Bugbrooke Link Magazine

(Issue 138), June 2006
Editor: Paul Cockcroft

Our Annual General Meeting was held on 2 May 2006 in the Village Hall, where I thanked all of the committee members, news gatherers and distribution for their hard work.  I also thanked regular correspondents and advertisers for their contributions.

Geoff Cooke joined the committee following his involvement with production of the magazine for the last few issues.  John Unwin left the committee after 22 years, having joined in 1984.

John has made a huge contribution to LINK over that time, which involved not only his personal time but also resources and personnel from his business.  Thanks to John, the production process has been kept up to date with the latest technology, which has assisted with the transitional period that we are currently in.

On behalf of the LINK committee, and I am sure many other people in the village, I wish John and Jenny the very best for their new life in France.

We intend to do our best to keep up the high standards of production and if we can get things set up properly, John may even be able to view future copies of LINK on our own website.

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 the next issue is Monday 3 July 2006.

Parish Council

The Council is currently heavily involved in producing a parish plan which I have mentioned in previous articles. The first stage is for the Council to prepare a questionnaire which will be distributed to every household in Bugbrooke. The aim of this form is to simply understand what you, the parishioners, like and also what services/facilities you think could improve our village. Once the forms have been returned and collated, this data will the basis of the plan. There are no guarantees that we, as the Council, will have the authority or finances to address all the shortcomings within the village which the plan may highlight but it will certainly be a useful tool to work with in the future, when planning for resources.

The other issue for discussion has been dog fouling on the playing field and the danger it presents to users of this facility. As it currently stands, people are allowed to exercise their dogs on the field but it is one of the designated areas of the village where all fouling must be cleared up. The Community Centre Committee were unhappy with this and want a total ban of dogs from the area, the same as many of the surrounding villages have on their playing fields. They have asked the Parish Council to investigate the process involved to invoke such a ban. I will report in the next edition the progress to date and the Council’s findings. There are many dog bins sited around the village now so I would encourage all dog owners to clear up after their pets and use the facilities provided.

Phil Bignell - Chairman

Northamptonshire Police Area Mergers

On 3 April 2006 the current Northern and Eastern policing areas merged to form the new Northamptonshire North Area and the Northampton and Western Policing Areas merged to form the new Northamptonshire West Area. The new Area Commander for Northamptonshire West is Chief Superintendent Paul Phillips (previously Western Area Commander). This merger will position the Force strategically in anticipation for the Home Office led initiative to amalgamate forces and other forces in the East Midlands are going through similar reviews.

Partnerships are very important to us and for this reason we have taken steps to ensure that the new Area is based around the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs). Therefore Northamptonshire West covers Northampton, Daventry and South Northants CDRPs. Together with the appointment of a Superintendent with a specific remit for community policing and partnerships, this will enhance our capacity to work effectively with CDRPs and other partners.

Although the new Areas are bigger in territorial terms, policing will continue to be local, which is something we cherish. Officers and police staff will continue to be based within the community in both urban and rural areas of the county. Area Commanders will have the flexibility to deploy resources where they are most needed, when they are most needed, without penalising the rest of the Area. Response teams will be sited strategically, so that response targets are achieved and our service to those who call on us for assistance is, where possible, enhanced.

These are exciting times for Northamptonshire Police. We have already seen a considerable amount of change over the past 18 months and there may well be more changes ahead in relation to the re-structuring of forces. We face those challenges with every confidence that this new structure will strengthen policing and help us to continually improve our service to the public of this county.

Enzina D'Eramo (Public Relations and Marketing Officer, Northamptonshire West Area, Daventry Police Station)

Nature Notes

This is always an interesting time of the year for watching nature. The trees are showing different plumage as leaves come out in various shades of green and different blossoms. A quiet sit in the Millennium Green helps to appreciate the variety of species that grow in our countryside. There are now over 20 species of tress and they are marked and named to help appreciate the many varieties. It is also possible to see or hear birds that do not usually frequent the more populous parts of the village. Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Rooks, Crows, Jackdaws, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Owls, Squirrels, Ducks and Pheasants are some of the birds and animals in and around the green.

