Archived News
October 2009
Cheeky Monkeys Under Five's Playtime
Cheeky Monkeys would like to remind all parents that we will be having our Christmas party on 16th December. This will be a fun filled afternoon, with music, games and singing! We need to tell Santa how many presents to bring with him, so this event will be "ticket only". Therefore we are asking all parents to buy their tickets over the next few weeks. (No increase in entrance fee.) On 11th November Paula from The Book People will be selling some great books at very reasonable prices, so if you would like to buy some Christmas or birthday presents, please come along with your cash!
Our thanks this month go to the Carnival Committee for their generous donation to our group, this money will be used to upgrade our current toys and activities, and we are very grateful to them. We must also thank those parents who have been bringing in delicious home made cakes for us parents to enjoy with our tea and coffee.
Over the last few weeks the children have enjoyed our new play equipment, including a new small slide and see-saw. There have been some wonderful creations on the craft table, including Autumn collages, dinosaur pictures and teletubbies. However the highlight of the month was the “flour table”, where we had a great time getting as messy as possible. Over the next few weeks we will be making monkeys, snowmen and clowns!
Please see our website for lots more information: www.cheekymonkeys.btik.com
Source: Focus, November 2009
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U9 Blues - 3
Sacred Heart U9 - 0
Lions recorded their second victory in as many games this season, besting third place holders Sacred Heart in a scintillating encounter which saw the first half end on a stalemate.
Despite a string of shooting chances from Joe Rabey, Sam Carter and Toby McGee, the hosts were unable to score for the opening 20 minutes, and Sacred Heart maintained a goal threat on the counter attack, keeping defenders Joe Thorne and James Glover busy.
Lions maintained their strategic passing game in the second and patiently nurtured a string of strike opportunities as MOM 011ie West fed through to the forwards, allowing Joe Rabey to score twice and Myles Frederick to add a third.
Keeper Cameron Burchill maintained Lions' clean sheet this season with adept saves both on the line and at the limits of his area, ensuring the team's place at the top of the league.
EB Lions U12 - 7
Eastcotts U12 - 1
A Dominic Ryan hat-trick and goals from James Hurley, Mason Ashby and Charlie Nevitt saw Lions ease to their maiden win of the season against a resolute Eastcotts side.
Slotting Lions ahead inside the first 10 minutes, Mason gave the hosts a lead which added spark to the team and ignited an occasionally dormant potential. Well executed passes followed as midfielders added structure to the game, linking up with defenders Jake Draper, Tom Horner, Aarin Johnson, Ben Roberts and Adam Bradley to secure the back sectors of the pitch.
Eastcotts levelled the scoring before the break but a resurgent Lions hit back in the second, a brace of strikes from James opening a lead, extended by Dominic's three and Charlie's bottom-right corner shot, defeating a well-tested keeper.
There had been scoring opportunities throughout, with attempts on goal from Will Juster and Aaron Gauntlett, but smart defending from Alex Poynter, confident saves from Dan Kennel) and strategic positioning by Chris McGee held Eastcotts to a single goal.
Source: EB Lions
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Sundon Athletic U9 - 0
EB Lions U9 Blues - 4
Lions commenced their season in earnest, securing top spot in league division two with a clinical victory at Sundon Athletic.
Stand-in keeper Toby McGee retained a clean sheet with a display of clattering saves and intelligent deflections, while striker and MOM Joe Rabey began his hat-trick early in the first and completed it in the second with a brace of no-nonsense deliveries.
Strong attacks from 011ie West and Sam Carter piled pressure onto the outgunned hosts, but it was forward Myles Frederick who slammed in the third of four goals for the visiting side.
Full backs Sam Bramston, Joe Thorne and James Glover presented a robust and mobile defensive line, with some rigorous tackles to neutralise the Sundon goal threat.
Brickhill Wanderers Youth - 6
EB Lions U12- 1
Lions showed tenacity and some encouraging signs of improvement against league two side Brickhill Wanderers in their away cup fixture.
Refusing to recognise the lofty ranking of their experienced opponents, Lions dominated much of the opening half, defenders Dominic Ryan, Tom Horner, Jake Draper and Aarin Johnson setting about a series of crunching tackles that grabbed the attention of the Brickhill forwards from the opening whistle.
