Honeycomb-On Line

Honeycomb September 2010

Rector's Remarks

We are now well into the season of harvest. Hopefully, our farmers will now have their crops safely in. Our fruit trees and vegetable gardens are ensuring us food for much of the winter that lies ahead. So we have much for which to be thankful. We certainly should give thanks for our farmers who not only feed us but also maintain the beautiful countryside that surrounds our six villages. Whilst we are in thanksgiving mode it is also an opportunity to look at all the good things (I call them blessings) in our lives and to give thanks. Hopefully we will also want to give thanks to God for all those blessings. After all many of us, even those who rarely, if ever, come to church, will offer up a prayer in times of trouble so why not offer up a prayer of thanks for everything that has gone well. As well as the blessings we have as individuals and families, there are many blessings we have as being part of our village communities and harvest is also an opportune time to say thanks for those blessings as well.

There will be several opportunities to get together with your neighbours to say thank you. There are several church harvest festivals. The churches will be decorated with samples of all the food with which we are blessed and there will be the opportunity to sing the old familiar harvest hymns. Whether or not you come to church to say thank you, you will also have the opportunity to join in harvest meals and events that are being held in most of our villages.

By gathering together to give thanks whether in church or in the village hall we are contributing to what is called “social capital”. You might recall that a few months ago I wrote about the social capital we have in our villages. As a reminder, “social capital” describes networks of mutually supportive relationships in communities that benefit the whole community rather than the individual or may benefit both the community and the individual. Social capital is based on reciprocity, trust and shared social norms. It results in more involvement in politics at both the national and local level; voting in elections; giving more to charity and volunteering. Higher the levels of social capital in a community result in a better quality of life for everyone in that community. In gathering together be it in worship or for socialising over harvest meals, we strengthen the bonds of our local community so building our social capital.

There are also other ways of building our social capital and harvest time seems a good opportunity to think about buying our food locally. Sometimes it feels easier to buy all the food we need at supermarkets but we do have the option of buying food locally and we are not short of opportunities so to do. There are roadside stalls selling locally grown fruit and veg. There are veg. box schemes. There are farm shops selling meat and eggs. There are farms selling locally produced meals. We are lucky enough to have three Farmers’ Markets near us – one at St. Neots every other Saturday, one at Huntingdon every other Friday and one at Higham Ferrars monthly (to get more details go to www.farmersmarkets.net/postcodesearch). The stallholders at Farmers’

Markets have to be the people who either grow or produce food themselves in the local area. Shopping like this is not quite as convenient as the one–stop supermarket but it is a lot more fun. Shopping like this also supports our local farmers and producers – people who are often friends – that is what adds to our social capital. There are also other benefits. Despite supermarket claims of low prices, I believe that surveys have shown that prices are often lower at local outlets. It also reduces the food miles and so helps to reduce CO2 emissions. Generally locally produced food has been subject to less chemical processing and has fewer food additives which has to be healthier. So buying local is an example of building social capital which benefits both the community as a whole and us as individuals.

We have so much that is great about living in the Stodden villages and I hope that ability to buy fresh local food adds to our enjoyment of living here – another blessing for which to give thanks.

Jan Brookshaw

YOUR FUTURE – It’s In Your Hands

Have you heard of David Cameron’s concept of the ‘Big Society’ or the new government’s other ideas such as the ‘Right To Build Programme’? This aims to allow communities to bring forward modest housing schemes (e.g. 3 or 4 dwellings for local needs), without having to go through the normal planning process. A key requirement is that at least 80 per cent of all voting residents should approve the building of the new homes. All of this is driven by a desire for smaller government and more decision–making at the local level.

However, Lord Taylor, the Chairman of the Rural Coalition (not a part of the other coalition!), has described the Right To Build proposal as a “do–or–die” moment for villages. He has used it as an example of the quiet revolution that is about to descend on rural life. At its most basic, Lord Taylor’s view is that this will create not a ‘right to build’ but a ‘right to block’ by a very few voters, and will divide communities and undermine the role of the locally elected body, the Parish Council.

