Autumn 2009 - Coldharbour Parish Council

Coldharbour
www.coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
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THE COLDHARBOUR PARISH COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Autumn 2009
Fairford Leys in Bloom
Back in June, just prior to the Fair in the Square, the annual Fairford Leys in Bloom
Competition took place. Organised by Coldharbour Parish Council and sponsored by
Haddenham Garden Centre, the competition attracted around 20 entries. As usual the
standard was very high and judges Cllr. Niki Adams and Cllr. Claire Houston had great
difficulty choosing the winners. The competition is in 2 categories, best garden and
best hanging basket/ container. First prize in the garden category went to Barry
Winkworth for his tiny flower filled garden, an oasis of peace and colour, just off one
of the busiest roads on Fairford Leys. Shona Murray won second prize and Jacqui
Silitoe third. Best hanging basket/container went to Mr and Mrs Copeland (pictured
receiving their prize from Chairman, Cllr Steven Lambert). Their secluded garden is
completely filled with colourful flower displays of all shapes and sizes. Margaret
Boden came second and Diane Cubbage third.
Many residents take great pride in their gardens, so if you are one of them, why not
think about entering yours next year. All you need to do is pick up an application form
from the Fairford Leys Centre in May and the organisers will arrange a time to call for
an informal look at your garden. Who knows, you could be the winner of valuable
garden centre tokens!
© Published by Coldharbour Parish Council. Volume 03 Issue 7.
Mr & Mrs Copeland

2
C O L D H A R B O U R
Your Coldharbour
Parish Councillors
Chairman
Cllr Steven Lambert
Tel. 01296 338387
steven.lambert@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Vice Chairman
Cllr Pam McCord
Tel. 01296 381210
pam.mccord@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Pat Martin
Tel. 01296 426384
pat.martin@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Paul Hughes
Tel. 01296 399745
paul.hughes@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Sally Pattinson
Tel. 07952 783097
sally.pattinson@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Lesley Yates
Tel. 01296 710094
lesley.yates@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Andrew Cole
Tel. 01296 334651
andrew.cole@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Niki Adams
Tel. 07588 856531
niki.adams@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Ann-Marie Jones
Tel. 01296 432784
ann-marie.jones@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Paul Franklin
Tel. 01296 719705
paul.franklin@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Claire Houston
Tel. 07525 336749
claire.houston@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Clerk to the Council
Keith Gray JP
Tel. 01296 422800
clerk@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
IN THIS ISSUE:
Coldharbour Parish News 2/3
The Curse of the Little Green Monsters 7
Fairford Leys Centre 9
Fair in the Square 12/13
The Church on Fairford Leys 17
Village News and Events 19
St Mary’s School 21
If you have any interesting articles for
inclusion in the next edition please send them
to sally.pattinson@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
VILLAGE PUB
Yes, it’s finally happening! You
will notice that the builders are
hard at work building our new
pub. (name to be confirmed)
They are still on schedule to
finish the build by February
2010. For further details watch
this space.
ALLOTMENTS
The parish council has now given the go ahead for
the provision of allotments for parish residents. The
Clerk is arranging to have the allotments fenced off,
for the water supply to be extended and for the
general tiding up of the site. We have 47 people on
the list who want allotments. Unfortunately we
won’t have 47 allotments but we will try and
squeeze as many in as possible.
Your allotment could be here.
VILLAGE MAP
New residents may not be aware that the council has had an indexed map of Fairford
Leys produced. A copy is available free from the Fairford Leys Centre or may be
downloaded from our website www.coldharbour-pc.gov.uk.
PROPOSED MASS BURN INCINERATOR AT EDGECOTT
The council was asked by SAVI (Stop Aylesbury Vale Incineration) to oppose the proposals
to build a waste incinerator at Greatmoor Farm, Edgecott. Following a presentation by
SAVI, the parish council passed a resolution opposing the waste incinerator/EfW
proposals. 9 other local parish councils have already passed similar resolutions.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Remembrance Day Service
Fairford Leys Annual Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday 8th
November at the Church on Fairford Leys at 10:30 am followed by wreath laying in
the square at 11:00 o’clock. Do come along and join your community to remember
those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts past and present. Tea and coffee
will be available after the service.
Christmas in the Square
Now is the time to make a note in your diary that the Christmas in the Square event
will take place this year on Saturday 5th December. Traditional carol singing
accompanied by the Aylesbury Community Band will be followed by mulled wine and
mince pies in the Fairford Leys Centre and, we hope, a visit from Father Christmas.
Advertising Rates
Advertising space is strictly limited – to book your space please
telephone 01296 488262 or e-mail fairfordleys@btconnect.com
Copy deadline for the winter issue is Friday 30th October
1/4 page £45*
1/2 page £65*
Full Page £105*
* Discounts available to advertisers committing to 4 consecutive editions
The inclusion of an advertisement in this magazine does not imply endorsement of the company or it's products by
Coldharbour Parish Council, nor does it constitute a recommendation. Coldharbour Parish Council cannot be held
liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from goods sold through these columns or any advertising in this magazine.

