- Brill Village Website

The Brill Handbook
Welcome to Brill
The Parish Council, on behalf of all the people who live in Brill,
welcomes you to our village. We hope that you will be very happy in
your new home here, and that you will find the information in this
booklet helpful. As you will see, there are facilities, clubs and
organisations which cater for just about every interest and cover all
age ranges. Music, art and performing arts are regular parts of life
here – and villagers have even been known to dress in mediaeval or 17th
century costume to re-enact events from Brill’s history. If your tastes
are less theatrical, there is plenty to enjoy just by being part of this hilltop community, with its wonderful views.
Brill people are very proud of their village. There has been a
settlement of some kind here since Roman times and the Celtic
villagers (using great imagination) named the village Bre (hill). The
subsequent Saxon invaders (probably from Long Crendon!) added the
word hill which, over the centuries, has become Brill. A royal hunting
lodge, probably built by Edward the Confessor, was used by a
succession of monarchs when they hunted in Bernwode Forest.
You will soon find how important the Common is to all of us – not just
because it is a lovely place for recreation, but because of its history. It
was given to “artificers, ancient cottagers and poorer sorts of
inhabitants of Brill” in 1632. Brill people had to fight for these rights,
and the fighting spirit lives on. The Common was the site of an
important pottery and brick industry – hence the humps and hollows –
and you might even be living in a house built of Brill bricks. We are
currently endeavouring to prevent the Common being over-grown by
brambles, nettles and shrubs now that sheep, sadly, no longer regularly
graze here.
Once again, we are pleased to welcome you to Brill and we look
forward to meeting you.
The Brill Handbook
INTRODUCTION
&
GENERAL INFORMATION
BRILL PARISH COUNCIL
The Council is made up of seven elected members and a clerk. The members are:
Telephone E-mail
Martyn Kitson
237400
[email protected]
Christine Bailey
237581
[email protected]
Martha Hopcroft
237914
[email protected]
Ian Jones
237512
[email protected]
Peter Jones
237838
[email protected]
John Honour
237140
[email protected]
Sue Cook
239189
[email protected]
238662
[email protected]
Liz Judd
Chairman
Clerk
Parish Council Office
This is located at Brill Memorial Hall, Church Street (behind the Red Lion)
in the Old Library Room. The clerk normally works here on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9.30 am to 1 pm.
Please could all correspondence to the Council be delivered to:
The Old Library Room – there is a post-box outside when the office is closed.
Meetings
The Council meets every month except for August. The meetings are held on the third
Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:00 p.m., in the Old Library Room of the Memorial
Hall, although the date of the December meeting may change. There is a short period
for public comments at the beginning of the meeting, and the public is very welcome
to attend as observers. Notice of the meetings, agendas and minutes are posted on the
Parish Council’s notice-board on the outside of the Memorial Hall.
BRILL PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL PLAN
A. OUR AIMS
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To represent the people of the parish, fairly and without bias, through elections and ongoing consultation
To make balanced, well-informed decisions based on careful consideration of the needs and wishes of all sections of
the community
To provide a defined range of local services within a reasonable budget and which are acceptable to the majority of
residents
B. PERMITTED ACTIVITY
Under current legislation, parish councils are permitted to:
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Regulate and maintain Common land
Provide and maintain public open spaces for recreation
Fund the provision of traffic calming measures
Provide footway and open spaces lighting
Provide and maintain a village hall
Make observations on planning applications and be consulted on the Local Plan
Maintain, repair and protect war memorials
Act as a focus for parish events
Carry out maintenance of its property
Act as a conduit for communication from other councils/bodies
Provide sundry other services, e.g. crime prevention, dealing with litter, public seats, bus shelters
C. INTERNAL ORGANISATION
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Conduct of Business
Conduct business in accordance with Standing Orders, NALC guidance booklets and current legislation
Appoint committees and advisory groups, e.g. Common Management Team
Appoint members as representatives on other organisations, for example:
- Alice Carter Charity
- Memorial Hall Management Committee
- URC Building Committee
- Brill Society (an informal representative)
- Church Fabric Committee
Appoint a representative of the Council to the Brill School Board of Governors
Act as board of trustees in managing those charities administered by the Parish Council
Nominate councillors as a focus for individual parish issues/village maintenance and to work with the Clerk on
major issues
Set up action plans when starting major projects
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Working with other parish organisations
Consult with the appropriate village organisations before embarking on major projects
Encourage a climate of co-existence, with mutual support and sharing of knowledge
Provide opportunities for publicity (e.g. at AGM),where appropriate
Circulate minutes of monthly meetings to leading village organisations
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3. Working with County/District Councils
- maintain and improve clear lines of communication
- lobby appropriately for specific projects
- use local council associations (e.g. BALC, AVALC)
4. Communication with Members of Parish
• Monthly (apart from August) and Annual General meetings
• Published annual report
• Monthly report in “Bernwode News”
• Windmill Times, 3 issues per year
• Minutes/agenda/information on notice board, in shops and on Brill website, as appropriate
• Encourage public to e-mail/write letters to Clerk on key issues for inclusion in the agenda
5. Financial Management
• Present annual accounts at AGM
• Provide quarterly updates on spending compared to the budget
• Appoint an internal auditor and Responsible Financial Officer (clerk)
• Consider carefully all projects and ensure that they will contribute to the village environment
• Present annual accounts to the external auditor appointed by AVDC
6. Professional development of Councillors/Clerk
• Support enthusiastically any relevant courses and attendance at meetings which will increase knowledge and skills
• Be aware of the Quality Parish Council criteria
• Maintain a contract of employment for the Clerk and carry out an annual performance review
D. PROJECTS AND COMMITMENTS
In order to identify the major projects to be undertaken by the Council, and to identify their importance to the
community, the Council will generally seek opinions through questionnaires, feedback at the AGM and regular
consultations with parish organisations.
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The Common
Update the Common Policy Document to reflect changing legislation, and distribute to common dwellers
Maintain/manage through Common Management Team, who will advise on short –term management and long-term
strategy
Consult with other organisations and residents as necessary
Use volunteers and PC equipment to control brambles, nettles and scrub and to litter pick, having regard for safety
at all times.
If necessary, employ contractors
Encourage grazing through use of temporary electric fencing
Consider alternatives to existing car parking arrangements
Restore ponds as appropriate
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War Memorial (this now has “listed” status)
Maintain monument
Ensure there is appropriate maintenance of flower beds and grass
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Memorial Hall
Support work of the Hall Management Committee
Continue with annual structural grant to enable ongoing repairs
Review the adequacy of the insurance on a regular basis
Sign the commercial leases
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Traffic
Monitor the need for traffic calming
Work with BCC to prevent unnecessary HGV trips through the village
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Playing Fields
Re-paint equipment every two years, using volunteers (next in 2007)
Organise annual safety inspection
Maintain/enhance equipment
Monitor expiry date of Scout Hut lease (September 2012)
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Streetlights
Review the programme of new/replacement lights
Respond quickly to repairs
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Grass cutting
Maintain regularity of cutting (7 times per year from March to September)
With an extra cut at road junctions in July
Review annually in February the collection of cut grass on The Green/The Square
8.
