July to November's gossip / Back to Contents Page
Georgie Hyde, daughter of David and Barbara in Carters Close, is currently going round the world in the wake of the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. She works for a public relations firm and is providing publicity for the two Education Foundation boats. One of them, Education Language, (crewed by males) has just won the first leg of the race to Cape Town. The other E.F. boat has an all-woman crew. From Cape Town, Georgie moves on to Fremantle, Sydney, where she will spend Christmas, Auckland, Sao Sebastian in Brazil, then Florida, Baltimore, La Rochelle and England. She is due home on 22 May next year.
The Sherington Show took place on 20 September. This being the first, we didn't know quite what to expect. Entries were slow coming in, but by the time the judging commenced had exceeded all expectations. It was nice to see so many different people participating. Thanks go to the judges, all the people who exhibited and everyone who donated or helped in any way to make the event such a success. Particular thanks go to Derek Ferris who auctioned off all the produce at the end of the afternoon. The proceeds of the show and the collections for Harvest Festival Services enabled us to send a cheque for just over £500 to Farm Africa. (E.F.)
Please note that plans are already being made for next year's show.
The goods given by the children on the Sunday morning were taken to Brooklands Club in Newport Pagnell where they were much appreciated.
Autumn Quiz Night - This was held in Sherington School on Friday 10 October and was a great success. Nearly 60 people attended and enjoyed a convivial evening and an excellent ploughman's supper.
A steering committee has been formed and the Parish council representative is Tony Pilcher. Another Public Meeting was held on 14 October and further representatives, from various organisations in the village, were requested to be members of the committee. Mr John Cook has kindly agreed to convene meetings and oversee Millennium Projects and events.
Drugs Awareness MeetingThis will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 18th November at 8pm. There will be a presentation by Thames Valley Police.
Sherington Hill, Bedford RoadIt was agreed at the last parish council meeting to seek help from the new Environmental Panel. Commencement of the work on the proposed mound was promised for May of this year by Milton keynes Council. Because of lack of funds and shortage of personnel the project did not get started as expected. We hope that now the Environmental Panel has been formed it will help with this project which, when completed, will give pleasure to many people (residents and visitors) in this area.
Parish Councillors who attended the recent Rural Affairs Forum at Castlethorpe were able to raise their problems with Milton Keynes Councillors and Officials. Areas of concern included the need to keep villages alive and vibrant; grass cutting; implications of the Local Plan (including new housing) for the Rural Area; renewed fears about gravel extraction; the speed of traffic through villages and blind turn-outs onto main roads. Councillors also discussed the need for a Rural Transport Strategy, the Village Shop Development Scheme and the need for priorities among the many items in the Bucks Rural Strategy. It is important to keep drawing attention to these issues in a Council mainly composed of city-dwellers.
Congratulations to Sherington Parish Council on their successful bid for Parish Partnership Funding for various village improvements including two new seats. Also congratulations to Sherington School on their good news. Milton Keynes Council has won funding under the New Deal for Schools for 7 of its projects, including a small extension at Sherington to house PE equipment.
Many of you will have noticed that the new telecoms mast is already in place on Chicheley Hill. Council Officials assure me that the area will shortly be landscaped and planted to help disguise the mast. There have been various planning applications from villages rumbling on. Some get refused because of over-intensification of the plots, others because the plans are out of keeping with a village location. I'm very pleased that Milton Keynes Council is protecting the character of its villages in this way.
At the Council recently, we have been preoccupied with a new budget crisis. Many special meetings have been arranged to discuss priorities and a reworked budget. I shall continue to try to protect proper funding for all our village schools, playgrounds, and other council amenities.
Welcome and Good Luck to Pat, Nigel and Lucy, the new owners of the White Hart, Sherington, and to everyone else who has recently moved into the area.
Best wishes to everyone.
Pat Seymour, Councillor for Sherington Ward (Tel: 551340)
The children have been working on the themes of colours and shapes for the past few weeks. They had a big colourful Elmer in playgroup, so big that they could stand inside him. He linked the theme of colours with shapes as he is made up of squares of colours.
