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WELCOME  TO  THE  NEWLY  ELECTED  PARISH  COUNCIL!

On  22nd  May    the  village  went  to  the  polls  to  elect  a  new  Parish  Council  (as  well  as  vo:ng  in  the  District  Council  and  European  elec:on).  Out  of  the  10  places  available,  the  9  previous  parish   councillors  were  re-­‐elected  along  with  one  new  councillor,  Fiona  Keable.  The  team  below  make  up  the  new  SpraLon  Parish  Council:

You  can  find  contact  details  for  the  Councillors  on  page  8  of   this  newsleLer.  Over  the  next  few   newsleLers  we  will  be   con:nuing  with  our   series  of   “Get  To  Know  Your  Parish  Council”  interviews.

In  this  issue,  on  page  34  we  talk   to  Cllr  Barry   Frenchman,  who  was  re-­‐elected  as  Chairman  to  SpraLon  Parish  Council  at  the  Annual  General  Mee:ng  on  June  4th.

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Clerk’s  Tweets

Rachel  Baillie

Bill  Blowfield

Tim  Forster

Barry  Frenchman

MichaelHeaton

John  Hunt

Fiona  Keable

Ruarhaid  McDonald-­‐Walker

Mark  Pacey

Jay  Tindale

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SPRATTON  POCKET  PARK  OFFICIAL  OPENING  EVENT  

14th  June  2014  3.00pm

On  Saturday  14th  June  we  will  have  a  ceremony  to  mark  the  official  opening  of   our   Pocket   Park   and   we   are   delighted   that   Mrs   Pasley-­‐Tyler   of   Coton  Manor   has  agreed   to   come   along   the  cut   the   ribbon.   The   local  press  have  been   invited   to   cover   the   event.   Do   please   come   along   for   some  refreshments  and  be  part  of   this  important  day  for  the  village.  Please  see  the  advert  on  the  opposite  page  for  details.

SPEEDING  IN  THE  VILLAGE

Mobile  Vehicle  AcPvated  Sign  to  be  Installed

A  recent  speed  survey  in  the  village  showed  that   78%   (yes,   78%)   of   vehicles   were  exceeding   the   speed   limit.   The   highest  recorded   speed   was   77mph   on   the  Brixworth   Road!   To   try   and   tackle   this  serious   problem,   a   new   mobile   Vehicle  Ac:vated   Sign   (approximate   cost   £3,000)  will  be  installed  shortly  in  the  village.    This  is  being   purchased   by   Northamptonshire  County   Council   with   a   contribu:on   from  SpraLon   Parish   Council   (approximately  £1,500).     The   new   sign   can  be  moved   to   a  variety   of   loca:ons  within   the   village.     Our   thanks   to   Cllr   Mark   Pacey   for  organising  this  and  undertaking  to  monitor  the  results.

POLICE  REPORTS

The  following  incidents  were  recorded  in  the  village  over  the  3  months  from  February:

3rd  February:  Church  Rd  -­‐  report  of  sellotape  across  road  at  head  height6th  February:  Church  Rd  -­‐  window  broken  by  thrown  stone13/14th  April:  Brixworth  Rd  -­‐  vandalism  causing  damage  to  9  allotment  sheds29th  April:   Glebelands  -­‐   report  of   youngsters   running   around   vehicles  and  private  gardens

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ANNUAL  PARISH  MEETING

This  important  village  event  was  aLended  by  over   40   parishioners.     The   Chairman   of  SpraLon   Parish   Council   gave   the   Parish  Council  Annual  Report  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Resources  CommiLee  gave  the  2013/14  Finance   Report,   followed   by   reports   from  the  Village  Hall,  Town  and  Land  Chari:es  and  Recrea:on  Field  CommiLees  (who  as  Parish  Chari:es  providing   community   facili:es  and  resources   submit   their   accounts   to   this  mee:ng).    

County   Councillor   Judy   Shephard   read   out   her   report   and   encouraged  organisa:ons   to   apply   for   a   grant   from   the   County   Councillor   Empowering  Councils   and   Community   Fund.     Cllr   Shephard   has   approximately   £7,000   to  donate  between  13  parishes.

Aier  the  formal  part  of  the  mee:ng  (which  lasted   a   mere   40  minutes!),   there   was  a  change   to   the   usual   proceedings.   Any  organisa:ons   who   received   grants   from  SpraLon   Parish   Council   e.g.   Friends   of  SpraLon   School   (for   the   Music   Day)  together   with   Village   Organisa:ons   e.g.  Garden  Club,  SpraLon  Local  History  Society  had  been  asked  to  send  in  their  reports  via  email  and  these  were  kindly  laminated  and  displayed   on   the   History   Socie:es   boards  (thanks   very   much   to   Councillor   Michael  

Heaton   for   doing   this   :me   consuming   job).     ALendees   enjoyed   reading   the  reports  and  looking  at  the  photos  (some  of  which  were  of   the  first  stage  of  the  Women’s  Cycling  Tour  of   Britain  which  came  through  SpraLon  earlier  on  in  the  day)   and   enjoyed   a  chat   with  Councillors,   friends   and   neighbours   over   wine,  cheese  and  biscuits.    

A  big  “thank  you”  to  St  Andrew’s  PCC  (David  BenneL)  for  providing  the  fantas:c  venue  for  this  event  (it  provided  a  great  atmosphere),  the  Café  Doris  team,  Cllr  Jay  Tindale  for   organising   the   refreshments   (food  and   drink  was  sourced  from  Sauls  and  SpraLon  Village  Stores)  and  Cllr  Michael  Heaton  for  all  his  help  leading  up  to  this  super  village  event  which  was  put  on  at  a  very  minimal  cost  due  to  the  volunteer  efforts  of  Councillors  and  parishioners.    

