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What an achievement! On Sunday 14th May 2023, the East Farndon Racers completed their 100 miles cycle challenge from the Centotaph in London to the East Farndon War Memorial. The team left London at 7am and arrived in East Farndon just before 5pm, a massive 10 hours in the saddle, navigating a pretty countryside 100 mile route, with a 4,592 foot elevation gain.

Huge thanks and congratulations to the team. The riders were Scott Harrison, Tom Oakden, Paul Hodgetts, John Parker and David Hancock. The team was supported en-route by Neil Beesley and Mervyn Curtis.

Also, a big shout out to Philip Prew and Jonanthan Crifo Garton who both trained hard to ride in the event, but unfortunately they could not take part due to recent surgery and injury.

Many thanks to everyone who turned out to welcome the team home in style and to the Village Hall Committee for laying on refreshments. Please see below some photos that help to tell the story of the challenge on the day.

Scott has been interviewed by HFM News. Click this link to hear Scott and see photos and a video of the team arriving back into East Farndon, https://harboroughfm.co.uk/cyclists-raise-thousands-for-east-farndon-war-memorial-refurbishment/

Also John Parker has put togther a must watch, special ride video, taken from his GoPro camera and set to his own fantastic music mix! Click this link to view on YouTube, https://youtu.be/p7i-LqMNe-g

As most will know, the challenge was organised to raise much needed funds to repair, refurbish and improve our East Farndon War Memorial. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported us with a donation, it is very much appreciated. Even though the cycle challenge is now complete, there is still time to recognise the massive effort put in by the team.

If you would like to support the team and the restoration fund, please make a donation using this link: https://gofund.me/daea418d

Thank you,

Scott Harrison

Early Start at the Cenotaph in London

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First Stop at Studham

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On The Road

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Lunch at Turvey

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On the Road – keeping it going!

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Last Stop at the Tolley

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Big Finish at the East Farndon War Memorial

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If you would like to support the team and the restoration fund, please make a donation using this link: https://gofund.me/daea418d

East Farndon Parish Council (EFPC) announced in early February 2023 the completion of the upgrade to all 16 of our streetlights to run on modern, warm LED lamps. This change is generating major cost and environmental benefits.

At the same time as the LED upgrade, EFPC launched a trial of a partial dark skies initiative. This involves all streetlights being operated with part night sensors that switch the lights off between the hours of midnight and 5.30am. This allows all residents to enjoy the benefits of a dark sky as well as generating further energy usage savings.

It was agreed to seek feedback from residents in relation to the dark skies trial and formally review the results at the May 2023 EFPC meeting.

A total of fourteen East Farndon households have given their comments on the trial; thirteen of the responses were in support of the partial dark skies initiative with one against. Councillor Fallon reported that the Speed Indication Device (SID) statistics showed that the partial dark skies initiative had no impact on vehicle speeds at night.

In addition to the feedback from residents, EFPC has also considered the potential impacts of the adoption of a dark skies approach and has taken advice from a number of sources in terms of the reasoning for or against such a change.

From this analysis and taking into account the resident feedback, at the May 2023 meeting, EFPC unanimously agreed to continue with the current partial dark skies approach and formally mark the EFPC streetlighting upgrade project as complete.

Summary of Advice Received

EFPC are pleased to share the advice received in relation to part night streetlighting and its impact on road safety, crime and the environment.

NCALC – Legal and Process Advisers to Northamptonshire Parish Councils

NCALC have confirmed that the Parish Council is the Lighting Authority and thus the Parish Council is free to make its own decisions in relation to how streetlighting is delivered. They also confirmed that there is no legal duty to perform a formal safety audit prior to any changes being made. EFPC have of course considered the streetlighting changes very carefully, this including undertaking research, performing a simplified local risk assessment and taking advice from our local suppliers, Police and road safety contacts.