We seem to be well blessed with wildlife in the village. This could be due to the preservation of trees and hedges in close proximity of houses but is also due to the good companionship between animals, birds and humans that can be developed by us helping to feed the wildlife and help it to survive at difficult times of the year.

Veronica and Mike Chambers were particularly lucky to see Ducks nest on their garden pond in Church Lane. They saw 13 ducklings develop from the eggs before the parents took them elsewhere, presumably to the brook. They must now survive the predators such as mink or foxes and cats. We can help with regard to cats by putting a bell round their neck to give an early warning to birds of their approach. Magpies are also a problem as they are reckoned to kill off up to 250 other birds each during the course of the year. They need discouraging if you see them around the garden. There is also a predatory sparrow hawk doing the rounds of the Merriefields Estate but it may disappear as more food becomes available in the fields and there is a need to find a nesting place in a quieter location. Buzzards are also circling overhead but I have yet to see a red kite over the village.

It is nice to see the migrants back and it was reported to me that a swallow was seen at Althorp on the last day in March. This is exceptionally early and earliest sightings in Bugbrooke seem to be about mid April which is when the first cuckoo was reported to me in the Campion School area. (Is this why the farm buildings between the school and sandpits is called Cuckoo Farm? Has it always been a place they took to?)

We see less swallows in the village nowadays because there are no farm buildings in the village centre thereby denying them a nesting place and a source of food from the flies that always accompany animals. Luckily we still have one building that always allows swifts into the roof so we can have the pleasure of seeing them diving and screaming across the sky during the summer.

If you see anything unusual please phone me on 830317 so that it can be passed on to readers.

John Curtis

Bugbrooke and District Twinning Association

The Bugbrooke and District Twinning Association is holding its AGM on June 18th at noon at Hollybank, High Street, Bugbrooke. All are welcome.

The informal meeting will be followed by light buffet style refreshments and wine. If you want to find out about the European towns we have links with and polish up your skill of speaking to foreigners abroad then please come along.

Bugbrooke and Harpole Scout Group

The Scout Group has had a busy Spring term. Cubs have been practising their knots, and doing their First Aid badge. This entailed making an arm sling with their 'necker', (neck scarf), which is in a triangular shape for this very purpose, should the need arise. Cubs were given a very realistic red 'gash' on the forearm, and a nasty looking pretend 'burn' on the hand, made with bluetack, glue and face paints. They then learned how to treat their injuries and apply bandages. Cubs are now working towards their Animal Lover badge that may involve bringing pets to a meeting which could be interesting. Cubs are preparing for a weekend's camping at 'Nailer 2006', the European event taking place at Towcester at the end of July. They are having a sleepover at the Hut in preparation for this, and looking forward to taking part in some of the 99 activities, including archery, swimming, abseiling etc, to celebrate 99 years of scouting.

The Scouts have been active with crafts and outings. They are constructing wooden nesting boxes, for their Environmental badge. These are nearing completion, and will be put in the garden and hopefully occupied providing bird watching opportunities. In March 3 teams of Scouts designed and built cars from cardboard, tape and elastic, (roughly eggbox to shoebox size), for a contest. They were propelled by elastic and decorated in the run-up to the Annual Cardboard Car Challenge run by the Daventry District Scout Association. The boys met up and mixed with other Scout packs in the district, and did very well on their first attempt at this competition to win 2nd and 3rd places. The Annual St. George's Day celebrations were attended by our Scouts at Welton camp, Daventry. There were a dozen challenges including canoeing, chipping the golf ball, launching rockets!, and sliding with a bungee rope on a long soapy tarpaulin. There was a mini-pioneering event run by our leaders where teams made small projects with poles and ropes, including a maze for people to negotiate blindfolded. A trolley on a zip wire hung between two trees 30 feet up provided an exciting ride. The afternoon finished with a promise renewal time around the camp-fire.

