Silverstone News & Views - The fate of the Silverstone snake Allotments move forward - Silverstone Parish Council
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Silverstone
Issue 249 – October 2020
News & Views
Credit: James Smart
The fate of the Silverstone snake
Allotments move forward
Pupils return to their studies
Silverstone News & Views | 3
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Musings from the Ed
As autumn draws in, kids go back to school and people slowly return to their
workplaces, suddenly the summer that was missing, has returned. Mother nature
is surely mocking us! Sadly, we seem to have forgotten our responsibility to our
environment and once again returned to the times when dropping litter and
leaving mess was commonplace. The new scourge is used masks and gloves
which, in themselves are a danger to health but put this alongside the remnants
of parties, gatherings and picnics and we have a blight on our beautiful areas. At
what point do the guilty decide it is someone else’s job to pick up after them?
They arrive with bags full of bottles, glasses, food, why not leave with empty
bottles, glasses and the food wrapping? Is it so hard?
I received a call from a gentleman who had become concerned about the lack
of bats performing their usual early evening feeding rituals in his area. Had I
heard anything? A shout on the village FB page was answered by many people
who reported activity was as usual in their areas. From High Street to West End
and Little London, bats were being seen each night making the most of the
insect influx. I also consulted with a registered bat handler friend of ours who
reported no decline in the bat population in his area and no known illnesses
that had been reported that would affect the bats. This was all very reassuring
to hear.
It was with great sadness that we learned about the passing of one of the
founders of News & Views. John Firth was a lovely chap who contributed so
much to his community and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. You can
read more about John later in this edition.
As clubs start up again, we will be re-running the clubs listing in the
February 2021 edition. I will put a call out for any changes to the information
previously held and rely on you, our readers, to let me know via email at
silverstonenewsandviews@gmail.com.
Please remember, we may not get to hear about happenings, changes, events
or activities in the village unless we are updated by someone in the community.
Please, keep the news coming in so we can include it in the next edition of
Silverstone News & Views. Our contact details are at the rear of each edition and
you can also use the email address above.
Have a great autumn!
Silverstone News & Views | 3
Saying Goodbye to a building that served us well.
The building that was Silverstone Junior School and given so much for many
years has been extensively changed to become domestic dwellings.
Here are a series of photographs that help tell the story.
The School in 1914 started life with the children
previously educated in the Church Rooms on
Stocks Hill
Mr Rodda OBE and pupils in the school’s early years
when it was known as The Brittain Memorial School
4 | Silverstone News & Views
Mr Rodda OBE and his class in the late 40’s.
Head teacher, Mr Roy Jones, Mrs Whitehead and the
entire school in 1950’s
Mr Bray and his class around 1980.
Silverstone News & Views | 5
Silverstone Gardening Club
The Gardening Silverstone Flowers has been one way
Club holds its in which the Club’s involvement within
Annual General the village is continuing and I believe
Meeting during the planters in the village centre have
October and been a delight to many residents.
this will be the A small dedicated team has managed
first time I have to maintain these beautiful displays
addressed the and it is a credit to them. It won’t be
AGM as Chairman, and this first year too long before
has certainly been interesting! autumn/winter
planting takes
The AGM for 2020 will be by email place and
or hard-copy document and we new colour
are hoping that this will prove schemes will be
successful. We have a good something to
membership role and our meetings look forward to.
have always been quite popular.
However, with meetings postponed We are enjoying some September
until such times we can safely meet sunshine as I write this, and gardens
again we have had to consider other are still showing lots of colour and
ways in which we can promote our second flushes of flowers which will
enjoyment of gardening. hopefully continue until we can look
forward to the beautiful tones of
autumn. We are so fortunate that our
village is surrounded by such lovely
woodland areas.
It appears that the coming months will
be quite challenging in many different
ways but the Gardening Club
Committee is actively preparing for
2021. We remain hopeful that ‘Garden
Visits’, a Spring Show, Plant
Bring-and-Buy, and Open Gardens
will be able to take place in some
form. On the subject of a Spring
6 | Silverstone News & Views
Show, now is the time to plan, Please visit our website for further
prepare and plant up bulbs ready information about our Club.
to exhibit – visiting this Show (likely www.silverstonegardeningclub.org
to be held in March/April) is really Happy planting.
worthwhile. In any event, the rewards
of planting lots of bulbs now cannot Heather Illingworth
fail to please when the results give a Chairman
fabulous display of colour next spring. Silverstone Gardening Club
Silverstone Allotments
There’s light on the horizon after many years of trying to get allotments in
Silverstone. Bovis Homes have offered the Parish Council the land set-aside for
allotments on the Towcester Road, Catch Yard development. Consequently,
Silverstone Parish Council (PC) is working with Silverstone Allotment Society to
negotiate the provision of high quality allotments there, for the benefit of
Silverstone residents which, subject to agreement, the Society would manage.
In a nutshell, Bovis is proposing to hand over the land to the Parish Council,
which would then appoint an organisation to run the allotments. At the PC
meeting held on 14th September, the Council discussed the matter and heard
the views of Robert Spencer-Wills, who is secretary of the allotment society.
