Category: Village Hall

Letters: Village Hall – 60 Years in 2020 – Request for memories

Nether Heyford Village Hall celebrates its 60th Anniversary next year

“It is the 60th anniversary of our village hall in 2020 and we would like to commemorate it by publishing memories of its existence in our village, particularly if you have resided here for 60 years plus. ”    
The Prattler is helping the Village Hall compile personal accounts, list volunteers who have worked on the hall, gather some photographs, memories and stories; ahead of celebrating their 60th anniversary next year.
  • Do you have a story to tell about its history ?
  • Were you a volunteer who helped out with any of the work ? Perhaps you had a relative who did ?
  • What are your memories of events at the village hall ?
  • Do you have any old photographs of the village hall or events there ?

The Prattler would love to hear from you via email heyford_prattler@yahoo.co.uk or comment on this article below.

If you know any residents who would like to participate but are not online, please send us their contact details via email and once we have a list of participants we may visit for personal interviews during the Autumn.

The story so far…. 

Nether Heyford Village Hall was built with the help of volunteer labour and completed in May 1960 as a prefabricated cedar-wood building.

1991 – Brick extensions were added to provide new toilets and kitchen at one end, a storage room and committee room with toilet and kitchenette at the other and an access ramp to the front door.

2003 – New UPVC double glazed windows, new insulation and cladding to the front and rear of the wooden section was fitted together with new front and kitchen doors. Again all the work was done by villagers giving their time and expertise voluntarily.

2006 – A new insulated roof was added.

2008 – Nether Heyford Pre-School transformed the area at the rear of the hall with an outdoor play surface to make a secure outdoor area for the young children.

Since then the remaining doors and windows have been replaced, new gas boilers fitted and decoration carried out annually whilst maintenance continues by our volunteer team. Other improvement projects have included:

  • Sound System & Induction Loop (hearing) system (2002)

  • Replacement Fire Doors (2008)

  • New energy efficient boilers for heat and hot water.

  • Replacement of rest of external doors & windows (2009)

  • Finger guards on doors (2010)

  • In the summer of 2011 the kitchen was completely refurbished

  • Ceiling fans were installed in April 2013

  • In 2014 the ladies toilets were completely refurbished

  • Also in 2014 new chairs were purchased for the main hall and lockable storage cupboards for all the regular users

  • 2 thermostats were installed in the main hall in 2014

  • Lighting in main areas of the hall upgraded to LED during 2016-17

Over the years, it has been used for all manner of events, from pre-school to pantomimes and dances to dinner parties. It is conservatively decorated and can offer seating for up to 120 people. 

Village Hall Committee 2019

(Last update 12/9/2019)

Heyford Singers – September 2019

NetherHeyford_HeyfordSingers_Sept2019.jpg

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If you would like to find out more, visit the Heyford Singers page or our website:

www.heyfordsingers.org

 alternatively come along to one of our rehearsals in Nether Heyford Village Hall.

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Village Hall – News – September 2019

Since our fete in June, we have been asked several times: ‘how did you do?’ In view of the awful weather, especially in the morning, we were resigned to raising less than previous years. However, we are pleased to report that we actually raised a net £3,148.69 – an amazing result, due mainly to the generosity and hard work of so many people: individuals, groups, organisations and businesses, including a recent donation from Starbucks. We repeat our heartfelt thanks to them all – what a great village we live in.

Now, we’re beginning to look forward to next year, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the building of our village hall – entirely by volunteers. We want to celebrate this event in great style and are already considering ways of doing this. But we would welcome your ideas too – any suggestions? If so, please contact Alwyne on 07814 898 336 or email: alwyne76@gmail.com

Finally, on a sadder note, our Secretary, Laura Sullivan, is having to stand down due to the pressures of other commitments, so we are currently seeking a volunteer to join our friendly team to help manage the hall. The Management Committee meets 11 times year, with meetings rarely lasting more than 1 ½ hours. The post mainly involves taking minutes, keeping records, being the contact with outside agencies and, if possible, helping with our fundraising events. A handover and continued support will be available. If you think you may be interested and would like to know more, please ring Alwyne on: 07814 898 336.