If  you  aLended  this  event,  do  please  pass  on  your  feedback  to  our  Parish  Clerk,  Lynne   and   the  Parish   Council   will   try   and   make   it   even   beLer   next   year   (on  Wednesday  6th  May  2015)!

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PARISH  COUNCIL  ANNUAL  REPORT

The  SpraLon  Parish  Council  Annual  Report  will  be  available  on  the  website  shortly.  Alterna:vely,  please  contact  the  Clerk  for  a  paper  copy.

SPRATTON  PARISH  ORDINARY  COUNCIL  MEETINGS  2014/15

Press  and   public   are  very  welcome  to  aLend  all  mee:ngs  and  speak   in  the  public   forum  at   the  beginning  of   the  mee:ngs.   Here  are  the  dates  for   the  next  year,  mee:ngs  are  held  in  the  Village  Hall  star:ng  at  7.30pm:

Tuesday  17th  June  2014Tuesday  15th  July  2014August:  NO  MEETING  Village  Walk  and  Risk  Assessment  Tuesday  16th  September  2014Tuesday  21st  October  2014Tuesday  18th  November  2014Tuesday  16th  December  2014Tuesday  20th  January  2015Tuesday  17th  February  2015Tuesday  17th  March  2015Tuesday  21st  April  2015Tuesday  19th  May  2015  (Annual  Mee:ng  of  SPC)

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

ApplicaPon  No:  DA/2014/0249  -­‐  construc:on  of  a  detached  dwelling  adjacent  to  19  Holdenby  Road  -­‐  Parish  Council  objected  on  grounds  of  insufficient  parking  provision

ApplicaPon  No:  DA/2014/0326  -­‐  first  floor  rear  extension  at  32  Holdenby  Road  -­‐  No  observa:ons  by  Planning  Execu:ve  CommiLee

ApplicaPon  No:  DA/2014/0346  -­‐  construc:on  of  replacement  storage  building  and  2.1m  high  fence  at  Standhills,  Holdenby  Road  -­‐  Observa:ons  made  by  Planning  Execu:ve  CommiLee

ApplicaPon  No:  DA/2014/0375  -­‐  conservatory  to  rear  of  dwelling  at  15  Gorse  Road  -­‐  No  observa:ons  by  Planning  Execu:ve  CommiLee

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INCREASE  IN  PARISH  COUNCIL  BUDGET  FROM  £36,000  to  £39,000

Aier  much  scru:ny  and  debate,  SpraLon  Parish  Council  made  the  decision  to  increase   the   Precept   (or   budget)   to   £39,000.     The   main   reasons   are   as  follows:-­‐

‣   Increase   in   salary   costs   –   due   to   increasing   demand   put   on   Parish   Councils   by  

County   and   District,   increasing   professionalism   of   the   role   of   Clerk.   This   entails  

keeping  up   to  date  with   legisla:on  and  undergoing  regular   training  courses,  project  and   grant   administra:on   for   necessary  projects   e.g.  Neighbourhood  Plan,  SpraLon  Pocket   Park,  new   roles   such   as   administering  the  website   and   Facebook  to   ensure  

good  communica:on  between  Parish  Council  and   its  community  -­‐  all  this  requires  an  increase  in  the  Clerk’s  hours  from  15  hours  per  week  to  20.    The  need  for  an  increase  

in   hours   was   also   strongly   recommended   by   the   Northamptonshire   County  Associa:on   of   Local   Councils   (NCALC)   Auditor.       The   Clerk’s   hours   are   regularly  

monitored  and  scru:nised  by  the  Resources  CommiLee.    The  Parish  Council  achieves  good  value  for  money  in   the  Clerk  as  the  role  is  currently  shared  with  2  other  Parish  Councils   (Pitsford   and  Creaton),  therefore  training,  some  mileage,  office   telephone  

and  photocopier  costs  are  shared.

‣  Requirement   to  provide   employees  with  a   pension   and   subsequent   increases   in  

Pension   Contribu:on   costs   –   the   Parish   Council   now   has   to   make   a   23.3%  contribu:on   (based   on   the   Clerk’s  salary)   through   LGSS  (Northamptonshire  County  

Council  Pension  Scheme).

‣   Increases   in   village  maintenance  costs   –  previously  the   Parish   Council   did   try  to  

reduce  the  mowing  within  the  village  but  this  was  met  with  resistance  from  villagers.

‣  ConPngency  funds  –  Due  to  the  Parish  Council  being  responsible  for  maintenance  of   the  Churchyard  wall   and  over   60  street   lights,  we  need  to  keep  a  reserve  which  

would  be  able  to  fund  any  repairs  to  these.    The  last  repairs  made  to  the  Churchyard  wall  cost  in  excess  of  £20,000.

In  addi:on  to  the  above,  we  as  a  village  have  been  subject  to  the  changes  to  the  tax  base  rate  (on  which  your  Council  Tax  is  based)  meaning   that  90%  of  the   village  (approx.)   has  to  pay   100%  of   the  tax,  even  if   the  Parish   Council  had   not   increased   the  precept   this  year,   residents’   Council  Tax   would   s:ll  have  increased.    Parish  Councillors,  as  residents  themselves,  are  well  aware  of   the  impact  on  Council  Tax  bills  and  did  not   take  the  decision  to   increase  the  budget  lightly.

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DOGS  ON  THE  LOOSE

We  have  had  reports  of  dogs  running  loose  in  East  View  Cemetery.    Please  could   you   ensure   your   dogs  are  kept   on   a   lead  within   the   Cemetery.    Thank  you.

