Johnsons Grand ‘Firework Finale’

In spite of one of the coldest nights of the year, they turned up in their hundreds to watch a spectacular firework display staged by Henley Coach & Bus Operator Johnson’s, at their Liveridge Hill headquarters, to celebrate the end of what has been a momentous year.

Rob Kingscott, Marketing Manager for Johnsons, said “We have had a fantastic year, celebrating 100 years in business and as a Henley based family firm. Celebrations have included a Gala dinner, a highly successful family fun day and numerous other events all staged to raise funds for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. We wanted to end the year in grand style and we did, the fireworks were spectacular!  And in spite of the cold weather, visitors enjoyed themselves and entered into the spirit of the occasion by taking part in the attractions and sampling seasonal goodies which included a tombola, raffle, children’s rides, mulled wine and warming food and even Father Christmas put in an appearance."

Our picture, right, shows John Johnsons welcoming all the visitors.

The event added another £1,800 to our fund raising which currently stands at over £14,000.

Christmas Greetings from The War Memorial Trust

The Managing Trustees of the Henley-in-Arden War Memorial Trust (TIC) wish to convey to the members of associated organisations their best wishes for an excellent time this Christmas and New Year. The residents of Henley are the privileged owners of the Memorial Hall and the Memorial Sports Grounds. We are the fortunate users of these precious resources and the guardians of the heritage handed down through the Trust since the Second World War. The Trustees wish to celebrate with you the successes and achievements of the past year.

The successes come as a series of partnerships. The new Sites and Services Committee run by all clubs has taken over the management of the sports grounds. The Memorial Hall Committee has taken greater control of its affairs. It is embarking on a conservation plan to better meet the need to reduce energy use for the future. Linking up with the Cricket, Table Tennis and Football Clubs, HWMT has revitalised the management of the sports pavilion and embarked with them on a journey that will see the building redeveloped, modernised and equipped to provide much improved facilities. Plans are being discussed for a cooperative fund raising project with the Lawn Tennis Association, the Tennis club and the HWMT to fund three floodlit courts. The Shooting Club working with HWMT will be redesigning their entrance area to better accommodate their disabled members. The TIC has affiliated two new organisations and welcomes the Henley-in-Arden Allotments and Garden Club and the Henley-in-Arden Table Tennis Club. The Trust itself is launching a plan to draw in the residents of Henley to a better understanding of what they stand for, at the same time encouraging participation in support for the wonderful assets which exceed what a town of our size could rightly expect to be available for those who live here.

Our Associates and friends are invited to tackle our attached Christmas Quiz. The more competitive among you can enter your answers for a prize or just use it for fun as you relax over Christmas. Good Luck. Please pass this quiz around.

Download the Christmas Quiz

In February we are reaching out to the sports fans of the town to support our Pavilion Development Fund, asking that they join us at the award winning Naya Indian Restaurant on February 8th for a fund raising evening. See the poster. (Please feel free to copy this and pass it on.)

This message describes but a fraction of the Trust’s plans. We can only build this future with the direct support of the town and our many members. As you relax this Christmas time you will no doubt reflect on many aspects of life and living. I hope you will spare a minute or two and think about what the trust and its resources can offer you or perhaps you might feel inclined to share the opportunities with others. Thank you for the support you give to the cultural and sporting assets you own.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

Peter Crathorne - Chairman

Make Henley Greener
Save Money - Help Save the Planet

John Stott - Make Henley Greener

Xmas Greetings from Warwickshire Police

Tristan Jelfs - PCSO 6065

Xmas Greetings from Henley News Online

2009 has been another good year for Henley NEWS Online.

This year, we received another award, a gold award from The Warwickshire Rural Community Council. We believe we can now claim to be one of Henley's biggest community activities.

Our readership has continued to increase and we estimate from our web stats that each edition is now read by around 3,500.

I would like to thank all our contributors, photographers and our support team, mentioning particularly our proof reader John Garner, who has ensured we produce accurate and quality articles.

The Town website, which is now top of all major search engines for 'Henley-in-Arden', continues to be sponsored by the Town Improvement Committee and Peter Crathorne has done an excellent job since he took the chair of the Henley War Memorial Trust.

We will return on Thursday 14th January with the first edition of 2010

A Happy Christmas to all our readers and contributors.

Bill Leech - Editor

Lost & Found - Another Success

We reported in our last issue that a wedding card had been found in pouring rain on the High Street. Cindy Brittan of Henley Ice Cream, has now told Henley NEWS Online that there was also £100 worth of vouchers. As a direct of our article, the owner has reunited with his wedding card and the gift vouchers.