P A R I S H N E W S
BUCKS COUNTY COUNCIL
Emerald Cycleway
Did you know that there is a Cycle Aylesbury Gemstone
Cycleway right on your doorstep? No? Well there is, the
Emerald Way runs from the centre of Fairford Leys to
Aylesbury Town Centre. The Emerald Way provides an
excellent link to Aylesbury Train Station and town
centre. Both can be reached in about 15 minutes. The
route is a combination of on road and off road shared
use paths, convenient for beating the traffic in the
morning as well as a fun way for the whole family to
get fit. When cycling on shared use paths please
remember to be considerate towards others. Make sure
you use your bell to let people know you’re there and
be sure to give way to pedestrians where necessary.
Recently, red surfacing has been applied across all
major junctions to highlight to drivers that cyclists
and pedestrians are likely to be there. It is hoped that
this will encourage motorists to be more considerate
and allow people to cross when they are waiting. It is
important to remember the red surfacing does not
provide an increased priority for either cyclists or
pedestrians but it does show that a crossing point is
approaching. The ‘SLOW’ markings and Give Way
triangles on the cycleway make it clear to cyclists
that they are approaching a crossing and that they
will need to take care as they cross the road. Cycle
Aylesbury were also responsible for the installation of
cycle parking by the church in Hampden Square.
Matt Bowles – Cycling & Walking Team
Tel Number: 01296 387030
From Your Chairman
The summer seems to have zipped past and we are now in the autumn.
With autumn the new starters at St Mary’s school are settling in, but we
still had 17 who were not offered a place and have started at other
schools. What will happen next year is very much on the minds of me and
the school governors and no doubt many parents. Discussions are still
going on as the reality, much denied by Bucks County Council, shows that
our predictions were right and that many more spaces are needed at St
Mary’s next year and beyond.
During the Fair in the Square I spoke to many of you and asked what you
thought of the day and the village. Many of you said that in the current
financial market where a family fun day out costs a fortune, you thought
it was good to have annual events in the Square and just how much you
enjoy them and that they are value for money. I am looking forward to
seeing you again at the Christmas in the Square event on 5th December.
Following the Fair, I was delighted to see the huge success of the Open
Gardens Day, organised by the Keen Gardeners Club (further details on
page 11) £475 was raised for the Helen and Douglas house for sick children
and I’m pleased to add that this was match funded by the parish council,
making a Fairford Leys charity donation of £950 to this worthy cause.
Finally in August I came down with swine flu. It really wasn’t pleasant, but
my hat goes off to NHS direct and the Fairford Leys Doctor’s surgery for
their attention to detail and diagnosis. Getting the Tamiflu couldn’t have
been easier and, it worked. If there is a further outbreak in the autumn,
take the advice of the doctor or NHS direct, stay indoors for at least five
days, get a flu friend to help bring you essentials and of course to collect
your Tamiflu!
Best of health for the autumn!
Steven Lambert
Chairman of Coldharbour Parish Council
3

4
www.alecwadlow.co.uk

These pictures of the children taking part in
the Fancy Dress Competition speak for
themselves. All of them looked lovely and
the judges had great difficulty deciding on
the winners. However, first prize for the
younger children was awarded to Millie and
Evie Jones who came as Bill and Ben and for
the older ones, to Mia Harrington who had
helped to make her own flower fairy
costume. Millie and Mia are pictured here
receiving their prizes from Chairman Cllr.
Steven Lambert.
5

