SPRING ’21 Established in 1989 £1.00

A Quarterly Publication containing News, Views, Reports and some History of the Village, produced by Villagers for Villagers. All profits go to good causes within the Village.

£33m. WHAT A MAN!

Inside this issue:

OUR ADVERTISERS Page 35 HOLMER GREEN WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NEWS Page 14 1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUTS NEWS Page 5 LANTERN CLUB NEWS Page 7 BRITISH LEGION – WOMEN’S SECTION Page 5 MEMORIES OF THE REV. NIGEL STOWE Page 9 CHADWICK LADIES NEWS Page 7 THE PARISH MATTERS Page 32 CHERRY GARTH NEWS Page 26 TIME TO TREASURE WILDLIFE Page 12 CHILTERN HOUSE PRACTICE NEWS Page 31 THEATRE GOING (OR NOT!) Page 22 GRAMPY KINGS OLD ARM CHAIR Page 25 TRUDIE TALKS TO ... Page 21 GARDENING MATTERS Page 29 USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS Page 34 HOLMER GREEN CRICKET CLUB Page 15 VILLAGE CENTRE NEWS Page 13 HOLMER GREEN FOOTBALL CLUB Page 8 VILLAGE CONTACTS Page 3 HOLMER GREEN GARDENING ASSOCIATION Page 15 VILLAGE SOCIETY NEWS Page 27 and much more …! Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years Editorial by Ann Miller

nother quarter has gone for Holmer Green Today and we still remain in this limbo land of living. Still waiting for our lives to get back on track, for clubs, groups to reopen and to meet up with our friends and family again. In spite of this the community of Holmer Green has A again supported this edition of HGT by submitting plenty of articles. Who can say that a year ago they had heard of Zoom, Facebook, Hangouts, Messenger, Facetime and many more? Teams to me were Spurs or Wycombe Wanderers. With the use of these sites many of you have been able to keep in touch with your members and, although this is not a replacement for physical contact and meeting up, it has offered support and care for your various groups. As you will have noticed we have decided to devote the front cover of our magazine to Captain Tom who, although we didn’t know him personally, became a representation of the year that has just passed. He inspired many people to take similar actions and to realise some very altruistic achievements. In his quiet and discreet manner, he symbolised a people wanting to come together and show support for all those who were committing themselves to caring for our communities. I must take time to write a few words about Stuart King who has featured in two of our articles this quarter. His article about Grampy’s chair is delightful, his appearance on ‘Countryfile’ highlighting our lovely area was most enjoyable. Personally, I have to say may the force be with you regarding the HS2 situation. I would like to take this opportunity to focus on a few magazine housekeeping areas. With reference to the Contacts page of Holmer Green Today, if you are aware of any clubs or groups that are not running anymore or leaders of groups that have changed could you e-mail the editor so that they can be revised. In reference to articles that are submitted could they please be in Word or .txt format and if possible, no more than A4 in size (approximately 950 words). A piece of good news: the ATM machine in Walsh’s is now free which is very handy in these times. Best wishes to you all and please enjoy this issue of your magazine.

Editor: Ann Miller ...... 57, Winters Way 715483 E: [email protected]

Coordinators: Advertising: Susan Rasala ...... 2c, Earl Howe Road 716301 E: [email protected]

Articles etc.: Judy Gilligan ...... 11, Parish Piece 714838 E: [email protected]

Articles etc.: Linda Meatyard ...... 24, The Rosary 715805 E: [email protected]

Magazine Distribution: Nick Reynolds ...... 31, Harries Way 714473

Magazine Subscriptions: Janet Reid ...... 10, New Pond Road 712073 E: [email protected]

Treasurer: Ann Sollars ...... 15, Watchet Lane 713420

Typesetting & Layout design: Peter Rawbone ...... 1, Hollyberry Grove E: [email protected]

The publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions nor can they be held accountable for the accuracy of advertisements, or for the editorial information sent to them and reserve the right to reject or amend it. Please note the copy deadlines for the remaining 2021 editions are 11th May, 10th August & 9th November.