With 10 minutes of the half to run, a slicing cross found Sean Woodhouse, who netted confidently to finis a tight opening stanza 2-1 down. Forwards James Hurley and Will Juster pressed into the Brickhill box on several occasions but, like Charlie Nevitt's marathon runs, these dynamic attacking plays were ultimately thwarted by the resilient defence of the hosts.
Mason Ashby, Chris McGee and MOM Adam Bradley nimbly worked the centre of the pitch during the second, while Aaron Gauntlett and Alex Poynter reinforced the back line.
Smart keeping from Dan Kennell kept the Lions in the match up until the final 10 minutes, when a string of opposing goals fell in to hand Brickhill an unassailable lead.
Source: EB Lions
Parish Council Minutes - October 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th October 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd November 2009 at 7.30pm.
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U9 Blues - 0
Sundon Park Rangers U9 Reds - 2
Lions hosted an accomplished Rangers side but were unlucky not to pick up points from what would prove to be a close fought encounter.
MoM James Glover, alongside fellow defenders Joe Thorne and Sam Bramston, held the visitors off for most of the opening half, while Cameron Burchell put in some athletic saves to maintain a goal stalemate for the first fifteen minutes.
In midfield Ollie West applied pressure with clinical passing, while Myles Frederick and Joe Rabey harried the Sundon keeper with a series of accurate strikes.
Forwards Sam Carter and Toby McGee pushed forward in an attempt to wrest at least a draw from what had been a thrilling encounter, but ultimately Rangers took a goal in each half.
EB Lions U12 - 1
Lewsey Centre U12 - 6
A first half penalty from James Hurley handed Lions an early lead and contributed the impetus to their attacking plays for the opening 10 minutes. Ben Roberts, Adam Bradley and Mason Ashby teamed up to feed through for Will Juster and Sean Woodhouse.
But Lewsey were able to strike back with a handy lob to draw level and then go ahead minutes later.
The visitors maintained a goal threat but centre backs Dominic Ryan and Aarin Johnson closed up to foil the few last minute efforts of the half.
Pressure on the right wing from Chris McGee and tireless MoM Charlie Nevitt kept Lions in the game for the first few minutes of the second, but a Lewsey penalty for a handball saw them extend their lead to a comfortable margin.
Strong defensive work from Jake Draper and saves by Dan Kennell stopped the match from unravelling entirely, and some accomplished last minute touches by Aaron Gauntlett and Alex Poynter demonstrated tenacity and a refusal to capitulate.
Source: EB Lions
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
We are to re-start our Lunches, after our summer break, on Saturday October 10th. Lunches are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month and are served between 12.noon and 1-30 pm. We offer a choice of hot main dishes + a selection of hot & cold desserts + tea or coffee for a cost of £6.
Proceeds are divided between local and national charities and Chapel funds. We look forward to seeing our regular supporters and any new friends who might like to join us. On Saturday October 10th our chosen charity will be the Tigers Club, an organisation that works with the street children in Kampala in Uganda.
Source: Focus, October 2009
Sold out 4 weeks in Advance
I know our twice yearly quiz (held jointly with the Eaton Bray Tennis Club) is popular, but can you believe it as I write this, on September 8th, we are already sold out for the Quiz on October 10th! What can we say, but thank you to all our fabulous supporters who have rallied round and done the business. And a really big SORRY to those of you who had wanted to come, but, we are unable to fit in.
See you there, don't forget 7.30 for 8.00pm.
On a very sad note I am sure many of you know of the passing of Mary French. She had been a keen supporter of the hall since its building and was, until only very recently, a trustee. She taught me a lot when I joined the trustees, as she was a “doer” not a talker and did many things to support us.
Recently she gathered many members to the 200 Club and collected their monies on a regular basis and I hope that they will continue with their support for the “Club”. She always organised a team for the quiz which, always managed to come last! We are sure they only did this to collect the special booby prize, which is usually some nice confectionery! We are delighted that Mary's ladies are coming to the quiz and we wish them the best of luck in trying to maintain their record!
You may have noticed that the inside of the hall has been repainted and that we have a new sign over the front door. We are really trying to make sure that the hall is kept in excellent condition. We will hopefully start work on redoing the paving at the front, so the entrance is user friendly and a lot smarter than at present.