The playgroup began a Sunflower competition back in May to see which child could grow the tallest sunflower. Throughout the summer term the sunflowers were the topic of conversation (for the Mums anyway) everyone trying to work out if their flower was the tallest. Unfortunately the Sunflowers didn't stay upright long enough to be measured, so instead of just one winner every child that took part got a prize. Some had reached 10 feet before being blown down so they did fairly well!
Pam, the Supervisor has now left, although she will still be in for the Fun for Fours session until Christmas. The rest of the team have been excellent at keeping the sessions running smoothly whilst Pam's replacement is appointed. Thanks go to them.
The number of children now attending playgroup is steadily rising, which is great to see in a small group like ours. Children are taken from the age of three, but you can come and visit at any time before that. Further details are available from the committee members listed above.
The new academic year began smoothly on Thursday 4th September 1997. Mr Colin Storey and Mrs Lindsay Taylor are welcomed to the staff. A welcome also goes to Gayle, Milan, Matthew and Caroline who are the Rising 5 Group.
During the holiday the school was fitted with an alarm system and a door entry system. All visitors to school should now follow the 'Reception' sign, use the side door and follow the written procedure there. Extra lighting has also been installed around the outside of the building. Inside a few carpentry jobs have been completed.
The school is still being used by various groups in the village as well as offering the services of new and different interest groups. For the month of September, there has been a Line Dancing Class and, on Tuesdays, Club Espanol will be working with children up to 11 years.
The school was pleased to host the Bishop of Buckingham at a meeting with Headteachers and Governors in our Diocese.
HELP! - The school are looking to replace the TV and Video Recorder. If you have one you no longer require please let the school know.
During the last few weeks the school has been working hard on the themes of 'Myself' in Class 1 and 'Electricity' in Class 2. There was an enjoyable visit to Penwith First School at Fishermead to learn about some animals. Dr Mills showed a boa constrictor, a scorpion, a chinchilla and a parrot. The Harvest Festival, based on the harvest of the sea, was a success in St Lauds and all the produce went to Willen Hospice. The Autumn walk took place on 2 October - thanks to the helpers for coming along.
| 7 Nov | 6.30pm | Sherington School | Family Beetle Drive - Parents, Teachers and Friends Association |
| 8 Nov | 10am-6pm | 33 Crofts End | Annual Traidcraft Day - For those interested in Fair Trade Browse and purchase Third World jewellery and other craft gifts, Christmas cards, stationery, foods |
| 15 Nov | 9am-12.30pm | The Knoll | Christmas 'Give a Tin' Day in support of the Salvation Army |
| 18 Nov | 8pm | Village Hall | Drugs Awareness Meeting |
| 19 Nov | - | - | Deadline for SCAN copy for December and first 10 days of January |
| 30 Nov | 7.30am | The Knoll | Thumbstick Walkers |
| 2 Dec | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Parish Council Meeting |
The theme will be the Star Of Wonder. The workshop is for all children aged 4 to 10(ish). Older ones are welcome to lend a hand. There will be activities, craftwork, singing and refreshments.
At 4pm parents are welcome for a Christingle Service.
| Baptism | Ruth Stanton-Saringer | 19 October |
| 11 Nov | Mrs P Fielding | 4 Griggs Orchard |
| 18 Nov | Mrs G Perkins | 12 Hillview |
| 25 Nov | Mrs D Stephens | 1A Church Road |
| 2 Dec | Mrs P Teasdale | 33 Crofts End |
On 6 November the Group will have the pleasure of the company of Mr Rudi Sunders whose talk is entitled 'Medical Reminiscences'.
On 20 November, Mrs Peggy Butler will show the group how to make Advent and Christmas decorations. Both meetings are in the Village Hall at 8pm.
