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February / March 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone Marian

Adstock Clarion 1 Vine Cottage, West Street, Adstock (01296 713457) 1, Greenfields, Adstock (01296 712561)

MORE LEXOPHILE PUNS

A bicycle can't stand alone; it's just two tired.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.

When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall.

Police were summoned to a day- care centre where a three year old was resisting a rest.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.

Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.

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NOTICES

Adstock Singers Christmas Concert. A most professional and enjoyable concert was held by the Singers on Sunday 11th December

under the tuition and conducting of Lucy Bignall. It was lovely to see a full Church of families for this Christmas concert.

A varied programme was performed by the adult choir, classical works as well as some lesser known Christmas music.

A highlight of the evening was ' Walking in the Air ' sung by Juliette and Lydia Bignall accompanied by their mother Lucy on the piano and Aunt Camilla playing the flute.

A newly formed junior choir delighted the audience with a rendition of One Small Voice and a Cowboy Carol (including actions!) During the interval mulled wine and festive food was enjoyed by

the audience. It was a wonderful start to the Christmas Season.

Odd Jobs £5 an hour: Fundraising for India

I am fundraising to change people’s lives in Chennai, Southern India. The purpose of travelling to Chennai is to help build facilities for rural villages, in particular school classrooms; this is to

encourage education for children. The classrooms are being built for students of which 20 children are disabled. I will personally help build the classrooms on my expedition in July 2017.

I live in the Village and am willing to wash cars, babysit, clear gardens, walk dogs.

Please contact through my parents: 07983411041

Alex (sixth form student at the Royal Latin School)

How Long Does it take Litter to Biodegrade

Paper bag - up to one month Orange peel - up to two years Banana skin - up to two years Plastic bag - up to ten to twenty years Cigarette butts - up to twelve years Plastic bottle - up to 450 years Glass bottles and chewing gum are not biodegradable

Duo Bayanello come to Adstock! Sunday 19th February, 2 PM · St Cecilia's Church, Adstock

A programme of Shostakovich, Bloch, Martinu, Kuusisto Da Falla and Piazzolla on a Sunday

afternoon!

One of the most exciting ensembles on the London chamber music scene, Duo Bayanello perform music from Bach to Gubaidulina to tango, and have collaborated with DJs and architects as well as

performing at the Wigmore Hall, Kings Place, St John’s Smith Square and the International House of Music, Moscow.

Suggested donations: £10 adult, £8 concessions, £3 children

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The 2017 Adstockistan Wassail

The 2017 Adstockistan Wassail will take place on the 12 Feb at the orchard. For anybody new to this, it’s an Anglo-Saxon ceremony that is practiced in orchards all around the UK, but primarily in the West Country. It is usually performed on 12th night and the idea is to drink to the health of the trees in order that they produce a bumper crop in Autumn (to be precise Adstocktoberfest which will take place on Sat Oct 7th – put it in the diary), and also scare off anything evil that might hamper the crop.

We will have Music from the Adstock Singers and dancing from the Owlswick Morris (accompanied by their barn owl mascot). There will then be a torch light ceremony down to the village hall where there will be more festivities livened up by mulled cider and other refreshments.

If you would like to come along please meet at the orchard gate at 4pm and simply follow the instructions of Reverend Ros.

Everybody is welcome, but please bring along something loud to bang to frighten off any evil spirits from our orchard.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 7th – 11th February Dreamboats and Petticoats 20th – 25th February Round the Horne 27th February Someone Like You – the Adele Songbook 1st March Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story 7th – 11th March Brendan Cole: All Night Long 17th March Thoroughly Modern Millie 27th March - 1st April

Book your tickets now at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 or visit

www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

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Adstock Parish Counc i l – News

Chairman: Cllr Simon Walker, Vice Chair: Cllr Chris Dawe Councillors: Cllr Sue Braithwaite, Cllr Doug Randall, Cllr Neil Fraser-Smith, Cllr Marianne Murphy, and Cllr Paul Salver