Northamptonshire Police Safer Roads Team

“Following our conversation, I can confirm that we are not aware of any safety implications with your plan to turn off the street lights. There are many villages throughout the county who do not have street lights and their roads are restricted by speed limit repeater signs. The only thing that would need to remain lit is if you had any physical traffic calming such as a priority working or chicane. I found an old study on the switching off of lights and the effect on safety Switching off street lights does not affect safety (roadsafetygb.org.uk)“

The study mentioned above concluded that “Switching off street lights at night has had no adverse effect on road casualties, public health or crime levels” You can read the full report published in the British Medical Journal by clicking the link below.

BMJ Streetlight Study

Views of Local Police Contacts

“There is always a small risk of residents being a victim of crime, when an area is completely dark, especially a small rural location like East Farndon My advice would be to try and retain some of the street lighting at night. I take it, the reason for turning lights off is a financial reason? If need be, we would be more than happy to hold a residents crime prevention evening in the village.”

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) – Dark Skies

The CPRE has published a survey of local authority approaches to lighting in England. This report can be read using the links below. It details the relationship between streetlights and light pollution and references the impacts on road safety and crime.

CPRE Shedding Light – Summary

CRPRE Shedding Light – Full Report

You can use this link to access the CPRE website directly.

The Natural History Museum – Dark Skies Impact on Wildlife

The Natural History Museum has published an article entitled ‘Bye-bye dark sky: is light pollution costing us more than just the night-time?’ Please click the link below to read.

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/light-pollution.html

East Farndon Streetlight Locations

1. Harborough Road / Lubenham Lane Corner – Steel Column
2. Lealand Corner – Sleeved Concrete Column
3. Lealand outside No. 8 – Steel Column
4. Top of Lealand – Steel Column
5. Harborough Road – Steel Column
6. Main Street by Spring – Steel Column
7. Main Street on Beauchamp House – Wall Bracket
8. Main Street by Village Hall – Steel Column
9. Main Street on Hillside Farm – Wall Bracket
10. Back Lane by Home Farm Close – Steel Column
11. Back Lane on Hillview – Wall Bracket
12. Back Lane by Farndon Hall – Steel Column
13. Main Street on Horseshoe Cottage – Wall Bracket
14. Main Street on Greywalls – Wall Bracket
15. Main Street by Farrer Cottages – Steel Column
16. Main Street by Church Cottage – Sleeved Concrete Column

Jean Westwood

September 1931 – March 2023

The village is sad to announce the passing of Jean Westwood on March 29^th, aged 91. 

Jean hailed from Birmingham and she and her husband Eric moved to East Farndon from the West Midlands in January 1982 during heavy snow. Later that same evening, they battled their way up Marston Lane to attend the pantomime in the village hall!

As soon as Jean moved to the village she joined East Farndon Women’s Institute, volunteering to stand on the committee in September 1983. She took over as President on 4^th November 1986, switching to Treasurer for several years, then she took over as President again until the group folded in 2021.

She is remembered by W I members as being strong, capable, kind and immensely considerate. She always put others’ needs before her own and had the tact and diplomacy of a politician! She kept a sensible head when those around her were losing theirs and she had a thirst and appreciation of history that surprised you!

She was an exceptional cook and baker; her shortbread was to die for and she frequently used these skills to produce a token of thanks for others or as a donation to the local hospice. In the photograph above, Jean is receiving an embroidery of W I members’ names on behalf of East Farndon W I. This is on permanent display in the village hall.

Jean worked tirelessly for the village, cleaning the church and the village hall amongst many other things. She also worked hard to raise money for good causes through her baking, organising of rummage sales and volunteering for Age Concern. 

Jean supported every village event, and she will be sadly missed, not only for all her hard work but also for the twinkle in her eye!

The village sends its condolences to her husband Eric.   

We are very fortunate to have a number of beautiful walks on our doorsteps within East Farndon and the broader Northamptonshire and Leicestershire countryside. Once again, the Parish Council has received complaints from landowners in relation to dogs which are running free and out of control on our footpaths that cross their land. Please can all dog owners read again the guidance in the NFU / Kennel Club poster above and be aware of our walking safely guidance on this website.

Please make sure that you stick to our footpaths. You can view all of our local footpath maps by visiting our dedicated footpath page: https://eastfarndon.org/parish-council-footpaths/

In addition, our recent village spring clean revealed multiple locations where owners have left their dog poo for others to clean up. This is unacceptable and is a danger to farm animals, children and the environment. Please bag it, pick it up and take it home or deposit in the village bins.

