WELFORD CHURCH FETE – June 26th at 2.30pm
This very “Welford Afternoon” will take place at the Manor House (next to the Church) by kind invitation of John and Christine O’Reilly from 2.30 p.m. on June 26th.
We are hoping there will be some children from School dancing for us, the Lutterworth Town Band will again be playing throughout the afternoon, and there will be the usual selection of stalls, plus a couple of new ones this year, along with the Grand Raffle, so please come along meet some old friends and soak up the lovely atmosphere of friendship that is “The Church Fete”, in a superb Welford Garden.
It is not too late to have a stall, if you would like one just call John Nicholas on 575422 to book a table.

A TOUR OF THE TOWER (by Ed O’Reilly)
£15, a tour of the church tower with none-other than Kelvin Broad, plus a couple of glasses of champagne and your mother pays. What could be better? Actually, not a lot.
At last year’s church garden fete Tim Whorton organised a great opportunity to see the sights of Welford from a unique perspective – the top of the church tower. Kelvin was a tremendous tour guide showing us the church clock, bells and the sound proofing! The views from the top are terrific, giving us a chance to take some great photos. The glasses of champagne were reserved until we were back at ground level. This year an additional feature will be a short guided tour of Welford Church. This will pick up some of the historic features and the history behind them.
Great fun and very much recommended. Tim says book early for this year’s tour as places are limited.