As a result, the PC is contacting Bovis to explain the plans and requirements for
the site to see what Bovis can offer to ensure the provision of quality allotments.
Basically, what is being offered is the site, which is a feature in the planning
consent for the development, which will be fenced and gated, comprising nine
allotments, each of 125 square metres. The Silverstone Allotment Society
operates under the banner of the National Society of Allotments & Leisure
Gardens and has sufficient members wanting plots to make this a success.
You can find out more about the society by visiting their Facebook page -
@silverstoneallotmentsociety or website - www.silverstoneallotmentsociety.org.
uk . Or by emailing admin@silverstoneallotmentsociety.org.uk.
Dermot Bambridge
Silverstone Parish Council
Silverstone News & Views | 7
Cycletech Silverstone
WE COME TO
YOUR HOME OR
WORKPLACE
MOBILE
@cycletechsilverstone
BIKE
REPAIR
www.cycletechuk.co.uk/silverstone
CALL US ON 07858 548116
Cycling in Silverstone – the COVID effect
Living on the main road through road has grown. Local cyclists new
Silverstone you get to see all the and old in our community continue to
comings and goings of the village and find new areas they have never seen
it has been amazing to see how many before, trying out new bike routes.
people over the last 6 months have Paul, a keen supporter of cycling in
taken to two wheels and unleash the the area said “Wouldn’t it be great to
power of the pedal! see cycling routes in our local area
improve, become safer and more
Having the time to stop and reboot desirable for families?”
has certainly opened up opportunities
as well as many challenges for all of us The good news is the Government
and we are still feeling the aftermath have pledged funding to local
as the world tries to create a authorities under the Emergency
new normal. Active Travel Fund to plan longer term
projects, as well as temporary COVID
The recent lock-down period gave projects, to improve the cycling
local man and keen cyclist Paul Turner facilities in their region. They have
the opportunity to reassess his proposed their vision in a document
working lifestyle. Being furloughed and ‘Gear Change – A Bold Vision for
then made redundant, it gave him the Cycling and Walking’ which can be
jump start he needed to make a career found online. This is certainly a bold
change – one that would embrace his proposal but if it does come to fruition
passion for cycling and the open road. it would transform our society as we
know it. But only if the cycling
Cycling has been gaining in popularity industry can keep up with demand!
over the last couple of years, but it
has certainly become a popular If you have tried to order a new
pastime for even more of us with the bike recently, there is no doubt that
increasing amount of leisure time the delivery times are frustratingly long.
‘working from home’ lifestyle has In an attempt to get more people
created. And with less commuting and moving the Government started their
more flexible hours, going out for a Bike Voucher scheme offering £50 off
morning ride is certainly becoming the a service for an existing bike in need
new norm. With the added advantage of repair (minus the parts). The first
of quieter roads, people’s confidence 50,000 vouchers flew off the shelves
to go further and explore the open and they are now assessing how many
Silverstone News & Views | 9
people have used them and if the or who to ride with then by all means
system is working before they release get in touch and we can advise you of
any more. Keep your eye out for more local groups who go riding both
on the government website: https:// road and mountain biking. Both are
www.gov.uk/guidance/fix-your-bike- extremely popular in our local
voucher-scheme-apply-for-a-voucher community and there are certainly
different groups who are happy to
With this increase in popularity of have you ride along even if you are
cycling and with his enthusiasm for new to the sport.”
biking, Paul set up Cycletech
Silverstone, the start of his new career “Thinking more long term as we get
as a mobile bike repair specialist. Paul used to the new normal, as COVID
advises: “If you have increased your reshapes our society, we need to be
cycling habits during the pandemic, thinking of how we want our local
it is important to remember to keep communities to connect through safe
your bike well maintained. Ignoring and accessible bike routes. What is
strange noises or poor performance the most important thing you would
in your bike can lead to the repairs like to see for cycling within our local
costing you way more than perhaps community? How can the local
they needed to. Riding through dirt or council make a difference and meet
muddy puddles, off road and through the needs of the people?” Paul would
woods can all mean dirt can get into love to hear your thoughts and views
the smallest of places and really mess on what cycling means to you and
up your bearings and important parts what you would like to see change for
of your bike. This is especially true the better. Send him a message via the
through the wetter, colder months. CycleTech Silverstone Facebook Page
If you have never had your bike @cycletechsilverstone with ideas.
serviced, you would be surprised at
the difference good maintenance and For any advice, from bike repairs to
regular servicing can have on your bike where to ride locally to how to get a
and the riding experience. It also child to ride without stabilisers (yes,
prolongs the life of your bike.” If you Paul has recently worked with a client
need any advice then Paul is always on that too!!) then don’t hesitate
happy to help at Cycletech Silverstone. to get in touch with Paul at
Cycletech Silverstone.
