WING NOTES
5
MAY 2005
12
MAY 2005
19
MAY 2005
26
MAY 2005
2
JUNE 2005
9
JUNE 2005
16
JUNE 2005
22
JUNE 2005
30
JUNE 2005
7
JULY 2005
14
JULY 2005
21
JULY 2005
28
JULY 2005
WING NOTES
28
JULY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Although school holidays have
started and the Carnival seems some time away, I feel that I
cannot leave out this excellent report of the day's events, sent
to me by Vic Syrett.
MP has throat cut at Carnival
Magicians, majorettes, dog disciplines, friendly ferrets,
brilliant bands and fairground fun all combined to make this
year’s Carnival one of the best ever. With the theme being
‘A Day at the Circus’ the backdrop for the event was a
large stage provided by Eugene Matthias and on which he produced
a nationally acclaimed professional magic show. This was
certainly the highlight of the afternoon’s entertainment. To
rapturous applause from the audience our MP, John Bercow, well
and truly entered into the good-natured spirit of the event by
having a sword pushed through his neck. He assured us that this
would not affect him speaking up on our behalf in the future!
Arrangements for this year’s procession were thwarted by the
County Council failing to act on our early request for road
closures until it was too late to introduce a sensible
alternative. Quite naturally this disappointed those along the
normal route who watch the parade from their houses, but
fortunately the participants were aware of the change in time. In
true Carnival spirit, those taking part assembled on the lower
half of the recreation field and presented a colourful spectacle
as they paraded around the show ground. As ringmaster, an eye
catching Polly Grainger fronted up the vintage tractors, those
wonderful boys and girls of Thornhill Majorettes, an outstanding
display by 1st Wing Scouts, the colourful and cleverly made up
children of Sunshine nursery, Church Mice and, of course, their
Mums. The RNLI lifeboat looked impressive and was a quiet
precursor to the Chopper Club coming in once again in their
dramatic fashion with twenty plus bikes – thank you Dave
Taylor. Winner of the best float cup was Wing Scouts with
Sunshine Nursery coming second.
The Majorettes and Church Mice received participation rosettes.
Perfect weather allowed a capacity crowd to enjoy a most
extensive range of displays, stalls and attractions. Highlights
on the day covered age groups from toddlers to teeterers. For
youngsters the big slide acted as a magnet while the fairground
roundabouts, pirate ship swing, strikers and many other fun games
gave plenty of chance for children to enjoy themselves. As an
added free attraction the slippery pole was available for anyone
daring to have a go. A resplendent Toddington Town Band gave an
excellent musical background alongside the tea tent which, this
year, was organised and run by Sheila Lambert, supported to very
good effect by members of Wing Raiders and obviously many other
stalwarts – a big thank you to them all.
A good turn out of village activity stalls gave many
organisations the opportunity to ‘sell’ themselves.
Appearances were made by Sunshine and Ladybird nurseries, Church,
tennis club, Wing Raiders, WI, Brownies, schools, the Dove
restaurant and it was nice to see the War Memorial restoration
stall pushing ahead with fund raising. Following fire damage to
the Scout Hut the Carnival gave some of their stalls to the
Scouts as a donation to help in fund raising. The treasure map,
splat the rat, football raffle and coconut shy were all
beautifully presented by the Scouts and it is hoped that their
efforts gained the reward they deserved.
The fun atmosphere continued into the evening with a pig roast
and Simon Barter’s Threes a Crowd disco, catering for young
and old, and bringing to an end what had been a truly wonderful
day full of community spirit.
Some particular winners on the day were Kim Bartlett who scooped
the £200 carnival bucket raffle prize, Mr and Mrs Johnson of
Moor lands won the Wing in Bloom cup for best garden, presented
by Parish Council chairman Paul de Lusignan, and Mr and Mrs Birch
of Church Street came first in the hanging baskets. A
particularly large entry in the children’s colouring
competition made judging difficult. Eventual winners were Eleanor
Hardy, Sophie Fleckney and Charlotte Raw in the under sixes, with
Molly Swaby, Paige Stray and Anya Fitzgerald for the sevens and
over – these were all girls, come on lads! The tug of war
was won by ‘The Town Clerks’. We don’t know who
they were, but they were led by Mike Barret – and they were
big!