Women’s Institute

Women’s Institute met at Sunday School, March 6th. The speaker being Mr Michael Peachy who did oil paintings. Very interesting paintings and offering members if they would like to have a try. A competition was a picture postcard.

The April meeting on April 3rd we had Mr M Moore who gave and showed pictures on bees. Competition was a garden flower.

May 8th, we will be joining with Harpole, meeting at Harpole where resolutions will be discussed. July 3rd, members evening.

A Boswell

Bugbrooke Darby and Joan

Hello everyone. How I am enjoying my first spring here, while walking my dog “Poppy”. I see so many lovely gardens full of flowers and shrubs. On Saturday April 22nd I heard the cuckoo, but see many birds in the garden which seem very tame. March 15th, we enjoyed a fish and chip lunch.

April 19th was our AGM. No changes. Accounts all given as usual. We would welcome a few new members to join us.

Mrs. D M French 01604 832274

Mothers’ Union

On the evening of April 13th, the M.U. celebrated the Maundy Eucharist in Bugbrooke Church with an Iona style communion. A table was laid, as on our Lord’s first communion. The Body and Blood of Christ was offered from person to person, as was the washing of hands. Prayers were said, hymns sung. The service was taken by the Rev. Stephen French, and was most inspiring. This was an open service.

Apart from their own meetings, members attended services in the Benefice throughout Holy Week, which included Palm Sunday when crosses were given, Ash Wednesday, when crosses were burnt, Good Friday where an hour by the cross was spent, Easter Saturday a prayer walk through the four villages of the Benefice. Easter Sunday was celebrated in Bugbrooke Church.

On the afternoon of April 24th, the M.U. held a Beetle Drive for the residents of Jubilee House, 19 attended, 6 were residents. M.U. members prepared a tea of home-made sandwiches and cakes. A raffle was held. Prizes were given to those with most Beetle points, and winners of the raffle. A gift of money was given to the residents club. A most enjoyable afternoon.

Pat Archer

Friends of St Michael and All Angels Church

We held our Race Night and Quiz on Friday 24th March and, although numbers were down a little because of the clashing 'do' at the Saints, a very good time was had by all. There is no doubt that David Brawn, who organises the evening for us, makes an excellent MC and this year he had some new equipment on hand which made viewing the races much more enjoyable; we made a profit of nearly £500.00 which goes towards the  maintenance of the church. We have also held our AGM since the last issue of LINK and this was, as usual, an invigorating and fun evening!

Our next event will be the Fish and Chip Supper and Quiz, which will be held on Friday 14th July at the Community Centre starting at 7.30pm sharp. We have the usual fish and chip man coming so we can expect delicious food and, as reported previously, Dave Hyde and John Chapman are organising the quiz this year so that should tickle our brains. Tickets are £7.00 each and are available from Roy Smith at 25 Pound Lane (phone 832715), numbers are limited so please get your order in early - we had to turn people away last year!

Although it's a long way off yet we have arranged our Wine Tasting evening for Friday 1st December. More news of that in the next issue of LINK but this is forewarning so that you can note the date in your diaries.

Bob Peel Chairman

 It is with deep regret that we heard that Bob Peel had died suddenly whilst we were in the process of publishing this  issue of Link.  He was a good friend to the village and will be much missed.  We pass on our condolences and good wishes to his wife Anne and to all his family.

Tony Pace; Deputy Editor

Bugbrooke St Michael and All Angels Church Fête, Saturday, 24 June - 1.00pm

This year the church fete will take place on Saturday 24 June, starting at 1.00pm. There will be the usual spectacular array of stalls, including face painting, sands of time, marble madness, coconut shy, tombola, splat the rat and ping pong pots for your entertainment. Bargain stalls selling garden produce, bric a brac, clothes, toys, and many other items essential for your good health and well being, will also be on display.