Advertising Rates (black &white) – there is an additional cost for colour: Full Page – £50.00, Half Page – £30.00, Quarter Page – £17.00, Eighth Page – £10.00

Printed by South Bucks Business Products Ltd - 01494 437470

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 Village Contacts 

1st HG Scout Group 1st HG Rainbows & Brownies 1st Holmer Green Guides Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Vicki Fleming – [email protected] 2nd HG Brownies 2nd Holmer Green Guides 4th HG Brownies Rosalyn Stead - 07908 475009 Dianne Carnier, Maureen Camier – Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 711134 ATC, 871 Penn Squadron Beamond End Residents Beavers 6-8 years Pilot Officer Shepherd – 07900 241760 Assoc. Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 Boys Brigade Chadwick Ladies Club Cherry Garth Care Home Mr Mark Durn (Captain) – 07703 182511 Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 711681 [email protected] Christ Church (C of E) Cub Scouts 8-10 years Girls Football Priest-in-Charge: Rev Ruth Atkinson Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 01494 715195. www.pshg.org Extend – Gentle Exercise Girl Guiding – HG District Girl Guiding – Volunteering Carolyn – 712801 Mrs Maureen Carnier – 711134 Vicki Fleming – 07823 478200 [email protected] Holmer Green Baptist Church Holmer Green Cricket Club Holmer Green Childminding Pastor: Anthony Smith. David Stockings Group Office: 712479 [email protected] Jackie Shaw – 711920 [email protected] Holmer Green First School Holmer Green Football Club Holmer Green Juniors Football 712050 Mr Rob Shed – 716318 Mr Matt Brades – 716114 M: 07539 267948 [email protected] Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Methodist Pre- 713000 Association School Ms Helen Hodgson – 717838 Ms Sharon Dorme – 716897 [email protected] Holmer Green Players Holmer Green Senior School Holmer Green Sports Ms Vicky Martin – 07817724184 Association Association [email protected] Ms Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment Ms Laura Ripley – 711485 / 714985 c/o School Office – 712219 Holmer Green Stroke Club Holmer Green Village Society Holmer Green WI Mrs Mary Coker – 812162 Secretary - Mrs Penny Thicket - Mrs Pauline Ellis – 713625 07976 230371 Holmer Green Youth Club Junior & Adult Chess Link-up Bereavement and Mr Michael Turner – 711970 (Beginner & Refresher) Friendship Group Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Little Missenden Parish Methodist Church Poppies Day Nursery Council Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth – Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 Parish Clerk: –715429 712236 E:[email protected] E:[email protected] Rossetti Hall – (Bookings) Royal British Legion Hall – Royal British Legion – Womens’ [email protected] (Bookings) 711144 Section [email protected] Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Simply Walk Souper Lunch for a light lunch Squash Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 and chat, Christ Church Centre Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 The Lantern Club Tiddlywinks Baby, Toddler Village Centre – (Bookings) Mrs Ann Sollars – 713420 and Under School Age Group Paul Fleming – 08707 656 450 Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 [email protected] Church Office – 715195 VPA – The Holmer Green Gardening Women’s Fellowship – Association Christ Church Secretary: Meg Brinton, 716992, Mrs Joan Toye - 718466 [email protected]. www.hgvpa.org.uk GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION 2018 (GDPR) We believe the magazine complies with GDPR. However, should anyone wish their details removed from this list please advise a member of the Team, whose information is on the page opposite. However, if you would like your organisation to be included, please contact Ann Sollars on 713420

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Motorists Please don’t forget Pavements are for Pedestrians!

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British Legion – Women’s Section I hope we all made the best of Christmas and the New Year, even with lockdown. Walking through the village more houses had outside decorations to light up the dark evenings, with fireworks bringing in the New Year. As we are all aware, clubs are still closed. We have been fortunate with our weather, able to meet people walking their dogs, families with their young children. Last October the usual poppy collection, around the houses, was cancelled because of Covid-19, but the British Legion was given permission to put boxes of poppies and donation tins into the local shops, Penn Street and Kingshill village. These were collected later than usual. Mr. Peter Rolt, the Poppy Ap- peal Organiser, would like to thank all those who donated to this worthy cause. The total monies collected was £2,556.43 which was more than expected. Once again, the Poppy Shield went to J. Wal- sh’s newsagents for the biggest seller of poppies. The Remembrance Service at the Baptist Church was unfortunately cancelled, but last-minute decisions between officers of the committee decided to go ahead with a wreath laying ceremony and prayers at the Memorial by the common. The chairman of the Women’s Section thanked the public for attending and started the service with the exhortation. Wreaths were then placed around the Memorial and the Branch Padre read prayers. The Branch chair- man then read out the names of the fallen men who had paid their supreme sacrifice. At 11.00 am the Last Post was played from the Padre’s mobile phone, as of course we were unable to get a bugler. Mr. Peter Rolt, the Standard Marshal, then lowered the National Standard to commemorate the two minutes silence. The President, Mr. Gordon Howland, ended the service with “When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today”. Mr. Stuart King was taking photographs at the service and if you would like a copy please contact him on [email protected] In the autumn 2020 edition of the magazine, there were two articles written about less traffic on the roads due to the coronavirus lockdown. I need to walk along the pavements to the shops and I have noticed cars stop for me when I need to cross the road and also when I helped a disabled person to cross. But when will these drivers realise pavements are for pedestrians with shopping trolleys and pushchairs and not for parking. Then, of course, people text on their mobiles and walk into you!