Congratulations are due to Steve Naghi and his team of helpers
for putting together such a great event. Our carnival is unique
in that it is not a direct fund raising event. The aim of the
organisers is to provide a day of entertainment for the village
and also, hopefully, make enough money to provide village
activities for the benefit of all with the Christmas Carol
Service and large decorated tree being the major contributions.
Next year – July 15th. Put it in the diary now. Theme to be
announced shortly.
Many thanks to Vic, who has been a faithful source of news over
the time that I have been doing this column and thanks to Irene
Jelley for this WI news:
At the July meeting members had a very informative slide show on
flowers and birds of South Africa from popular speaker Beryl
Hulbert, who was giving her 1450th lecture.
The views of Table Mountain were spectacular, some showing the
mountain covered in mist, which is known as "a
tablecloth". Beryl told a true story of a mongoose, which
was in the grounds of the hotel. A traveller left his rucksack,
and when he moved away the mongoose took out a sandwich. She was
even able to show its photograph.
One of Beryl's lifelong ambitions was to photograph a whale and,
while in South Africa, she was lucky enough to do so, using a
long lens camera. WI members had the pleasure of seeing the
slide.
Competition winner was Joan Patman, who brought along her
favourite elephant. There will be no meeting in August and
members are wished a happy summer.
If you missed the start of the All Saints' Holiday Club
yesterday, it will be running until Wednesday (3rd August). It's
for 4-9 yr olds from 10am to 12.30 at Cottesloe Youth Centre with
lots of fun and lively activities for the children.
Forthcoming events:
Thursday 4th August: Bottle recycling
Sunday 7th August: Cream teas, All Saints' Church, 3pm
Monday 15th-Friday 19th August: Tennis4All, tel 07946 734377
WING NOTES
21
JULY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Despite the enforced
cancellation of the procession, Wing Carnival was a great
success, thanks to the excellent efforts of the Carnival
Committee, who were blessed with a day of perfect weather
conditions. Someone had even had the brilliant idea of supplying
free sun cream in the committee tent, a very thoughtful gesture.
There were stalls to support many good causes, lifeboats, the War
memorial Restoration, Wing Church, the nursery school and Hearing
Dogs for the Deaf, to name but a few. Toddington band played
admirably, while the Rodan impressed all with his skill in
escapology.
The evening went very well, beginning with the children's
karaoke, which they thoroughly enjoyed. This was followed by the
adults' turn, and entertainment from "Three's a Crowd".
Many were reluctant to wind up the day but unfortunately all good
things have to come to an end. If you enjoyed it, why not offer
your services to next year's organisation?
All Saints' Holiday Club, for children aged 4-9, will run this
year from 1st to 3rd August between 10am and 12.30pm. They will
meet at the Youth Club at Cottesloe School, all sessions
supervised by experienced volunteers. The mornings will be based
on a Christian theme with lots of fun and activities. The cost
per child will be £12 for all 3 sessions, £6 for a 2nd child.
Details or registration from Anne Page, tel 01296 681073. If any
older children would like to help, they would be very welcome.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 29th July: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm
Monday 1st-Aug- Wed 3rd Aug: All Saints' Holiday Club, see above
15th-19th August: Tennis 4 All, for children from 6 years of age.
Tel 07946 734377
WING NOTES
14
JULY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Members of Wing Age Concern
"Pop-in" had lunch at the "Hare and Hounds"
at Ledburn, organised by the committee. About 24 people attended
and hearty thanks are expressed on their behalf to those members
of the committee, who not only were responsible for the lunch,
but who also work hard throughout the year to provide this
welcome social facility for the elderly of the village.
A programme of tennis coaching will be offered in Wing to
youngsters from the age of 6, from 15th to 19th August. A full
day's coaching, from 10am to 3pm, costs £18, whilst a half day,
either 10am-12 or 1pm -3, costs £9, with 10% reduction for a 2nd
child. A whole week is at the discounted rate of £85. Previous
experience is not necessary and equipment is provided. Telephone
07946 734377 or e-mail Tennis4all@nigelwillard.co.uk to enquire
or to register.
The Safari Supper, in aid of All Saints' Church last week, raised
over £380, a magnificent result, which proves that fund raising
can be thoroughly enjoyable for all concerned. The food was of an
excellent standard - congratulations and thanks to those who made
such a lot of effort.
When you read this the Carnival will have been and gone for
another year. It is disappointing that the procession has had to
be totally abandoned but the spirits are still strong and there
will still be a display around the recreation ground.