Eats and drinks will be available from the barbeque, ice cream, drinks and toffee apple stalls, and for our visitors with perhaps a little more time to savour the atmosphere of the occasion, excellent fare will be available from the refreshments area - under shelter from the blazing sun, of course!

The duck race will take place at around four o’clock and will be followed by the childrens’ races, rounding off the afternoon’s entertainment.

Music throughout the afternoon will be provided by the Bugbrooke Community Youth Orchestra and our resident disco.

Works of art from the Bugbrooke Art Group will be exhibited in the quiet solitude of the church building, providing a spell of welcome relief from the feverish activity on the fête field.

Look forward to seeing you on Saturday 24^th June at 1.0pm.

Alec Shaw

St Michael and All Angels Church News

Church Diary

All the events and service details for St. Michael and All Angels can be found in the Church Diary which should have been pushed through all the doors in Bugbrooke at the end of March beginning of April. However, if you have not received your copy and you wish to know what is happening when please contact the Benefice Office. Nevertheless, just a gentle reminder, the annual Church Fete is on Saturday 24th June starting at 1pm. Come along and have fun!

Benefice Office

What was the ‘Church Office’ is now called the ‘Benefice Office’ as we now serve the Parishes of Harpole, Kislingbury and Rothersthorpe, nevertheless the venue and contact details remain exactly the same. The office is open weekday mornings (except Thursdays) between 9am and 11:30am and Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm. All opening times are for any enquiries about weddings, baptisms or any other church matters and is still located in the Sunday School Rooms on Church Lane, Bugbrooke. The telephone number is 830373 and there is an answer phone so you can leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Service Times at Bugbrooke

Because Bugbrooke is now linked with Harpole, Kislingbury and Rothersthorpe there has been a change in service time. The main Sunday morning service now starts at 9:45am with the evening service staying at 6:30pm during the summer. Pen-ultimately, there is also a said traditional celebration of Holy Communion at 8am on the third Sunday of each month and at 9:45am on the third Thursday in the month. Finally there is also a celebration of Communion on the first Wednesday in the month at 1:30pm at Jubilee House and 7:30pm at St. Michael and All Angels.

Stephen French, Rector

Bugbrooke churchyard

I think everyone will agree that our volunteer grass cutters do a great job in keeping our churchyard looking so beautiful? Many thanks for their faithful service over the years. More volunteers are always welcome!

May I ask for your help in a couple of matters? You are reminded that artificial flowers are not allowed in ANY churchyards. We do make an exception at Christmas as artificial holly wreaths etc. are more acceptable at that time of year. But please remove them after the Christmas period especially off the cremation area grass! I removed some Christmas wreaths when I started cutting the churchyard grass in April!

I’d be grateful to hear from you if you have any suggestions for the improvement of the churchyard and especially about keeping moles away from the graves?!

Sue Pace (churchyard manager)

Thoughts on Funerals

I’ve been thinking about funerals! Partly due to the fact since arriving here in Bugbrooke, Harpole, Kislingbury and Rothersthorpe (NB Alphabetically) I’ve had a rather lean patch in the amount compared to my previous parish (70 to 80 per year), and partly because I’ve been forcibly reminded of the fragility of life as I ponder the age of my parents.

Among my reflections I’ve compared the way in which I conduct a funeral with the way my colleagues conduct their funerals, however, alongside this a more fundamental point has surfaced again, as it does with all Clergy from time to time. The funeral service is drawn up on the assumption that the one being remembered is a Christian. This often puts the Minister taking the service in an awkward spot. If there is no evidence that the deceased has ever had a Christian faith can the Minister, with integrity, give that person a Christian service? Usually the line taken is that at this, of all times, it is right to make the ‘charitable assumption’ - but is that really good enough?

I would never presume to judge someone whom I have not met and do not know, nor can I know what has happened between that person and God in the moments before death. But am I being fair to those who are left if I give the impression that their loved one is safely in the care of God when this may not be the case, is it better to leave the matter open? Certainly I will ask God, in his love and mercy, to receive that person into his presence and eternal care, but after that I must leave the matter to him.

