Many years ago (approx 1951) a lady arrived in the village with a horse drawn gypsy caravan which she parked in John Smiths field between the river and Crow Lane. She stayed there for many months during which time her horse died and she was enquiring about a replacement.
My grandfather had a very large shire horse for sale and i suggested to the lady that we should bike over to Caldecote near Towcester for her to inspect the horse. A price was agreed and I offered to ride the horse bareback via Tiffield, Dalscote, Birds Hill and Bugbrooke to Heyford, a very painful journey.
Next day I helped to harness the horse to the caravan which had sunk into the wet ground, the horse heaved and broke all the chains attaching it to the caravan, John Smiths tractor was required to move it.
After some further months the lady, horse and caravan left Heyford and never returned. She was writing a book about her journey but I do not know whether it was ever published. Have any of your older readers any knowledge as to who the lady was and whether a book was ever published?
W John Butcher
Published November Edition 2020
John Butchers article in the November Prattler
The lady mentioned was known to us as Roma Far. In 1951, I was a 7-year-old who walked every day from Upper Heyford to Bliss School. We would stop and feed the goat and stroke the dogs. She camped in the field known as the Pykle next to Crow Lane, before the entrance to the lane was filled in by the council, it was a nice open space often used by gypsies.
Many years later having become an avid book collector, I discovered that Roma Far was really Rowena Farre, the best selling authoress of ‘Seal Morning’, a wild life book published in 1957. This was followed by ‘A time from the World’ published in 1962. This is the story of her roaming life, living with gypsies and tinkers, her stay in Upper Heyford was part of this journey.
David Banner
Published December Edition 2020
A Time from the World – 1962 Edition & 2013 Illustrated Edition
It was with much sadness that we heard, on 27th October, that Alan Watson had died, after a long but determined battle with illness. We have lost someone who was very much part of this village, a contributor to many of its activities and organisations.
Alan, Pam and their two young sons moved to Nether Heyford in 1975 when Alan was appointed headteacher at Bliss Charity School, living initially in the school house before moving to Wakefield Way. Thus began a long and close relationship with Nether Heyford. He taught hundreds of children in his time there, gave them a wonderful start in life and a set of guidelines to hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Alan was first and foremost a teacher in the classroom, where he was happiest! At his retirement 28 years later Alan said that he had loved every moment, never had a bad day. I was privileged to work at Bliss with Alan for many years and have many happy memories of that time, becoming not only a work colleague but a close friend as well. Whilst not an overly keen coach traveller Alan did respond enthusiastically to the school’s Queen’s Golden Jubilee adventure in 2002 … to take the whole school to London for the day! Many will recall the fleet of coaches outside the school that summer morning, everyone went on the London Eye, KS1 had a river trip, KS2 toured the Globe theatre, then a sightseeing tour of the capital before a happy and weary return to base!
To many, Alan was a quiet, private, family man, but there was a very theatrical side to him as well! A regular performer in the annual village panto’s, he usually played the villain, giving his pupils the chance to boo their headteacher! When the Heyford Morris side was formed, Alan joined, generously offering the school hall as a regular practice venue. He relished the role of telling audiences in market squares and on village greens about the various dances performed. When Pam’s dance group, Queens Oak Ladies Morris, were short of a dancer Alan (aka Alana) stepped into the breach, although not necessarily wearing a dress!
Alan was a very fit and active person, he enjoyed walking in the countryside with Heyford Amblers and Bugbrooke Strollers, and at home he tended his garden and allotment, also belonging to Heyford Garden Club. He loved travel, France and Italy were favourite destinations and he and Pam spent many happy holidays there. Alan’s mind was ever active and he retained a great thirst for learning, becoming a keen member of CLASP and Whitehall archaeology group, taking part in ‘digs’, field walking and processing the finds. When Roberts Field was built Alan supervised the organisation and placing of a time capsule with the children at Bliss, connecting the present to the future.
But it is with music that I shall end this tribute. Alan loved music and especially singing. As a child he sang in his local church choir, eventually achieving the status of head choirboy at St Michael’s Church in Bournemouth. He developed a fine baritone voice which could often be heard soaring above others at school concerts, church services and other music events. Soon after it was formed Alan joined Heyford Singers and was a loyal and enthusiastic member. He thoroughly enjoyed the concerts and rehearsals, often performing solos or participating in readings and comic sketches. Even when cruel illness made him less mobile and he could not communicate as freely as he would have wished, he never gave up and continued to come to rehearsals and sing! The song quoted above was one of Alan’s favourites, he knew it by heart and sang it with heartfelt joy. It was played at his funeral, and would have been sung by Alan and the choir of Heyford Singers at the postponed concert in May. When we return to rehearsals and our next concert, we shall sing this song for Alan, sadness in our voices but in loving memory of someone who loved to sing, to share the joy of music, and feel “strong”.
Alan will be sorely missed by so many people, not least Pam, his family and his grandchildren. We, the community in Nether Heyford, are the poorer for his passing but richer for having known him. I do hope that in due course we, as a village, are able to mark Alan’s huge contribution to our school and community.
