Abthorpe
John Riches, 01327 857703
WINTRY WEATHER: Heavy snow descended on Abthorpe during the recent cold spell. It was a recipe for chaos!
In reality despite difficulties, life went on much as normal and really strengthened our community spirit.
Neighbours called in to the homes of the elderly to clear their paths, made sure they were warm, did their shopping, transported them to doctors' appointment and collected pensions from Wappenham Post Office.
Despite heavy overnight snowfalls our Dairy Crest milkman who travels in from Milton Keynes delivered supplies in the early hours as usual.
Our newspapers come in from Banbury in Oxfordshire. Robert Schlachter, a manager for Smiths Newsagents, stated that Ross their delivery driver for the Abthorpe area managed to get through every day.
John Lawrence our postman and his colleagues from Towcester sorting office simply put chains on their vans and carried on making regular deliveries.
Other parcel delivery companies carried on despite difficulties.
Wappenham Road, our through route, was very regularly gritted by a team from Northamptonshire County Council so that drivers could proceed to Towcester and beyond - admittedly at some times with difficulty.
Main Street, Brackley Lane and the roads round the village green are still iced over and treacherous for the unwary.
But the incline to the pub has been salted so that our New Inn has remained open as usual with blazing fires in the inglenook making diners and drinkers feel very cosy.
Some of the schools that Abthorpe children attend closed temporarily.
But the children really enjoyed their unexpected additional break and as a result delightful snow sculptures appeared round the village.
One local farmer described how just before Christmas while giving his sheep injections he noticed that their fleeces were particularly thick.
He wondered if they knew something we humans didn't. Two weeks later when temperatures plummeted to -9degC the sheep were comfortable..
This week many ewes have been taken inside for lambing that begins in a few days time.
A telephone engineer from Openreach was seen sitting on her stool in the middle of a small snow drift making sure that a newcomer had a connection.
To all those who made sure that, despite awful weather conditions, our lives went on without undue hindrance – we send our grateful thanks.

Akeley
Sherri Holland, 01280 860486
>> Tai Chi-based exercise at Akeley Village Hall, Mondays from 1.45pm-2.45pm, £3.50 a sessions, suitable for any age and ability.
We are a small, friendly group and would welcome newcomers.
Please call Sherri on 860486 if you would like to come along or just turn up on the day.
>> Judo at Akeley Village Hall, Tuesdays in term-time from 6pm-7pm. Contact Adrian for further information on 01327 706287.
>> Come and join us on Wednesday, January 20 between 2.30pm and 4pm at Akeley Village Hall for a cup of tea of coffee and a piece of cake, a chance to sit down with friends and neighbours.
A large selection of previously read books will be available to buy - proceeds will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.
>> Monday, January 18 at 7.30pm - vlilage bingo in the village hall with your host John Cowley - everyone welcome.
AKELEY SOCIAL GROUP: Akeley Social Group will be holding a short informal open meeting at Akeley Village Hall on Wednesday January 20 prior to the annual meeting.
The hall will open from 7.15pm and we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for a glass of wine or a soft drink and let us know what sort of events you think our village should be hosting.
The group was formed following the closure of our original village hall and since then we have strived to provide a variety of events for all ages such as: annual pig roast, seniors Christmas lunch, childrens' Christmas party, skateboarding, Owls show, open village day, St George's Day dinner at the pub, Christmas Eve dinner and carols at the pub, visit to Hook Norton Brewery, canal trip, ten pin bowling, spring and autumn Dance to live music, but we would really appreciate some new ideas on what you and your families would like us to organise throughout the coming year.
If you would like to join the social group new members are always welcome but please feel free just to come and express your views.
The meeting will commence at 8pm.