From what I have been saying you will have gathered that I do not believe that everyone will go to heaven. To me that is the very clear message of the Bible. Jesus himself talked about separation in his parable of the ‘Wheat and Tares’, and the ‘Sheep and the Goats’ and elsewhere. The concept of judgement is a recurring biblical theme. Some will be judged as righteous and receive the gift of eternal life, and some will not. So what makes the difference?

The answer that I’m given if I ask that question is usually along the lines of living a good life, or helping others, or being a good person… but that isn’t the Bible’s answer. The Bible says that the only people whom God can accept into his heaven are those who come up to his standards… those who have no sin! It then goes on to say that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. It’s not a question of being good or not so good, but one of being perfect, and none of us are.

So does that mean that there’s no hope for any of us? NO, of course not! “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”, and that makes the difference. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. The wonderful good news is that Jesus the sinless Son of God, has taken our sin upon himself. He has paid the penalty for that sin by dying on the cross, and makes it possible for us to make a new start. When we do that we are “accounted as righteous” and given God’s gift of eternal life. Eternal life begins here and now as we live life with Christ each day, and continues through the gateway of death into heaven itself.

In the funeral service we use this prayer :-

Grant us, Lord, the wisdom and the grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth. Lead us to repent of our sins, the evil we have done and the good we have not done; and strengthen us to follow the steps of your Son, in the way that leads to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

That prayer reminds us that there is something that we need to do. Jesus by his death has made it possible for us to have the gift of eternal life - we need to accept the gift for ourselves.

Grace and Peace

Stephen (Rector of Bugbrooke, Harpole, Kislingbury and Rothersthorpe)

Bugbrooke Playgroup

In the Easter holidays we had 2 successful ‘Pay and Play’ sessions, one Thursday had an Easter egg hunt in Playgroup’s garden. It was well worth doing, raising money for Playgroup and kept the children busy! We also had a small children’s Easter disco held at Playgroup, which was fun! It included an Easter egg competition and had lots of raffle prizes up for grabs.

Playgroup has now come to its last full term before the new school year to start in September. It’s still very busy, sessions are full every day now apart from Thursdays preschool. There will be places available in September although we already have a healthy number so far due to start. It is best to ring Kate on 01604 832669 or Playgroup on 01604 832347 to get your child’s name down and also to book a visit before the summer holidays.

As from September 2006 there is a new legislation. Which says - if a child is 2 years 6 months, he or she can start Playgroups even if not dry in the day - As long as the child wears pull-ups and not nappies. Bugbrooke playgroup has now got changing facilities providing the child wears pull-ups. We are looking to practice potty training in the future also.

There might be an extension to the hours at Playgroup as from September. Possibly open all day if of interest. We need people to tell Playgroup if this is worth doing?

The pre-schoolers will be having a visit to the Bugbrooke Primary School shortly, as they will be starting in September. There will be a leavers’ party to organise soon also. Talking of which there will be a need of new committee members at least 2 positions that need taking over – my job of secretary and Helen’s job of doing fees. There have been a good number of people on the committee over the last few years and Playgroup would like to keep it that way! It’s open to parents and helpers as some committee members will be moving on as their child moves up to School. Just being able to help out with fundraising is a big help. Thank you!

Lorna Britten (secretary)

Bugbrooke and District Flower Society

Julie Woods gave us “Floral Illuminations”, in March - another excellent evening at Flower Club.

Just this week, we have had another super demonstrator, Jo Bromwich, and her “dem” was called “Green Fingers”. She certainly had those, and was both entertaining and knowledgeable. Not only were her arrangements lovely, we had an insight into organic gardening, keeping hens, and fighting cockerels!

On Sunday May 7th at Campion, it’s the ever popular Plant Sale - with a mention this month in the Gardeners World magazine. Who knows, perhaps one of their presenters will turn up to look round and buy!

Our demonstrator on 22nd May will be Gill Shanks with “Something Special”. We have a Garden Visit on 26th June to Cedar Farm, Desborough, for members only.

