Abthorpe
John Riches 01327 713457
VILLAGE FUN COMMITTEE: THE Village Fun Committee has announced its provisional programme for the year.
The first event is a quiz night including a fish and chip supper on Saturday, April 18.
Roger Tolson is setting the questions and a mobile fish and chip van will provide the refreshments.
Tickets priced at £7.50 each are available from Andrea on 01327 850536.
For those unable to get to the quiz there will be a fish and chips home delivery service available throughout the village.
Advance booking is essential.
A Grand Barn Dance will be held at Highfield Farm on Saturday, June 13, with music by the band Bricks & Brussels.
A hog roast will form part of the refreshments.
Cameo Opera, one of the most prominent musical groups in the country, perform in the Old School on Saturday, September 26.
The group promises to provide a mixture of light opera, Gilbert and Sullivan and items from West End musicals.

Akeley
Sherri Holland 01280 860486
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE: A PALM Sunday Service is being held in the village hall at 10.30am.
We will be joined by headteacher Sally Hughes and children from St James and St John School.
STEP BY STEP: STEP by Step dancing lessons are held at the village hall each Thursday from 8pm to 9pm, come and join in the fun.
AGM: YOU are invited to Akeley Village Hall AGM which will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at 8pm at the village hall.
There will be a review of the past year and a look at plans for the future.
WEBSITE: YOU can keep up-to-date with what's been happening in the village and find out what is planned for the next few weeks by visiting the parish council's website on www.akeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Great Horwood
Patricia Rudkin 01296 712930
THE SWAN PUBLIC HOUSE: IS holding a children's Easter egg hunt and you can call 01296 712556 for details.
Website www.theswaninn.mysite.orange. co.uk.
GOOD FRIDAY WORKSHOP: THE Good Friday Workshop (April 10) will run from 10am until noon, in the Scout HQ.
The workshop is open for all five- to 12-year-olds who like having fun making a range of Easter-based crafts, including Easter cards, an Easter garden, cooking, painting, sewing and lots, lots more.
The children should be dropped off at the Scout HQ and picked up from St James Church after a short service to mark the end of the morning.
For more details contact Sue Brazier on 01296 714712.
BELLRINGERS: IT is hoped to get the bells ringing again at Great Horwood, consequently there will be a practice on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, starting on Tuesday, April 21.
If you can ring, or are interested in learning, please do come along.
For further details contact David Moore on 01296 713281 or simply turn up on April 21.
REFUSE FREIGHTER: THE roving village freighter service will next visit Great Horwood on Thursday, April 30 between 7.30am and 11am.
For the use of the villagers, AVDC provides a special refuse freighter, which comes to a regular site in Willow Road (on the car park) on a half-day visit.
Householders can then deposit waste into the vehicle with the content being overseen by the driver.
If you need waste items removing at any other times contact 01296 585510.
The service is only for the collection of household waste and will not take any of the following: fridges and freezers, clinical waste, car parts, tyres, exhausts, batteries, oils etc; hazardous waste: asbestos etc, commercial or business waste, building rubble, paint, liquids or garden chemicals etc.
If in doubt telephone 01296 585510 to ask or see the website www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/refuse.
Rubbish left on the site before the refuse freighter will be regarded as fly-tipping and offenders could be prosecuted.
Watch this column for future dates or contact me, Patricia Rudkin, on 01296 712930 or email VillageVoice@greathorwoodbucks.co.uk.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: THE next parish council meeting will take place on Monday, April 6, at 7.30pm in the village hall.
If you have any items that you would like to bring to the council's attention please contact either the clerk (Duncan Trigg, dst.parishclerk@tiscali.co.uk) or any councillor.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: THIS will take place on Thursday, April 30 at 7.30pm in the village hall.
GREAT HORWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB: THE football club is looking to extend the land it uses as it continues to grow with the junior teams.
If anyone can provide some ideas how this can be moved forward, please contact Eddie on 01296 712980.
Also, the club is looking to carry out more extensive work at the pitch over the next few months and will need help and assistance in many ways.
If you can help please contact Eddie, or email chairman@greathorwoodfc.co.uk.
GREAT HORWOOD CRICKET CLUB:THERE has been a change of venue for the final two sessions for the seniors and the under 15 squad.
The final practice sessions will be held at Brook End Sports Centre on Sunday, April 5 from 9am to 11am and on Tuesday, April 7 from 7pm to 9pm.
If you fancy joining our ladies' squad, contact me and I will put you in touch with our captain, Stacey Ridgway.
This weekend, April 4 and 5, we are participating in the NatWest cricketforce scheme.
This is an opportunity for clubs to work on their ground and facilities for the new season, so anyone who has a couple of hours to spare should come up to the cricket ground in Nash Road from 10am on either day.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Gary Lee, hon secretary, GHCC, 01296 712772 or email garymlee1@hotmail.com. or do have a look at the club's website www.greathorwoodcc.com
RACE NIGHT: GRAND National Race Night tomorrow, Saturday, at the cricket pavilion, doors open at 7pm and first race will be under starter's orders at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £5, to include supper, and are available from Steve on 01296 712068 and Darren on 01296 713234.
Race sponsorship is available at £15 per race, contact Darren on 01296 713234.
GREAT HORWOOD COMBINED SCHOOL: WE need two play leaders for an hour a day from 12.15pm until 1.15pm, term time only (this is a paid position).
For more details contact the school office on 01296 712622.
The school welcomes any Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers you may have collected or Nestle Box Tops For Books and Times Books for School Tokens.
VILLAGE HALL: FOR hire costs and booking conditions, please contact Jeannie on 01296 713727 for details.
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.
If you would like to book a place or would like some more information, please contact Charlotte Simpson on 07967 701056.

