Message from the current webmaster:

Very little original matter gets sent to me for this website. Consequently, the site is rather 'static'. In contrast to this the newspaper, Chacome Chimes, just about manages to get enough contributions to survive. But not wiithout considerable effort from the few volunteers who produce and distribute it. There are too few people helping ... it could take just one resignation to cause it to fold, so, please lend a hand if you can.

Until recently, I have included the monthly Chimes as a downloadable pdf. However, I am now going to experiment by presenting a web version of the Chimes on this home page.

As there has been a gap in the presentation of the Chimes through the website, I will be catching up with the missing issues. They will not all appear at once, as there is too much work involved!

Please let me know what you think.

Chacombe Chimes

The voice of the village November 2007

Dear Editor,

The Jurassic Way Sponsored Walk - July 2007

I would like to thank all those who so generously sponsored our recent 88 mile walk from Banbury to Stamford, Lincolnshire.

With the ever enthusiastic support of Ted Garrett, now so sadly missed, we set off on July 27th. The weather was glorious but on reaching the M40 underpass we encountered flooding from the previous week's torrential rain.

However, Cherry Large tested the depths and we were able to wade through the knee high waters! This experience was just the first of many interesting encounters over the next few days -dense, above waist, thistles; marauding bullocks; over zealous bulls and what seemed increasingly high and unfriendly stiles.

The weather was perfect, the country -Britain at its best -and when the going got tough, (and it did), the thought of all the support back home was a great help.

We made it to Stamford and I am so pleased, that with everyone's support, £600 for the Chacombe Church Bell Restoration Fund and £525 for Cancer Research UK has been raised and forwarded to the charities concerned.

Susie Tomlin

Now that summer has ended please beware the first of many frosts and darker days. Car tyres should have tread across the whole width and lights need to be clean and working.

Do not be tempted to drive without cleaning all windows of frost. If you are one of those who start their engines and wander back into your house or newsagents while the engine defrosts the inside, then beware that some crooks will jump into your pride and joy in such circumstances.

You will find the insurance companies unsympathetic. Consider using spare keys to lock it, use a Krooklock or similar or lock driveway gates.

We are suffering with a few garage and shed thefts for power tools. Please consider fitting battery operated shed alarms and postcode your tools and garden implements where possible.

Well I am very pleased to say that last month’s Chimes was received very favourably.

Almost without exception the general feeling was that the A5 format worked much better and it was also easier to deliver through your doors. There were a few technical problems with advertising space that have now been rectified, so apologies to any advertiser who did not get the exact size that was paid for.

Finally I would like to thank those of you who came forward and offered assistance in producing the Chimes. We are pleased to welcome Vic(toria) and Julian Hargood to the editorial team who have produced this month’s edition. What is even better about this, is that we can now produce the Chimes from a PC or a Mac. Ideally a couple more people volunteering would be of great assistance. If you are interested in writing a regular article or compiling the Chimes please contact us on chacombechimes@hotmail.com.

Remember it is only your letters and points of view that make it a community newsletter.

Peter L Gliwitzki

I write on behalf of the Parish Council to express the Council’s sincere sympathy to Ted’s family and friends in their loss. Coming so soon after Norma’s passing makes this so much more poignant and deepens the feeling of sadness.

Ted was involved in so many aspects of our lives in Chacombe. He was a previous chairman of the Parish Council and as such, he always noticed anything that wasn’t quite as it should be but then neither did he shirk from taking action to put it right!

He was also a previous chairman of Chacombe Sports & Social Club and was passionate about cricket (and Watford FC!). Teaching the youngsters to play and then watching them go on to play at senior must have made him feel very proud.

His contribution, along with Norma, to the Over 60’s, his commitment to raising funds for the church bells and his tour of duty each Winter as Father Christmas are just some of the memories that will stay with us.

Hopefully by now you will have received this year's Webb Ivory fund raising book. Please take a moment to browse through the many pages of cards and gifts. If you would like to place an order you will find an order form at the back of the book.

This year's profits will be donated to the Chacombe "Over 60's club". Collection of the 3/4 November.

If you have any queries please contact me on 710113.

I am co-ordinating a collection of filled shoe boxes to be sent to suffering children in other countries. If you would like to take part and would like paperwork to enable you to complete a box, please contact me on 710113.

For further information on Operation Christmas Child please visit website www.samaritanspurse.uk.com. Please could filled boxes be passed to me by Friday 16th November.

Carolyn Adams, 1 Thornhill.