Our meetings are on the 4th Monday of each month at 8pm in the Sunday School, and visitors are welcome.

Bugbrooke Millennium Green

They say that you can always tell when summer [such as it is] really begins in England, because Robson Green’s naked chest appears on BBC TV. In Bugbrooke, however, they have a better way of sorting out the seasons. Towards the middle of April a group of ardent volunteers gathers on the Millennium Green and gives it the equivalent of a short back and sides.

This year the helpers met on Saturday April 22nd, and thanks are due to all those who came to lend a hand. During the session we had a large bonfire, laid many barrow loads of chippings [thank-you, Nigel] around the sculptures, finished labelling the trees, pulled out stinging nettles, sowed wild flower seeds and removed the dead leaves clogging up Trent Valley path by the church kissing-gate. We also prepared holes for the replacement notice-board which is to go up shortly with a new plan of the Green on it. This will still be sited at West End but will be vertical rather than on a slope and will face north, so that the plan won’t fade so quickly.

The Trustees are pleased to report that wild flowers are continuing to flourish. There are now two sites of cowslips, ladies smocks have been seen and the wood anemones are in fine form. Once again, may I request anyone who has wild flowers growing in their garden to transplant them to the flower beds on the Green. Bluebell bulbs would also be welcome, once they have done flowering for this year, under the chestnut and lime trees, and clumps of primroses would fit into the hedge bottom very nicely.

The West End hedge has been professionally laid, and a fine job made of it. If any of the residents of the cottages backing on to the Green are concerned about their “screen” being removed, the hedge will grow up again within a season, and what has been done will thicken the bottom layer so that wildlife can more readily establish itself.

Finally, we have applied for a pair of hedgehogs after seeing an article in the local press, but unfortunately the rescue group has run out! However, our name is on the list and maybe before too long we shall have some of our very own.

John Curtis – Chairman  

U3A - Upper Nene Villages 3rd Age Group

The next two meetings are as follows:

Outing to Ryton Gardens, June 19th.

You should by now have returned your booking form with the entrance fee for this visit. Just to remind you, we will meet at Bugbrooke Community Centre at 10am and will organise car travelling arrangements there. Ryton Gardens are near Coventry and just off the A45 and the journey is about 40 minutes. A café and restaurant are available for a snack or lunch or you can take your own picnic. There are many different types of gardens you can see as you walk around, together with wildlife and an organic food shop. What more could you wish for? HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Have a go taster and Beetle Drive, July 17th.

You have seen them all listed at the bottom of the newsletter for some time. Now you have a great opportunity to learn what our Special Interest Groups get up to when you’re not there. Wander around and “have a go” at the various activities on offer. You never know, you may even get a taste for one or two of them. All this plus a “Beetle Drive” and a scrumptious taste of “Cream Teas” must make for a brilliant afternoon’s entertainment. Can’t wait, can you?

Special interest groups: Genealogy, German, French, Bridge, Literature, Scrabble, Cook and Eat, Music, Painting, Theatre, Ceramics, Discussion Group.

For further information contact Steve Saunders 01327 349870

Bugbrooke Strollers

The Strollers meet each Thursday at 10am. During June and July they will be visiting Charity Meadow, Astcote, Wards Hodge and Sand Pits, Nether Heyford and Flore, Harlestone, Kislingbury and Upton, Church Stowe and Blisworth.

These are leisurely strolls at a sociable pace and newcomers are invited to join in and enjoy walks across the pleasant Northamptonshire countryside. More information can be gained by looking at village notice boards or by ringing 830317.

Bugbrooke History Group

The group thanks all those who have contributed photographs towards the projected pictorial history book of Bugbrooke. They will continue to collate these items until September and then set about putting a book together. If you have any old family or village shots that may be added to our records please contact John Curtis on 830317.

The next talk to the group will be on Wednesday, June 14th when Steve Parish will talk about the English Civil War on the anniversary of the Battle of Naseby. Everyone is welcome. Entrance is free although a contribution towards refreshments is welcome.  