Lynne ComptonClerk

Spratton Parish Council

CONTACT  THE  PARISH  COUNCIL

We  are  always  eager  to  hear  from  the  people  of  SpraLon  about  any  issues,  concerns  or  ideas  to  improve  life  in  the  village.  Here  are  some  of  the  ways  to  get  in  touch:

‣  Call/email  Lynne  Compton,  Parish  Clerk:  01604-­‐880727  or  spraLonpc@:scali.co.uk‣  Facebook  you  can  Message  us,  Post  something  or  Like  us  at          www.facebook.com/pages/SpraLon-­‐Parish-­‐Council/350035681721691‣  Visit  the  Website  at  SpraLon.org.uk  and  post  a  message‣  Use  the  Drop  Box  in  SpraLon  Village  Stores  to  leave  a  note‣  Write  to  Lynne  Compton,  Parish  Clerk:  12  Olde  Forde  Close,  Brixworth  NN6  9XF‣  Abend  a  Parish  Council  mee:ng—usually  on  the  3rd  Tuesday  of  each  month,        7.30pm  in    SpraLon  Village  Hall,  School  Road,  SpraLon.  The  mee:ng  agenda  is      always  posted  on  the  Parish  no:ceboard  opposite  the  shop.

Alterna:vely,  you  can  talk  to  one  of  the  Parish  Councillors  -­‐  you’ll  find  their  contact  details  in  the  box  below:

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WW1  Flypast  Over  SprabonSunday  26th  April  2015  at  3.00pm

On  26th   April  next   year   it   will  be  exactly   100   years  to   the  day   that   a  young  airman  from  SpraLon  won  the  Victoria  Cross,  the  na:on’s  highest  award   for   bravery,   for   his  ac:ons  on   the  Western   Front   in   the  First  World  War.   Sywell  Aerodrome  have  a  replica  of   the  biplane  that  was  flown   by   Lt   Rhodes-­‐Moorhouse   and   they   will   fly   over   SpraLon   at  3.00pm  on  26th  April  2015.

“The  raid  on  Courtrai  unfortunately  cost  the  na3on  a  very  gallant  life,  but  it  will  live  as  one  of  the  most  heroic  episodes  of  the  war.”

The  flypast  of  a  BE2b  biplane  will  be  part  of  SpraLon’s  tribute  to  all  133  men   from   the   village  who   served   in   the   First   World  War.     A   large  commemora:ve  event  will  take  place  in   the  grounds  of  SpraLon  Hall  School   on   Saturday   25th   and   Sunday   26th   April   2015   with   vintage  vehicles   and   aeroplanes,  stalls,  talks,  a  book  launch  and  a  1914-­‐18  fashion  display.

The  event  is  supported  by  the  Heritage  LoLery  Fund  and  organised  by  SpraLon  Local  History  Society  and  SpraLon  Parish  Council.

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Sprabon  Welcomes  Women’s  TourVillage  Turns  Out  For  Historic  Cycle  Race

At  lunch:me  on  May  7th,  history  was  made  as  the  inaugural  Women’s  Tour   of  Britain  cycle  race  passed  through  SpraLon.   Stage  One  of   the  first   ever   women’s  tour   started   in  Oundle  and  the  90   riders  weaved  their  way  through  58  miles  of  Northamptonshire  countryside  to  a  sprint  finish  in  the  centre  of  Northampton.

For   anyone   who   has   got   slightly   breathless  walking  up   to  SpraLon  Stores  for   a  newspaper,  we   can   now   explain   why.   Brixworth   Road   has  been  officially   declared  a  mountain  -­‐   the  stretch  from  the  Brampton  Valley  Way  up  to  the  Welford  Road   junc:on   was   one   of   two   “Queen   Of   The  Mountain”  stages  on  the  first  day,  where  the  best  climbers  were   duly   recognised   -­‐  Marianna  Vos,  the   eventual   tour   winner,   was   Queen   Of   The  Mountain  in  SpraLon.

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SpraLon  villagers  turned  out  in  force  to  support  the  riders,  lining  the  route   along   the   Brixworth   Road   all   the   way   through   the   village.  Pupils  from  both  the  Primary  School  and  SpraLon  Hall  made  a  huge  amount  of  noise,  cheering  not  only   the  cyclists  but  also  each  one  of  the   many   police  motorcycle   outriders   that  were  preparing   the  way   for   the   pelaton   to  pass.

Amidst   a   throng   of   support   vehicles   and  accompanying   motorcycles,   the   riders  powered  up  the  hill  through   SpraLon  at   an  incredibly  impressive  pace.  

Once  all   the  excitement  had  died  down,   an  ITV   News   crew   interviewed   some   of   the  Primary  School  children  and  the  footage  was  aired   on   Anglia   TV   news   that   evening.   The  pupils  came  across  extremely  well  -­‐  polite  and  ar:culate  -­‐  a  credit  to  the  school  and  the  village.

It  was  the  biggest  event  to  hit  the  village  in  years,  and  SpraLon  rose  to  the  occasion!

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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

The  Parish  Council  expects  to  consider  the  two  site  op:ons  within  the  next  two  to  three  months  when  awaited  informa:on  will  be  to  hand.  Also  within  this  :metable  the  inspector  should  report  on  the  progress  of  the  emerging  West  Northamptonshire  Strategic  Plan.  We  need  to  be   sure   that   our   Plan  policies  accord  with   the  policies  of   the  new  Strategic  Plan,  which  they  do  at  the  moment.  However,  the  inspector  examining  the  West  Northants  Plan  may  yet  require  further  changes,  which  we  would  then  have  to  reflect.

Michael  Heaton

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Mind  Where  You  Park!

We   s:ll   get   lots   of   complaints   about  inconsiderate   parking   in   the   village.   We  do  appreciate   the   difficul:es   people   face   with  too   many   cars   and   not   enough   off-­‐road  parking,   but   please   think   twice   before  blocking  pavements.  

As   a   rule   of   thumb,  make   sure   you   leave  enough   space   for   a  p u s h c h a i r   o r  wheelchair   to   get   by.  A s   these   p i c tu res  show,   some   people  don’t  show  this  level  of  considera:on,   despite  the  reminder  signs!