WELFORD ANNUAL PARISH MEETING IN WELFORD VILLAGE HALL ON 22 APRIL 2010
The meeting began with presentations by the Police, Fire and Rescue Services and the Energy Saving Trust.
Sergeant Mike Grady said his Community Support Team of two police constables and three community support officers dealt with long term issues and problems and petty crime. A Community Support Panel, which was open to the general public, met every three months to prioritise actions on issues raised by the general public. He urged parishioners to inform the police of their concerns. He said that in his area during the last year there had been an overall reduction of 7.9% overall in reported crime. In Welford itself the number of crimes had gone down from 41 last year to 37 in the year just ended. Of these 9 were burglaries, 10 burglaries others (eg from sheds etc, 3 theft from motor vehicles, 4 theft of motor vehicles, 10 anti-social behaviour. There were no criminal damage reports. He assured Welford villagers that they were living "in a pretty quiet area of Northants where crime was low compared with Northampton and Daventry."
He referred to Operation Guardian which is a police initiative working with local councils, the probation service, fire and rescue and other agencies to crack down on car crime, burglary and robbery. Criminals were being targeted by gathering intelligence, checking their whereabouts and letting them know they were being watched. In the first six months some 953 criminals had been detected. In response to complaints about continuing speeding through the village, he said that one of his staff had been trained to use a laser gun and had already issued a record number of speeding tickets.
Staci Leach, from the Fire and Rescue Services said she had a huge department which tries to prevent injuries. She showed two videos illustrating the horrific effects of a cigarette fire in a lounge and someone trying to quench a chip pan fire with water. She stressed the importance of smoke alarms -"people who have smoke alarms do not die in fires." Smoke alarms with batteries which last for 10 years are available free to anyone living in Northants. They will be fitted free of charge by the fire service in the correct places in people's homes. All the residents have to do is to check them periodically. For a home safety check and or to have a smoke alarm fitted residents should ring 0800 3899950 or text 07797 800760 or email: safetycheck@northantsfire.org.uk. She also emphasised the importance of having an alarm to detect carbon monoxide which kills 30 people annually. There will be an Auction of Talents and Promises at Guilsborough Village Hall on Saturday 8 May in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity which helps those injured or disabled during their work.
Michael Gallagher of the East Midlands Energy Saving Trust outlined and discussed with the audience the various ways in which people can save money by reducing energy use in the home. He encouraged villagers to take advantage of the many grants and loans available from local authorities etc for replacing boilers and installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels, heat pumps, etc. He also emphasised the importance of simple ways of saving energy such as car sharing and combining shopping and recreational activities when using a car.
Anthony Boardman Chairman of Welford Parish Council summarised the work of the parish council during the past year. This included the resurfacing of the High Street, the 20 mph restriction and the role of the parish council in planning procedures. Much emphasis had been given to improving provisions for youth which had resulted in less anti-social behaviour. Much expense was incurred in grass cutting of verges and the playing field. The parish council was also responsible for maintaining, repairing and the cost of electricity for street lights. It had also had a lot of expense on trees in the churchyard and verges to ensure safety. There was a vacancy for a parish councillor which it was hope to fill at the next meeting.
Questions from villagers included one about the Streetvibe bus which is parked in West End on Thursday evenings. It was explained that this organisation had been invited to provide alternative recreation for youngsters who were not members of the uniformed groups or members of the existing Wednesday youth club. Streetvibe has enough funds to continue its work in Welford until August. It has also given an undertaking that it will, with the support of the Parish Council, increase its efforts to secure revenue funding for the next three years. In the meantime, the Youth Club, the Youth and Community Centre and Streetvibe will work together to provide a range of activities suitable for all ages.
The new 20 mph signs which have appeared in the village are expected to be fully operational and legal shortly when roundels will have been painted on the road and warning signs erected to warn of the approach of a 20 mph area. Unfortunately some of the signs were put up by contractors without consultation with the County Council and will have to be resited.
A blocked drain outside the school in West Street has been reported to Street Doctor. All villagers were urged to report street defects immediately to Street Doctor on 0845 601 1113 which should result in an inspection within 5 days and action within 28 days.
Dangerous parking of cars on street corners was complained of. The situation was made worse when there was also an overhanging hedge which forced pedestrians into the road.
The bus service was also criticised. Recently an elderly villager and her carer had travelled to Market Harborough in a very old, substandard bus at speed which had resulted in the former having to have medical attention for severe back pain. There had also been several complaints about poor punctuality.
Catherine Boardman, Northants County and Daventry District Councillor, said she would pursue complaints about the bus service.
She referred to her work on the County Council in which she said she sought to build up good relationships with officers and the cabinet in order to deal with Welford issues. She was working hard to get the High Street work finished to a better standard and the Action Group were trying to get "a bottom line" on the possibility of a weight restriction. She said budgets were very tight and this was affecting the work of dealing with the increase in potholes after the bad winter. However, the Church Lane repairs had been completed to a much higher standard than previously.
Councillor Boardman referred to her work as a "corporate parent on the County Council to look after the 750 children who are adopted or fostered." She is also a member of one of the two adoption panels on the County Council.
She referred to the annual empowerment grant of £10,000 per annum at the disposal of county councillors to spend in their own wards. She outlined some of the projects from which villages have benefited including new picnic tables in Welford playing field. She said that this year £3,000 had to be identified for young people but she would look at any requests made by local community groups. Referring to her work on the District Council she said she had been a representative on the Environment Committee for a number of years. This was working to improve the efficiency of waste disposal and was looking at various options. She said that the Council would have to invest in an anaerobic digester system if it decided to collect kitchen waste separately from garden waste. This would be extremely expensive and would not be suitable for the rural area of Daventry. She urged villagers to compost their own kitchen waste.
REPORT OF WELFORD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING OF 22 APRIL AND ANNUAL GENERAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 27 MAY
2010 ELECTIONS:
The following were re-elected, unopposed: at the Annual General Meeting: Chairman: Anthony Boardman, Vice Chairman: John Frommont. Representatives: Village Hall: Jackie Matthew; Welford Educational Trust: Michael Lockwood; Youth and Community Centre, Youth Club and Biffa Liaison Officer: Peter Cheshire; Pocket Park: Phyllis Hayhurst; Highways and Litter Warden: Alan Ainsworth; Allotments, Neighbourhood Watch: Anthony Boardman; Footpaths: Nigel Brotherton; Tree Warden: Alan Curtis; Bad Weather Liaison Officer: Michael Lockwood; Planning Committee: Nigel Brotherton (Chairman), Alan Ainsworth, Alan Curtis, Phyllis Hayhurst, Michael Lockwood; Pocket Park Group: Peter Wattam (Co-ordinator), Melanie Ainsworth, Phyllis Hayhurst, Cliff Hayhurst, Norman Hills, June Simkins. Delegated powers were approved for the Planning Committee and the Pocket Park Group.