East Farndon Parish Council has a dedicated page on this website for our footpaths, https://eastfarndon.org/parish-council-footpaths/ From this page you can access our special Jubilee walks booklet that can be downloaded and printed for free. This page also contains really important guidance on how to walk safely on East Farndon footpaths and in the broader countryside. This safety guidance is also repeated below.

Walking Safely on East Farndon Footpaths

Many of the fields around East Farndon have ‘right of way’ footpaths that allow walkers and ramblers to pass through without damaging crops or disturbing grazing animals. This creates a relative harmony that for most of the year causes very few problems. It is important to remember however that this is a working environment for farm staff, and visitors should remain vigilant of animals, machinery and vehicles. These footpaths are signposted and clearly marked as official routes, so to avoid unnecessary upset, it is best to keep to the marked walkways.

Be vigilant, especially on entering a field or where you cannot see the whole field, and try to stay away from animals and to be aware of their movements. In the spring, it is especially important to be sympathetic to farm animals rearing their young and give them space.

Cows are naturally very protective of their young and have been known, on occasions, to charge at walkers. On very rare instances this has led to serious or fatal injuries to those involved. Although right of way footpaths may exist through fields with grazing cattle, sometimes it’s better to take the longer route and admire the herd from a distance rather than risk potential conflict. 

Dogs are recommended to be on a lead at all times even if their temperament is good. Cows will do whatever they feel necessary to protect their young and as calves are playful and inquisitive, they will often wander away from their mothers to explore their surroundings. The arrival of a dog nearby may be cause for alarm.

When walking with dogs in fields with cattle, the advice from the NFU is to “avoid getting between cows and their calves; to keep your dog under close and effective control on a lead around cows and sheep, but not to hang onto your dog if you are threatened by cattle – let it go and allow the dog to run to safety. This offers the best chance of a safe outcome to both you and your dog. If you feel threatened by animals protecting their territory or young, do not run. Move to the edge of the field and, if possible, find another way round.”

East Farndon Parish Council has a dedicated Footpath Warden, who, in partnership with the farm landowners, keep an eye on the upkeep and maintenance of our footpaths, including those through farmland. If you spot a problem – maybe an obstruction on the path or damage to a stile – please contact East Farndon Parish Council. They will then investigate, and if necessary, notify the relevant landowner and / or West Northamptonshire Council (who have responsibility for footpaths). To do this, please email the Parish Clerk at: parishclerk.eastfarndon@gmail.com

The Countryside is there for us all to enjoy and admire throughout the year, but it comes with a responsibility that we all share to make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

For more information about livestock and rights of way visit: https://www.nfuonline.com/cross-sector/rural-affairs/access/access-news/livestock-and-rights-of-way-reducing-the-risk/

The Countryside code: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/985422/Summary-Countryside-Code-A5.pdf

Guide to farming Calendar: https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/farming-calendar-a-year-in-the-life-of-a-british-farmer/

Did you know it is now an offence to fell trees without a licence if an exemption does not apply? The government recently introduced unlimited fines to deter illegal tree felling in England, following concern over possible rising levels of illegal felling, particularly ahead of development proposals being submitted.

Felling is legally controlled and generally requires a licence to be issued before work starts. There is an exemption allowing landowners to fell up to 5 cubic metres of growing trees in any calendar quarter on a property without a licence, as long as no more than 2 cubic metres of this is sold. For example, a tree 10m in height with a diameter of 30cm around the midpoint of the trunk is estimated to equate to just over 0.7 cubic metres.

Other exemptions apply, including allowing for lopping and topping, and for small trees of less than 8cm in diameter – measured at 1.3m from the ground – to be removed. Nuisance or dangerous trees can also be felled without a licence, as can fruit trees. If relying on one of the exemptions, it is the landowner’s responsibility to prove that it applies.

