BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

The blackbird is one of the most widely-spread and numerous  of British birds. Originally a bird of the wildwood, it has gradually familiarised itself with human habitation and is now a resident of most gardens of any size, replacing the song thrush as the commonest member of the thrush family. Only the adult male is black, with a bright yellow bill, the female is brown, darker above and paler below, while the juvenile’s plumage is mottled brown (it may even be confused with the thrush).

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL.

A bogus caller is making calls to residents in South Northamptonshire about council tax refunds. The caller asks for personal details, including bank account information.

We are also aware that some residents have been told by a caller that they owe council tax and threatened with a prison sentence if they do not pay.

We want to remind all residents that this is a bogus call and not one from South Northamptonshire Council. We will not contact residents by phone offering a council tax refund and strongly advise against giving out personal information to such callers.

If any residents have a telephone number for the caller, forward this, and any other details, onto Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Photo: Andrew Waite

A light fall of snow on Saturday morning December 18th, was followed by a much heavier fall in late afternoon, as can be seen in this picture taken at the little gateway through the double hedge which marks the footpath along the parish boundary between Sulgrave and Greatworth.

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Temperatures of minus six with snow and ice failed to deter the twenty-two people who turned up for the annual carol singing around the village.

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Sulgrave Church from Kirklees (Clare Pollak)

Dawn on Tuesday 7th December revealed visions of frost clad trees in bright sunshine, still air and extreme cold. These pictures were taken by Clare and Peter Pollak.

See more pictures….

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The idea of a Christingle service came originally from the Moravian Church in 1747 as a symbol of Christ’s light and love. The Children’s Society introduced it to the Church of England in 1968, and it has since become a popular service for all ages. This was the twenty-first service in the Church of St James the Less, Sulgrave. All money collected goes to the good work of the Children’s Society with the least fortunate of today’s young people. See more photographs of the children performing their nativity play and receiving their oranges with lighted candles….

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How the five turbines could appear from the foopath towards Barrow Hill. M = location of Sulgrave Manor. X = top of already erected meteorological mast.

At the special meeting on 2^nd December, Sulgrave Parish Council voted unanimously to oppose the construction of five 125 metre high turbines at the Spring Farm Ridge site between the villages of Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth.

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How the five 410 feet high turbines may appear from the bridleway to Culworth. Point "A" marks the top of the already erected meteorological mast which can be seen from this point.

Broadview Energy Limited has now made a planning application to South Northants Council for permission to erect five 410 feet high wind turbines between the villages of Sulgrave, Helmdon and Greatworth. Sulgrave Parish Council has been consulted on this proposal and will be debating the matter at the meeting in the Church Hall at 7.45 pm on Thursday 2nd December. Copies of the documents accompanying the planning application will be displayed in the Church Hall between 10.30 am and 4.00 pm on Saturday 27th November and Sunday 28th November.

Silver coin of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066), about the size of a modern one penny piece, found at Stuchbury

On Saturday 23^rd October, at the third time of asking, twelve stalwart members of Sulgrave History Society met up at Stuchbury Hall Farm to field walk the lost village of Stoteberie. With the kind permission of Joan and Michael Tims we were to discover first hand (or should it be foot) the explanation of all the humps and bumps surrounding their lovely farmhouse.

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Save yourself last minute worries and travel costs by ordering your Christmas requirements at the village shop. You can download order forms here as follows:

Dairy, Chilled Products and Bread.

Vegetables, Salads and Fruits.