Thursday 4 December is the evening of the Group's Christmas Dinner in the Village Hall. To reserve your place for this event (which is for members only), please give your name and £14 to Jean Chambers by Thursday 6 November.
Sherington flew the Union Flag at half mast until the evening of Princess Diana's funeral. Floral tributes placed at the foot of the flag-pole were taken to Willen Hospice as a fitting tribute to her work among the sick.
The Pig Roast has been re-scheduled to 18 October at Sherington Village Hall, 7 to 11.30 pm. The Shufflers will be playing, and everyone is sure to have a great night. If the change of date is not convenient to you, obviously the PTA will organise a reimbursement of the ticket price. If you can't come, could you let the PTA know by October 7, so they can organise food quantities, etc (phone Jo on 617685 or Fran on 611366).
The PTA have decided not to have a Firework Night this year, due to safety considerations. Instead there will be a Family Beetle Drive from 6.30 pm on Friday 7 November at the school. Everyone is welcome, especially children. The PTA will provide sparklers, hot dogs, cakes and soft drinks.
Now, a plea to anyone currently updating their video players and TV equipment. Both the video and TV at school are very antique and starting to fail. If you can help please contact the PTA or speak to Betty at School. Many thanks!
The Playgroup are busy getting ready for the Halloween Disco on the 25 October in the Village Hall. Tickets are on sale now at £5 for adults and £3 for children from members of the committee. This price includes a fish and chip supper with you supplying your own drink. The evening is always good fun and the Playgroup will be having its fancy dress competitions again, so start creating. The evening will start at 6pm with supper at 7pm.
The Committee are also going through the process of recruiting a new Supervisor. Pam is a hard act to follow. Should anyone be interested in the position please contact Helena on the number above.
There are five new little faces at Playgroup this term so welcome to Todd, Emma, Rebecca, Lucy and Daniel. We are sure they will have a happy time at Playgroup.
Autumn Quiz Night - This fund raising event will be held in Sherington School on Friday evening, 10 October at 8pm. Everyone (members and non-members) are welcome. Tickets are available now from members of the Twinning Committee at £3.50 each. The cost includes a Ploughman's Supper. Drinks will be available during the evening. Make up a team with friends or join a team when you arrive at the school.
This Public Meeting was held on 9 September and the Chairman welcomed 35 village residents and our MK Councillor, Mrs Pat Seymour. Several ideas for projects and celebrations were aired at the meeting, some of which will be the responsibility of specific organisations or groups in the village. Copies of the notes of the meeting are available in Virginia House stores. A small group of volunteers has been formed to discuss ways forward and another public meeting is planned for Tuesday 14th October, 7.30pm at Sherington School. Anyone who is willing to help organise fund raising events is invited to this meeting. Further details may be obtained from Mr John Cook, 12 Gun Lane.
Drugs Awareness MeetingThis will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 18th November at 8pm. This will be an important meeting for all parents and those associated with children and youth organisations.
Bulk SkipThis will be available in Perry Lane car park from 21 to 23 October.
The following planning applications have been submitted to Milton Keynes Council:
| 5 Oct | 10am | Sherington Shooting Ground | Car Boot Sale - £6 a pitch, £5 prebooked 20p admission - Set up from 9am - Tel: 610333 |
| 5 Oct | 7am | The Knoll | Walk - Thumbstick Walkers |
| 7 Oct | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Parish Council Meeting |
| 10 Oct | 8pm | Sherington School | Autumn Quiz Night organised by the Twinning Association |
| 11 Oct | 7.30pm | Village Hall | Shefco Night - see Gossip page |
| 14 Oct | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Millennium Meeting |
| 18 Oct | 7-11.30pm | Village Hall | Pig Roast - Parents, Teachers and Friends Association |
| 22 Oct | - | - | Deadline for copy for November's SCAN |
| 25 Oct | 6pm | Village Hall | Halloween Disco - Playgroup |
| 4 Nov | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Parish Council Meeting |
| 7 Oct | Mr and Mrs D Macfarlane | 8 School Lane |
| 14 Oct | Mrs E Milnes | 4 Hillview |
| 21 Oct | Mrs M Cook | Manor Farm |
| 28 Oct | Mrs C Cook | Mercers Farm, Crofts End |
| 4 Nov | Mrs P Stanton-Saringer | The Rectory |
The Autumn Programme commenced last month with the Enrolment Evening in the Village Hall on 4 September. A cheque for £170 was presented to Mr Brian Wilson of the local branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Mr Wilson gave a short interesting and enlightening talk on the Motor Neurone Disease and the help that is available to sufferers and their families from the Association.