Wendy Tomlin

1st Holmer Green Scout Group New year, still lockdown, but at least a little something to celebrate. I have just completed 50 years as a Leader including 43 with Holmer Green. It has been quite a journey. The group has continued to offer Scouting activities throughout this period through zoom meetings for our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The Leaders have created an interesting online programme and I am grateful to them for their continuing hard work to keep the youngsters interested and providing a much- needed diversion from schoolwork. We did however follow tradition in December by taking out our Father Christmas float round the vil- lage over three nights. Because of COVID we did not attempt to collect money door to door so decided to simply drive round the village playing Christmas music to cheer people up. Many people came out to see us and some said a little bit of normality had come at this difficult time. Others said Christmas starts now that the Scouts have been round. We were limited to the length of time we could take each night because of risk assessment rules and unfortunately, we could not visit every road because our annual visit usually takes four nights. We are grateful to those who donated cash in the buckets suspended from the back of the sleigh and also by those who contributed to our online fundraising page. We also provided our usual annual Christmas card service and we are grateful to Fox chemist and Walsh newsagent for selling stamps. We had a substantial number of cards this year and we carefully stored them because of COVID rules before delivery. I am grateful to families both inside and outside the group for making sure the cards were all delivered before Christmas. We, of course, have no idea when we can restart face to face meetings. If relaxations are brought in during the summer, outdoor programmes will be a possibility. I am even planning our District St George’s day parade for the end of the April on the Common, more in hope than expectation. Thank you to everyone connected with Holmer Green Scout Group for their continuing support and here’s to the next 50 years

Neil Spencer CBE Group Scout leader

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The Lantern Club Last October marked the Lantern Club’s 30th anniversary since it opened its doors for the first time in 1990. In March 2021 we see a less happy anniversary as it will be a year since those doors had to close, albeit temporarily, because of the Pandemic. Our last meeting was on March 9th, 2020 and at the moment we can- not reliably predict when we will be able to re-open safely. Meanwhile our elderly members have been sup- ported by weekly phone calls, or a text exchange with the families as agreed, from our Activity Leader Sha- ron and several of our members have enjoyed a good chat with her on a Monday morning. Sharon then shares their news with the Committee. At Christmas Sharon assembled and delivered (socially distanced!) lovely goody bags filled with seasonal gifts such as a plant, a calendar, shortbread, a yule log, a panettone and chocolates and we are grateful to the local Buckinghamshire Community Board for a donation to- wards the cost of these. Also thank you to the Village Society which made us aware of the availability of this funding, a good example of how village organisations work together for the benefit of others. Let us hope that later in the year we will all be able to enjoy each other’s company again! Ann Sollars – Hon Sec Lantern Club Christmas Deliveries

CHADWICK LADIES CLUB It’s hard to believe that it’s over a year since we had to curtail our meetings in February 2020. What a year it has been for all of us! I sincerely hope that you have managed to avoid this terrible virus and that you have kept yourself occupied with activities during periods of isolation from friends and family. With no end in sight in lifting full lockdown restrictions, it may yet be a while before we can safely meet again. The committee will be reviewing the situation at the end of February as we have to give notice to cancel our bookings for the Village Hall should we decide we cannot meet in April and May (though May 24th might just be possible as a restart date). Most members will have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of February but we will be waiting for second doses. Those may not be completed until the end of April or even early May and we cannot safely restart meetings until the majority of us have had both doses. Even when we come out of full lockdown, we do not know what the restrictions will be on the use of our Village Hall in terms of numbers, distancing rules and cleaning protocols. All these will affect our decision making. If we are unable to meet in April or May all members will be notified by email or phone. Should we be able to restart in June the dates are the 7th and 21st, then July 5th and 19th. A reminder that, when we resume, the meetings will be in the afternoons starting at 2pm. Let’s all try and stay positive that we can restart before our summer break. We can’t allow our thriving club to fold forever because of this virus. Anyway, our Golden Jubilee is due in March 2022 and a good excuse for a big party! Congratulations to Dot Spooner who celebrated her 90th birthday in January. Best wishes to everyone, Gaynor Spiller - Chairlady