Control of dogs the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and the AVDC bylaw now
apply
Continue programme to reduce dog fouling in public places
If there is grazing on the Common, inform dog owners
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Parish Council Office (open 2 mornings per week for public information, planning
applications, enquiries, etc)
Provide services as reasonably requested by the public (Freedom of Information Act)
Rationalise the storage of Parish Council property
10. Bulb planting
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Continue programme of bulb planting, on appropriate village sites
11. Roads and pavements
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Monitor their state and report need for repairs
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Encourage people to undertake local litter picking
12. Windmill
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Exert pressure on BCC to undertake urgent work necessary to ensure its structural safety and to prevent further
deterioration
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Liaise with The Brill Society and other interested parishioners
13. Welcome Pack
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Maintain The Brill Handbook and distribute to new residents
14. Village Design Statement
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Consider producing a Village Design Statement
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PUBLIC RELATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
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Public
Welcome to meetings, with comments from the public sought at a time agreed by the Council
Provide agenda and background notes
Post up minutes
Keep informed at an early stage of any projects or decisions likely to become controversial
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Provide leadership to village for:
Opinion, by acting as both a focal point and a catalyst for action
Key events
Threats which affect the well-being of the village
Opportunities, e.g. for external funding
Pride in our environment
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Shops/Post Office/Fire Station, Surgery/other services
Continue our support for these assets
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Planning
Ensure that development within the Conservation Area is appropriate, through our recommendations on planning
applications
Ensure the public is aware of planning applications and viewing arrangements
Provide fair and informed comment to District Council and seek feedback on decisions that are different from the
Council’s recommendations
Consider thoroughly any application for neighbour-friendly, small-scale, business premises
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Public transport links
Regularly circulate timetables and encourage wider use
Support any campaign for car sharing
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Maintenance of assets
Protect and maintain our major assets, eg Common, play equipment
Campaign against vandalism
Arrange walkabouts once or twice a year
Review insurance levels annually
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Regular Reviews
Standing Orders – review and change to reflect administrative procedures and new legislation
Parish Plans – review at 2 year intervals
Common Policy Document – update as necessary
Informal “working together” sessions as required
Update ‘Clerk’s Will’ as necessary
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F. MEASUREMENTS OF SUCCESS
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Clearer understanding by the public of parish priorities, assisted by this Parish Council Plan
General feedback to councillors as to the public’s opinion of the quality of our decision-making. Has the Council
got public credibility and is the ability of councillors respected?
The “working together” of councillors, once a corporate decision has been taken
BRILL COMMON AND VOLUNTEERS
We’re lucky to have a large area of common land – approximately 30 hectares. The
greater part of this was given to ‘artificers, ancient cottagers and poorer sort of
inhabitants of Brill’ in 1632. This was in compensation for ancient grazing rights
which the villagers had enjoyed in Bernwode Forest. These rights were lost when
King James, strapped for cash, ‘de-afforested’ the Royal Hunting Forest so he could
sell the land.
Clay was dug from the Common from mediaeval times until the 19th century , both for
pottery and for bricks and tiles. This is why it is full of humps and hollows. Until a
few years ago, farmers grazed sheep here, and the sheep did a wonderful job of
keeping the grass short and stopping the invasion of brambles and trees. Sadly,
regular grazing has now become just too difficult. As the village doesn’t want the
Common to revert to forest, a band of volunteers meets twice a month to hack, chop,
slash, rake, burn and to clear litter. We meet on the first and third Saturday of each
month at 10 o’clock by the Windmill. If you’d like to join us, we’d be delighted. You
need to wear old clothes and have stout gloves, and perhaps bring a lopper, fork or
saw. (We do have a small stock of tools.) The dates of our meetings are in the
Bernwode News. Please contact me for more information:
Merilyn Munson on 237510, or [email protected].
BRILL WINDMILL
Brill Windmill, a post mill which originally rotated around a central post to enable it
to face the wind, dates from about 1685. The windmill last milled flour in 1919, and
for four years after that ground barley for cattle feed. Brill’s last miller was Mr Albert
Nixey.
Brill Windmill is now owned by Buckinghamshire County Council and is opened by
Brill Society volunteers on Sunday afternoons from April to September.
The Parish Council is working closely with both BCC and Brill Society to establish a
programme of renovations.
For more information on opening times and the history of the windmill, visit the Brill
Website www.brill.uk.net or contact the Brill Society’s Secretary, Andrew Whitaker,
on 238650 / [email protected]
HARTWELLS BARN
Brill Environmental Education Centre in Hartwells Barn and Saunders Field, on the
edge of Brill Common north of the windmill, was officially opened in April 2005. It is
open to the public on Sunday afternoons from Easter to September and includes
display boards featuring the Barn, Brill and the Common, local wildlife and the
Bernwode Forest. Information about caring for the environment, local walks, the local
Wildlife Trust, events and sites of interest is also available. Special arrangements can
be made for weekday group visits by schools, field study organisations etc.
Leaflets with further information can be found in the Pheasant Inn and Londis corner
shop, or contact Peter Davis on 237775 or Peter Bugg on 238204
BRILL VILLAGE WEBSITE
www.brill.uk.net
The Brill website aims to be a resource for the local community and a bridge to Brill
“expats”, extended families, visitors and web-surfers. It has a wealth of information
about local bodies/societies/services, as well as a potted history of the village. It has a
very active messageboard where you can discuss matters of interest, post messages or
place small ads.
The site was started in 1998 by Tim Andrew, with a lot of content written or compiled
by Hannah Hunter. Currently the Parish Council pages are updated by Tony
Burroughs, and the Church Services by David Stirling. The Brill website gets “hits”
from all over the world which, on a typical month, are around 12000 pages and 2500
unique visitors.
If you forget the address, just do a web search for “brill village uk” and it’s bound to
be found.
If you feel that you could contribute to the content of the site, please contact the
webmaster :
Tim Andrew : 01844 237895 : [email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL POLICY ON ISSUES RELATING TO COMMON LAND
1. BACKGROUND
From time to time the Parish Council and residents whose properties adjoin or are surrounded by common
land have not always agreed over issues such as access, parking and maintenance. It's also true to say that in
the past the Parish Council has not always been consistent in its communication or advice to people on these
matters. This paper is intended to set out the Parish Council's policy as unambiguously as possible on all
areas where there is the possibility of misunderstanding.
Brill Parish Council is the registered owner of the common land in Brill, which is held in trust by them for the
benefit and enjoyment of all Brill's residents as well as the many visitors who come to the village. The
policies set out below are designed to be fair to the residents who live beside common land but also make it
clear that the Parish Council will protect common land from damage, it being a major asset of the village.
Although we intend these policies to be as definitive as possible, it may well be that circumstances or issues
arise that are not covered by them. In such cases the Council will always try to be consistent and reasonable
in its interpretation and handle such cases individually. Where necessary, the policies will be updated.
By “common land”, we mean The Common and the grassed areas of The Square and The Green.
2. ACCESS
The gaining of an easement (right of way) over common land is a fraught area which has seen several changes
in the law recently. It used to be understood that, as it is illegal to drive over common land, a prescriptive
right could not be gained. (One cannot gain a right by performing an illegal action.) To address this problem,
under Section 68 of the CROW Act 2000, people who drove over common land to reach their properties, and
who had been doing so for a certain length of time, were able to apply for an easement, and pay a charge
based on the valuation of their property. Very soon after this came into being, the decision in the Hanning v
Top Deck Travel Group case (that rights could not be gained by prescription) was overruled by the House of
Lords. In effect, this now means that owners of properties to which the only vehicular access is over common
land, and where the owners or their predecessors have had uninterrupted use of the vehicle access for 20 or
more years without consent, now have a prescriptive right. They therefore do not have to pay anything to the
owner of the land.
