WING NOTES
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27 OCTOBER 2005
WING
NOTES
27 OCTOBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Here we are at the
end of October, sitting outside in the sun and enjoying the
warmest October day since records began. And after the half term
holiday we begin to look forward to Christmas.
Tonight, 1st November, will see the AGM of the Carnival Society
at 8pm in the Small Hall. Not only does this decide the biggest
event in the village calendar, Wing Carnival, but also several
smaller events which would not take place without the motivation
of this relatively small group of people, such as the carol
singing, a quiz night, and performances by the Carnival Players.
They raise a considerable amount of money, which goes towards
village amenities, so please come along and give them your
support.
I would like to mention another unsung hero of Wing, without whom
Sethi would not be able to offer the comprehensive delivery
service that he does. Jake Wlasldyw, at 82, must qualify as one
of the oldest "paper boys". Jake came to Britain in
1946 after the war. A native of the then Czechoslakia, he had
joined the Polish army and fought in Italy. He chose to be
demobbed to Britain and came first to Amersham and then to the
camp in Cublington Road. He worked in the brickworks in Bletchley
and then for 30 years in maintenance on the railways, before
working for the post office. He married a local girl and has 1
daughter and 2 grandchildren.
Jake retired in 1988 and then took over from another ex post
office employee as "paper boy" when Jon was newsagent.
17 years later he still does his morning round, starting at
Liscombe, then Cublington Road, Cublington, Aylesbury Road,
Crafton, Ledburn, Grove, and Ascott. A month ago he was able to
revisit his birthplace, which is now in the Czech Republic,
meeting up with his brothers' children, some of whom have also
been to stay with him here. When asked why he continues his round
Jake said, "Because the work does me good and I hope to go
on." And when he was away the customers got their newspapers
from a slightly younger "paper boy", Malcolm Rickard,
although some had to wait a little longer for Malcolm to find the
outlying farms.
Well done Jake and Malcolm! We'll think of them this winter if
the prophesied cold weather materialises.
Another village event takes place in November- the All Saints'
Christmas Bazaar. This is the biggest fund raiser for the Saxon
church, which needs the support for its day to day costs and for
maintenance. It will be held from 10am to 3pm in the Village
Hall. Items for sale will be accepted at the Hall or can be left
in the church or with Maureen Lomas in the house next to the
church. Books, good bric a brac, cakes, plants, gifts and raffle
prizes will be gratefully accepted, whilst your presence will be
welcome on the day to buy or to take part in the many activities.
More details next week.
Remembrance Sunday will be 13th November. All Saints will have
Holy Communion at 10am followed by the Act of Remembrance at the
war memorial and a Service of Remembrance in the church.
Forhtcoming events:
Tuesday 1st November: Carnival Society AGM, 8pm, Small Hall
Saturday 5th November: Overstone School Bonfire
Monday 7th November: WEA "The World of Flora
Thompson"10.30am-12.30pm, 2nd week.
WING
NOTES
20 OCTOBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Aylesbury Vale
District Council has received a positive rating for its services
for young people, according to a report issued by the Audit
Commission, from a survey carried out in June 2005. Leisure
facilities are good and are being improved especially in
Aylesbury itself. They are meeting a broad band of needs,
including housing, community safety and leisure. There was good
consultation with young people on specific issues, whilst
partnership work developed well with the Council attracting
external funding for some projects.
AVDC has formulated an improvement plan to build on the
Commission's recommendations, including the upgrading of some
run-down play areas, further consultation to identify needs and a
review of leisure facilities especially in rural areas with the
monitoring of youth related services. Copies of the report are
available from AVDC or from the Audit Commission website -
www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Or telephone Cllr David Thompson (01296 425656).