Postal Scam

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the Premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

Notified by George Atkinson

A Shakespearean Romance - The Questions

The answer to each question is the name of one of Shakespeare’s plays.

1	Who were the bride and groom?
2	When did he propose?
3	What did she reply?
4	From whom was the ring obtained?
5	Who were the chief guests?
6	Who were the bridegroom’s friends?
7	Who prepared the wedding breakfast?
8	Where did they live after marriage?
9	What was the honeymoon like?
10	How would you describe their first quarrel?
11	What was their married life like?
12	What was the bridegroom’s chief occupation?
13	In return she gave him.....
14	What did their friends say?

The answers appear further down towards the end of this edition.

HADS Production of The Three Musketeers

Last week saw HADS put on ‘The Three Musketeers (le Panteau)’.  This was the first Pantomime from them for a number of years but was well worth the wait.
 
The Three Musketeers is not a story one would normally associate with Panto, and this was born out in that it was  more of a story along the lines of one, rather than a ‘proper’ one.  None the less, it was an excellent production with a large cast who kept the action going with no let up in the pace.    It was relatively short, thereby keeping your attention with quick snappy scenes, colourful (the costumes were extremely good) and well acted.   Special mention must be made of Kiera Cox who took on the role of Porthos (one of the Musketeers) on Dress Rehearsal night when illness struck!  She performed extremely well.
 
Audiences were on the light side but those who did come thoroughly enjoyed it.   It is a shame when a local group who go to so much trouble to provide such high quality entertainment are not supported as well as they might be.
 
HADS next production will be at Easter when they will be presenting the comedy ‘Humble Boy’.  That is one definitely not to be missed.

Tony Capps HADS
Alan Robson photos

HNOL 'Restaurant of the Year' Award

Henley NEWS Online continues its Christmas tradition of nominating its 'Restaurant of the Year' award. In 2008, it was given to The Bluebell.

This year, NAYA the new Indian Restaurant on the High Street near the Heritage Centre, has been chosen by Henley NEWS Online as its Restaurant of the Year 2009. Our photo below shows the High Bailiff, Roger Sutton, presenting the award in the restaurant.

Although NAYA only opened for business in July of this year it has in the opinion of the judge achieved an exceptionally high and consistent quality standard. The decor of the restaurant has been tastefully improved. Finally, the judge remarked on the genuine warm welcome from the staff over a number of visits.

This is the second award that NAYA has won this year. In November, it won the Best Newcomer of the Year at the Midlands Curry Awards 2009.

Children - An Application for Santa to Visit

Download an application form for Santa to visit

Henley NEWS Online Christmas Cake Recipe.

Ingredients:

* 2 cups flour
* 1 stick butter
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* Lemon juice
* 4 large eggs

* Nuts
* 2 bottles wine
* 2 cups of dried fruit

Sample the wine to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the wine again. To be sure it is of the highest quality pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the wine is still OK. Try another cup... Just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the wine to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Check the wine. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the wine and wipe counter with the cat.
Go to Tesco and buy cake.

Bingle Jells!

Seasonal Weather for festive fun

It was minus 2 when the stoic crowd at Henley-in-Arden Tennis Club arrived for their annual Christmas tournament.

Despite the freezing weather spirits were high and so was the turnout. Members battled away in pairs supervised by Head Coach Sarah Baker who was ready with mugs of steaming coffee and hot mince pies when they finished play.

The winners, Jane Palmer with her partner Caroline Gionis, and Anne Crooks with her partner Judy Wilde were treated to a round of applause by their opponents.

This bought to a close the festive fun at Henley where their annual children’s party last week had a large waiting list and a successful Christmas lunch was enjoyed at the Crabmill.

Details of how to join the club can be obtained from secretary Judith Mathias 01564 792378.

Jane Palmer reporting

Henley Society Christmas Party

The Society’s Christmas party was held on Thursday 10th December and was a rousing success. The relaxed and informal nature of the meeting got off to a convivial start with everyone being greeted with a glass of wine. There then followed an excellent buffet which had been prepared by members of the committee together with a willing band of helpers. There was more than enough by way of refreshments and with everybody pleasantly replete and thirsts quenched with additional glasses of wine, the tables were cleared for us to enjoy some festive amusement.