ADSTOCK PARISH PLAN ------Questionnaire

THE PAST

TODAY

THANK YOU

We have been very pleased with the response and can tell you now that we received 80 completed questionnaires which out of a total of 167 homes gives us a significant and relevant overview of the issues and topics that are important to the residents of the Adstock parish. We have already been hard at work processing the data . We will again, as we did with the launch, set up a presentation evening where villagers will once again be invited to attend to hear the initial findings and of course comment and ask questions. The meeting to present and outline the preliminary findings will be held on –

Wednesday 1st March 2017 at 8pm in Adstock village hall. Cheese, wine & soft drinks will be provided. The aim after this meeting will be for the village plan working group to consider the key actions that come from the questionnaire review. Once this is established we will then set up small sub working groups, consisting of a parish council member and volunteer villagers for each section of the questionnaire to determine the feasibility of taking forward the key priorities coming out of the review. This is a hugely important step for Adstock as we look to the future, so once again thank you for taking the time and trouble to complete the questionnaire.

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NEWS FROM ST CECILIA’S

On 20th November, as a token of our appreciation for all the money donated towards the Church Renovation Fund, we held a “Welcome Back” evening in Church with Drinks and Nibbles. It was great having so many villagers there so that we could explain the extensive repairs which have taken place, thus ensuring the roof is safe and secure for future generations.

We hope you all had a very happy Christmas and that your New Year is also happy and healthy. The Church was once again decorated beautifully with the tree the focal point. Again this year all of the Christmas Services were lovely – Carol Service, Carols around the Tree, Crib Service and the Christmas morning Service. Many thanks to Andy and his staff at the Old Thatch Inn for providing lovely hot Punch and Mince Pies around the tree – so welcome on a chilly evening.

Coffee Mornings. On 13th January, due to bad weather and icy roads that morning, we decided to cancel in the interest of 'elf and safety'. Next dates for your calendar - Friday 10th February and Friday 10th March, usual time, 10.30 a.m. to noon.

Adstock Annual Wassail at Adstockistan Community Orchard on 12th February, 4 p.m. Please join us in blessing the community orchard and bring anything that makes a noise to ward off evil spirits. We will be entertained by Owlswick Morris Dancers and The Adstock Singers. A torchlight parade through the village will culminate at the Village Hall where there will be mulled cider and refreshments to enjoy.

Sheila Wood

ADSTOCK CATS HOTEL

OPENING HOURS

MON – SAT 8.30AM – 10.30 AM 4.30 PM – 6.30 PM

SUN – 8.30 AM – 10.30 AM

OTHER TIMES BY ARRANGEMENT

PEAR TREE FARM, ADSTOCK, BUCKINGHAM MK18 2JL

TEL: 01296 714377

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ADSTOCK VILLAGE HALL

Bookings Alison Walker – 713397 Rate for hire of Hall - £10 per hour

For bookings please contact Alison Walker on 01296 713397 – alisonwalker123@hotmail.com

Happy New Year! Change is afoot in the Village Hall Committee, and therefore the first thing to say is a huge thank you to Liz Smith who has stepped down as Chairman after 6 years of hard work. The committee and the regular supporters of village events are grateful for all your efforts over the years.

As an update to question of the long term future of the Village Hall which was mentioned in the last Clarion article, as a committee we have decided to focus on village events, with less emphasis on renting to outside businesses. This is in keeping with our priority of servicing the needs of the community, and reflects the reality of the parking challenges. This does of course mean that income will be reduced, therefore we will need as much village support at all events as possible, in order to keep this vital community asset fully functional for the future.

Sadly due to a lack of numbers the first event of the year, a murder mystery evening due to take place on the 4th February, has been postponed. This will now be held in the summer and combined with a casino night so there will be something for everyone, even if you don’t fancy yourself as the next Sherlock! Keep an eye out for more details in the next issue of the Clarion.