Linslade by-pass and Traffic Management in Wing
Suggestions to improve traffic management through Wing when the
Linslade by-pass opens were presented to the public in the Small
Hall from Thursday 13 October to Saturday 15 October and, judging
by the number of people attending on Saturday, the exhibition was
a great success. The aim of the measures is to encourage traffic
between Aylesbury and Milton Keynes to use the by-pass instead of
the village. Personally, I don't think much encouragement is
needed. In the main the proposals, and that is just what they
are, covered re-alignment of junctions onto the A418 and in the
village, a new round-about at the junction of Stewkley Road and
Leighton Road and the installation of alternating priority
islands. Interestingly, many people had suggested making the
village one-way, but what about the 1968 inner Wing by-pass south
of the recreation ground!
Consultation is still open until 4 November and Bucks CC promised
to put the information on their web site, but it was not there
when I looked last Thursday. Both the County Council and the
consultant's staff were enthusiastic about the consultation and
genuinely want our views. You can email them at
transprojects@buckscc.gov.uk or telephone the switch-board 01296
395000 (ask for transport projects) or write to the transport
department at the County Hall, Walton Street, HP20 1UY. If you do
not tell them they will not know.
Wing WI heard the Ivinghoe Handbell Ringers at their meeting on
Thursday. 6 ladies used 12 bells to play a selection of folk
songs and carols. Their experience ranged from 30 years ringing
to a fairly raw recruit. They explained that their bells owe
their mellow tone to their age (isn't that true of us all!),
rather than the newer bells, which have a sharper tone. In fact
their bells date back almost 150 years. It certainly reminded me
of the traditional songs, which we sang at school and which,
sadly, are being lost to the younger generation. Who remembers
BBC radio "Singing Together"?
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 25th October: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm
Wednesday 26th October: Photography with Alex Treacher, Wing Hall
11am-3.30pm. Tel 01525 237549
Thursday 27th October: Recycling, including bottles.
Monday 31st October: WEA "The World of Flora Thompson",
5 week course. Tel 01296 688193
Tuesday 1st November: Carnival Society AGM, Small Hall 8pm
WING
NOTES
13 OCTOBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Aylesbury Vale
District Council is encouraging residents to get involved in
local planning matters from the early stages of the planning
process. Their Statement of Community Involvement sets out how
the council will consult the public on planning applications and
policies. It will include details of proposals for regional
growth over the next 20 years.
The draft document can be read at the AVDC High Street offices in
Aylesbury, in the regional offices in Buckingham and Winslow, in
all libraries and also on the website; www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Comments must arrive by 4pm on 28th November and can be posted to
Forward Plans Group
AVDC
FREEPOST (11939)
66 High Street
Aylesbury HP20 1ZA
They can also be emailed to avldf@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk .
Telephone for details to 01296 585439
Overstone School took part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning
in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. Class 3/4HM baked small cakes,
which they sold, raising £170. Thanks go to all those who took
part. A cake stall in Leighton Buzzard market on 1st October
raised £90 for PTA funds. The cakes flew off the stall in record
time and thanks are expressed to those who made the cakes and
those who bought. On 7th October pupils paid for the right not to
wear school uniform and, together with staff, dressed as
characters from Raold Dahl books. There were many fantastic
creations and money was sent to the Jeans for Genes charity.
Buzzard Flyers met in Wing Small Hall on Monday for the first
time and welcomed some new members. This is a very friendly group
of spinners and knitters, meeting on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of
the month at 8pm. Take your work if you can spin or knit, or come
to learn if you can't. Yearly membership costs £5 and £2.50 per
meeting, or £3 for casual visitors.
Wing Brownies attended the Harvest Festival at All Saints' Church
on Sunday, some taking part in the service. Congratulations to
the Brownie leaders, who give up their free time Last year the
group was in danger of closing but some community spirited
"Mums" stepped forward to save the day. Produce was
later auctioned at the Harvest Supper and £100 raised in aid of
the Pakistan Quake Appeal.
Enrolments are now being taken for the WEA course on "The
World of Flora Thompson", which will start on 31st October,
10.30am-12.30pm, and run for 5 weeks. Tel 01296 688193. This
promises to give a fascinating insight into the life of a very
modest local writer, who is also a social historian of rural life
of Oxford/Bucks border life at the end of the 19th century.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 18th October: Senior Citizens' Pop-in, Small Hall, 2-4pm
Wednesday 19th October: WEA -2nd class in "English and
French Country Houses", Wing Library, 2-4pm
Thursday 20th October: WI, Small Hall, 7.30-10pm, Small Hall.