Barbara Colclough had done a splendid job in securing the services of Alan Heath. We were led to believe that the two of them had originally met on the top of a Stratford tour bus, a tale which Alan embellished with much hilarity during the course of his entertainment. Not only was Alan a wonderful raconteur and mimic but he also showed us what a fine voice he had. And he also had that wonderful ability to engage fully with his audience so that even the most self conscious threw their inhibitions aside and joined in the sing alongs.

Vice chairman John Stott thanked Alan for his marvelous contribution in making the evening such an enjoyable success. John also thanked Barbara for all the hard work she had put in helping to organise the evening, and also the invaluable contributions from many other members. The raffle for the Christmas cake made by Pat Kench and splendidly decorated by her daughter was drawn by the High Bailiff, Roger Sutton.

The Society’s next meeting is on Thursday 21st January at 8.00 pm in the Baptist Church Hall. The speaker will be Richard Abbey on 'An Audience with the King'. Visitors and new members are very welcome. Further details from Pat Kench on 795419.

Andrew Yarwood reporting

Ellie Johnson writes about 'Her Road to Recovery'

My daughter Ellie Johnson was involved in a serious road accident in June 2008. Thankfully, Ellie is doing really well and has completed her degree with a 2:1 in Bio-Veterinary Science. She has been travelling for the last two months in Australia, Fiji & New Zealand and is currently searching for a job in her chosen field.

Ellie has also been helping other families with the sort of problems she has faced and has written an article for Headway, the Charity magazine & website.

Download Ellie's Article

So all in all things are very positive; we as a family have so much to be thankful for especially all the good wishes we received through the dark days. Now we realise Ellie's accident has pulled us even closer together as a family and it had a sort of purpose that I'm sure we will understand more fully as time goes on. We believe part of that purpose is the challenge of how we can help support others who may be going through those same life changing circumstances. We hope that by reading Ellie's words others will find support & encouragement in understanding the experience they are going through.

Pete Johnson

Today’s NHS

A 75 Year Old Lady rings her local NHS hospital and this is the conversation that follows:

'Hello I'd like some information on a patient, Mrs Tiptree. She was admitted last week with chest pains and I just want to know if her condition has deteriorated, stabilised or improved?'

'Do you know which ward she is in?'

'Yes, ward P, room 2B'

'I'll just put you through to the nurse station.'

'Hello, ward P, how can I help?'

'I would just like some information on a patient, Mrs Tiptree, I was wondering if her condition had deteriorated, stabilised or improved?'

'I'll just check her notes. I'm pleased to say that Mrs Tiptree's conditioned has improved. She has regained her appetite, her temperature has steadied and after some routine checks tonight, she should be well enough to go home tomorrow.'

'Oh that's wonderful news, I'm so happy, thank you ever so much!'

'You seem very relieved, are you a close friend or relative?'

'No, I'm Mrs Tiptree in room 2B. Nobody tells me anything in here.'

COOLSPORTZ Launches Christmas Camp

Parents stuck for inspiration when it comes to entertaining the children this Christmas are being given a lifeline from local children’s sports and exercise specialists, Coolsportz.

The Henley-in-Arden based sports activity company is launching a special Christmas Sports Camp with plenty of activities planned to keep kids aged 4 to 14 active and entertained through the holiday.

The Coolsportz camp will be held at Warwickshire College in Henley-in-Arden on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December. It is based on a fun multi-sports programme offering tennis, football, hockey, cricket, parachute games, extreme dodgeball and much more. All children who attend will also have the chance to explore their creative side with art and craft workshops.

Coolsportz camps provide a fun, structured programme giving children the chance to improve hand eye co-ordination, footwook, balance and speed. Additionally, children can develop their cognitive, leadership and team working skills as well as the chance to make new friends.

Coach Neil Supperstone, who will be running the Camp, says: “Coolsportz camps provide children with a brilliant chance to have fun while taking part in different sports that help boost their fitness levels. Sessions are held indoors and outdoors, so the camps will be run no matter what the great British weather throws at us.”

For further information please visit www.coolsportz.co.uk or to book your place on the Coolsportz Christmas camp please contact Neil Supperstone on 07912 664426 or email neil@coolsportz.co.uk.

The Lions Roar 4 Points Clear at the Top

CHADDESLEY CORBETT 7 – CLAVERDON 30

Man of the match – Bennett
Try scorers – Johnson x 2, Bennett, Noble, Knight
Conversions – Barton
Penalties – Barton

League leaders Claverdon travelled away to face a strong Chaddesley Corbett side that had only lost a single game all season. Claverdon had always struggled at this venue and it was here that they had recorded their last competitive defeat in the final game of last season.