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Holmer Green Football Club WHAT DOES A FOOTBALL CLUB DO WHEN IT So, all that exciting activity came to a grinding halt CAN’T PLAY FOOTBALL? in December, having had a partial stop in November of course. What happens next while we wait for You might think that the answer posed by the permission to restart? Well, the key priority is to question in the title is “Not a lot!” But here at the make sure we are financially secure. We do watch Football Club we have been trying to do what everyone every penny that we spend, and it is all committed to else is endeavouring to do, to keep busy. ensuring the quality of equipment and facilities that Let me start pre lockdown. we provide for players of all ages is the best we can Having waited patiently throughout the Summer to possibly achieve. We therefore continued to employ restart and prepared the players like never before our Groundsman to maintain the pitches and keep for the new season expectations were high. There them in readiness. Did you know that 134mm of rain was a great buzz about the Club despite the operating fell in January? That in itself would probably have restrictions the Club and Bar in particular were under. caused a few games to be postponed. We also carried We benefitted from a huge amount of help from out measures to stop the young intruders that went volunteers in preparing for the new season. We even through a phase of partying in the main stand at night managed to refurbish the changing rooms and showers and leaving us to clear up their rubbish and repair the thanks to the band of helpers put together by Paul damage. Further security actions have been Jarrott. identified and we hope the local Community Board will be sympathetic and give us some help. We would of The season got underway in September and we course prefer to spend money on playing football, but enjoyed more success on the pitch at all levels than security is becoming increasingly a major priority. we have for a while. The first team, led by Manager Matt Stowell, had wins in the FA Cup and FA Vase and To keep all the junior players engaged James when stopped in November were riding high in the Banathy has been running a Saturday morning zoom League in 7th place. This was achieved by a huge call. Each week a new skill is discussed, and the kids amount of effort and being able to attract some practise while on the call. Can’t beat the real thing of excellent young players to the Club. The Development course but it is hopefully keeping the juniors team, managed by James Banathy, also had some good practising their skills in readiness. James has also wins and were 2nd in Hellenic Division 2 East. James had to convert the Apprenticeship scheme to an online expertly managed the team in conjunction with his exercise until he is able to return to the Club. They leadership of the HGFC Academy, the Apprenticeship are currently developing social media skills. Take a scheme that commenced in September. look at their Instagram account @pfauk_holmergreenacademy. Not to be outdone, Chris Allen had re energised the need for an Old Boys’ team and thanks to the And what about the senior players? Most are back support from past players and some new, got the team working and studying but keeping fit by going on off the ground and had them challenging in Division 1 regular runs. The 5k challenge seems quite popular of the Aylesbury & District League where they were and it is a good way of keeping in contact. Matt and unbeaten. Chris had to withdraw from matchday his team don’t stop thinking about formations, players duties due to ill health, but we all look forward to and opponents and it hopefully won’t be too long welcoming him back before too long. before they are running out at Watchet Lane again. I’m not sure that the Old Boys are doing too many 5k The Youth team struggled a bit this season with a runs but I reckon they would all argue that at their very inexperienced team, the season pause may have age its all about timing, not fitness? benefitted them by giving them more time to prepare. We also had a very keen Under 18 team this year who The good news then is that at every level the we helped to develop into a very competitive team. Football Club is in good shape and all teams are all Unfortunately, age is not on their side, but they may looking forward to playing football again when the be able to continue as U19s? Government allow. We have even missed standing beside cold, wet pitches being battered by wind and The Junior teams at the Club from ages 5 to 14 rain! One thing that we have been reminded of is the were all in good shape pre lockdown. It was important place the Club plays in the fitness and interesting how much fitness they had lost when they mental health of the community in which we are returned to training in May but some intensive located. Football and sport in general, provides an sessions over the Summer saw them well prepared by outlet for people of all ages to participate, whether it September. We were not able to hold our Junior be playing, managing or spectating. We have missed it Tournament in September which is a major source of so much but we are ready and waiting to welcome funding for the Club, but we did see teams expanding everyone back to Watchet Lane just as soon as the number of players signed on. There is nothing possible! better than coming to Watchet Lane and seeing the grounds full of young players enjoying themselves. In the meantime, take care and please keep safe. We do pride ourselves that we have some of the best Rob Shed - Chairperson facilities in Bucks and a great team of dedicated volunteers who coach the teams. In that regard we are looking for volunteers to help run our Under 7 team in season 2021-22 if anyone is interested?