Ivinghoe Handbell Ringers. Competition: a bell
Saturday 22 October: WEA "Nelson and Nation",
9.45am-4.15pm, Wing Hall.
Monday 24th October: Buzzard Flyers, Small Hall, 8-10pm
Tuesday 25th October: Parish Council, Small Hall, 8pm
Wednesday 26th October: Photography with Alex Treacher, Wing
Hall, 11am-3pm, £35. Tel 01525 237549 for details
WING
NOTES
6 OCTOBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
There's no excuse for
anyone moving into Wing to say they haven't made friends. This
week there is a wealth of opportunities to meet people and to
find a role in the village community.
Those of you who missed the first session of the WEA
"English and French Country Houses" have been given a
reprieve. For personal reasons the tutor, Oonagh Kennedy, was
unable to start last week. So this Wednesday will be the 1st
class in Wing Library. There are enough people for this course to
run, and if many more turn up it can move to the Small Hall.
Phone Jackie Green (01296 688193) for details. The one day
course, "Nelson and Nation", which commemorates the
anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, still has places. This
will be held on 22nd October in Wing Hall and will cost £19.
Phone Jackie for details or to register before 15th October.
Don't leave it until the day, as minimum numbers have to be
adhered to for the course to run.
Wing Community Health Clinic is looking for a volunteer to help
at the baby clinic, for approximately one Thursday morning per
month, from 10-11am in the Village Hall. The work involves
weighing the children and doing some paperwork. If you can help,
phone the health visitors (01296 663784).
Wing Guides need helpers on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8.45pm.
Full training is given and you don't need to have experience.
Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure are the only qualifications.
For more details phone Jennie Jones (01296 681804).
Do you have any mementoes of events that took place in Wing Hall,
or memories that you could write down? There are prizes for the
best submissions of photographs or stories, which will then be
displayed in the exhibition on 2nd January. Prizes will be
awarded in 3 age categories: under 11, 12-16 and over 16. The
hall has been a focus of village life through 2 world wars and
over a change of millennium. Please do your bit to give it a
birthday worth remembering.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 11th October: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm
Wednesday 12th October: WEA English and French Country Houses,
Wing Library 2-4pm
Saturday 15th October: Beetle Drive, All Saints' Church, 7.30pm
Tuesday 18th October: Pop-in, Small Hall, 2-4pm
WING
NOTES
29 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
AVDC, in conjunction
with British Gas, is offering financial help for home insulation
to recipients of benefits, who have insufficient insulation at
the moment. Letters will shortly be sent out from
Miller-Pattison, the official contractor, followed by a telephone
call. If you feel that you may qualify you can contact Miller
Pattison directly (tel 6800731 8976) or Jenny Newton, AVDC's
health improvement officer (tel 01296 595154). Please note that
no-one will call without first making an appointment; do not
admit unsolicited callers.
The latest news from Luton airport is that flights are to be
diverted over Wing and surrounding villages. The proposals are to
go to consultation and a document is due to be published. When it
is, please make your feelings known.
The Neighbourhood Police Scheme (NAG) is a pilot scheme being
tried in Aylesbury, and lead by Chief Inspector Nikki Ross.
Officers will work with partner agencies and the local community
to solve problems and long-term issues. It is hoped that the
2-way flow of information will help to build trust and foster
good relations. Problems identified were vandalism, litter,
traffic speeding, anti-social behaviour, drinking and mini motor
cycles. To find out more contact AVDC (01296 585831) or PC Mike
Smith (08458 505 505).
At last week’s Parish Council meeting tribute was paid to
the bowls club for the part played in improving the village
recreation ground. Those of us who use the ‘rec’,
either for walking the dog, sport, picnicking and having parties,
or just strolling over there to appreciate the peace of the
countryside will have noticed the colourful display inside the
bowls club fence. Wing was granted a Certificate of Merit in the
Best Kept Village competition this year. Many people contributed
to this award by their efforts to make Wing a nice place in which
to live. Some of the credit for this award has to go to those in
the bowls club who planted over 200 flowers, kept the grass cut
in unbelievably straight lines, and tended to the floral display.