The right of vehicular access to the property does not give the householder any ownership of the track, nor
does it give the householder rights to repair the track. (See 5 below)
3. PARKING
3.1 THE ISSUE
Common land is for people, not cars. Where residents have garages or drives on their properties we ask them
to use them. For those who have insufficient or no parking or garage space within their property, they are not
entitled under current legislation to park on the Common. The Parish Council take a sympathetic view to the
parking of vehicles on the Common where they are used by householders abutting the Common but, if
required, the Council may have to take steps to prevent people so parking.
3.2. POLICY
The Parish Council will not in future allow any new hard-standing (e.g. concrete or tarmac surfacing) to be
laid on common land by any individual or household for any purpose whatsoever, including car parking.
Where hard-standing exists, it should be allowed to deteriorate naturally and not be repaired or replaced.
4. ENCROACHMENT
POLICY
No one may annexe any part of common land. Stones or markers may not be used on common land as they
may, however unwittingly, imply an extension of private land into common land. Encroachment includes the
erection of steps and stiles, and any object which leads to the impression of enclosure by the house owner of
any part of the Common.
5. TRACK MAINTENANCE
POLICY
The Parish Council will permit the loose filling of potholes and deep ruts by the traditional method of using
odd stones, broken tiles and brick rubble. However, care must be taken that the materials are not large enough
to constitute a trip hazard. In addition, materials such as sandstone and No. 1 Roadstone may be used.
Tarmac and concrete are completely unacceptable as filling material. Road scalpings (too dark) and very
small gravel (too suburban) are also unsuitable. If a track needs more extensive repair work, other than the
filling of potholes, or where there is any doubt about the suitability of the fill or the nature of the repair, then
the permission of the Council must be sought. It is for the Council alone, at a regular meeting, to decide
whether track maintenance should be allowed and no track maintenance, alteration or change by any
householder is permitted without the express written authority of the Council. The Council will not allow
work to be undertaken without its explicit consent.
6. BUILDING MATERIALS AND SKIPS
POLICY
6.1 Skips
Skips must be sited on the resident's property and not on common land. Where building work necessitates the
siting of a skip on common land because the nature of the work makes it impossible to site the skip on the
resident's property, permission must be sought in advance from the Clerk, acting on behalf of the Parish
Council. No reasonable request for this will be refused. The property owner is liable to third parties for any
claim for damage or injury and must be appropriately insured, either through themselves or by the skip hirer.
Any damage that the skip causes to common land will be made good by the resident within three months in
accordance with guidelines that the council will provide for the most appropriate form of restoration.
6.2 Building materials
No building materials may be stored on common land. No concrete or cement may be mixed on common
land. If the property lacks a garden in which building materials can be stored, then permission must be
obtained from the Clerk, acting on behalf of the Parish Council, before deliveries are made and work
commences. Protective material must be laid to minimise damage to the ground. On completion of the
works, the land must be restored as in 6.1 above.
7. PLANTING
7.1 THE ISSUE
The main common supports a diversity of habitats. 68 species of moth, 23 species of butterfly, 60 bird species
and 14 mammals have been recorded and the main common supports a number of rare plants. This ecology
can easily be altered by the introduction of garden or non-indigenous plants.
7.2 POLICY
The planting of any flowers, plants, shrubs, trees or hedges on common land is not allowed. However, the
Council may permit certain groups to make plantings of native species in specific circumstances. No garden
or household waste may be deposited on common land.
8. GRASS CUTTING AND WEED TREATMENT
POLICY
8.1 Grass
Grass immediately adjacent to a residential property may be rough cut, preferably with a mower set high, or
with a strimmer or scythe – a lawn effect is not appropriate to common land. In addition, the householder may
cut back nettles, docks and thistles adjacent to his/her home.
8.2 Weed-killer
The use of weed-killer of any kind by residents beyond the boundaries of private property is not permitted.
9. SMALL STRUCTURES
9.1 CURRENT PRACTICE
Over the years a number of small structures have been placed on common land, such as clothes lines and
chicken coops
9.2 POLICY
Consent may be given for the erection of small temporary structures on the Common but this is entirely a
matter for the Parish Council to consider. Anybody wishing to erect items such as chicken coops, clothes
lines and the like must ask the consent of the Parish Council who will endeavour to give their consent as
quickly as possible but will not be required to give any consent if they believe that it is not in the interest of
the Common or falls outside the current legislation preventing structures on the Common.
10. GRAZING RIGHTS
POLICY
When the Common was registered in 1972, a small number of people had their rights to graze registered at
law. (It is no longer possible to gain registered rights.) There has been very little exercising of these rights in
recent years. Because of this, the Council will encourage applications from other residents for permission to
graze animals on common land providing the animals concerned will not cause environmental damage, or
social distress to other residents.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
All Saints Church has been a centre of Brill village life and worship for nearly a 1000 years, and
continues as a lively focus for many community occasions and events. The Sunday Services are
normally at 10.30 each week, with a range of different types of services - parish communion, all-age
worship, matins and a non liturgical 'From the Pew' services which tackles contemporary issues.
Baptisms are normally celebrated at the All-Age Service. Full details of the services are listed in the
Bernwode News, on the Brill web site and on the notice-board outside the Vicarage in the High
Street, but the best way to find out is to come and sample the different types of service for yourself.
Children's activities are now run in conjunction with the other six parishes in the Benefice, with
monthly ‘Activities’ mornings in either Brill or Ludgershall. Activities are also arranged during
school holidays. Confirmation classes are arranged as required. A fortnightly 'home group' and a
women's group meet throughout the year, and special interest courses are organised from time to
time. These have included Alpha and Christianity Explained courses, bereavement visiting training
and help for lay people to conduct services.
Christmas, Easter and Remembrance Day are very much village occasions, as are events like the
Progressive Supper, the range of activities during Christian Aid Week and the Christmas Bazaar.
For further information please see the Bernwode News or contact
the Revd Tina Stirling at the Vicarage - 238325
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Welcome to the United Reformed Church in Brill. We worship in a small chapel in our beautiful
village set in rural Buckinghamshire. The chapel was built over 150 years ago as Brill Independent
Chapel, and then became the Brill Congregational Church until 1972.
We hold an evening service every Sunday at 6.00 pm, led by a variety of Ministers, Lay Preachers
and Anglican Priests.
Brill URC is part of a local ecumenical project with the parish church of All Saints. Under this
partnership, known as Churches Together in Brill, we regularly share services throughout the year.
We hold regular Coffee Mornings on the second Saturday of each month from 10.00 am to 12.00
noon, and on every Thursday morning at the same time (10.00 – 12.00)
A warm welcome awaits you, whether you join us for worship or a cup of coffee.
To find out more about the worship and ministry of the URC in Brill, please see the current issue of
the Bernwode News, our magazine for Church and Community. Any correspondence should be
addressed to :
Brill United Reformed Church, High Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ST
LOCAL INFORMATION FROM THE CLERK
FIRE STATION
In an emergency telephone 999. Brill Fire Station is manned by retained fire fighters,
who are part of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. If you are
interested in joining them, please contact Peter Glover, the Leading Fireman, on
238212, or the Fire Authority.