School holidays begin on Friday, so many village activities are
suspended. Let us hope that children, parents and teachers profit
from their break.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 19th July: Age Concern "Pop-in", Village Hall,
2-4pm
Wednesday 20th July: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Small Hall,
12.30pm
Thursday 21st July: Wing WI, "Sunny South Africa",
Small Hall, 7.30pm. Competition: "My favourite
elephant".
Sunday 24th July: Benefice Service, Wingrave 10am (no service at
All Saints)
Tuesday 26th July: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm
WING NOTES
7
JULY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
As I write this on Thursday
evening the events in London are uppermost in my mind. The
euphoria of London's victory in the Olympic vote has been wiped
out by the mindless slaughter of the commuters today. I know that
many villagers travel into London to work and hope that all are
safe. At times like this our community spirit comes to the fore.
The funeral of Bertie Broad took place at All Saints' Church.
Bertie, who was aged 95, was well respected and well known in
both Wing and Leighton Buzzard, where he was headmaster of Cedars
School. He held the reins when Cedars moved from their old
building, the present Leighton Middle School, to the new premises
still in use. He and his wife, Aileen, who also died very
recently, were very involved in the community until ill health
took over.
Overstone School reports that over £1,400 was raised by the
sponsored walk held as part of the Walk 2 Live event, the biggest
ever mass sponsored walk for schools. This is a fantastic result
and the funds will all go towards the planned extension of the
school playground. Well done again to all the children and thank
you to all their sponsors.
The cloudy weather didn’t dampen spirits at the
school’s summer fête on 25 June. There was a huge range of
stalls and attractions, including a coconut shy, china smashing,
tombolas, welly throwing and plenty of things to do for all ages.
The cake stall boasted a lovely selection of goodies. There were
displays of circle games, gymnastics and line dancing in the
arena. Around £2,500 was raised which was tremendous. Thank you
to everyone who came along on the day, to all the helpers and to
the Fête Committee for their hard work.
Class 3/4H held a sale of busy lizzies and begonias which they
had grown in the classroom and raised £35 to help an endangered
rain forest in Brazil. It is never too soon for children to
become aware of their world and to learn a love for nature.
Let us hope that this current cold spell is over before the
Carnival on Saturday, but even if not, there will be plenty of
warmth and enthusiasm generated that day. With attractions as
diverse as ferret racing, Punch and Judy, a brass band, Thornhill
Majorettes and a spectacular magic show, all free, the village
will come alive. The festivities will culminate with a disco and
pig roast in the evening. It is only with the hard work of a
small group of dedicated people that this event is taking place.
As we enjoy the entertainment please bear this in mind, and if
you can lend a hand in any way please offer your services.
Forthcoming events:
Saturday 16th July: "A Day at the Circus", Wing
Carnival, recreation ground, procession starting at 1.30pm
Tuesday 19th July: Age Concern Pop-in, Small Hall 2-4pm
Wednesday 20th July: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Village Hall,
12.30pm
WING NOTES
30
JUNE 2005
ANN WEIGHT
With the village
Carnival at the end of next week things are certainly warming up
for the organisers. Let's hope the weather stays warm, but we
don’t need the thunder. There’s a lot of good news and
a little bit of bad news. The good news is that there will be an
even larger than ever number of stalls and attractions: plenty of
fun games and competitions to keep everyone from Granny to
grandchildren amused. For animal lovers the dog show returns
again, and the ever-popular ferret racing will be there for the
discerning punter! The theme is "Come to the Circus"
and you are all invited to enter into the spirit of the day by
dressing and/or acting accordingly. With this as a theme, the
main event is a professional circus act, not often seen at
village shows. Eugene Matthias will present a 45 minute magic and
escapology act featuring Europe’s top artists. One thing not
to be missed is the person who attempts to get out of some tricky
situations while hanging from an 18 feet tower.
The bad news is that the county authorities will not allow our
procession along Leighton Road on the grounds of public safety.
After seeking permission as long ago as February, the Carnival
has just been informed of this decision, which has come as a bit
of a late blow. However, it’s certainly not going to be a
‘show stopper’ and an alternate is being discussed by
finishing the official procession at the Post Office. Vehicles
will then go along Leighton Road and those on foot will enter the
recreation field opposite "The Dove". So the vast
majority of those living along the route will still be able to
see the participants, particularly those lovely majorettes of the
Thornhill group. Thanks to Joyce Brooker and her
"What’s On" stalwarts a free Carnival programme
has been delivered to every house in the village. Please read it,
get into the spirit, and Come to the Circus.