Little Horwood
Chrissie Beckett 01296 712436
BRING AND BUY: THIS will take place on Tuesday, April 7, between 10.30am and noon in the Memorial Hall.
Now the holidays are here please bring your families along to enjoy such a lovely part of our village community.
Toys will be available with which the children can play while you enjoy a browse and cup of tea or coffee.
All proceeds will go to our church.
If you have any items for the stall please bring them along or deliver to me beforehand.
There will also be a raffle.
CHURCH CLEAN: THANK you so much to all those who turned up to help clean the church last Saturday.
It looks lovely after its spring clean and felt so welcoming to everyone who crossed the doors on Sunday for such a brilliant Benefice Service.
SHOULDER OF MUTTON: MANY thanks to Fred and Eve who do so much to support the village by providing great opportunities for us to join together for nights out as well as supporting the village at every other opportunity.
A fun quiz is planned for the first Sunday of every month beginning on May 3, and why not try your hand at darts? It's another night of fun and friendship which takes place every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm.
Steak Night is every Saturday from 7pm, two courses are available from £12.50.
SWANBOURNE SHOP: PLEASE sort out any spare shopping bags you may have lurking in your cupboards.
The shop would be very glad to receive them!
CHURCH SERVICES: PALM Sunday Service at 11am in Little Horwood Church for all the family.
This will be followed by a shared lunch in the old school.
The playing field and children's play area is next to the hall so why not come along to join in fun and fellowship and enjoy these wonderful facilities.
If you attend another service, that doesn't matter. Everyone is welcome!
MAUNDY THURSDAY: A SERVICE of midweek Communion will be held in Mursley Church at 10am on Maundy Thursday, April 9.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES: AT Swanbourne at 2pm, an hour of meditation, and Newton Longville at 10am, an hour around the cross.
GOOD FRIDAY WALK FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS: MEET outside Mursley CE First School at 10.30am for a walk of approximately two miles.
There will be a stable yard stop for hot cross buns and coffee or squash and an opportunity to take part in family crafts.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Return between 12.30pm and 1pm.
Please ring me as soon as possible if you plan to go in order that I can let the organiser know.

Maids Moreton
Anita Matthews 01280 814358
CHURCH SERVICES: THERE is a service of Holy Communion on Sunday at 8am followed by a Family Service with the Searchlights at 10.30am.
AT EDMUND'S CHURCH SPRING CLEAN: THE churchwardens would like to thank all those many volunteers who turned up last week to help with the spring clean of the church and grounds.
WHIST DRIVE: THE next whist drive will be on Friday, April 10, in the village hall at 7.30pm.
WHEATSHEAF QUIZ EVENING: THERE will be a quiz evening at The Wheatsheaf public house on Monday, April 6, commencing at 8.30pm.
Teams should be a maximum of four people.
There will be a nominal charge which includes a snack buffet, the proceeds of which will be donated to a local charity.
For further information call Gary on 01280 815433.
GRUMBLE GRANGE GROUP: THE group has now broken up for the Easter holidays.
Watch this space for details of the next meeting.
SOUP LUNCH: THE next soup lunch will be on Friday, April 17, in the village hall at 12.15pm for 12.30pm.
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.