This may or may not be the case, and there are flaws in his lordship’s arguments. At times they confuse “nimbyism” with a genuine care about the locality, but they do highlight one real danger, namely APATHY.

This is nothing new but a sad fact of rural life for many years, and more than one Parish Council is a perfect example of lack of involvement. Although an elected body with considerable powers over the way a village is shaped and run, the council apparently is often seen as something of a joke and a forum to occupy retired citizens who wish to perform good works in their twilight years. Parish Councils have very similar powers and responsibilities, whatever their size and budget. Some may have over 20 councillors, while others like Dean and Shelton have just 7. Whatever the Government may propose, it is unlikely that representative numbers will be increased, so this means sharing the workload and new responsibilities amongst a small number of individuals. Bedford Borough Council is being pro–active in establishing a partnership forum to bring representatives together, to share concerns and to channel local views into its own plans.

However, a Parish Council needs the full backing of the community if it is to serve and operate effectively. If the Government is serious about what it calls “localism” it must first take steps to enliven and invigorate Parish Councils. At the very least there needs to be more competition for seats and a clear perception that a council is there to represent the whole community and not merely a particular faction.

In Dean and Shelton we currently have only 6 councillors and the majority of these have been co–opted when a casual vacancy has arisen. This is not an attempt to avoid democracy or transparency, but perhaps an example of the apathy syndrome. Whenever a councillor resigns, the vacancy is advertised and a parish voter may call for an election. Meanwhile one or more persons may come forward and express an interest in being co–opted. Only once the prescribed period of notice has expired, and no election sought, are all requests considered in public by councillors and a vote taken. It is worth noting that, if the current co–opted members had not come forward, the Council would very likely be inquorate and unable to fully function.

The whole Council will be up for election in May 2011, a delay of one year following on from the changeover at Bedford Borough to unitary authority status.

My personal wish is that more than 7 names are put forward as candidates next year, so that a real contest for places can ensue. This will not only show democracy ‘in action’ but will also encourage candidates to state how they envisage the parish going forward, and in turn lead to open discussion on the issues of the day. There is a clear need for younger members of the community to come forward. With one notable exception, all current councillors are a shade of grey! The oft–heard view “I would do it, but haven’t got the time” is not a watertight argument. At its most basic, council membership might entail three or four hours a month, although a bit more in–put is needed if you are to get the most out of the task and provide a truly good service to the community. However, even this need not be unduly onerous if the workload is shared out equitably.

Meanwhile, there remains the one vacant post. If there is anyone out there – ideally from Shelton but potentially from any of the three villages – please step forward now! With elections next May, you will have a few months to see how it goes and to decide whether you can make a positive contribution over a longer period. One thing is certain; Dean and Shelton need to be ready for the future and this in turn means full and active Parish Council membership.

If you would like to discuss the Council’s work or co–option further, please contact me.

Nick Leigh

Chairman, Dean and Shelton Parish Council

Dean &, Shelton Flower Show

The Flower Show Committee would like to thank everyone who helped with the staging of this year’s Show. The good will of all those who shifted tables, erected marquees, and manned the various stalls was greatly appreciated and a special thank you should go to the providers of the delicious cakes. Without all of you there would be no Show, in fact you were so good you will be called upon next year – all holidays cancelled please.

We were again blessed with a lovely day, despite the gloomy weather forecast during the preceding week.

Thanks are also due to those who entered their amazing flowers, vegetables and produce, again without your support there would be no Show.

116th Flower Show Winners

Swineshead Village Hall

Swineshead Village Hall

The Sixth Bell Bar will be open as usual on Friday 1 October from 8.00 pm , and again on Monday 18 October for Harvest Supper. Please see full page advert in this issue of Honeycomb for details of how to book your place at the supper.

It will be open on Friday 5 November following the Carved Pumpkin Competition and Hollowe’en celebration. (Please see Swineshead pages for details.)

It will open again at 8pm on Friday 3 December for another special pre–Christmas Bar Night to mark the start of the festive season. Please mark your diaries!