Parish Council
Councillor Paul de Lusignan chaired his first meeting last
Tuesday and had to deal with four matters of vital importance to
the village. The first 2 concern the Council itself. The recent
retirement of Harry Ayris has left a vacancy for a new councillor
and if you are interested in working for the good of the
community you should contact the Clerk, via the office in
Charlotte Cottage, as soon as possible. And then there is the
problem of finding a worthy replacement for the retiring Clerk.
This is a paid post for about 15 hours per week with
responsibilities for both general and financial administration
and covering liaison with the District and County Councils and
the contractors employed within the Parish. In an ideal world the
Council would like a villager to take on the job. In the first
instance applicants should contact the Chairman on 01296 682041.
Items 3 and 4 affect the development of the village. The Parish
Plan project has been resurrected under the expert guidance of
Cllr Edmond Waller but he will need help from interested
individuals and groups in the village to develop it. This is your
chance to influence village amenities and development. To offer
your help contact the Clerk and Cllr Waller will contact you.
Lastly, there was discussion on the long awaited by-pass. We have
2 representatives on the consultative group but they need your
views to guide them in their negotiations and provide them with
the force of public opinion. Please get in touch with the Clerk
so that your interests can be taken into account.
Forthcoming events:
Wednesday 6th July: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Wing Hall,
12.30pm
Thursday 7th July: Bottle recycling
WING NOTES
22
JUNE 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Wing Schools Ahead
As you read this the Summer Fête and Craft Fair at Overstone
School will be over and there may even be a report elsewhere in
this paper. If not, I hope to have the details next week. Last
Wednsday, 15 June, Overstone was in action again or, at least,
seven sports teams were as they took part in the Year 6 Liaison
Games, which were hosted for the third year running by the
Cottesloe School. Four local primary schools, Overstone, St.
Michaels C.E. Combined, High Ash and Cheddington Combined,
competed in seven sports (5-a-side Football, Tag Rugby, Cricket,
Netball, Table Tennis and Mini-Tennis). Cottesloe’s PE
department, ably assisted by 6th form students and Year 10 GCSE
students, organised the competition which went very smoothly
despite the atrocious weather conditions. 180 students were
involved, displaying much enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
The overall winners were Cheddington with Overstone in 2nd place.
Cheddington now go on to the district Final on the 7th July. Good
Luck.
Parish Council
Tonight's Parish Council meeting marks the start of a new era. At
the last meeting the Council members chose Paul de Lusignan as
Chairman and brought to an end the inter regnum chairmanship of
the long serving and very well respected Harry Ayris. Cllr de
Lusignan was unable to be present when he was elected and
tonight's meeting will be his first in his new role.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 28th June: Parish Council meeting, Small Hall, 8.0 pm
Thursday 30th June: Holy Communion, All Saints, 9.30 am.
WING NOTES
16
JUNE 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Last Friday's "Magic
Evening" at Overstone School was a great success. The number
one escape artist, Eugene Matthias, delighted the audience with,
(dare I say it), his escapades. Over £300 was raised for school
funds.
On 25th June the school will host a Summer Fête and Craft Fair.
This will be opened at 2pm by Quentin Ing, our new County
Councillor. There will be a wealth of stalls and of games;
coconuts, roll a penny, milk the cow (come to the fair to find
out more), as well as a bouncy castle and a raffle with very
generous prizes. During the fête there will be a gymnastics
display by pupils. Tables cost £10 if you wish to sell.
Wing WI had a talk from Olivia Rickes about Memorabilia. Olivia
showed a huge assortment of items: kitchen gadgets, WI
programmes, patent remedies, crowned by a magnificent wedding
dress dating back to the early thirties. She certainly sparked
memories and discussion from members. The competition for wartime
memorabilia had brought out a wonderful display dating from the
Boer War onwards, which included a card from South Africa, a silk
embroidery made by ladies in Belgium and presented to liberating
troops, and a baby dress made from parachute silk.
Some Wing residents have recently been bothered by a bogus
caller, offering to do jobs in order to gain entry. Fortunately
no-one allowed him to get in. Netta Glover sends the following
advice:
· Genuine traders do not normally cold call.
