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Absolutely loads goes on in Brackley and Brackley online Post exists to promote any events or businesses in Brackley and surrounding villages. This is a strictly non-commercial service, all listings are free. We’re not journalists so don’t expect sensational headlines and in-depth reporting!
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Painted by local artist Emily Brady www.footloosecomic.com this fantastic image is on display in the Courtyard Mews. Its about 6 foot high and would make an attractive sign on the A43 to encourage visitors. Any other suggestions? contact brackleynews@globalmapping.uk.com
February 1st sees the launch of a new magazine for Brackley and the surrounding area at the Courtyard Mews at 12.00 noon
A Magazine which will put something back into the community by not only providing a Voice for the community but hopefully some cash.
There are many organisations adding value to community life here in Brackley and the surrounding villages, they all work tirelessly for the good of the community but currently have little voice.
'bric-a-Brack' intends to give an opportunity to these organisations to tell us who they are, where they meet what it is they do.
With news, reviews, current events and future events we hope will provide adequate exposure to what is actually happening in our area thereby increasing awareness and attendance.
Because many of us lead busy lives and have little time to take up any organisational role, most of these events are organised by a few dedicated people but enjoyed by so many.
We all need time to relax and these organised events fulfil that requirement 'bric-a-brack' offers us all an opportunity to put something back in!
PEOPLE POWER is what it is all about, by purchasing this magazine you can help these organizations as will put 50% of any net profit in to a community fund.
We ask you to purchase the magazine for £1 (not 99p), once the production costs have been met then any left over is Net Profit and as a business we need the ability to invest in order to move forward with the publication It was after struggling to raise funds myself last year I felt it would be nice to make 50% of this Net profit available to the various groups and community projects around the town and villages thereby supporting our community on 2 fronts.
The aim is to keep the magazine for editorial rather than adverts as we feel there are enough free 'Magazines' covering that area, however selected advertisers will be able promote themselves in the publication thereby helping us to cover production costs.
Quality of content, presentation and result is what we aim for. The magazine will be on sale in various locations around Brackley and a few of the villages, but please email us bricabrack@rainbowprintmedia.co.uk for your copy and we will deliver it free within the town and immediate villages. Posting your copy will be an option but we must add the cost.
This initial run will be 2,000 and will not cover the costs of research, set up and production, this is our investment in the community.
We sincerely hope you enjoy this publication and we would like to do this on a monthly basis but we need to walk before we can run.
Thank you
Don Thompson
Rainbow Print Media
publishers of
bric-a-Brack is currently available from:
Brackley Information Bureau, Courtyard Mews
Courtyard CoffeeHouse
Town Hall
Skins
Co-op
Greyhound Inn
Swimming Pool
Lark Rise Pharmacy
Leisure Centre
All of whom are supporting our community by helping distribute bric-a-Brack
SO, NOTHING HAPPENS IN BRACKLEY?
Well of course loads happens, here are just some of the groups you might wish to get involved with:
(For the full list of clubs based in Brackley and surrounding villages click here)
BRACKLEY COMMUNITY CARNIVAL.
This year Brackley Community Carnival will be held on June 2nd our theme this year is rule Britannia we are kick off the towns jubilee celebrations and have an action packed day lined up once again.
The carnival is a community event and could not be organised without the dedicated team behind the scenes who make the event happen, we are very keen to get more of the community involved.
Why not come and join TEAM CARNIVAL and help make this years event even better anyone can help either by attending our regular meeting or helping on the day any help is great.
As well as the Carnival we organise other events which included santa`s grotto at the Town Council`s carol singing and in April a festival of food.
The Carnival is a show case for local groups and businesses we offer free stall space for Charity and not for profit groups on the day allowing them to raise money and awareness.
Business could enter the procession with a float which could be as simple as a sign written vehicle (this is free) take a pitch on the field or place an advertising banner on the field (both carry a small charge)
If you would like more information on how to be part of TEAM CARNIVAL or would like a booking form for the day emailinfo@brackley-carnival.co.uk or phone Mark Stopps on 07778 629876
Brackley Festival of Food
Sunday 22nd April 2012, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Now run by a sub-committee of Brackley Community Carnival, we are planning a day of local food producers and businesses. With some from further afield.
Come and have a go a pasta making in the town hall with Splat Cooking, bring your favourite recipes for the Recipe Exchange.
Booked so far:There will be pasta making during the day in the town hall, of any age have a go at making your own pasta which you can take home for your tea.
Belflair Chocolate will be returning to the event, local business and chocolatier
Bradshaws Ice cream, real dairy ice cream made on their farm
Brodies Coffee, real coffee, milk shakes, tea, hot chocolate
Homemade breads
Love food hate waste, Northants County Council will be on hand to help us all not to waste food
Tasty Thai cuisine
Belflair Chocolate
Hello Baby Cakes from Banbury, cupcakes, smash cakes, pop cakes
Caramba Olive Oil
Brackley Country Market, local ladies who make and sell their own produce
Stainswick Farm Oil
Tasty Thymes who uses local produce
Pudding Pie Cooking School
Lots of Food, so put the date in your diary along with Saturday 2nd June 2012 which is Brackley Community Carnival.