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Sprabon  Local  History  Society

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To  finish  the  season  we  are  offering  two  ou:ngs  in  the   summer.     Anyone  is  welcome   to   join   us,   but  please   book   in   advance   with   either   Pat   Parish  (847734)  or  Hazel  Petersen  (820787).

Wednesday  30th  July  7.15  pmMeet  outside  the  Guildhall  for  a  walking  tour  of  Northampton  with  Blue  Badge  guide,  John  Brown.  £2  members.    £3  non  members.

Wednesday  13th  August  11.00  amGuided   tour   of   Boughton  House.     Please   make   your  own   way   to   Boughton   and  meet  at   10.45  am  in  the  car  park   for   an   11.00   am   tour.  We  can  arrange  liis  if  you  let  us  know.  £10  per  person.  It  is  impo r t an t   t o   book   i n  advance  for   this  trip.    There  is   a   café   at   the   house   for  lunch,  if  you  wish  to  stay  on.

Wednesday  15th  October  8.00  pmThe  autumn   season  begins  with   a   talk   by   Kate  Wills  of   the  Western  Front  Associa:on  on  Northampton  in  1914.      Village  Hall  8.00  pm.    £2  members.  £3  non  members.

Enid  Jarvis

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Village  Spring  CleanOn   Sunday   6th   April,   a   group   of  hardy  villagers  once  again  braved  a  bi:ng  wind  to  get  stuck  into  the  job  of   clearing   SpraLon  of   12   months  worth  of  liLer  accumula:on.  Armed  with   bin-­‐bags,   liLerpickers,   hi-­‐viz  vests  and  rubber   gloves,   the  small  

but   commiLed   group   of   men,  women   a nd   c h i l d r e n   we r e  dispatched   to   all   corners   of   the  village  in  search  of  sweet  wrappers,  crisp   packets,   drinks   cans   and  boLles,   and   a  whole  host   of  other  unmen:onables  (a  soggy   discarded  maLress   on   Rolybanks   was   a  par:cular  highlight).  

As   usual,   the   mission   was   a  success  judging  by   the  size  of  the  pile  of  bin-­‐bags  stacked  up  by  the  Kings  Head  aier  a  couple  of  hours  hard   work.   Everyone   was   duly  rewarded   with   a   well-­‐earned  drink   and   a   very   nice   lunch   of  sandwiches   and   cheesy   chips   at  the   pub   aierwards,   courtesy   of  SpraLon  Parish  Council.

Thank  you  to  everyone  who  took  part  (a  few  more  supporters  would  be  good  next  year!)  and  thanks  in  par:cular  to  Chris  Saul  for  organising  the  event.

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W.I.  Report

February   was   a   par:cularly   enjoyable   evening   and   something   quite  different.   Alison   Rocket   brought   along   some  beau:ful  paper   beadwork  made  by  women  in  Uganda.  These  were  for  sale  but  we  also  got  to  make  a  bracelet  of  our  own  and  learn  about   the  wonderful  work  which  is  being  done  to  help  the  group  make  some  money  of  their  own  to  pay   for  their  children’s  schooling.

Our   talk   in  March  was  about   women’s  diges:ve  health   and   some  very  useful  informa:on  was  given.  All  we  have  to  do  now  is  keep  to  it!  In  April  Bill  Davies  kept   us  amused  with   the  account   of   his  career   in   the  Royal  Navy  spanning  many  years.  He  also  showed  slides.

This  month  we  discussed   the  resolu:on  which  had  been  chosen   to   be  presented  at  the  Na:onal  AGM  in  June.  Mary  Sheldon  gave  us  interes:ng  facts  about   Organ   Dona:on   and  we  had   to  decide  how  we  wanted   to  vote.  The  resolu:on  was,  if  we  agreed  that  we  should  encourage  people  to  decide  what  they  want   to  do  about  dona:ng  organs  and  to  make  sure  their  families  know  before  they  die.  A  representa:ve  will  take  our  answer  to  the  AGM.  The  W.I.  is  a  truly  democra:c  organiza:on!

Future  W  I  Events  

Tuesday  10    June    2014  ~  Sue  Watkins  ~  “The  Alpaca  Experience”

Tuesday  8  July    2014  ~    Annual  Ou:ng  to  Stowe  House  and  Gardens

Mee3ngs  are   held   every   second   Tuesday   in   the  Village  Hall  at   7.30   pm.  New  members  are  very  welcome  to   come  along  and   join  us  as  we  get  to  know  other   ladies  in   the  village  and   have  an   enjoyable  night   out.   If   you  would  like  to  come  along  a  couple  of  3mes  for   free  we  would  love  to  see  you.        

Carol  Constable

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Primary  School  -­‐  Forthcoming  Events  -­‐  all  are  welcome

Tues  24th  June,  2pm Dance  Fes:val  and  Summer  Fayre

Weds  16th  July,  2pm Summer  Concert

Tues  22nd  July,  9.30am Leavers’  Service  in  St.  Andrew’s  Church

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Sprabon  Primary  School  ReportLife  in  school  has  been  very  busy  since  the  last  newsleLer.  

January   saw  a  visit   from  St  John’s  Ambulance  to  Class  3  for   first  aid  training,  along  with  a  ‘Solve  it’  workshop  and  a  Stargazing   visit  to  Pitsford  School.  Class  3  were  very  busy   in   the  first   couple   of   weeks!  Our   thanks   to   Rev.   Andrew   Taylor-­‐Cook   and   his  collec:ve  worship   team,   who   have   been   leading   weekly   assemblies   in   school.   The  children   have   enjoyed   his   input,   par:cularly   learning   the   Lord’s   Prayer   in   sign  language.   School   Council   raised   money   for   new   playground   equipment   through   a  Valen:ne’s  Cake  Sale.  We’ve  also  enjoyed  a  whole  school  Coast  Day,  have  celebrated  World  Book  Day  when  the  children  and  staff  dressed  up  in  costumes  connected  to  the  coast  and  the  sea,  and  raised  money  for  Sports  Relief.