“If you are new to the village and a
keen cyclist but not sure where to go
10 | Silverstone News & ViewsWE
SILVERSTONE METHODIST CHAPEL
ARE
OPEN
Please come and join us
Sunday mornings at 10.30am
We are folLowing the Government
COVID PREVENTION GUIDELINES
---------------------------------------------------------
For further details please contact - Ruth 01327 857065 or Natasha 07948 981179
Chapel HilL, High Street, Silverstone, NN12 8USWest End Garage
Est 2008
Servicing & repairs to all makes of cars, vans and 4 X 4s
Brakes/clutches
Welding
Tyres/exhausts
Engine diagnostics
Qualified mechanic with over 30 years’ experience
Unit 8, West End Farm, Silverstone, NN12 8UY
Tel 01327 858509/07824 442201Snippets from the Parish Council
Even during this difficult time, the Parish Council continues to work on
behalf of Silverstone Residents to tackle issues for which we either have a
responsibility, or are matters which you, Silson Residents, bring to our attention.
The following is an example of matters which are currently ongoing or have
found a solution:
Potholes/Footpaths
Although any resident can notify issues and problems through NCC and the
‘Fix My Street’ website, the PC also reports issues which they see as a problem.
Currently, we are concerned re the potholes and fading white lines at the
junction of Brackley Road and Dadford Road.
The VAR sign outside the school has been adjusted to be operational for an hour
before and after school and will flash at you if you are doing in excess of 20
MPH. At all other times it is 30 MPH and applies in both directions.
We are still awaiting the repair of a similar sign immediately opposite the
works entrance to the Bovis site. This has been reported several times but it is
indicative of the impact that the Covid 19 pandemic has had on the Counties’
workforce that this is taking unusually longer to bring about a repair.
Bovis have been working on repairs to the existing joint footpath/cycleway
from the top of the High Street to just beyond the mini roundabouts at the
Whittlebury Road junction which ends their involvement in that project. MEPC
have now taken up the baton and plans are well advanced to finish this project
all the way to the school from the Whittlebury Road junction. The Parish is
extremely grateful for MEPC’s thoughtfulness and work should commence
either later this year or early next year. WATCH this space! (The overgrown
hedge/tree line along this route has been reported.)
Play Areas – Church Street/Old Oak
It is hugely disappointing to hear that these areas, provided for the growth,
development and FUN of our youngsters is blighted by the few who can’t be
bothered to pick up their litter and put it in the bins provided. The Litter Elves
are few and far between so please, everyone, do your bit! Likewise, the Dog Poo
Fairies are even scarcer as the job description doesn’t make for pleasant
Silverstone News & Views | 13reading and we don’t have them queueing to take up an appointment. The PC spends over £3000 a year to provide new facilities and maintain existing dog bins! Did you know that you could bag and bin into any public refuse bin? There really is no excuse and is it such a huge inconvenience to carry bags to the nearest bin? Surely the exercise will benefit both you and your canine friend! The Silverstone Snake The PC was asked by a local resident to think of a way to preserve the work of children from the project of painted rocks making a snake in Olney Meadow. It is pleasing to report that a working party of parents and Friends of Silverstone School are going to rescue the snake, preserve the artwork (and maybe even add to it) and re-locate this to the school grounds as a memory of the difficult times of 2020. Real community spirit and co-operation. Neighbourhood Plan This has been making slow but steady progress given the practicalities of meeting together under lockdown restrictions. It is not quite there yet, but the next few months should see significant developments. War Memorial The surface around this central village feature has degraded over the years and research is currently ongoing to see what can be done given that this is within a Conservation Area. Carol Tosh Villager’s wedding goes ahead despite Covid-19! It’s been in the balance since lockdown and we were nervously waiting. Finally, on Saturday 12th September David James Damsell and Wendy Louise Quirk were married in a small family ceremony at the Guildhall in Northampton. Not quite the wedding we had planned but it was perfect in these uncertain times. We would like to thank all of our friends and family for good wishes. Stay safe and we hope to party next year. Lots of love, Mr & Mrs Damsell 14 | Silverstone News & Views
Credit: James Smart
Silverstone News & Views | 152 | Silverstone News & Views
Theory Test
Q5) What’s the most important rea-
Quiz Questions son for having a properly adjusted
October 2020 head restraint?
A. to make you more comfortable.
Courtesy of B. To help you relax
theorytestpro.co.uk C. To help you avoid neck injury
D. To help maintain your driving
position
Q1) You intend to turn left at the
traffic lights. What should you do just Q6) The road outside the school is
before turning? marked with yellow zigzag lines.
A. check you’re alright Mirror What do these lines mean?
B. move out to the right A. you may park on the lines when
C. move up closer to the car ahead dropping off schoolchildren.
D. check for bicycles on your left B. You shouldn’t wait or park your
vehicle here.
Q2) Where may you overtake on a C. You may park on the lines when
one-way street? picking up schoolchildren.
