Coffee Morning Sat 12th 11am Village Hall Toddler Group Thurs 10th 10am Village Hall Friendship Club Tues 15th 2.30pm Corner Cottage Pilates Tuesdays 6.30pm Village Hall Mobile Library Thurs 3rd, 24th Next Month's Diary Annual Parish Assembly Thurs 3rd 7.30pm Village Hall
6th
8.00 Eucharist Burton Dassett
10.00 Eucharist Fenny Compton
11.15 Morning Service Gaydon
11.30 Eucharist Farnborough
13th
9.00 Prayer Book Eucharist Fenny Compton
10.00 Morning Service Farnborough
10.00 Eucharist Northend
11.15 Family Service Gaydon
6.00pm Evening Service Burton Dassett
20th
8.00 Eucharist Farnborough
9.00 Prayer Book Communion Gaydon
10.30 Morning Service Fenny Compton
10.30 Joint Eucharist Northend
27th
10.00 Eucharist Northend
10.30 Family Service Fenny Compton
11.30 Family Eucharist Gaydon
6.00pm Evensong Farnborough
Firstly, as promised, an update on our milestone. Jeremy Wright, our new MP, came to visit me on the 6th of January and has been given all the details about this matter. We spoke at some length about possible actions with regard to its return. There was general agreement that the Highways dept. had no right to loan or give away the Milestone to a private collector and that they are now protected by Law as part of local heritage. He has promised to write to Mr Stanton requesting its return and also to the Warwickshire Highways Dept. and keep us informed. I shall give an update to the Milestone Society who are interested in our case. We shall now have to await the results of this before any further actions are contemplated.
The spell of freezing weather has had only a brief respite but already I have noticed the Rooks are engaging in their elaborate and unexplained courtship flights. I saw a Barn Owl today perched in the rotting trunk of an old ash tree near Chadshunt. This is a species hard hit by the cold weather but it appeared to have returned to an old nesting hole. In a milder year it may have started laying eggs but most activities seem delayed this year.
Snowdrops are still not in flower and only a few plants like the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) and Hellebore seem to be in flower; the odd Hazel catkin will soon follow. I have been coppicing woodland at my work and this is the best time for similar activities like hedge-laying, before any nesting and spring growth gets underway. Berries have gone by now though the Fieldfares' rattling call can still be heard.
A large flock of Goldfinches comes to sit in my Walnut tree each day now and their rippling song brightens up the otherwise bleak scene. The days are slowly (around 5 minutes per day!) increasing in length. Early in the month early risers had a spectacular eclipse of the moon which tinted the surrounding clouds (though they partially obscured it) with a bright exotic red-pink and gold pigmentation against the snow. The bark of Foxes is heard at night now, whilst by day several colourful cock pheasants swagger confidently past my house, stopping to pick some grit from near the Village Shop, then visiting my bird table or chicken-run for the odd grains of corn. If they are wise and stay here a few more weeks they will survive the shooting season.
I am in fact starting to get a few eggs from my Cochins each day but Spring is still a bit far away. It is amazing how a few of the milder days caused some footpaths around the Army Camp and Itchington Holt to become almost impassable with deep mud and then just as quickly to freeze hard again. Such is the composition of some Warwickshire soils that they contain hardly any stones and so wellington boots are a must! Bernard Price
The mobile library will be in Gaydon in February on Thursdays the 3rd and 24th.
The meeting will be on Tuesday 15 February at the home of Mrs Mary Fox, Corner Cottage in Church Lane. If anyone would like come along and join us for a cup of tea, please ring Mary on 641384.
Village Hall
Saturday 12 February at 11am
All welcome!
Saturday 26 February 10am-3pm
Lower Farm Barn, Great Wolford
£20 to include 3 treatments, soup and refreshments
Call Rebecca Mawle, Fundraising Co-ordinator, on 01608 674929 to book a therapy session.
On 27 March 2011 all residential households in the United Kingdom will be taking part in a census. Since 1801 a day has been chosen every ten years for this purpose (except in 1941 during the war).
When the questionnaire envelope comes through the door you'll easily recognise it by the purple 2011 Census logo. Take care of it.
If, like many people, you want to complete the questionnaire online, your individual internet code is on the front of the questionnaire.
More information about the 2011 Census can be found at: www.census.gov.uk or by contacting your local Area Manager,
Karen Boyland at F113@census.gov.uk or on 07801 331376.
