in the stock, cover and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes.
Add the peas and about 350ml hot water.  Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend in a food processor.
To serve, garnish with toasted seeds or chopped mint if desired.  Enough for 4 people.

February Allotment News


The seasons are changing as we start to emerge out of the depths of winter. How do we know? The shortest day is behind us and now our chickens have opened their egg-laying factory and are frequently providing scrumptious delights for breakfast. It's still not quite time to go popping veg seeds into the ground. We have a hive of activity around the corner, but we must remain patient as the threat of frosts unfortunately remains until early May. Please learn from my mistakes and don't start seeds too early (my whole greenhouse of seedlings suffered the effects of a hard frost last year!).
I must confess that it seems strange to be writing February's report -where did January go? 'The bad news is, time flies. The good news is that you're the pilot' (M. Altshuler). I suggest we all have a fantastic year and make time to get outside and enjoy our precious surroundings! Time waits for no-one and our garden/veg plots will desperately need attention after the winter weather departs.
Job List (courtesy of Paul and Catherine):
Late winter is good time to prune most roses.
Cut back raspberry canes to ground level.
Add manure/compost to perennial veg crops such as asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes.
Complete pruning of deciduous hedges by end of month.
Put up nesting boxes for birds.
Keep feeding birds in garden.
Start chitting seed potatoes. Andrew Smith

Flag


The flag was raised on 9 January in honour of the Birthday of the Duchess of Cambridge; and on the 20th for the Countess of Wessex. On 13 January Alistair's 14th Birthday was marked by flying the flag; and on the 14th, Ray celebrated his Birthday together with the 100th Birthday of his dear Aunt Beryl. Congratulations to them all!
If you have something to commemorate or celebrate, contact Siobhan Hannan on 07780 678582 and she will raise the Flag for you. The cost is a donation of £5 to Church funds.