We know that the car park needs a lot of attention, but that will be very costly so we need to keep fundraising. We will be announcing further fund raising events next month, do keep a look out for more information. If you have any queries or just want a chat about the hall, contact me, Ross.
Source: Focus, October 2009
Eaton Bray Lawn Tennis Club
A magnificently sunny Saturday afternoon hosted our club's Final's Day on 12th September, the culmination of several months of eagerly competitive knock-out rounds, and the barbecue sizzled succulently as once more our 3,016 menu options were hungrily devoured by players and supporters alike. Helen Woodhead donned the apron as my sous-chef, whilst the day's umpiring activities were carried out by Dave Hillman, Peter Hale, Ross Bagni and the visually challenged John 'how am I going to get up into that chair?' Palmer. John actually tried to blag a free burger on the basis of being an OAP and even flourished his bus pass in an effort to avoid paying the £1.50, but the promise of a nice sit down later with a cup of tea was sufficient to entice him into the chair. Thinking about it, I don't recall anyone helping him down again, he might still be there. If anyone's up at the courts, would they mind checking?
On court, the Men's Singles final was a rematch of last year's, but this time Darren Kerins was able to overcome Michael Tatham in two sets, beating his own record of being our most prolific Champion, making this his 22nd title overall, and the 29th for the Kerins family. His first was all the way back in 1993 when he won both the Singles and the Men's Doubles. This year though, Darren could only make runner up in the Men's Doubles final with his partner Dave Williams, when in another very close encounter they just lost to Simon Mitchener and Pete Messetter, whose unique style of serving left his opponents open mouthed. Those that have seen Pete serve will understand this ironic juxtaposition....! The Ladies Doubles saw Danielle Tansley and new partner Carol Thorp play very well together as a team to defeat Jane Cross and Anne Moxey, giving both ladies their first title. Later however, Jane did take her 11th overall title in the Mixed Doubles when paired with Keith Hillman, who took a day off from his football, badminton, squash, rugby and basketball (he's almost as fit as I am...), in victory against Judy Venn and Simon Mitchener. Simon was standing in for the injured Peter Hill, who had a fault with his foot. This was Judy's 20th year competing in the club tournament, having won her first title in the Mixed Doubles back in 1989 at the club's inaugural Championship. No clubhouse, floodlights or barbecues back in those days; we used to bring up our own chairs and picnics and if you were caught short then it was off into the bushes!
We also savoured a keenly competitive junior tournament: in the under 8s Finlay Tarvit won in a close match against Mollie Baylis, and in the over 8s, Sophie Mitchener ran out the winner against Laura Baylis, in a reverse of last year's competition when Laura won. Judging from the talent being displayed on court three by these juniors, the club has a great future to look forward to; who knows what records will be being broken on Final's Day in 20 years from now! One thing's for sure; it won't be me breaking them.
As a 'change from the norm' this year, Madame Chairman had the excellent idea of staging a social evening in the clubhouse following the Finals. So after a quick hose down, about 30 members, both adult and junior, all gathered together having brought along various savoury and sweet dishes, the quantities of which could have fed most of Eaton Bray for a week. Our clubhouse fridge was bulging with copious amounts of bottles and cans of suitable liquid refreshment, consumed whilst regaling ever more exaggerated stories of heroic exploits on court earlier in the day. It was after one particularly potent can of lemonade that I was asked by the Chairman to act as master of ceremonies for the trophy presentations. Matters were not aided by Ross, who despite being in charge of the junior tournament couldn't remember the names of any of the winners, or indeed any competitors at all. Despite this setback, I struggled through the address with an almost 100% record on the finalists' names, my only challenge being my interpretation of Peter Hale's handwritten note confirming a 'Dave W' as a runner-up in the Men's Doubles, which for some inexplicable reason I interpreted as Dave White, another member but one not present on the day. It was of course Dave Williams, who was there, to whom I apologised profusely blaming dementia, poor lighting and Peter's lack of written clarity, but not necessarily in that order.
For any further information about the club, including when we get together for our social tennis sessions up at the School Lane courts, or our various activities, you can visit our website at www.ebltc.org.uk; Alternatively please contact Chairman Bernadette Hillman, Coach Nick Boys, or if they're all out and I'm not mixing up people's names, me, Randy Coss.