Padbury
Sue Wrigley 01280 814199
CANCER CHARITIES' COFFEE MORNING: SUE Paxton is holding a coffee morning and raffle in conjunction with Avon Cosmetics in aid of UK breast cancer charities tomorrow, Saturday, from 10am to noon at Wayside Cottage, Winslow Road (almost opposite the New Inn).
Avon has been raising money for UK breast cancer charities since 1992 so bring a friend or two and help support this very worthy cause which is familiar to so many people.
If you can't make the coffee morning but would like to give a donation, please ring Sue on 01280 815289.
All proceeds from the sale of refreshments and the raffle will be donated to the charities.
TENNIS CLUB: THE tennis club is holding an open day for both members and non-members this coming Sunday, at the Recreation Ground at Springfields.
If you are thinking of joining the tennis club or just want to see where it all happens, do go along and have a chat.
There will be a barbecue at noon followed by organised games for children and adults together with lots of fun activities.
Please allow £1 per person for the barbecue and bring your own drinks.
Contact Sarah Morris, the secretary, on 01280 816262 for more information and also for details of its Strictly Come Dancing evening on Saturday, April 25 in the village hall.
This will involve a lesson by a real dance teacher and a 'dance off' for those brave enough to take part.
Contact Tracey Sargent on 01280 816203 for availability of tickets.
LENT LUNCHES: NEXT Thursday, April 9, sees the last of this year's Lent lunches in St Mary's Church from noon and I am sure everybody has enjoyed the wonderful home-made soups over the past six weeks.
Many thanks to all who have made the soups and helped in any other way.
PALM SUNDAY DONKEY SEARCH: I PUT in a plea last week for a docile donkey whose owner might permit him or her to take part in the Palm Sunday procession this coming Sunday morning in time for the 11am service.
No joy so far, but just in case someone reads this at the last minute, please do give me a ring.
EASTER LILIES: IF you wish to donate an Easter lily in memory of a loved one as part of the decoration of St Mary's at Easter, please give the names and your donation to Jenny Shields (01280 814474) or Grace Tearle (01280 813600) ideally by the end of today, Friday.
GOOD FRIDAY CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP: THE annual Benefice Good Friday Workshop for children of four years and over takes place in Adstock Church and village hall on April 10.
Not only do the older ones learn, but are able to help with the younger ones, so are especially welcome.
The outline plan is the same as in previous years although the activities will be different and the day will start at 10am with a short act of worship.
Activities will take place until lunch at 12.30pm and each child is asked to bring a plate of something to share. Drinks will be provided.
At around 2.30pm the activities will finish so that everyone can gather in Adstock Church for the Good Friday Family Service at 3pm, and afterwards there will be tea and hot cross buns in the village hall.
If you have children who wish to take part, please contact Jenny Shields (01280 814474) as soon as possible.
Any offers of help for all or part of the day would be much appreciated.
ADSTOCK & PADBURY GARDEN CLUB: THE speaker at the next meeting of the Adstock & Padbury Garden Club, Kathy Brown, will be talking about Edible Flower Gardens.
Kathy showed Sarah Raven how to use specific ones to brighten meals on Gardener's World back in October 2008, so it will be interesting to hear her tips now that the growing season is well on track.
The meeting will be held in Adstock Village Hall at 8pm on Tuesday, April 14, and visitors will be very welcome.
Following the April meeting, the summer season's garden and nursery tours will take members outdoors for the next three months, and details of the planned visits will be available at the above-mentioned meeting along with forms to book places.
WINSLOW & DISTRICT ARTS SOCIETY: WADAS members' informal workshops will be held in Padbury between 10am and 3pm on Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, at West Bourn, Main Street, and the next monthly meeting will be held in the Winslow Centre on Thursday, April 30 starting at 7.30pm.
Jill Winch will be demonstrating how to paint a 'botanical' subject in watercolour, which will be of particular interest to those who went on the excursion to Kew last week and saw the fantastic paintings in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.
If you would like to find out more about WADAS please contact the secretary, Alicia Vaux, on 01280 813733 or visit the website at www.freewebs.com/bucksart.
NEW INN ACTIVITIES: THE next quiz night will be on Sunday, April 19, a week later than usual as the 12th is Easter Sunday and many people are likely to be either away or involved with family.
The first in a new venture at the New Inn is Nigel's Card Night which will take place on Sunday evening, April 26 from 7.30pm.
This will have a whist theme and will be for all levels of players with the opportunity of someone going round helping those who are not so experienced.
Contact Nicki or Terry on 01280 813173 for more details.
ALI'S DREAM CLAY PIGEON SHOOT: CALLING all clay pigeon shoot fans and those who'd like to try!
This very popular annual event takes place at Padbury Hill Farm on Sunday, April 26 from 9am and the cost per individual this year is £55 which will cover the hire of traps, insurance, clays, cartridges, breakfast and lunch - inclusive of beer, lager and wine.
Spectators are welcome at a cost of £10 (£5 for children under 12).
There will be a sweepstake and a pool shoot.
The number of teams is limited to 24 and your entries must be in by next Saturday, April 11.
Please contact Sue Farrington Smith at Padbury Hill Farm on 01296 730230 for all information.
To maximise the amount raised at this event, perhaps you or you company might care to sponsor all or part of the many features of the day: insurance, traps, clays, cartridges, catering, trophies and rolling the fields after the event.
Publicity will be given to sponsors, both on the day and in press releases, so, if you can help, please contact either Sue or Karen on the above number.
MAIN STREET PLAY AREA: PLANS are well in hand now for the new play equipment in the Main Street play area, so all that remains is to raise the money!
To encourage people to contribute, boxes for donations will be in the New Inn, the Blackbird and Padbury Meats from this week, so dig deep - put all your spare change in the boxes and give the children a great new play area.
If anyone wishes to sponsor a piece of equipment or a bench or even a picnic bench, do contact Debbie Gibbs on 01280 815044 for details.
BINGO & 100-1 CLUB: THERE will be bingo tonight, Friday, in the village hall with an extra special raffle for Easter, the proceeds of which will go St Dunstans.
The next bingo sessions will be on April 17 and 24.
Donations of raffle prizes would be very welcome and Shirley can be contacted on 01280 812535.
Membership of the 100-1 Club now needs to be renewed so please contact either Jean Stuchbury on 01280 822109 or Carol Bloxham on 01280 812067 or of course Shirley herself on the above number.
Subscriptions should be in by June 26 with the first draw of the new season scheduled for Friday July 10.
Also, please inform them if you wish to leave the club.