Afternoon Teas will be served from 3pm on Thursdays 14 &, 28 October, and 11 &, 25 November.

The support for the Tombola is incredibly generous and enables us to enjoy the Rushden Town Band and the juggler. Some how the teas and raffle manage to support the rest of the costs of staging the show. Thank you all.

East of England Ambulance Service NHS

More Helpful Hints from Your Community First Responder Group

We hope you found the August and September ‘Helpful Hints’ useful should you ever be faced with an NHS emergency situation.

As the Autumn and Winter approach,

This is how you can help us

1.   Make sure your HOUSE NAME, or NUMBER is clearly visible from the roadside

2.   Put on as many LIGHTS IN THE HOUSE as you can

3.   If someone can safely put on car, HAZARD LIGHTS, the Responders and Ambulance Crew will find you more easily.

4.   Perhaps a Friend or Neighbour can be WAITING OUTSIDE to signal to the CFRs or Ambulance, USING A TORCH AT NIGHT if available, this will help us find the property more easily and therefore attend to the patient more quickly.

To maintain our 24 hour cover, we really need more volunteers.

Please can you help, by becoming a fully trained CFR ?

If you wish to find out more, please contact:

CFR Co–ordinator: Elizabeth Goakes. Tel.01234 708481
Email–mail address: elizgoakes@hotmail .com

SWINESHEAD

Correspondent - Jenny Leishman

01234 709241 JenLeishman@aol.co.uk

Swineshead Road Closure Notice

Swineshead High Street will be closed for repairs on Monday 8 November

Swineshead Harvest Festival – October 17th 2010

Recently a few of us were in the church reflecting on Harvest Festivals past. Until a few years ago the church was filled with produce, preserves, fruit cakes, eggs etc which lent a real meaning to the name “Harvest Festival”. In recent years people have been inclined to take their gifts directly to the Village Hall, on the Monday, ready for the Auction following the Harvest Supper. This is always a happy village occasion. Living in a village surrounded by fields full of crops it would seem appropriate to bring our offerings to the church to celebrate harvests, not only here but also from abroad, and give our thanks that we are able to enjoy such abundance.

Please bring anything you would like to donate to the auction to the church on Saturday or before 10.00am on the Sunday, unless you are coming to enjoy the service when you can bring them with you. Your gifts will enhance the beauty of the flowers arranged by members of our village and be an expression of our thanks for all the food we enjoy. All gifts will be taken to the Village Hall on the Monday in readiness for the auction. With thanks, Jan Herdan

Bulky Waste

There will be a collection of bulky waste from 12am until 3pm on Sunday 31 October, at the village hall.

Road Closure Notice

The High Street will be closed to through traffic on Monday 8 November while repairs are carried out on the culvert opposite Brook Farm, and to the road where it is subsiding beyond Oak Tree Cottage. Residents will have access to the High Street.

Swineshead Runs

Preparation for the Runs begins in January and thanks are due to all those who have helped and worked hard during the year. Thanks to Mick Nash and Carolyn Long, the Run results were far quicker than usual and just as reliable. Stuart Long and his team did a great job as marshalls. Thanks go to everyone who helped with administration, to Michael Whitlock as lead vehicle and Clarissa and Nigel Burgess who did sweep vehicle and collected up most of the signs out on the course. Thank you to Simon Gray and his team manning the all important water tables. Thank you to Pat Tate, Jenny Leishman and all those who helped with stalls, to Jan Herdan, Emma Seddon and helpers for the barbecue, to Rodney Tate and all who served drinks at the bar, and to Fran Nicholson for Real Ale. Many thanks to all those who donated prizes and items for stalls. Without you and all the helpers there would be no event.

Finally thanks to the Run Committee: Martin Newsom, Fran Nicholson, Stuart Long, Mick Nash and Terry and Lesley Salter. Well done all for a brilliant job!

September Litter Pick

Many thanks to everyone who took part in the village litter pick last month. As always, your effort is much appreciated and the results are enjoyed by everyone.