A. only on the left hand side D. You must stay with your vehicle if
B. only on the right hand side you’re parked here.
C. overtaking isn’t allowed
D. on either the right or the left Q7) You’re waiting to emerge from
a junction. The windscreen pillar is
Q3) You’re on a three lane motorway. restricting your view. What should
Which lane are you in if there are red you be particularly aware of?
reflective studs on your left and white A. Lorries
ones on your right? B. Buses
A. in the right-hand lane C. Motorcyclist
B. in the left-hand lane D. Coaches
C. on the hard shoulder
D. in the middle lane Q8) You’re driving in heavy traffic on
a wet road. Which light should you
Q4) What does a sign with a brown use if there is lots of surface spray.
background show? A. main beam lights
A. tourist directions B. rear fog lights if visibility is more
B. motorway routes than 100 meters (328 feet)
C. primary roads C. Sidelights only
D. Minor routes D. Dipped headlights
Silverstone News & Views | 17Q9) A casualty is not breathing nor- A. Drive slowly to the next service
mally. Chest compression should be area to get assistance.
given. At what rate? B. pull up on the hard shoulder or in
A. 10 per minute an emergency refuge area and call
B. 120 per minute for assistance.
C. 60 per minute C. pull up on the hard shoulder or in
D. 240 per minute an emergency refuge area.
Change the wheel as quickly as
Q10) What should you do if your possible
vehicle has a puncture on the D. switch on your hazard warning
motorway? lights. Stop in your lane
What’s going on at Canons Ashby?
As the gardens look neater and
tidier every day, and we carefully
reopen selected parts of the site, it’s
fantastic to see visitors enjoying the
open spaces or just having a catch up
in the tea-garden.
Behind the scenes the garden team
are working incredibly hard. Recently keep safe from the badgers.
they had a very pleasant surprise in
their growing and potting area: Great All the information about what you
Crested Newts hiding under the seed can see at Canons Ashby, and how
trays! There is a small pond nearby and to book a ticket, can be found on our
plenty of yummy insects to eat, as well website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
as lots of shade and damp places to canons-ashby . The page called “What
hide. We hope they’ll stay for a to expect when visiting Canons Ashby”
long time! gives you plenty of information.
Currently you need to book a ticket
As well as newts, hedgehogs have before 3pm the previous day to come
moved in as well! We thought we in: do this in the “what’s on” section.
would not get hedgehogs on this site
as we have badgers nearby, which You can also follow us on Facebook,
predate hedgehogs, but they’re here Twitter or Instagram at
anyway. Hopefully they’ll do well and @CanonsAshbyNT
18 | Silverstone News & ViewsSpeeding through the village – Matt Welch
Silverstone Pre-School
Learning through encouragement and play
Always accepting children!
What we have to offer…
o A caring, welcoming and fun environment for your child
o Exciting and educational activities available all day
o Adapted learning to meet each child’s individual needs
o Qualified, experienced and caring staff
o Ofsted rating GOOD
o A spacious outdoor play area
o The opportunity to be independent
o A close partnership with Silverstone CE Primary School
o Funded spaces for 2 and 3 year olds
o 30 hour extended funding spaces
o Lunch club available if required
o Morning sessions, Afternoon sessions and all day sessions
Due to the current COVID-19
19 situation, we are accepting all applications via email. We apologise
for any inconvenience this causes at this time but we hope to see this change very soon.
What does Ofsted have to say?
Children are happy, engaged and enjoy their time in
this welcoming and child-centred setting.
Staff support children to be safe in their play.
Children can access the spacious garden throughout
the day.
Staff value and promote children’s good behaviour and
Visit our have high expectations for this.
Children demonstrate good speaking skills which staff
website… support well.
www.silverstonepreschool.co.uk Children demonstrate positive and respectful
attitudes.
For more information please email
info@silverstonepreschool.org.ukNews from Silverstone Pre-School
We have finally been able to open our doors after a very strange and surreal
6 months.
We have been so delighted to see so many families returning to us, and lots
of new families welcomed as well. Most of the children have shown just how
amazing they all are by coming back with enthusiasm and excitement as if they
had never left and the few tears we have had have been resolved with lots of
cuddles and reassurance.
Although things aren’t quite the same, it has been lovely to get our doors
open once again and to be able to play, have fun and enjoy our time in this
current new idea of ‘normal’. We are still accepting children via email
applications and we still have spaces available!
If you would like any more information then please do not hesitate to contact
Emily Lockett, Pre-School Manager at info@silverstonepreschool.org.uk
Silverstone Flowers
As the summer ends, we will be digging
up the bedding and replacing it with
bulbs and plants for a spring display, to
herald what we hope will be a better
year in 2021!
We hope you have enjoyed the
magnificent red geraniums in the village
centre this summer and that they cheered
you up in what has been an often
miserable and frightening time.
Any suggestions as to how we can extend or improve the village displays do
get in touch - also offers of help to water and dead head is always welcome.
Email me at: sjrudland@gmail.com or telephone: 07746 649696
Sue Rudland
SGC – Silverstone Flowers
Silverstone News & Views | 21News From Saint Michael’s Church
As I write Church Services have
recommenced throughout the
Whittlewood Benefice with restrictions
on numbers attending adhering
to the latest Government Guidelines.