· Council officials do not call unannounced
· Common phrases used by rogues:
“We’re only in the area today”
“We are doing a job down the road and we’ve got some
tarmac left over”
“I was passing and just noticed …”
· They will start off being friendly but eventually will try to
make you feel under pressure.
· They will generally insist on starting work the same day that
they knocked on your door.
· They won’t give you a written quote or any paperwork
before starting work.
Report any instances to the police immediately.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 21st June: Church Mice, All Saints' Church 2-3pm
Age Concern Pop-in, Village Hall, 2-4pm
Wednesday 22nd June: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Small Hall,
12.30pm
Thursday 23rd June: Collection of allotment rents, Wing Hall,
7-8pm.
Saturday 25th June: Overstone School Summer Fête and Craft Fair,
2pm, £10 per table.
Sunday 26th June: Car Boot Sale, Cottesloe School, 9am
Monday 27th June; All Saints' Church, talk by 2 missionaries, who
worked in the Plillipines after the tsunami, 8pm.
Tuesday 28th June: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm
WING NOTES
9TH
JUNE 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Carnival is fast approaching
and helpers are desperately needed. Wing Carnival is becoming a
bigger and better event with each passing year. This is due to a
small number of devotees, led by Steve Naghi, who plan and fund
raise all year to make this a memorable day. If you would like to
book a stall, do your own float or offer help, please phone 01296
682491. Otherwise turn up on the day, speak to someone in the
committee tent. If you are a newcomer to the village, this is a
sure way of getting to know people. You don't need to commit the
whole day; an hour of your time would be greatly appreciated.
Despite inclement weather, the WI coffee morning at the church on
21st May, to celebrate 85 years of the WI in Buckinghamshire,
raised over £200. Thanks were expressed to those people at All
Saints' Church, who gave permission to hold it there and to the
bell ringers for enhancing the event.
The plant and cake stall on 4th June, in aid of All Saints'
Church, raised £430. Thanks go to Sethi, who opened the
facilities at the shop and sent refreshments.
Forthcoming events:
Thursday 16th June: WI "Memorabilia", Small Hall,
7.30-10pm
Saturday 18th June: Friends of Wing Church Wine Tasting, phone
01296 681982 or 688246
Tennis Club Summer Dance, phone 01296 680446 or 681059
Tuesday 21st June: Church Mice, All Saints' Church 2-3pm
Age Concern Pop-in, Small Hall 2-4pm
WING NOTES
2
JUNE 2005
ANN WEIGHT
A chapter closed in the
history of Wing Parish Council on Tuesday, with the retirement of
Harry Ayris, still serving the community at the age of 82. Harry
came to Wing in 1962 to work as assistant bailiff at Liscombe
Park. Having worked as Parish Clerk in Marsh Gibbon for 13 years,
he offered his services to Wing Parish Council, starting with the
accounts and then serving as Parish Clerk from 1964 to 1996. In
1997 he became a Parish Councillor and has been Vice Chairman,
and acting Chairman from January 2005.
As well as serving on the Parish Council, Harry has been Church
Warden at Soulbury Church for 16 years and was a Special
Constable from 1948 to 1982, ending as Special Commandant in
Milton Keynes. He has deservedly received several awards for
services to local government from both the County Council and the
District Council. Perhaps the best tribute came from a former
Parish Councillor, who said that she had never yet heard a
question put to the Council that Harry could not answer.
Harry received a presentation of a selection of whisky together
with a basket of flowers for his wife, Iris. The thanks of the
people of Wing must go to him with best wishes for a restful
retirement and for his and Iris' Diamond Wedding next year.
It has been a busy few days at Overstone School!
On Friday 20 May Years 1 – 6 enjoyed a production of
“Oliver Twist” by a visiting theatre company. That
afternoon the entire school took part in a sponsored walk as part
of the "Walk 2 Live" event, the biggest ever mass
sponsored walk for schools. Money raised will go towards the
planned extension of the school playground. Well done to all the
children and thank you to all their sponsors. The final amount
raised is still being calculated.
As reported last week, the PTA’s Ladies Evening of
Indulgence and Pampering was a tremendous success. Approximately
£580 was raised for PTA funds. The PTA wishes to thank everyone
who took part, in particular Janet Pridgeon for her hard work in
organising the event.
