Parish Council Meeting Tues 5th 7.45pm Village Hall Carol Singing Mon 18th 7pm Village Hall Christmas Eve Crib Service Sat 24th 6pm St Giles' Church CHRISTMAS DAY Sun 25th 11am St Giles' Church Library Monday 11th Telephone Box Pilates Tuesdays 6.15pm Village Hall Tai Chi Wednesdays 7.30pm Village Hall GAYDON CALENDAR DATES BURNS' NIGHT SUPPER SAT 20 JANUARY VILLAGE HALL
New Chairman: The Parish Council has a new Chairman, Cllr Tom Hughes and we wish him well in this challenging role. We would like to thank Cllr John Brine for his patience, dedication and hard work as Chair. He will be remaining as a councillor with responsibilities for the cemetery and will attend the Gaydon liaison meetings.
Countdown Markers: Thanks to the residents who attended the last meeting and also the two officers from County Highways, Garry Palmer (Road Safety Officer) and Patch Byrne (Local Logistics Officer). It was an interesting meeting with residents having the opportunity to question Garry on the removal of the countdown markers on the Banbury Road. We have been told, unfortunately, that they will not be re-instated; but have asked for other options to reduce the speed of the traffic. Community Speedwatch are on the case. County Cllr Williams has been asked several times now for the guidelines which will enable CSW to apply for funding from his £30,000 dedicated road safety and highways 2018/19 budget. The County budget is currently being discussed and Cllr Williams normally gives a brief summary at each parish council meeting. We are sure that he will keep us informed as to whether this money will be allocated to him next year. We thank County Cllr Williams for arranging for the officers to address residents.
Cycle Way: Many of you may have heard Cllr Williams say that the cycleway on the Warwick Road may be permanently closed. We have spoken to the District Council regarding this but they have heard nothing and can see no reason why it should be closed. The Planning Officer is in daily contact with JLR and has promised to let us know if this is going to be the case.
Security Gate: Patch Byrne was quizzed on the lack of security on the triangle field gate. The gate was locked by a concerned resident but County Highways have requested that the lock be removed. Patch explained that this gate is not on the highway, so it is the responsibility of WCC Estates. He further said that he was told to remove the lock and did so. County Cllr Williams explained that we do not live on a Gypsy and Traveller route and so the field does not constitute a security issue. He also explained that WCC have powers that can remove gypsy encampments from their land within 24 hours, which
is reassuring.
Flooding: Patch Byrne is investigating why the link road is flooding when it rains and is following up on the adoption of the dual carriageway by WCC. Once adopted by WCC, litter-picking and grass-cutting can take place and perhaps even the straw will be removed.
Road markings: Good news! The road markings for the new scheme have been repainted correctly. Cllr Claxton did ask for the road markings on the Banbury Road to be repainted but unfortunately WCC have no more money in that budget.
Lay-by: As owners of the Banbury Road layby, Patch was asked to provide more bins. The answer was no as it is part of the highway and not WCC responsibility.
Ditch clearance: The ditch and drain behind St Mark's Close has been cleared.
Street lights: Spitfire Developments have acknowledged that they did not have planning permission for the street lights. They have suggested replacing them with bollards. A representative will be attending our December meeting so if you have any views please do attend. Street lighting will not be provided on the new footway from the
development on the Kineton Road to St Mark's Close. The last street light on this road will need to be either relocated or removed. Councillors' views are that it should be removed. If you have any concerns please do speak to a councillor or the clerk.
Clock Chimes: No news on the noise monitoring of the Church Clock. We will keep you updated.
Defibrillator: Finally, the Parish Clerk would like to say a few words:
At the last meeting I was dismayed to hear our County Councillor say that Gaydon is the only parish council not to have either a defibrillator or to have spoken about getting one. I thank Cllr Adrian Claxton for pointing out that this is in fact incorrect. We have asked the District Council if we can purchase the Red Telephone Box for this purpose. District Cllr Kettle has looked into the purchase and been told that it is in the hands of BT. Once we hear the outcome we hope to be able
to progress.
Letter: We have just received a letter from Monica Fogarty, Joint Managing Director of Warwickshire County Council regarding the Banbury Road layby and traffic-calming. It appears to be a follow-on from the discussion with the Highways Officers at our last meeting. The letter can be viewed on either the parish website or the village website. If residents have any concerns could we please suggest that they write to either Ms Fogarty (monicafogarty@warwickshire.gov.uk) or the leader of the County Council Mrs I. Seccombes (email cllrmrsseccombe@warwickshire.gov.uk). A copy to the clerk would be appreciated to ensure that councillors are fully aware of your views.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, 5 December 2017 at 7.45pm.