The Curse of the
Little Green Monsters
I am sure that most residents will agree that now that Fairford
Leys is beginning to mature it is becoming more green and
beautiful with every passing year. Many people are placing
planters and hanging baskets outside their homes and these all
help to make our village an attractive place to live.
However, there is another green object that is becoming a
problem; the humble wheelie bin!
Some of you will remember the days when we all had a
dustbin in the back garden and the dustman came ‘round the
back’ to carry the bin to the dustcart, often leaving a trail of
litter on the garden path. Then the wheelie bin was born. This
seemed to be the ideal solution; keep your bin in an
inconspicuous place on your property and wheel it out on to
the pavement on ‘bin’ day for the refuse collectors to empty
mechanically and for you to return it to its place. Sounds like
an ideal solution for everyone. The only problem is that many
of us have become lazy and leave our bins on the pavement
from one week to the next.
Then came the need to be ‘green’ in the modern sense of the
word and we were all supplied with three baskets to be filled
with recyclable waste which were to be collected at varying
intervals from outside our homes – makes life a bit more
complicated doesn’t it? Bins only one week, bins, tins, paper
and plastic the next and bottles every four weeks. Many people
probably thought it was easier to just leave them at the front
of their houses and let the refuse collectors do the rest.
What most people do not know is that it is in fact an offence
under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean
Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, to leave wheelie
bins and baskets outside your property except on collection
days. (See separate details below)
What would you rather
see from your window?
More and more bins are being left in full view. You may not be
able to see your rubbish from inside your home, but in many
cases your neighbours will be able to see it from theirs and fellow
residents taking a stroll around the village will soon see more
green in the way of wheelie bins than in trees and flowers. So just
take a moment to think. Is there somewhere you could keep your
baskets and bins that is concealed from view? If so please put
them there and just wheel them out on collection days.
So carry on displaying your baskets and tubs, but NOT the little
green monsters and let’s all work together to make Fairford
Leys the kind of environment we would all like to live in.
Cllr. Sally Pattinson
Editor
Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Under the above Acts refuse collection receptacles (wheelie
bins black bags and recycling baskets) should only be placed
outside your property, for the purpose of emptying, no
earlier than 6pm on the day prior to collection and no later
than 6.30am on the day of collection. Collection on Fairford
Leys is usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Bins should then be recovered to your property as soon as
practicable after being emptied. Any waste that remains
uncollected must be taken back onto your property until
arrangements can be made for its disposal.
Any queries or problems you may have regarding these rules
please do not hesitate to contact the Litter Enforcement
Officer at AVDC on 01296 585395.
7

FAIRFORD LEYS CENTRE NEWS
Fairford Leys Centre News
After a few hot weeks in June, summer wasn’t what we had all hoped for, although
luckily the weather held off for Fair in the Square, which was a great success. Soon
the trees will be turning brown and the leaves beginning to fall. This heralds the
start of autumn and our busy September programme.
Centre Activities
As you will see from the ‘What’s on’ list on this page, there are classes and activities
for all ages, from mothers and babies to Senior Citizens. There are daytime and
evening sessions, so if you have not yet joined one of these groups, give it a try. The
Centre is in the heart of the village, so no need to take the car out or catch the bus.
At the very least it will help to fill the short winter days and dark evenings and you
could become slimmer and fitter, learn to paint a picture, enjoy a sociable lunch or
an interesting speaker and meet like minded people who could become new friends.
Call 01296 488262 to find out more.
Are you planning your wedding?
Rosemary Conley classes are thriving at the Fairford Leys Centre. If you are planning
your wedding and your dream is to walk down the aisle feeling slim and beautiful
then Joanna Beardmore-Dilks who runs the classes can lend a helping hand.
She says: ‘I have overcome my own weight problem, having lost 4 stones for my own
dream wedding. I know its not easy to take the first step and walk through that door
but at my classes you will be made to feel very welcome, you’ll meet some great
friends and we have lots of fun on the way too!!’
For details about joining please call Joanna on 01296 485933
Christmas Parties
Christmas is creeping up on us particularly fast– where has this year gone? Don’t
forget that your Christmas parties will need organising, so why not come and see a
member of staff at reception to book a hall and have a Christmas party you won’t
forget. Remember we have a fully licensed bar and well recommended caterers and
DJ’s – book quickly to avoid disappointment as time is running out!
Our own Christmas in the Square event takes place this year on 5th December – we
look forward to seeing you there.
Hire of the Centre
Both of our halls are due for refurbishment this year, for a softer, less ‘Sports Hall’ look.
We are waiting for availability to start work, but I’m sure it will be well appreciated by
all, making the Centre an even more attractive venue for special celebrations!
We are already taking bookings for 2010 so if you have a big event coming up next
year and would like to book one or both halls, come and talk to us now to avoid
disappointment.
Kirsty Nish and the Fairford Leys Centre team
The Youth Club says a fond farewell to
Fred who has supported us since May
2007, he has been an integral part of the
club and will be very much missed –
you’re always welcome to pop in and see
us all Fred if you ever get a minute!
Since I last wrote to you Debra has
joined the club as a volunteer she too
has thrown herself in whole heartedly,
her support will help secure the future
running of the club –thank you Debra. If
anyone else is interested in helping with
the Youth Club on Friday evenings (term
time) between 7:15 – 9:00pm, either on
a regular or ad-hoc basis please leave
your details for me at the Centre and I
will contact you for a chat.
Recent activities including, football
coaching, Bouncy bed, African mask
making not to mention the pizza evening
all of which were well received and
participated in. Our next term activities
will consist of Dodge ball, Football
coaching, Bouncy bed (again – this was a
favourite!) and a food themed evening. The
usual activities will of course be available –
pool, badminton, music, occasionally Play
Station events, football etc.
Information about the Youth Club is
available at the Fairford Leys Centre
both in the foyer and on the Youth Club
notice board, located at the church end
of the Centre.
Corrina Pierce – Youth Club Leader
WHAT’S ON AT THE CENTRE
The following is a brief summary of what’s
on at the Fairford Leys Centre every week.
For full details of times, contacts etc
please phone 01296 488262/422800 or
visit www.coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
Monday
Stone & Fairford Leys pre-school
BCC Child Services
Pencil and Paint (Art)
Little Dragons (Black Dragons)
Samba Soccer
Shape up 'n' Tone
Hatha Yoga
Pilates
Tuesday
Stone & Fairford Leys pre-school
Rosemary Conley Class
Friendship Lunch Club
Claydon's Academy (Dance)
Slimming World
Yoga
Wednesday
Busy Bees Parent & Toddlers
Rosemary Conley Class
Claydon's Academy (cheerleading)
Weight Watchers
Tairyoko Shotokan Karate
Thursday
Stone & Fairford Leys pre-school
Doodle Bugs – kiddies craft group
Tiny Tots Football Club
Little Dragons (ZKS)
Rosemary Conley Class
Children's Martial Arts (ZKS)
Boxing Circuit Training
Company Badminton
Parish Council Meeting (1st week)
Women’s Institute (3rd week)
Friday
Stone & Fairford Leys pre-school
Bounce & Rhyme (BCC)
50 + Club
Youth Club (11 to 15 years)
The Centre is available for private hire on
Saturdays and Sundays, for Weddings,
Christenings, parties etc. For further
details please contact the Centre direct
on 01296 488262 or 422800 or visit
www.fairfordleyscentre.co.uk
9