During November we shall be praying for people living in Church Street and Manor Walk in Heyford, Kings Lane and The Orchard in Flore, Main Street in Upper Stowe and the Apartments in Brockhall Hall.
10:40 am Arrival of Major Thorneycroft MBE and those wishing to share the ceremony of remembrance.
10:45 am British Legion Wreath laid. Any other parties wreath laying may proceed, one group at a time, maintaining social distancing.
10:55 am Major Thorneycroft MBE reading names of the fallen “We will remember them……”
11:00 am Two minute silence
The opportunity to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes of our village, to Remember and honour the fallen, is slightly different this year.
Please ensure that when you attend you observe social distancing guidelines
Personal moments of reflection and/or to leave a memory or flowers around the memorial are welcome throughout the day.
British Legion in attendance (within household group)
Cubs and Scouts in attendance in uniform (within household group)
The short road closure should be in place as usual.
There is no parade and military band this year.
There are no Church or Chapel services this year.
A virtual online Church service and blessing by Rev Stephen Burrow is at 10:30 am on the Benefice Facebook Page
The Heyford and Stowe Roll of Honour details the lives of the 28 men on Heyford and Stowe village war memorials.
First published in 1993 by Celia and Brian Caucutt – Updated with new photographs and recently released census family information in 2018 by Jez Wilson
All the new research and new photographs discovered during the centenary 2018 project were sent to the Imperial War Museum and the men of Heyford and Stowe are now documented in the museums digital online archive “Lives of the First World War”
Nether Heyford Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
Dear Friends,
The Church is coming into a busy time of year. Our harvest celebrations are behind us, and we look forward to All Souls, then Remembrance Sunday, and shortly after that we begin Advent, and the preparations for Christmas. Obviously, things will be very different this year; social distancing, the rule of six, hygiene regulations, facemask’s and guidelines as to who we can meet and where will inevitably shape the way we mark these days and seasons.
As we enter November and the season of remembrance, we remember loved ones we have lost, and we remember Jesus, the resurrection and the life, our hope and future. With that hope in our hearts, we come to Remembrance Sunday.
Update 02/11/2020: The previously planned Remembrance Sunday service at the memorial is now cancelled
“Dear Friends. Due to the government’s announcement of a second national lockdown commencing on Thursday 5th November, the short services due to take place at the war memorials in Nether Heyford, Church Stowe and Flore on Remembrance Sunday have been cancelled. This decision has been taken after much prayer, thought and discussion, and with great disappointment. However, there will now be an online Service of Remembrance on the Benefice Facebook Page(https://www.facebook.com/HS9FB) beginning at 10:30am, when the village Rolls of Honour will be read out. This will be an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes of our villages, albeit a very different one in these unprecedented and challenging times.If you are able, please visit the war memorials in the villages throughout the day as part of your daily exercise on either Sunday 8th or Wednesday 11th November. Remember and honour the fallen, lay wreaths and pay your respects in private. Please ensure that when you do this, you observe social distancing guidelines to ensure we can all pay our respects as safely as possible.” With every blessing, Rev Stephen
At the war memorial, we recall Jesus’ words from the beatitudes; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God”. Peacemakers, people who put themselves at the heart of the issue, striving for a just solution, yearning for peace, for wholeness and wellbeing for all.
As we begin to look forward to Advent, we will have a series of gift services in aid of eve, a Northampton based charity working with the survivors of domestic violence and abuse. (eve is the working name of the Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge.) At this time of year, the charity gratefully accepts new books and toys for children, ladies’ toiletry sets and/or cosmetics, small personal gifts, or chocolate selection boxes and Christmas food items that can be passed on to the families in the refuge. Gifts should be unwrapped. If you would like to donate a small gift, please drop it in to the Rectory prior to 29th November or bring it along to one of the three parish gift services on the November service rota.
One certainty in these uncertain times is that Christmas will be here on 25th December. You won’t be surprised to know that the church is looking at ways to do Christmas a little differently this year. Building on the many community successes in Heyford since March (food boxes; teddies; Holiday at Home; Facebook services, scrubs etc) one suggestion is to light up our windows over Advent and turn our village into a giant Advent calendar. How would it work? At least 24 families, shops, pubs, school, village hall etc volunteer to put up a picture/display in their window and light it every evening from dusk. A picture will be posted on a specific Facebook site and children and adults can go around the village and spot the displays. There will be more details in the next Prattler but to get started we need 24 volunteers. If you are interested, e-mail or text Pamela Hutchison, so we can see if it’s a runner. (Pamela Hutchison; pahut@me.com / 07803 125005). If you want to see some examples of how it might work and the wide range of possible displays have a look at stoweninechurches.org.uk/AdventWindows or Helmdonhistory.com advent.
I believe one more certainty in these ever-changing times is God’s presence with us, through all that’s going on. One of my favourite contemporary Christian writers, John Ortberg, reminds us “The most frequent promise in the Bible is ‘I will be with you’.”
Please be assured of my prayers during these unprecedented times, and if there is anything the Church or I can do for you, please give me a ring.