Karen is particularly keen to learn of any support that you perceive will be needed in your local community.
Advice from Warwickshire County Council
In the Central TV Region, the digital switchover is due to begin on March 30th 2011. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is concerned that some rogue traders and dodgy sales people will use digital switchover as an opportunity to sell householders equipment, for example, new televisions, video recorders and aerials, that they may not really need.
They are also concerned that rogue traders may use the opportunity to falsely claim their property requires other work doing while 'installing' a new aerial, for example, roofing or guttering work.
If you only have analogue TV Services (four or five channels) any television you want to keep watching after the switchover will need to be converted with a digital box. If you already have more than five standard TV channels on all your TV sets, then you are probably ready for switchover. For more advice on problems with shopping or buying services, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Your 2011 census questionnaire will arrive in March.
It's vital that you complete your confidential census questionnaire as the statistics are used to make decisions about our community. Our area receives funding from government, based on the number of people living here; it's all confidential, so no one will see your personal information. Find out more at www.census.gov.uk.
Do you know of anyone looking to earn a bit of extra cash in the New Year? A range of temporary full and part time roles are available to help make the 2011 Census a success.
There are over 29,000 Census Collector roles available in over 2,000 locations across England and Wales, so there is a great chance of finding work close to home.
The census will take place on 27 March 2011 - every 10 years it provides a snapshot of the nation, so it's a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special.
Census Collectors contact householders to collect completed census questionnaires and assist where required.
There is a choice of hours: 15, 25 or 37 hours a week, depending on availability; and the work will last from 6 to 8 weeks.
Help us spread the word - please tell your friends, families and colleagues and direct people to apply at www.censusjobs.co.uk
COME AND CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S NIGHT AT THE MALT SHOVEL, GAYDON
FABULOUS 3 COURSE MEAL FOR £15 PER PERSON!
Roasted Sweet Potato and Rosemary Soup or Duck and Foie Gras Pâté with Red Onion Marmalade
or Seared Scallops with Pancetta Crisps and Fresh Parmesan on rocket salad
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6 oz Fillet Steak served with grilled tomato and mushrooms, chips and salad (£5 Supplement)
or Tagine of Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Coriander served on fragrant couscous
or Fillet of Salmon with Cream Cheese and Chive Sauce served with potatoes and vegetables
( Vegetarian Option available on request )
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Chocolate, Brandy and Cherry Fudge Slice or Toffee Pear and Ginger Pudding or Lemon and Lime tart
£15 per person; Reservations Only; malt.shovel@btconnect.com 01926 641221
Yes, it is "Our Shop", a shop for everyone in the Village and I wanted to write and thank everybody who has worked so hard to set it up and to continue running it. Nothing is too much trouble for the dedicated band of volunteers who look after things. During the recent Snowy period, I didn't have to use my car for two weeks as all my essential supplies were bought from "Our Shop": even the bread deliveries got through.
I urge you to give it a try because I know you'll find not only something to buy but a very warm welcome and the chance of a chat. Let's help keep "Our Shop"! Chris Corner
Flooding Issues
At our January Parish Council Meeting County Councillor Chris Williams said that he was very optimistic that the Banbury Road pipe would go ahead by the end of this financial year. He said the cut-backs would not affect this project. Jonathan Crowe and Tony McGrath met the newly appointed Flood Defence Manager at WCC. They toured the village and he was shown the areas that are at risk from flooding. He fully appreciated our situation and assured the councillors that he would address our concerns.
Snow Warden
County Councillor Chris Williams is urging all parish councils to appoint a snow warden. The responsibilities are: to ensure that highways are notified if a particular road becomes hazardous in extreme weather conditions. The volunteer must have access to email. Anyone interested in this role should contact the clerk.
Cemetery and Grass Maintenance
Chris Pickering has agreed to mow the grass in the cemetery, village green and play area for next year. He will also be tidying the cemetery up by cutting the hedge back and removing some offshoots. Weeding will be done in the Spring. Andy Thomas has kindly agreed to mend the fence.
Lights
The lights and bollards along the Banbury Road have been reported. County Councillor Chris Williams tells us that the lights around the roundabout will be turned off between 1am and 5am as a cost-cutting measure.
Parish Plan
All those that volunteered to be part of the Steering Group have been contacted and a meeting will be arranged to take place in the next couple of weeks, the meeting date will be posted on the Village Notice Board. At this meeting the group agree the roles and responsibilities of the Group. If you are interested in volunteering for the action group, secretary/clerk/financial officer/chairperson/distribution and collection of questionnaires, please contact the Parish Clerk who will pass on your details.
