Despite the pandemic, Sulgrave Women’s Activity Group were determined that the now well established tradition of decorating the village bus shelter for Advent should be maintained. Last year record crowds gathered for the official opening (see here) but obviously that will not be possible this year. Nevertheless, the Group has transformed the little building into a bright and cheerful Christmas tableau and hope that people making individual visits will be comforted by the memory of past Advent times and the anticipation of the happy times which will surely come again in our friendly village.

Villagers will be able to donate to “Porch”, a charity for the homeless based in Oxford. A collection box will be in the village shop. (See here for more details of “Porch”)

This special post box in the bus shelter is for the children of Sulgrave to post letters to Santa Claus. Parents: Please ensure that letters include the names and addresses of the children. Last posting date for a reply is 23rd December.

See more pictures and further Christmas information on the next page (Click on “Read the rest of this entry”)

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Photo: Jo Powell

Owing to the pandemic regulations, it was not possible for the usual Remembrance Service to be held in the Church, with the names of the fallen being read out in front of the war memorial as they have been without a break for a hundred years. Rather unusually there is, of course, no permanent outside memorial in Sulgrave. At the “Zoom” Parish Council meeting held on 5th November, under “Public Participation” Graham Roberts commented that the village would be failing in its collective duty to let the anniversary pass with no commemoration at all. This view was endorsed by Parish Council Chairman, Richard Fonge and in the discussion that followed it was unanimously agreed that arrangements should be made for people to observe the two minutes silence on Castle Green. In order to provide a focus of attention and a place for the deposit of wreaths, it was further agreed that the “soldier silhouette” currently near the village stocks, should be moved to Castle Green on the morning of the 11th November.

The weather was appropriately sombre as many village people of all ages quietly gathered amongst the autumn leaves. The silence was only broken by the notes of the Church clock striking eleven, immediately followed by the sounding of the Last Post by Chris Kirkpatrick. People were left alone with their thoughts until the sounding of Reveille two minutes later.

Parish Council Chairman Richard Fonge then read out a Great War Poem (see end of this item) followed by the names of the eighteen men and women of the village who lost their lives in two world wars. Richard McCrow then read out the traditional words of remembrance:

“When you go home, tell them of us and say

For your tomorrow, we gave our today”

“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them”.

Wreaths were then placed at the soldier’s feet by Richard Fonge on behalf of the village and by Donald Taylor on behalf of the British Legion.

See next page for some photos of this event (Click on “Read the rest of this item”.)

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Artist’s impression of the proposed Lower Thorpe Viaduct

See the HS2 Page on this website for the latest information regarding the two viaducts.

Richard Fonge, Chairman, reports as follows:

Discussion on the Twenty/Plenty signs which were agreed at the September meeting. In general, a favourable response. The Chairman thought it would be better if Councillors were contacted first rather than through social media when questions are asked about decisions made by the Parish Council.

The Chairman thanked Councillor North and Dominic North for the re-painting of the Helmdon Road sign and Councillor Mike Powell for doing the Spinners Cottages sign.

Nothing to report on High Speed Rail (HS2)

Sulgrave Manor. Now closed for the winter.

The Pop Up Picnic was cancelled due to the latest Covid 19 rules. The concept had gone down well with the village, so it was hoped to re-arrange the picnic for next May, pandemic permitting.

It was agreed to place a planter over the rut on the verge by Stockwell Lane.

County Highways had agreed to repair the pavement in Helmdon Road, but what section and length was queried. Parish Clerk to follow up.

The Vehicle Activated speed sign is due to go up in mid-October, on Helmdon Road.

The Pocket Park Annual Safety Report was discussed. Very comprehensive, but no action needed on any points. The shelter needs some attention to its roof. The long grass around the perimeter of the park to be cut when the final village mowing of the year is done.

Allotments: The Chairman asked for it to be minuted how well the allotments looked. Last year half of them had to be strimmed. This year they are cultivated, with only one vacant plot and that has been kept tidy.

The Parish Clerk reminded Councillors that there will be elections next May and thoughts should be given by early next year as to who was going to stand.

Date of next meeting: Thursday 5th November 2020.

Richard Fonge, Chairman.

Jane holds the basket of tickets and Richard makes the draw

Richard Fonge writes:

Caryl Bellingham MBE, Chair of the Brackley Community Hospital Trust, has sent me a message to say that she and her fellow trustees would like to thank most sincerely the villagers of Sulgrave for their generosity in raising £695 towards the Hospital Appeal.

The total sum came from gift aid and the raffle organised by Sulgrave Village Shop for a food hamper, donated by the shop, won by Becky Hunt. Thank you Jane and Sally.

It was a great disappointment to have to cancel the picnic but let us hope we can do it next year and have a village get together.

Richard Fonge, Chairman, Sulgrave Parish Council