Syresham
Christina Munsey
SYRESHAM & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY: THE next meeting of the Society will be held on Tuesday, April 7, in Syresham Village Hall at 7.30pm.
There will be a talk by Gillian Lewis on Trade Tokens - the exchange of tokens between traders and the growth of the barter system, particularly between shopkeepers and their customers.
Visitors are as always most welcome.
SYRESHAM SCARECROW FESTIVAL: PREPARATIONS are now being made for this year's Scarecrow Festival that will be held on June 27/28.
The theme this year will be Comedy and Laughter and all residents are invited to make a scarecrow that is in some way funny - a comedian, a character from a comedy programme, a comical scarecrow, a scarecrow in a comical situation, a scarecrow making a funny remark - in fact anything you think will provoke a smile.
The idea is to fill the village with laughter for residents and visitors alike.
We do, however, need lots of helpers, so if you feel able to give a little of your time during the weekend please ring Chris on 01280 850596 or Dot on 01280 850626.
We will also, as usual, have open gardens.
If you would be willing to open your garden during the weekend, please call one of the above numbers.
Let's make this year's festival bigger, better and funnier than ever before.
VILLAGE HALL QUIZ: THERE will be a fun general knowledge quiz in the village hall on Friday, April 24 at 7.30pm.
Teams of four are invited to take part and there will be a raffle.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available, but please bring your own drinks and nibbles.
Proceeds will go to the village hall renovation fund.

Thornborough
Chrissie Vernon 01280 813073
THORNBOROUGH CHURCHES: WE are having an Easter Activity afternoon on Monday, April 6, from 1pm to 3pm at the village hall.
This event is for children aged five to 12 (bring a packed lunch with you).
There will be a prize for the best Easter Garden on a Plate competition.
There will be lots of crafts work, stories, singing, cooking and games, so come along and join us.
For further details call Anne Cassidy on 01280 812277.
THORNBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH: COME to our spring and buy at the Methodist Church on Saturday, April 11 from 10am to noon.
Half of the proceeds will go to Willen Hospice.
There will be a plant stall, tombola, bring and buy, cakes and savouries stall and an Easter alphabet table where you win every time (lots of things for children).
Also, have a hot cross bun and a cuppa!
BINGO: THE next bingo in the village hall is on Saturday, April 18 at 7.30pm.
Donations of raffle prizes would be much appreciated.
All welcome.