BIG BRACKLEY GARAGE SALE
SATURDAY 28TH APRIL 2012
10am - 4pm
The Churches in Brackley are arranging a 'Big Brackley Garage Sale' for Christian Aid (the proceeds will be going to a project bringing clean water and agriculture training to some villages in Sierra Leone). The idea is that you set up a market stall / table outside your garage, or inside if its cold or wet. You can sell all the things you meant to 'car boot' but never got round to, and any home made things, plants etc. You can use this to raise money for you or for your own good cause, or charity. The sale will work best if you can get your neighbours to join in too; the more stalls there are in an area, the more people will come and buy. You register your sale with us for £5 and we produce a map with all the sales around Brackley. We will be selling maps for £1 on the morning of Saturday 28th April. We also undertake to promote the event all around the area, in the papers, on radio and online.
More information and details of how to register will be coming in the next couple of weeks. Watch this site, and the local Facebook pages.
BRACKLEY CENTRE FOR MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS
We are part of the multi award winning Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Service. Sessions take place at Southfield School, Banbury Road Brackley every Saturday during term time from 9 until noon. We offer classes in all orchestral instruments as well as jazz, rock, folk, early years and musical theatre. There is a termly fee of only £75.
Please feel free to come along for a taster session any Saturday morning.
Contact Sue Bennett on 01280703880
BRACKLEY AND DISTRICT BANDS
Based at The Band Club Draymans Walk the senior band rehearses on Monday and Friday evenings and the junior band on Wednesdays during term time. If you play a brass instrument please feel free to call into the Band Club where you will be given a warm welcome - extra bonus - cheap beer!
THE BRACKLEY MORRIS MEN
The current men are the custodians of the unique Brackley style of Cotswold Morris dance which has historical records dating back through almost four centuries. Come and join us to help ensure that this wonderful part of our local heritage can continue to flourish for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. We practice on Thursday evenings at 8pm at Brackley Junior School, Manor Road, Brackley, NN13 6EE (term times only).
It’s great fun. Do get in touch.
Contact: Colin Reid
Tel: 01604 832830
e-mail: brackleymorris@gmail.com
website: www.thebrackleymorrismen@gmail.com
Banbury Bulldogs Skater Hockey Club.
Come and learn to play Skater Hockey, a fast and exciting indoor sport, just like Ice Hockey but without the Ice.
A long established club with qualified skating and hockey coaches, we train at Brackley Leisure Centre and the Spiceball in Banbury.
Beginner sessions start at 1:30pm on Saturday in Spiceball Leisure Centre, Banbury. First two sessions are free - just bring your skates! There are Thursday training sessions for peewee & youth players at Brackley Leisure Centre from 6:30 to 8pm.
The beginners sessions are only held at Spiceball from 1:30 to 3pm on Saturdays and players are only allowed to progress to the next level/Thursday session when the coach is satisfied that they are experienced & competent enough.
Contact Martin on 01295 710578 email: banburybulldogs@talktalk.net find us on facebook or check out our website www.banburybulldogs.com
Brackley Residents Association
B.R.A. represents the interests and concerns of the people of Brackley. Latest news is on their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/BrackleyResidentsAssoc Contact Su Moody at the Brackley Information Bureau (in the Courtyard Mews) if you have concerns affecting your area of Brackley, or if you would like to join BRA - we'd love to see you.
Brackley Rotary Club
Interested in putting something back into the community? If you live in or near Brackley and you have experience in leadership and/or organisation, Brackley Rotary could well be the vehicle for you to help local and international communities.
As a Rotarian, there's a vast array of things you can get involved in, from organising events and competitions, supporting local charities and developing young people, to assisting with disaster relief and even eradicating diseases such as polio worldwide.
If you are interested, please look at our websites: www.brackleyrotary.org.uk or www.brackleywinefestival.co.uk to get closer to our activities. We know that there are some misconceptions about Rotary, so why not find out for yourself? If it’s too big a commitment perhaps become a Friend of Brackley Rotary and help at our events. Contact: Club secretary Paul Hodges 01280 700871.
Basketball Club for girls on Wednesdays 6:30 till 7:30. The ages are 12-16, so grab a friend or even your sister and just hang out and learn skills, how to play basketball and beat the boys in occasional matches on weekends! Strictly no boys policy so us girls can have fun with competitive stride. Come along and see what we're all about, only £2 an hour. See you there! :)
Also
Sunday morning Basketball for children (school year 4,5,6,7). Come along and learn how to play basketball and compete in occasional tournaments against other clubs, but most of all, have fun! Only £3 for 1 ½ hrs practice.
Brackley Knit’n’Knatter.
If you enjoy knitting or crochet, come along to the Greyhound Pub, where we meet every third Thursday of the month at around 7.30pm, for an informal gathering to craft and chat.
Pin Money Craft Co-operative.
Your local crafters co-operative. We run lots of different courses and arrange craft days as well as having a website shop selling a extensive range of hand crafted gifts, accessories, cards and knitting yarns and fleece. Please check our website at www.pinmoneycrafts.co.uk to keep up to date with the latest activities.
We also hold a PubCraft meeting at the Red Lion pub on the first Monday of every month. Bring along your crafting project for an evening of chat and craft.
