Barbecue Sun 7th 11.30am for 12.30 Church then Village Hall
Coffee Morning Sat 13th 11am Village Hall
Parish Council Meeting Tues 23rd 8pm Village Hall
Friendship Club Tues 16th 2.30pm No. 2 Cottages
Library Monday 15th 1.30pm Telephone Box
Pilates Tuesdays 6.30pm Village Hall
GAYDON CALENDAR
QUIZ FRI 17th JULY MALT SHOVEL
BIG LUNCH SUN 19th JULY VILLAGE HALL
FRENCH EVENING SAT 12th SEPT VILLAGE HALL
CHRISTMAS FAIR SAT 28th NOV VILLAGE HALL
CHRISTMAS LUNCH SUN 6th DEC VILLAGE HALL
BURNS' NIGHT REPEAT! JAN 2016 VILLAGE HALL
New Councillors
Following the 7th May election we have four new parish councillors: Steve Alder, Adrian Claxton, Tom Hughes and Debi Morisot; and one remaining councillor, John Brine. John Brine has agreed to be Chairman, with Adrian as Vice Chair.
Steve will be responsible for lights, litter, street furniture and footways. He will also represent Gaydon at the Community Forum Meetings which residents are welcome to attend. The next meeting is on Thursday, 18th June at Wellesbourne Fire Station. A poster will be displayed on the noticeboard nearer the time.
Adrian will be responsible for drains and ditches. He will also represent Gaydon at the Gaydon Liaison Committee Meetings and any meetings with JLR, Aston Martin or The Heritage Centre. It has been agreed that he will now be Gaydon Parish Council's representative on FORSE but that he will no longer be the Gaydon FORSE representative.
Tom will be responsible for the footpaths. He will also be providing the link between the Parish Council and Neighbourhood Watch.
Debi has agreed to take responsibility for the play area. She will also be attending the M40 Motorway Meetings which keep us informed of bridge closures etc. We know that the Bishop's Itchington Road M40 bridge will need closing for 2 week-ends for waterproofing but dates have not been agreed yet. Keep an eye on the noticeboard.
John, although he has a huge amount of work with the role of Chairman, has agreed to be responsible for the cemetery and attending the Gaydon Liaison Committee Meetings with Adrian. Any meetings with JLR, Aston Martin or The Heritage Centre will also be attended by John.
The Parish Council would like to thank Annette Conway for the tremendous amount of work she did when she was a councillor. Annette 'put Gaydon on the map' by inviting the Government Inspector to visit our parish; by liaising with JLR and The Heritage Centre; by speaking for Gaydon at the numerous cabinet and council meetings; and, of course, by contacting the Government Inspector. These are just a few areas where Annette helped this parish and we thank her very much.
County Councillor's Report
County Councillor Chris Williams informed the parish that he has £5,000 to award to community groups. He has said that he would like bids for a maximum of £500. However, if you have a project exceeding this, you should liaise with Chris. His email is: cllrwilliams@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Chris Williams also reported, at the last PC meeting, that if GLH is approved (there is currently a planning application for 2000 dwellings with the District Council) then Gaydon, Lighthorne Heath, Lighthorne and Chesterton will be part of the second largest town in the Stratford District. The Parish Council is currently formulating its response to this planning application and would encourage residents to respond as well, making their own points to ensure that Gaydon's voice is heard. Although the deadline for responses is 28th May, Stratford District Council has said that they will accept responses up to the date this application goes to Committee. Our advice is to respond as soon as possible.
Chris also informed us that from September 2015 there will be a 24 hour fire station located at Aston Martin.
Clock
Our bid for funding to repair the Church clock has been accepted but not agreed. They are assessing a large number of bids and will not be able to let us know if we have been successful for another 4 weeks. We will keep you posted. If you have any issues with the parish please email the Clerk and she will try to help.
Next meeting
Tuesday, 23rd June at 8pm.