Great Horwood
Patricia Rudkin, 01296 712930
WINslow community bus:www.winslowbus.com
Everyone is eligible to come on our trips, we pick up near to your house, please ring Sue for more information.
*Denotes bus pass accepted.
Tuesday, February 2 – Buckingham Bus *. Also Tuesday, March 2 –Buckingham Bus *
Thursday, February 4 – Westcroft Bus also Thursday,February 18 * And Westcroft Bus Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, March 18 all bus passes accepted.
The two Snowdrop Run Lunch 'n Drive (March 11 and 16) are now fully booked.
A third trip to see the snowdrops at Welford Park is being arranged.
The Snowdrop Run Lunch 'n' Drive is £10 and includes entrance to park, (not including lunch).
Thursday, February 25 – Northampton Shopping, £4.50.
Tuesday, March 23 –Thame Market and lunch £4.50 (not including lunch)
Thursday, March 25 –Berkhamsted Shopping, £4.50.
Telephone Sue on 01296 715786 to book your tickets for trips and theatre.
e-mail: wdcbenquiries@btconnect.com
FOCUS GREAT HORWOOD'S PARISH MAGAZINE: Everything for Focus must be in by the 15th of every month, for the following month.
As there was no Focus in January, February items must be in today, Friday.
Please send any articles to ghfocus@mac.com by the 15th of each month.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: As the cold weather continues and further snow and low temperatures are predicted, please consider how you can help to keep yourself safe and possibly help others in your community:-
Are there any vulnerable people within your community that might be worried about slipping or falling if they go out? Could you maybe offer to assist them - getting shopping, collecting prescriptions etc?
When you are defrosting your car, do not be tempted to leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. Modern cars are not easy to steal, so potential thieves could be looking out for an easy opportunity to take your vehicle - and under these circumstances your insurance company is unlikely to pay out for the theft.
GREAT HORWOOD CRICKET CLUB: Looking towards next season, indoor winter net practice sessions have been arranged for all sections of the club.
For the men's, ladies and under 16s, the sessions begin on Friday, January 29 and will continue for 10 weeks.
These will be held at Drayson Hall, Stowe School from 7pm to 8.30 pm.
For all other age groups the time and venue will be the same, but the sessions will be on a Monday evening, starting on Monday, January 25.
New players are welcome at all sessions and everyone will benefit from the club's network of ECB qualified coaches.
WHEELS TO WORK: It is a project for young people (17+) who live in rural areas and have difficulties getting to College or a place of work due to the poor public transport links.
The project provides them with a moped, insurance and safety equipment as well as lessons how to use the bike so they have better means to travel to College or their place of work.
We have one young man who joined the scheme as he lived outside Winslow and had to take three buses to get to the college. It has given him more flexibility with his courses and school activities as he is not restricted by bus services.
Contact Vicki Parker for further information on 01296 421036.
WEDNESDAY GROUP: Women of all ages from Great Horwood and Singleborough are most welcome to any meeting.
It provides an opportunity to meet others and usually to enjoy good conversation and a drink or two.
Sometimes we gather in a member's house, visit the theatre or cinema or have a speaker in to talk to us.
Members have planned a couple of events in the autumn, but no one person organises every thing!
One of us takes on the organiser role for a specific event they think the others might enjoy.
However we frequently meet for a drink in the Crown on the third Wednesday of the month.
If you are new to the village or have not been before, call 01296 713462 or email suevincent@keme.co.uk for more details and what is arranged for the next few meetings.
Why not join us, the next gathering will be on Wednesday, January 20, meal at the Crown, menu to be decided, from 8pm. Contact Kath on 01296 712520 if you would like to go. Bookings must be accompanied by £10 deposit.
GREAT HORWOOD LUNCH CLUB: Tuesday, December 22 saw nearly 30 happy diners at the Swan public house in Great Horwood.
This festive gathering gathering was part of the lunch club, newly started in the village.
On this occasion everyone was in a festive mood and the 'surprise' promised to dinners on this occasion, by the doctor's car service was a chocolate gift for everyone! Festive crackers were also part of this Christmas meal.
There was also a free raffle with many beautiful prizes, so a very happy day for many!
As usual there was a good choice of main courses, with the traditional turkey and trimmings on offer. The main course with a dessert is only £5 per head for club members, this includes tea or coffee.
It costs nothing to be a club member, so why not join before the next meal. All you need to do is book at least a week in advance through the club secretary.
Come and join us - you are welcome.
The club will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month and the next meeting is Tuesday, January 26.
To book for this lunch please contact Ian Lamberton on 01296 715968 or Monica Gilbey on 01296 711915 by the 15th, so we can let Kate, at the Swan, know the numbers
Please note to avoid confusion over numbers bookings should not be made directly with the pub.
See you there.
BABY AND TODDLER GROUP : Meets every Wednesday afternoon, in Great Horwood Village Hall between 1.15 pm and 2.45 pm. 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.

