Abthorpe
John Riches, 01327 857703
BEER GUIDE ACCOLADE: The New Inn, our village pub, is, after a few years absence, back in the prestigious Good Beer Guide, which is published each year by the Campaign for Real Ale.
The entry for the 2010 edition states that although this quintessentially English pub is hard to find, tucked away in a back street, it is definitely worth the search.
The dining room offers a venue for fine dining in the evening. Much of the food is locally sourced, including meat from the landlord's farm.
Dating back to the early 19th century, the pub is built from local stone and has an inglenook fireplace.
Ales come from Hook Norton, including the house beer Abthorpe Ale, as well as occasional guest beers.
Rob Smith, our landlord, is delighted that CAMRA has recognised all his team's hard work in making the New Inn such a fine example of a traditional English pub.
Chef Andrew Houghton, who previously worked at the Fox and Hounds in Whittlebury and at celebrity chef John-Christophe-Novelli's restaurant in Northampton, is rapidly gaining a reputation for cooking high quality, reasonably priced food.
The pub's new website can be found at www.newinnatabthorpe.co.uk
CAMRA reports that research shows that 52 pubs close permanently across the UK every week, but that real ale pubs such as The New Inn are thriving. Long may this continue. Cheers!
BRONZE PLACE FOR BAND: Intro Out, the band in which villager Eleanor Gough plays guitar, came third in the recent Buckingham Idol competition.
Eleanor's proud mum stated in an email to all members of the village's independent broadband network that the 'bronze medal' position was a good result considering the high number of entries that the contest attracted.
She thanked everyone who voted for Eleanor's band in the competition.

Akeley
Sherri Holland, 01280 860486
AUTUMN DANCE: It's your last chance to buy tickets for the dance tomorrow night. Dancing to live music from 8pm. Tickets are £5 including a light buffet, from Brian on 860372 or Carol on 860227. Please bring your own drinks.
Theatre: A reminder that Sir Gawain And The Green Knight will be performed in the village hall on Friday, November 20, from 7.30pm as part of the Theatre In The Villages programme. Tickets are £8 for adults, £6 concessions and £5 for children, from Sherri on 01280 860486.
BINGO: Eyes down at the village hall on Monday, October 19, at 7.30pm with your host John Cowley
VILLAGE TEAS: Teas will be served on Wednesday, October 21, so come and join us from 2.30pm to 4pm at Akeley Village Hall.
Have a cup of tea or coffee and a piece – or two – of homemade cake and take the chance to sit and chat with friends and neighbours.
A large selection of previously read books will be available to buy – proceeds from the books will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Chackmore
Jennifer Beckett, 01280 813448
PLAYSCHOOL OPEN DAY: Chackmore Playschool will be having an open day on Friday, October 23, from 1pm to 2.30pm at the Cabin.
Together with this we will be having a teddy bear's picnic inside the cabin, so feel free to bring your teddy bears along with you.
If you wish to bring food this would be much appreciated.
All are welcome to come along and meet the friendly staff who will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.
For further information call Natasha Kig on 07754 778818.

Gawcott
Susan Winterbottom, 01280 821079
FISH AND CHIP SUPPER: There will be a fish and chip supper and a fun quiz held in the village hall on Saturday evening, October 17, in aid of Holy Trinity church. Delicious homemade desserts will also be served. Tickets are £8 adults, £4 under-12s, available from Marie Lee on 01280 816330. Bring your own drink and glasses

Great Horwood
Patricia Rudkin, 01296 712930
THE RIDGEWAY CLUB: The Ridgeway Club is an after-school club based in Great Horwood, offering after-school care for children aged four to 11.
The club is open, in Great Horwood Village Hall, Monday to Friday, from 3.15pm to 6pm during term time.
The club is very closely linked to the Great Horwood Combined CE School, but is completely independent.
The club is Ofsted registered and is a non- profit making organisation, run by a management committee. The club employs staff who are both qualified and energetic and they provide a safe, enjoyable, comfortable, fun and loving environment (a hug is always offered and never refused!
They have table football, mini table tennis and pool, 10-pin bowling, arts and crafts, TV and DVD, music and much much more.
Do go and join in the fun!
You can either use the club on a regular basis or for those one-off occasions.
If you would like to book a place or would like some more information, contact Charlotte Simpson on 07967 701056
BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: The group began sessions again on September 9 and meets every Wednesday afternoon, in Great Horwood Village Hall between 1.15pm and 2.45pm. These meetings are term time only.
