Abthorpe
John Riches 01327 857703
LAST SERVICE: THE morning service in Abthorpe church this Sunday was particularly well attended.
The occasion was Canon Bridget Smith's last service in Abthorpe church before she retires.
It was a joyful service with happy memories of Bridget's time here mingled with the sadness that she is leaving.
The service started with Bridget presenting Abthorpe church with a lovely Baptism bowl, that will be a very welcome asset during future baptisms.
This was gratefully accepted by churchwarden Jan Miles.
At the end of the service, as the congregation collected at the back of the church for coffee and chocolate cake, Bridget was presented with a card, garden vouchers and a bouquet of flowers.
During the presentation, churchwarden Richard Tomalin recalled some of the happy and memorable times shared by everyone during Bridget's stay.
Canon Bridget's last service of all in Whittlewood Parishes will be on Sunday, March 1 at 10am in Silverstone church.
There is also a drop-in reception for anyone who wants to say goodbye to Bridget and David between 6.30pm and 9pm on Friday, March 6, at Paulerspury Village Hall.

Akeley
Sherri Holland 01280 860486
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.
STEP BY STEP: STEP by Step dancing at the village hall is moving from Monday to Thursday evening, from next week.
This will allow us to have a lesson each week so hopefully we won't have forgotten the steps between lessons! Classes run from at 8pm (sign in from 7.45pm) until 9pm. This is a very friendly, fun group so if you would like to learn to dance come and join us next Thursday.
TAI CHI: TAI Chi-based exercise at the village hall on Mondays from 1.45pm to 2.45pm.
Contact Sherri on 860486 for details if you would like to join us.
JUDO: JUDO for all ages, on Tuesdays from 6pm during term time.
Contact Adrian for further information on 01327 706287.
TABLE TENNIS: TABLE tennis is moving from Thursday evening so please contact Sherri on 860486 for details.

Chackmore
Sherri Holland 01280 860486
BEETLE, BINGO, BANGERS & MASH: RADCLIVE-cum-Chackmore Parish Church's annual beetle drive includes Bingo and is being held on Friday, March 13 at the parish hall in Chackmore at 7pm.
There will be prizes and a raffle.
Tickets (to include Banger & Mash supper) cost £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for children or a family tickets (2 adults/2 children) for £17, and are available from Susannah Lester on 01280 812638 or Sally Howarth on 01280 815555. Please bring your own drinks.
We look forward to seeing you at what should be a fun evening.

Deanshanger
Jennie Dott 01908 564725
DROP-IN AT DEANSHANGER CHAPEL: FRIDAY, March 6 is the date for the next Drop-in at Deanshanger Methodist Chapel in Church Lane, Deanshanger.
Come for lunch, come for a cup of tea and a chat or just call in to meet new friends.
Lunch is served from noon and it is always good and there is always a very warm welcome.
FAMILY HISTORY EVENT AT DEANSHANGER LIBRARY: A REMINDER that the Family History event has been rearranged for Saturday, March 14 from 11am until 1pm.
If you are interested in family or local history and had planned to come along last Friday then make a note of the new date in your diaries and come along on March 14.
For further details contact either Deanshanger Library on 01908 562889 (Wed to Fri afternoons 2pm-6pm and Saturday morning from 10am until 2pm) or e-mail mrowntree@northamptonshire.gov.uk.

Gawcott
Susanne Winterbottom 01280 821079
TABLE TOP SALE: GAWCOTT Pre-school Association is holding a Table Top Sale in Gawcott Village Hall tomorrow, Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Free entry with refreshments available for a small charge.
There will also be an indoor activity area for children (unsupervised).
Any enquiries, please contact Claire on 01280 814877 or email info@gawcottpreschool.co.uk