Little Horwood
Chrissie Beckett, 01296 712436
NOT QUITE SNOWED IN! Thank you so much to all our young people who yet again came up trumps!
Armed with spades and wheelbarrows they were out and about whenever possible clearing paths and driveways of our elderly residents.
We are so fortunate to have you as part of our village community and we appreciate what you do to help make Little Horwood such a good community in which to live. We wish those of you about to take exams good luck and good outcomes! Thank you all.
VAT SUPPER, TOMORROW, SATURDAY: A supper will be held in the memorial hall tomorrow night to raise money to pay for VAT on the costs of the re-building of the church wall.
It was understood that the VAT was reclaimable but we have now been told it is not considered part of the church fabric, so has become an additional cost.
Leaflets have been put through every door but if you need further information plese contact me. If you are unable to come along please do support by making a donation or buying raffle tickets for a chance to win a lovely prize! Many thanks
MURSLEY JUMBLE SALE:Please come along and support the jumble sale on Saturday, January 23 to be held in Mursley Village Hall at 2.30pm Entrance 50p. Thank You.
SWANBOURNE POST OFFICE:
PLEASE REMEMBER – YOUR POST OFFICE IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!
Most people make good use of the Post Office in the run up to Christmas but don't forget that your local P.O. can provide a wide range of services all through the year. Whether it's meeting all your postage needs, banking facilities, a handy store for all kinds of groceries, or that forgotten birthday card, Swanbourne Post Office is at the heart of our community, serving the villages of Swanbourne, Drayton Parslow, Little Horwood, Great Horwood, Thornborough, Great Brickhill, Whaddon and Twyford.
The Post Office comes to Little Horwood every Tuesday between 10am and noon in the Memorial Hall and we are so grateful to Paula for all she does to support our village.
Early next month we are planning another popular bring and buy and coffee morning in aid of the church so watch this space for more information next week.
CHURCH SERVICES, SUNDAY, JANUARY 17: Little Horwood: Holy Communion, 9.30am; Mursley: Holy Communion, 9.30am; Swanbourne: Family Service, 11am; Newton Longville:Praise and Worship, 11am; Drayton Parslow: Evening Prayer, 6pm.
On January 24 I'll be heading up the family service and can do with all the support I can muster!
Please bring your families along. There will be plenty for everyone! If you have a hidden talent and would like to take part with a song or dance please let me know! (Not just restricted to children!) Please note: Interactive services begin again on February 7 in Little Horwood Church followed by shared lunch in the Old School. All are welcome and although the service is planned by and for families with young children, there is always something for all ages!

Maids Moreton
Anita Matthews, 01280 814358
CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday there will be a service of Holy Communion at 8am followed by a Service of Sunday Worship at 10.30am conducted by the W.I. Searchlights should meet a Maids Moreton school. Any concerns about the weather conditions should be addressed to 814328
WHIST DRIVES: The Whist Drives for this month will be on Friday 22 and Friday 29 at 7.30pm in the village hall. If you are concerned about the weather conditions please call 813469 to confirm.
SOUP LUNCH: The next Soup Lunch will be on Friday 15 at 12.14pm for 12.30pm in the village hall. If you are concerned about weather conditions please call 813469 for confirmation.
MAIDS MORETON MERRYMAKERS: There is no meeting this month. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 3.
VILLAGE HALL ANNUAL MEETING: This is to be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 7.30pm in the village hall. Villagers are urged to attend this meeting to help support this vital aspect of our village.
BURN'S NIGHT SUPPER DANCE: This annual event will take place at the Buckingham Community Centre on Friday, January 29 at 7pm for 7.30pm. The evening consists of a fantastic four course meal, a piper to pipe in the Haggis, some very short speeches and then dancing to Tumbledown Dick who are excellent entertainers. Licensed bar, carriages at midnight. £35 per head. This is an event not to be missed. Tickets can be obtained from Georgie on 815317

Mursley
Doody Hough, 01296 728161
>>Mursley Village Hall committee will be holding a Jumble Sale in Mursley Village Hall on Saturday, January 23, at 2.30pm.
There will be an entrance charge of 50p, and refreshments will be served. This is a great opportunity to pick up some bargains, and everyone is welcome.
It is also a good time to have a clear-out after Christmas. All donations of good quality jumble, books and bric-a-brac will be very welcome, and can be brought to the Village Hall between 10am and 11.30am on the day.
Contacts: Wendi Cramphorn (01296 720291) and Sarah Tye (01296 720229)
All proceeds will go to Village Hall funds.