Brackley Folk Club.
Held upstairs at The Greyhound Pub every Sunday evening from 8pm. Traditional and acoustic music from local people as well as guest nights once a month. Entry for Open House evenings £3 to non-members. All welcome. www.brackleyfolkclub.org.
Brackley Male Voice Choir
The Choir was formed in 1995 with an objective to provide an opportunity for local men to meet regularly and make music together whilst supporting and entertaining local charities and organisations with concerts.
We currently have 32 active members who perform around six concerts a year, mainly for charities and we are aiming to increase our numbers to 40 during the year.
There are no auditions to join; all you need is an enthusiasm and a love of singing. The repertoire of the Choir is based on traditional four part harmony songs interspersed with popular songs from west end shows.
Apart from performing for local organisations and charities the Choir has often performed during the Brackley music festival and also with other Choirs and Bands, notably and most recently, with Armthorpe and Elmfield Brass band from Doncaster and Talgarth Male Voice Choir from West Wales.
The Choir is managed by a small committee whilst the musical side is led by a Musical Director assisted by an Accompanist.
Rehearsals are on a Monday evening at Magdalen School Chapel, High Street Brackley commencing at 7:30 till 9p.m.
If you would like to experience the camaraderie and joy of singing with other like minded people, call John on 01280 701704149 or visit www.brackleymalevoicechoir.org.uk
Card Making Classes
Jenny McCormac/Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Interested in card making? Would you like to have a go? Perhaps you have Wedding Invitations to prepare and would like to do them yourself? If so, I run regular card classes and workshops teaching techniques and projects that you can recreate at home. Based in Brackley, and covering surrounding villages - classes suitable for 8 years+ to adults. Have a group of friends round to your house and I will bring the class to you.
Group classes, individual classes either daytime or evening to suit.
Contact: Jenny McCormac 01280 840453
jenny.mccormac@talktalk.net
or Brackley Information Bureau for more details.
Community Heritage Activity Centre.
Following the success of a recent heritage and archaeology volunteer project involving students at Magdalen College School, permission has been granted for Archaeo-schools to develop a much-needed facility to celebrate the heritage of the school and Brackley town. This will be based at the St.Johns Site on the High Street. Activities will include community courses with a heritage and archaeological focus; outreach packages for schools, colleges and community groups, and enhancement activities to extend a school’s existing curriculum.
Please contact Tiffany Brownell by email: archaeoschools@gmail.com Tel: (Mob) 07834630505
BRACKLEY WILDLIFE TRUST
A friendly group who arrange activities throughout the year. Talks on 4th Monday of each month through the winter, held at Methodist Church. Guided Walks in warmer months (Bluebells etc) We are responsible for the upkeep of Farthinghoe Nature Reserve under the stewardship of Volunteer Warden Tim Pridmore. Working Parties are held on the first Sunday October - April, all are welcome. Open Day at Farthinghoe held in July, ideal for Children-lots of bugs to find! Contact Alice Adams for more details.
SUPPORT BRACKLEY SHOPS
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The Brackley Wine Bar
The Brackley Wine Bar is a great place to relax and unwind with friends within Brackley. |
. "the Deli Wine bar and Bistro still have tickets left for Valentines night on the 14th February. Join us for live music and hot buffet including dessert for only £21.95. Tickets available at the deli or online at www.brackleywines.co.uk and click on events".
Brackley Wines now sell a selection of fine wines by the bottle, and not just by the case. Pop into the Deli or Wine Bar and purchase from our new display of many different wines. Also have a chat with Matt and he can advise you on what cheeses will go with them. Deli open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm. The Wine Bar is open from 6.30pm to 11.30pm from the 11th February
News from Rachel's Farm
Fresh in the chiller cabinet this week you'll find pork and lamb (all cuts from Friday) new stock of fillet, rump and sirloin as well as aged topside and mince. Should be enough chickens to go round and it's the final week of pheasants for this season.
There was a good response to the reminder that my sausages are nitrite-free and an early sell-out, so I've made extra this week - basic and spiced.
Someone has now asked me to make nitrite-free bacon which I've done in the past. It can look a bit grey (hence they call it Green bacon) but tastes pretty good. It takes a bit longer to cure so watch this space.
I had a customer complaint this week - that my Seville orange tart was too good and she and her husband had eaten the whole lot in one go. I beamed. And made some more. It's now or never after all. Blink and the season is over.
I've also made chicken stock for the shop in case you want to keep the cold out this weekend with a really tasty soup or risotto -. Alternatively, a warming stew. There's plenty of casserole steak waiting for you.
I know it's not really the weather for pork pie but I've made some to satisfy the real devotees plus some pork and herb terrine (from Friday) which went down really well at tasting day.
New stock of potatoes from Friday - £5 for half a sack - that's 12.5kgs.
Hope to see you but let me know if you want anything special in the way of pork or lamb - it's being cut up Thurs evening.
Rachel
Rachel's Farm Shop
Versions Farm
Turweston Rd
Brackley
NN13 5JY
www.rachelsfarmshop.com
07713 637576
SOAP AND CANDLE SHACK - Courtyard Mews.