Keen Gardeners Club
Open Gardens Day
We had a very successful day on 12 July when 9 gardens across Fairford
Leys opened to the public in aid of Helen & Douglas House. Thank you to
everyone who contributed in making the day so successful. Along with
the plant stall on the day before at the Fair in the Square, we raised £475.
Our thanks to the parish council for agreeing to match this amount
making a total of £950. We look forward to an even bigger event next
year. Happy gardening! Nick Blandford
Keen Gardeners Club
11

12
‘What a lovely weekend it’s been!’ This was part of an email I received, from our Vice Chairman Cllr Pamela McCord,
following our Fair in the Square and I thought what an excellent heading for a short article about the weekend in July
when the Fair came to the Square and keen gardeners opened their gardens to the public for charity.
Rain had been forecast for the weekend and Saturday began with clouds and a few spots of rain. However luck was with
us again for our annual Fair in the Square, and as the Morris Men began to dance, the clouds rolled away and the
sunshine stayed with us for the whole of the afternoon. The Square was soon packed with people of all ages from babes
in arms to grannies and grandads and it seemed there was something for everyone. The Fairford Leys Centre staff did a
brisk trade in tickets for the rides; roundabouts and swings for the little ones and thrills on the Ferris wheel for those a
little braver. The wide variety of stalls this year created a lively atmosphere which was helped along by music from the
Aylesbury Community Band. Food from ice-cream and burgers to cream teas was selling fast and cooling drinks from
the bar were carried out into the sunshine in the Fairford Leys Garden.
The Fancy Dress competition for the little ones was once again a success – see pictures on page 5. Chairman Cllr. Steven
Lambert presented the prizes for this and the Fairford Leys in Bloom competition which had taken place the previous week.
All the fun of the fair.
Swinging the boats.
PCSO Andrew White joins in the fun.
It's behind you!

Enjoying the sunshine.
Aylesbury Community Band.
& Open Gardens
However, one of the main aims of the parish council for the Fair in the Square is to build upon the Community Spirit
which we believe exists here in Fairford Leys. Watching people meeting friends and neighbours and sitting chatting
over a drink or a cup of tea made all the hard work worth while.
Then on Sunday, another sunny day, 9 keen gardeners welcomed visitors to their gardens to raise money for Helen &
Douglas House House. Many people left their cars at home and took a leisurely stroll from one garden to another and
it was lovely to meet folk along the way and pass the time of day with them. What hidden gems were waiting behind
those wooden fences and high walls; no 2 were alike and the wide range of flowers and vegetables being grown in
relatively small spaces was amazing – oases of calm in a busy world and an opportunity to meet new people in beautiful
surroundings see pictures on page 11.
So I hope that those of you who came along to support these events will agree that it was a lovely weekend, and for
those who did not, please give it a try next year, you may make new friends and find a community spirit that you did
not know existed here in Fairford Leys.
Cllr. Sally Pattinson
Editor
Down the Helter Skelter.
Clerk Keith Gray and Kirsty Nish selling tickets.
Enjoying the ride.
13