Your first visit is free and any future visit is only £1.50 for the first child and 50p for for each additional child.
Parents get a free cuppa with a biscuit and the children get a drink and healthy snack.
We also do arts and crafts and cooking with the children.
All mums, dads, grandparents, mums-to-be and carers are very welcome.
THE WINSLOW BUS: We have a new bus and it is bigger, more comfortable and can take more passengers!
There are loads of trips planned during the summer months, as well as the regular bus trips which include shopping to Buckingham once a month, on the first Tuesday of the month and trips to the Westcroft Shopping Centre on the first and third Thursday of the month. There are trips on Wednesday to Winslow and to Aylesbury every Friday and Saturday.
But we need more volunteer drivers. If you are aged between 25 and 70 years of age, and have some spare time, please consider becoming a driver for your local community bus. You can do as much or as little as you like, from shorter local runs to some of our longer day trips.
We visit all kinds of places, garden centres, stately homes, shopping centres, countryside drives as well as our regular bus services, and the people who use the bus are a very friendly crowd!
We offer certificated training to MIDAS standard, and pay out-of-pocket expenses.
If you would like to find out more about the bus, telephone Sue on 01296 715786 or e-mail wdcbenquiries@btconnect.com
SUNBEAMS: The next date for the Sunbeams children's services is Tuesday, November 10.
If you have a child under school age you would be more than welcome to join us.
We read a story, sing songs and we always make something for the children to take home.
Refreshments are also available.
For more details contact Sue Brazier on 01296 714712.
FARMERS' MARKET: The new Farmers' Market in Winslow has been a great success since opening in September. At the October market some traders were so overwhelmed by customers that they sold out within the first hour of opening!
The reputation of the market meant that there were hundreds of visitors to Winslow and there were a few parking problems, but the committee are working to resolve these issues in time for the next market.
The next market will be held on Sunday, November 1. Many of the traders who have been twice will be there again and more and more stalls are planned.
It is hoped there will be live music again. This was very much enjoyed by shoppers.
Apart from the market, plenty of local shops and cafes opened as well and this will be repeated for every market day.
Local produce will come from within a 30-mile radius. Specialist producers of meats, poultry, game, vegetables, fruit, honey, preserves and lots lots more.
The market will continue to be held on the first Sunday of every month between 11am and 2pm.
Free car parking is available a short walk from the Market Square.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS: Great Horwood has a reputation for being a strong community. Inevitably, however, although there are already many good neighbours who help others in a multitude of ways, there are times when a friendly face and a chat would be welcomed by someone who is feeling in need of company.
We are thinking of gathering together a group who would befriend and support anyone who would welcome being visited.
This is not necessarily a very time-consuming task and the group of befrienders could meet from time to time if support were needed.
We would also need everyone's awareness of their neighbours to enable contact to be offered.
If you are interested, contact Sheila Finlayson on 01296 715960 or June Margerrison on 01296 714554
NEW LUNCH CLUB: A new Pub Lunch Club has been formed in Great Horwood and it met for the first time on September 29 at The Swan, where popular licensee Kate Rowledge provides excellent lunches.
More than 20 diners sat down and enjoyed a large choice of meals and desserts.
You could have the choice of beef stew and dumplings, bangers and mash, with onion gravy, lemon peppered pork loin with veg and potatoes, sweet and sour pork and rice, a cheese salad and fish pie with vegetables. The desserts were equally good with a large choice on offer. A meal not to be missed.
These are a few of the vast choice of dishes which Kate regularly offers for the pensioner specials served from Monday to Friday, every week.
Pensioners also can eat cheaply on a Sunday and enjoy a typical roast and all the trimmings!
So don't just go to The Swan for the Pub Lunch Club, eat there as a pensioner and enjoy a treat every day.
For the new lunch club, a two-course meal meal, main course and pudding, plus tea or coffee will be on offer for just £4.95 to club members. It costs nothing to join. All you need to do is book at least a week in advance through the club secretary.
Once the club is up and running, the members will decide for themselves which day of the month they will want to meet and organise the lunches themselves.
BCA's local co-coordinator will give support and produce a newsletter for all lunch club members passing on ideas between different clubs. It may also be possible to arrange exchange visits.
To book for future lunches contact Ian Lamberton on 01296 715968 or Monica Gilbey on 01296 711915. They will, of course, give further information.