Date
3rd October
17th October
14th November

Cleaning
Pat, Jean, Jenni
Frances, Anne, Anne
Pauline, Clarissa

Flowers
Edna
Harvest Festival
Diana Julies

Welcome

A warm welcome to Lorraine and Sam who have moved into Green Lane. We hope you will enjoy Swineshead village life and wish you every happiness in your new home.

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PERTENHALL

Correspondent - Chloe Reid 01480 861525

Pertenhall 100 Club

July Draw

No.80
No.19
No.93
No.55
No.82
No.131

Mr & Mrs J Porter
Mr N Pateman
Mrs S Harris
Mr T Bates
Mrs B F Green
Mrs A Barlow

£ 20.00
£ 10.00
£ 7.00
£ 5.00
£ 5.00
£ 5.00

August Draw

No 71
No.16
No.9
No.85
No.38
No.105

Mr J D Crisp
Mr K Gentle
Mrs S Armstrong
Mr S D Botterill
Mrs S J Sheard
Mr J D Crisp

£ 20.00
£ 10.00
£ 7.00
£ 5.00
£ 5.00
£ 5.00

Message from Grant & Karen Williams

A great big thank you to Carolyn, Betty, Mary, Betty, Dawn, Vicky, Val and Lara for the wonderful flower arrangements in St. Peter’s Church for the wedding of Rebecca and Edward on 31st July 2010.

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DEAN

CorrespondentCorrespondent - Annette Brooks
01234 709505 pegasustrans@btinternet.com

All Hallows 50 Club

Recent winners:

B Ashdown £ 16.00	E Goakes £ 16.00
M Farrah £ 17.00	E Napier £ 17.00
J Stuart £ 17.00	M Rhodes £ 17.00

The All Hallows 50 Club raises funds to maintain the fabric of our beautiful village church. Anyone who wishes to join the club should call Jeanette on 01234 708510 or e mail jeanettedormer@btinternet.com for a membership form.

Notes from meeting of Dean & Shelton Parish Council 8th September 2010

The minutes of the meeting 9 August 2010 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A direction sign is missing from the Swineshead/Yelden Road – it was requested that the Highways Dept. be informed.

Graham Boyle of Neighbourhood Watch gave a talk to the Council. He explained that they could give a roadshow presentation to the village about starting up a Neighbourhood Watch which would involve finding an area co–ordinator and street co–ordinators. He gave details of various websites that could be of help and showed how Smartwater (which can be purchased from Neighbourhood Watch) might be used to mark property to aid recovery in the event of theft.

Discussion Regarding Co–Option of a Councillor. The Chair reiterated circumstances regarding co–option and the Council was mindful of its obligation to fill the vacancy as soon as practicable and it was confirmed that the vacancy had been properly declared but no requests for an election or volunteers for co–option had come forward. Councillors would use their best efforts to find candidates.

A leaflet showing the walks has been prepared in conjunction with Chelveston Parish Council. The cost of printing 2000 leaflets was estimated at £ 240 plus circulation costs. Bedford Borough rights of way department and the tourist board had been approached for assistance but had stated that no funds were available. It was resolved that the Council agreed in principle to share the costs with Chelveston PC to a maximum of £ 150. (LGA1972 S.144)

Concern was expressed at the amount of clutter and extraneous notices and advertisements that appeared on notice boards and it was resolved that a policy wherebye notices would be removed within 48 hours of an event taking place and advertisements would be removed within 14 days would now be adopted in order to keep the notice boards tidy and in good order. The Clerk was asked to publicise this on the website.

Notification of Granting of Permission for Application Number: 10/01458/FUL for the division of property & land to form two separate residential units at Rose Cottage, Upper Dean had been received.

Notification of Granting of Permission for Application Number: 10/01259/S73A for the siting of two storage containers at Dalton Hall, Upper Dean had been received.

Cllr Cordell reported that at the JAG meeting priorities for the next quarter were anti–social behaviour; parking and speeding. Crime statistics for the parish were exceedingly low.

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YELDEN

Correspondent - Sue Taylor 01933 355380
taylor.topobtinternet.com

Denise Brown

It is with great sadness that our friend and fellow villager, Denise Brown of ‘Poppyfields’ passed away peacefully on 16th July after a long and arduous illness.