Community Forum Meeting
The next Community Forum Meeting will be held on Thursday 3 March at Wellesbourne. Details will appear on the noticeboard closer to the date.
Precept
The Parish Council has agreed to keep the precept the same as 10/11 for 11/12.
Request from The Heritage Centre and Jaguar LandroverAny residents who are unhappy with the noise of the siren that can sometimes be heard from the Heritage Centre are requested to note the date and time when they can hear it and tell the clerk. Jaguar Landrover have also asked residents who see or hear transporters travelling in Gaydon with their ramps down, to note the date and time and direction the vehicle is travelling in and inform the clerk. Similarly, if transporters are seen parking on pavements or in dangerous places, please inform the clerk.
Verges
We have been informed that there are some pieces of wood sticking out of the ground by The Gaydon Inn. Residents could easily trip over them. County Councillor Chris Williams is aware of this hazard and has notified Highways of the problem.
Parking
Please park sensibly (not on pavements or verges) and please pass the message to your visitors.
Hamper
The Parish Council would like to thank Ellis Machinery for the hamper they kindly donated. This has been passed to Barnfields.
Lorries over 7.5T
There seems to be a growing problem with lorries over 7.5T using Pimple Lane. District Councillor Chris Mills has said that if we can get the registration number, company name, date and time, then the Police will act. WCC have said that if a lorry has reflective strips on the rear then it is probably over 7.5T.
Next Meeting
The Annual Parish Assembly will take place on the 3rd March
at 7.30pm. This is your meeting where councillors give a report on the year so please come along. This meeting will be followed by the ordinary Parish Council Meeting.
Once again Gaydon has made a terrific effort with the 'in-house boxes' and very many thanks to all involved. The total collected this year is £300. Perhaps you are already a box holder and could encourage a friend to take one? Or if this really worthy cause pulls at your heart strings, then call Jane Goldsmith on 642571 and she will supply you with a box. It is surprising how even coppers add up over the year!
The Rev. Mike Cadwallader will be licensed by the Bishop at All Saints' Church, Burton Dassett, on 12 April. Details in the March magazine.
Price comparison:
Half dozen free range eggs £1.69 Sainsburys / £1.50 GVS
1 pack Lurpack unsalted butter £1.50 Sainsburys / £1.50 GVS
1 pint semi-skimmed milk 45p Sainsburys / 65p GVS
Petrol consumption*:
Gaydon to Kineton 2.92 miles £2.34 return journey
Gaydon to Bishops Itchington 3.28 miles £2.62 return journey
Gaydon to Sainsburys, Leamington Spa 9.52 miles £7.62 return.
*based on RAC website information using an average family saloon car-Jan 2011. Postcode used taken from Church Lane, Gaydon.
Remember: you can order your bread, cakes, and fresh meat as well as vegetables and fruit. Call 01926 641805 to place your order now.
If there is anything we don't currently stock, we can get it in for you. CH
The Toddler Group meets in Gaydon Village Hall on alternate Thursdays from 10-11.30am in term time. The next meeting will be on 10 February and the following one will be on 10 March. For more information email StGilesToddler@aol.com
In 1611 the King's printer, Robert Barker, published a new English translation of the Holy Bible, commissioned by King James I. It is known as the King James Version or Authorised Version and this year its 400th anniversary is being celebrated throughout the country.
In March it is to be read out in its entirety at the Bath Literary Festival by a succession of writers and actors, with Timothy West undertaking the thrilling conclusion: Revelation. Here in Gaydon we shall use it at our Prayer Book services at 9am on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
More events are in the pipeline - watch these pages!
Watch the RBS 6 Nations Rugby in your local Pub!!
Thursday 3rd - Saturday 5th February:
Chinese cuisine in celebration of Chinese New Year
Saturday 12th - Monday 14th February:
Celebrate your Valentines with a bottle of bubbly and some 'special' valentine dishes!
Saturday 26th February:
Live music by Catch 23 starts at 8.30pm - this group is definitely worth a visit to The Gaydon Inn
FOOD is served 12-9pm every weekend
Take away Pizza is also available any day,
prices start from £5.95!
The Gaydon Inn is now open at 12pm on Sunday!
The Gaydon Inn has a fly ball team called Active8 Dogs which train every other weekend in the field next to the pub - interested? Then get in touch!