There are three meetings in October. On 2 October the Group will visit The Royal Theatre at Northampton to see 'Talking Heads' by Alan Bennett. On 9 October the Group has been invited by the Stoke Goldington Group to hear a talk on 'Hypnosis' in their Village Hall. Mr Ron Groom will tell the Group about his life in the Theatre on 16 October.
The New Thursday Group is always happy to welcome new members - the evenings commence at 8 pm.
| Baptism | Richard Adderson | 31 August |
| Marriage | Peter Kemble and Alison Payne | 6 September |
| Burial | Trevor Bennett | 4 September |
Someone with a little time and a little organisational ability is still needed to take on this vital job helping the world's poorest. A well run local organisation makes a huge difference to the amount of cash raised and the general level of awareness. There must be someone who would be willing to take this on! It's not very arduous, but could be made very significant with a little energy and imagination.
Contact the Rectory.
The PTA had a super term, beginning with a Car Boot Sale which was well attended and culminating in the Sports Day and Barbecue. The event was once again blessed by good weather and the hot dogs, cakes and (rapidly melting) ice-cream netted a very respectable £150. Thanks go to everyone who helped, especially Katie Hayes and Ian Thompson.
The PTA is particularly indebted to their 'Friends' in this fund-raising year. Some people with no previous connection with the school, and many whose links were tenuous, have shown huge generosity and have supported every event laid on. The PTA have even had anonymous donations. Thanks go to each and every one of them.
As a thank you to the friends, and to the parents and teachers, the PTA will be providing courtesy Cheese and Wine at the AGM at the school on Monday 22 September, at 8pm. There is also a guest speaker from the Christian Children's Fund who will be speaking about child sponsorship in Eastern Europe and South America. It is hoped that lots of parents and amany friends will come along and hear about CCF and the future fund-raising plans for the PTFA. The new committee will be appointed at the AGM, so if you would like to join, this is your opportunity. Please do come along - you will be very welcome.
Annual Barbecue - The annual members only event on Saturday 12 July, held at the Barn Sherington Bridge, was, once again, a great success. The weather was perfect as usual and the event was attended by 49 members. The Boules competition was won this year by Denise Doolan and Rob George, who will share the cup until next year's competition. Thanks go to the Association Chairman and his wife, Bill and Brenda Lewis, for hosting the event again.
Autumn Quiz Night - This fund raising event will be held in Sherington School on Friday evening, 10 October at 8pm. Everyone (members and non-members) are welcome. Tickets will be on sale in September at a cost of £3.50 each. The cost includes a Ploughman's Supper. Make up a team with friends or join a team when you arrive at the school. Ticket numbers are limited so purchase yours as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The Sponsored Wheel back in June raised over £130! Thanks go to all the families who took part.
As from September the Playgroup will be open every morning during the week in order to meet the requirements of the new Local Education Auhority's funding scheme. The Committee would like to thank the Mums and Tots group and the Village Hall Committee for enabling this. The Friday session will be for 4 year olds only. There are places available for the Autumn term, so please feel free to contact one of the committee for more details, or pop in to see what goes on.
The next fund-raising event will be the Halloween Disco on 25 October in the Village Hall. Tickets will be on sale towards the end of September. If you want to come, get those tickets early as they sell very quickly!