Claverdon were able to field a very strong side with the only noticeable absentee being captain Horswill who was sidelined with illness. Such strength of the team meant that usual 1st team regulars Brannon, Horsfall & Wyllie dropped to the bench. Flanker Gill came back from injury, Noble replaced Horswill at fly half and Wilding returned to the wing with Barton continuing his kicking duties. After some intense preparation from coach Gray and wise words from stand-in captain Skinner, Claverdon started the game with a ferocious intensity. Good lineout work from Grimsley and excellent place kicking from Noble soon saw Claverdon camped deep in to Chaddesley’s half. From the resultant lineout Claverdon fed the ball to Westmacott who broke 2 tackles to feed to the looping Noble. He drew the full back to feed centre Johnson to score an early try under the posts. Barton converted, 0-7.

Man of the match Tom Bennett scoring a try for Claverdon

Claverdon continued to shine and Chaddesley struggled to contend with the determination and sheer pace of Claverdon’s attacks. Every time Chaddesley tried to clear the danger the back trio of Wilding, Bennett and Barton ran the ball back with interest. Any time Chaddesley did try to run the ball at Claverdon they were met with crunching tackles notably from flanker Gill and centre Johnson. Time and time again Claverdon pressed and should have made Chaddesley pay but for the odd knock on or misplaced pass. Smith in at scrum half was linking the play excellently and his determined running nearly put Claverdon further in the lead after he broke his tackle to create a break down the left flank. Quick phases of play between forwards and backs saw Bennett go over in the corner only for the final pass to have been judged as forward. With half time drawing close, Noble found himself in the pocket but his drop goal attempt narrowly missed the right post. The whistle blew with Claverdon again on the ascendancy and after all their possession, territory and outright domination they found themselves only seven points to the good. Half time 0-7.

Coach Gray’s words at half time were simply to keep up the intensity and be more clinical in the final third. Claverdon have had a tendency to go off the boil in previous games and they were determined not to let this happen and finish off what was now a tired looking Chaddesley outfit.

The 2nd half started in much the same way as the 1st half had with Claverdon on top of their rivals straight away. Strong running from second rows Joyce and Skinner gave Claverdon a good platform to work off. The scrum was solid as it had been all season and Austin at number 8 was creating his own chances. One such chance saw him crash over from close range but Chaddesley’s scrambling defence managed to hold him up, with a 2nd chance being knocked on as he went to ground the ball. With eight minutes of the half played, Chaddesley conceded a penalty just outside their 22. Barton duly stepped up and put it smack between the posts to ease Claverdon’s nerves, 0-10. Westmacott had been suffering a knock to his ankle and was unable to continue, being replaced by full back Horsfall. Bennett slotted in at inside centre and Barton to the wing. The change around bought an immediate response as the ball came out to Noble who found Bennett cutting a great line to take the ball at pace and beat two Chaddesley defenders. Barton narrowly missed the conversion, 0-15.

With Claverdon now in a comfortable lead they were able to show some of the brand of rugby that had seen off previous opposition. Again, good lineout work with a Williams catch saw a quick ball out to Smith and Noble. With a side step and Chaddesley players drawn towards the centres, Noble was able to glide in under the posts to potentially secure the points for Claverdon with 20 minutes remaining. Barton saw his conversion bounce back off the post, 0-20. Skinner carrying a facial injury was replaced by energetic prop Brannon which saw Knight move to second row and the experienced Wyllie took over scrum half duties from young Smith. The switches gave Claverdon an extra boost and an excellent rolling maul involving all eight forwards saw Knight crash over in the corner. Conversion missed, 0-25.

With the game coming to an end and again Claverdon camped in Chaddesley’s half, centre Johnson picked up the ball from the back of a ruck. With 2 defenders to beat, he chipped over them and with a favourable bounce touched down for his 2nd score of the game. Conversion missed, 0-30. With only minutes still on the clock, Claverdon cleared from inside their own 22 only to find the Chaddesley winger who collected and with some unorthodox poor Claverdon tackling, he ran through to score in the corner. Try converted, 7-30 Final Score.

The fact that Claverdon were so upset by this breach in their defence on the stroke of full time just shows how far they have come and how high their expectations now are. Claverdon are back at home this Saturday to face Tenbury in the League. With Tenbury’s recent run of good form this will be a tough test for the league leaders.

Report by Tom Johnson
Photo - Will Barnes

A Shakespearean Romance - The Answers

The answer to each question is the name of one of Shakespeare’s plays.

This quiz was first seen at the recent Quiz Night organised by St John's.