Great Horwood
Patricia Rudkin 01296 712930
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: THIRTEEN members of the public attended the parish council meeting on Monday, January 12.
The date for the annual parish meeting was set for Thursday, April 30, in the village hall and contact will be made with all village organisations to encourage them to come along to report on their activities and plans for the future.
It was reported that the work in preparing the new recreation ground was progressing well and it was hoped to have play equipment installed before Easter.
Residents are being asked to make a definite request for an allotment on the old recreation ground in Willow Road.
Without these no work can be done to clear the site ready for planting.
The tree on The Green: A work group was formed consisting of Ian Lamberton, Moya Berrill, Monica Jones and Pauline Brown to consider the most suitable replacement tree for the Green.
The date for this year's Village Litter Pick has been set for Sunday, March 8.
If you have any items that you would like to bring to the council's attention at any time please contact either the clerk or any councillor.
John Gilbey, Chairman Great Horwood Parish Council, email john@gilbey98.freeserve.co.uk.
GREAT HORWOOD PTA: IS having another Mad March Fun Run which will take place on Sunday, March 15 at noon.
This event is a 5km Road Run on an undulating road a country lane course closed for the duration of the event.
It is hoped that teachers, parents, children and supporters and friends of the PTA (and dogs on leads) will take part again this year.
Entry fees before March 8 are £5 for adults, £2 age 16 and under, and under fours free.
Please enter with entry fee to John O'Reilly, 29a, Nash Road, Great Horwood, Milton Keynes, MK17 0RA, telephone 01296 715109, email John.oreilly@uwclub.net
Cheques payable to Great Horwood PTA.
Registration at Great Horwood School, on the day, from 10.30am when entries will be £6.50 for adults, £3.50 aged 16 and under, and under fours free.
Refreshments will be available and there will also be a raffle.
In the interests of safety, Pilch Lane and the Singleborough turn will be closed for the duration of the fun run from 11.50am until 1.15pm.
The main B4033 road through the village will be accessible as a single lane and will be regulated by traffic control.
The police have requested that all spectators demonstrate their support at the start and finish line and NOT at the top of Pilch Lane, as this may cause a dangerous obstruction for drivers.
We would like to thank you in advance for your co-operation and look forward to seeing many of you on the day.
WINSLOW & DISTRICT FUNDRAISING FOR WILLEN HOSPICE: INVITE you to their coffee morning on Saturday, March 7, between 9.30am and noon at Winslow Public Hall.
There will be a raffle, tombola, cakes, side stalls and much, much more.
Refreshments will be served.
Although financially we are all feeling the pinch, your generous loyalty towards our patients has always been very much appreciated and so may we ask you once again to help us to help those with greater need. Thank you.
GREAT HORWOOD CRICKET CLUB: IS looking for sponsorship with you advertisement pitchside, billboards, in our handbook and on our website.
Our league cricket brings in teams from all over Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
The friendly fixture list contains teams from Milton Keynes, Luton and other local areas and we also host junior cricket on behalf of Bucks Cricket Board; this means we can offer you excellent exposure for any potential sales or contacts.
We are also very keen on forming partnerships with local businesses so if you are looking to raise your profile, please contact Gary Lee, Hon Secretary Great Horwood Cricket Club on 01296 712772, email garymlee1@hotmail.com. The website for the club is www.greathorwoodcc.com.
CRICKET AT THE NETS: THESE sessions started on January 30 and are on Friday nights from 7pm until 8.30pm at Stowe School.
The facilities here are the best in the area and these sessions are open to Senior men, Under 15s and Ladies.
The Under 12s and below will be having practice sessions from 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsbrook School, Deanshanger.
These sessions will be led by our ECB-qualified coaches and will be run until April 3, this includes the Senior Sessions.
If you are interested in attending these sessions contact Gary Lee, Hon Secretary, Great Horwood Cricket Club on 01296 712772, email garymlee1@hotmail.com. Website as above.