New councillor The vacancy caused by the resignation of Jill Smyth on her move to Long Buckby was filled by co-opting Chris Foster of 23 West End. He said he had lived in Welford for 2.5 years and had been associated with the village for 20 years in his previous occupation.
HIGHWAYS
Speeding Residents complained that the 20 mph signs in High Street were not being observed. The Chairman undertook to request speed checks at his attendance at the next Police Community Panel meeting.
A deep hole in the pavement outside the house at the bottom of High Street has not received attention some 3 weeks after a lorry drove over the pavement and demolished a concrete steel-reinforced slab manhole cover. A temporary cover has been placed over it but it is of very light material. BT had promised the house owner that a repair would be carried out soon after the incident but no action had been taken. The Parish Council will write to BT asking that the work be carried out urgently as it is potentially dangerous. The County Council will also be asked if a bollard could be placed outside the house to deter lorries from driving over the pavement which is breaking up the front steps of the house and causing cracks in the interior walls of the house.
Speeding in West End was reported by resident Jackie Shirley. She said that the 30 sign in West End was "way into the village and exacerbated the speeding situation of traffic entering the village at 50/60 mph." She said that traffic leaving the village "accelerated immediately past Newlands Road because drivers can see a clear space of road ahead and in the evening were travelling at 60/70 mph which makes my windows shake." She offered to go through all the necessary procedures to institute a civilian speed watch scheme in the village. However, Chairman Anthony Boardman said he would raise the issue of speeding in this area of the village at the Police Community Panel meeting. It was suggested that instead of parking cars partly on the pavements in West End they should be parked wholly on the road to narrow the road and decrease speeds.
Parking of a 4 x 4 on the pavement in High Street was the subject of another complaint by a resident.
Removal of the white line down the centre in High Street, criticised by a parishioner, was justified by the Chairman as a device to "make people use their eyes. . . If you take out the white line it makes people drive more carefully."
Dog bin A dog bin in West Street, which had been requested by allotment holders to prevent dogs fouling the allotments, received objections from two residents who could see the bin from their window. The Chairman explained that the bin could not be placed on the allotment drive as the District Council emptied only dog bins sited on pavements. He will meet with the residents concerned and another parish councillor to discuss an alternative possible site for a dog bin in the vicinity of the allotments
Damaged Street light This will be replaced by a steel column which will cost the Parish Council £300 after settlement by its insurers as the previous concrete column was worth less.
Missing Welford Lav by signs will be investigated by the County Council.
Resurfacing of High Street Most of the outstanding work has been completed apart from the repair and reseeding of grass verges damaged by the contractors. The dropped kerb at the end of Newlands Road will be moved so that is directly opposite the entrance to the
SPORTS FIELD.
An encroaching hedge between Court Lane and the lay by will be reported to the Highways Dept and the owner of the land will be asked to trim an overhanging hedge in West End.
Church Footpath Complaints have been made about the unevenness of this path due to tree roots but the highway contractors who have examined it have said that it is satisfactory - "perfectly within bounds.
The overgrown cherry tree in Newlands Road will be dealt with by Councillor Alan Curtis.
An application to divert a footpath away from the new country house on the Hemploe was rejected by the parish council as "it was a less commodious route." A request from the owner of the house asking the council to reconsider its decision will receive the response that the council has considered his letter but that it sees no reason to change its decision to object to the diversion.
The area of grass verge beyond the bus shelter is being used for parking. It was suggested that a seat should be located there to prevent this.
PARISH ENHANCEMENT GANGS of 6 men for 2 days employed by the County Council Highways Dept will be asked to carry out tasks such as repairing isolated potholes, minor kerb repairs, blocked drains, painting seats, dealing with overgrown vegetation etc.
PLAYING FIELD The annual inspection of the play equipment revealed a step missing on the small slide. This will be repaired by the inspection company who be asked to renew the stakes in the tyre section.
Grasscutting The grass cutting contractors have been authorised to make extra cuts this year in order to maintain a good standard on the playing field.
THE ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION on Northampton Road near the kissing gate will be reported to Central Networks as the wooden fencing surrounding it is deteriorating rapidly.
YOUTH PROVISION Councillor Jackie Matthew reported that she had been in further consultation with the organisers of the Streetvibe Youth Bus which visits the village on Thursday evenings. She said that they will make an application for a grant to enable them to continue their activities in the village. In the meantime, discussions will continue amongst the parish council representatives, the Wednesday Youth Club organisers and Streetvibe in order to try to seek consensus on the future of youth provision in the village.
PLANNING
DA/94/522C (NCC) An application to vary conditions of the planning permission for the retention of the gas utilisation system for electricity generation at Welford Landfill Site, Northampton Road was considered. This would allow the permission to extend beyond the original date of 10 December 2010 specified for the cessation of the generating equipment until such time as management of the equipment is no longer required for landfill gas management and the site shall be restored in accordance with the conditions of the permission. Parish Council response: no observation
DA/2020/0288 Planning for demolition of bungalow and construction of new dwelling of two stories with rooms in the roof. Parish Council response: Any permission should be subject to conditions being imposed that the side and back windows in the second storey should have obscure glazing and that the slab height of the dwelling should be reduced by at least one metre.
Additional information had been received relating to DA/2020/0189 Downton House, South Kilworth Road. Erection of stable and tack room. The original application form had been rejected by the Parish Council as it was not fully completed; application had not been made for the change of use of the land required for the building and an access had been created without planning permission. Parish Council response The application form had been completed but no application had been made for change of use and the access to the field, which was previously a farm gate, had been metalled and hardcore put down inside the field.
YELVERTOFT WIND FARM An appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspector against the refusal of planning permission by Daventry District Council.
DOCTOR'S PRESENTATION Letters of thanks were received from Dr Chris Dowell and his receptionist Ann Barber for their gifts at the surprise presentation at the end of the doctor's last surgery in the village. Both had said how much they had enjoyed their work in the village for the past twenty-seven years.
YOU CHOOSE - a campaign by Northants County Council has been launched to get the public involved in making changes to make savings now and over the next few years. For more information and to register your voice: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/you choose.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Reserves at bank at 1 May 2010 £12,844.93
Receipts - Precept ' £7,600.00
Allotment Rent £225.00
Payments - Clerk salary and expenses: March £202.52, April £189.37; Balance of previous clerk's expenses: £426.63; NCALC membership £207.22; NCALC Audit Service renewal: £140.32; Electricity for street lighting: £501.56 Allotment Rent: £225.00; Welford Sportsfield Grant: £3,000; Playground inspection: £172.50; Grass cutting April/May £1,697.88