Everyone involved in the felling of trees (the owner, agent and timber merchant or contractor) must ensure that a licence has been issued before any felling is carried out, unless they are certain that one of the exemptions apply. If there’s no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, anyone involved can be prosecuted.

You’re advised to engage with neighbours to make them aware of your tree felling plans. For more information about felling licences, why you need one, and how to get one, read the attached booklet by clicking the link below.

The Government advice on this can be accessed by clicking ths link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-felling-overview#tree-felling-licence

Above is a photo that was lent to Alan Langley some years ago, looking down the Farndon Road from the Welland Park end. The railway bridge is clearly visible. This bridge was not there in December 1973, so does anyone remember it? or know when it was taken down?

Nowadays it’s hard to believe it was ever there, but of course Rugby Close takes its name from the Rugby to Stamford line which crossed the bridge.

Also, if you are into your local history, click the link below to read about a great West Northants recent discovery, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-63860132

Latest: Note that these new rules have been challenged by professional dog walkers, causing WNC to suspend the enforcement shlist discussions take place. You can read more by clicking the link below.

Council to hold talks with representatives for professional dogs walkers over new rules

New rules which encourage responsible dog ownership and ban smoking in
specific public open spaces, which come into force on November 1st 2022, have
been approved by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

A new Public Spaces Protection Order means dog owners could be fined £100 if
they fail to:
• pick up their dog’s mess and dispose of it properly
• carry the means to pick up after their dog
• prevent their dog from entering public places from which dogs are
excluded, including children’s play areas, schools, skateparks, tennis
courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and bowling greens
• keep their dog on a lead when in cemeteries, burial sites, graveyards,
memorial gardens, allotments, car parks, sports grounds, fields and pitches
– when in use for authorised sporting activity
• put their dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer
The order also restricts a person from walking more than four dogs at any
one time and prohibits smoking in: children’s play areas, schools,
skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and bowling
greens.

In East Farndon, this specifically means that dogs must be kept on a lead in
the Churchyard & Burial Ground, and, more generally, dog owners must pick up
their dog’s mess; dispose of it properly; and carry the means to pick up
after their dog – plus no-one should walk more than four dogs at one time.

To find out more about the public space protection order, visit: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/community-safety-and-emergencies/public-spaces-protection-orders-pspos

On Remembrance Sunday, November 13th 2022, East Farndon completed it’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with the planting of a tree on Marriott Green.

Villagers gathered together to attend the ceremony, part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. East Farndon decided to plant the tree to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and also to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen following her sad passing in September.

Many thanks to Richard Everard OBE DL, who planted the tree on behalf of the village.

Also many thanks to Judy Hodgetts, Jess Oakden, the Jubilee Committee, the Parish Council and the Marriott Green team for their support in making this happen.

Judy and Jess, our resdent tree wardens, chose an english native tree, a crab apple (malus) called Comtesse de Paris with white blossom and yellow fruit.

On the sad passing of the Queen, a number of residents placed flowers under the Beech Tree near Marriott Green. These were collected and composted so that they could be included with the soil used to plant our Jubilee tree.

You can read more about the East Farndon Platinum Jubilee celebrations by clicking this link: https://eastfarndon.org/platinum-jubilee-celebrations/

Did you know that there is a simple and easy way that anyone can say thank you to a fellow resident or residents of East Farndon.

All you have to do is send an email to the webmaster, Mervyn Curtis, with some details about the person / persons and why you wish to thank them. This should also include a photo if possible. We will then post your thank you on our village website and our Facebook and Instagram pages.

I will kick off with a personal thank you to Russell Burton. Russell has just retired from East Farndon Parish Council having served for a massive 24 years. He has been tireless in his efforts to help improve our community and is now applying that energy as part of the Village Hall Committee.

The photo shows Russell (on the left for those who don’t know him, but that won’t be many people!) at the point he retired from the Parish Council in May 2022.

Thank you Russell for your excellent support of our community and your engaging sense of fun.

Written by Mervyn Curtis – September 2022

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family following news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed.

East Farndon Parish Council has placed flowers under the Beech Tree near Marriott Green and residents can place their own flowers at this location if they wish to. The Beech Tree is a very fitting location for our floral tributes, as it commemorates the coronation of the Queen’s parents. Flowers will be removed for composting on Tuesday 20th September.