In  March  the  whole   school  enjoyed  visits  from  Steelebacks,   the  Quantumn   Theatre  and  the  Waste  Educa:on  Bus.  The  whole  school  also  enjoyed  learning  about  the  coast  further  following  their  visit  to  the  Sealife  Centre  in  Birmingham.  Children  in  the  older  classes   have   developed   their   skills   in   PE   through   Archery   Coaching   and   Cricket  Coaching.  Well   done   to   our   Archery   team   who   came  3rd   in   the   Daventry   District  Compe::on.  They  have  also  furthered  their  musical  skills  through  guitar  tui:on.

This  term  children  are  also  looking   forward  to  a  whole  school  circus  skills  day,  a  visit  from   ‘Zoolab’   and   other   exci:ng   learning   opportuni:es   linked   to  our   whole   school  topic  of  ‘Brazil’.

As  I  write  this,  the  Year  6  children  are  just  finishing  their  SATs.  They  have  worked  very  hard  and  we  are  proud  of  all  their  achievements.  Time  seems  to  be  flying  by  for  our  eldest  children  who  we  will   soon  be  saying   a   fond   farewell  to,   as   they  begin   their  journey  at  Secondary  School.

I   am   also   pleased   to   share   that  Mrs   Claire   Radd   has   been   appointed   as   the  Head  teacher   from   September   2014  when   I   leave.   It   is  with  mixed  emo:ons   that   I  have  resigned,  but  wish  to  spend  more  :me  at  home  with  my  young  children.  I  have  every  confidence  that  the  school  will  con:nue  to  go  from   strength  to  strength  under  Mrs  Radd’s  leadership.                                                                                                                                  Sarah  Stoppani,  Head  Teacher

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Message  from  Reverend  Andrew  Taylor-­‐CookA  few  years  ago  in  a  Service  at  Derby  Cathedral,  Canon  Geraldine  Pond  asked  the  ques:on,  “Who  do  you  think  you   are?”     She   was   referring   to   the   television  programme  at  first  and  then  asked  us  to  think  about  the  ques:on   for   ourselves.     ‘Who   do   ‘I’   think   I   am?’     A  couple  of   days   later   a  very   good  friend   of   mine   asked  me  the  following   ques:on,   “How  are  you?”     She  then  followed   through  with   the  word,   “Really!?!”     Sensing  that   that   wasn’t   quite   true   she   then  asked,   “How   are  you   ‘really’   feeling?”     Following   our   conversa:on   she  

then  said,  “No  maLer  how  busy  you  get  -­‐  don’t  lose  sight  of  Andrew!”    I  jokingly  said  to  her,  “Andrew  –  who’s  he?”

My   friend’s  remark   set  me   thinking   about  ‘Andrew’  as  to  where  he’d  gone   in   the  midst   of   all   his  work   and   training   -­‐   which   in   turn,   set  me   thinking   about   Canon  Pond’s  ques:on,   “Who   do   ‘I’   think   I   am?”    When   I   was  accepted   for   ordina:on  training,  everyone  was  really  excited  and  delighted  with  the  news,  everyone  except,  Kathleen.     Kathleen  was  a  colleague  in  a  previous  diocese,  and  the  reason  for   her  sadness   over   the   news   was   because   she   feared   that   I’d   become   lost   in   the  ordina:on   training   and   come   out  the  other   end,   like  so  many   other   priests  she’d  met.    Meaning,  we  begin  our   training  with  our  own  personali:es  and  uniqueness,  and  come  out  the  other  end  -­‐  all  the  same!    I  assured  her  that  that  wouldn’t  happen  –  and  to  my  knowledge  it  hasn’t.    Or  has  it?    Maybe  the  jury  is  s:ll  out  on  that  one.

Those  of   us  who  profess   to  be  Chris:an  firmly   believe   that  through  God,  we  can  encounter   endless  discoveries  and  challenges  which  help  shape  and  re-­‐shape  who  we  are.    My   journey  of   discovering  who  Andrew  really   is  s:ll  con:nues  because  it  hasn’t  come  to  an  end  yet.    God  keeps  helping  me  to  discover  new  horizons;   new  challenges  and  new  possibili:es,  which  in  turn,  helps  to   shape  and  re-­‐shape  who  I  am.     So   to   ask  myself   the   ques:on,   “Who   do   I   think   I   am?”   isn’t   that   simple  or  straight   forward.       How   about   you?    Who   do   you   think   you   are?   .........Really!?!    Happy  exploring!    

Andrew

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St  Andrew’s  Heritage  Society

Community  Project

It  is  very  encouraging  to  see  the  addi:onal  and  frequent  uses  that  the  re-­‐ordering  of  St  Andrews  has  facilitated;  the  new  toilet,  Café  Doris,  Monthly  Lunch  Club,  Youth  Club,   Special   Events  and   the   many   uses  that   the   Social   Area   provides   for   both  formal  and  impromptu  mee:ngs.  We  con:nue   to   hear  good   reports   from  users,  which  indicates  that  the  addi:onal  facili:es  are  proving  popular,  and  we  therefore  believe   it   has   been   money   well   spent.   You   may   remember   that   in   a   previous  financial  year  we  have  acted  as  agents  for  the  PCC  of  St  Andrew’s  in  receiving  and  handing  over  grants  for   the  Community  Project;   and  of   course  we  donated  some  £2000  ourselves  for   the  Toilet  Fund   element   of   this  work.   Some  £5000  of   those  grants  s:ll  remains  in  our  care,  and  we  have  currently  earmarked  this  amount  for  the   proposed   new   Hea:ng   Project   in   St   Andrew’s.   It   is   about   25%   of   the   total  amount   needed  we  understand,  and  if   the  PCC   provides  a  similar   amount,   there  will   s:ll   be   about   £10,000   of   gap   funding   required   for   the   whole   system.   The  provision  of  addi:onal  modern  and  sustainable  hea:ng  in  St  Andrews  will  allow  the  con:nued  and  successful  use  of   the  building  throughout  the  Winter  months  and  is  something  that  we  are  therefore  encouraging.    It  is  proving  more  difficult  to  obtain  permission   from  English  Heritage  and  the  Historic  Building   inspectorate  to  install  the   chosen   air-­‐to-­‐air   system   in   our   Grade   1   listed   church,   but   we   are   s:ll  suppor:ng  this  much  needed  venture.    