DATE OF NEXT MEETING to which all villagers are invited: 24 June 2010 at 7.30pm in Welford Village Hall.

WHAT'S NEWS AT......WELFORD, SIBBERTOFT & SULBY ENDOWED SCHOOL
EVERYDAY OBJECTS TRANSFORMED!
Class 1 have loved making sculptures starting with everyday objects. We worked with Class 2 and everybody brought in an everyday object wrapped in newspaper. Then we had to transform it into a sculpture. We had lots of lovely things to use - feathers, sequins, ribbons, nails and screws, stickers... the list was endless. We were all very pleased with our creations and they are now on display next to Class 2. Next week we are using natural materials and the outdoors to make and photograph artwork inspired by Andy Goldsworthy.
YEAR 5 ARE LEADERS!
On Wednesday 19th May Year 5 arrived at school and had a lovely surprise! Well most were pleased about it! Freddy Fit as well as Hotshots were coming to Welford School and Year 5 had been chosen to be leaders to be trained how to instruct the rest of the year groups.
We had fun and lively music and practiced exercises and dance movements and put them in to a routine. Freddy Fit, whose real name was Craig, started by showing us movements and fun things to do but to begin with he didn't speak; he mimed or demonstrated and we joined in. It was fun and easy to follow.
Lucy T, Hayley, Nathan and Jacob won certificates for skipping. Lucy T, Aaron and Ellie won certificates for Speed Bounce. In the Crazy Frog Bradley and Morgan showed good evasion techniques. Our swerviest Hoola Hoopers were Isabella and Elliot.
After lunch we were outside in the lovely sunny weather with Class 4 and practiced our skipping and speed bouncing skills. Ms Hadland and Mrs Sandells were very brave and joined in the days activities.
In the afternoon we had Hotshots with Kris and practiced some basketball skills in four colour teams. Red team won!
FEEDBACK ON FREDDY FIT!
On Wednesday 19th May Freddy Fit came into school and spent the day with us. He taught us how to keep fit in a fun way; we danced to all sorts of different music, we did sport related activities and overall we had a fun filled day, although at times it was rather hard.
Eve B
Freddy Fit came in to Welford School and spent some time with the Year 5's teaching them how to be young leaders so they can help us maybe in the playground at lunchtime to do some keep fit. We got to go to the hall and do some dancing. In the afternoon we had a competition with Class l, we did some skipping, hula hooping, jumping, star jumps, wriggling and speed bouncing. Some of us won certificates. Mrs Walpole and Mrs Franks did speed bouncing!
Ava
When Freddy Fit came to school we danced to Cheryl Cole. We did hula hooping in the afternoon and I won a certificate because I was the winner with five hoops. We did lots of hopping, bounce jumping, movement and exercise. It was a great day. Thanks Freddy Fit. Oliver M
I had fun when we had to do skipping with Freddy Fit because I won a certificate. We had lots of competitions in the afternoon. I sweated a lot after we danced to lots of music.
Amber
Freddy was such fun because we spent all day doing lots of fun packed exercises and some of it was to music. We did courses outside which he set up for us. Freddy Fit is very good at sport, he was brilliant at press-ups! I liked Freddy Fit, we had fun with him. Ethan
And Finally From Year 6 ...
We have been working very hard in recent weeks preparing for our Year 6 SATs and completed national tests in reading, writing, spelling and maths between May 10th and May 14th. We are looking forward to receiving the results in July!
We celebrated the end of our assessment week with a 'make your own pizza' party, where the whole class made their own pizzas, kneading pizza dough to perfection and choosing from a range of tasty pizza toppings. We also made pizzas for the teachers and classroom assistants!
We set the table and all sat down to enjoy our special lunch together with garlic bread for starters followed by our lovely homemade pizzas. We all agreed they tasted as good as Pizza Hut and thought maybe we could start our own takeaway business! Mrs Hart was less sure as her car resembled a pizza van by the end of lunchtime!
We all agreed that we should cook one more farewell lunch before the end of the school year, when we will be moving on to pastures new and exciting new experiences at secondary school.
WELFORD MIXED HOCKEY CLUB
League Champions!!
The end of the hockey season bought success for a number of the teams in the Hockey Club. The Mixed team finally won their league on goal difference after coming second two years in a row on goal difference!! The snow we had early in the year was still affecting the fixtures into April and this resulted in the team having to play games on Saturday and Sunday one weekend. It was a tense end to the season with the team needing to win their final 3 games and hope that other teams did not get too high a goal difference in their remaining games. The results all went our way and it was a hot Saturday at the end of April that a very relieved team heard the final whistle go and celebrated the league win! Please go and see our beautiful trophy in the Elizabethan!
The Badgers team also won their league for the 6th year in a row and many thanks should go to the dedication of the younger and older players for making this team so successful.
The youth teams played in the National Youth Tournament in Nottingham again and played exceptionally well. Thanks to the parents and supporters of these teams (quote one parent 'I've missed the best weekend of golf all year for this!') and especially to Ant and Claire who won the Coolest Coach Award for the 2nd year running! There are photos on the England Hockey website, www.englandhockey.co.uk check them out!
We have our annual AGM and Presentation evening on June 5th at the community centre in Welford and all players, family and friends are welcome. The AGM will start at 7pm with a BBQ and the presentation starting at 7.30pm. There will be a bar and food and there is no need to book, please just turn up! Anyone interested in volunteering within the club please come to the AGM and we will see what we can find for you to do!

In terms of Club Management, we are still in the process of obtaining the Clubs First Accreditation and are hoping to be assessed starting in September. The league are also running an umpiring course on the 23rd & 30th June. It runs from 7.00 – 10.00pm on both days at Moulton Sports Complex and the cost is £50.00 If anyone is interested in this, please contact either Ant Raisbury on 575678 or Julia Leat on 07974 764946 and we will register you for this. The adult team are still training throughout the summer on a Monday night, 8-9pm at Cold Ashby so please come along for a friendly game or two!

Finally, many thanks to the committee for their hard work this year and keeping the club ticking over nicely. We'd also like to thank all the players for their exceptional efforts in making our club so successful this year. We have players who are involved in the County Training Program and this helps our teams tremendously. We are also losing a number of really talented players to University this year and we would like to extend our thanks and best wishes to them.

Here's to another league winning season!!