Little Horwood
Chrissie Beckett 01296 712436
VILLAGE COMMUNICATIONS: PETER Arnold also does a fantastic job circulating information through emails so please contact him if you live in the village and would like your email address added to his ever growing list!
Contact me in the first instance if you need further information.
The village website was set up by a local resident to aid communication throughout the village, so please do have a look; it's a great site - www.little-horwood.co.uk .
JUMBLE SALE: PLEASE note mistake in previous date given.
The Jumble Sale will take place in Little Horwood Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 14.
Many thanks to all who have already volunteered to help, we can always use more.
Maybe some of our teenagers would like to come and find out what fun it is to be involved in setting up and sorting.
If you are unable to bring your jumble to the hall on Friday evening or Saturday morning please deliver it to my door.
We look forward to seeing our regulars from surrounding villages who have come along over many years.
We appreciate your support very much and enjoy your company.
Please remember to bring your own bags as carriers are now in short supply. Entrance 50p.
LENT COURSE: A LENT course will be held at the Rectory, 1 St Mary's Way, Mursley, from March 5 at 2.15pm.
Everyone is welcome, so why not come along and meet new friends and find out more.
GALAXY: THIS is a group for young people between the ages of seven and 12, which is held in the Rectory Rooms, Mursley, each Thursday during term time between 5.30pm and 6.45pm. It is open to all children in our benefice.
Ideas about God and ourselves are explored through a wide range of crafts, games, quizzes, songs, drama and discussion.
CHURCH INFORMATION: THE service on Sunday, March 1 in Little Horwood is Morning Worship led by the Rev Laurence Meering at 11am and United Family Service is at the Free Church in Newton Longville.
A confirmation service is to be held in Swanbourne church on Wednesday, March 4 at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.
DIARY DATES: SAFARI Supper on Friday, February 28, and on March 2, the parish council meeting is being held in the Memorial Hall at 8pm.

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 conducted by The Grumble Grange Group. Searchlights should meet at the Church.
WHIST DRIVE: THERE is a Whist Drive today, Friday, in the village hall at 7.30pm.
GRUMBLE GRANGE GROUP: THE next meeting has been delayed until Tuesday, March 3 at 7.30pm.
Roger Lammercroft regrets any inconvenience that these revised arrangements have caused members.
WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2009: THIS year it is the turn of St Edmund's Church to host the annual event.
The service will be held in the Church on Friday, March 6, at 11am.
Buckingham and north Bucks village churches join together to take part in this wave of prayer which passes through 170 countries worldwide.
Every year, one country prepares the service and we hear about their country and customs.
This year we will hear about Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific.
Papua New Guinea has great cultural diversity with many different ethnic groups where over 800 different languages are spoken.
This diversity is reflected in the theme In Christ There Are Many Members Yet One Body.
Members from local churches will be taking part, the speaker will be Melanie Howes from Bicester, handbell ringers will also be taking part.
There will be 5,000 other similar services taking place on March 6 in towns and villages all over the British Isles.
Local people are most welcome to join the service.
WELLMORE & MAIDS MORETON CONSERVATION GROUP: INVITES you to attend a public exhibition arranged by AVDC in Maids Moreton Village Hall on Wednesday, March 4 between 2pm and 6pm.
A conservation officer from AVDC will be on hand to answer questions and members of the public are invited to express their views on the current review of Maids Moreton.
These considerations take place from time to time and determine whether any parts or indeed further parts of Maids Moreton should be designated as conservation areas.
Following a full appraisal of Maids Moreton it has been considered that sections of Maids Moreton should be considered.
It is therefore important that you come along on the day and see what is being proposed for your village.
You are also invited to send your comments on the proposals to Emilia Hands, Conservation Officer, AVDC, 4 Great Western Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2TW or email historicbuildings@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk by Friday, March 20.
For further information contact Peter Fitzsimmonds, Wellmore and Maids Moreton Conservation Group Offices, Pooleys Industrial Park, Merchant Lane, Morgan Park, Cranfield, MK43 OBW.
MERRYMAKERS: DUE to unforeseen circumstances the AGM is now scheduled for Friday, March 6, at 2.30pm in the village hall.
SCOTTS LANE URBANISATION GROUP: THE first meeting of 2009 was held on Friday, February 20 and was well attended.
The guest speaker was Nicholas Cowell who gave a very interesting talk on property development and planning procedures.
Mr Cowell was thanked by the chairperson Mona Zupanjeva.
Copies of the talk will be circulated to all members within the next few days. For further information please email scottslaneurbanisationgroup@yahoo.com
SOUP LUNCH: THE next Soup Lunch will be held today, Friday, March 20 in the village hall at 12.15pm for 12.30pm.