We should remember that the people who did this work are all over
70 years old. Over the past decade they have transformed what was
once a swampy piece of ground into a beautiful area of the
village. Let’s hope they, and the parish, can keep it that
way!
Wing WEA begins a new season with a very varied programme. On 5th
October Oonagh Kennedy will start a 7 week course on
"English and French Country Houses", meeting in Wing
Library from 2-4pm. The cost will be £42 and there will be an
optional excursion to Woburn Abbey. A day school entitled
"England expects- Nelson and Nation", will mark the
anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar on 22nd October. The cost
will be £19. From Monday 31st October "The World of Flora
Thompson" will be explored from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 5
meetings will cost £30. 2006 will bring "Words about
Words", the history of the English language, courses about
Frank Lloyd Wright, psychology and a visit to Kensington Palace
in May. To enrol call Enid Smith (tel 01296 688435) and be aware
that there is a much reduced rate for those receiving benefits.
The courses cannot run without a minimum of 12 participants, so
please do support this enriching facility in our village life.
A new activity is to open in the Small Hall on 2nd and 4th
Mondays in each month. Buzzard Flyers, initially a spinning
group, but now open to knitters, have outgrown their original
venue and are now to meet in Wing. If you knit and would like a
warm welcome with a congenial group, or if you would like to
learn to spin, come along on 10th October at from 8pm to 10pm.
Fees are £3 per session to cover hall hire and refreshments.
Future events:
Wednesday 5th October: Wing lunch club, Wing Hall, 12.30pm
WEA English/French Country Houses, Wing Library, 2-4pm
Sunday 9th October: All Saints' Church Harvest Festival 10am,
Harvest Supper 6pm.
Monday 10th October: Scouts collection starts for clothes for 3rd
world countries
Buzzard Flyers, Small Hall, 8pm
WING
NOTES
22 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Overstone School PTA
will be joining in the Macmillan Cancer Relief World's Biggest
Coffee Morning 2005 by holding a coffee morning between 9.00am -
10.30am on Friday 30 September in the school hall. Tea, coffee
and cakes will be available in return for donations to Macmillan.
Please come along and help us to raise as much money as possible
for Macmillan.
The PTA will be running a cake stall at Leighton Buzzard market
on the morning of Saturday 1 October 2005. We are hoping to have
a great selection of goodies for sale so please come along and
support us.
Martin and Liz Shrubsole have sent a total of £1225.93 this year
to Marie Curie Cancer Care, thanks to their Somesay Island
Railway, which provides entertainment for local supporters on
open weekends throughout the year. This brings their grand total
to a magnificent £14,600. Martin and Liz would like to thank
their set-up crew, engineers and catering team for their
invaluable support.
Last week I mentioned bogus traders; this week it's car thefts.
There has been a recent increase of offences in the
Buckinghamshire area where car keys have been hooked through
letter-boxes and high value cars have been stolen. One occurred
recently at 4.39am on 13th Sept, in King Edward Avenue,
Aylesbury, where the residents were disturbed by the dog barking.
They woke to find the offenders making off, having taken a purse
containing cash, credit cards and vehicle keys. As they were
disturbed the vehicle, a Ford Ka, was left behind.
The public are reminded that it will be in the interests of home
and vehicle security to make sure that keys and other valuables
are stored out of easy reach and out of site of the front door.
There are simple, inexpensive letter-box guards available that,
once fitted on a door, can deflect hooking devices that some
criminals use, providing that the guard is suitable for your
particular door. Some vehicle owners have been fortunate to have
their vehicles recovered quickly when tracking devices have
activated.