Over the holidays the Supervisor, Pam, has handed in her resignation. Although she will be at the Playgroup until Christmas, the Committee are looking now for someone to take over when Pam leaves, so there can be a smooth hand-over.
A Cheese and Wine evening at 22 Gun Lane raised £265 for St Lawrence's Church at Chicheley. A very pleasant evening in good company. Thanks go to Pam and Bob Fountaine and everyone else who donated prizes or helped in any way.
| Baptism | Sally Huizinga | 6 July |
Millennium Projects and Celebrations - A Reminder
A Public Meeting will be held in Sherington School on Tuesday 9 September at 7.30pm to discuss ideas for celebrations and projects in Sherington.
Everyone is invited. Those unable to attend this meeting may give their ideas to any Parish Councillor or the Clerk.
Bulk Skip
Land Next To Sherington Rectory In School Lane
This land has now been cleared and resurfaced. This additional car park will be useful to the residents of the upper part of Crofts End.
The Parish Council is grateful to the new Milton Keynes Council for finding the funding for this project and completing the work this summer.
| 2 Sept | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Parish Council Meeting |
| 4 Sept | 8pm | Village Hall | New Thursday Group - Enrolment Evening |
| 7 Sept | 7am | The Knoll | Thumbstick Walkers |
| 7 Sept | 10am-2pm | Sherington Shooting Ground | Car Boot Sale - £6 a pitch (£5 if prebooked) Admission 20p - Set up from 9am - Tel: 610333 |
| 9 Sept | 7.30pm | Sherington School | Public Meeting called by the Parish Council to discuss the Millennium Celebrations |
| 17 Sept | - | - | Deadine for copy for October edition of SCAN magazine |
| 20 Sept | 2pm | Village Hall | Sherington Show - Horticulture, cookery, floral art and children's classes Teas served from 2pm to 3.30pm - Auction of produce at 3.30pm Schedules (50p) are available from: the Post Office, Virginia House Stores, Pauline Donnelly, 3 Knoll Close (Tel: 611747) and Ella Field, 4 Park Road (Tel: 610560) |
| 22 Sept | 8pm | Sherington School | Parents, Teachers and Friends Association - Annual General Meeting |
| 9 Sept | Mrs D Stephens | 1A Church Road |
| 16 Sept | Miss E Field | 4 Park Road |
| 23 Sept | Mrs R Weatherill | 4 Village Close |
| 30 Sept | Mrs E Pepper | 38 Water Lane |
The Group thanks all who supported the Coffee Morning held at Mr and Mrs Michael Bearmans on 15 July. A cheque for £73.30 has been forwarded to Willen Hospice.
The Group thanks everyone who helped or supported them in any way at the Coffee Morning on 5 August. £160 has been sent to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Thanks also go to all members who helped and to all who came for a cream tea on August Bank Holiday Monday. The Myrtle Peach Trust will benefit by approximately the same amount (£160).
A new Thursday Club year begins on Thursday 4 September with Enrolment Evening at the Village Hall at 8pm. You will be most welcome. If you would like company on your first visit then get in touch with Gwen Hetherington (Tel: 613501), Pearl Teasdale (Tel: 610661) or with Harriet Milner (Tel: 610458).
Once again, there were summer holiday swimming lessons at Sherington School for children up to 8 years old. The school pool is ideal for youg children and those who are not yet fully confident in the water. The lessons were given by Sue Herbert who is a fully qualified and insured swimming teacher who teaches term-time swimming at Sherington School as well as at other pools in the area. Classes were small, with a helper in the water when needed.
The fee for a one week (daily lesson) course was £15 and classes were run as follows:
| 28 July to 1 Aug | 18 to 22 Aug | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9am | Beginners | 9am | Advanced Beginners |
| 9.30am | Advanced beginners | 9.30am | Improvers |
| 10am | Improvers | 10am | Pre-school |
| 10.30am | Pre-school | 10.30am | Beginners |
A profit of £1102.70 was made by the Sherington Book Group, who raised the money for printing 'A Walk Around Sherington', in spite of this being a non-profit making venture. This was distributed to all children's organisations in the village, with the exception of £140. Phyllis Walton thanks all those involved.