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OUR CONGRATULATIONS GO TO Dorothy Spooner, who turned 90 on 20th January 2021 [see her image on the back page] and our CONDOLENCES GO THEFAMILY AND FRIENDS OF The Reverend Nigel Stowe 29th April 1936 - 27th January 2021

MEMORIES OF REVEREND NIGEL STOWE The Rev Stowe, who died the foundation stone by a on 27th January, was the previous Vicar of the Parish of Penn Countess in 1894. A large Street and Holmer Green crowd enjoyed the service from 1976 to 2001. He was with music from the Christ a well-loved minister of his Church Orchestra. flock which included every- Nigel organised trips to the one who lived in the two Holy Land and to Oberam- villages whether churchgo- mergau for the Passion Play ers or not. His numerous and also visits to the Royal acts of kindness were very Albert Hall for the music much appreciated, whether event ‘Prom Praise’. These it was a letter of encourage- were always fully booked ment on a hospital pillow, a and very successful. note of welcome when On a lighter side, Nigel and moving into a new home or Pauline, his wife, ran country an anniversary card. His dance lessons for many support after bereavement years, with the help of Ber- helped those left behind to nard Dyer playing his accordi- cope. on. He was involved with the From 1976 until his retire- other local churches sup- ment in 2001, Nigel loved his porting their efforts to care church and his village family. for Holmer Green and was He will be remembered for Chaplain to the local British his energy and kindness. Legion. On a personal note, I remem- One of his major achievements was the planning ber Nigel telling me, with a twinkle in his eye, that it and building of the Church Centre using local help- was important for a vicar to have a strong bladder ers and college students. This included driving the to cope with the many cups of tea offered! digger in the rain to get the foundations done. Our condolences go to Nigel’s wife, Pauline, sons He was a great organiser, and a prime example David and Jonathan, daughter-in-law Tracey, and was the 100-year celebrations of the building of grandson Thomas. Christ Church. Thank you to all for your contributions and pho- It was a splendid occasion with Lady Howe arriv- tographs. ing in a horse-drawn trap to re-enact the laying of Hilary Hide

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Would: any local business or organisation care to purchase space in Holmer Green Today to advertise their activities and at the same time support the Village ? The circulation is between four and five hundred. If so, please contact our Advertising Coordinator, Susan Rasala, whose details are on page 2.

And … would any local organisation like to submit articles for future publication? If so, please contact the Editor whose details are also on page 2, it’s free!

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Time to Treasure our Trees and Wildlife in Holmer Green Over the past year many of us have had time to pay more attention to our surroundings and gain much needed pleasure from our green spaces and wildlife, either when we are “locked down” at home or on our daily exercise outings. If, like me, you are a follower of Spring, Autumn or Winter Watch on TV you may perhaps be looking out more for sightings of wild plants or animals. Do you find that nature watching lifts your spirits and getting out and about is a great de-stressor? You may have recently taken part in the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch and as a result may find yourself more knowledgeable about the birds that visit your garden or that you see when out an about. We are so fortunate in the Chilterns to have healthy populations of Red Kites amongst many other more common birds. Watching those Kites is captivating; appar- ently the male kites perform more acrobatics in flight twisting and turning more than the females who have longer and broader wings.

We know that all our wildlife relies on wild places, trees and greenery for food, shelter, roosting, hunting, and nesting. Maybe a more recent trend is to view trees and native greenery (e.g., Holly and Ivy) as a nuisance and not just in Holmer Green has there been a steady clearance of these for driveways, landscaping, fences, or new buildings. With every tree felled; hedge removed; greenery cleared many wild animals (birds, bees, beetles, moths, butterflies, and small mammals) lose that important habitat and in turn, for those of us who gain joy from wildlife our lives are also impacted. Sadly, we know that there have been dramatic reductions in our populations of many native birds, animals, and plants since the 1970s. There are many factors, but we know that we can all do our bit to reverse that decline.

Our British wildlife has developed in harmony over many thou- sands of years and one of the best things we can do is allow native plants some space in our gardens, if we are fortunate enough to have one. We have been led to believe that native wild plants, when they appear in our gardens are “Weeds” and many have learned that they should be eliminated either by weeding or using weed killers. Sadly, it is those plants that are often the best food plants for Bees, Butterflies and Moths along with an amazing array of other invertebrates. When the warmer weather comes you might like to no- Tortoishell Butterfly tice which plants are popular with insects an allow more of those some on Pussy Willow Flowers space.

With the first signs of spring ap- pearing in our gardens (for example snowdrops and primroses) and the days lengthening you might already have given some thought to what you can do to provide more homes for wildlife in Holmer Green and the local environment this year.

White Tailed Bumble Bee Red Amiral Butterfly on Foxglove on its Foodplant – a Stinging Nettle Jo Hind - Earl Howe Road.

Note: Thank you to HGVS for planting the wildflower strip on Earl Howe road in 2020.