John Garner's festive Business Column

End of Year Appraisal

I’ve mentioned before the importance of carrying out a regular appraisal on all your staff.

You should list the attributes required and make a note of how well each employee measures up to the standards you have set.

Below is an example to help you.

With this advice we trust your business will prosper in 2010.

John Garner

Warwickshire County Council

Councillor Mike Perry reports

After the completion of all the surveys on the A & B roads, all the relevant speed limits and changes have now been implemented and there will be a final analysis next year as to the success of the project. With regard to the C & D roads in the area, there were no funds available for a major survey which would cost in the region of £1 million. However, we are going to put speed tapes down to check the speed limits on the C & D roads at an approximate cost of £30,000. We should, hopefully, start this project sometime next year and I will keep you informed of its progress.

Another major item, during the last few weeks has been the Fire and Rescue Review. There have been twenty public consultations all over the County with tremendous interest from the public regarding possible changes to the service. The results of these consultations and any changes implemented were due to be announced at the County Council in February next year. However, due to the tremendous response from the public and the various alternative suggestions and technical information submitted, the Chief Fire Officer Graham Smith has decided he will issue his Report when he has had more time to analyse the proposals and to have further discussions with the County Council.

Due to the on-going traffic problems and safety concerns for the children at the two primary schools at the end of Arden Road in Henley-in-Arden, I arranged a meeting at the school with an Officer from WCC, the two Headmistresses from the schools concerned, local Parish Council members and PCSO Tristan Jelfs to try to find a solution to these problems. It was a very productive meeting and we are trying to arrange for the coach that takes children to the schools to go via Meadow Road and drop the children off in Mount Road with an escort to the school and try and extend the zig-zag yellow lines from the school entrance to the corner of Mount Road. Also, the Police have agreed to make more visits to the school to monitor the situation over the next few weeks. Again, I hope to have more information on this in the new year.

I have just received the results of a survey for a proposed Puffin Crossing at Wootton Wawen on the A3400 crossing from Wootton Hall to the shop opposite. Unfortunately, the survey did not give us the required criteria of 90%. We actually achieved 78%. However I am still pursuing this matter to see whether is is possible to obtain some extra funding from the minor works programme for 2010 to install the crossing.

Finally, it is amazing that six months have already elapsed since my election as your County Councillor in May of this year. I must say I have really enjoyed representing you and trying to help with your problems.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a very successful New Year.

Mike Perry

Stratford District Council

	Planning Applications - Search on-line Stratford-on-Avon District Council Website	Laurence Marshall	Stephen Thirlwell
Councillor Laurence Marshall reports For me the switching on of the lights will be a memory that stays with me for some time. I was lucky to have all five of my grandchildren with me and had to laugh when the youngest (Larry Aged 3) pointed to our Town Crier Gordon Trinder and asked “Why is that pirate singing Christmas Carols?”.   We are all so lucky to live in such a beautiful town so I’d just like to say a big thank you to all of the Christmas Lights Working Party for making Henley so amazingly beautiful and wish everybody a Peaceful Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! Events and Festivals Supporting Economic Vitality Thirteen events across Stratford-on-Avon District will take place thanks to a grant from Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Warwickshire County Council.   Stratford-on-Avon District Council together with Warwickshire County Council recently invited applicants to apply for small amounts of funding to support local events and festivals held within Stratford-on-Avon District before 1st October 2010.   Applicants had to demonstrate that their event or festival would support the local economy and specifically involve businesses from the local area.   “I am delighted that Henley-in-Arden’s application has been successful and hope we can continue to “buck the trend” and keep our High Street and local businesses active!” said Local Ward Member Laurence Marshall.   The successful applicants are: ·       Stratford Christmas Lights – 26 November 2009 – 5 January 2010 ·       Victorian Street Fair, Shipston – 4 December 2009 ·       Southam Christmas Food Fair - 6 December ·       Official Opening of Alcester Fairtrade Town – 23 January 2010 ·       Henley-in-Arden Business Festival – Spring 2010 ·       Local Producers Fair, Shipston – March 2010 ·       Harbury Village Hall Beer Festival  - 13 March 2010 ·       Alcester and Forest of Arden Food Festival – 24 April 2010 ·       Southam Carnival – 31 May 2010 ·       Shipston Mid-Summer Festival – 27 June 2010 ·       The Bards Party, Snitterfield –   20-22 August 2010 ·       Food For Thought, Studley –  September 2010 ·       Ettington Real Ale Festival –  24-25 September 2010