A recipe book is available from Virginia House Stores for £2.50. The proceeds will go to St Laud's Church. All recipes have been contributed by Sherington residents.
Dog Litter Bin
In a further effort to try to keep our verges clear of dog mess, the Parish Council has agreed to purchase a bin for the use of dog owners and dog walkers.
The bin will be installed in the village and the Parish Council will pay for it to be cleared twice a week for the next year. Suggestions for the most suitable place for this bin will be welcomed.
Suggestions should be given to any councillor or the Clerk before the next Parish Council meeting.
Millennium Celebrations
Representatives of the various organisations in Sherington and all interested residents are invited to a Public Meeting in Sherington School on Tuesday 9 September at 7.30pm.
From this meeting, a committee will be formed to organise Millennium Projects and Celebrations.
Those unable to attend this meeting may give their ideas to any Parish Councillor or the Clerk.
Bulk Skip
Land Next To Sherington Rectory In School Lane
This land will be cleared and levelled during the next month by the Milton Keynes Council. This will then be used as an additional parking space for residents of Crofts End and Perry Lane.
Annual Barbecue - This was an event for association members only, which was held at The Barn, Sherington Bridge on Saturday 12 July, commencing at 1pm.
Tickets cost £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children under 14 years of age (accompanied by adults).
Members were asked to bring their own drink to have with the meal.
The Boules competition was again held on the gravel drive of Sherington Bridge Lodge with the kind permission of the new owners.
| Baptism | Ryan Parkinson Laura Harrington | 1 June |
| Confirmation | Lucy Doneghan Rebecca Fielding David Gadsby Jacqueline Gadsby Sarah-Jane Gadsby Brenda Lewis Julie Smith Jean Read Caroline Evans Helen Vale | 20 June |
The Playgroup had a lovely afternoon for the Sponsored Wheel, thanks to all the families who took part, which even included some Dads on their bikes. The money is still coming in, so the final total is not available yet.
There was an Open Morning on Saturday 5 July in the Village Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm for parents to see what the Playgroup can offer their children.
| 5 July | 6.30pm | Village Hall | Pig Roast and Line Dancing to Kick 'n Country Tickets £7 adults, £3 children from Jill Burgess (Tel: 611163), Pauline Stanton-Saringer (Tel: 610521) or Virginia House Stores |
| 8 July | - | Village Hall | Parish Council Meeting |
| 19 July | 7pm | Swan Car Park | Myrtle Peach Trust Auction |
| 20 Aug | - | - | Deadline for copy for September edition of SCAN |
| 25 Aug | 8am | The Knoll | Thumbstick walkers |
| 25 Aug | 2.30pm | Village Hall | The Annual August Bank Holiday Monday Event - 'Cream Teas At The Village Hall' served by ladies from the New Thursday Group in aid of the Myrtle Peach Trust |
| 30 Aug | 8pm | St Lauds | Bucks Camerata - Concert in aid of the Myrtle Peach Trust Musical Director is Anthony McCarthy - no tickets, collection on the night |
8 July - Mrs C Cook, Mercers Farm
15 July - Mrs C Bearman, Ranworth House, 11 Water Lane - Special Bring & Buy Event in aid of Willen Hospice
3 July - 7.30pm - Walk, meet in the Village Hall car park - Replaces talk by Captain Ray Begley
17 July - Annual General Meeting followed by Cheese and Wine
5 Aug - 10.30am to 12 noon - Charity Coffee Morning in the Village Hall in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Cake stall, Bring & Buy, Raffle.
The Group enjoyed their Barbecue (good food in good company) in spite of the fact that the weather required the use of trestle tables in Katie's garage. The Group would like to thank those kind gentlemen who set up the tables and a marquee roof and to those other kind gentlemen who did the cooking.
If you also missed July to November's gossip, click here.
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