Our Services will also continue to be
available via Zoom. The Zoom Meeting
ID is 842 0777 5477 Password 407786.
All information on Services within the
Benefice will be regularly updated and
details will be available on the Church Notice Board and on the Benefice
website – www.whittlewoodparishes.org.uk
Our Patronal Festival Service for St. Michael’s Church will be held on Sunday 4th
October at 10.00 a.m. Should you wish to attend please contact Revd Paul by
telephone on 01327 858101 or by email revpaulmcleod@btinternet.com
We regret that we are as yet unable to recommence our Sunday afternoon T@4
in the Church Rooms. Sadly, we are also unable to commence our Autumn Soup
Lunches. However, we are pleased that the Church Rooms have re-opened for
Yoga, Pilates, Fitness Classes and Needlework Classes.
Congratulations are given to Peter Coles and John Shrimpton on completing
their Sponsored Bike Ride on Saturday 12th September for the Historic Churches
Trust. They cycled 60kms and visited 15 churches in the local area! Should you
wish to make a donation please contact Peter or John.
Judith Paybody
We would like to introduce a family announcements
section in future editions to include births, marriages, deaths,
graduations, birthday wishes, anniversaries etc.
Please send your news to silverstonenewsandviews@gmail.com
by cut off date for inclusion.
22 | Silverstone News & ViewsNews from Silverstone Cricket Club
When the social distancing. Even the weather
Prime Minister turned up as ordered with glorious sun
announced on for both days. The first game was an
Friday 3rd July education for everyone involved and
that cricket lessons learnt were quickly carried into
matches could the subsequent matches.
commence
on Saturday Senior cricket was played most
11th July, weekends, sometimes both days
expectations owing to the unavailability of
were raised across the recreational opposition grounds. We played
cricket community. One on one net through until the weekend of 5th & 6th
practice had been extended to six September. The season was brought
person net practice. Risk assessments to a close on the Sunday with the
and protocols had been prepared to annual “Legends” Match between the
allow this to happen and work started “old boys” (ex players and some of the
in anticipation of games taking place. current club senior members) and “a
The only problem was that there had club side”. Many thanks to David Hayle
been no guidance given over the form for organising the Legends and for the
of cricket that would be allowed! How sponsorship raised.
many players? Duration of the game?
Junior cricket also started and proved
On Wednesday 8th July at 17:05, the popular with the players. There was an
English Cricket Board were allowed exhibition match before the “Legends”
to release the detail. Eleven a side, game that was well supported. It is
forty over matches were permitted. hoped that the regulations will allow
GAME ON. Oppositions had already for indoor practice in the SRA hall
confirmed that, if allowed, they would during the winter. Details will be
visit Silverstone on the Saturday and posted on the Silverstone Junior
Sunday for games. Silverstone had Cricket Club Facebook page.
selected two teams. Different
protocols were in place - no use of Planning is already taking place for the
the changing rooms (players came 2021 season. It is hoped that there
changed); no cricket teas (sacrilege); will be a full season of competitive
sanitising the cricket ball every twenty matches and that indoor nets will be
minutes (that evil cricket ball) and allowed at Sponne School. If you are
Silverstone News & Views | 23interested in playing in 2021 season Mik Broomhall and the ground team
then please let me know. The club for their hard work on the field and
is always happy to accommodate to Glen Purr, who has faced different
players who are only available on a challenges to allow the Pavilion Bar
casual basis. (and new beer garden) to open in time
for the cricket season
Thanks must go to everyone in the
club who drafted the risk assessments John Fowler
and the protocols and to the SRA john.fowler7@btinternet.com
Trustees for their approval. Thanks to 07860 301849
News from Silverstone School
has ever been asked or expected of
them over the last six months. Thank
you also to our parents and carers
who have supported the school in
ways they never thought they would
have to. And thank you to our children,
who once again have taken so much
of these strange times in their stride
and have come back to school with a
smile on their face, ready and eager, to
Well I’m pretty confident in saying be back with one another and begin
this has been the strangest start to an another school year.
academic year that I have ever known!
But I am delighted to say we have As always, we have an exciting year
had a great start to the term as we ahead and hopefully we will not have
all adjust to the ‘new normal’ here at too many activities impacted by the
Silverstone CE Primary and it’s been a ongoing pandemic. However, I think
joy to see everyone settling in to the we are all going to continue learn a
school routine. lot about being patient, resilient and
flexible alongside being incredibly
I cannot continue without first saying thankful for who and what we have
a huge and heartfelt thanks to every around us. We do look forward to
single member of my team – they sharing with you our successes and
have all gone above and beyond what memorable events.
24 | Silverstone News & ViewsIt’s always good at the start of the year academic potential and develop as a
to remind ourselves of our school whole child – socially, emotionally and
vision statement: morally. Our vision is not only about
achieving success but also having a
We Learn Together, Grow Together, sense of belonging and togetherness.