Sunday 7th
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Burton Dassett
10.30 Morning Prayer Fenny Compton
11.30 Guest Service Gaydon followed by Barbecue Lunch at Village Hall
6.00pm Evensong Farnborough
Sunday 14th
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Farnborough
9.00 Holy Communion Gaydon
10.30 Holy Communion Fenny Compton
10.30 Communion by ext. Northend
6.00pm Evening Prayer Burton Dassett
Sunday 21st
9.00 Holy Communion Farnborough
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Gaydon
10.30 Morning Worship Fenny Compton
10.30 Holy Communion Northend
6.00pm Songs of Praise Fenny Compton
Sunday 28th
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Fenny Compton
9.00 Morning Prayer Northend
10.30 Holy Communion Farnborough
10.30 Prayer & Praise Gaydon
Cracked Pots
I came across the following story the other day and thought I'd share it with you.
A water-bearer in India had two large pots, both hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot always arrived half full.
The poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream:
'I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologise to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from
your efforts.'
The bearer said to the pot, 'Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path; and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without your being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'
It's fantastic news that time and time again we hear in Scripture that we do not need to be perfect for God to use us in powerful ways to play our part in building his Kingdom here on earth - his Kingdom here in Dassett Magna.
Of course, in order to be in a relationship with God, we need to say sorry to him and endeavour not to keep making the same mistake again and again. Then, like the little boy in John's Gospel Chapter 6, who offered all he had
(5 loaves and 2 fish) to help feed the 5,000; Jesus does amazing things with what we offer. On that occasion not only were all those who had gathered fed, but 12 basketfuls of left-overs were gathered up. Jesus always promises us that when we give generously to him he will multiply what we offer and bless his people. Revd Mike Cadwallader
Spring Migrants
I mentioned last month that I spent some time in Sicily watching the migrant birds and insects arriving in Europe from the North African coast. I was delighted to hear a newly-arrived Cuckoo in the centre of the village this week and I saw several more on the Greenway near Stratford. I had observed a large number in Sicily perched on old World War II defensive buildings accompanied by Swallows and Swifts, which have also arrived in Gaydon in the past week.
I am hoping this will be a "Painted Lady" year, too: these are an attractive migrant butterfly that will not arrive here until July. They have been scarce in the last two years but judging by the huge numbers in Sicily and considering that they may breed a second generation en route, it is a possibility this year.
Another exciting species is the Hobby, a small falcon with Chestnut leg-markings, that hunts swifts and Dragonflies - they have been seen around Gaydon in the past. I spotted one last week at Bicester Village, not too far away.
In southern Europe many species that were once very scarce often arrive in the UK in increasing numbers. Bee-eaters, Hoopoes and Flamingoes were a common sight in Sicily and a few have nested in the UK. Egrets are now well established on our wetlands: milder climate or global warming being attributed reasons. Once a Golden Oriole was spotted on the Banbury Road many years ago.
I was surprised that pheasants are quite common in Sicily, mixing well with Stone Curlews and Shore birds in the folds of Limestone Rock formations. Shooting seems to have died out there. I did not find a single cartridge case; and hordes of schoolchildren were using binoculars in the bird Reserve hides. This was a startling contrast to Malta and Cyprus where people still gun down many of our potential visiting birds.
Those who have Holly Bushes are sure to see the exotic small Holly Blue butterfly which is common around the village this Spring, attracted to both the flower and the prickly leaves. There's a large number of plant species to look out for in our locality including the early Orchid species. Many grow on the edge of the new Junction 12 and are vulnerable to careless contractors, so vigilance is needed. Bernard Price
The Library will visit Gaydon on Monday 15 June from 1.30pm-2pm at the Telephone Box.
Village Hall Saturday 13 June at 11am PLANT SALE Bring and Buy and Raffle We raise funds for the up-keep of the Parish Church Everyone welcome!
The Friendship Club will meet on Tuesday 16 May at 2.30pm at the home of Mrs Jan Ewers, 2 The Cottages, Gaydon Hill Farm.
Thanks to everyone who is supporting the shop. It really is making a difference.
We have a special offer on Cats Brewing Beer, brewed locally in Shenington. We are now selling it at the excellent price of £1.77 reduced from £2.49. Why not whet your whistle with a good local brew!
AGM
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 24th June, at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Fancy having a go at Church Bell Ringing?
We are offering demonstrations and taster sessions at The Edgehill Ringing Centre, St Peter's Church, Kineton, on Saturday 27 June from 10am-12 noon. Tea, coffee and cakes provided!