New spring scented candles, 5 different scents and for one month only these will have 15% off. scents are ROSE, LEMON/LIME, STRAWBERRY AND PEAR, SUNWASHED LINEN AND GARDENIA. prices start from £2.00 for candle nuggets up to £11.99 for largest jar
Brackley Information Bureau is a totally new concept aimed at promoting businesses and events in Brackley and surrounding villages. Located in the Courtyard Mews, it is rapidly becoming the centre for all information! Call in and get involved in developing Brackley!
It should be stressed that Brackley Information Bureau is a private enterprise and has nothing to do with the Council. In fact it was born out of the frustration of the Tourist Information Centre being closed! So please don't take out your grievances against the Council on Jan or Su -they are on your side!
If you own your own business, why not give it a local boost by joining Brackley Information Bureau. Membership gets you a simple web listing, full details on our comprehensive database and your business cards and promotional materials in our Cornershop of Information in the Courtyard Mews giving you a High Street presence. And it only costs £5 per month (plus a small initial finder's fee) – that’s just £60 per year! Email us, call or pop in for application forms.
The Cutting Company, Lark Rise are pleased to offer:- 10% off to all new clients! 20% off color and perming services with a full price cut and finish! Also we have gift vouchers and a range is gift packs ideal for valentines day! Offers end 29th February. 01280 702101
Rotarian Irene Childerley is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro from 25th January to 4th February in aid of the Friends of Mithuluni Village. She is raising funds to provide the Kenyan village with clean drinking water. You can donate through www.justgiving.com/Irene-Kilimanjaro or there is a sponsorship form in the Information Bureau.
Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to unlock your child’s potential, building their confidence and independent study skills. Take advantage of our free assessment and see how Kumon could benefit your child. OPEN day at Brackley Methodist Church on Saturday 4th February 1-4pm. Meet Kumon instructor Jayne Kelly, or call 01869 816 006 - kumon.co.uk/brackley
February bonus days at Nightingales Therapy-Brackley, Thursday 2nd February all Reflexology treatments will be £20 and back by popular demand…. Thursday 9th February Indian Head Massage special, £15.00 pre booking on both days is essential. www.reflexologybrackley.co.uk
On 2nd February Timmy Mallet (yes THAT Timmy Mallet) will be exhibiting his incredible artwork at Limes Farm from 7pm www.limes-farm.com
MouseMate are holding a free computer surgery in The Courtyard Mews on the First Monday of each month 1-4pm. Bring along your mis-behaving laptops and notepads, or just request advice and guidance. Alternatively, contact Michael at www.mouse-mate.co.uk to make an appointment.
Brackley Means Business is a networking group which exists to provide business people based in Brackley and surrounding areas with a meaningful business support network by running informative events, promoting inter trade between members and helping local businesses have a big voice. Meetings are 7-9pm on the first Tuesday of each month (next meeting Tuesday 7th February). Membership for 2012 is £50, or pay £10 on the night. www.BrackleyMeansBusiness.co.uk
Lullabies Children’s Boutique open evening will be on Friday 10th February 7-9:30pm at Merry Go Round UK, Unit 13, Twyford Mill Estate, Adderbury OX17 3SX. For more details call Helen on 07906 055591 or email bbandb@hotmail.co.uk
The Wine Bar at the Deli will be open every Saturday evening (from 11th February). This is the perfect venue for parties, a get together with friends and family or a pleasant evening out (over 21’s only). 01280 700797 or email james.butler@brackleywines.co.uk
The Wine Bar In The Deli have a VALENTINES BUFFET and Live Jazz Music on Tuesday 14th February 7pm til late. Tickets now on sale from The Deli or can be ordered online www.brackleywines.co.uk for £21.95 per person (over 18′s only, £1 online booking fee). Price includes hot buffet, candle light, relaxed atmosphere and live jazz music with Chris Filbey.
Counselling by Donna is now offering Counselling and Stress Reduction Courses in the Workplace more information can be found on the website www.dj-counselling.co.uk
Chris Brennan of Brackley School of Motoring is offering Brackley based driving lessons for just £20 per hour – call 01280 701448 / 07957 158612 www.brackleyschoolofmotoring.co.uk
Bump Baby and Beyond has a “Drop In and Meet the Professionals event” 10am-1pm 23rd February at The Hub Youth Cafe, High St, Brackley. Entry is free and no appointment is necessary. Ask the professionals about different aspects of pregnancy, birth, babies and toddlers. For more information call Helen on 07906 055591
Global Mapping’s “Walk and Cycle Brackley Guide” are available from Brackley Information Bureau. It is a free book due to SNC funding it. All original paintings from the book will be on sale at only £15.00 and all profits from these will go to the Brackley and District Branch of the Wildlife Trust.
If you would like more information about Brackley Information Bureau LLP, then please visit our Website or call Jan Dean (07901 854576) or Su Moody (07894 167001) and arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements. We also have a phone in the shop, available during opening hours. The number is 01280 730567.
Date: Tuesday 7th February 2011
Speaker: Terrence Warren – Safer Training & Consultancy
Location: The Hub
The High Street
Brackley
Northants
NN13
Tel: 07901 854576
Time: 7PM to 9PM (ish)
Activities: Networking, Announcements, Intro’s, Welcome etc.