Pupils from Years 3 – 5 took part in a Spring Concert,
involving instrumentalists and the choir. There were performances
on a range of instruments, including woodwind, brass, violin,
guitar and keyboard. The children performed magnificently and the
evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The school’s nursery unit held a successful Toddler
Afternoon where current and prospective parents dropped in to
experience a play session in progress and to talk to staff. Two
classes from Years 3 – 4 visited Sulgrave Manor, near
Banbury. Children and staff dressed in Tudor costume for the
visit and even had a Tudor style lunch.
Anyone with energy to spare will need to consult their social
diary this month, with so many events taking place in Wing The
Carnival seasons kicks off next Sunday with the annual Wing
Womble. Previous years have proved that the stalwarts will take
part whatever the weather, but let's hope for good conditions.
Participants will gather at the Social Club at 10am and choose
one of 3 routes, depending on fitness level, 15km, 10km or 5km.
Pre-book to save queuing or turn up on impulse. You won't be
turned away!
The Tennis Club summer dance will take place on 18th June, in a
marquee on the courts. Tickets are still available for £20.
Phone 01296 681982 or 688246.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 7th June: Church Mice, All saints' Church 2pm
Wednesday 8th June: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Wing Hall
Thursday 9th June: Bottle recycling
Friday 10th June: Magic, Mystery and Illusion Show, Overstone
School, 6.30-8.30pm
Sunday 12th June: Wing Womble, meeting at Social Club, 10am
WING NOTES
26
MAY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Wing WI held a coffee morning
in All Saints' Church last Saturday to celebrate the 85th
anniversary of the WI in Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately heavy
rain deterred would-be callers but a healthy £200 was raised for
WI funds nevertheless. The bells were rung at the same time to
coincide with peals from other bell towers across the county. A
group of WI members went to Milton Keynes Theatre on Wednesday to
see "Miss Saigon", which was enjoyed by all.
The Indulgence Evening at Overstone School was a resounding
success. With a huge proportion of the school in use for
treatments such as manicures, nail art, Reiki, facials,
reflexology, and the hall used for merchandise, everyone seemed
to be very busy.
Ladies of All Saints' Church will hold their annual plant and
cake stall on the corner by the old newsagents on Saturday 4th
June. As in previous years, the plants will be strong, healthy
and of excellent value, while customers need to arrive early to
find any cakes. These sell like the proverbial hot varieties. The
sale begins at 9.30am.
I am often asked to publicise events and back up appeals, and am
very happy to do so. This column would not be a success without
that contact, so please continue to phone me or email. However, I
would like to ask you to remember the follow-up. Please let me
know the result of your event, the amount raised, whether my
appeals for help bear fruit. Phone 01296 688750 or email
ann.weight@pgen.net.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 31st May: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm.
Saturday 4th June: Plant and cake stall 9.30am.
Tuesday 7th June: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm
Friday 10th June: Magic, Mystery and Illusion Show, Overstone
School 6.30-8.30pm. Tickets from school.
WING NOTES
19
MAY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Wing is pleased to welcome
Paula Boston, our new Police Community Support Officer, whom I am
sure many of you have already seen or even met. She is based in
Wing and will be on foot patrol around the village to tackle low
level crime and anti social behaviour. She can be contacted on
0845 8505505, which is also the number for non-emergency calls to
the police. The village has been fortunate to have been given
this support in our efforts to make Wing a comfortable place to
live, but villagers must support our PCSO. She, and the police in
general, cannot solve problems without local help. If you receive
threats or witness any anti-social behaviour please report it, so
that the campaign can be effective.
Wing WI debated the resolutions for the National AGM. The first
concerned care of the environment and the need to try to recycle
more, whilst the second was to draw attention to the vast
difference between what we pay for milk and the price paid to
farmers. The group will be represented at the AGM in London this
year by a member of Linslade Larks WI. After the discussion
members enjoyed a pot luck supper and the mood was lightened by
entertainment from Shi'maya and members of Utopia belly dancing
group. The next meeting will be on 16th June, when there will be
a talk about memorabilia.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 24th May: Church Mice, 2-3pm, All Saints' Church.
Wednesday 25th May: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Small Hall,
12.30pm
Sunday 29th May, Benefice Communion at Aston Abbotts, 10am, no
service in Wing.
Tuesday 31st May: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm.
Saturday 4th June Plant and cake stall outside former newsagents,
9.30am
WING NOTES
12
MAY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
There's a busy week coming up
in Wing. Did I hear someone say that there's nothing to do in the
village?
