Apethorpe votes to hold official referendum

The village of Apethorpe has voted in favour of a referendum against the dumping of nuclear waste at an official meeting chaired by Malcolm Winder.
The meeting at St Leonard's Church this evening was attended by passionate members of the Apethorpe community and also included representatives from surrounding villages including Kings Cliffe.
A majority vote was made in favour of holding an official referendum to be managed by the local authority. Malcolm revealed this could take place as early as April 7.
Further details on the legality of which question to pose will be disclosed over the coming weeks following further legal advice.

A huge thank you from Pat

Pat Howells would like to send her thanks for the support shown during recent months following the passing away of her husband Keith. The lovely Pat said:"I want to thank everyone who both attended Keith’s wonderful send off and who have supported me so kindly through these past months. Friends and neighbours have been amazing but I know they will excuse me if I particularly single out Nick Blackford who tried so hard to help Keith when he needed it most.  This village is such a special place but in times like this it makes you realise how lucky we are to be part of such a great community. Pat added: "I have just received a thank you from the Sue Rider Thorpe Hall Hospice for the tremendous donation of £2517.39 made from Keith’s funeral and also sent directly from friends and family who could not attend. What a wonderful tribute to Keith.  Thank you all so much from us both.  This money will go to help others in need of their amazing care."

Neighbourhood Watch News

Latest advice from Neighbourhood Watch:

With the TV digital switchover happening at the end of March please be aware of bogus callers knocking on your door offering to retune your televisions. These people will deliberately target the elderly and vulnerable who may have concerns about the switchover, and their intention will be to enter the property and steal money, handbags and other small items of value.
There are organisations that will help with the switchover, and their employees will carry identification, please ensure that before you let anyone into your property that you have had a good look at any identification offered, and that you feel comfortable about them being there. The best policy would be to ask a relative or trusted neighbour to help and advise you with the retune, and not let strangers into your house.
If you have any concerns about a caller at your door particularly during this period then please make sure you call the police on 03000 111 222

SAVE OUR VILLAGE FROM RADIOACTIVE WASTE

A meeting to discuss voting against plans to dump radioactive waste in Kings Cliffe will take place on Wednesday March 9.

As many of you will already know Augean PLC have applied numerous times for planning permission to dump tons of radioactive waste just a few miles from Apethorpe. So far this has been declined but the problem is not going away and Augean keep plugging away to get permission.

To have your say and find out the latest on this shocking state of affairs please attend the meeting at St Leonard’s Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday March 9. 

Apethorpe's Chairman of the Village Meeting, Malcolm Winder said: "From the generosity and concern of Apethorpe residents we have raised £600 for the referendum and we only need your vote of support on Wednesday to proceed. 
He continued: "Nearby villages are doing the same so that we generate a united community response to the Government under the proposals of 'The Big Society'."

For now, please read the information supplied by Diane Gifford and the Local Democracy in Action (LDA Group).

Further information can be found at the following websites:

LDA's website http://ldia.org.uk

Twitter:        http://twitter.com/ldaction

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Democracy-In-Action/177754475600827

JOHNNY’S THE PICK OF THE LITTER!

Apethorpe’s very own good guy Johnny Earl is arranging the annual Apethorpe Litter Pick this weekend.

The event kicks off at 3pm this Sunday (March 13) outside the King’s Head pub and all equipment will be provided.

It’s a fantastic chance to get involved with the local community, make our village even more beautiful and bump into a few old faces for a chat while getting your hands dirty.

Any questions please contact Johnny on 470343 or email: johnnyearl@hotmail.com

APETHORPE POSTCARDS ON SALE!

IF you haven’t snapped up a set of the beautiful A5 postcards produced with photographs taken in and around Apethorpe by village residents then now is your chance.

Each of the eight high quality cards has a different photograph taken by residents and is selected from the wonderful photos from the village calendar last year. All profit goes to St Leonards Church.

The cards have kindly been produced in conjunction with Mike and Anne Johnson and Malcolm and Lynn Winder.

They cost £6 for a pack of eight cards with quality envelopes or £10 for two packs.

Mike Johnson said: “You really must see these cards to fully appreciate their quality, similar cards in shops would normally sell for prices starting at £1.50 each.”

To buy a set call Ann and Mike on 470669 or Malcolm and Lynn on 470472.

THE PHONEBOX LIBRARY IS GO!

BOOKS and CDs are required for the new Apethorpe Phonebox Library.

The BT phonebox is now owned by Apethorpe residents and our very own Graham Warren has sweated over creating a library to be proud of.

Now all it needs is your help.

Please put your CDs, DVDs and books in a box at the Kings Head pub if you would like them to be shared around the village.

Rumours that a local dignitary will officially open the Library shortly have been furiously denied. However, watch this space.

APETHORPE CHURCH NEWS BY RICHARD PARKINSON

• The Manor House Gardens will be open on Sunday 10^th April in aid of Hospital at Home from 2.30 to 5 pm.  It will also be open on Easter Saturday 23^rd April 2.30 to 5pm, in aid of Fishing for the Forces. Teas will be served in the Church on both occasions and the tickets will cost £5.00 on Easter Saturday and are available from Lady Brassey (470231) or on the gate.

• There is a Bible study evening in the Manor House Shooters Lodge on Tuesday 8^th March at 7.15 pm. Everyone is welcome, bring your own bible.

• The Women’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday 4^th March, in Nassington Church at 2pm.

COMMUNICARE LATEST BY WENDY SPENCER

The next Communicare coffee morning will be on Friday 18^th March in Yarwell Village Hall at 10.00 am.

The programme of summer day trips is now available with the first on Wednesday 13^th April to Market Harborough & Foxton Locks including a pub lunch (£23 per person).

The fee includes collections from all local villages. Future trips are on 22^nd June to North Norfolk (£16) & on August 10 to the Cotswolds (£19).

For info and booking contact Clare 01780-470437.

• The next Communicare meeting will be held on Tuesday 8^th March at the Wansford Surgery commencing at 6.30 pm.

• Communicare are offering holiday packages to York and to Torquay this year.

The York holiday is for 4 nights from Monday May 9^th and costs £255 including travel and insurance for a stay at the Burn Hall Hotel in York.

The Torquay trip is on Monday September 12 for four nights and costs £245 for a twin/double and £285 for a single room.

Both holidays require a £25 deposit per person. Please contact Clare Wagstaffe on 01780-470437.