Investment: Members FREE, Guests £10 (Join on the night and attend FREE!)
Please feel free to bring along business cards and promotional materials.
Food: Drinks and nibbles
Please contact Jan Dean for more information
brackleymeansbusiness.co.uk
c/o Town Hall. Market Place, Brackley NN13 7AB
Archaeological finds expert to visit South Northants
Have you found something that might be of archaeological interest? South Northamptonshire Council will be hosting a ‘Finds Surgery’ on Wednesday, 8 February, where members of the public can have their archaeological finds identified and recorded.
Julie Cassidy, from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, will be visiting the council’s Springfields office in Towcester to see anyone who wants to discuss their archaeological finds, whether they were found whilst digging in the garden, using a metal detector, or even just noticed whilst on a walk.
So if you have found a man-made object that may be over 300 years old, why not bring it along on Wednersday, 8 February, between 2pm and 4pm to officially record your discovery?
For more information about the Finds Surgery, please contact Julie Cassidy on 01604 237249.
COMMUNITY MESSAGE BOARD
All Community News is now on the Community News Page. Click here to find out what's happening.
FED UP OF BEING OUT IN THE COLD? WANT SOMEWHERE TO HANG OUT?
COME TO THE...
6 Week Youth Project-FREE
At The Hub(opposite The Plough) 7pm-9pm THIS FRIDAY
Quizzes, Tournaments
For young people aged 13-19 (Up to 25 with a disability)
New Minibus for local voluntary groups
SNVB (the South Northants Volunteer Bureau) are pleased to announce that as part of Village Networks, a new Lottery-funded project, we have taken delivery of a brand new minibus which is available for hire by community, voluntary and non-profit groups.
“So often local groups tell us transport is a real problem”, says Nick King, Project Coordinator. “Now we have a solution: a new minibus and trained drivers”.
Our 16-seater minibus not only supports the Village Networks project but it can also be used independently by registered members who are involved with local voluntary, community and resident groups.
We offer membership registration to voluntary, community and resident groups in South Northamptonshire.
Our minibus is a VOSA licenced vehicle with the appropriate insurance and safety checks. Our drivers are CRB-checked and MiDAS trained (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme). The minibus is operated by snvb (South Northants Volunteer Bureau) under a Section 19 Permit with the necessary Public Liability Insurance and safeguards.
Information on hiring the minibus and driver is available from Nick King, Village Networks Coordinator: tel 01327 353321 or 358264 or email nick@snvb.org.uk
Andrea Leadsom Sets Up New HS2 Group
Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire held a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) with MP colleagues to discuss how to take the campaign against HS2 forward.
Earlier this month the Transport Secretary, Justine Greening MP announced the Government’s intention to press ahead with the project.
MPs affected and also not affected by the route met in Parliament to discuss how to take the campaign forward and covered subjects such as mitigation and compensation. It was agreed at the meeting that a letter would be sent to the Transport Secretary asking detailed questions of the Secretary of State regarding future compensation and exceptional hardship arrangements.
Andrea and colleagues also agreed to form a new anti HS2 group which will be known as the ‘HS2 Compensation and Mitigation Forum’. The new group will be made up of MPs from all parties who are sceptical about the HS2 project and will meet regularly to discuss campaign ideas and share information. The Secretary of State for Transport, officials from HS2 Ltd and experts who have worked on similar projects will be invited to address the group to answer questions and offer advice.
Andrea said, ‘Our position first and foremost is that we are against this project going ahead because it is a waste of taxpayer’s money and there are better options available that can be delivered far sooner.’
‘However, just because we are against this project does not mean we should not discuss compensation and mitigation if the Government are determined to go ahead with this project.’
‘My colleagues and I are determined to achieve the best deal for constituents in terms of compensation and mitigation and the best deal for all taxpayers as a whole. I am determined to keep the pressure on the Government and to scrutinise this project closely and I hope that this new group will allow us to achieve this.’
Drop In On Your Local MP – Andrea Leadsom
‘Working for you’ – that’s really what being a member of parliament is all about. Broadly speaking one third of an MP’s time is taken up working in the constituency, the remainder being split evenly between contributing to law making in Parliament and scrutinising legislation via the Select Committees.
Ensuring access to your MP is a vital and an important part of my role.
As your MP I hold regular surgeries throughout the constituency falling into two types – a simple ‘drop in’ surgery held at Towcester and Brackley Farmer’s Markets or at Mereway Tesco, where you can literally walk up, say hello and discuss any questions you may have.
The second type is the ‘bookable’ appointment surgery held monthly alternating between Towcester, Brackley and Wootton.
People come to see me with all sorts of issues ranging from local concerns about wind farms, planning and HS2 to personal problems with divorce, schools, health and debt. I am here to listen, offer advice and of course help by representing you with Government Ministers, local Councils and other public bodies.
To make an appointment for a bookable surgery or if you need information on drop in dates, call Abi in my office on 01604 859721 or look at my website: www.andrea.leadsom.com
You can also contact me by email andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk or by calling my London office on 0207 219 7149. You can even turn up at the House of Commons and go to Central Lobby, where a ‘Doorkeeper’ will make every effort to find me if you want to speak with me in person! (Better to make an appointment if you can.....).