Other  Projects

There  is  s:ll  much  we  can  do  and  support  we  can  provide  for  improvements  within  our   church,   for   example  moving   the   organ   and   crea:ng   a   permanent   outreach  mee:ng  room  in   the  Vestry.  These  will  no   doubt  be  the  subject  of   our  efforts  in  future  years.  

Fabric

We   were   pleased   that   the   latest   statutory   Quinquennial   Inspec:on   in   2011  reported  that  most  of  the  building  was  in  a  good  state  of   repair,  and  whilst  we  do  not  expect  issues  of  major  maintenance  in  the  short  term,  we  are    always  mindful  

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Café  DorisAn  independently  run  Community  Coffee  Shop  

in  St  Andrew’s  Church

It’s  hard   to   think   that  we  only   started  opera:ng  on  28th  May   2013,   and  have  now  completed  our  1st  year  in   service.  We  have  aLracted  a  very  loyal  band  of  customers,  and  a  big  ‘Thank  You’  to  you  all  –  we  will  con:nue  to  try  and  improve  and  develop  in  accordance  with  our  core  values.  

Our  espresso  machine  has  had  its  first  service  also,  and  with  a  few  tweaks  is  now  ready  to  give  even  beLer  results  re  crema,  flavour  &  quality  –  we  promise!!  Fully  equipped  with  new   crockery,  which  we  hope  you   like,  we   are  all  ‘go’   for   the  forthcoming  Summer  rush.  Also  the  new  commemora:on  bench  has  arrived  for  the   South  Door   to  make   the  outside   space   even  more   conducive   on  warmer  days.  

✓Our  aim:  to  serve  the  very  best    Coffee,  Tea  and  Cakes  in  our  area.✓We  are   ‘not-­‐for-­‐profit’   run  by   volunteers   hoping   to  make  SpraLon   a   beLer  place  to  live  and  work  in.  

✓Our  promise:  you  don’t  have  to  pay  if  you  are  not  happy  about  anything.  ✓Our  coffee  beans  are  freshly  roasted,  and  ground  ‘on  demand’  especially   for  you  when  you  request  your  drink.

✓Our  water  is  filtered,  &  even  double  filtered  for  tea.✓We  want  you  to  enjoy  this  unique  Grade  1  registered  place.✓We  hope  our  ‘grade  1’  coffee  and  tea  helps  to  achieve  this!

Join  us.  We  are  open  every  Tuesday  &  Thursday  morning.

that  costly   interven:on  is  seldom  far  away  –   it  is  a  medieval  building   aier  all,  and  oien  reminds  us  of   that  fact.  So  we  do  have  a  reserve  fund  available  for  such  purposes  as  well.  This  is  the  reason  we  were  formed  in  1995  aier  all.    

Please  remember  that  more  prospec:ve  members  are  always  very  welcome  to  join  us.    We  are  very  much  a  secular  organisa3on.  All  surplus  funds  will  con3nue  to  be  reserved  for  improving  the  fabric  of  St  Andrew’s  Church.              Alison  Benne<

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Sprabon  Villagers  Show  Off  Gardens  Again

On   Sunday   11th   May,   the   village’s  premier   gardeners   once   again  opened   their   gardens   to   the  public  as   part   of   the   Na:onal   Gardens  Scheme   which   raises   funds   for  mul:ple  chari:es.  

Turnout   was   slightly   lower   than  previous   years   due   to   the   adverse  weather   forecast   for   the   day.   As   it  happened   the   rain   largely   stayed  away   and  those  that   did  support   the  event   were   t rea ted   to   some  hor:cultural   highlights   in   some  breathtakingly   beau:ful   gardens,   as  well  as  some  outstanding  home  made  cakes  at   the  Church.  Well  done  to  all  concerned.

‘There  are  no  gardening  mistakes,  only  experiments.’

On   Sunday   22nd   June,   we   have   a   coach  ou:ng   to   the   south  of   the   county   to   visit  three   private   gardens,   Steane  Park   where  we  will   have  a  gardener-­‐guided   tour,   and  two   gardens   in   Sulgrave.   Booking   forms  have  been  sent  to  all  Club  members,   but   if  others  want  to  come  on  this,  please  contact  Michael  Heaton  on  846032  soonest.

On  Monday   7th   July,   we  have  an   evening  self-­‐drive   trip   to   Sulby   Gardens,   a   recent  ‘discovery’   by   the   NGS   and   well   worth  visi:ng.   Names   will   be   collected   on   the  22nd  June  ou:ng  and  over  the  telephone.

This  will  leave  our   long-­‐awaited  visit   to  Kew   for   14th  September,  which  we  are  sure  will  be  very  popular.  Details  will  be  circulated  in  August.

For  those  members  who  are  not  already  aware,  the  dates  of  our  autumn  mee:ngs  have  been  changed  to  Thursdays,  and  are  as  below.

Thursday  9  October8.00  p.m.

Thursday  6  November8.00  p.m.

Thursday  4  December8.00  p.m.