Source: Focus, October 2009
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U12 - 0
AFC Dunstable U12 - 9
Spirited runs from James Hurley and William Juster as well as strong second half link-ups between Sean Woodhouse, Adam Bradley, Charlie Nevitt, Aaron Gauntlett and MOM Chris McGee could not see Lions through to the third round of the league cup.
Fielding a team of nine, Dunstable were nonetheless able to break open the Lions defence, scoring four times in the first half and five more in the second.
Even so, pressure at the back line from Alex Poynter, Jake Draper, Aarin Johnson, Tom Horner and Mason Ashby, coupled with fine saves by Dan Kennell, fended off the aggressive Dunstable offence for long periods and when the goals came they were in quick succession.
Lions will be returning to their league fixtures next week under increasing pressure to secure their maiden win of the season.
Source: EB Lions
Unsung Heroes!!!!
After recently returning from helping at the 1st Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Scout and Cub camp in Sherwood Forest I now realise how lucky we are to have such wonderful leaders for Scouts, Cubs and Beavers in this area Paul Hurley, Nick Evans, Sandi Glover and both husband and wife team Simon and Sue Tate are all truly wonderful and definitely unsung heroes!
They spent many months planning and executing a fabulously organised Summer camp in July for 50+ Cubs, Scouts and helpers, with such activities as Kayaking, rock climbing, quad biking and the highlight for all was a amazing medieval jousting competition and hog roast on the last evening. The boys and girls had to ride 'piggy back' with long jousts whilst running at top speed towards an amazing wooden target handcrafted by the talented Martin Mercer!
Nick Evans was in full character as The Evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Simon Tate as Friar Tuck and Paul Hurley as Robin Hood. Following the joust the children took part in other competitions including tug of war and the 'slippery pole' which involved a pillow fight whilst sitting on a raised, wooden pole over water, hysterical as you can imagine.
It was not long before other scout groups camping nearby came to watch and cheer at this amazing work of art!
Without such people prepared to give up their time for the preparation, packing and shopping, let alone a weeks annual leave for the actual camp! Our children would not be able to benefit from such a fun experience. It however also teaches our children to be responsible for their belongings, work as a team, look out for younger children, to cook and prepare food and wash and tidy away afterwards. Every member was encouraged to work as a team, whilst some were collecting wood others were fetching water and 'Mummy' was not around to step in!
Cooking for 50+ people from a tent was incredible to witness and be part of, especially as at every meal the children were encouraged to help cook or prepare the vegetables.
Nick Evans had taken a lot of the vegetables that had been grown on the scout and cub allotment to camp, which was great for the children to see. The meals were amazing, always with fresh vegetables and nut allergies always carefully catered for. Lunches were sandwiches, which took 8 loaves of bread everytime! Carol Mercer was the main camp cook and had to start cooking the breakfast at 6.30 every morning to ensure all the children had eaten and cleared up before their activities were due to start. Cereal and a cooked breakfast every morning gave the children the fuel they needed for their morning activities. Carol was amazing and the food quantities and quality was always spot on.
Evenings were quite often spent round the campfire singing songs, which was great for the wide age range of children. Nick Bramston was helping for the week and was given the trusty job of looking after the fire and ensuring there was always enough fire wood, which given that we were camping right next to a wood was not such an easy task as you might have thought! He also taught the children a lot of new camp songs and even wrote lyrics for a new song.
Martin Mercer worked continually and tirelessly boiling water for washing up and cleaning the most disgustingly greasy pans you have ever seen! As well as being the camp joiner, crafting jousting targets and generator covers and anything else needed made from wood.
I don't think as a parent anyone realises how much hard work goes into these camps and the great responsibility they take for our children.
I have written this article not only to say a huge thank you to all our leaders for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts but also to try and give a small insight to what is involved for other parents who may read this this.
We are very lucky to live where we do and to have such an active scouting team thanks again to all of you.
-- Karen Mustoe
And.....A Big Thank You
We have been part of the 1st Eaton Bray & Edlesborough Scout group for the past four years and would like to give out a huge thank you to the 3 special people who give up their precious time every Friday evening to entertain the youth of today.