Achieve Together, knowing that Sadly, we are unable to offer our usual
Jesus said: open day for prospective parents this
“I am the vine; you are the branches. year. However, please contact the
If you remain in me and I in you, you school office if you are interested in
will bear much fruit.” John 15:5 a tour of our school and we can
facilitate individual visits to the school
In light of these unprecedented times at the end of a school day.
the sense of being together is more
prominent than ever. The strong T: 01327 855100
community feel within our school E: office@silverstoneprimary.org.uk
whereby parents, teachers and
children are working together and Please ensure you all stay safe
supporting one another has certainly and continue to show the true
been a key element to our success Silverstone spirit of looking after
and long may this continue. those around you.
Of course, our ultimate aim is for every James Bloomfield
child to be happy, achieve their full Headteacher
Credit: Matt Welch
Silverstone News & Views | 25Bedtime story with Grandpa Doc
“Hello children. Grandpa doc has they had nowhere to change and wash
come to settle you down with when they got dirty and the cricket
another story”. team had nowhere to go in the
summer. So a group of villagers
“Thank you, Grandpa .Is it about old decided that this was not good
buildings like the old schools?” enough and that changing rooms and
showers must be provided.
“Well not quite that old, but it’s now
over 40 years since it was built. It’s There was not enough money to even
called The SRA Pavilion. It’s the start making a suitable building so the
building next to all your playground first thing to do was to raise funds.
stations on the village playing field, so This was in about 1978 and everyone
you know it well. I shall tell you a little tried their best.
bit about how it started and who
built it.”
“Well, it started as a dream! Better to
tell you now because in the next few
years it may look very different, and
the first building may be forgotten and
also the people who built it”.
“Tell us all about how it started please
Grandpa”.
“Well, there was a time when there
was no village playing field. The village
football team were playing in a field
up Blackmires Lane. It was kind of
the farmer to let them use it but they
had nowhere to change and the field
was a bit lumpy. Grandpa had a small
caravan which he let the teams use Gerald started asking famous race
but it was not wonderful. However, the car drivers to please sign envelopes
village then bought a field at the end which became stamped first day
of Church Street and the footballers covers. These he then sold to stamp
moved. It was just another field and collectors and racing enthusiasts.
26 | Silverstone News & ViewsHe was able to do this at events at the payment?’ No pay! Just hard work for
Circuit and the Racing Drivers Club let no reward and to a man they agreed!
him set up his stall on big race days, Though at times they may be
like the Grand Prix. We also held lots working alongside a trade rival. They
of raffles for big prizes with tickets were fantastic! We made detailed
also sold at the Circuit. A Mini Car was drawings and obtained planning
the first prize on two occasions. Lots permission. We decided to build close
of villagers spent ages selling tickets to the road at the end of Church Street
but we were still short of money. So, leaving space for building materials
Grandpa wrote a letter to the Sports and a future car park.
Council asking for funds. He altered
the front of that year’s Grand Prix We set out the footings under the
Programme. Silverstone Circuit guidance of the late Alec Bennett, our
boasted that it was ‘The home of expert in such matters. We dug and
British Motor Racing ‘this was changed dug until all was correct and inserted
to read that Silverstone had ‘No the shuttering to mark where the
sporting home of its own’. Enclosed concrete should go. A tired group
were plans for a sectional Banbury finished at about 10 pm because
building that we hoped to adapt for several loads of ready mixed concrete
our needs. We waited for a reply, costing £1,500 was due at 7 am the
fearing the worst but we were following day.
awarded a Grant of £10,000! A lot
of money for a small village in Then disaster struck Our
those days! shuttering collapsed into the trenches
as we turned to go home! We phoned
So, children, we had the money, around for more helpers, including
about £20,000 but was it enough? some Silson Joggers, and by the
After checking on the costs of light of car headlamps started to
builders we decided that it was not reposition the shuttering. We finished
enough to use their services so we at midnight and seven hours later the
scratched our heads and then ready mix came and was poured
decided that we should do the without problems. After the lorries had
building ourselves. departed, we stood back and realised
that we now had to think about
Most of the villagers trying to provide erecting the building!
the building were members of
Silverstone families. Many worked in Our Banbury building was simple and
skilled building trades so we asked, of a style that might indicate a small
‘Would they use their skills for no village garage, or a cow shed.
Silverstone News & Views | 27However, we intended to turn this into one side of the hatch and gave it a
a Palace. Our Palace. hanging sign within made from an
old length of band saw from Linnell`s
Our skilled villagers were wonderful. Yard. This read ‘The Referee’s Room’.
They set themselves a high standard. The rules were ‘Hatch Open - Bar
The girders framing the building were Open. Hatch Closed - Bar Closed’
encased in fine brickwork. The
plumbers installed the showers in the So, children. We had done it! But
two changing rooms and toilets for NO! The Electricity Board had waited
Men and Women. The electricians set till now to ask for £1,100 to connect
to work as did the floor layers and the us to the pole in the next field but
suspended ceiling expert. We even we had no more money. So Grandpa
had a front entrance wall built in stone borrowed a bicycle and delivered a
from the demolished Whittlebury Hall begging letter to every single house
with our Oak Tree emblem built in. in Silverstone. Our wonderful village
Our Sports Council grant was based came up trumps and we could start to
solely on the floor area used for sport use our Pavilion.
so we designed a changing room for
referees that qualified. We installed a We had a grand village celebration in
large hatch in its wall that opened into the first week of January 1981. James
our ‘Tea Room’. We made another Hunt, Formula One World Champion,
Ref`s room in one of the main accompanied by his team owner,
changing rooms. We set up our Bar Alexander Lord Hesketh (and
James`s girlfriend Jane ‘Hottie’
Birkbeck),declared our building OPEN!