If you would like some additional advice to help protect your
home and vehicle please contact your local Crime Reduction
Advisers at Aylesbury on 01296 396233 and if you have any
information that could lead to the detection of the offenders
please call the main number of 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Wing WEA had a very disappointing AGM on Tuesday with only 3
people attending apart from the committee. Nevertheless, a good
time was had by all. The trip to Boughton Hall was a great
success, with very good weather and an excellent home cooked
meal. Boughton hall is a time-warp, having escaped well meant
Victorian restoration and is only open to the public in August.
Future courses coming up are on English and French Country
Houses, Nelson and Nation and the World of Flora Thompson. More
details next week.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 27th September: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm
Parish Council Meeting, Small Hall, 8pm
WING
NOTES
15 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Wing WI heard a very
interesting talk, which was applicable to everyone, everywhere,
from Jacquie Eldridge of Trading Standards. Jacquie concentrated
on the problem of doorstep tradesmen and sellers, who prey on
people's vulnerability in their aim to extract as much money as
possible. She quoted examples of tradesmen offering to repair
roofs and driveways, of door to door salesmen offering
"fresh" fish or dusters. Trading standards emphasise
that bona fide tradesmen do not tout door to door, offering to
carry out on the spot repairs.
For those who have problems Bucks Trading Standards can be
contacted on 01296 383212 or www.buckscc.gov.uk/trading_standards
. Be aware that official callers do not call unannounced; they
will make an appointment. AVDC has a "handy van" scheme
to do work for vulnerable people but please be aware that there
is a waiting list. There is also now a "Consumer
Direct" website, like "NHS Direct".
Please be aware that Sunshine Nursery has changed the days of
some of their sessions. 2½-5s are Mondays to Fridays,
9.15-11.45am, rising 4s (school preparation) Tuesdays
12.30-2.45pm, and 2+ session Fridays 12.30-2.30pm. For enrolment
or further information contact Sam Mock, 01296 334003, or 07931
661739 during sessions.
Wing Scouts will be distributing blue bags around the village for
second hand clothes and shoes, and collecting during the week of
10th October. Please note that the collection is for 3rd world
countries and that no toys or bric-a-brac are required.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 20th September: Age Concern Pop-in, Small Hall, 2-4pm
WEA AGM and Quiz Night, Small Hall, 7.30pm
Wednesday 21st September: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Wing Hall,
12.30pm
Auditions for Wing Players' Christmas pantomime, Wing Hall, 8pm
Saturday 24th September: 3 churches walk to Aston Abbotts, meet
at All Saints 1.30pm
Ladybird Playgroup Next to New sale, Wing Hall, 10am-12. Call
01296 682855 to book table.
Monday 26th September: Wing Scouts blue bag week.
Tuesday 27th September: Church Mice, All Saints' Church 2-3pm,
for pre school children
Parish Council meeting, Small Hall, 8pm.
WING
NOTES
8 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANN WEIGHT
All Saints' Church
saw a remarkable concert by the Tadige Singers, who gave a very
varied programme from madrigals to barbershop. The singers, who
have known each other for many years, but who meet up sadly now
only rarely, had gathered in Wing from as far north as York and
as far south as France, to raise money for the MS Society. One of
their members died last year from complications of MS and this
performance was a fitting tribute in her memory. An impressive
£800 was raised, the majority of which will go towards MS
research, and some to the local MS Society. The audience heard
that a breakthrough is near in research of this debilitating
disease.
Wing Hall will reach its centenary in January and a celebration
is planned to mark the occasion. An exhibition of photographs and
stories about events in the hall over the years will be an
important part of this. There will be prizes for the items that
encapsulate the spirit of Wing. For further information contact
Maureen Lomas, 01296 682915.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 13th Sept: Church Mice, All Saints' Church, 2-3pm, for
under 3s with parent or carer.