Alwyne Wilson

Coffee Morning – Friday 16th August 2019

COFFEE MORNING

IN AID OF THE WORKBRIDGE CENTRE

FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST

Nether Heyford Village Hall
10 am to 12 noon

Hosted by Bugbrooke & District Flower Society

Entry Free – Tea/Coffee £1 – Drink & Cake £2.50
Tombola

For more information please follow us on Facebook or contact Dianne on 01604
830063 or Simone on 01327 342167.

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The Bugbrooke and District Flower Society meet every fourth Monday in the month in the Village Hall. Our meetings start at 7.45pm and usually take the form of a Demonstration when a qualified demonstrator will create several floral designs which are raffled at the end of the evening and lucky members take home the beautiful flowers.

Flower Society affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) promoting Floral Art. www.nafas.org.uk

 

 

The 2019 Village Hall Fete – July 2019

The 2019 Village Hall Fete – an act of faith which paid off

Due to the dire weather forecasts for Saturday 8 June, many local events were cancelled. However, as one later forecast indicated that the weather would gradually improve on Saturday, we in Nether Heyford decided not to cancel – especially as, even in the rain, our village green looked splendid, having been ‘litter-picked’ by the pupils of Bliss School, and given a last-minute mowing by Daniel, an ‘old boy’ of the school. We were so grateful for the encouragement they gave us to go ahead.

However, early Saturday morning as we were setting up in high winds and with heavy rain soaking us, we wondered if we were mad. But we all persevered, and by lunchtime, the rain slowly stopped, although the wind still made life interesting for the stalls with gazebos. Adaptability became our motto as we coped with some necessary adjustments: because of the wind, the bouncy castle and the gymnastics display had to cancel; the wind band moved into the village hall to perform, and one or two stalls weren’t able to come. A few of those who did come, moved into the Baptist school room and the village hall foyer.

After a slightly later start, we were ready. Our Rose Queen (Lily Davies) and King (Adam Gilkes) and their Attendants (Beth Manning and Chloe-Lea Holmes) arrived in state on our Land Train accompanied by their classmates, and opened the Fete in style.

Then, at last, the Fete came to life as people came along to support us. We started with maypole dancing and country dancing in the arena by the young people of Bliss School. Queues built up for the barbecue, beer tent, face-painting and the land train, which trundled around the village green for the whole afternoon, fully laden each time. The raffle tickets sold out. There were even queues for the ice cream van. The refreshments in the village hall did a roaring trade – and the performances by the Bliss School choir and the NMPAT wind band were greatly appreciated. The stalls were busy and the classic cars, tractors, mopeds and motorcycles all received their share of attention. Our final arena attraction – the tug of war- proved highly popular with contestants of all ages taking part, and this was followed by the raffle draw with £100 as first prize and many other prizes. Although this brought our Fete to its conclusion, the entertainment continued with Morris Dancing outside the Foresters Arms.

At this stage we are still receiving proceeds from the various activities so cannot forecast our final outcome. However, we were fortunate in receiving several generous donations: Heyford Picturedrome, Macflex, MN&TL Adams Heyford Marine, Alderman Roofing, Unusual Rigging Ltd and Heygates. The passengers on our Road Train, while technically free to ride, made many voluntary donations. We are also grateful to those who donated raffle prizes, including our village shops, and cakes. The Foresters Arms also gave us invaluable support. In addition, most of our expenses were covered by individual sponsors, and services such as the sound system, power cables and rubbish skip were provided free of charge.

So, despite our ‘typical English summer weather’ – we held our Fete, thanks to all the hard work done by so many volunteers – too many to name here – but we and they know who they are.

Finally, for all the help described above, plus our stall-holders and everyone who came and supported us, we offer our heartfelt thanks. We hope that you enjoyed this year’s Village Hall Fete as much as we did.