And so the Covid/Coronavirus emergency continues on, impinging on all of our lives. Things that we would not have imagined before have become normality after 8 months, and will continue to be for many more months. Due to continuing government regulations prohibiting public meetings; the October 2020 Parish Council meeting was held online, using the Zoom platform. This is in line with national advice. There is still no indication of how long these conditions will persist, but it is likely that meetings will take place online for at least the rest of this year. Parishioners wanting to participate in the Public Session should check the Agenda on the Public notice boards, or the Website, for the meeting ID on Zoom.
Due to difficulties experienced by Councillors unused to using the internet, a reduced number of Councillors attended the online meeting, but a quorum was achieved and was augmented by the District and County Councillors and an unknown member of the public.
The Chair had the sad duty of reporting the passing of Sue Corner, one of the Council’s most enthusiastic and capable members. He commented as follows:
Sue Corner joined Nether Heyford Parish Council in October 2015. On becoming a Councillor, she listened, appraised, and learned.
Her first responsibility was allotments, joining Cllr Lynda Eales in redesigning, reforming, and modernising a slightly moribund village asset. Between them they have created allotments to be proud of.
Sue’s next task was the Planning responsibility. This task can be complicated, but Sue took it in her stride, sharing issues, and dealing with all applications fairly, and responsibly.
With the Parish Council’s dream of creating a Neighbourhood Plan, Sue took the idea, created an amazing team, and knocked our collective socks off with her drive, and intelligence. Her team came up with ideas and strategies that were advanced, and revolutionary. Who’d have thought of filming Nether Heyford from the air by drone? This created the most fascinating picture of our village I have ever seen, and never tire of watching.
Sue’s intelligence, and drive have been a really great asset to the PC, she will be so very much missed on our team, and by Nether Heyford itself.
C. Kiloh
Mike Brassett has stood down due to pressure of work. This leaves Council 3 members short of its full quota of 11. We are able to co-opt new members, subject to them being eligible. The Parish Council does need some active new members, preferably familiar with IT – so if you feel that is you – please contact me or the Chair (details overleaf).
Reports from the District and County Councillors Cllr Bignell reported that a number of SNC officers had been appointed to roles in the West Northants authority, but that SNC were continuing to operate, and had actually improved the rate at which Planning Applications were dealt with. Cllr Harries reported that a Rights of Way consultant had found that a number of footpaths had been changed in 2016 without any consultation. This applied to KS1 Parson’s Close, KS7 Wakefield Way and KS17. This meant that part of them may now be considered Highways. It was felt that this was not an issue for the first two, but enquiries would be made about KS 17.
Public Participation: None.
Reports PCSO – a brief report had been sent, very few problems or crimes at present.
Lights Progress reports. NCALC had formed a partnership with Clear Utility Solutions to try and lower Parish Council lighting bills. CUS were able to act on Council’s behalf and could secure a 2 year contract with YU Energy, at rate of about 25% less than the 22p per unit Eon were currently charging. This should give a saving of c£2000 p/a now, with further savings when the LED lights were installed.
Roads and pavements Large pothole outside the White House in Weedon Rd. To be reported. Parking in Middle St had been exacerbated by the school staggering collection times and it was felt that Highways should be approached with a view to extending the yellow lines around the school house.
The Green /Play Area The Green was felt to be in good condition, but there was concern that repairs to Play Area equipment had been delayed. These should shortly be carried out.
Playing Fields LE reported that the fields were being well used, especially the netball court. Comments had been made about the gate between the allotments and the Playing Field being locked. The situation would be monitored, as the gate was not supposed to be locked.
Trees There has been further storm damage to trees around the cemetery. STS have been given a list of trees to work on.
Allotments There are efforts to form an allotment committee.
Footpaths Some felt that the Church Lane to the river was overgrown, and the Watery Lane to Middle St jitty.
Churchyard The trimmed hedge and grass were felt to be looking good.
Canal Damage to Bridge 32 should be reported to Canal and River Trust.
Defibrillators In good order. CK to look into replacing the batteries.
Planning. S/2020/0428/FUL Land behind Denbrook. Having received a report from Hedley/Wellers it was felt that the next step would be to consult the NCC Village Greens and Common Land registers. Concern was expressed at reports of building work possibly having been initiated.
Reporting Highway and Footpath Issues. The Clerk will report issues that Council is made aware of, but Council would encourage residents to use the FixMyStreet service to report issues themselves as there will then be no time lag and first-hand reports are almost always better than 2nd or 3rd hand reports. The service can be found here: www.fixmystreet.com It is easy to use; you can have your own account and can check up on any issues you have reported.
Parish Council meetings in 2020 will continue to be on the first Monday of each month, (unless a Bank Holiday) and start at 19:30. The next ones are Monday November 2nd (online) and Monday December 7th.
Clerk to the Parish Council: Guy Ravine, c/o Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe, Weedon, Northamptonshire, NN7 4SH Telephone: 07935 931787 Email: netherheyfordparishcouncil@gmail.com
For further useful information about Nether Heyford Parish Council and full contact details for the clerk and the Councillors please visit:
The Nether Heyford Prattler 