POLICE
The Brill area is covered by Thames Valley Police. We have an Area Beat Officer, PC
Jim Mullan, who is based at Waddesdon Police Station – 01296 653115. You may
have to leave a message on the answerphone. In emergencies telephone 999. If your
call is not urgent then telephone 08458 505505.
Please could we ask you to report any crime (actions that damage property or endanger
people) to the Police and also to inform the Clerk to the Parish Council on 238662.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Brill is relatively well-served by buses to Aylesbury, Thame, Oxford and Bicester.
For those commuting to London or Birmingham, there is a bus service, morning and
evening, linked to train arrivals at Haddenham and Thame Parkway Railway Station
(Chiltern Railways). The Clerk keeps bus time-tables at the office, or you can
telephone the Travel Line on 08706 082608.
REFUSE COLLECTION
Aylesbury Vale District Council is responsible for the rubbish collection. The usual
day is Tuesday and AVDC give good advance warning of changes following Bank
Holidays. The recycling baskets are emptied every fortnight. There is also a glass
collection every four weeks for most homes in Brill – please telephone AVDC for
more information.
A rubbish freighter, which collects household items which are too big for the wheelie
bins and bags, visits four times a year. The dates are advertised on the PC noticeboard, in the Bernwode News and the Windmill Times. AVDC can be contacted on
01296 585510 or www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
BRILL SURGERY
Brill Surgery, 22 Thame Road, Brill, Bucks, HP18 9SA
Telephone : 01844 238284
Usual opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
(closed between 1.00 and 2.00 p.m.) Wednesday 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Appointments may be made in person or by telephone. Separate appointments need to
be made for each person wishing to see the doctor or nurse. When the surgery is
closed you will be able to contact the emergency doctors out of hours service – the
telephone number is displayed on the surgery door and is provided by recorded
message if you telephone the usual surgery number.
We provide a dispensing service so that your medication will be prepared for you in
the surgery. If you take medicines regularly you can order a ‘repeat prescription’
which will be ready for you to collect after 48 hours.
A practice booklet is available which contains more detail on the services we provide
– please ask at reception for a copy. The surgery is part of a larger practice and we
have other premises in Long Crendon and Thame Health Centre. We have seven
doctors in total and a full staff including nurses, health care assistants, receptionists,
administrators, dispensers and a practice manager.
Our practice motto is ‘Professional Yet Personal’
The Mobile Library in Brill
TUESDAYS
The Green
Brae Hill
The Dairy
The Square
2.30
3.10
3.50
4.35
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3.00
3.45
4.05
5.50
MILK DELIVERIES
Milk is delivered by
Ron Miller Dairies, Burcott Lodge Farm, Aylesbury
FRIDAYS
The Square 4.15 – 4.45
01296 482838
Please give them a call to arrange for your milk delivery
The Brill Handbook
CHILDREN
BRILL CHURCH OF ENGLAND
COMBINED SCHOOL
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
2006 - 2007
Headteacher ~ Mr Chris Hirst
Chair of Governors ~ Mrs Fiona Cayley
The Firs, Brill, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9RY
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:
Web site:
Brill (01844) 237710
Brill (01844) 238831
[email protected]
www.brill.bucks.sch.uk
Our Aims
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To help pupils to develop lively, enquiring minds, together with the ability to question and argue
rationally and to apply themselves both independently and co-operatively to tasks and physical
skills.
To help pupils to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life in a fast changing world.
To help pupils to use language and mathematics effectively.
To promote the active participation of both parents and the local community within the education
of pupils at Brill School.
To help pupils to understand the world in which they live and inter-dependence of individuals,
groups and nations, and to learn to live co-operatively in society, showing consideration and
respect for all people.
To help pupils understand the meaning and purpose of religious and moral values with a respect
towards other peoples beliefs.
To help pupils appreciate human achievements and aspirations.
To help children to achieve their potential in all areas of development.
To promote equal opportunities in all aspects of school life.
The School
Brill School is affiliated to the Church of England and primarily serves the Parish of Brill. Its formal
classification is a voluntary controlled primary co-educational day school for children between the
ages of 4 and 11. Up to 24 children may be admitted at age 4 or 5, and the total number on the school
roll at the end of the summer term 2004 was 171, with an average class size of 24. We are part of an
active network of local schools who have formed a professional learning community which share inservice training and other resources called The Thame Partnership. All of the Partnership schools
feed into Lord Williams secondary school in Thame.
The Buildings
The school was rebuilt in 1974 on a spacious site at the edge of Brill. On three sides there are open
views over the Vale of Aylesbury; on the fourth lie the village playing fields. The main brick
building houses four carpeted teaching rooms, a small group work room, a computer suite, a library,
a large bright hall with gym equipment and a kitchen, a separate kitchen for school lunches, staff
room and offices. Three sturdy pre-fabricated buildings, all with cloakrooms and one with toilet
facilities, provide a further three classrooms, making seven in total. The school is in excellent
condition, brightened by displays of children’s work. The grounds have hard-surface and grassed
play areas, a wooden rebound wall, games pitches, a heated outdoor swimming pool with changing
rooms, a vegetable garden tended by pupils, a wildlife area with a small pond and a larger teaching
pond.
There is an independent nursery on site. Whilst financially separate from the school, the nursery
works very closely with the school educationally and often joins the school for different activities.
Admission Arrangements
In accordance with County policy, we accept children at the start of the term in which they reach
their fifth birthday.
Parents thinking of sending their child to the school are invited to make an appointment with the
Head to be shown round. It helps if children are registered as early as possible, as the demand for
places is high. In accordance with the County’s admissions policy, priority goes to children who live
in Brill. Thus others cannot be given a final decision until the term before they wish to start. During
this term an informal evening meeting is held for parents, and children are invited to visit the class
they will join.
The PTA
There is an active PTA which raises large sums of money for the school, through social events for
parents and children. Recent highlights include exhibitions of the work of local artists and several
successful dances, while regular dates include a children’s Christmas party, and a summer fete which
draws large crowds. PTA events have a wide appeal and help to involve the community in the
school.
BRILL OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB
The Brill out of School Club is located in the Main Hall of Brill C of E Combined
School.
The Club provides a range of stimulating activities for children between the ages of 4
and 12, in a safe, secure and positive environment. The Club provides a child-centred
environment, where children are encouraged to be involved in making decisions that
will affect them.
A range of activities and free-play opportunities is provided indoors and, weather
permitting, outdoors where the children are able to choose what they would like to do.
A quiet area is available for any children who wish to do their homework, read or just
sit quietly.
For more information, and details of times and costs, please contact the Playleader
Nessa Sweetman – 07919 088388 / [email protected]
WINDMILL PRE-SCHOOL
BRILL C OF E COMBINED SCHOOL
THE FIRS, BRILL, BUCKS
HP18 9RY
LITTLE NURSERY 01844 238859
HEAD TEACHER: STEPHANIE AVIL
Windmill Pre-School in Brill provides excellent Nursery education and is based on the
Brill C of E Combined School site at the end of the “Firs”. The Pre-School is divided
into the “Little” Nursery, a playclass taking children from the age of 2½ and the
“Nursery”, which provides a more structured early years learning environment from 3
½ in preparation for school.