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NEWS FROM THE VILLAGE CENTRE The Village Centre remains in operation, albeit with very restricted use. The Holmer Green Pre-School continues to provide their excellent service to the community, but all other users have had to stop their activities because of, first, the tier restrictions and now the lockdown. As I write this in late January, the government has not given any hint about when some relaxation will occur and that will presumably depend on the progress of the vaccination programme and the reduction in case numbers which, it is hoped, will follow. Even so, because many of the Centre’s users are in the older age bracket, we don’t expect full usage to resume for some time. Our Bookings Secretary, Paul Fleming, is operating a rolling programme of cancellations so that, for instance, he has now deleted those for February 2021. Bookings for later in the year remain in place in the hope that they may be able to take place. As I mentioned last time, we have ceased all but essential expenditure to husband our resources. I would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to the Holmer Green Today magazine who, last November, made a most welcome and unexpected donation of £500 to assist us in keeping going. One small improvement we have made to the Centre, which was planned some time ago, is the replacement of the old – and largely incomprehensible – central heating controls with a new ‘Nest’ system. The great advantage of this is that it can be operated remotely, using a computer or smartphone and allows for a more flexible range of programming options. I also mentioned last time that Janet Osborne-Williams had decided to retire as our caretaker after 16 years in the role. We had a number of applications to replace her and have appointed Ghalib Chowdry – who likes to be known as Chow – to do the job. He is very keen and enthusiastic and has settled nicely into the position. The Committee has decided to go ahead with our Annual General Meeting on 9th March 2020, using Zoom video-conferencing. The meeting will start at 7pm. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should email [email protected] to receive the link to the meeting. James Cadle - Chairman. 01494 716992 [email protected]

Missing - Holmer Green’s Trees ! Has anyone else been noticing with regret the disappearance of Holmer Green’s trees? Can you find them below …. They are hidden: upwards, downwards, forwards, backwords or diagonally.

They are: F I P S T W E M I L A X T S V Alder Ash H I B A L D E R R S H W E H L Beech (previously outside Chiltern E D E H Q G Y I P W I L D O J Trading Estate, Earl Howe Road) U T W L U O A H D U P N E R E Cherry (in previously mixed orchard on Earl Howe Road) T A S C D P P L M P L A E S F Crab Apple S R W P A M O B A F G W C E A Field Maple W I L L O W A B L I M O Y C P Holly (did we lose one on Sheepcote Dell Road?) H O L G C D A P O A K R Q H P Horse Chestnut (or Conker previous- Z U H V E R R G L H R C P E L ly on Earl Howe Road) F S O H C R I B R E V L I S O Lime Oak (did The Old Oak ever have an O F L B E E D Y H E A V J T I Old Oak?) U C L S A S H C N U T W E N Z Rowan B V Y C L K G F D S E A P U O Silver Birch (previously several be- hind the Parish Notice Board, Pond O I Y R E H C E E B A C T T R Approach) Willow

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Holmer Green WI We held our first trial Zoom meeting in November 2020, attended by about 8 members, which mainly took the form of a chat. There is lots of WI merchandise available, including the Bucking- hamshire Villages book, and Bucks County WI centenary mugs. To mark this Centenary and also our move from Holmer Green Evening WI to Holmer Green WI, each of our members was presented with a printed gift mug at Christmas. Sixteen members joined the Zoom meeting in December. We invited Jane Powell who represents MEDI-SOS.com to talk to us. This is a charitable organisation, who provide free Grab bags for householders to keep in a safe place in their home for the use by paramedics in an emergency. Each pack contains a sticker to be placed by the entry door, to alert the paramedics where to find the information they need. The householders complete a form with details on medication, health issues, and items they would need to take to hospital with them in an emergency, such as glasses, hearing aids, dentures. (Info available from medi-sos.com) ‘From Guns & Roses to Hearts & Flowers’ was the title by speaker Catherine Jones at the Zoom meeting in January. No, this wasn’t a talk about heavy metal music, but how Catherine has charted her route from ‘trained killer’ (her army career) to a writer of romantic fiction. Over the years, she has written in several different styles, often using a different nom-de-plume to reflect her stories. Our Zoom attendance is creeping up, with 19 members joining in last time. After each meeting, there follows a little chat amongst ladies attending, and we hope that more members will be able to join in the future. The meetings are held at our normal time of third Wednesday afternoon of each month at 2pm. We aren’t able to make too many plans for future meetings as yet, and are taking things month by month, but as you can see, Holmer Green WI is alive and well! Membership for current members has been extended to the end of March 2021. Anyone wishing to join our WI and take advantage not only of our Zoom talks, but also the talks and videos provided by the Bucks Federation and the National Federation of WIs can visit our website www.holmergreenwi.weebly.com and click on the contacts page for more information about who to get in touch with. Make it a New Year’s resolution to see what you can get from the WI even in lockdown! Karen Marsden 01.01.1941 - 10.11.2020 Our dear friend and valued WI member Karen Marsden passed away in the Autumn after bravely facing illness for some time. She had been our excellent secretary for several years, approaching the role with her usual enthusiasm, intelligence, inspiration and ideas, with all the time, her kindness shining through. Karen was always the one with arts and craft ideas and inspired entries for our competitions. She was involved in planning our programme of speakers, which was always interesting and enjoyable, and she was an enthusiastic attendee of our fund-raising Friend’s Evenings. At committee meetings she would often treat us to some of her home-made Danish delicacies. Those at Cherry Garth may remember her volunteer work at the Bingo sessions – she was the lady who called the numbers! She made many good friends through the WI, and she will be dearly missed. Annie Greatorex