Our biggest thank you is to Paul Hurley who, in the last two years of leading the group, has brightened up the activities that Scouts now enjoy. For example, Scouts have been gliding at the London Gliding Club, wakeboarding at Willen Lake and Skiing in the Milton Keynes Snow Dome. Also since the arrival of Paul, the whole scout group has earned many more badges to the extent that both of us have achieved the Chief Scout Gold award. Since Paul has arrived at scouts, we have found ourselves camping and exploring in many exciting places across the country. For example, spending a week in Sherwood Forest, a week on Brownsea Island and a night on HMS Belfast along with many others.
Our next thank you goes to Nick Evans. He is the Group Scout leader and is loved in all parts of the local scouting community. Not only does Nick help with the scouts most weeks he also gives up his Tuesdays to run the Cubs. As you can imagine this is most probably an exhausting task, running about trying to control a bunch of excitable 8-10 year olds. Along with Paul, Nick puts a lot of time and effort into planning and preparing all scout summer camps as well as every Friday evening.
Last but not least we would like to thank Simon Tate. Simon is the quieter of the three but no less important. without him we would suffer dearly trying to keep the scout group in control. He turns up to every meeting and camp without fail, even if his son does not turn up. Like Nick, Simon does not only help out at scouts, but also with the cubs.
Although our biggest thanks go to these three special people, we would also like to give our thanks to all parents that give up their time to help every now and again, one or two come without fail every week. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time within the scout community and will miss all the fabulous activities that go on every week as we move on to the next level - EXPLORERS!
-- From Alex Nilsen & Stuart Ranson
Source: Focus, October 2009
Pilates at Eaton Bray Village Hall
Tuesdays from 10am-11am
Experience Pilates the Body Boost Way. You'll leave feeling Relaxed, Refreshed, Fully Stretched and wondering why you didn't join sooner!
Body Boost is dedicated to providing High Quality Pilates Tuition; Classes run each week and are designed for all levels including beginner.
Posture is re-taught with each class enabling greater understanding and execution of the techniques.
Level of work can be modified based on individual skills, strength and ability. As you progress you will become aware of your bodies strengths and weaknesses and learn how to balance those differences and bring the body back to alignment.
For more information, see www.bodyboostuk.co.uk.
Source: Focus, October 2009
New Egyptian Dance Classes Now Started
New Beginners Class started on 2nd September at 7pm. Would you like to know the difference between a hip drop and camel step, then why not come along to the Beginners Egyptian dance class held every Wednesday at Eaton Bray Village Hall, all you need is a great sense of fun! Over the weeks in the class you will learn the basic dance steps.
From ancient times this style of dance has been done traditionally by women, and is also known as Raqs Sharki. It is now one of the best ways to keep fit and supple, because of the gentle movements it is ideal for all ages - whatever shape or size you are. So don't just sit in and watch TV on Wednesday evenings join me at the Village Hall, and I promise you'll have fun and you hips will do things you never thought was possible !!
Wear comfortable clothing i.e. T-shirt and leggings or a long skirt or anything that lets you move without restriction. Cost of class is £2 per person.
To book a place or for more details please contact - Soraya on 853360
Cheeky Monkeys Under Five's Playtime
For those of you that are not familiar with Cheeky Monkeys, we are a friendly mother and toddler group that meets each Wednesday at Eaton Bray Village Hall at 1pm. Everyone is welcome. We charge £1.50 per adult, £1 per child over 1, and 50p per child under 1. During the afternoon we have our tea/coffee break whilst the children sit down for juice and a biscuit. We end the afternoon with songs and dancing.
There is plenty of time for all sorts of messy play, including junk modelling, chalk boards, playdough and painting. We also have a quiet reading corner, colouring tables, a farm yard, bricks and blocks, home corner, and ever increasing baby corner. We have been able to purchase a brand new slide and seesaw over the summer, together with two new easels for painting and colouring.
Our planned activities on the craft table for the next few weeks are Teletubbies, Owls, Halloween magnets, Rockets and Fireworks. For those of you that are planning even further ahead, our Christmas party will be on 16th December, when we hope that Father Christmas will be visiting us!
Cheeky Monkeys is run by three volunteer parents, Sarah, Louise and Sue. For enquiries please contact anyone of us & please see our website for lots more information: www.cheekymonkeys.btik.com
Source: Focus, October 2009