Please do come along - if the time is not convenient contact Graham Nabb on 641812 for further details.
Follow Edgehill bellringers on facebook or at edgehillbellringers.org
Concert by the Warwick University Brass Ensemble on Friday, 19 June, at 7.30pm. Contact Norma King, 1 Leys Close, Northend, CV47 2TD for tickets which are £12 each, including interval Wine and Strawberries. Toilet facilities available.
The world is a noisier place than it has ever been. A media-driven culture seems designed to prevent people from being or becoming reflective, quiet, non-active and still. In the midst of our turbulent times, God is calling us to be still and to listen to his Word in silence and in depth. To help you to do this, The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer is arranging a day of silent listening to the Word of God at The House of Bread, The Mill, Shipston on Stour, on Monday 6 July from 9.30am-3.30pm. Telephone Revd Martin Tunnicliffe on 0121 745 6522 for further details and booking.
I know that my mother was a remarkable person but to see the church full to capacity with people wishing to pay their final tribute was moving and made us, as a family, extremely proud of a lady who was such an influence in our lives and led by example to the end. My regret on the day was that we were not able to linger after the service and missed many of you at the Malt Shovel, especially as some had come quite a distance.
I can only repeat my gratitude and thanks to the community of Gaydon for the spirit they create in the village which enables others, like my mother, to enjoy life to the full with the feeling of independence and dignity.
Thank you too for the donations; a total of £555 will pass to the British Heart Foundation on your behalf. Meriel and family
Summer Shopping Day
Thursday 4 June at the Old Vicarage, Aston Magna, GL56 9QN
Lots of Fabulous New Summer Stalls:- Louise Pocock Millinery, Pippa Brook Sunglasses, Willow & Honey (Candles) Dice (Holster Summer Shoes & Scarves) plus Amanda Flowers, Fiona Clothes, Jewellery, Stratford Food Co, Fino Oils, PT Jamie Francis. Phoenix Cards. What excitement! £4 entry includes coffee & biscuit. Rolls and Salad to buy at Lunchtime! All set in a beautiful Vicarage garden.
Simulated Game Day
Friday 5 June at Foxcote Estate, Ilmington, CV36 4LD
5 x 80 bird flushes 400 clays per team; Teams of 4 £400. 1.00pm registration, bacon roll and coffee. 2.00pm shooting commences, finish 5.00pm. Bar from 4.30pm, 2 course meal 5.30pm.
Wellesbourne Street Fayre
SHN Bottle Stall on Saturday, 6 June 12 noon - 4pm.
If you would like to donate any bottles please call Rebecca Mawle, Fundraising Co-ordinator, on 01608 674929 and 07940 716345.
Easy Summer Dessert: Fruit Compôte 2lb or 1kilo fruit: choose rhubarb; or gooseberries; or a mixture of peaches, apricots and berries - whatever you like 4 oz or 100g fairtrade cane sugar Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Place the fruit in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with sugar. Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes until the fruit is tender. Serve with crème fraîche or icecream; or turn it into a Fool. Fool Purée the fruit and stir in 7oz or 200ml of whipped cream; or a tub of delicious Greek yoghurt. Serve in individual glasses with a fancy wafer. What a fool!
The Shop Committee will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 24th June, at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Could the parents of a child baptised in October 2014 in the Catholic Church, Kineton, please ring Ruth Morgan on 01789 841635 urgently.
Sunday 7 June Village Hall at 12.30pm
Barbecue Lunch
Preceded by a Guest Service in Church at 11.30am
There is no charge for the lunch but we would like to know if
you are coming so that we can order enough sausages etc.
Please contact Julie Rickman on 640349 or Alastair Hotchkiss on 642248
The Society is writing to Box-holders this month to thank them personally for their invaluable support. They will also be informed about a new initiative by the Society to respond to the issue of the sexual exploitation of children, declared by the government to be a national threat. The Children's Society provides specialist help to such children and donations for specific campaigns like this are much-needed and appreciated. JR
Taste and See will take place at Temple Herdewyke on Sunday 7 June at 3.30pm. Messy Church will be held at Fenny Compton Village Hall on Sunday 14 June at 3.30pm. Contact Lesley on 01295 771171 for details.