Tingewick
Joanna Brown 01280 847479
PLAY AROUND THE PARISHES: TEAMS of play workers, along with staff from the Sure Start Children's Centres, will be providing a range of play equipment and activities for one- to 11-year-olds on Wednesday, April 8 from 2pm to 4.30pm at Roundwood School field on Main Street.
Activities will include art and crafts, sports and games, as well as bouncy castles and inflatables.
The events are free of charge and there is no need to book, just turn up on the day.
In the event of bad weather, it may be necessary to cancel the session.
Please note that parents must stay with their children and bring their own refreshments.
EASTER CRAFT FAYRE: TINGEWICK Pre-School's Easter Craft Fayre was a big success again this year, raising close on £200 for the pre-school.
Thank you to everyone who came along, and a special thank you to those who donated Easter eggs and baked cakes, and ran stalls.
SPRING GARDEN COMPETITION: TINGEWICK & Water Stratford Horticultural Society is running its Spring Garden competition.
This is an opportunity to show off all your hard work and is open to both members and non-members alike.
Judging will take place between 10.30am and 1pm on April 16, contact Pat Swinburne on 01280 847764 for entrance information.
VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT: IF you are interested in the history of Tingewick and its future development within the parish boundary, then come along to the village hall tomorrow, Saturday, from 11.30am onwards.
It will be your opportunity to contribute and have your say in managing any future change.
PATH WALKING: THE annual survey of all the footpaths in the parish will be taking place on Saturday, April 18.
If you can help by walking one (or more) of them, please come along to the Royal Oak at 10.30am for hot drinks and bacon butties before setting off.
Any questions, please telephone Tim Poil on 01280 847354.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: THE parish council will hold its regular meeting at 8pm on Thursday, April 9, in the village hall.
Contact the clerk on 01280 848689 for more information.
SCOUTS: THE Tingewick Scout Troop has continued to have an active programme of events for young people aged 10-and-a-half to 14-and-a-half within the village and surrounding areas.
If you are interested in joining the Scouts, or would like to know more about being a leader, contact Roger Williams on 01280 847824 or pop into the village hall at 7pm on Tuesdays when they hold their regular meeting.
WHIST DRIVE: THE next whist drive will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Contact Herby Taylor on 01280 847088.

Twyford
Julia Cook 01296 738810
EASTER COFFEE MORNING: TOMORROW, Saturday, an Easter Coffee Morning is being held from 10.30am to noon at the United Reformed Chapel.
Greetings cards, Easter cakes and biscuits, preserves, eggs, seeds, Fair Trade goods and new Traidcraft Spring Catalogue.
Free admission.
TWYFORD SCHOOL: THERE will be an Easter egg hunt taking place today, Friday, at 3.30pm at the school.
Everyone is welcome to come along.
There will be a cake stall, raffle, and a school uniform sale as well as the hunt.
VILLAGE HALL MAY DAY FETE: THIS event is taking place on Monday, May 4 at the recreation ground.
All the usual fete attractions plus dancing displays and a carnival dance.
Further details on posters and flyers around the village.

Water Stratford
Helen Hilsdon 01280 848216
OPEN GARDENS: FOUR spring gardens in the village of Water Stratford will be open to visitors on Wednesday, April 29 from 10am to 5pm in aid of the Church Restoration Fund.
Home-made refreshments will be on sale all day and the ticket price of £3 will include a coffee or tea.
The gardens and the refreshment area will be clearly marked as will a walk down to the river (weather permitting).
St Giles is open every day and visitors are welcome to visit our village church too.

Westbury
Louise Evans 01280 706282
VILLAGE BREAKFAST & EASTER TRAIL: DO come and enjoy an Easter trail around Westbury on Sunday, April 5, or just have a late breakfast, a read of the Sunday papers and a chat.
The buffet breakfast will be sausage/bacon butties and pastries from 11am, £2 per brunch.
The trail commences from the pavilion at 10am, and don't forget there will be Easter eggs for the children (£1 per child).
MARY BERRY: THE Swan and Cygnet Group, hosted by Westbury and District WI, invite you to meet Mary Berry, celebrated cook and author, at Buckingham Community Centre on Thursday, April 23 at 7.30pm.
Admission is by ticket only, at £5 each.
For ticket details contact Alison Boughton on 01280 704139 or Louise Evans on 01280 706282.
Deadline for tickets is April 16.
There will also be tea/coffee and biscuits served, and a competition will be for an old cookery book or utensil.
Email: clare.wale@ccnltd.com