Windmill Pre-School is run by a management committee made up of parents and a
school governor. We are a registered charity relying on fees, government funding and
fundraising activities. The majority of our children go on to Brill School although
attending the Pre-School does not guarantee a place there. We now occupy a
wonderful, brand-new, timber, purpose built Pre-School building which means that all
the children and staff are in the same building.
In June 2004 we received a superb Ofsted Inspection which you may request from the
Nursery. Currently half of our staff are qualified in Early Years’ Education and the
other half have training planned.
BRILL BABY & TODDLER GROUP
!! Little BIG Kids Club !!
Every Wednesday 10 am-11.30 am at
BRILL VILLAGE HALL
A safe, friendly and fun play environment for Tiny Tots, Tots
and Toddlers under 5 years
Painting – Crafts – Ride-ons – Baby Corner - and much more !!
Biscuits, juice and hot drinks, all for just £2.00
Telephone Rachael Richards on 238567
or just come and play !
BERNWODE BABYSITTING CIRCLE
The Bernwode Babysitting Circle is open to all families living in the Bernwode area.
At present we have 18 families who are members. The circle works on a token
system in which a token is exchanged for an hour’s babysitting, except after midnight
when the rate becomes two tokens per hour. Tokens can be used for daytime or
evening sitting, either at your home or the sitter’s home. If you would like to join,
please contact either
Mary Lever on 237931 or Danielle Glover on 238212.
CHILD HEALTH CLINIC
The Child Health Clinic in Brill is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each
month, from 2.00 – 4.00 pm, at the Surgery. It provides an opportunity for parents to
seek advice about various aspects of childcare and behaviour from the Health Visitor,
and to check your baby’s weight and progress. No appointment is necessary – JUST
DROP IN
FIRST BRILL SCOUTS
The purpose of scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in
achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals,
as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international
communities. Scouting uses a method which is based on young people, in partnership
with adults :
Enjoying what they are doing
Learning by doing
Participating in varied and progressive activities
Making choices for themselves
Taking responsibility for their own actions
Working in groups
Taking increasing responsibility for others
Taking part in outdoor activities
Sharing in prayer and worship
With its own Scout hut next door to the School, the following are available in Brill for
both boys and girls
Beavers
Contact
Cubs
Contact
Age 6 to 8
Tuesday
5.30 – 6.45 pm term-time
Liz Johnson : 01296 655137
Age 8 to 10½
Monday
7.00 - 8.30 pm term-time
Sian Miller : 01296 651181/[email protected]
Scouts
Contact
Age 10 to 13
Wednesday
8.00 - 9.30 pm term-time
Bill Kelsey : 238460/[email protected]
For more information please contact Brenda Rooney, Group Chairman, 237600
BRILL GUIDES
Children aged 10 to 15 can also join the Guides in Brill
Come and join in the fun ! Make new friends, do new things
and go to new places ….
We meet at Brill School in term time on Tuesday evenings, 6.30 until 8.00 pm
For more details contact Sandra Randall – 237883
BROWNIES
The Brill Brownie Pack comprises twenty-four lively girls aged from 7 to 10 who
meet in the School Hall every term-time Tuesday from 5.00 to 6.30. For those readers
who remember their own time as a Brownie, we still have sixes of pixies, elves,
gnomes and imps. We promise to do a good Brownie deed each day (well nearly !)
and we still make camps in the woods and play very rough games ! Here in Brill we
are fortunate to have great community support, and we have been helped with art,
sport, yoga, and baking, as well as being escorted on some great history and nature
rambles. We also participate in local fetes and events.
If you would like to know more about Brill Brownies,
please contact Donna Moss – Brown Owl - 238678
FIRST BRILL RAINBOWS
Rainbows takes place on Wednesday evenings for one hour from 5.00 pm during term
time in Brill School Hall. Rainbows is open to girls aged between five and seven
years old.
For further details please contact Jane Strathdee – 237228
[email protected]
YOBS
The Youth of Brill Society (YOBS) is a youth group for all children between the ages
of 8 and 12 years from the Parish of Brill and surrounding villages. It is a weekly
event held in Brill Memorial Hall, on Friday evenings from 6.00 to 7.30 pm. There is
a small entrance fee, to cover costs, and a tuck shop – a safe and friendly environment
for children to play and socialise.
Contact Nessa (237051) or Janice (238176) for more information
The Brill Handbook
FACILITIES & SOCIETIES
BERNWODE NEWS
The Bernwode News is a Parish Magazine which exists to publicise the many and
varied activities of our local Community and Church. It has a circulation of around
1250 copies and covers 11 local villages, with Brill at its centre-point. Whilst the
magazine is run by an elected Executive Committee, it is edited and put together every
month by a team of volunteers, many of whom live within Brill.
The Bernwode News magazine contains: • Local news, as contributed by organisations, groups, clubs, institutes and
societies, both young and old, as well as from All Saints Church in Brill
• Regular monthly features such as ‘From the Editor…’, ‘Pause for Thought...’,
Farming Matters’, ‘Gardening Notes’, a ‘Notice Board’ for major attractions,
and a ‘Diary’ of events covering all of the villages
• An ‘A to Z’ directory of over 165 advertisements from local handymen to
leisure, emergency services to professional advisors. There is also a ‘Small Ads’
section to sell your bicycle, your pram , or even perhaps that rabbit hutch!
As a ‘taster’, individual copies of Bernwode News are normally available across the
counter from the Londis corner shop or Micmac newsagents, price £1.00 – you can
also join the 80% of Brill households who have a copy delivered through their door
every month for an annual subscription of just £8.00 !
Here are some Bernwode News contact points: -
Chairman
David Stirling
238325/[email protected]
Advertising
Allan Wigglesworth 238513/[email protected]
Subscriptions/Advertising
Brill Notes
Alison Fisher
238405/[email protected]
If you would like to become involved, please contact any of the above, or the editor of
the month, whose name can be found on the page following ‘Pause for Thought’
in the current edition of your magazine
BRILL MEMORIAL HALL
Location
The Hall is centrally located in Church Street, 50 yards from the Church, and opposite
the rear of the Red Lion. It is also central to many aspects of village life.
Users
•
•
•
•
•
•
the very young
the not so young
people keeping fit
social events
sales and shows
meetings
(Mums & Toddlers, Ballet)
(Short Mat Bowls, Brill Society)
(Pilates, Dance, Keep Fit)
(WI, Lunch Club, PTA Dances)
(Antiques Fairs, Brill Church Auction, Brill Show)
(Parish Council, Common Management, British Legion)
These are just some of the regular users – there are other one-off events throughout the
year.
Amenities
There is a 200 square metre main hall, suitable for dinner dances of up to 140 people,
with tables and chairs, staging, display screens, and kitchen facilities. The Hall
complies with current ‘Access For All’ regulations, with public address and induction
loop, and wheelchair accessible hall and toilet. There is a car park for up to 20 cars.
A small hall is suitable for meetings of up to 20 people.
Hiring
Contact the Hall Manager, Nessa Sweetman - 18 Clarkesfield Close or 237051
Hire charges are fully inclusive of all amenities, and are discounted by about 40% for
Brill residents.