As well as the regular clubs and activities, Overstone School PTA
is organising a Ladies' Indulgence Evening on 20th May. Sorry,
gents, perhaps another time! Come for taster sessions of Reiki,
manicure, facials, reflexology, as well as opportunities to buy
jewellery and accessories. Entry is £3 if pre-booked or £4 on
the door. Book your treatments by phoning 01296 688799.
If you hear the church bells on 21st, they are ringing, along
with the bells in other villages all over the county, to mark the
85th anniversary of the Bucks Federation of Women's Institutes.
The National Federation celebrates its 90th anniversary this
year, so Bucks wasn't far behind. The aim of the WI was to
provide opportunities for, at first women in rural areas, to
undertake workshops in crafts or to extend their education. The
movement has spread now to urban areas, with thriving branches in
most towns and villages, as proven by the original "Calendar
Girls". With the excellent reputation of WI home made
produce, there will be coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits, as well
as a cake stall and plant stall at All Saints' Church from 10am
to 12 noon.
Cathy Faulkner has one of her plant stalls, unfortunately at the
same time, but there's time to go from one to the other. If you
walk from Dormer Avenue to the church, you won't feel so guilty
at eating that WI cake. This year her fund raising is in aid of
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 17th May: Age Concern Pop-in, Village Hall, 2-4pm
Thursday 19th May: WI, discussion of resolutions for National
Federation AGM, followed by pot luck supper, Small Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 20th May: Ladies' Indulgence Evening, Overstone School,
7-10pm
Saturday 21st May: WI coffee morning, All saints' Church, 10am -
12 noon.
Cathy Faulkner's plant sale, 64 Dormer Ave, 10am-1pm.
Sunday 22nd May: Open Day, Wing Bowls Club, 2-5pm
Tuesday 24th May: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm
WING NOTES
5TH
MAY 2005
ANN WEIGHT
On Wednesday the 20th April a
lorry lost control and smashed into the dining room of a house on
a sharp bend on Aylesbury Road, causing extensive damage.
Fortunately no one was walking past on the pavement at the time.
Had there been, they would certainly have been killed and anyone
in the dining room would probably have been seriously injured.
At the moment heavy traffic passes through Wing, negotiating a
narrow road with two right-angled bends. Articulated lorries are
unable to pass each other and therefore mount the pavement, often
within a few feet of properties. Cars frequently exceed the speed
limit. The pavements are used extensively by children from the
two large schools and by many dog walkers. There is no pedestrian
crossing, just a small island between the two right-angled bends,
where it is often necessary to almost run in order to cross.
Up to now Bucks County Council has done very little. The bypass
is still under discussion. There are no speed cameras, no
pedestrian crossing, no road signs to warn of the bends and no
reduced speed limits. The road has been improved recently with a
better camber enabling traffic to travel more quickly, whilst the
new road surface is at a higher level making it only a few inches
lower than the pavement, thus encouraging traffic onto the
pavement. The small island to allow pedestrians to cross was
actually made smaller as it upset the flow of the traffic.
The traffic problem in Wing, on Aylesbury Road, High Street,
Stewkley Road and Rothschild Road is worsening, whilst Church
Street is rapidly becoming an alternative short cut to avoid
parked cars by the shops.
On a happier note a Ladies' Indulgence Evening is to be held on
Friday 20th May from 7pm at Overstone School. Come and try a
facial, nail art, Indian head massage, Reiki or a makeover. There
will be make-up, jewellery, handbags, books and much more on
sale. Tickets for the event cost £3 in advance or £4 on the
night. All treatments will be 20 minute taster sessions costing
£5 each. To pre-book your admission, to book a treatment session
or for further information please contact the school on 01296
688799 or Janet on 01296 688989.
The school's 4+ department will be holding a Toddler Afternoon on
Tuesday 24th May from 1.15 - 2.45pm. Current or prospective
parents are invited to drop in with their toddlers to experience
a play session in progress.
The Bowls Club is holding an Open Day on Sunday 22nd May from 2pm
to 5pm. Come along and try out the game. All ages are welcome, no
special equipment required. Wear flat-soled shoes, but everything
else is provided, even tea and biscuits.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 10th May: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm.
Wednesday 11th May: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Small Hall.
Thursday 12th-Saturday 14th May: Wing Players present "Sound
of Murder", Wing Hall, 8pm. Details 01296 682915 or 688729.
Tickets £5 from Hartwell properties. Bring your own food and
drink.