VICTORIOUS WELFORD VICS FOOTBALL CLUB
The Vics seniors had an exceptional 2009/2010 season, with their new manage Bob Edge leading the Welford 1st XI to their inaugural First Division title. Next season they will line up in the Northants Combination Premier Division.
After nearly being relegated two seasons ago the influence Bob has had on the team is unmistakable. With just three losses all season they sealed their promotion in the penultimate game away at Ringstead with a 2-0 win and then secured the title with a 1-0 win away at JK Blisworth in the final game of the season. To quote Bob, "no better place to go and do it" (as a win to JK Blisworth would have given them the title).
In a hugely enjoyable season, both on and off the pitch, the Manager has blended some experienced “older” players with some “penny hasn't dropped” young lads to lead the side to glory.
Front man Scott Goodman couldn't stop scoring and bagged “Players Player of the Year”. Two days prior to the Blisworth game, Welford were extremely unlucky to have lost the Division One league cup final at Northampton Sileby on penalties despite the outstanding efforts of “Manager's Player of the Season” Iggy Messias, who was also awarded “Man of the Match” by the League’s Chairman.
Hot off the press this week, at Monday’s League AGM held at Sixfields Stadium, Manager Bob Edge was awarded “Manager of the Year” trophy, which is a brilliant accolade when you take into account that there are 8 divisions in the Northants Combination.
The Sunday morning side, under Manager/Secretary Simon James, also had an excellent season finishing 4th in Division One of The Alliance Football League (Leicestershire). Well done to Simon and his team.
JUNIORS and MINI’s (Northampton & District Youth Alliance Football League)
The U16’s and U15’s enjoyed another successful season in the Northants league both finishing 6th in their respective leagues. Several new team members complemented the established squads and the two groups have developed. The U16’s will not sadly be progressing next season, but hopefully a number will continue training with the seniors and play for the Saturday Reserve team (and who knows maybe the 1st team!). A big thank-you goes to Manager Dave Smart for bringing the team on over many years.
For the U15’s they will progress up the division in 2010/11. Top goal scorer and “Manager’s Player of the Season” was George Jeffery with a total of 15 (including a hatrick on the last day of the season). “Players’ Player” was Oliver Read, and “Coach’s Player” was Sam van Besouw. Any new players interested in joining the team should contact Mark Watts on m.m.watts@btinternet.com.
U10’s – had a difficult season but did have some success, although they started well they had a slump in the middle but started to find their way as the season drew to a close. There was never at any stage any shortage of effort.
More players will be required next season if they are to progress up to U11’s, which is 11-a-side, so if anybody out there would like to play please get in touch with Manager Dave Perrott (575270) or any Committee Member.
U9’s - Manager John Muggleton says well done to all the players who contributed to the last season, another mixed bag of results but some encouraging signs for next season. Awards going to Ethan Fellows for “Player of the Season”: Archie Vann for “Parents’ Player”; Joe Eaton-Smith for “Most Improved” and Ed Farrell for “Penalty Shootout Comp”.
The U8’s Mini Soccer squad, under the care of Coach Adrian Vann, met up for training every Saturday morning throughout the season. The boys and girls would normally do a few training exercises and then play a friendly match. The emphasis was very much on having fun and for everyone to enjoy coming along. Next season we are planning to enter an under 8’s team into the John Henry League based in Northampton and all children (both boys and girls) of all abilities are welcome to come along and join in and we would encourage all interested parents to contact Adrian for more details Tel: 01604743084 or any Committee Member.
Best wishes to all the teams for next season, WVFC Committee
WELFORD CRICKET CLUB
Despite the rain, the 2010 Season is now well under way, with the Seniors, U15’s and U13’s all having played a number of matches. The Seniors currently carry a 100% win record, with Nick Whorton, the pick of the batsmen, falling just short of his maiden century at Pytchley and good recent scores from Mark & Rob Edge and James Walpole.
Both the U15 & U13 teams play in the local Rugby Evening 20/20 League and the teams are run in conjunction with Yelvertoft Cricket Club. They play at Yelvertoft’s new ground on a Tuesday and Thursday evening and train at Welford on a Saturday morning.
Over the first month of the Season, both Teams have shown considerable improvement, culminating with the U13’s crushing, albeit a young Barby Team, by 9 Wickets with Robert Sandercock, the Captain, leading from the front scoring an unbeaten 25 (retired). Two Welford School youngsters also now feature regularly in this team, Will Pollard and Luis Woodhouse and each has already made their mark in different ways! We plan to give other youngsters the chance to take part as the Season progresses.
In the same week, the U15’s scored in excess of 100 runs, the first time either team has broken that barrier with Joe Thomas scoring an unbeaten 50 (retired), again the first time this score has been reached.
This is all despite the sometimes very cold and nearly dark conditions (you should try being the Umpire! Pre-requisite 4 layers of clothing!)
All teams excluding the Seniors train on a Saturday morning alongside our U11 squad and we have been very pleased to see close to 40 youngsters now enrolled.
As we edge into June and hopefully warmer weather thoughts turn to the Seniors and the Kent Tour at the end of July, but more about that in the Next edition!
Robin Bennett. May 2010.
WELFORD BOWLS CLUB WIN AGAIN!!
Congratulations to all the team members who helped us to our third successive Northants Friendly League title.
Geoff Newman presided over the AGM of the league where all seven villages were represented, and gave the news that Welford had won the Rose Bowl again.
Bowls "just for fun" continues in the Village Hall on Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 8.30pm and we would welcome new members. Two of our recent club members have quickly become important team members, and if you fancy having a go please come along.
We will have a holiday in August then start again in September
WELFORD OPEN GOLF - JULY 4th
Your chance to win the coveted "Open Claret Jug" comes round again with a first tee time of 2.30 p.m. at Cold Ashby Golf Club.
All you need are your own clubs and golf shoes, and a FAIR assess¬ment of what your handicap should be. Costs are £20 for non Cold Ashby members and a bargain price £5 for members. There will be a team prize, the "Open Shield" for the best Welford player, nearest the pin and longest drive, plus maybe a surprise prize, and culminating in the winner receiving the Claret Jug. Please emailjohn.nick@btopenworld.com or call me on 575422 to book your place. Even if you play most years I do need to know who will be turning up to play. The competition is open to all so please invite any friends who may like to play. Numbers are limited to maximum of 40 so please book early.
John Nicholas