“Know  and  grow  unusual  vegetables”  A  talk  by  Sally  Cunningham

"Life  and  Emes  of  a  gardening  editor"A  talk  by  Geoff  Hodge

Annual  General  MeePng  and  Social  Evening  

                                                         Michael  Heaton

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News  From  Sprabon  Rec  Commibee

Just  a  reminder  that  most  Car  Boot  Sales  are  on  a  Friday  evening  (dates  in  the  shop  window),  with  the  excep:on  of  Sept  and  Oct  which  will  be  on  a  Sunday.    There  is  also  a  Dog  Show  planned  for  the  21st  Sept.

We  are  s:ll  having   'problems'  with  dog  mess  on  the  Recrea:on  Field,  we  are  monitoring   this,   but   may   have  to   impose  a  ban  on  dogs  (as  Creaton  have  done  on  their  field)  if  the  situa:on  does  not  improve.

Thanks  to  the  Community  workers  team  for  pain:ng  the  skatepark  and  the  wooden  rail  fence...  a  good  job  done!

Once   again   we   appeal   for   new   commiLee   members,   we   are   ge~ng  desperate  now,  as  no-­‐one  seems  to  want  to  help  out  in  any  way.  How  great  it  would  be  if  some  enthusias:c  people  would  'come  forward',  there's  a  lot  of  scope  for  improvement/development  on  the  Rec,  along  with  fund  raising  ideas  etc.   It's  your   playing   area,   why   not   'have   a  say'   in  what   happens  there?    Please  do  get  in  touch.

Please  contact  Trevor  on  trevitox@hotmail.com

www.pwbuilding-services.co.uk

Sprabon  Pocket  Park  Report

The  first  of  the  wild  plants  have  already  given  us  a  display  and  we  are  eagerly  looking  forward  to  this  year’s   sequence   of   colour   and   variety   as   the  various  wild  flowers   show  themselves.   The  wild-­‐life  is  ac:ve  already  even  down  to  the  Yellow  ants  add-­‐ing   to   their   ant   hill   homes   and   :ny   new  Grasshoppers  which  you  need  a  magnifying  glass  to  see  at  this  stage.  

The  Bug  Hotel  (see  photo)  has  been  built  at  the  boLom  of  the  Pocket  Park  and  we  look  forward  to  seeing  who  takes  up  occupa:on.  

Dave   Cooke   has   re-­‐seeded   the   area  damaged   by   the   works   and   we   are  looking   forward  to   a  year  when   the  old  cemetery   will   be   enjoyed   by   more   and  more  people.      

The   iron  gates  have  been  filed   down  to  make   them   close   easily   and   the  remaining  restora:on  work  has  been  the  rubbing   down   and   repain:ng   of   the  ironwork  at  the  front.  

None   of   this   could   have   happened  without   the   invaluable   support   of   Dave  Cooke,  SpraLon  Parish  Council  and  of  course  the  Heritage  LoLery  Fund  which  has  provided   the  majority   of   the   money   to   carry   out   the   necessary   works.   Many  thanks  to  all!  

The  official  opening  of  the  Pocket  Park  will  be  on  June  14th  and  the  children  from  the  Primary  School  have  already   visited   in  prepara:on   for   their  photograph  and  collage  compe::ons  to  be  judged  on   the  day.  Everyone  is  invited   to  meet   there  for  refreshments  and  the  official  opening   at  3pm  when  the  ribbon  will  be  cut  by  Mrs  Pasley-­‐Tyler.

John  Hunt

Hotel Du Bug

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Photo  Founder  Steps  DownQuite   an   event  was  marked  recently  when   the  chairman   and  founder   of   the   SpraLon   Photography   Group,   Peter   Hunt,  decided  to  step  down  aier  three  successful  years  at  the  helm.    When  Peter  ini:ally  thought  to  see  if  anyone  else  in  the  village  was  interested  in  forming  a  photography  group,  he  expected  it  might   be   just   a   few   friends  mee:ng   irregularly   in   his  studio.  Much  to  his  surprise  nearly  thirty  people  responded!

Peter's  ini:al  vision  may  have  been  somewhat  different,  but  he  rose  to   the  challenge  of   steering   the   larger   group   through   its  forma:ve  years  with  much  dedica:on,  grace  and  good  humour.    

The  group  now  has  monthly  mee:ngs  in   the  primary   school  hall,    a  programme  of  educa:onal  speakers  and  prac:cal  evenings,  regular  open  and  theme  compe::ons  and  also  takes  part  in  the  county  wide  Badby  Challenge.          

Peter  will  con:nue  his  associa:on  with  the  group  but  moves  to  the  back  benches  to  let   the   new   chair   and   commiLee   take   up   the   reigns.   Addressing   the   group   he  welcomed  the  chance  to  have  :me  to  improve  his  own  photography  while  also  s:ll  enjoying  the  work  of  others.    He  urged  the  group  to  con:nue  to  grow,  expand  and  improve  the  quality  of  our  work   and  most  importantly,  encourage  others  to   join   in  the  fun!

For   details   of   the   group   contact   alan.roffey@b:nternet.com   or   see  www.spraLonphotog.co.uk

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The  next  issue  of  the  Sprabon  Parish  Newsleber  will  be  published  in  September  2014.  The  copy  date  for  editorial  and  adver:sements  is  

Friday  22nd  August

Adver:sing  costs  per  annum  (4  issues)Quarter  page  £20Half  page  £40

Please  contact  the  editor,  Tim  Forster  07979  705910  :m.forster@ymail.com

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New  Babies  &  Tots  Groups  in  Sprabon

Our   Babies  and  Tots  Group   is  held  in  the  hall  at  SpraLon  C  of  E  School  every   Wednesday   morning   from  10am  -­‐11.30  am  during  term  :me.  

Admission   is   50p   (this   covers   the  cost   of   tea   and   coffee).   We   have  children   ranging   from   just   a   few  weeks  old   to  3   years  +.     They   are  brought   by   their  mothers,   fathers,  grandparents  or   carers  and  we  are  very  pleased  to  welcome  new  visitors.