Coldharbour Parish Council
Civic Service
The theme of the service, held at the Church on Fairford Leys
on 5th July, was ‘Service and the Community’ Chairman Cllr.
Steven Lambert and Parish Councillors were joined by
Aylesbury Town Mayor Cllr. Ranjula Takodra, County Councillor
Freda Roberts and representatives from, the Church Council
and the WI .
Led by Rev. Fred Ireland, the service started with an opening
prayer which was followed by hymns and readings by Cllr.
Ranjula Takodra, Cllr. Steven Lambert, Cllr. Pamela McCord
Vice Chairman of the parish council and Mr Alan Lambourne,
member of the Church Council.
During the Service, the Chairman took an Oath of Service on
behalf of the parish council and Rev. Ireland gave the
address. Following the theme, Rev. Ireland said that he was
pleased to see the development of a thriving local
community, here at Fairford Leys, including the Church,
Fairford Leys Centre, shops and restaurants. All that is
missing, he said is the pub, which is at last under
construction. The development of a community depends
upon all the various sectors working together with residents
to create an environment which is agreeable to all. However
he went on to say that he is particularly saddened to see
that some people disregard the safety of others by parking
on the double yellow lines and completely blocking
footpaths by parking their vehicles inconsiderately.
Afterwards, tea coffee and cakes were served, giving everyone
an opportunity for a chat.
Cllr. Takodra,
Cllr. Lambert,
Rev. Ireland
and Cllr. McCord
Cllr. Lambert with
Rev. Ireland
15

16
Want to Beat the
Cowboys? –
Buy with Confidence
The Buy with Confidence scheme provides
Buckinghamshire residents with a list of local
businesses that have been vetted and approved by
Trading Standards. Consumers can have peace of
mind when using an approved member because
they have all been individually checked for
trustworthiness and compliance with consumer
protection laws. In the unlikely event of a problem
arising approved members abide with the Scheme’s
Code of Practice, which defines the minimum
standards required to deliver good customer service.
To find a tradesman you can trust visit
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
or call 08454 04 05 06.
If you think your business could make the grade and
would like more information contact Gina Green at
ggreen@buckscc.gov.uk or call 01296 383919.

THE CHURCH ON FAIRFORD LEYS
Dear Friends
There is a saying “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to
perform” and I think I have an example of this.
Some of you may be aware that I am leaving Fairford Leys next
spring after what will have been ten really good years. It’s be
great to be part of this community and I have no regrets,
except that the pub we’ve all been waiting for for so long will
probably open after I leave!
Anyway, I had an interview for a new post a few weeks ago and
I met with a group of lay people who had lots of questions to
ask and I was invited to make a presentation as to what I might
bring to the post. It was going reasonably well when suddenly
a young man walked into the foyer where the interview was
being held. I think he’d “had a few” beforehand and promptly
sat right in the interview and began to ask questions of his own
about the meaning of life, what to do when you have been
disowned etc … the profound, deep questions that often come
to mind after a few pints of Fosters!
Momentarily we were all thrown by this unexpected
interruption, but I quickly decided I should engage in a
conversation with him, despite the fact that we were in the
middle of an interview to decide my future. He stayed until
he’d had enough or had become thirsty and we bid him
farewell. The interview resumed twenty minutes later. It was all
a bit surreal!
300th Christening at the Church
on Fairford Leys
As some of you may have seen in the Bucks Herald, on Sunday
2nd August, 3 children were christened at The Church on
Fairford Leys: George Braathen, Charlotte Gilbey and Thomas
Brindle. Thomas was the 300th child baptised at the
ecumenical church since it opened in 2003.
Rev Fred Ireland, who has conducted almost all of these
baptisms said, “I don't know what they put in the water on
Fairford Leys, but we ought to be bottling it! Seriously, it’s
been a privilege to welcome so many families in such a short
time and 300 baptisms in six years demonstrate how so
many people still look to the Church at key moments in
family life.”
Thomas with his family
and friends at the Church.
I had a call from one of the interviewers the next day
promising me that this was not a “set up” but proved
decisive for the team as they were impressed how I
handled the situation. So my top tip for you is if you have
an interview looming … buy a friend a few pints and see
what happens…!
So a somewhat inebriated young fella enabled a member of
the clergy to impress a selection panel. Coincidence? Or
evidence indeed of God moving in mysterious ways? The jury’s
out on that one, all I know is that’s what is so wonderful about
life … it’s full of surprises, challenges and the unexpected.
Wouldn’t life be tedious is it were always predictable. I wonder
if that’s why we enjoy talking about things like the weather
because it’s always changing.
On reflection, maybe it’s good that I leave before our
“local” opens … I might otherwise spend my evenings
being questioned about all sorts of things, including, “Is there
life on other planets?”
and “What’s the purpose
of wasps?” whilst sipping
a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Farewell to Rev Jo Williams
Co-ordinating Chaplain
at HMYOI Aylesbury and
good friend of the Church
on Fairford Leys recently
retired from her past as
Chaplain of the prison. Jo
was chaplain for over six
years and is responsible
for maintaining a good
Chaplaincy Department which was singled out for praise
by a recent inspection at the prison. Pictured here, Fred and
Jo enjoy a farewell lunch at The Five Elms Public house,
Weedon.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 10.30am
Rev Fred Ireland
The Church on Fairford Leys
Do join us as we celebrate our Harvest Festival on Sunday 27th
September at 10.30am. There will be an auction of fresh
produce after the service and tinned and packet food will be
donated to the Salvation Army. Please bring gifts on the day
and help to celebrate the
abundance of creation and
at the same time help the
less fortunate.
17