Management
A Committee of Management runs the Hall on behalf of the Parish Council. Meetings
are held four times a year. Contact the Chairman, Nicki Logan – 237081
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Brill & District Men’s Section
Brill has a thriving branch of this well respected charity, that aims to help and support
ex-members of our fighting forces and their families. Those who have served us so
well in the past deserve our respect, and sometimes need financial help in the ensuing
years. Our branch has about 50 members, and we hold 5 - 6 meetings a year, to which
all members are welcome: these are publicised in the Bernwode News. With the
Women’s Section, we organise two major fund raising efforts: our Annual August
Bank Holiday Fete, held in the lovely garden at Brill House, and the Poppy Appeal in
November. We are also responsible for organising the Remembrance Day Parade.
We are always keen to welcome new members and it is no longer a requirement to
have served in H.M. Forces. The annual subscription is only £10, in 2005, so just
phone me, John Spence, on 01844 237639 for an application form.
Women’s Section
The Women’s Section was formed in 1936 to provide support to widows and
dependants of servicemen. We still carry on this work today. Nationally the Section
provides weekly allowances to over eight hundred women. Help is offered to those in
convalescence and respite care. We have trained welfare visitors and arrange sick
visits to hospitals and to the housebound.
The Brill Women’s Section meets monthly, and new members are always welcome.
No connection with the Services is necessary.
For more information please contact Sarah Frewin, Hon Secretary, on 01844 238043
BRILL LUNCH CLUB
This monthly club caters for retired people in the area and features a home-cooked,
two-course meal, good chat and friendly company. It meets on the second Friday of
the month (except July and August) at Brill Memorial Hall and costs £2.00 per person.
Lunch Club also caters to those looking for some volunteer work. We are always
looking for cooks, to help for a few times each year. The meals are cooked at home,
each cook preparing a portion for 10 people, recipes and main ingredients being
provided.
If you would like to come to Lunch Club, or help with the catering, please contact
Caroline Woodman (tel. 237326) or Josie Symes (tel. 237185)
THE BRILL SOCIETY
The main aim of The Brill Society is “to stimulate public interest in the beauty, history
and character of Brill and its surrounds”. We do this through a lively programme of
talks, walks and visits, and a range of quality publications.
Recent events have included retracing the line of the old Brill tramway, a wildflower
ramble, a guided walk and talk on the geology of Brill, historical talks on various
topics by local and national experts, an illustrated personal account of the Great Train
Robbery (the perpetrators’ hide-out was in this parish), and an evening of memories
and anecdotes with local senior citizens. Events are advertised in the Bernwode News
and on posters around the village.
Publications include Brillennium (a historical, cultural and environmental record of
Brill at the turn of this century); A Portrait of Brill (another hardback book, this time
focusing on the people of Brill and their homes); A History of Brill (a slim but detailed
booklet written by a local historian); leaflets of local walks; a range of postcards; and a
glossy, poster-sized reproduction of the multi-media Brill Parish Map – another Brill
Society project. All items are available through local shops or the Society’s officials.
The Brill Society is also committed to the conservation and (where appropriate)
improvement of the environment and amenities of Brill and the local area. As
custodians of Brill Windmill, the Society (supported by many volunteers) opens the
windmill to the public each Sunday in summer and floodlights the structure every
Christmas. We are presently working closely with Bucks County Council and Brill
Parish Council on plans for an exciting renovation programme. The Brill Society
comments constructively on local planning proposals, and supports village services
and innovative and sympathetic building projects through our annual Award. In the
past, the Society campaigned successfully for the removal of overhead wires in centre
of the village; more recently, we initiated the restoration of the historic Hartwells
Barn. Last – but not least – we organise a Christmas tree each year for the Square.
This work is co-ordinated by a committee of ten or so members, who meet every four
to eight weeks throughout the year.
The Brill Society, now a registered charity, was founded by local people in the 1960s.
Annual subscription is £2.50 (2004). Membership is open to all and currently stands at
around 150. Although events are open and free to members and non-members alike,
the Society relies on the regular income from loyal subscribers.
Contact The Brill Society by email [email protected],
or the Secretary (Andrew Whitaker) on 238650.
BERNWODE AMNESTY GROUP
Bernwode Amnesty Group is part of Amnesty International, with over 60 members in
Brill and nearby villages. We hold regular meetings, with an average of 12 – 15
members, usually on the second Monday evening of the month. Here we discuss
human rights issues and take action to help relieve the suffering of prisoners of
conscience and people being tortured throughout the world.
We have various fund-raising events and, once a year, we hold a major public
meeting.
Information can be found in our regular column in the Bernwode News or obtained
from our Secretary, Miranda Salmon
01844 238003 – [email protected] - www.bernwode-amnesty.org.uk
We welcome visitors and new members
BRILL SHOW
Each year, on the second Sunday of September, strange processions wend their way
through Brill. Early in the morning, from 8 o'clock onwards, barrows piled high with
carefully garnered vegetables are wheeled through the village - marrows and
pumpkins too heavy to carry, parsnips and leeks so long that they drape over the edge
of the barrow, onions twice the size of tennis balls. A little later, after a flurry of lastminute tweaking, families emerge with precariously balanced armfuls of cakes and
biscuits, pots of jam and marmalade, carefully constructed handicrafts, pictures drawn
to while away the long summer holidays and photographs hastily gleaned from family
albums. And then there are the flowers - armfuls of cut annuals and perennials, roses
of every variety and hue, pot plants and lovingly designed flower arrangements. They
are all entries to the 160+ classes of the Brill Show; classes designed to appeal to
everyone from the under 8's to the over 80's - no previous experience necessary! As
well as the main Show, held in the village hall, gardens are judged in April, hanging
baskets and containers in July and the search for the tallest sunflower takes place on
the day before the Show. Look out for posters around the village, articles in the
Bernwode News and the appearance of the schedule of classes in the shops in Spring.
Please join us - either as participants in the morning or to view the entries in the
afternoon (when you will undoubtedly spot something and think 'I could do that....'!)
Enquiries to Karen Green 01844 237727 or [email protected]
BRILL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
The WI exists to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the
community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills.
The purpose of the WI is to encourage and enable women to enhance their lives and to
play their part in the community through education and public questions, to improve
their lives and the lives of those around them, to lead fulfilling lives and to be of value
in the community and nationally to influence policy/decision makers, to provide a
friendly atmosphere where women can be inspired and enlightened.
However, it is also an opportunity for women to socialise, network, discuss and
attempt to influence current affairs, even including the occasional slow hand clap !
To assist in this, Brill WI organises meetings where speakers talk on subjects as
diverse as The Great Train Robbery or Exploring Churchyard Lichens; give
demonstrations such as Ikebana Flower Arranging; instruct members in the art of
decorating china or making paper flowers. There is time at the end of the meeting for
refreshments and a chat. Social events, such as bar meals and a Christmas Dinner, are
also arranged. There is an annual membership fee for regular attendees, but visitors
are always welcome.
Meetings are held in The Memorial Hall
on the second Wednesday of the month from 8pm.