Nash
June Horne 01908 501882
COFFEE MORNING: NASH Fellowship is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, March 7 in Nash Village Hall from 10.30am to noon.
There will be a cake stall, a plant stall, bric-a-brac, hand made greeting cards and a raffle.
Entrance fee is 50p, which includes coffee and biscuits.
Everyone is most welcome.

Padbury
Sue Wrigley 01280 814199
NEW INN QUIZ NIGHT: THINGS are slowly returning to normal at the New Inn following the recent incident and the pub is now open every evening and from 11am as usual on Saturdays and Sundays.
This is obviously subject to any building activities which will need to be carried out, in which case the pub will have to be shut for the appropriate time.
The quiz night will take place on Sunday, March 8 starting at 8pm, so gather a crowd and come and enjoy the free nibbles while puzzling over the answers to some devious questions.
TRAIDCRAFT COFFEE MORNING: TINA Mitchell is hosting a Traidcraft Coffee Morning next Friday, March 6, at her home, Rekela Cottage, Main Street, Padbury (next to the butcher's), from 10am to noon to celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight.
Bring friends and family and take the opportunity of buying some of the Fair Trade goodies which will be on sale.
ADSTOCK & PADBURY GARDEN CLUB: THE club has a star speaker booked for the March meeting in Padbury Village Hall.
Timothy Walker the current Director of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden but the title of his talk On Top But Never in Control - Tales from a Small Garden, reveals that this will be an exploration of the Walker family garden rather than the heights of academic botany!
Tim's talks are always hugely entertaining so do not miss this meeting on Tuesday, March 10 starting 8pm.
Visitors are always very welcome and if anyone has any queries, please contact Sue Crook on 01280 816505.
PADBURY BENEFIT SOCIETY AGM: THE Padbury Benefit Society is holding its AGM on Tuesday, March 10 in the Blackbird Inn, Padbury, starting at 8pm.
Members please note that subscriptions are now due and should be paid on or before this date.
Please contact either Barry Picketts, secretary, on 01280 824038, Colin Gibbard, treasurer, on 01280 824277 or Tony Picketts on 01280 816063.
New members are welcome.
LENTEN ACTIVITIES: THE Lent lunches have started again and are every Thursday from 12.30pm in the St Mary's church.
Wonderful homemade soups are on offer, plus fresh bread and a cup of tea or coffee to finish, all for a donation which goes to charity - no service and no prayers, but it just might be a good thing to do for Lent instead of giving up chocolate or alcohol.
SCHOOL RACE NIGHT: GET your tickets for the joint Padbury School and Pre-school Race Night in aid of school funds.
The date is Saturday, March 21 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm in the village hall when the wellknown wooden horses will be used and the first race will start at 8pm sharp.
Tickets are £5 a head, obtainable now from Sara Birch either by ringing her at home on 01280 82123, on her mobile 07880 547494, or by emailing her on sara.birch@talk21.com.
Each ticket will go into grand cash draw to be drawn at the end of the evening.
YOUTH CLUB: THINGS have been fairly quiet in the Youth Club recently with interruptions caused by the snow etc, but members did go on a scuba diving try-dive last week which everyone really enjoyed.
Debbie Gibbs, who runs the youth club and is always open to offers of help at the Friday evening meetings, would love to hear from anyone who has ideas for a project which would involve members of the club doing something useful for the village, so if anyone has any thoughts on this, please contact Debbie direct on 01280 815044.
She would also be more than happy to discuss any possible offers of sponsorship as obviously the club does need a certain amount of funding.
This is such a worthwhile activity for the younger people of smallish village so if anyone out there is feeling magnanimous, do please give Debbie a ring.
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE LITTER PICK: DEBBIE is also involved in the Environment Committee and tells me that they hope to organise another litter pick this year to take place in May.
She realises this is a long way off but would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to help. Her number, again, is 01280 815044.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: THE next parish council meeting takes place on Tuesday, March 3 in the village hall starting at 7.30pm.
BINGO & 100 PLUS CLUB: THERE will be bingo once again in the village hall this evening, Friday, starting at 8pm. The raffle will be for Village Hall funds.
Tickets are now available for the 100 Plus club's Cheese and Wine party on Saturday, March 14 in the village hall and can be obtained from Shirley Lafford on 01280 812535 at a cost of £5 a head (children £2.50).