The Fete Committee

Nether Heyford W.I. – July 2019

WI-Logo

Our evening talk by Analiza Jones on the making of hand woven bags from the Philippines was fascinating and the amount of work which went into producing the materials for one handbag was staggering. Although the islands looked wonderful, it is a hard place to live and with very low wages. The finished articles were beautiful and you will probably see one or two of them in the village over the summer (if we ever get one!)

The subject for our next meeting is ‘Antiques and Collectables’ when the speaker for the evening will be Denise Cowling who has much experience as an Auctioneer and Gemologist and will be bringing articles to illustrate her talk. We are very much looking forward to seeing her as she was ill and had to cancel her visit to us last November. The meeting will be in the Village Hall on Thursday July 4th at 7.30. The cost will be £5 for non-members and will include refreshments.

We always have a break in August and this year members are taking to the water as we potter down the canal from Blisworth to Bugbrooke and back. Will it be too much to ask for a little sun, do you think?

Our next meeting in the Village Hall will be on Thursday September 5th when Debbie Horsman will be telling us about ‘Shackleton’s Forgotten Men’.

Thanks to everyone who supported our stall on Fete day. It was a shame about the weather, but turned out well in the end. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Mary Rice – Heyford Lodge – 01327 340101

 

Heyford Gardening Club – July 2019

Heyford-Gardening-Cluband-allotments

Our June meeting featured a fascinating talk by Steve Brown on bonsai; a form of gardening which verges on an art form. I always think of it as extreme topiary.

Rose Show

Despite the tempestuous weather there was a good showing for the rose show with 57 entries.

Pauline Guglielmi won the single flowered class, Brian Jackson came second with John Dunkley and Tony Clewett in joint third place.

In the cluster flowered class Jill Langrish came first, Pauline Guglielmi was second
and Val Jackson, Rosemary Dunkley and Anne Haynes all tied for third place.

The perils of perlite

Following advice in the RHS magazine I have over the last few years added vermiculite to multi purpose compost for sowing seeds and taking cuttings. This proved extremely successful producing plants with vigorous root systems which established very quickly. Last year however instead of vermiculite I used perlite which, I assumed, would do the same thing. However I experienced a lot of difficulty; seedlings germinated quickly enough but then failed to develop properly and cuttings just didn’t root.

I can’t be sure that this was entirely due to the perlite, but having gone back to using vermiculite again, the results have improved significantly. This illustrates the principle that in gardening apparently small variations in conditions can make the difference between success and failure.

Weird Weather-again!

Following a baking Easter, a freezing May, and no rain for months suddenly the
heavens have opened and given us the whole summers rain in a few days. It’s a
wonder that we can grow anything!

Some Things to do in July

1. Dead head roses, bedding plants and perennials to get more flowers.
2. Pick courgette’s before they turn into marrows (unless you like marrows)
3. Water and feed plants in containers

Mark Newstead

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www.heyfordgardenclub.com

For more information visit the Heyford Gardening Club & Allotments page

Heyford-Gardening-Cluband-allotments

Heyford Singers – July 2019

nether_heyford_heyford_singers_july_2019

Below is a seemingly random list of ideas, events and comments. Please read on and we shall join up the dots and gauge the connections, if you haven’t done so already!