The ever popular Darts and curry night will be the next event, on Saturday 22nd April. Places are always booked up early so if you think you’ve got what it takes to take home the trophy this year please contact Alison Walker to book your ticket.

Future Events Murder Mystery - postponed due to insufficient numbers Darts & Curry - Saturday 22nd April Casino & Murder Mystery - Saturday 24th June Safari Supper - Saturday 16th September Quiz - Saturday 11th November Adstock Village Hall committee

Tamsin Fisher (Chairman) Corinne Randall Liz Hoyle (Vice Chairman) Heather Brogden Alison Walker (Bookings) Tina Dagois Sandra Rooney (Treasurer) Sarah Paling Elaine Townley (100 Club) Liz Smith Karen Higgins (Secretary) Marian Mason

I look forward to seeing you at one of our forthcoming events

Tamsin Fisher 07962258379 tclfisher@hotmail.co.uk

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The Adstock Singers Soirée

A celebration of talent in our village!

Due to popular demand - a warm welcome to our second event on

Saturday 18th February

Bring along a Song, a Poem, a Monologue, an Instrument or a party trick that you can

perform to a small, appreciative gathering and enjoy an evening of entertaining - or sit

back and be entertained - in a light hearted and fun atmosphere!

Adstock Village Hall 8pm till late Bar available

Tickets at the door £2 to cover hire of hall.

For more information call Diana 07811 234949 or Clare 07584 176583

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ADSTOCK BOOK CLUB

Graphic Novels The Book Club members, at their Christmas meeting, were given a specially selected novel to read. Interest was raised by the wide variety of titles – ‘Kill my Mother’, ‘Chew’, ‘Copperhead’ and ‘Postal’ were some of them! We were not disappointed and at the January meeting the majority were full of praise for the books they had read. Many had never read a graphic novel before and the experience was very rewarding. So rewarding that they plan to now read more. Thank you Sue for introducing a new genre of fiction!

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THE ADSTOCK SCIENCE CLUB Recently, Dr Al-Assam gave The Adstock Science Club a talk about work being carried out at the department of Applied Computing at Buckingham University in the development of automated algorithms to identify some diseases at their very early stages. In particular he gave examples of some of the basic strategies used to detect and quantify cancer of the uterus or womb. At this early stage of development, this relies on gathering and analysing hundreds of ultra-sound images of the uterus, both healthy and abnormal and by allowing the algorithm to learn which images were normal and which were not. Due to a certain amount of resistance to this research in the UK by many medical staff who are fearful that their skills will be made redundant, and also because of UK’s Data protection laws, images used to train the system had to be obtained from Belgium. Dr Al-Assam explained that these systems were not intended to replace expert clinical diagnoses but to aid in the initial investigation freeing up clinicians and specialists to concentrate their valuable time and skills on the more difficult and problematic cases. In my January talk I examined some of the technologies that are currently out there that may have an impact on the future of humans and our ever closer relationship with machines. The development of technology, from the discovery of fire, the invention of the wheel to the Industrial Revolution, is a story that spans many thousands of years but it is only since the late 18th century that the pace of discovery and invention began to accelerate and now almost seems exponential. The advent of the computer, Moore's Law, and the latest discoveries in medical science have led us to a place where scientists are able to augment the human body with a variety of prosthetics, implants and enhancements. Some futurologists have coined the term "The Singularity" to define the coming together of Man and Machine. Should we be worried about this or should we embrace these developments with open arms? The next Science Club talks will be on 16th February and 16th March. All our welcome. For more details visit - www.theadstockscienceclub.co.uk - or give me a call.

Marius Stuart 01296 712 561 marius.stuart@btopenworld.com

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THE ADSTOCK HISTORY CLUB

Sweet Memories or Don’t Get Me Started on Wagon Wheels!

This was the interesting title of Kevin Varty’s talk – the History Club’s first talk of 2017!