Denise moved to Yelden with her husband Paul just over four years ago. She welcomed everyone who came to her door with her sunny smile and outstretched arms, which inevitably turned into a hug, a welcome that made each and everyone of us feel that we were special to her.

She is so sadly missed, but memories of happy times we shared with her will remain with us for ever. Sleep well dear friend.

Nick Mortimer

The village of Yelden was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Nick. Nick moved into Yelden 15 years ago and became one of the founder members of the Investment Club. Having renovated his cottage and landscaped his garden he held the first of his annual BBQs. He welcomed the entire village and treated them to Chicken Nic Nic and lamb chops in his unique Indian style. He was a stalwart supporter of both The Chequers and The Saints and followed his team wherever they might lead.

He found his family when he met Sue and her children in 2007 and his jovial manner saw him through some more recent health scares. Nick was a mild mannered, great–hearted and kind man.

Yelden Charity

The Constables Charity is again making small one–off grants to help towards the cost of study materials for

students in full time further education or apprenticeships and resident in Yelden. The contact is : Jenny Briggs, The Old Granary, High Street, Yelden, MK44 1AW. Tel: 01933 353697.

Harvest Festival at St Mary’s

Our Harvest Service will be held on Sunday 17th October at 6.pm and if you have any suitable produce which could be taken down to the Prebend Centre for the Homeless in Bedford I’m sure they will be very grateful.

Items can be brought to the church during Saturday or you can bring it with you to the service on Sunday evening at 6pm.

Flower and Cleaning Plan

10TH October Rosemary / Jenny – 17th October All hands please for our Harvest weekend

To all ‘mowers’ and flower arrangers:

A big thankyou especially to the ‘mowers’ for keeping our churchyard looking so cared for. If there is anyone out there with a strimmer and good muscles Mike Pond would be pleased to hear from you – ‘a job shared is a job halved’ my old granny used to say! Flower arrangers and cleaners are always welcome but meantime, ‘Well done’ our present team.

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MELCHBOURNE

Correspondent- Philip Pahl
melchcomb@aol.com
Village web site – http://mmmatmelchbourne.yolasite.com/

Melchbourne BBQ 2010

Eighty villagers and their friends enjoyed a scrumptious BBQ on 15th August, run by David and Jack, assisted by William. The accompanying salads and puds all went down very well to, and thanks to all who helped to make this such a success. Before we sat down to eat, our Chairman, Helen Bone, presented David Pearson with a plaque in recognition of his forty years service on the village hall committee, a tremendous achievement, and she thanked David for all his hard work during this time.

Flower Arranging Classes

Diane will be running a 10 week Flower Arranging course, starting on October 6th, in Melchbourne Village Hall. The classes will start at 2.30pm and will each last for approx 2 hours. The cost of the course is £ 50 (£ 5 per class) to be paid in advance. Please contact Alison on 01234 709464 or by email on alison.mackonochie@gmail.com to book your place and for details of what you will need to bring for the first lesson.

Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota

There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.

Service Oct 3rd Jill & Ruth Service Oct 17th Pam & Sarah/ Flowers Pam Service Oct 31st Audrey & Mary/Flowers Audrey

Village dates for your diary:

Saturday 2nd October	Stodden Quiz & Supper at Melchbourne
Sunday 3rd October	Harvest Festival and Auction
Saturday 16th October	Jumble Sale
Saturday 30th October	Melchbourne Halloween Party
Saturday 20th November	Christmas Bazaar
Saturday 11th December	Melchbourne Quiz Night

Forthcoming Attractions

16th October	Melchbourne Jumble Sale	Village Hall
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18th October	Swineshead Harvest Festival	Swineshead
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22nd October	Halloween Party	Dalton Hall
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30th October	Halloween Bonfire Bonanza	Melchbourne
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5th November	Halloween Celebration	Swineshead
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6th November	Fireworks Extravaganza	Eileen Wade School
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15th November	Sketches for Auction	Colmworth Village Hall
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