Sunday 3rd
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Northend
10.30 Morning Prayer Fenny Compton
10.30 Holy Communion Gaydon
6.00pm Advent Carol Service Farnborough
Sunday 10th
9.30 Holy Communion BCPe Farnborough
10.30 Holy Communion Fenny Compton
10.30 Morning Prayer Gaydon
10.30 Morning Prayer Northend
4.00pm Christingle Service Northend
Sunday 17th
9.00 Morning Prayer Farnborough
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Gaydon
10.30 Family Crib Service Fenny Compton
3.30pm Carols by Candlelight Burton Dassett
Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th
6.00pm Crib Service Gaydon
11.30pm Midnight Mass Burton Dassett
Christmas Day, Sunday 25th
11.00 Communion & Carols Gaydon
Sunday 31st 10.30 Group Communion Northend
There are services of Compline on every Wednesday in Advent in preparation for Christmas. The first was held in Gaydon last month; the second will be in Northend on the 6th at 7.30pm; the third will be in Farnborough on the 13th at 7.30pm and the final service will be at Fenny Compton on the 20th, again at 7.30pm.
Don't miss the village carol singing evening in the Village Hall on Monday 18 December, starting at 7pm. There will be mince pies and mulled wine to keep you in good voice!
On Sunday 3 December there will be Tea and Hospitality at Temple Herdwyke community centre. It starts at 4.15pm and includes refreshments and informal worship. See www.dassettmagna.org.uk
Carol service at Farnborough Church on 21st December at 7.30pm.
Let me (probably) be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Advent is such a special time of the year - a time of waiting and preparation. But what are we waiting for? The presence of GOD with US through the birth of Jesus Christ. But in this largely secular world, many are just looking forward to presents. Now, there is nothing wrong with giving (or receiving) presents - the act of giving is an underpinning tenet of life as a Christian; though I often baulk at the avarice that seems to prevail at this time of the year when, elsewhere, so many in the world have so little.
Whether you are a Christian or not, let me offer you three reasons why we need Jesus. Firstly, you have a past: you can't go back, but Jesus can. The Bible says, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever' (Hebrews: 13:8). He can walk into places of sin and failure, wipe the slate clean, and give you a new beginning. Secondly, you need a friend: Jesus knows the worst about you, yet he believes the best because he sees you not as you are, but as he knows you can be. Thirdly, he holds the future: who else are you going to trust? In his hands you are safe and secure - today, tomorrow and for eternity. His word says, 'For surely I know the plans I have for you...plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come to pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart' (Jeremiah 29: 11-13).
Finally, in a world currently tormented by war and conflict; in a world where revenge and power often rule over compassion and love for one another; in a world where seemingly 'might is right', we need Jesus more than ever. So this Christmas, as you deservingly open your presents, just think about welcoming the presence of Jesus into your life; it is the best present you will ever get. Reverend Nicki Chatterton
There have been several hard frosts recently but it must be colder in the north of Europe because we are already getting flocks of red wings along the berry-laden Hawthorn hedges around the village. A smaller number of the larger, distinctive Fieldfares arrived in my garden to feed on apple windfalls; and moved on, piercing the fruit with a mass of small holes. The previous day had been superb autumn weather, blue skies and vivid leaf colouration from Beeches and Hornbeams; with the bright red of Spindle and FIeld Maple along the verges. As I turned off from the M40 I noticed some even more exotic birds, a small flock of Waxwings stripping berries from roadside undergrowth. It was such a close sighting that the yellow and red markings - resembling wax candles - were very clear. They often arrive in Gaydon but much later, if there is a hard winter, favouring mountain Ash and other berries. I wonder if this a portent of a hard winter?
The large flock of Goldfinches (addicted to the black Niger seed we put in our bird feeders) always stay around the village, often sitting in my large Walnut tree. It's time to fill bird feeders now. Already, last year's families of Blue Tits, or the delightfull Long-Tailed Tits, are flying in relays back and forth with a nut to consume; and Robins wait underneath to pick at the detritus falling from above... The choices of bird food now available are very wide. Fat-balls are better soft and squeezable, rather than hard - and in consequence - difficult to to peck at. In fact, the cheapest are best!
We have a few Sparrow hawks around the village, so feeding areas are best not situated in the open where they can swoop in and grab the unfortunate victims. If they are in a closed area it's safer. I have been very entertained by the pair of Ravens that seem to have adopted the village during the day - though I'm not sure where they roost. I've watched them fly over the village where they were immediately mobbed by some crows. The first thing you notice is their size, compared with a crow: over twice as large and the 'Kronking' sound they make is quite distinctive. They turned around in mid-air and the crows stopped pestering them. I watched them rise up to the thermals and circle in the sky, turning over in a variety of acrobatics. There are many superstitions that surround this highly intelligent and long-lived bird: from the tame raven in Dickens' Barnaby Rudge, my favourite by that writer; to the oft-recited Edgar Allan Poe poem. It is amazing that they are now established in the Midlands!
It's still possible to collect the delicious wood Blewit mushroom around Kington and its distinctive purple stem and beefy aroma is a clue to its name 'Blue leg'. I saw heaps of them on sale this week in Nottingham Market. Listen for the sounds of Tawny and Barn Owls hunting around the village. The former has a variety of shrill notes whilst a screech indicates a Barn Owl, often encountered at night as a white spectre patrolling the road-side verges.
Bernard Price
We welcome a new family to the village, Best, Bradley and Jab Gibbs who have come to live in Kineton Road. We hope that they will be very happy in Gaydon.