Latest information on Surgery dates (but please always check the website in case of late changes):
Drop In:
- Friday 9 March 2012, 10am until 11am - Towcester Farmers Market
- Saturday 19 May 2012, 10.30am until 11.30am - Brackley Farmers Market - In Front Of Town Hall
- Friday 29 June 2012, 3.30pm until 4.30pm - Mereway Tesco
- Friday 14 September 2012, 10am until 11am - Towcester Farmers Market
- Saturday 17 November 2012, 10.30am until 11.30am – Brackley Farmers Market - In Front Of Town Hall
- Friday 30 November 2012, 3.30pm until 4.30pm - Mereway Tesco
Bookable:
- Friday 16 March 2012 3pm until 6pm at Brackley Town Hall
- Friday 30 March 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Wootton Community and Sports Centre
- Friday 27 April 2012, 3pm until 6pm at South Northamptonshire Council
- Friday 25 May 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Brackley Town Hall
- Friday 22 June 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Wootton Community and Sports Centre
- Friday 13 July 2012, 3pm until 6pm at South Northamptonshire Council
- Friday 24 August 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Brackley Town Hall
- Friday 21 September 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Wootton Community and Sports Centre
- Friday 19 October 2012, 3pm until 6pm at South Northamptonshire Council
- Friday 23 November 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Brackley Town Hall
- Friday 14 December 2012, 3pm until 6pm at Wootton Community and Sports Centre
www.andrealeadsom.com
Information sent on behalf of Northamptonshire Police Community Connect |
(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message) |
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Local appeal for information
We are appealing for information following a serious single-vehicle road traffic collision on the A422 at Brackley on Saturday night (28 January).
At around 9.30pm, a red MG Rover ZR hatchback was travelling along the A422 at Brackley - between the Oxford road and Banbury road roundabouts - from the direction of the A43.
The driver and four passengers were all aged between 14 and 17 years.
The vehicle lost control and left the carriageway. The driver, a 17-year-old boy from Brackley, sustained minor injuries and was discharged following treatment at Northampton General Hospital. He was then arrested and bailed on suspicion of dangerous driving.
One of the passengers, a 14-year-old girl from Brackley, is in a critical condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Also taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital were a 17-year-old boy from Evenley and a 16-year-old boy from Brackley - they are both in a serious but stable condition.
The other passenger - a 15-year-old girl from Brackley - was discharged after treatment at Northampton General Hospital.
Anyone who may have spotted this red MG Rover on the roads immediately prior to this collision is asked to call our Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615. |
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Community Connect Team (C0997, Admin, Northamptonshire Police) |
Brackley Bus Services – Latest
Access for disabled people
The Department aims to improve transport provision for disabled people - whether as pedestrians, public and special transport users, or motorists - while also improving accessibility in public places.
The above logo can be seen on the Stagecoach 500 Brackley -Banbury and the Stagecoach 8 Northampton- Bicester.plus 499 ,and County Connect buses which serve the town.
Timetable alterations between Brackley & Bicester and new departure point in Bicester - from 30th January 2012
From the date above Bure Place in Bicester is being redeveloped and bus services will be moving to Market Square and North Street.
Route 8 towards Northampton will be moving Market Square Stop C.
Due to this move we have altered the times of the buses from Brackley to Bicester to run 2 minutes later throughout.
We have also altered times from Bicester to Brackley to leave Bicester 2 minutes earlier and to then run towards Brackley 1 minute earlier.
Beyond Brackley bus times are not affected.
Contact Mick Furn mickfurn@aol.com
SNAG has an informative website, its address is http://www.snag-against-hs2.org/ It has lots of useful material and will keep you up to date with both our local campaign and the national picture. You can also register on the site as a supporter which is very important since it helps demonstrate to local elected members and their officials how much support we do have.
AGHAST is one of a large and diverse range of groups challenging HS2 which include: 51m (17 councils challenging HS2 project); Campaign for Better Transport; Campaign to Protect Rural England; Chiltern Society; Civic Voice; Countryside Alliance; Environmental Law Foundation; The Green Party; Greenpeace; Institute of Economic Affairs; Chiltern Conservation Board; National Trust; RAC Foundation; Ramblers; RSPB; Taxpayers Alliance; The Wildlife Trust; Friends of the Earth; Railfuture; Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings; and the Woodland Trust.
HS2 Ltd environmental survey programme to begin
HS2 Ltd is to start essential environment and engineering survey work along the planned route of the new high speed rail line between London and the West Midlands as an access to private land agreement is reached with landowner representatives. The company has now begun contacting individual landowners to arrange site visits.
Alison Munro, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd said: “I’m very pleased that we are able to get going with the next key stage of our work assessing, in much greater detail than we have been able to do up till now, the potential impact of the HS2 proposals on local sites. We hope to develop close working partnerships with those affected by the new line and this licensing arrangement is an important step in that direction.”
The ecology surveys will initially identify plants, animals and habitats, then, if necessary, HS2 Ltd will carry out further detailed investigation for specific species. This could include collating bird numbers and their movements, badger monitoring, reptile surveys and studies of dormice. As the project progresses the company’s engineers and environmental specialists will also investigate ground condition and physical features, and take measurements.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have signed up to a voluntary agreement that sets out the process for contacting land owners to discuss gaining entry to their land, it also contains a fee structure and duty of care commitments.