Wednesday 14th Sept: Pantomime read-through, Village Hall, 8-10pm
Thursday 15th Sept: Toddler Workshop, Small Hall, 1.30-2.30pm,
for toddlers 10-22 mths, £3.75
WI, "Trading Standards", Small Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 16th Sept: Wing Players Quiz Night, Village Hall, 7.30pm
for 8pm. Details 01296 682915
Saturday 17th Sept: WEA visit to Boughton House, 8.45am. Details
01296 688193
Tuesday 20th Sept: WEA AGM and Quiz Night, Small Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 24th Sept: 3 churches walk to Aston Abbotts, leaving All
Saints' 1.30pm
Labybird Playgroup "Next to New" Sale, Wing Hall,
10am-12. Call 01296 681474
WING
NOTES
1 SEPT 2005
ANN WEIGHT
Highlights from the
Parish Council
There was quite a lot of discussion about roads, especially
around "The Dove"; the Lime trees by the recreation
ground are to be trimmed back and the new bus shelter by
"The Dove" will be replaced in the near future. Near,
of course, is a relative term, given the length of time since the
removal of the damaged one and we can just hope that it will be
sooner than the by-pass, which is suffering further delays.
Public consultation has slipped and may be put back to the New
Year - February was mentioned, but .... Whilst we wait for the
bypass there are thoughts of improving the Park Gate corner of
the A418, in an attempt to stop lorries dumping their contents in
peoples houses, and installing speed indicating devices to
encourage motorists to respect the speed limit and our safety.
There was even talk of a proper crossing to the Rec.
On the subject of roads and safety, there was a general warning
about the fashionable mini-motorbikes. They can only be used on
private land unless they are taxed and insured and the rider has
a licence and a crash helmet. You've been warned!
Time is running out for anyone wishing to apply for the job of
Parish Clerk. Letters of application with a CV to the Chairman
(via the office in Charlotte Cottage) by 16 Sept. There is also
still a vacancy for a Councillor - same idea, but to the Clerk.
Some residents have complained about the withdrawal from sale of
electricity stamps at the Post Office. The Post Office is not to
blame; it is the energy companies which have stopped the
arrangement. If you want to use stamps there are Post Office
Savings Stamps which can be used to pay bills. Or, you could try
Equipower or Equigas as a sympathetic supplier.
And, lastly, some good news - Wing was awarded 87 out of 100
marks in the "Best Kept Village" competition and has a
'Certificate of Merit'. Marks are going up so who knows what the
future will hold!
All Saints' Church has had a successful season of cream teas,
thanks to the efforts of the ladies who serve and Rod Smith of
the bric-a-brac stall, who could and would sell his granny for a
shilling. Rod's next project will be the Christmas Fayre on 19th
November. Keep the date in mind, together with good quality
donations for the stalls.
The WEA programme starts on 17th September with a visit to
Boughton House and Park, Kettering, the "English
Versailles". The house dates back to the 15th century and is
the home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury. The visit
begins with tea and biscuits and is followed by an optional
lunch, which must be pre-booked at £10. Booking is essential
with J. Green tel 01296 688193, at a cost of £22 (£20 for
concessions). There will be more details of the WEA programme
later, but please be aware that no class can now run with fewer
than 12 members.
Forthcoming events:
Tuesday 6th Sept: Baby workshop, Wing library, 10-11am Tel 01296
681598
Wednesday 7th Sept: Senior Citizens' Lunch Club, Wing Hall,
12.30pm
Wing Players, read through of Christmas pantomime, Wing Hall,
8-10pm
Saturday 17th Sept: WEA visit to Boughton House and Park
Tuesday 20th September: WEA AGM and Quiz Night, Small Hall,
7.30pm
WING
NOTES
24 AUGUST 2005
ANN WEIGHT
As September
approaches and the school holidays come to an end activities in
the village begin to take off again. Indeed, some village
organisations are already looking ahead to Christmas. When will
we see the first Christmas cards in the shops? Young members of
the community were well catered for with the All Saints' Holiday
Club, the Wing Raiders Summer School and the tennis coaching
week, and a special thank you is necessary for those adults who
gave up their free time to run these activities. Without them our
community would be a poorer place.
Sunday 4th September will see a highly recommended concert in All
Saints' Church. The Tadige Singers ("tadige" is Anglo
Saxon for "toad", the "i" is short, the
"g" is hard and the "e" is pronounced) will
give a short concert of madrigals, folksongs, barbershop quartets
and close harmony arrangements. The group of 8 singers was formed
in 1972 from the Madrigal Choir of University College, London.