Bugbrooke St Michael’s Football Club

Congratulations for this season go to the Reserve team that won the Northants F.A. Lower Junior Cup by beating Corby Grampians 1-0 at Wellingborough Town’s Dog and Duck ground. They kept their heads against a physical side that had seven of their players booked and two eventually sent off. It was generally agreed that the Corby team were no credit to their team of the league they play in, whereas the young Bugbrooke side kept their composure and succeeded by continuing to play good football in the face of significant provocation. The extent of the achievement can be measured when you realise that this is only the fifth time the Lower Junior Cup has come to Bugbrooke since it was first won in 1920 by the old Bugbrooke United side. The other occasions were 1957, 1977 and 1993. They now join an illustrious group of sides from Bugbrooke’s footballing history. Unfortunately if they get promoted this year they will be unable to defend the cup as they will move into the Junior Cup category and the First Team will be in that competition.

The other successful side this year has been the Under 12s who won their section of the John Henry Youth League. Well done to these lads. Hopefully it will have whetted their appetites for further success. All the other youth sides have gained experience during the season and have performed well on behalf of their club. They have also trained well and achieved enjoyment and a number of successful results. The Mini Soccer teams have also been very successful and hopes are high for them once they get into the youth league after eleven years old.

The ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams have maintained their position in their respective leagues which is particularly good for the ‘Bs’ who were promoted last year. A number of promising young players are beginning to force their notice on the United Counties teams and the base of the club looks promising.

The 1st XI failed in their attempt to get into the top 6 of their league. They put in some good performances but a lack of consistency foiled their attempt to challenge for a top spot. A period of reflection seems necessary to sort out why they can play promisingly but still fail to seal off games they look like winning. With training facilities available at Campion School which must be the best in the league many in the club are optimistic that they will be maximised by the senior players. They will only get one chance to achieve success for themselves and the club and hopefully everyone will now try to follow the Reserves into the annals of club history.

Thanks to Kev Gardner and his gang of builders. Progress on the new changing rooms and renovations to toilets and clubhouse are now progressing well despite being held up by frosty weather until the end of March. It is expected that the facilities will be ready for next season and the pitch has also been extended slightly to match new criteria for the F.A. and U.C.L League. Thanks are expressed to the Playing Fields for enabling this to occur. There is much optimism that Sir Trevor Brooking will be officially opening the facilities in September and the Cobblers have been asked to play a pre-season friendly to open the extended pitch and test out the new changing rooms. Things are looking optimistic. Everyone hopes players will respond to the efforts made on their behalf. It is a long way from playing on a pitch behind the Primary School and changing in rooms behind the Bakers Arms!

Bugbrooke Bowls Club

With the new season under way, why not come and give Bowls a try. The Club, which was founded in 1989, is a mixed Club with a membership of around 60. The Green is situated adjacent to the Community Centre in the Playing Field at Camp Close. Friendly matches are played at weekends, and a team also plays League matches on Monday nights. Club competitions are held throughout the season for all members to join in. The Community Centre Bar is open at organised matches for players and supporters.

The fixture list is now published and will be displayed around the village. Why not come along one match or contact a committee member or a Club member and arrange for a try?

The committee for 2006 is: Robin Frost (831567), Tony Pace (832516), Gary Abbott (832553), Andy Cragg (832183, Ken Gardner (830762), Bill Russell (831856), Tom Fuins (831532), Maureen Wood (454925) and Jean and Geoff Vincent (832713).

Bugbrooke Cricket Club

John Mundy: Chairman & Treasurer 830725 (H, B & FAX) 07850–084535 (M)

Lesley Bird: Secretary 832630 (H)

Graham Trevitt: Saturday 1st X1 Captain 01327-843331 (H)

Wayne Chalmers: Saturday 2nd X1 Captain 07834-275915

Chris Chapman: Sunday Captain 01327-861324 (H) 07949-462361 (M)

Our 1st X1 has achieved promotion every year so far since joining the Northamptonshire League so hope for further success in 2006 - they started well with a 7 wicket win over Isham but our 2nd X1 lost against Spencer.  Due to Kislingbury 1st, as well as both Bedford sides, dropping out of the League there will be no relegation this year but hopefully this will not lead to complacency!