WELFORD ACTION GROUP UPDATE
Amenity Weight Restriction (AWR)
Northamptonshire County Council have received some replies following their request for views on an AWR on the A5199 through Welford and will pass these to WAG for our consideration.
MI Junction 19
During this project, due to begin this summer with the replacement of the Catthorpe Viaduct, and re-surfacing of the 'dumbell roundabouts', followed next year by the start of the three year project to rebuild M1/J19, the A14/J1 will be open at all times. However, WAG are communicating with those responsible for the project to ensure that the A5199 is not used as a regular run for construction traffic or as detour from A14/J1 to M1/J20 or vice versa during work or hold ups. This must apply both to main contractors and sub-contractors. WAG are asking that when work starts a Temporary Amenity Weight Restriction (TAWR) be placed on the A5199, but to date have received no reply. Speed limit signs
20mph signs suddenly appeared around the village, only for many of them to be removed and re-positioned. At the same time 'SLOW DOWN' signs initially flashed continuously 24/7 or not at all, however they seem more reliable now. There is a question about the legal enforceability and we will try to get an official ruling on this.
Vehicle damage
On Friday 7th May something very heavy (presumably an HGV) mounted the pavement on the bend at the bottom of High Street, just missing a house, and destroying a large steel and concrete cover belonging to BT. There were no witnesses. Unfortunately, HGVs on narrow pavements are a common sight during those busy periods when there is a traffic problem on the A14.

THE WELCOME CLUB
We held a raffle last month in support of The Red Cross and it raised a creditable £74.50. Many thanks to all who donated prizes.
June the 15th will be a Mystery Evening Outing. Will it be to a gambling club or maybe abseiling down The Lighthouse Tower in Northampton? Someone suggested entering teams in the Kilworth Challenge, but we were relieved to find it was too late for that - for this year at any rate. Whatever it will be, those left standing will be able to enjoy either Fish and Chips or Steak Pie and Chips followed by Apple Pie - somewhere.
The coach will be free and will leave North Kilworth at 17:05, Husbands Bosworth at 17:15 and Welford at 17:30. The meal will be £8.00.
On July 14th our meeting will be at Sibbertoft Reading Room. More about this to follow later.
If anyone has a suggestion for this July and August's outings, please contact Marian.
On the 5th of January 2011 we are going to the Pantomime at Northampton. If you are interested, tell Marion. This year it will be "Jack and the Beanstalk" staring Ray Quinn. The price will be £20 per person this includes bus fare.

POETS CORNER
Hedgehog
How did you spend the dark
hours little hedgehog?
Were you busy in the quiet of the night?
Did the birds leave any crusts
for you to feed on
Hidden in the flower beds
out of sight?

Where do you go when daylight
bathes the garden?
Have you a corner, where
you can hide?
Where you can rest and curl
up undetected,
Little prickly creature
of the night?

ROBIN WILLIAMS.
Late of Waikanae NZ

MRS IDA HUTT
After over 3 months in hospital, we are delighted to report that Ida is home again in
Woodford Glebe.
She would like to thank all those who were kind enough to visit her, and those who sent cards and best wishes during her time in St. Lukes. She would also like to put on record her grateful thanks to all the nurses and helpers at the hospital, they all were very kind to her.

MARY FRASER (nee Oxley)
1950 - 2010
Mary lived with her parents Win and Len Oxley in Talbot House, High Street. Mary was born in 1950 and sadly diagnosed a Spastic (a condition these days described as Cerebral Palsy). At the age of 6 and already able to read, Mary started school at the John Greenwood School in Northampton as a weekly border. This was one of the few establishments in the country which catered for physically disabled children who were considered educable.
She remained there for 11 years and benefited from the education and therapy provided as well as the other activities including Girl Guides. Mary gained her Queens Guide and later Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and became a member of the PHAB Youth Club (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied). This is where Mary and Myles met. They married in 1977 and lived and enjoyed life together over the next 32 years; Myles enabling Mary to achieve so much and Mary giving Myles life purpose -A remarkable partnership. They enjoyed wonderful holidays throughout the UK and then had the courage to travel worldwide..
In the mid eighties Mary became aware of how developments in technology could help her and other people with disabilities. The first of her significant achievements was as co-founder of Northampton Active Group. The aims and objectives of the group were to give disabled people the chance to benefit from the use of electronic equipment including computers. Success of the project was in no small part due to the dedicated efforts of Mary and Myles. The project expanded and eventually in excess of 50 computers were on loan throughout the county. A computer with internet access and e-mail gave Mary an independent means of communication and she now had the means to pursue academic study and embarked on a University Degree Course. She was rewarded with an Honours Degree and then in 2008, a Masters Degree. A truly remarkable achievement.
Unfortunately, Myles died in July 2009 and from that point Mary's health deteriorated and sadly she died on 23rd March 2010
It has been a privilege to have known Mary all her life and to share the high and low points, the most memorable being her graduation day when her degree was presented to her by Betty Boothroyd accompanied by a big hug and, in her booming voice said, "I'm deeply touched". She was obviously very moved by Mary's achievements.
Ann Wing
HARRY HOWLETT
Betty Howlett, Christine and John O’Reilly would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts following the sudden death of Harry. Although he never lived in the village, he was well known by many villagers, as was shown by the number of friends who made the trip to Stoke for his funeral and the many cards which were sent both to Stoke and Welford. They were a great help during this difficult time.
He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Christine O’Reilly