Unfortunately, their concerts are rare now, as family commitments
and diverse places of residence make it difficult. However, one
of their members, Sarah Last, died last December from
complications of MS, and the group decided to give a concert in
her memory. Admission will be free but there will be a leaving
collection for the MS Society. The church will be open from 3pm
for tea and cakes, and the concert will follow at 4.30pm until
6pm.
Changes are afoot at Sunshine Nursery, where the 2 year olds will
now meet on Fridays from 9.15am to 11.15am. For further
information contact Sam Mock, 01296 334003 or 07931 661739.
Ladybird Playgroup is having a "Next to New" Sale on
24th September from 10am to 12 in Wing Hall. Things acceptable
for sale include clothes for 0-5 year olds, baby and toddler
equipment, maternity clothes, and home-made cakes. To book a
table phone 01296 682855 or 681474.
Wing Players are looking ahead to Christmas. They are holding a
read-through of their pantomime, "Scrooge" on 7th and
14th September at 8pm in Wing Hall, and auditions on 21st
September. If you are interested phone Maureen on 01296 682915.
They will hold a Quiz Night on 16th September at 7.30pm in Wing
Hall.
There will be a Baby Workshop in the Small Hall on 6th September
from 10-11am, and a Toddler Workshop on 15th from 1.30-2.30pm.
These sessions will give children the opportunity to develop
their creativity and senses with structured play and exciting
toys. Workshops cost £3.75 and more information is available
from Maria, 01296 681598.
The All Saints' calendar of events will start on 24th September,
with a "Three Churches Walk" to Aston Abbotts,
beginning at 1.30pm. Refreshments will be available on arrival at
Aston Abbotts, although volunteers are needed to help there. A
date to remember is 19th November, the All Saints' Christmas
Fayre in the Village Hall.
Wing Parish Council is in need of a Parish Clerk. The post
involves 15 hours per week and one evening per month with a good
rate of pay. Applicants must be computer literate and have proven
communication skills and the ability to work on their own
initiative. Training will be given. For more information contact
the Chairman of the Parish Council, Paul de Lusignan, on 01296
682041. Closing date is 16th September, but there is a Council
meeting on 30th August. Edmund Waller, who is preparing the Wing
Village Action Plan, needs volunteers, adult and youngsters, to
help with a village audit. If you are interested phone 01296
689132 or email waller@f2s.com .
With so much to report the coming weeks promise to be very full
for those residents of Wing who are ready to take advantage of
the many activities on offer. Our village will not function
without the many hours of unpaid work done by those who care for
their community. Don't sit back and say that there's nothing to
do; look around and see what you can do!
WING
NOTES
23 AUGUST 2005
NAOMI WEIGHT
Relief reporter here
this week. Ann who usually writes this column is off enjoying
herself in the wilds of Scotland. I am her daughter, persuaded
& cajoled to write in her absence! I am back in Wing from my
life on the seven seas with Disney Cruise Line. For four months
out of every six I, and my team, do the Costumes in the Walt
Disney Theatre on board the Disney Magic and have just come back
from the Mexican Riviera where along with the Caribbean I have
been for the last 5 months. I have to admit that it's not all
glitz & glamour. We work, an 80hr, 7-day week for the entire
contract so the peace, beauty & tranquillity of Wing is a
welcome release for me. The perfect place to recuperate before
jetting off again to escape the British winter.
For those of you not escaping the area for the Bank Holiday
Weekend and planning to spend time at home here in Wing can enjoy
Cream Teas at All Saint's Church on Sunday & Monday. If the
weather's good, there's a footpath which ends (or starts
depending on how you look at it) at the churchyard. If the
elements decide to play cruel tricks on us, why not get some in
house DIY or other projects done & to celebrate your sense of
achievement come round to the Church. Either way you can enjoy it
guilt free, knowing you've burnt the calories off before hand!