ARE YOU FED-UP WITH DOING THE SAME OLD WALKS? Walking in Buckinghamshire http://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/bucks is the website for you! With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place. John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web, but it is difficult to find. Walking in Buckinghamshire (part of the Walking in England suite of websites – one for each county in England) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’ With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy. So, home or away, check out the websites and get walking! John Harris www.walkinginengland.co.uk or email: [email protected]

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VPA, THE HOLMER GREEN GARDENING ASSOCIATION Sadly, the VPA continues to be in a state of enforced hibernation because of the pandemic and the consequent restrictions and lockdowns. We cannot stage any live talks or outings at the moment and, unfortunately, the Spring Show, which would normally be in March or April, isn’t a practical proposition either. However, we still have some hopes of staging our Annual Show in September when the vaccination programme will be well advanced and the government may have eased the restrictions. One thing that has continued – or rather resumed from 3rd January – is the Trading Store, thanks to the sterling efforts of Richard Chantler. Ideally, we would be operating a call-and-collect service, based on a price-list on our website but there is a problem with that (see next paragraph). So, if you would like to see the current stock/price list, please email Richard on [email protected]. If possible, we prefer payment by bank transfer when you place your order. The problem with our website is that the hosting service has pulled the plug on the package we used to maintain it. As a result, we can’t update the website, and those pages that involved PDF down- loads – such as the Trading Store pricelist – have stopped working altogether. We are investigating a new package and hope to get the website back up-and-running in due course. Our Gardening Guru, Brian Fisher, has volunteered to provide an online talk, via Zoom. His topic will be ‘Life in Paradise’ and it will feature gardens and landscapes from Guadeloupe and Martinique. It will be on Wednesday 17th March at 7pm, with the ‘virtual doors’ opening at 6:45. We have decided to make this an ‘open’ meeting, so non-VPA members are welcome to join us. Chess Valley u3a have kindly allowed us to use one of their Zoom accounts for this talk and here are the access codes: Meeting ID: 856 6711 4493 Passcode: 405036 Finally, because of the lack of activity in 2020, members who renewed last year have had their memberships ‘rolled over’ to cover 2021 as well. James Cadle – Chairman [email protected]

Holmer Green Cricket Club It is almost a year since HGCC contributed to the Holmer Green today magazine – and what a year it turned out to be! Cricket did not avoid the Covid restrictions put on everyday life but when it was safe to do so our Adult & Colts teams were able to get some much needed games in – a welcome distraction for all. We were also lucky enough to run a reduced All Stars programme (for 4-8 year olds) – it was great to see so many turn out in a safe environment. Like the rest of the World we are looking forward to more normal times. Our plans for the 2021 season have started and we hope that we can achieve a full season. With that in mind if you have an interest in joining our thriving club then, as a reminder, we run 5 Colts teams (U11, U13, U15, U17 & U19) and 2 Saturday adult teams who play competitive league cricket (and friendlies) plus a Sunday side who play social, fun, cricket against local teams. We intend to run All Stars if permitted to do so, as mentioned this is for 4-8 year olds. Anyone in this age group is welcome to join, no experience necessary. More information can be found at https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars. If playing is not something you find of interest then how about getting involved in the club more widely? We are always looking for people to help out around the club – be it in maintenance, Colts train- ing or being an official. You can contact us using any of the social media outlets listed below. In addi- tion fixtures, news and information can be found @ www.holmergreencc.co.uk. You can also to email us at [email protected]. Thanks for taking a few moments to read this update and all at HGCC wish you a safe upcoming few months. David Stockings – Secretary

Holmergreencricket https://www.facebook www.holmergreencc.co.uk @HolmerGreenCC .com/groups/222375318/