Please note to avoid confusion over numbers, bookings should not be made directly with the pub.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Garden equipment such as lawnmowers and strimmers are being stolen, along with power tools and cycles. Offenders are likely to have access to a vehicle although there are no specific details known.
Inspector Emma Garside, Neighbourhood Inspector for Aylesbury Vale, gives the following crime prevention advice in relation to shed security:
> Ensure all sheds and garages are securely locked by using a good quality hasp and staple or appropriate locks.
> Make your property identifiable. Postcode your tools, items cease to become attractive to a thief if you paint your postcode and house number across top of it.
> Always lock cycles to something fixed or bulky even if they are locked away in the shed or garage.
> Make a note of serial numbers of tools and cycles.
> Consider internal bars on shed windows and smear glue over screw heads to prevent a thief simply unscrewing them.
If you see or hear anything suspicious call the police immediately on 085458 505 505.
CHURCH GIVING DAY: Saturday, October 31, is our annual giving day for the Church of St James.
In Focus, our parish magazine, you will find an envelope, but any envelope will do. If you can spare any amount towards the running and upkeep of the church, it would be much appreciated.
If you are a tax payer, by adding your name and address, we can reclaim the tax paid.
There will be someone, between 9am and 4pm, at the church gate to receive your donation, so do come and say hello.
If you are not around on the 31st, the envelopes may be handed in at any one of our services or to David Brazier or June Margerrison at any time.
FIREWORK DISPLAY: It's coming up to that time of the year again, when we can all go out and enjoy the best firework event in the area!
So keep Saturday, November 7, free, because this is when Great Horwood School PTA and the Scout and Guide committee invite you to an evening which will go out with a bang!
It's their annual firework display accompanied by hot snacks grilled to perfection on a barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, jacket potatoes, swilled down with the now-famous mulled wine and beer. A drinks bar will be available.
Do come support the efforts of both school PTA and Scout & Guide Committee.
It is sure to be a great evening!

Great Horwood Parish Council
John Gilbey, chairman (john@gilbey98.freeserve.co.uk)
NEW POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER: PCSO Lucy Andrews attended the meeting to introduce herself as the new PCSO for the village. She will spend half of her time in Newton Longville and the rest split between Great Horwood, Little Horwood, Whaddon and Nash. She can be contacted on the normal Thames Valley Police non-emergency number of 0845 8505505 or by email at lucy.andrews@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN: Whaddon Chase Community Green Infrastructure Plan 3 follow-up workshops have taken place and the council expects a formal report from the workgroup on their proposals later in the year.
NEW TREE: A replacement of the tree on The Green is in hand. An oak tree has been chosen for the green, but it is not expected to be ready for planting until early in the New Year.
LITTER BINS: Four black litter bins will be installed at the bus stops in the village.
NEW ALLOTMENTS IN WILLOW ROAD: The area needs to be professionally treated to clear the weeds and rotavated to make it usable for allotments.
POSSIBLE BCC INCINERATOR AT EDGCOTT: It was reported at the meeting that Bucks County Council Cabinet had earlier in the day chosen the site at Rookery South Pit in Bedfordshire as the preferred site for the treatment of waste.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: On advice from the National Association of Local Councils, it was agreed that in future the names of members of the public making contributions during the public participation period of Parish Council meetings would, where appropriate, be recorded in the minutes.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on items mentioned in this report or on any other matters affecting life in your village.
Also, if you have any items that you would like to bring to the council's attention at any time, contact either the clerk or any councillor and we are always pleased to welcome residents to our meetings during which we always have a public participation period.

Little Horwood
Chrissie Beckett, 01296 712436
COMMUNITY BUS: The Winslow Community Bus needs more volunteer drivers. If you are aged between 25 and 70 years of age and have some spare time, please consider becoming a driver for your local community bus. You can do as much or as little as you like, from shorter local runs to longer day trips.
A wide range of places are visited including garden centres, stately homes, shopping centres, countryside drives, as well as regular bus services. I can assure you from first-hand experience that the people who use the bus are a very friendly crowd!
Certificated training to MIDAS standard is offered and out-of-pocket expenses paid.
If you would like to find out more about the bus telephone Sue on 01296 715786 or email wdcbenquiries@btconnect.com
APPLE DAY: Thank you to everyone involved in making this such a special day for our village. The hard work put in by so many people is much appreciated. The sun shone and there was such an abundance of apples for pressing! What a wonderful event for our children, as well as adults, to experience.