  • Whilst waiting to be served in a renowned hardware shop in Stony Stratford last week, I glanced over the notices posted on the shop door. There was a delightful poster promoting, and inviting people to join, a new community choir being formed in the town. How wonderful is that! It seems that there are choirs and community singing groups springing up all over the country.
  • A headline in a recent newspaper article read “ ‘It gives me genuine freedom within’: the prison choir that reforms lives. The article, and indeed similar radio and television reports, goes on to praise the achievements of the Liberty Choir, which performs at the V & A in London. There are similar ventures happening all around the country.
  • The children from Bliss Charity school choir delighted the large audience who crowded into the village hall on fete day, singing amongst others songs, the one quoted above.
  • “We Are The World” was also sung by the children from Bliss, and thousands of primary age children at the 2019 Young Voices Music Festival. This is a very special and unique annual gathering of children from all over the country, who learn the songs in their individual schools and then come together to sing in their thousands, at the O2 Arena, the NEC, etc.
  • At the other end of the spectrum, but just as enjoyable, will be the Heyford Singers joining in with Nether Heyford’s Holiday at Home venture at the end of June. The theme this year is “Cruising”, so what watery songs does Mary have on her list for the choir and audience to sing?
  • Although I could go on I ought to finally mention my 30 year old nephew who, along with a large group of friends, is so excited about his impending trip to Glastonbury (I do hope the rain holds off for them all!). Amongst the many groups and artists he plans to watch is Kylie Minogue – to sing and join in with “I Should Be So Lucky”?

Well if you haven’t already worked out the link between these items, it is that of singing together, belonging to a group of people who also love to sing, and ultimately to achieve the benefits that brings to your own sense of well being. We are so fortunate to have in this village a community choir led by Mary Rice, whose musical history and abilities are renowned, and accompanied by our resident “master of the black and white keys”, Graham Kinnersly. We practise once a week from September until December for our Christmas concert, and then from January until May for our spring concert. The summer months are free for families, holidays, gardens, sport and leisure!

The choir is very much part of the local community and prides itself on having always been so. Most of us live in the village, although we have recently welcomed several new members from the surrounding area We have a delightful mix of male and female members, of all ages. And we have fun! That social event of meeting up once a week to learn new songs, sing old and familiar ones, ultimately then to perform before our families and friends, provides a warm sense of belonging, sharing and huge enjoyment.

On our first rehearsal in the autumn, Friday 6th September will be an Open Evening and everyone is very welcome. All you need is to enjoy singing, no need to read music, and definitely no auditions or solos! Come and meet us, watch, listen, join in and I guarantee that you will go home feeling energised and happy, having sung, laughed and made new friends.

If you feel that you would like to know more then please do contact Mary Rice, myself or someone you know who is already part of this community choir. There are also some information leaflets in the foyer of the village hall.

Jill Langrish

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If you would like to find out more, visit the Heyford Singers page or our website:

www.heyfordsingers.org

 alternatively come along to one of our rehearsals in Nether Heyford Village Hall.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Jill Langrish

Flower Society – July 2019

Bugbrooke and District Flower Society

We invite you to join us at our monthly meetings to relax and watch demonstrations by a fully qualified NAFAS Area or National Demonstrator. This is followed by refreshments and the opportunity to win one of the arrangements in our raffle. Learn how to arrange and enjoy flowers.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 7.45pm in Nether Heyford village hall.

Our next meeting is on 22nd July when Beverley Artis will give a demonstration entitled “A Perfect Day”.

We will not be holding our usual meeting in August due to the Bank Holiday, however, we will be holding a Coffee Morning in aid of the Workbridge Centre on Friday 16th August, in Nether Heyford Village Hall from 10am – 12pm, when everyone is most welcome.

For more information please follow us on Facebook or contact Dianne on 01604
830063 or Simone on 01327 342167.

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The Bugbrooke and District Flower Society meet every fourth Monday in the month in the Village Hall. Our meetings start at 7.45pm and usually take the form of a Demonstration when a qualified demonstrator will create several floral designs which are raffled at the end of the evening and lucky members take home the beautiful flowers.

Flower Society affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) promoting Floral Art. www.nafas.org.uk

 

Heyford Picturedrome – June 2019

Heyford Picturedrome will have its summer break from June to August.

The Autumn programme will start on Thursday 19th September with the award-winning film, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Doors open at the usual time of 7.00pm for free tea or coffee with the film due to be screened at 7.45pm.

There will be a licensed bar for the purchase of wine and soft drinks.

There is no joining fee and admission is £4 per person.

Tony Clewett – Phone: 01327 341533