For more details please contact Janet Palmer 238742 or Pat Downing 237953
See www.womens-institute.co.uk for information on the National Federation of
Women's Institutes
The Brill Handbook
LOCAL BUSINESS
BRILL STORES AND POST OFFICE
Proprietors - Ali and Muna
1 Temple Street - 01844 237468
Shop Open Hours
Monday to Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7 am - 7 pm
7 am - 6 pm
7 am - 6 pm
7 am - 2 pm
Groceries
Automatic Phone TOP-UP machine
Cash-Debit Card Facilities
Stationery and Greetings Cards
Minerals, Wines, Beers and Cigarettes
Fresh Eggs from a Local Farm
Fresh Bread every day and Cakes
Frozen Foods
Fresh Food and Vegetables
DIY
….and many more Knick-Knacks and Household Goods
Post Office Open Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
9 am - 5.30 pm
(Closed for lunch between 12.30pm - 1.30 pm)
Wednesday & Saturday
Stamps
Pay Bills
Foreign Currency
Car Tax
Car Insurance
Home Loans
Banking Facilities
Travel & Home Contents Insurance
Top-ups for mobile phones
…. and much more ….
9 am - 12.30 pm
MICMAC NEWS
Robert and Louise Nichol
01844 238511
Supplier of daily and Sunday newspapers, magazines and periodicals
A General Store selling fresh milk and bread, together with fresh pies, pasties, pastries
and sausage rolls
Cold drinks, wines, spirits and beers, plus other foods and usual household and toiletry
products
We also sell stationery items and have a wide selection of greetings cards
We are a National Lottery outlet
THE PHEASANT INN
Russell has recently taken over as landlord of this 17th Century public house, which
you can find at the bottom of Windmill Street overlooking the common, windmill and
the stunning views !
The Pheasant boasts a consistently good reputation for food, which can be enjoyed in
the cosy restaurant, or outdoors in the large garden when the weather is fine. A pint of
well-kept real ale or a glass of fine wine can be enjoyed next to the open log fire with
a warm, friendly atmosphere. A monthly music night is held in the pub on the first
Tuesday of the month, with various local bands performing. Russell has recently
employed a new chef who has extensively revised the menu. The new lunch, main
and special menus are prepared from fresh ingredients delivered daily. Food is served
at lunchtime and in the evenings throughout the week, and all day at weekends.
The Pheasant is a busy, food-orientated free house, which also has letting
accommodation for Bed and Breakfast. All rooms have en-suite showers and tea and
coffee-making facilities.
To see more, visit www.thepheasant.co.uk Telephone 01844 237104
THE RED LION
Kate and Andy Callen became Landlords of The Red Lion on 6th November 2006,
having previously run The Peacock at Bolter End, a pub with a reputation for good
food. Kate and Andy would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has made
them feel so welcome and already a part of the community.
A pub is many things to many people and it is Kate and Andy’s intention to provide a
welcoming environment. Whether to dine, drink, play games such as dominos, Aunt
Sally or pool, read the paper or just catch up on gossip, all are welcome !
The Red Lion offers good quality food at reasonable prices, from a choice of
Lunch and Evening Menus, together with Daily Specials.
Also on offer are real ales and fine wines.
Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30 and 18:30 to 21:30, and
from 12:00 to 16:00 on Sundays, which includes a traditional Sunday Roast.
A Take-Away Menu is available during these times and includes wood fired pizzas
and ¼ lb pure beef burgers made by our butcher.
www.the-red-lion-at-brill.co.uk
For bookings please telephone 238339
The Brill Handbook
SPORTS & RECREATION
BRILL SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
The Club is a family-orientated Sports Club in the heart of the village, where you can
play football, cricket, tennis, table tennis, or just enjoy a relaxing drink or a game of
dominos or whist in the clubhouse. Football and cricket teams play in local
competitive leagues, as well as friendly fixtures. All standards and abilities are
welcome. Junior and Kwik Cricket are also available during the season.
Opening times
From 7.30 pm To Midnight
Every second Wednesday in the month - For traditional jazz
Every Thursday - Whist drive and dominos
Every Friday and Saturday
Chairman
John Fitsell
01844 238195
Vice-Chairman
Chris Whiteman
01844 237237
Secretary
Jim Saunders MBE
01844 237182
Treasurer
Rene Moore
01844 237487
Social/Membership
Secretary
Vince Daly
01844 237050
Membership *
Seniors
£10.00
Juniors
£ 5.00
Senior Citizens
Free – on application
* Playing members are liable for match fees
BRILL CRICKET CLUB
Brill Cricket Club is affiliated to Brill Sports & Social Club and provides both league
and social cricket for players of all abilities. There is also a thriving junior section that
takes part in Kwik Cricket and plays some competitive midweek fixtures as well.
The Club is affiliated to the Oxford Cricket Association and provides two league sides
(1st XI & 2nd XI) which play on Saturdays throughout the season. Social cricket is
played on Sundays.
Cricket Club Membership costs £20 per annum for adults (no charge for U16’s) which
includes membership of the Sports & Social Club. Match fees are charged at £6 to
cover teas and umpires expenses. Brill Cricket Club has an excellent team of tea ladies
who keep us well fed !
The Committee organises many fund raising activities throughout the year; to
purchase equipment, to maintain the playing surfaces and to support the development
of the Clubhouse for members. We have established a Junior Cricket Festival, played
every June, which attracts several hundred junior cricketers from local clubs to play in
a competitive tournament.
Annually, the Club holds its Presentation Dinner where cups and trophies are awarded.
Previous guest speakers have included Phil Tufnell, Angus Fraser, Robin Smith,
Freddie Trueman and, most recently, umpire David Shepherd.
The Club is open to new players whatever their ability. If you would like to come and
support the village team and get to meet some new friends – you will be made to feel
very welcome.
Contact Jon Vaile – Chairman (237284)
BRILL TENNIS CLUB
Brill Tennis Club has a court next to the school. The court has recently been
resurfaced. The club welcomes members of all ages and abilities. We run
tournaments in the summer for both adults and children. Coaching is also available.
Membership fees are £25 for an adult, £10 for a child, and £60 for family membership.
Members can book the court at Londis. With membership, members can have their
own key and need not pay each time they play.
For more information, please contact
Mary Lever, 2 Manor House, Brill, on 01844 237931
BRILL KEEP FIT GROUP
The Brill Keep Fit Group meets in the Memorial Hall at 8.00pm every Thursday
evening during school term time. The group includes men and women of varying ages
and fitness levels. Sessions last for an hour and usually end with a drink in the Red
Lion or Pheasant afterwards. Certain social members rarely attend Part 1 in the
Memorial Hall but make a real effort to be present at Part 2 at a local pub. For this
reason the group is more commonly known as ‘Keep Fat’ !
The sessions are led by a rota of volunteers. We always vary the content, but most
sessions consist of a warm up, stretches, some form of circuit training or aerobic work,
followed by a cool down and stretches to finish. We try to get outside as much as we
can during the summer term.
The volunteer leaders are untrained and we do not have any insurance cover. The
group operates on the understanding that everyone takes part at their own risk. As a
precaution any ‘no win–no fee’ solicitors attending sessions have to agree to buy all
the drinks during Part 2. Seriously though, if you have any doubts about your ability to
take place, we would encourage you to have a word with your GP first. We make a
modest charge to cover the hall booking fees, with any surplus being donated to a local
good cause (currently the pre-school playgroup appeal).
The group is informal, friendly and everyone is encouraged to work up to, but never
beyond, their capabilities. You don’t need fancy Lycra kit and high tech trainers to
come (in fact these are probably best avoided if you are sensitive to gentle teasing !)
Dig out those old shorts and plimsolls and come along – you will be made very
welcome.