Duty of care provision is a key part of the Licence agreement. It covers a range of issues, such as looking after livestock – gates being left as they are found, either open or closed, maintaining fishing and sporting rights, as well as protecting hedges and trees. HS2 Ltd will also immediately notify the owner of the discovery of a treasure trove or any historical artefacts.
This programme is an essential part of the collection of baseline data to inform part of preparing for the hybrid bill, feeding into the environmental impact assessment and design work.
The first batch of letters to landowners requesting a site visit has now gone out and work is expected to start in February.
HS2: An open letter to all Buckinghamshire residents from Martin Tett
The announcement by Justine Greening of the Coalition Government’s decision to go ahead with HS2 is clearly disappointing if not unexpected. Whilst we may have lost a battle, we are far from losing the campaign and I am determined that we redouble our efforts to stop this ill-conceived project.
Our opponents have tried to stereotype those who oppose HS2 as ‘Chiltern NIMBYs’. I, by contrast, see us as the people right across this country who have had cause to analyse this proposal and who see it for what it actually is, a vast waste of hard-earned taxpayers' money combined with environmental vandalism on an almost unprecedented scale.
The Government’s ‘spin machine’ has been in overdrive during the announcement with, no doubt coincidentally-leaked reports, and attempts to conceal the facts. A thorough analysis of the Government’s material has now shown some damning conclusions.
Firstly, the business case for HS2, already poor, has become far, far worse. The published ‘Benefit Cost Ratio’ for the London to Birmingham section has declined from a predicted 2.7 return for every pound spent in March 2010, to 1.7 in 2012. Far worse, when the figures are adjusted for known risks buried deep in the report, such as the latest economic forecasts, updated forecasting methods and a more realistic value of the time saved by passengers, the return drops as low as a dire 90p for every pound. In other words, HS2 actually loses the hard-pressed taxpayer 10p for every one of the £32 billion spent on it. This is well below the threshold that the Department for Transport would normally allow for any project. No wonder the Government tried to ‘bury bad news’.
By contrast, the Government’s own consultants show that the alternative put forward by the 51m Alliance of 18 local authorities opposed to HS2 of improving our existing lines at far lower cost, has a ‘Benefit Cost Ratio’ of 5, delivering £5 for every taxpayers’ pound invested. No wonder the Government tried so hard to discredit this far better option.
Secondly, despite the attempt to persuade MPs that it is ‘tunnelling under the Chilterns’, in reality only an extra 1.4 miles of extra tunnelling has been added. The rest of the route, some 5.5 miles remains untunnelled. In addition, HS2 is now in many cases worse for many people living along this route. The Government’s so called extra ‘mitigation’ of a short route change in Amersham and extra tunnelling, has been counter-balanced by reducing the depth of the cutting between Little Missenden and Wendover from 9 metres to only 2 metres. As a result people along this section are likely to now see and hear the trains even more than before.
Lastly, the Government has ignored the vast response to its own Public Consultation. 55,000 people across the country responded to this. Compare that to the 7,000 who replied to the Public Consultation last year on the proposed sale of the National Forests which led to a rapid U-turn. Despite Philip Hammond’s desperate attempts to drum up support by everyone from northern businessman to Bob Crow’s railwaymen, the Government’s case was decisively rejected in every one of the seven consultation questions. These responses have been completely ignored despite a dire business case. This discredits the entire consultation process.
So what can we do now? Plenty. As 51m, your local councils are considering legal action against this scheme. In addition, it will be 2013 before a Bill is introduced to Parliament for the London to Birmingham section of HS2. This gives us over a year to spread the key messages nationally that this project represents even more appalling waste of taxpayers' money than we had originally thought; that it will result in environmental damage along its entire route; that building it would cause enormous disruption to services into Euston station for eight years and finally, that a far, far better alternative exists which has been all but ignored.
As the 51m Alliance we pledge to continue to support the residents of Buckinghamshire.
Martin Tett
Leader Buckinghamshire County Council
SOUTH NORTHANTS ONE OF 12 COUNCILS FORM 51m GROUP UNITED AGAINST HS2
The website www.51m.co.uk has been set up by the 51m group who are the thirteen councils (including South Northants and Aylesbury Vale) that have come together to challenge the evidence base about the HS2 project. They are known as "51m" because that represents how much HS2 will cost each and every Parliamentary Constituency...£51million. The 51m group want to emphasise the impact HS2 will have on every taxpayer in the country for years to come.
The 51m website clearly sets out the position of councils and other organisations across the country on HS2.
The website also has a simple facility for people across the whole country to use so they can write to their local MP and tell them how they feel about the HS2 project which will cost the nation £33billion. All they have to do is type in their postcode and follow the instructions on screen.
Each of the councils has signed up to the following position statement:
"The authorities along the route have come together to oppose the proposals for High Speed Rail as they are currently proposed.
We do not believe that the business case stacks up and therefore cannot support the route suggested by Government and are actively working on a plan to strongly object to the proposals.