Syresham
Christina Munsey
TABLE TOP SALE: COME along to the Table Top Sale in the Village Hall tomorrow, Saturday, from 10.30am till 12.30pm.
There will be lots of stalls to browse through with many interesting things to see and buy.
Coffee, tea and home baked cakes will be available and there will be a raffle.
Proceeds are in aid of the Village Hall Restoration Fund.
Come along and see the improvements that have already been made to the hall, enjoy a cuppa and a chat with your friends and maybe find yourself a real bargain.
SYRESHAM AND DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY: THE March meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 7.30pm in the village hall and the talk will be on The History of Salcey Forest by Andy Patmore of the Forestry Commission.
Originally Salcey was part of a chain of hunting forests that stretched from Stamford to Oxford and dated back to Norman times.
The talk traces the history of these forests, with particular reference to nearby Whistley Wood and Hazelborough Forest.
This talk is of particular interest to Syresham, which is known as the Forest Village, but visitors are, as always, most welcome.
SYRESHAM SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: THERE will be an exciting Wii Games Evening on Saturday, February 28 with a variety of games on the big screen.
Entry is £2 per person and there will be a prize for the winner.
Jacket potatoes, chilli, burgers and chips will be served from 7pm.

Thornborough
Chrissie Vernon 01280 813073
CANCELLED: TOMORROW's Mini Market to be held at the church has been cancelled.
The next market will be on Saturday, March 29 from 10am to noon.

Tingewick
Joanna Brown 01280 847479
TINGEWICK DIAMONDS: THE Tingewick Diamonds meet in the village hall on the first Wednesday of each month; the next meeting is on March 4 at 10.30am.
Telephone Chris Carter on 01280 848291, Doll Lake on 01280 847015, or Carol Thurlby on 01280 848569 for more information.
PARISH COUNCIL: THE parish council will meet at 8pm on Thursday, March 5 in the village hall.
Contact the clerk on 01280 848689 for more information.
MOBILE LIBRARY: THE mobile library will be in Stowe View from 3.20pm on Thursday, March 5.
RACE NIGHT: ROUNDWOOD School will be holding a Race Night on March 28 in the village hall.
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start, £7 per ticket, to include food.
Tickets from Alison on 01280 847774 for Tingewick or Beverly on 01280 815745 for Gawcott.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: THE Tingewick and Water Stratford Horticultural Society will be holding its AGM in the village hall on Wednesday, March 4 from 8pm.
Members, non-members, and potential members are all welcome to come along and bring some fresh ideas.
Contact Pat Swinburne on 01280 847764 for more information.
Also remember the Spring Bulb show is on March 21; schedules available at Tingewick Post Office.
EMPTY ROOMS: ON Friday, March 13, Brigitte DeMeyers Allstar Band will bring their Southern groove to Tingewick Village Hall.
Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £12 in advance available from The Duke's Music in Buckingham or see www.empty-rooms.com for more information.
EASTER CRAFT FAYRE: FOLLOWING on from last year's popular event, Tingewick Pre-school will be holding another Easter Craft Fayre this year.
It will be on Saturday, March 28, in the village hall, and run from 2pm to 4pm.
Entry is free and there will be a small charge for each activity such as painting egg cups or making baskets, masks, and Easter cards.
There will also be homemade refreshments and an Easter Egg Raffle.