Moving swiftly on from things to do on a Bank Holiday to things
to do with your teenagers for the last few days of the school
holidays. It has been brought to my attention that there is a
website that caters for entertainment for the 13-19 age bracket
in this area. Log onto www.youthbiz.org.uk for more information.
This can only be a good thing.
Forthcoming events:
Sunday 28th August - Benefice Service, All Saint's Church
Sunday 4th September - Choral Music in memory of Sarah Last &
in aid of MS Society. Entry is free but donations are
appreciated. More info to follow
WING
NOTES
11 AUGUST 2005
ANN WEIGHT
I have deliberately
waited until all mention of the Carnival was over to give a
special mention to a much admired resident of Burcott, who passed
away recently. Bertie Broad died at the end of June, at the age
of 95. He will be remembered both in Wing and in Leighton Buzzard
for his role in the community. Bertie became headmaster of Cedars
School when it was housed in its former building, the present
Leighton Middle School. His office was on the first floor and he
expected very good behaviour from students. Boys had to wear
caps, and pupils were not allowed to run along Bridge Street or
to eat ice creams. He was still headmaster when the school moved
to its present site in Mentmore Road. In 1975 his work was
recognised with an OBE for Services to Education.
Bertie had been a "Tennis Blue" at Cambridge and
continued to have a love of the sport. He held tennis parties at
the school and continued to swim for many years. Among many
interests in Leighton Buzzard he attended concerts at the Music
Society and activities of the Preservation Society and the Knife
and Fork Club. He also served as Church Warden at All Saints'
Church, Wing.
Bertie was lonely after his wife, Aileen, died last October. He
will be sadly missed by his 3 children, Susan, Richard and Judith
and there must be many residents of Leighton Buzzard, who will
remember him for his caring and guidance, and former staff who
will remember the end of term parties at the Broads' home in
Wing.
One of the Almshouses on Aylesbury Road has become available.
Applications are invited from village residents aged 50 and over.
The house is more suitable for a single person, who must be able
to manage a flight of stairs, and who should understand that this
is not sheltered accommodation, although financial help may be
available if necessary. Applications should be made in writing to
Margaret Crutchfield, 11 Moorlands Road, Wing.
Forthcoming events:
Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August: Cream teas, All Saints'
Church, 3pm
WING NOTES
4TH
AUGUST 2005
ANN WEIGHT
The All Saints' Church Holiday
Club, which has now been running for several years, took place
again last week. The theme of the 3 day club was the story of
Moses, with activities based on this theme taking place every
day. Thirty-four 4-9 year olds took part, several turning up as
regular participants each year, whilst a small group of 10 year
olds came along as voluntary helpers, proving to be invaluable
assistants.
The children did art and craft activities, based on aspects such
as the burning bush, the parting of the Red Sea, frogs and
locusts, sang, listened to stories, and decorated biscuits. Great
fun was had by all concerned. It was particularly relevant that
they heard the story of the plagues of locusts in Egypt, and were
able to realise that the same problem is one of the contributory
causes of the present crisis in Niger. It was therefore felt to
be appropriate, with the children's agreement, to send a donation
from the proceeds to the famine appeal in Niger.
Philippa Goldson would like to pass on thanks to the adults and
junior helpers, who made the event another resounding success,
and I am sure that parents would like to thank Philippa for
organising it.
I have a very smart Wing Notes diary, a present to my husband
from a firm he visits and which I purloined, where I make a note
of what's coming up. As I scanned the blank pages of the next few
weeks I noticed in very small writing a notable event for each
day, some of which were very enlightening or even amusing. Since
he has had to suffer the "Did you know that ......?" I
thought that you might like to share the events, too, so be
prepared for more in the future!
9th August 1979: Establishment of Britain's 1st nudist beach in
Brighton.
10th August 1911: British MPs voted to receive salaries for the
1st time.
11th August 1877: Moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, discovered.
12th August 1969: World's 1st communications satellite, Echo,
launched.
14th August 1893: France became the 1st country to issue vehicle
registration plates.
Forthcoming events:
15th -19th August: Tennis4All, tel 07946 734377 or email
Tennis4all@nigelwillard.co.uk