Alexander kindly presented the village
with a photograph of the winning
Hesketh Race car which was subse-
quently stolen from the wall! We later
held our first social event. A dance.
A full house. Near midnight Grandpa
was told that the ladies toilets were
not emptying properly. Investigation
revealed that the nearest manhole was
full to the brim. He spent the rest of
the evening baling it out onto the field.
The next morning the usual band of
volunteers dug up the drain to reveal it
28 | Silverstone News & Viewsblocked by a 3 ft length of 4x2 timber. Some parts of the building are now
Problem solved. But why? A small child getting tired and need replacing. They
had delighted in playing trains with have served our small village well.
small wood off cuts shunting them Grandpa wishes the new generations
into the open ends of nearby pipes. well in their efforts to replace some
We thought we had checked but he or all of our original building to be
had beaten the system! One long train suitable for our larger village.
= One blocked drain. Simple!
Everything and everybody gets tired
We added and built the larger in the end. Certainly, your Grandpa
Badminton Hall two years later with is getting tired but he is very old. You
a County Grant. Sadly, many of the must be tired too. So off to sleep. As
stalwarts who did the building for no his Grandma used to tell him at
reward are no longer with us. Neither bedtime ‘Happy dreams and sweet
are many of those who raised the repose. If you lie on your side then you
funds and helped to run our venture. won’t bend your nose’. Goodnight!”
Whatever your skillset, lend a hand
for as little or as much time as you
can spare, and we promise you’ll
get more out than you put in.
We provide the training. You show
up, get stuck in, and make new
memories for life. Sounds fun?
ASSISTANT SCOUT LEADER Worthwhile? It is.
VACANCY
To volunteer call Davina on
Week by week, our volunteers 07733 551015 or e-mail
empower thousands of young davina@gnscoutgroup.uk
people to try new things, make
new friends and stand on their
own two feet.
You don’t need to be Bear Grylls
to join us. You don’t need to have
been a Scout when you were
younger. You don’t even need to
know how to put up a tent.Credit: Daphne Smart Photograph of Old Silson Silverstone has changed dramatically over the year with wood yards, paddocks and older houses disappearing and being replaced by new buildings. Do you know where the photograph was taken? August issue’s photograph – The old wood yard in the High Street in the 1970’s. 30 | Silverstone News & Views
In Memoriam John Firth 1941 - 2020
It is with sadness that we record
the passing of John Firth, who
contributed so much to the life we
share in Silverstone, and who will be
much missed. It is particularly
appropriate for The Silverstone News
& Views to express an appreciation of
John, since he was one of the little
group that founded this newsletter.
On a hot evening in late June 1979,
around Diane Harris’ dining table,
the News & Views was born.
and calm approach was a benefit to
In 1977 John arrived in Silverstone many people. Whether it was yet
with his family, Moira and their another stage in the by-pass
children, Jo and Andrew, after many controversy (one of the topics in the
travels – from Argentina where he was very first issue of The Silverstone News
born, to education at the University of & Views), or a domestic disaster like
Birmingham after Oundle School, then water pouring through a ceiling, John
to Cambridge, where he worked in always brought calm and good sense,
Research and Development for as well as practical help. One of his
Unicam – later Phillips. Other work outstanding gifts was that he expected
included a spell in Stevenage, others to also be rational at times of
working on heart pacemakers for stress – he brought out the best in
Johnson & Johnson. A job with people. It’s hardly surprising that, once
Plessey in Towcester brought the Firth he “retired” he worked for the Citizens’
family to Northamptonshire – and to Advice Bureau. He had a warm and
Silverstone. With an astute sense of unending appreciation of the people
the growing importance of computing, around him, and his sense of life’s
John shifted the focus of his work life absurdity often brought him to
with a fast-track computing course, laughter, and lifted others.
and that became his central
professional skill. With his mental acuity and quiet
strength, John encouraged and
John was a man of immense supported his family and his friends;
kindness and common sense and, in he will be missed but remains in our
many different contexts, his thoughtful hearts and memories.
Silverstone News & Views | 31Rosemary’s Garden Tips
Now that we’re well into autumn They are low maintenance and can
and this year’s growing season is be planted directly into the soil and
drawing to a close, it’s time to think should be ready to harvest from late
about preparing our gardens for June. Also, you can maximise use of
next year. Gardening is the most space in your greenhouse by planting
optimistic of occupations! This can some salad leaves in the border once
include planting, pruning, mulching your tomato and cucumber crops
and filling in any gaps. If you do have have finished.
gaps in your borders to fill, there’s a
great choice of perennials available Spring Bulbs
to buy now at local garden centres. It’s now time to plant spring
Also, if you are planning to add a tree flowering bulbs, such as Crocus,
or a new hedge, it’s best to do it in Hyacinths, Daffodils and Alliums etc.