We are opposed to the current High Speed rail proposals as they are presently outlined and do not believe that they are in the best interests of the UK as a whole in terms of the benefits claimed in the business case.
We are not opposed to the need for higher speed rail per se and fully acknowledge the need for strategic improvement to the national rail
infrastructure but cannot agree with the current proposals as the economic and environmental benefits are not at all credible
SPORTS NEWS
Get sportivated
Funding available through South Northamptonshire Council from the Lottery and Sports England Sportivate programme could mean a chance for anyone aged between 14 and 25 to try out new sports. And it’s also an opportunity for sports clubs to boost their membership.
The council is looking to inject Sportivate funding into sports clubs who can open their doors to new and returning participants. To qualify, your club will need to comply to rules on child protection and first aid, and be working towards or have achieved a Level 2 coaching award. The funding can be spent on facility hire, equipment and promotion. If your club is interested in getting involved in Sportivate, email tom.kittendorf@southnorthants.gov.uk, or phone 01327 322078.
Cllr Rosie Herring, South Northants portfolio holder for community wellbeing, said: "As the Olympics draw closer it's a great time for young people to get involved in sport. If your sport club thinks it could use this funding creatively to attract more members, get in touch with the council and we'll see if we can help."
BRACKLEY RUFC MATCH REPORT, SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012
Midlands 3 East (South)
Biggleswade 34, Brackley 3
Brackley acquitted themselves well against a talented Biggleswade outfit on Saturday. On the road to the team which has held first or second spot in the league throughout this season, Brackley competed throughout the match, remaining in touch with their hosts until well into the second half. Then as Brackley’s legs began to tire, Biggleswade produced a final flourish, racking up 14 points in the last five minutes to take their haul to five tries, three conversions and a penalty goal against a solitary penalty goal from Brackley.
For the second week running, Brackley’s pack put in a solid performance, again taking three strikes against the head and tackling manfully to repel Biggleswade’s opening gambit of a series of relentless driving mauls. When that initial onslaught only brought Biggleswade a penalty goal, Brackley grew in confidence and began to enjoy their trip to Bedfordshire. With secure possession coming from scrum and lineout, centres Graeme Cartmell and Mario Vaise repeatedly tested the opposition’s midfield but were unable to breach their host’s tightly marshalled defence.
Biggleswade increased their lead when they moved the ball to the right and full back Tom Warboys raced onto the wing to make the extra man. Taking the ball at pace he outflanked Brackley’s defenders, running round and touching down behind the posts. Sam Fraser collected the two points. Brackley responded by taking the ball to Biggleswade once more, this time gaining points with a David Boot-Handford penalty goal to bring the half time score to 10-3.
Brackley upped their work rate as the second period got underway and for a time unsettled their opponents before scrum half Ashley Dunn dummied his way across the line for an unconverted try midway through the half. Minutes later, a skilfully executed penalty move put hooker Sasha Heath over for Biggleswade’s third, converted by Sam Fraser.
With five minutes remaining, the scoreline of 22-3 seemed a fair reflection of the contest but that prospect disappeared when centre Michael Hall broke free for an unconverted try. Then, by the cruellest of luck, the kick for the restart landed just inches in touch. Biggleswade opted for a scrum at the centre spot, their back row picked up, and, in the final passage of play, flanker Dean Bartlett was through at the posts. Heath made no mistake with the conversion.
Brackley are at home next week to Daventry. With Bedford Queens having pipped Northampton Casuals by one point at the weekend, Brackley are now back in the relegation zone. With only eight league matches left to play, almost every one of them becomes a must-win situation if Brackley are to survive in Midlands 3 East (South).
Long Buckby U15s 51-15 Brackley U15s
Scoreline not a true reflection on the game as Brackley fight their way to the end and showed no signs of giving up/
Off the back of a big win last week, Brackley travelled to Long Buckby for the second time this season, looking to reverse the 44-21 defeat they suffered back in November. Unfortunately, Buckby looked as strong as they had before as they used their power and pace and made good use of their substitutes to score over 50 points against a determined Brackley team.
Brackley were the first to get on the scoreboard, as within 2 and a half minutes they gathered up the kick off, and flanker Tom Earl burst through a couple of tackles to score an unconverted try. Long Buckby were immediate in their reply with two of their own tries to make it 12-5. Brackley earned a penalty inside the Buckby half, and electing to go for the posts, fly half max titchener made no mistake in nailing the 3 points from 45 meters out, crossbar assisted. Buckby scored another 2 tries before half time, with Brackley constantly pressurising and testing the Buckby defence, but not to find that gap to break through for the try, with the half time score at 24-8.
The second half began the same way the first did, with Brackley gathering up the loose ball and using hands to stretch the defence before Earl made his way through to score his and Brackleys second try, with Titchener converting. Brackley had to make use of their 2 subs after through injuries, with Will Westcott replacing flanker Fergus Brown and Sean Wright on for scrum half Saajan Patel. The rest of the match was composed of Brackley hitting up in attack, but Buckbys superiority reigned as they rung in further tries, but they were made to work as Brackley showed no signs of giving up, as the score finished 51-15. Brackleys next match comes in 3 weeks time as they play Northampton Casuals
THIS WEEKEND
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The Small Print
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