Carols in the Village Hall will be on Monday 18 December at 7pm. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served to keep you in good spirits.
The Library will visit the Telephone Box at Gaydon on Monday 11th this month from 1.35-2.05pm .
This year Lois at Little Garden Flowers is offering some beautiful floral Christmas decorations. Lush green wreaths, flowing garlands and candlelit table centres - there's something for all tastes and styles. All arrangements are made with foliage grown in Gaydon, and are accented with natural dried grasses, flowerheads and seedpods.
Little Garden wreaths are available to buy in Gaydon Village Shop this December. Alternatively, you can have one made-to-order and delivered to your door. Lois is also hosting workshops at her home in Gaydon for those who fancy making their own wreaths (mulled wine and chestnuts included!). For workshop dates and how to book, call in at the Village Shop, or visit Lois' website www.littlegardenflowers.co.uk
Tickets are already selling like hot tatties in anticipation of the long-awaited re-incarnation of our Scottish extravaganza. Make sure you get your tickets by signing on the list at the shop or calling at the Old Bakehouse or telephoning 642248. See more details on our posters and on inside covers of magazine.
As Christmas draws near and the magical day gets even closer, why not unwind and relax by spoiling yourself with a pamper treatment?
If you are struggling also to find that last minute Christmas present then consider treating someone special to a Gift Voucher.
At head2toe beauty room in Gaydon we offer a full range of beauty treatments from nails to massages, facials to waxing and much more besides. Please visit our website for full details and prices.
www.head2toegaydon.com or call 07931992924
The last draw for members of Gaydon Village Store has been made and the Art Brasil beauty treatment gift voucher, supplied by Melissa Thompson-Rowlands goes to Steph Yates. Other prizes this year have been: a family ticket to The British Motor Museum, a meal for two at The Falcon, entry for two at Compton Verney and a cream tea for two at The Herb Centre.
Membership renewal of £12 will be collected in January 2018. Reminders will go to existing members but anyone can join; just ask for a form in the shop.
Christmas meat from Carpenters Farm Shop will be available to order from us. It is the same price as buying direct but if you order through the shop we get a small discount. Information will be in the shop as soon as we have the prices from Carpenters.
Volunteer to help the Shop
If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers pop into the village hall on Thursday 14th December at 7.30. Meet the volunteers at our Christmas get-together.
Finally, we have a few electric items in the shop that need PAT testing. If you are qualified to carry it out and would be willing to help us, please leave your details at the shop or telephone 01926 641805. SR
There will be meetings at the Village Hall on Friday 1st December at 7.30pm and Saturday 2nd at 9am to suggest forming a community group to purchase the lease of the Malt Shovel by selling shares in it.
Remember: a good local pub can create a heart in the community and add to the value of your property. The idea will only come to life with strong support from the village - so please come to one of the meetings and find out more. Chris and Lindsay Pickering 01926 642086
Grateful thanks to everyone who helped make the Christmas Fair such a successful and enjoyable occasion. The stalls raised over £400 and generous golden gift bags as well were hung on the Christmas Tree.
There will be no Coffee Morning in December or January. We thank all those who support us throughout the year.
Try something new and join our community group for Tai Chi and Chi Kung. January 2018 Free. We meet at Gaydon Village Hall on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Text 07514011406 to confirm.
In Chinese medicine, Chi Kung is often prescribed to: Fight disease and stress; Increase energy and stamina; Improve circulation and flexibility; Strengthen ligaments and bones; Engender a sense of well being.
Janet Owen
Many villagers will receive the news of the death of Janet Owen with sadness. She died on 16 November after a long period of disability due to illness.
During the time she lived here with her husband Chris and their two daughters, she was a very active member of the community. She was a member of the Parochial Church Council and subsequently went on to become a member of the Bishop's Council. She was also a Parish Councillor during the planning stage of the M40 when the Service Station was moved out of Gaydon to its present site. She ran Pathfinders with Chris Corner at St Giles' Church; she sang with Eddie Bidwell's choir at Burton Dassett; and she was a keen tennis player.
Our sympathy goes out to Chris, Katie, Sarah and her grandchildren, in the hope that they can find comfort in their memories of a vibrant, kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother.
It is with sorrow that we record the death of George Hayes. The funeral took place at Oakley Wood on Thursday 16 November and we offer our condolences to all his family.
Warwickshire Police need your help with information about suspicious activity. If you think something in your area is suspicious, it probably is and they need to hear from you. Before every incident, there is usually some suspicious activity and they need calls to make them aware of it. The police encourage you to call 101 if you notice suspicious persons, vehicles or activity around your own or neighbouring homes.
If you believe that a crime is in progress, please dial 999.
There were burglaries in Banbury Road at the end of October and calls have been received falsely claiming to be from the Inland Revenue.
Burglaries and break-ins will not be fully investigated unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Burglar alarms are recommended by the police. PC Morgan has been moved to Southam but Gaydon continues to have daily patrols by the MOD police.
The Flag on the Green was raised on 20 November in celebration of the 70th Wedding Anniversary of HM The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.