Padbury
Sue Wrigley, 01280 814199
SNOW CANCELLATIONS: Unfortunately two recent events have had to be cancelled because of the snow.
The quiz night at the New Inn last Sunday did not take place, as although the road outside the pub and Main Street itself are not too bad, the pavements are very icy and it was decided not to put anyone at risk.
Last Tuesday evening the Adstock and Padbury Garden Club should have met in Adstock but it was thought that the conditions would not encourage too many people to venture out.
Next month Janet Cropley is coming to give a talk and she always treats members to an interesting and hugely enjoyable evening so do come along.
The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 9 in Padbury Village Hall and visitors are always very welcome.
COFFEE MORNING: Everyone is warmly invited to a coffee morning at my house, The Well House, Lower Way, Padbury, this morning, Friday from 10.30am.
Put your snow shoes on, get those walking poles out and come and catch up with friends you perhaps haven't seen for a while or just come along to chat. There will be a small raffle with proceeds going to Padbury Church funds.
VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE MEETING: The village hall committee will meet at 8pm next Thursday, January 21 in the village hall and representatives of all groups and societies that use the hall on a regular basis are urged to attend.
Please make every effort to come along but if you really can't attend, then please don't forget to send your apologies to Shirley Lafford.
mother's union: Padbury and Adstock Mothers' Union starts the new year with a service of Holy Communion in St Mary's Church at 11am on Thursday, January 21 and any friends are very welcome to join them in this service.
Kathie Cresswell is the branch leader and can be contacted on 01280 816387 if you would like information.
local and family history society: The first meeting of the local and family history society will be held on Thursday, January 28 in Padbury Church starting at 7.30pm.
Further details from Frank Hartley on 07966 978882.
DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF BILL THATCHER: Bill Thatcher, who died on November 11, would be delighted in the knowledge that a total of £1,375 has been given in his memory to St Mary's Church as was his wish.
On Bill's behalf, Roger and Julia, Clive and Teresa and their families would like to thank most sincerely all those who made a donation.

Preston Bissett
Anna King, 01296 738853
100 CLUB WINNERS FOR JANUARY 2010: 1st Mr E Porter; 2nd Natasha Cuin; 3rd Miss C Tyzack
PAVEMENT GRITTER: A pavement gritter has been purchased by the parish council for all villagers to use.
It will be stored by Madelaine Brown and you can call her on 01280 847046 if you would like to use it.
As and when necessary Madelaine will co-ordinate people to distribute grit around the village so if you are happy to volunteer to help then please let her know.

Thornborough
Chrissie Vernon, 01280 813073
bingo: A new date for bingo is January 23 at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Tingewick
Joanna Brown, 01280 847479
CHURCH SERVICES:Holy Communion will be held at 9:30am on Sunday, January 17 at St Mary Magdalene's in Tingewick. Contact the Rev Chris Carter on 01280 848291 for more information.
PUB LUNCH CLUB: The next pub lunch club will be on Tuesday, January 19 and will inclide a choice of gammon, cod, chicken balti, chicken pie or steak pie.
Please contact Rosemary on 01280 848612 to book your place.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY - LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD: The Historical Society will be hosting a talk by Martin Greenwood on how far the TV drama reflects the reality of country life at the turn of the 20th Century.
This will take place in the village hall on Wednesday, January 20 at 7:45pm. Non members £2. Telephone Jackie Nash on 01280 848431 if you need more information.
MOBILE LIBRARY: The mobile library is due to be in Stowe View from 3.20pm on Thursday, January 21, but this may be affected by the snow.

Wappenham
Jane Harries, 01327 860350
QUIZ NIGHT, JANUARY 16: There will be another of our popular quiz nights at the village hall. Food will be available from 7pm and the quiz starts at approximately 7.30pm. The food is chili con carne or a vegetarian chili, with rice.
Tickets can be purchased from the shop, or reserved by calling Jenny on 860073. The cost is £6.50 per head in advance or £7.50
if purchased on the door. Please bring your own drink.
Make up your own teams of up to six or be allocated one on the night.
Our quiz nights are great fun and any proceeds will go
towards maintenance and improvements for the village hall, so do come along and have a great night!
SHORT MAT BOWLS:In 1991, Maud Peart formed the Wappenham Short Mat Bowls Club, with Comsport very kindly lending a mat and some bowls and giving a few lessons.
In 1995 Comsport asked for their equipment back so they could help other villages. Members of the Bowls Club raised money and received grants so that they were able to buy their own mat and bowls to carry on the club.
Now the club has been running for nearly 20 years but and there is a big BUT, in order to keep the club going we need some new members.
Why not try it?
So, why not come along to the village hall on a Thursday afternoon from 2pm until 4pm (cup of tea at 3pm) and try it out?
No equipment is necessary, bowls are provided, but please bring your slippers and £1.50.
If you would like any more information then please either give me (Eliza) a ring on
860240, or Judy King on 860449 and we will do all we can to help you.
Please help us to keep the club going.
CAROL SINGING SUCCESS: On behalf of the Church, Eliza Bond would like to say a very big thank you to everybody who braved the cold to sing carols around the village in aid of the Children's Society. Thanks also to everyone who braved the cold and opened their door to us - £78 was raised.
Thanks also to Mr & Mrs Tomkinson, who started the singers off so well with mulled wine and mince pies, that they didn't feel the cold for at least half-an-hour!
It was extremely cold so the singers say: 'Sorry if we didn't get to your part of the village - your turn next year to put up with us!"