SHORT MAT BOWLS
Short mat bowls is held in Brill Memorial Hall every Monday and Wednesday From 2.00 To 4.00 pm
There is a small admission charge to cover the cost of the Hall
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served at half time
Flat shoes must be worn ! No need to book – just turn up
For more information please contact Pearl Wheeler – 238370
GOLFING WITH BOFGAS
BOFGAS is a very social golf society of not especially good golfers from in and
around Brill.
Our aim is to enjoy a few golf days in Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire each summer, followed by a few pints and some good food.
What does BOFGAS stand for ? Well it could be Brill Old Fellows Golfing Society,
but it isn't.
How did BOFGAS start? We think its origins were one day late last century when
Eric Rose, Martyn Kitson, Mike Page and Richard Judd had completed 36 holes at
Chesterton, and after about the third pint someone suggested regular golf days with
like minded "golfers". So the idea for BOFGAS came about and more people get
involved each year.
There are usually 4 or 5 BOFGAS days from April to October, at courses such as
Magnolia Park, Chipping Norton, Stocks, Kirtlington and Chiltern Forest. We play 27
holes and most days there are between 16 and 24 “golfers” involved.
For more information contact Richard Judd on 238161
or Andrew Whitaker on 238650
[email protected]
VILLAGE PUB GAMES
The village pubs and Sports and Social Club are home to traditional pub games and a
quizzes :
In the winter months it is dominoes, with teams of 6 people playing in the local
league.
The other, even older, game is Aunt Sally. This is a summer game played outdoors
and comprises 8 people chucking sticks at a wooden doll balanced 30 yards away on a
pole. That is, the doll is balanced on a pole not the 8 people ! This game requires
some hand/eye co-ordination, along with some hand to mouth co-ordination. There
are currently two teams, each with different levels of skills in the above departments
They also play around the Oxford area.
Evening quizzes are held on a regular basis. Contact the landlords and secretary for
further information.
BRILL FOOTPATH GROUP
The BFG used to organise walks once a month during the less inclement months of the
year – usually February through to October – from Brill. Occasionally we would meet
up outside the village to take in a new walk, but most walks started and finished in
Brill and took in the delightful countryside and views around the village.
The walks were not long, usually three to four miles (very occasionally longer, but no
more than six miles) and were not strenuous “route marches.” However, as we live on
a hill, coming back was always a little slower than going out ! Walks were usually
held on the second Sunday of the month, starting at 2.00 pm, and occasionally 2.30
pm, and were led by a volunteer. They tended to be social walks with everyone
contributing to direction and discussion about all sorts of topics and issues. If you
would like to lead a walk then new leaders are always welcome – no training
required, just an open and enquiring mind, as well as an unerring ability to find your
way back to where you started from ! Families and accompanied children are always
welcome, dogs too (as long as they are on a lead and are well-behaved around children
and other animals.)
Brill Footpath Group has recently disbanded, but walks are still
organised in conjunction with both the Brill Society and the Brill
Environment Group. If you would be interested in organising some
local walks or starting up a new BFG please contact
Leslie Sopp – 01844 237811 [email protected]
or either of the two organisations named above
BRILL CHURCH CHOIR
The choir meets every fourth Sunday of the month for the 10.30 am Family
Communion Service in Brill Church. We have a larger group of singers for the Carol
Service which is held on the Sunday before Christmas, with rehearsals usually starting
in November.
The Bernwode Singers
This is a group of about 50 singers, 80% of whom live in the village. We have done
about twelve concerts since we formed in 1998, Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi etc,
accompanied by a student orchestra from London and directed by Dr Jonathan
Williams. When the dates for the next concert are decided, practises will be on
Sunday evenings for approximately two hours.
If you are interested in joining either of the above choirs please contact
Charles Wheatley - 237102
THE JUBILEE JAZZ BAND
Traditional Jazz for Dancing and Listening
Chris Whiteman started playing the cornet when he came out of the RAF in 1958. He
played in a college band in High Wycombe and then in the University College
Hospital Jazz Band until 1964. Jazz Thamensian started in about 1965 and has been
playing in one form or another ever since. The original line up included, amongst
others, the late Pip Whiteman (Chris’s brother) who last played at the Jubilee
celebrations in Brill. We rather liked the name that we used that year and decided to
change the name. Pip never liked the name Jazz Thamensian and so in a sense it is a
bit of a memorial to him. The band have been playing together for many years. Dave
Williams, one of the banjo players, and Chris played for the first time together in 1958
and were at University College Hospital together. Keith Wilkins, clarinet and
saxophone, joined in about 1966. Norman Garner, clarinet and saxophone, joined
around 1968 and Jim Susans about 1972 (he now alternates between double bass and
banjo). Pete Lait has played with the JJB for many years on an occasional basis but
now is the regular trombonist. Bill Birkenshaw, banjo and guitar, has again played
with the band for many years. Richard Judd, the drummer, like his predecessor, Peter
Medcalf, is a resident of Brill. The JJB plays monthly, on the second Wednesday of
the month, in the Sports & Social Club, when musicians are welcome to sit in with the
band. The band also plays commercially all over the home counties.
Call Chris for details - 01844 237237 - [email protected]
BELLRINGING
Sunday Service Ringing 10.00 – 10.30 am : Other services by arrangement
Practice Night – Monday 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Tower Captain – Peter Nicholas : 01844 238577
Ringing is a satisfying voluntary activity – drawing on physical skill and strength,
memory, sight, hearing and logic. It is basically cheap – the bells and the ropes are
provided by the church, and we even get paid for ringing for weddings – and it doesn’t
require special clothing. It provides opportunities for teamwork, leadership and the
teaching of others, and for social contacts not only within our own band, but also
frequently with other ringers in the diocese, and beyond. If one is able to travel, there
are sets of 5 or more bells rung in essentially the same way in over 5000 towers in
England – and some further a field: during the last 4 years members of the tower have
rung, either with other visitors or with local ringers, in York Minster, Tewkesbury
Abbey and in over 150 towers each in England and Wales. Ringing can provide a
satisfying activity connected with the church for those who wouldn’t be content to just
come and sit in a pew. Please consider joining us – or recruiting a friend who doesn’t
at present attend church. Visitors who want to have a look before committing
themselves would be welcome to come along to one of our Monday evening practices,
from about 7.30pm.
PROGRESSIVE SUPPER
This event has now become an eagerly awaited event in the Brill social calendar, and
is a brilliant way for people new to the village to meet lots of friendly villagers. The
event takes place in September, and is advertised in the August and September issues
of the Bernwode News, where you will find an application form.
And what exactly is a Progressive Supper ? Well, between 50 and 80 people (plus an
appropriate number of bottles) meet up for sherry and an itinerary. They then disperse
round the village for starters, main courses and puddings before meeting up at a local
venue for coffee and drinks. The courses are divided into parties of about eight, and
you will only be with your partner if you are hosting one of the courses. If you are
new to the village, we ensure that someone will accompany to your next venue, so that
you don’t get lost on the Common! Although we say it ourselves, it is a thoroughly
enjoyable event, with great food and much hilarity. Hope to see you!
Alison Fisher 238405 : Diane Lee 238484 : Merilyn Munson 237510
THANKS
To all contributors, to Tim Andrew for the cover photograph,
and to Liz and Chris Whiteman for the individual section painting and
photographs.
Contributions have been compiled by the individual societies and organisations.
If you have any queries please contact them directly.