18
How smart is your driving?
Most car drivers could be travelling a lot further on a tank of
fuel. No new car is required – just a change to smarter driving.
Try these tips:
• Shift up the gears earlier (between 2000 and 2500rpm).
Cruising comfortably in 5th gear is the best place to be.
• Cut your top speed. Wind resistance increases significantly
with speed. The optimum speed for fuel efficiency is
45-50mph.
• Avoid unnecessary braking by anticipating the traffic ahead.
Fluid motion is better than stop start.
• When slowing down, stay in gear and take your foot off
the accelerator as early as possible. This reduces fuel
consumption to near zero.
• Plan your route to avoid congestion or getting lost.
Smarter driving could save you the equivalent of about one
month’s worth of fuel each year. For more money saving tips,
contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.
Gordon Glass, Marketing Co-ordinator
Email: gordon.glass@usea.org.uk

Village News and Events
Slimming World in Fairford Leys
Youth Worker’s loss is a great gain;
Youth Worker’s life is turned around!
Fairford Leys Youth Club leader Corrina
Pierce has achieved dramatic weight loss
which has changed her life in many ways.
Since the year 2000, Corrina recognised
she was overweight, felt as if she was in
a big black hole and could not see a way
out of it. This compounded her unhappiness. When she started
running the Fairford Leys Youth Club on behalf of Coldharbour
Parish council in May 2007, she felt she was unable to actively
contribute to all the physical activities within the club.
Feeling so at a loss with her weight, Corrina decided enough was
enough as her own happiness and perception were at her lowest
and shopping for clothes was no longer enjoyable. She tried
numerous diets and quick fixes which did not prove successful
and finally decided to join her local Slimming World Club at the
Fairford Leys Centre after a leaflet was dropped through her
door, offering support and motivation to lose weight.
Corrina says “I went along to join Slimming World on my own
the first night and felt nervous to start with. I was soon made
to feel at ease and formed friendships with other members
which have helped me tremendously. I have also been able to
encourage and support other members in the group.” She goes
on to say “I now exercise daily by walking and riding my bike,
which I had forgotten how to do! I have found the healthy
eating plan (not diet) easy to follow and both my husband and
I have made this a way of eating for life now. After losing 5st
4lbs, I am now much happier and have more energy to actively
support the youngsters at the Youth Club. I have now rekindled
my love for clothes shopping, and even bought a bikini to wear
on holiday this year!”
Jane Barlow
Slimming World
Editor’s Note
I hope you have enjoyed this latest edition of Coldharbour
News. It seems to include lots of pictures this time,
particularly of flowers and gardens. I make no apology for this
as I believe it illustrates the pride that most residents take in
their homes and gardens. If you have missed the regular
gardening column by Cllr Claire Houston, don’t worry, Claire
will be back in the next edition full of ideas for the winter
garden and preparations for spring.
Appeal for articles
Many of you have told me how much you enjoy reading about
what is happening in and around Fairford Leys. However, the
newsletter is only as comprehensive as the articles I receive.
To those of you who continue to send me articles, thank you
very much – it would be a very poor newsletter without them.
So if you think you could write a short piece about a hobby,
holiday, charity, Christmas event etc., please email it to me at
sally.pattinson@coldharbour-pc.gov.uk or telephone 07952
783097 if you would like to discuss.
Deadline for Copy
Deadline for copy for the winter edition is Friday 30th October.
Cllr Sally Pattinson
Editor
Good news stories from your local PC
I have managed to track down the mini
motorbike riders and they have been issued
with a section 59 warning regarding the use
of the bikes in the football fields the next
time they are seen the bikes will be seized
and crushed.
I would like to thank the local residents for their input
regarding this, which was raised at the NAG meeting
In light of complaints from residents regarding speeding
following the SID (speed indicator device) operation in June,
Officers from the Road Safety Partnership and the
Neighbourhood Team attended Arncott Way in August
between 5pm and 7pm – the results were that 17 vehicles
were caught speeding and 10 of those were in excess of
37mph and received a fixed penalty ticket and 3 points on the
licence or were offered the driver improvement scheme, the
other 7 were then given speed awareness advice by Nigel
Spencer from Bucks County Council road safety team.
Most interestingly the main culprits lived on Arncott Way
and surrounding roads, but all were from Fairford Leys.
Be warned speeding is not tolerated we will be repeating
this venture in the future.
Following the “have your say meeting” I am happy to report
that we had an excellent response in relation to the amount
of NAG representatives for the Fairford Leys area, which will
give Fairford Leys a better representation in the meeting.
PC Nicki Tipping
Fairford Leys Neighbourhood Policing Team
Rosemary Conley – ‘Kids 2’
A limited number of places are still available for ‘Kids 2’. This
is a brand new programme for Rosemary Conley Diet and
Fitness Clubs to work with children and families. It has been
devised, developed and piloted by Rosemary Conley Diet and
Fitness Clubs over the last three years.
This six weeks course aims to introduce children and their
parents - in a very simple and fun way – to the importance of
a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. The course is
designed for children and parents to learn together as this
improves the prospects for their long-term success.
NO foods are banned and the emphasis of the course is NOT
on weight loss. At our classes children do not have to
perform to a certain standard or compete with those who
