Bugbrooke Link Magazine

(Issue 141), December 2006
Editor: Paul Cockcroft

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Welcome to the Christmas and New Year issue of your village magazine.
We are aware that some of the articles in the last issue of the magazine caused a certain amount of reaction, particularly those relating to St Michael & All Angels Church. We do not set out to include articles that might cause discomfort or upset to others, but from time to time that is what happens. Where appropriate, we will include responses and within reason allow a certain amount of debate within the magazine.

Generally, as the editor and Chairman of the LINK committee I will receive and consider all articles, comments and points of view so long as they are expressed in a reasoned and not overtly offensive manner. Whether or not any particular contribution is ultimately included is down to the committee, having regard to the Constitution and Rules of LINK.
We are intending to launch a website for the future issues of LINK, so please look out for further details in the February 2007 issue. For Family Announcements, such as birthdays, exam results and other acknowledgements, I have been asked to remind you that these entries are all free in your village magazine. If you would like something to be included please pass the details to Veronica Chambers, details in the list on the page opposite.
On behalf of the LINK Committee, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and new year.
You can contribute to the magazine by posting articles through my door or preferably by submitting copy by e-mail to the  e-mail address. This minimises the amount of copy that has to be typed in, and it is greatly appreciated as it reduces the workload for the production team.

The deadline for articles and advert changes for the next issue is Monday 01 January 2007

Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor
I wonder if it is now the editorial policy of the "Link" to include articles which propagate religious messages as well as items of news or future or past events? The parish church has its own newsletter delivered to every household and it seems inappropriate for the village magazine to accept material which is better suited to the pulpit. This has caused offence and concern to some who would not like to see either political or religious propaganda included in what has hitherto been a balanced and excellent village magazine devoid of partisan material.
A Concerned Villager (Name and address supplied)

Parish Council Notes
Yet again, it is sad to report more vandalism in the Parish. This time it occurred on the Millennium Green where the replacement notice board, which had only been installed a week, was badly damaged. The swings at the playing fields have been replaced, after the damage I reported in the last Link. It is frustrating that tax payers’ money is being repeatedly used on renewing these assets in the village. As always I would appeal to anybody who knows anything about these incidents to let the Police know direct or contact the Parish Council.

At the October meeting Joe Forshaw resigned from the Council and this has created a vacancy which we hope to fill by co-option. The parish plan questionnaire is progressing well and we still aim to deliver this to every household by the end of January. It is important that every household has their say so we can best serve the village and encourage others to make Bugbrooke a better place to live.

To mark the Queen’s 80th birthday, the Council has provided £1800 for pensioners which will be distributed via the OAP’s Christmas Gift Scheme. Pensioners will receive a one-off voucher to the value of £9.00 to spend locally. This is in addition to the normal voucher they will still receive from the Gift Scheme and is being financed by the money the Council had budgeted for bus tokens this year. We no longer need to provide these tokens as eligible people receive a free bus pass now for local use.
Phil Bignall – Chairman
 
Don't Tempt the Christmas Criminal
Police across the county are reminding motorists not to tempt the Christmas criminals by being careless with their shopping.

It is easy to forget about the normal security steps that should be taken during the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, but it’s also the time of year when shoppers are buying more goods and more valuable items.

Now police are reminding people not to bring packages back to the car and set off shopping again – thieves know that people do this and could well be watching out for a likely target.

Northampton Community Safety Officer Kate Wright said: “At this time of year people will often take things they have bought back to their vehicles and then carry on to do more shopping – it might be convenient but just don’t be tempted.

“Thefts from cars can be prevented simply by people taking all property with them on leaving their vehicle. Our advice is simple – don’t leave items on display and don’t lock them in your boot either, as this is an obvious hiding place that criminals are well aware of.

“Our advice is always ‘Check, Remove, Secure’ – Check that you have not left any belongings in your vehicle. If you have, remove them, and then secure the vehicle by locking doors, windows and the boot.”

In Northampton, people are advised to park in the Park Mark car parks, which are accredited as having numerous security features. There are nine car parks in Northampton that have the Park Mark, an award that is issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Shoppers are also reminded not to let crime ruin their festivities at home as Northamptonshire Police issue their annual advice to help beat the Christmas burglar.
With the festive holidays just around the corner the seasonal warning comes at a time of year when domestic burglaries often rise as burglars target homes they believe will be full of presents.

As part of their Christmas message, officers are reminding residents to keep security a priority over the festivities and remove all temptation out of sight from prying eyes as all valuables are a gift to a burglar – not just the ones beautifully wrapped.

A lapse in security is the perfect gift for a burglar, who will be only too happy to take the opportunity to help themselves to your property, in particular small portable items such as electrical goods, jewellery, bags, money and of course, car keys.

Special operations are currently running across the Force to clampdown on burglaries, which have been supported by both high-visible and covert patrols and the use of the Mobile Police Station, where people can pick up crime prevention advice.

Daventry Community Safety Officer Mick Downing said: “Burglars know there are rich pickings to be had at this time of year as many houses are stuffed full of presents and because it is dark so early burglars can easily spot when someone is not home.”

Community Safety Officers from across the Force have urged residents to take simple steps to ensure their property stays safe during the festivities, which includes:

You must tell the Police!
Over the last few weeks we have heard of several incidents in the village that were not reported to the police. That simply will not do. Many of you have been strong supporters of the campaign to get an improved police presence in the village but if we are ever to achieve that it is essential that the police know what is going on. In defence of their current lowly presence, the police have often argued that Bugbrooke is one of the safest places in the county and possibly the whole country.

So it is vital that every incident of social disorder or misdemeanour is reported. This can be done in several different ways all of which can be identified on the Northamptonshire Police web site http://www.northants.police.uk/):

Obviously you can dial 999 if the Police are required urgently, but that service should not be abused. Otherwise, you can telephone Northamptonshire West Helpdesk (ask via the switch board) on 08453 700700.

You can report non-urgent minor crime on-line at http://www.online.police.uk/. This is a national service and I have to say the process you have to follow seems rather complicated and unfriendly. You can also email the Northamptonshire Police at  ; apparently this is not supposed to be used for reporting minor crime but, faced with the national service, I know what I would do. A further option is to e-mail our local policemen; you can find their e-mail address on the police web site.

So use whatever method is most convenient for you but please do report all incidents to the police.
Tony Pace

Bugbrooke Playgroup
We are now at the end of a busy year for Playgroup, which has included plenty of changes, these being positive of course. The daily sessions have been virtually full each month. If your child is two years and six months old, please ring Kate Meech on 01604 832669 or Playgroup on 01604 832347 between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

Throughout the year we have had lots of fundraising events, including Pay and Play sessions, Pampered Chef and Bodyshop parties, and fun days. These are essential to us as we rely on extra funds to buy new toys and equipment for the children. Bugbrooke Playgroup will be holding a Christmas Fayre on December 9th at 12pm-4pm in the Village Hall, stalls include tombola, face painting, cakes and lots more. Tea and coffee will be available. Raffle tickets will be on sale, but this will be drawn at the pre-schoolers Christmas concert on December 14th.

Playgroup closes on December 20th for Christmas and there will be a Pay and Play session on Thursday December 28th, from 10am to 12pm, £1.50 includes one adult and one child, and 50p per child thereafter. Playgroup re-opens on Thursday January 4th 2007. Lastly, I would like to thank all of you who have supported Playgroup throughout 2006, and invite you to our Christmas Fayre. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lisa Merry (secretary)