HARVEST AUCTION: Many thanks for all the support shown by your attendance at this lovely event, which helps us to celebrate the many fruits of the harvest and then to enjoy our purchases in the coming weeks. Thank you to all the people who donated such an abundance of crops. What a bumper year it has been!
CHURCH SERVICES: Sunday, October 18, Little Horwood, Holy Communion, 9.30am; Mursley, Holy Communion, 9.30am; Swanbourne, family service, 11am; Newton Longville, Praise & Worship & Baptism, 11am; Drayton Parslow, Evening Prayer, 6pm.

Thornborough
Chrissie Vernon, 01280 813073
MAKE a date in your diary for Saturday, November 7, at 7pm – that's when the Thornborough Bonfire and Firework Display will be held on the field on Nash Road
Visitors will find Thornborough just off the A421. Coming from Buckingham, turn left at the Lone Tree pub which is about two miles from Buckingham on the Milton Keynes road.
There is plenty of parking along the High Street and by the village green.
The event starts with the traditional village torchlit procession and everyone is invited to meet at 6.30 p.m. at the Two Brewers in the High Street.
The procession winds its way through the country village, past the chapel, pond, church, village hall and school.
Gates open at 7pm and the bonfire will be lit at 7.15pm. The aerial firework display will last from 7.30pm to 8 pm.
Two competitions are being organised.
One is for the best Guy – please note, all Guys are thrown on the bonfire so don't use dad's best cricket jumper – and one is for the best pumpkin/turnip lantern. Everyone is invited to enter and there are prizes for all entrants in both competitions.
In case shelter is required, there will be a large marquee on the field.
Hot pork rolls, hot dogs, soft drinks, mulled wine and more will be on sale in the marquee.
Sparklers will also be on sale for the children.
Entry for the event is £4 for adults, £2 for senior citizens and children.
The event is organised by Thornborough Sports and Social Club and for more information contact Bernard Garbe on 01280 814434 or send an email to bernard.garbe@vitalograph.co.uk.

Maids Moreton
Anita Matthews, 01280 814358
CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday, there is a service of Holy Communion at 8am followed by a Family Service at 10.30am. Searchlights should meet at Maids Moreton School.
WHEATSHEAF KARAOKE: There will be a karaoke evening at the Wheatsheaf tonight, Friday, October 16, starting at 8pm. If it was anything like the last one, it should be a fun evening.
S0UP LUNCH: There is a soup lunch today, Friday, October 16, 12.15 for 12.30pm.
NEW CLUB: A group of people are starting a new club for anyone who is available on a Monday morning. This will be an opportunity to make new friends, perhaps find a walking partner, maybe learn a new skill, visit local places or just have a chat over a cup of coffee.
So if you want to know more or have some ideas come along to the Village Hall on Monday, October 19, at 10.30am. For more information ring Vera on 813719. All are welcome.
WHEATSHEAF QUIZ EVENING: The next quiz evening at The Wheatsheaf will be this Monday, October 19, commencing at 8.30pm. Teams should be a maximum of four people. There will be a nominal charge, which includes a snack buffet. Proceeds will be donated to a local charity. If you require any further information call Gary on 815433.
BONFIRE NIGHT: With Bonfire Night looming in the next few weeks, the Maids Moreton Playing Fields Association are pleased to announce that once again they will be hosting this event on Thursday, November 5, with the bonfire being lit at 7pm and the firework display commencing at 7.15pm.
As last year, due to health and safety considerations, sparklers will not be allowed but 'glo-sticks' are perfectly acceptable. The normal refreshments will be available throughout the evening.
WEBSITE ADDRESS: Last week we reported on the Scotts Lane Urbanisation Group meeting which was addressed by John Smith of the FTT on the issue of overt discrimination against gypsies and travellers and the future effect that the Race Relations Act will now have on local planning issues.
Unfortunately, I submitted an incorrect web site address for this organisation.
The correct address for all those people that contacted me is www.gypsy-traveller.org
PRE-SCHOOL: The children at Maids Moreton Pre-School are now preparing artwork for a forthcoming display at Buckingham library. More details to follow soon.
If you would like your child to join the fun, you can enquire about places at our delightful village pre-school by calling the manager, Alice, on 824989. Children can start at the age of two and places are available for morning, afternoon or all-day sessions.
WHIST DRIVE: The next whist drive will be on Friday, October 23, in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
GRUMBLE GRANGE GROUP: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 27, at 7.30pm.