are more physically able in order to feel a sense of
achievement. They will be rewarded simply for turning up
and enjoying what is on offer.
Our next course starts October 2009
Enjoyment is the key – and this is
what our Kids 2 Programme is all
about! SO, what are you waiting for?
If you have any questions or would like to talk about ‘Kids 2’
courses in this area or book onto the next course, please contact
Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks on 01296 485933 for an informal chat
or email Joanna.beardsmore-dilks@rosemaryconley.com
PC Nicki Tipping
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St Mary’s School
Here we are again at the start of another school year and it’s
that time where we welcome sixty new children and their
parents in to the School Family. Sadly though, in July, we also
said a fond farewell to last year’s Year Six pupils and we wish
them every success and future happiness at their new Schools.
I was asked the other day “what is all the fuss about with St
Mary’s? There are other schools, why is it so special?” Well I am
a Parent Governor at the School and am in the privileged
position of having seen both of my children spend seven happy
years there I feel well qualified to answer that question. I’m
also going to suggest a few things for the new families that
might make the introduction to the school that little easier.
I’d like to start by highlighting what I believe makes St Mary’s so
good. A recent annual report by our School Improvement Partner
identifies that “Pupils are polite and very well behaved. They say
they enjoy school and feel safe. They enjoy their learning and
demonstrate high levels of engagement”. To reinforce that, the
School is currently the number one rated Primary school for
Value Added scores in Buckinghamshire. This is significant
because it measures the progress that each child makes during
their four years in Key Stage Two. They are the important years
before your children move to their senior schools. Combine the
above with the fact that St Mary’s is outstanding Ofsted rated
and I think you will agree that it is fair to say that we have a very
successful Primary School at the heart of our community.
The School tries to make the children’s school days as varied
and exciting as possible. For example our Year Groups have
been on visits to places such as Waddesdon Manor, the
Museum of London, The Bucks Railway Museum, Odds Farm
and many more. Recently, Year Four went on a residential visit
to the Environmental Centre at Shortenhills and our Year Six
went to the Pioneer Centre in Shropshire for three days to try
activities such as climbing, rafting, abseiling and archery.
Reports from both sets of children suggest that a fabulous time
was had all. The School also runs many extra curricular after
school clubs for the benefit of the pupils.
All of the above doesn’t happen without an enormous amount
of hard work being put in by a lot of people and credit and our
thanks must go to the Head teacher, her staff, the Governors
and of course the Home School Association. Many of you
would recently have attended the School Summer Fete which
was organised by the H.S.A. I am sure that they won’t mind me
telling you that this event raised a fantastic £2800.00 for
school funds and this money is vital to help the School buy
those extras such as Interactive Whiteboards for your
children’s classrooms.
That leads me on to how I think that the new parents and
children can get the most out of their time at St Mary’s. In life
you only get out what you are prepared to put in. Don’t be one
of those moaning Minnies or Mickies who sit back and whinge
about what is happening or not happening, get involved for
goodness sake. There are loads of things that you can help with,
maybe become a Governor, maybe join the H.S.A. Committee,
use your talents to help out at one of the school clubs like
football for example, maybe offer to come in once in a while
and listen to some of the children read on a one to one basis,
you never know you might actually enjoy it! I’m going to finish
by offering three tips for new parents from me and three tips
for new children as suggested by my daughter Lucy who has
just finished Year Six.
PARENTS:
1) Involve yourself in the school community, particularly if
you are new to Fairford Leys. You will make new friends I
promise you.
2) Take every possible opportunity to visit the school with
your child. They will love showing you around the place
where they spend so much of their time. The children are
proud of their school and rightly so.
3) If your child has a problem in or out of school, then don’t
be afraid to speak to their teacher. They might be able to
help and communication is vital in both directions.
CHILDREN:
1) Join as many or as few of the clubs or activities as you can.
You will make friends and find new interests and hobbies.
2) If you are worried about something at school, speak to
one of the older children such as the Year Six playground
Leaders. They will be glad to help as they have seen it
all before.
3) Don’t worry if one day you fall out with a friend, it might
seem like the end of the world but more often than not it
will all be back to normal the next day.
The main point is that we hope that you and your children
enjoy their time at St Mary’s, I promise you, it will absolutely
fly by.
Andrew Miller
Parent Governor
St Mary’s School Hockey Success
A team representing St Mary’s School recently entered the
Aylesbury Junior Schools Hockey Tournament emerging
victorious from a competition involving thirteen teams
from eight different schools. In six matches they scored
sixteen goals whilst conceding only two and won a thrilling
final beating Turnfurlong School with a goal nine seconds
from the end of extra time. This was a complete squad
performance with every player making a vital contribution
and the school is now the proud holder of a superb trophy
for the next year.
Squad:
Aaron Baker Lucy Miller (Captain) Craig Bond
Baraka Noel Lucy Cooling Jessica Potts
Lewis Ewers
Justin Uijldert
Jack Sloan Ellie Kiely
21