East Farndon Parish Council has organised a Book of Condolence that is situated at the Village Hall. This will be open on the following dates and times for residents to visit, reflect and sign the Book of Condolence. Please can villagers pass on this information, especially to those who do not have internet access.

Friday 9th Sept – 5.00 – 6.00pm and also during the Farndon Social event on Friday evening.
Saturday 10th Sept – 9.00 – 10.00am
Sunday 11th Sept – 7.00 – 8.00pm
Monday 12th Sept – 6.00 – 7.00pm
Tuesday 13th Sept – 10.30 – 11.30am
Wednesday 14th Sept – 6.00 – 7.00pm
Thursday 15th Sept – 11.30 – 12.30pm
Friday 16th Sept – 5.00 – 6.00pm
Saturday 17th Sept – 5.00 – 6.00pm
Sunday 18th Sept – 5.00 – 6.00pm
Monday 19th Sept – 9.00 – 10.00am
Tuesday 20th Sept – 2.00 – 3.00pm

An online book of condolence is available on the Royal Family’s website. The West Northants Council books of condolence will be available as follows:

• Northampton Guildhall: 8.30am to 6pm (Saturdays 9.30am to 5pm)
• Towcester Forum: 9am to 5pm
• Daventry Lodge Road: 9am to 5pm

All books of condolence will be closed on the day after the Queen’s funeral. Once closed, the books will form part of West Northamptonshire Council’s archive so that future generations are able to easily gain access to them and find out the way in which national events are marked.

Timeline overview

See below a summary of the timeline of the official West Northants Council events through the 10 days of national mourning.

Friday, 9 September

• The Union flag on council buildings will be flown at half-mast. Other flags will be removed during the period of national mourning.
• 18.00 The King will broadcast to the nation – St Paul’s Cathedral will hold a service open to the public which will be broadcast nationally.
• An evening service at 19.00 will be held at All Saints Church, Northampton. Other services to be held in the county

Saturday, 10 September

• Laying of wreath by the Lord Lieutenant at Garden of Remembrance, All Saints Church, Northampton at 10.00am. Other ceremonies to be held in the county.
• The Proclamation will be read at St James’ Palace London, 11:00
• The Union flag will be flown at full-mast at 11:00 (timing of Proclamation)

Sunday, 11 September (County Proclamation)

• The Proclamation will be read at noon at Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast
• The Proclamation will be read at 13.00 by the High Sheriff, on behalf of the county, at All Saints Church, Northampton.  Special dispensation for the flying of the Union flag at full mast, then immediately returned to half-mast once proclamation is read.
• At all other locations The Union flag will be flown at half-mast at 13:00
• The Proclamation will be read at 14:30 at parish and town level. The Union flag can be raised to full mast during the local ceremony and returned to half-mast afterwards.

Sunday, 18 September (eve of funeral)

• A morning service  at 11.00am will be held at All Saints Church, Northampton. Those wishing to attend are advised that they can arrive at any time after 10am and must be seated by 10.40am at the latest. A ceremonial procession will progress from the Judge’s Lodgings in George Row, arriving at the church where dignitaries will be guided to their seating ready for the service to start at 11am. The service will also be live streamed on social media and sound will be broadcast via a sound system outside the church.
• A Service of Commemoration will take place at the St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Market Place, Kettering, from 3.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
• An evening service will be held at Peterborough Cathedral
• Other services to be held in the county
• A national one-minute silence is being held at 20.00. The Prime Minister’s office said “The silence can be marked privately at home on your own or with friends and neighbours, out on your doorstep or street with neighbours, or at any locally arranged community events and vigils.”

Monday, 19 September (funeral)

• The Queen will receive a State Funeral
• There will be a two-minute silence at 11:00

Tuesday, 20 September

• The Union flag will be flown at full-mast at 08:00. Any other flags can now be flown at full-mast.
• Usual practices resume

If you have any questions, please email Caroline Burton, Parish Clerk or Mervyn Curtis, Parish Council Chair