And what a fascinating talk it was, proving that our memories do not always work as well as we think they do! We were able to reminisce about our favourite childhood sweets and chocolates, and to our amazement learn how old some of them really are!

In 1847, Joseph Fry found a way to mix the ingredients of cocoa powder, sugar and cocoa to manufacture a paste that could then be molded into a chocolate bar. His chocolate factory began mass-producing chocolate bars which became very popular and in 1866 Fry’s Chocolate Cream Bar appeared. Fry’s Turkish Delight followed in 1914, although Haci Bekir had first developed Turkish delight in 1777. Jelly Babies appeared in the early 20th century and were known as ‘Unclaimed Babies’ before being produced in 1918 as ‘Peace Babies’ to mark the end of WW2. They were only launched as Jelly Babies in 1953 Maltesers were originally described as energy balls and were aimed at slimming women. Snicker Bars, the best selling candy bar in the world, appeared in 1930, and were named after the favourite horse of the Mars family. In the UK the name was changed to ‘Marathon’ because Snickers rhymed with knickers! However in 1990 Mars decided they wanted a uniform name for the bar, and Snickers reappeared. And what about Wagon Wheels? Launched in 1948 they have supposedly shrunk in size over time, although Burton Foods have denied this. Kevin showed us the Australian version, which has apparently retained its size – only a few millimetres larger than our modern version, it is noticeably thinner. They probably appeared larger years ago because our hands, as children, were smaller! During the talk, Kevin treated us to samples of some chocolates, and sadly many of us felt that our memories of the delicious wagon wheel are definitely flawed!!

The next History Club meetings will be on 15th February and 15th March. All are welcome. For more details phone 01296 712561 Jenny Stuart 01296 712 561 jenniferanne.stuart@btopenworld.com

Cakes for all Occasions

Weddings, Birthdays, Christenings and Other Celebrations Homemade, Traditional, Modern & Novelty Designs

Available in Fruit, Madeira, Sponge, Chocolate, Carrot or other flavours to order

Call Tracy Now to discuss your requirements on (01296) 715526 Rose Cottage, East Street, Adstock

occasionalcakes@tiscali.co.uk

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Have a Computer?

NEED

HELP?

Contact

Marius on

01296 712 561

Buckingham PC Support

www.buckinghampcsupport.co.uk

marius.stuart@btopenworld.com

for friendly advice and support

Can you

show me

HOW?

Help!!

I’ve got a

VIRUS!

Why is it

so SLOW?

OH NO!

It’s

BROKEN!

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CALENDAR

February

5th Holy Communion St Cecilia’s, 9.00 am 10th Coffee Morning Village Hall, 10.30 am – 12 noon 11th Fundraising Coffee Morning Village Hall, 10.00 am – 12.00 noon 12th Wassail Adstock Orchard, 4.00 pm 12th Evensong St Cecilia’s. 6.00 pm 15th History Club 1, Greenfields, 7.30 pm 16th Science Club 1, Greenfields, 7.30 pm 18th Adstock Singers Soiree Village Hall, 8.00 pm 19th Family Service St Cecilia’s, 9.30 am 19th Duo Bayanello St Cecilia’s Church, 2.00 – 3.00 pm 26th Holy Communion St Cecilia’s, 10.30 am

March

1st Parish Plan Presentation Evening Village Hall, 8.00 pm 10th Coffee Morning Village Hall, 10.30 am – 12 noon 15th History Club 1, Greenfields, 7.30 pm 16th Science Club 1, Greenfields, 7.30 pm 19th Family Service St Cecilia’s, 9.30 am 20th Clarion Deadline 1, Greenfields or

Jenniferanne.stuart@btopenworld.com

22nd Book Club 8.00 pm

26th Holy Communion St Cecilia’s, 9.30 am Future Events 2nd April Holy Communion St Cecilia’s 9.00 am 22nd April Darts and Curry 24th June Casino and Murder Mystery 16th September Safari Supper 7th October Adstocktoberfest 11th November Quiz