Our grateful thanks goes to Bob Riches who has been putting in many hours looking after our grass wicket and to Mick Adams who has been mowing the outfield.  Gerald Young is unlikely to be able to assist in the ground this year due to serious illness but we wish him a speedy recovery to full strength.

There will be practice for Juniors every Monday from 6 to 8pm at our cricket ground. Get in touch with Roger Stone (842961) or just turn up on the day - it will be your chance to impress the selectors as we have Under 12 & Under 15 League matches arranged.

The Club are holding a Barn Dance on Saturday 24th June at Chay Adam's farm off the Heyford road. For further details get in touch with Lesley.

 We will be running 2 Saturday league teams as well as Sundays, Junior & Midweek sides so get in touch with any of the above officers or myself if you wish to join the Club at its picturesque ground by the brook. Have a look at our website www.bugbrookecc.co.uk and www.bugbrooke.play-cricket.com for further information and chat on our Message Board.

Peter White (President) 50 High Street, Bugbrooke (830452 H.B & FAX. )

The Elephant

One summers day during the Second World War, I sat on the double kerbing outside the school at Bugbrooke, with my youngest brother Malcolm. We very rarely moved from this area, because mother knew where we were, as she occasionally would look along to see if we were okay, as our house was only a few yards away. Some days there would be lots of soldiers coming through the village on manoeuvres, along with lots of army lorries towing very large guns, also travelling through Bugbrooke amongst these vehicles were Bren gun carriers, as well as very large tanks. Occasionally a horse and cart from one of the local farms would pass by, with the clip clopping sound from their hooves, as well as the white marks on the roadway that the iron rims on the wheel made.

It was during a lull with not much going on during this particular day, when Malcolm pulled on my arm, and muttered a few words about a monster. I looked to where he was pointing, and walking towards us making no noise in any way or form, was this huge grey creature twice as tall as the man that was walking with it. It was the first time in our lives we were to see a live elephant; we tried to run back to the safety of our home, but it moved faster than we had realised, and when we saw its trunk reaching out towards us, we doubled back. Malcolm ran up Mr Heygate’s driveway next to Miss Hazel’s house to get out of the way of it. I was to get into the small gap that is between Miss Hazel’s house and the cottage of Nobby Clarke the next house along.

The man with the elephant started to laugh and called us to come from out of hiding, to come and see his elephant. We were very reluctant to do so, but after a short period we did, but we were to keep our distance from it for a start. I shall never forget the smell that it had, and the size of it, with its large trunk reaching out sniffing and blowing. It had very long eyelashes around its eyes that occasionally blinked, also it never stood still like a horse does, it kept nodding its head, and moving its body and legs about. After a short stop the man and the elephant walked off down Church Lane, so silent for such a big animal.

I since have learnt that it had belonged to Fossets Circus, and it was used at times to pull a plough in the fields, or to go and help shunt railway trucks about in the siding at Northampton Railway Station, as well as Weedon Station. Perhaps on this particular day it was on its way to Weedon, I do not know.

Stanley Joseph Clark

Elvis night, Saturday 30 September - a ‘must’ for the diary

It is a popular misconception that Elvis is no longer with us. Well he is. He is alive and well and lives in Derby, and is called ‘Bob’. He also lives in Dunstable where he masquerades as a plasterer named Melvin. Several other manifestations, too numerous to mention, have also been reported throughout the land. So please don’t listen to those who would have you believe that he no longer struts his stuff. He does, and he will be doing so on Saturday 30th September at the Community Centre.

Tickets will be available from the 1st July. Full details of the show and ticket sales will be given in the next edition of Link. Please stay tuned.  

Village Diary