22
Age Concern
NEED A HAND?
As we get older, the home we live in can become more difficult
to manage. Sometimes what we want is a friendly hand for all
those DIY jobs, but at other times maybe you want to move to
somewhere more manageable. Either way, Age Concern Bucks
has support services to help. For DIY jobs call the Handyperson
Service on 01296 431911. The work is charged at a reasonably
hourly rate plus materials. And we have a new painting &
decorating service as well.
MOVING ON?
Moving home to somewhere more manageable can bring with
it greater independence and a new lease of life. But it can be
a daunting prospect, especially if you have lived in your current
home for many years. Age Concern Bucks have set up a service
to support older people to move home, working in partnership
with Seamless Relocation, and covering the whole package.
For more information contact Seamless Relocation direct on
0208 621 3553, or call Age Concern Bucks on 01296 431127.
Angela Hart.
Age Concern
145 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury,
HP19 9HH
Tel: 01296 431911
Reg. Charity No. 204798

Fairford Leys WI
Fairford Leys WI has had a very successful summer, with our
membership now numbering 33. Many of us are keen gardeners
and we spent a very pleasant evening in June visiting the garden
of Edwin Rye (former BBC Gardener of the Year) at Wendover.
Edwin is a great host and told us how he had designed and put
his garden together, whilst Pam served drinks and nibbles. If you
like delphiniums this is a definitely a garden to visit next year.
What a lovely day we had for Fair in the Square, surely the best so far; our
congratulations to the parish council. The following day a group of us visited the
Open Gardens on Fairford Leys. What an amazing selection of gardens and all so
different. Hope this becomes an annual event.
Mid July we were once again blessed with good weather for our summer family
outing to Brighton. We have another outing planned to Westonburt Arboretum
for a Christmas Spectacular. Following a talk earlier in the year by a lady from
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, we paid a visit to their Training Centre at Saunderton
where we had a lovely lunch following by a tour and demonstration of how
these amazing dogs are trained. For our August meeting we did an evening walk
around old Aylesbury in the company of Roger King from the Aylesbury Society.
For those of us who have moved into the area it was a fascinating glimpse into
the history of Aylesbury. Needless to say we ended our evening in one of the
oldest buildings in Aylesbury…The Kings Head!
Unfortunately the WI are unable to organize the autumn Big Tidy Up in the
village, but will make plans for this event in Spring 2010.
Our programme for 2010 is currently being arranged, but if any of the above
makes you think you would like to join us, the 2009 programme is available in
the FL Centre or phone Diane on 01296 420434 or Janice on 01296 392429.
Diane Nolan – President of Fairford Leys WI
DATES FOR THE NEXT FULL
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE
AS FOLLOWS:
Thursday 1st October
Thursday 5th November
Thursday 3rd December
Meetings are held at the Fairford Leys Centre at
8pm. Everyone is welcome, but please check the
Parish Notice Board or the website to ensure that
no last minute changes have been made.
www.coldharbour-pc.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS
Arriva Buses
0870 6082608
BT Fault Line
0800 800151
Childline
0800 1111
The Church on
Fairford Leys
01296 424980
Clerk to Coldharbour
Parish Council
01296 422800
Doctors Surgery
01296 424488
Eastgate Dental
Practice
01296 433222
Electricity – Power loss
0800 7838838
Fairford Leys Centre
01296 488262
Fairford Pharmacy
01296 485050
Gas – Emergency
0800 111999
N.H.S. Direct
0845 4647
Silver Rider Buses
08701 201088
Stoke Mandeville
Hospital
01296 315000
Thames Valley Police
0845 8505505
Thames Water
0800 714614
Train Times
08457 484950
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