The  head  teacher  and  all  the  staff  at  the  school  are  very  suppor:ve  to  the  group.   When   possible,   two   teachers   join   us   on   alternate   weeks.   Mrs  Frenchman  usually   reads  a  story  and  Mrs  Radd  plays  her   guitar  and  sings  to  the  children.  

We   have   a   wide   range   of   play  ac:vi:es   and   look   forward   to  some  really   nice  weather   so   that  we  can  enjoy   outside  play   on  the  school  field.

In   add i:on   to   those   f rom  SpraLon,   children   are   very  welcome   to   aLend   from   the  

surrounding  area.  We  already  have  children  from  other  villages  and  even  if  you  are  just  visi:ng  SpraLon,  don’t  hesitate  to  call  in  –  we  would  love  to  see  you.

For  any  further  informa:on,  please  telephone  the  school:  01604  846530

ChrisEne  Hunt

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Get  To  Know  Your  Parish  Council

10  QuesPons  for  Barry  FrenchmanHow   long   have   you   lived   in   Sprabon?   Judith   and   I   moved   to   SpraLon   in  November  1993  with  our  2  young  children,  who  were  8  and  5  respec:vely.  They  both   aLended   the  Primary   school   when   there  were   over   80   children  on   role!  Previously   we   had   lived   “Up   North”   but   really   consider   ourselves   from  No~ngham.  

What   do   you   do   for   a   living?   We  moved  with  my  job  at  the  :me  which  was  involved  with  marke:ng  but  aier  a  short  while  I  became  self-­‐employed  and   have   been   ever   since.   I   am  involved   in   the   contract   and   office  furniture  trade  providing  products  for  schools,  offices  and  leisure  facili:es  all  over   the  country.  I  also  sell  safes  and  secure  storage  solu:ons  to   the  same  market.

Why  do  you  live  in  Sprabon?  SpraLon  seemed  the  ideal  choice  as  we  had  previously  lived  in  towns  and  Judith,  being  a  teacher,  loved  the  village  school.  As  we  didn’t  really  know  the  area  it  seemed  as  good  a  choice  as  any!  Looking  to  the  future  we  chose  SpraLon  based  on  the  good  reputa:on   of   Guilsborough   School.   Aier   a   few   years   of   working   in   various  schools  in  the  area,   Judith  got   a  job  at  the  Primary   school  and   has  been   there  ever  since.

Do   you   have   a   family?   Yes,   my   wife   Judith   and   our   two   children,   Ben   and  CharloLe,  both  of  whom  are  now  grown  up  and  have  flown  the  nest!

What  do  you  like  about  Sprabon?  We  love  village  life  and  are  very  involved  with  many  aspects  of  it.  Another  advantage  of  SpraLon  for  us  is  that  it  is  not  too  far  a  drive  to  No~ngham  where  our  parents  and  other  family  live  and  it  allows  me  to  retain  my  season  :cket  at  No~ngham  Forest  FC  which  I  have  had  now  for  over  30  years  (I   think  my  first  one  cost  £18  to  stand  in  the  Trent  End!).  SpraLon  is  a  great  place  to  live  and  bring  up  children,  although  to  some  we  are  s:ll  new  to  the  village!!

What   don’t   you   like   about   Sprabon?   I   do   miss   the   facili:es   that   you   get  rela:vely  nearby  by   living  in  a  town  like  a  gym/pool,  theatre,  cinema,  shops  and  so  on.

With MP Chris Heaton-Harris

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What   do   you  do   to   relax?  Many   of   you  will  also  have  seen  me  pounding   the  streets  of   the  village  as  I  try  to  keep  fit  by  running;  the  Brampton  Valley  Way  is  good  too  but   a  liLle  too  flat!  Gardening   also  seems  to   take  up   an   awful   lot  of  :me.

Have  you  travelled?  We  love  travelling  both  in  this  country  and  further  afield  and  have  just  recently  returned   from  North  Yorkshire  where  we  toured  around   in  a  vintage  VW  camper  van.

Why   did   you   join   the   Parish  Council?  I  became  involved  in  the  Parish  Council  about  15/16  years  ago   when   I   was   asked   to   help  mediate   in   a   dispute.   Having  agreed   to   help   it   wasn’t   long  before   I   was   co-­‐opted   onto   the  council  and  a  year  or  so  later  was  asked   to   be   Chairman   and   have  been  ever   since.   It   sounds  grand  to   say   but   the   role   does   relies  heavily   on   the   help   and   support  not   just   of   the   Clerk   but   all   the  other  members  of  the  council.  

I  have  overseen  a  few  conten:ous  issues  in  my  :me  from  the  building  on  the  Rec,  to  the  Folk  Fes:val,  the  Broomhills  and  other  planning  applica:ons,  as  well  as  the  current  op:ons  on  the  Neighbourhood  Plan.  It’s  all  good  fun  really!!  

The  Parish  Council  is  one  of  the  most  ac:ve  in  the  district  and  tries  to  be  involved  in  all  aspects  of  our  rural  life  to  make  this  an  even  beLer  place  to  live.  

Four   years   ago   I   was   also   asked   to   stand   as   Ward   member   for   SpraLon   at  Daventry  District  Council  and  at  the  recent  elec:ons  was  voted  in  for  another  4  years  with  an  increased  majority.

Thanks  to  all  those  that  took  the  :me  to  vote  at  the  elec:ons,  a  near  40%  turnout  is  really  good  but  I  would  like  to  see  it  even  higher.

What  are  your  Summer  holiday  plans  this   year?  This  Summer  we  are  ren:ng  a  coLage  in  France  and  our   children  are  coming  as  well,  with  Ben  flying   in   from  Germany   where  he  currently  works  aier  several  years   in   Japan;   CharloLe   is  a  liLle  nearer  as  she  lives  near  Leeds!

V-Dub adventure starts here

36

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