It’s that time of year when those of us who have horses and other livestock, would love your help to keep them safe around Guy Fawkes night. Last year with your support and everyone’s diligence in the village, we were extremely thankful that none of us had any accidents or vets visits (some will remember we had a horse that nearly died from being spooked by fireworks in 2021). So please, again this year, we ask for your help to publicise and perhaps educate those who are not aware of the inherent risk from fireworks being set off near horses and livestock. It really can cause terrible tragedy. There are several stables in the village, that due to the current mild weather, have horses, including foals out at night in the fields. We really appreciate your support again.

Thank you on behalf of all the horses and livestock owners Sarah Morris (Hydon Farm) and Julie Davis (Daremead)

Originally set up by Georgina Aylward, Sarah King and a few other community-minded volunteers, the Scheme was re- launched in June 2023 to expand both its volunteer base and the number of Villagers it assists and to make it compliant with up to date requirements for schemes of this kind.

Run by a small band of Hambledonians, HGNS is there to help local residents and is essentially a community car scheme for those in need. HGNS volunteer Mary Grove says “the scheme is really to fill the gap in local public transport for those who live in Hambledon who don’t drive and would otherwise find it difficult to get to medical appointments. Having local drivers who you know and can rely on means one less worry.”

The scheme was set up with a generous grant from the Village Festival Committee to meet its initial costs. Ongoing, it aims to be self-funding and non-profit making. Clients may wish to make a small voluntary contribution to help meet the Scheme’s costs.

HGNS would welcome new volunteers to join the roster of helpers. There are essentially two roles. Administrators, who monitor and respond to the HGNS mobile answerphone system, allocating the trips to drivers and then confirming the details back to the clients. This role is not onerous, can be managed from home or remotely and is rotated on a weekly basis. Volunteer drivers with their own car who can dedicate their time travelling to and waiting at appointments. Motor expenses and any parking costs incurred are reimbursable.

If you would like to help HGNS in either or both of these volunteer roles

or
you need transport to a medical appointment

then please ring the HGNS Helpline number 07400 839471 and wait for the recorded message.

Find out more: https://www.pth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Open-Gardens-brochure-2023-v2.pdf

It was full house at the Village Hall on 1st April for the Quiz Night in aid of The Stroke Association. Our quiz master Bill Dann provided his usual excellent quizzing – often it isn’t what you know but how you played your multiplier (never works for me though!) Halftime saw provision of a hot meal – chilli con or sin carne, plus baked potatoes.salad, and sourcream and sweets for pud (chilli ably cooked by Lauren, Tina and Martyn) which was very much enjoyed. Sarah Stuckey headed the winning table – congratulations!. It was an enjoyable evening which raised £1320 – this donation can be seen on Nick Davey’s Just Giving site.

Nick is Tina and Robin Cole’s son-in-law and is running the London Marathon on 23 April – by the time you read this hopefully he will have achieved a good time and raised even more for The Stroke Assoc. Thank you all so much for supporting our event.

The next Bill quiz in the Village Hall will be on Sat 25th November, in aid of the Hall funds.
Mary G

Our own National Trust gem is soon to re-open. Volunteers are also sought for the coming season to guide visitors around the property. If you’d like to volunteer contact by email camilla.edmiston@btinternet.com or call 01428 687820.

Hambledon Village website was selected in 2012 to be archived by the UK National Archives as a good example of a community resource.  That archive is still available to view and can provide an insight into what was topical in January 2012.  It maybe no surprise to see some things don’t change – like discussion of bus services being withdrawn and the impact of the weather. You can browse the website as it was in 2012 here.

Beware – there is a significant icy patch on Malthouse Lane between St. Dominic’s entrance and the top of the drive of Malthouse Farm. This afternoon (Thursday) a vehicle has just skidded badly, damaging the brick wall and the 4×4 vehicle. Anyone on foot or driving by please take extra care while these temperatures are so low.