POTS and PLANTS and STRAWBERRY TEAS
SUNDAY AUGUST 1ST FROM 2.30PM in the garden of Ben and Rebecca Barraclough the 4th of these extravaganzas will take place at 36 West End. Possibly this may be the last one of these events, so please take what might be your last chance for some time to buy some of Ann’s lovely plants and shrubs, and or some of Alan’s bespoke pottery, and enjoy a scone with some strawberries and cream, with a nice cup of tea in the delightful surroundings, that is the Barraclough’s garden.
Seriously if you have not been able to get to these before do try and come along, the plants are excellent value, way below Garden Centre prices and Alan’s pottery is a joy, with bargain’s that astound me.

THE WYCC CHRISTMAS MARKET
Is being held on Saturday 4th December at the Community Centre. An event for all the family. Starting at 6.00pm with a hot supper included. Anyone interested in having a stall can contact Pippa Lucas for more information on either:-
01858 575656 or
wheler.grange@googlemail.com

THE MAY SUPPER AND MORE!
A big thank you to Andrew Gemmel and his two friends collectively known as The Lincoln Noel Trio for standing in for GNR Rolling stock at the last minute. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their music. A special vote of thanks to all who provided such delicious pies and puddings, and helped in the kitchen, or sold raffle tickets. Much needed profit for Church funds exceeded £600.
The evening went along very happily and easily, the picture quiz jogged a few memories and the ten oral questions were just a bit of fun.
If you enjoyed yourselves here, look out for details of a similar event hopefully with the now recovered Nick Reed and GNR Rolling Stock in mid October, when we will have a cheese and wine evening with a bit of a quiz etc. to go along with the music.

VILLAGE HALL NEWS
New Summer Five-Week Course in Yoga for All
Bookings are now being taken for two five-week courses in Yoga for All starting:
Monday 12 July 10.00-11.30am
Wednesday 14 July 7.30-9.00pm
These courses have been requested by members of the ten-week courses which have just finished. New ten-week courses will start on 13 and 15 September.
The short summer courses are also an opportunity for people new to Yoga to try it out. Yoga is suitable for men and women of all ages and abilities. It is strictly non-competitive as everyone works at his/her own pace and will help all to improve personal stamina, strength and suppleness as well as learning how to relax.
The cost is £22 for a five-week course. The classes can be taken on consecutive Mondays or Wednesdays or a combination of both days.
Bookings can be made now with the Village Hall Secretary, 01858 575284. For further information on the courses please phone the British Wheel of Yoga Tutor Wendy Willis on 01604 740437.
‘ALLO ‘ALLO
The curtains went back and the splendid backdrop of Café Rene came into view. Onto the stage came …. it can’t be …. it’s Rene himself, after a few seconds and a number of double takes I realised it was in fact his double, Roger Webb, who was the embodiment of the Café owner.
As a devotee of ‘Allo ‘Allo I went with some trepidation, I wanted it to be just as it was on the TV, but it wasn’t, it was better. The casting was fantastic, who could envisage a more Germanic Herr Flick than Michael Tanser, and Euan Kitson as Crabtree was ‘splondeed’, far better than the original. Rene’s harem of ladies, Sarah Taylor (Yvette), Hilary Whorton (Michelle) and Christine O’Reilly (Mimi), simpered and swooned around Rene to great effect, giving them all scope to explore a different side of their personalities! Madeline Howell-Jones captured Edith and her awful singing perfectly.
Julian Thomas (Colonel), Julian Howell-Jones (Alberto) and Neil Kitson (Gruber) all performed admirably, and their word-perfect performances meant the play moved along fluidly. The fact that Julian Howell-Jones was on stage at all was remarkable and a tribute to the old adage of ‘the show must go on’ and an enormous amount of painkillers!
Certain images are hard to forget, those of Helga and her hair, played wonderfully by Linda Lilley will remain with me a long time. As will the multitude of Hilters at the end.
The cameo’s by Queeny Parry (Peasant) and Cliff Wilkin (Leclerc) were inspired, as well as very amusing, and it was good to see new members of WADS involved with Ian Parry as Schmelling.
Every performance deserves a mention, as does the wonderful set, as the combined effect was to provide a truly entertaining evening. I don’t know about Britain’s got talent, but Welford certainly has!

SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR
Saturday 17th July
Bouncy castle, cakes, lots of stalls, tombola, Bar, Hot Dogs………….
Look out for more details

WELFORD W.I.
APRIL MEETING
Congratulations were expressed to our youngest member, Mrs. Lindsay Palmer, on her recent marriage. It was reported that a walk in the Stoke Bruene area was very enjoyable. Skittles matches have ended
A Beetle Drive is to be held on Monday 17th May. An evening of Ferret Racing will take place on 19th June at Long Buckby. Our local walk will be on 17th April around Stanford-on-Avon Reservoir where there will be plenty of interesting things to look for.
A W.I. Craft Day is proposed for Saturday 10th July. Our team enjoyed participating in the Annual Village Quiz. Mrs. S. Brotherton explained her position of the Treasurer of the Institute.
Miss Glennis Hooper of Wellingborough entitled her talk 'The Crazy Hats Appeal'. She was a Head Teacher when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Her bravery and positive attitude in dealing with the shock and treatment were amazing. Her talk was candid and very humorous. Small Teddy Bears wearing mortar-boards are sold to raise funds to support sufferers and their families. Mrs. J. Newman thanked our speaker for her timely advice and for dealing with such an important subject so eloquently.
A competition for an Easter Bonnet organised by P. Horswell was won by D. Bacon, S. Brotherton and C. Williams.
Mrs. M. Crowther arranged a raffle. Winners were V. Morson and S. Wilson.
Super refreshments were provided by E. Seward, A. Thorrington, D. Beavan and P. Ainsworth.

MAY MEETING
Mrs F Stacey presided over a full and lively meeting. The County has arranged a Jewellery Workshop Class. Puddings, Punch and Prizes were offered for next week’s Beetle Drive. There will be Open Gardens in South Kilworth on June 30th. A Produce and Baking Competition will be held there on Sat 12th June.
Mrs A Thorrington described her position as Programme Secretary and Mrs C O’Reilly outlined the national resolution for the A.G.M. which calls for ‘honest labelling of meat, fish and poultry products’.
Birthday flowers arranged by Mrs S Wilson were presented.
Mrs Jane Barns of Somerby, Leics, explained the many facets of running a dairy farm which produces milk for Stilton Cheese made at Long Clawson. The farm has a Holstein and Ayrshire herd. Two Limousin bulls are used. We heard of the Government’s rules to ensure trace-ability of all animals and the breeding details registered on each animal’s ‘passport’.
Mrs M Garner thanked the speaker.
A competition for a Farm Animal organised by M Crowther was won by 1) J Tyrell, 2) P Horswell and 3) S Wilson.
A raffle was won by 1) L Waddilove, 2) P Ainsworth and 3) P Matthews.
Delicious refreshments were provided by S Greaves, D Butcher, A Pryce and P Lucas.

W.I. CRAFT TASTER DAY
Come along to Welford village hall on SATURDAY 10th JULY, 2 – 5pm
where many crafts will be demonstrated, advice offered or tips to improve given.
ENTRY £1.00
Sample home-baked cakes – W.I. teas – your only chance this summer!
PROCEEDS to the Air Ambulance.

TAKE CARE NOW
It appears that we may not see Maypole Dancing at the Church Fete (or any other entertainment ?) as it has fallen foul of Health and Safety predictions of danger! Thus one of the simple pleasures of country spectacle is to be denied after hundreds of years.
Below is reproduced a description of Maypole Dancing taken from Wikipedia where lots more information may be found on the subject.
Maypole dancing is a form of folk dance from western Europe, especially England, Sweden, Galicia, Portugal and Germany, with two distinctive traditions In the most widespread, dancers perform circle dances around a tall pole which is decorated with garlands, painted stripes, flowers, flags and other emblems In the second most common form, dancers dance in a circle each holding a coloured ribbon attached to a much smaller pole; the ribbons are intertwined and plaited either on to the pole itself or into a web around the pole. The dancers may then retrace their steps exactly in order to unravel the ribbons.
The first kind of maypole dancing is probably extremely ancient and is thought by some to have Germanic pagan fertility symbolism, although there is a lack of evidence to support this conjecture. It is traditionally performed in the spring around the festival of May Day, but in Sweden it is during the midsummer festivities. The church of St Andrew Undershaft in the City of London is named after the maypole that was kept under its eaves and set up each spring until 1517 when student riots put an end to the custom. The maypole itself survived until 1547 when a Puritan mob seized and destroyed it as a "pagan idol".
The second kind of maypole dancing originates in the 18th century, derived from traditional and 'art' dance forms popular in Italy and France. These were exported to the London stage and reached a large audience, becoming part of the popular performance repertoire. Adopted at a large teacher training institution, the ribbon maypole dance then spread across most of central and southern England and is now regarded as the most 'traditional' of May Day's traditional characteristics.
According to the polemic anti-Catholic pamphlet, The Two Babylons, the origin of the maypole dance began in ancient Babylon during sex worship and fertility rites.
Perhaps Bugle readers could spend a little time considering other popular common activities which should be banned or severely restricted so that their ideas can be passed on to the H & S E for consideration. Don’t all suggest Rugby Football!

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE BUGLE
Thank you all for your support in these difficult times. The Bugle team are very grateful for your help in keeping The Bugle going.
Betty Henson Welford
Tony Cutt Mansfield
Mrs B M Short Rothwell
Bill & Dorothy Gardner Birmingham
Mrs A R Jones Rugby
DJD