November, before the onset Although Tulips can be planted now,
of winter. it’s best to leave until later in October
or November. They make a lovely
Bare rooted hedging or trees are cheery show in April and May in pots
so much cheaper to buy than or borders. Plant them deep; about
potted. It’s a great way to get more three times the depth of the bulb.
for your money (Buckingham Garden This will help them to naturalise and
Centre have a great selection). But repeat flowering year after year.
it’s important to get them in the
ground whilst the soil is still warm
from the summer, as it gives them
a few months to establish before the
ground dries out again next spring.
Onions
For the same
reason, autumn is
the perfect time
to plant Onion
sets, Shallots and If planting bulbs in pots, why not
Garlic for an early top them off with some Violas to
crop next spring. give colour now and over the winter
32 | Silverstone News & Viewwhilst waiting for the bulbs to they are best kept cool. I don’t
appear in the spring. recommend keeping them in the
house, as this is too warm. A
Sweet Peas greenhouse or a cold frame is ideal.
I love the nostalgic smell of Sweet It doesn’t matter how cold they get
Peas, one sniff and I am back in my as in my experience they will
childhood garden. always recover.
I recommend soaking your seed
in a little water for as few hours
prior to sowing them. This will help
them to germinate quicker. Once
your seedlings have four leaves,
pinch out the growing tips.
Continue to pinch the tips out
every few weeks to insure stocky
and multi-stemmed, bushy plants.
Cover your root trainer with a
plastic see-through propagator lid
if you are concerned about mice
digging up your seed. Better safe
than sorry, I have lost mine a few
times to our little furry friends.
The best and strongest Sweet Peas
are sown in October, ready for ...and if you have too many
planting out next April for an early Chilli Peppers
and long flowering season. Sow
singly into the root trainer segments Here is a great recipe for Chilli Jam,
(or you can use cardboard loo rolls I recommend wearing gloves for
tubes). The root trainers are ideal this, and don’t touch your face!
and a good investment. I have used
the same ones for 30 years. They Ingredients
allow a good deep root run with
no root disturbance, when you are 150g Red Chilli’s (deseeded, rough
ready to plant them out. They are chopped),
ideal for the job. 150g Red Bell Pepper,
1 kilo of Jam Sugar (best as it
You don’t need to provide extra contains pectin),
warmth for Sweet Peas, in fact 600ml Cider Vinegar.
Silverstone News & Views | 33Method
1. Sterilise your jars, use small ones minutes. Try not to stir too much
if you have them. as this can cloud the jam.
2. Cut up chillis and put into a food 5. Take the pan off the heat and
processor, then finely chop. Add test for setting. A small amount
the chunks of red bell pepper on a cold plate should cool and
and chop again till fine flakes. set to jelly. Wait for half an hour
3. Dissolve the jam sugar in the before ladling into jars, the
vinegar slowly over a gentle heat reason for this is to stop all the
without stirring. Use a suitable chilli from floating to the top.
heavy pan. 6. Seal tightly, and the jam should
4. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, keep for up to a year, use within
add the chilli pepper mixture to a month once opened.
the pan. Bring to the boil and 7. Enjoy with cold meats, cheese or
continue a gentle boil for 10 a pork pie etc.
Answers to driving test theory quiz on pages 17-18
1)D, 2)D, 3)B, 4)A, 5)C, 6)B, 7)C, 8)D, 9)B, 10)B
8 out of 10 Well done! You can now book your driving test.
7 out of 10 Unfortunately, you just missed out but better luck next time.
5 out of 10 oh dear! More practice is needed before you have another
go at the test
34 | Silverstone News & ViewsSilverstone News & Views is funded by Silverstone Parish Council and delivered
free to 99% of the houses in the village. The few outlying residents outside the
main village confines, are able to pick up a free copy from Crofts Stores.
Editorial Content
Annie Rickard, 58 High Street, Silverstone, NN12 8US. Tel 858371
silverstonenewsandviews@gmail.com
Pat Daly, 21 Hillside Avenue, Silverstone, NN12 8UR. Tel 857067
daly.verdala@btinternet.com
Design & Print
Rosanne Marriott, 23 High Street, Silverstone, NN12 8US. Tel 856752
rosanne@silverstonedesignsolutions.com
Distribution
Phil Reddall, 2 Walnut Close, Silverstone, NN12 8TU. Tel 857938
phil.reddall@gmail.com
News & Views is published 6 times a year, in February, April, June, August,
October and December. Copy date is 15th of preceding month.
Deadline for December Edition – 15th November 2020
Advertising Rates 2020
Parish based Non-Parish based
businesses businesses
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Silverstone News & Views | 35Credit: Matt Welch
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