QUIZ NIGHT: There is to be a quiz night at the Village Hall on Saturday, October 31, with teams of four. The cost will be £5 per head. Further details to follow.
PARISH COUNCIL: Councillors have decided that the ongoing situation with dog fouling in the village has to be brought under control.
The council appeals to dog owners to act responsibly and have consideration for other villagers.
If any member of the public can produce evidence against any offender, the parish council will be quite willing to pursue a prosecution.
VILLAGE VOICE: Followers of this column may be interested to know that an unexpurgated version of the Village Voice also appears on the Maids Moreton village web site along with additional information relating to the Parish Council and other activities taking place in the village.
CONSERVATION GROUP: Blue skies and sunshine were the setting for the autumn clear-up of Scotts Lane on October 8. Eleven people turned up to work at caring for plants, bushes and trees.
At a welcome coffee break, a group picture was taken, and our thanks go to all. A member has also worked hard recently laying gravel on the footpath leading off the lane. We thank the parish council for funding the gravel.
MMCG is looking forward to spending the winter months researching the history of the village, beginning with the old farms. Details to follow.
Please note that MMCG has been in existence since 2002 and is not the same organisation as the Wellmore and Maids Moreton Conservation Group.

Padbury
Sue Wrigley, 01280 814199
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Tracey and Jackie of Pretty Bags and Bijoux Jewellery respectively are holding a joint Christmas Shopping Open Day at Tracey's home, 1 Meadow Gate, Main Street, on Wednesday, October 21.
They will be open between 9.30am and 4pm and again from 7pm to 10pm so there will be plenty of time to look at the very attractive items on sale and make an early start with your Christmas shopping.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and evening, for which a donation will be kindly requested, and there will also be a raffle.
All proceeds from these will go to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
There is lots of new stock to see – some very pretty jewellery and lovely Christmasy velvety things – so don't miss this opportunity to buy that ideal Christmas present for your friends and relations.
If you can't make it on that day, or have any queries, please give Tracey a ring on 01280 816203.
SAFARI SUPPER: The Safari Supper evening held on Saturday, October 24, has a theme of gangsters and molls, which will be a bit of fun. So get out that black beret with the fishnet tights and, of course, the violin case and join in the spirit of the evening.
After a start at the New Inn at 7.30pm, you will be given the secret address of your host for the first course.
That host will divulge the location of your main course and all participants will meet together at another mystery venue for puddings and coffee. Bring along drinks of your choice.
Tickets are £15 a head with food costs refunded if you are hosting a course. There is a special offer of half price for anyone attending a Padbury Safari Supper for the first time, so do come along.
To book, phone Sue or Nick Fane on 01280 823976.
WINSLOW AND DISTRICT ARTS SOCIETY: The annual WADAS exhibition of members' work will be held on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, at the Rose Room, Winslow Centre, between 10am and 5.30pm.
Entry is free and there is ample free parking, and they are looking forward to seeing lots of visitors from Padbury.
The next monthly informal painting workshops for WADAS members held in the studio in Padbury are on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, from 10am to 3pm.
Don't forget the monthly meetings held at the Winslow centre at which new members and visitors are always welcome. Please contact the secretary, Alicia Vaux, on 01280 813733 for more information
ALI'S DREAM CHRISTMAS CARDS: Ali's Dream Christmas cards go on sale about now, so contact Sue or Julie on 01296 730230 to ensure your order.
If you or your company send personalised Christmas cards, then please support Ali's Dream by ordering through them. It all helps to raise funds for research into childhood brain tumours.
You can order online via Charity Choice at www.charitychristmascards.com and 50p per card will be donated to Ali's Dream.
DOG FOULING: The parish council continues to receive complaints about dog owners who allow their pets to foul public areas, particularly the playing field.
Please be a responsible owner and scoop the poop. If you don't clear up after your dog you could be fined up to £1,000. Remember – your dog is your responsibility, and speaking as somone who has a grass verge outside their home, it's horrible to mow!
BINGO AND 100-1 CLUB: The raffle at last week's bingo raised £100 for Padbury School, so many thanks to all those who contributed.
In the 100-1 Club draw, Clive Illing took the first prize of £100 and the second prize of £50 went to Mary Simpson. Congratulations to both.
The next bingo evening will be on Friday, October 23, in the village hall, with play starting at 8pm.
You will be pleased to know that with the money raised from the 100-1 Club, the village hall is to be redecorated over half term, and we look forward to a smart new venue in a few weeks' time.