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NEW CHURCH AT HOLMER GREEN The South Bucks Standard, dated 27th July 1894, gave a very full coverage of the laying of the foundation stone for the new church in Holmer Green, now known as Christ Church, by Countess Howe. The write-up begins as follows, giving an idea of the fulsome reporting throughout. “Holmer Green, a typical Buckinghamshire hamlet, though situated in the parish of Penn Street, is so far removed from its parish church that the need of a district church has long been very much felt by the inhabitants and by the present incumbent of Penn Street, the Rev. J. J. Lindeman, who has for some time directed his energies towards supplying this want. Earl and Countess Howe have also taken considerable interest in the movement, and now the long-desired church is in a fair way of being completed, for the foundations have been laid and the superstructure is already rising thereon.” Several years before, an anonymous donor sent £400 (approx. £32,819.72 in 2017) to Rev J J Lindeman, the vicar of Penn Street. This gave him the impetus to start fund-raising towards a church in Holmer Green. Countess Howe organised a very successful bazaar at Penn House in 1890, as detailed in the Winter Edition 2020 of this magazine, and the Vicar began obtaining subscriptions. As soon as sufficient funds were raised, work began. Earl Howe gave an acre of land at the top of the Recreation Ground and also promised £100 towards the building fund. At the time of the laying of the foundation stone, about £650 had been raised. The plans for the new church were drawn up by London-based Messrs Glover & Harris. The building was to accommodate 150 people and included a bell turret with one bell. The building works were carried out by Messrs Thomas Turner Ltd of Watford at a contract price of £870 (approx. £71,382.89 in 2017) which did not include lighting, heating, furnishings, etc., for which more fund-raising was re- quired. An altar table was presented to the church by the patroness of the living of Hedgerley Church, where it had been in use for many years. It was said that King Charles I threw his cloak upon it after the battle of Hedgerley. Countess Howe consented to lay the foundation stone and the ceremony took place on a glorious Saturday, attended by many visitors from the area, including four local vicars. A temporary carpeted platform serving as a support for the heavy stone and an arch decorated with flags and streamers were erected. Rev Lindeman started the ceremony with a Psalm, followed by prayers, a bible reading and another Psalm. Lady Howe was then invited to lay the foundation stone, using a silver trowel inscribed “Presented to Lady Howe, Christ Church, Holmer Green, July 21st, 1894.” The stone bears the inscription “To the glory of God the foundation stone of this church, to bear the name of Christ Church, was laid July 21st l894, by the Countess of Howe.” Rev Lindeman gave a short address after which the hymn “Christ is our corner stone” was sung. An offertory was taken, amounting to £21 1s. 4d., approximately £1,728.51 in 2017. The Foundation Stone With thanks to Ron Saunders and Peter Strutt for providing a copy of the original article.

Hilary Hide

Medic to Medic UK Registered Charity 1149904 Exciting news Starting Monday 15th February, we are setting up a recycling point in Holmer Green. Supported by Little Missenden Parish Council the collection bins will be in the car park behind Rossetti Hall. The items we're collecting aren't recycled by the coun- cil, so an even better way to reduce your household, school and office waste and become even more environmentally friendly at the same time! We are collecting empty crisp packets. Any brand but ONLY crisp packets. Any brand of EMPTY medicine blister packs Toothbrushes and EMPTY toothpaste tubes. CD’s and DVD’s Books The monies from the recycled items will go to Medic to Medic. The charity supports disadvantaged students training as doc- tors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, clinical officers, optometrists and mental health workers in Malawi.

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Trudie talks to… Stuart King In between lockdowns I managed to catch up with Holmer Green resident, Stuart King.

Stuart, in fact, was one of the founder members of this very magazine: Holmer Green Today in 1989. Stuart, father-of-two and grandfather-of-four is a man of many talents and has a chilled and thoughtful manner. Quite the opposite to the speed he entered the world he tells me. As he was born, just two days after Christmas Day, arriving quickly and unexpectedly onto the pavement in Castle Street, High Wycombe. His poor mum – that must have been such a surprise. From the moment he left school, Stuart’s trade, and now his sons too, was Furniture Maker in the prolific furniture industry, High Wycombe was so well known for. Stuart specialised in veneering and marquetry – and I can only imagine the numerous pieces of beautiful furniture he must have decorated over the years. He has, by the way, over forty videos on YouTube on wood-turning and the tambour-beading history in Holmer Green. But don’t ask him if he’s interested in doing a little restoration work now, he will gently turn you down. As an enthusiastic archaeologist and nature lover Stuart prefers to spend his time searching through the earth for ancient artefacts, and worlds from our past, mostly in ancient woodlands. With his tough-and-ready outdoor clothing and prominent silver sideburns, he certainly looks the part. Holmer Green’s very own Indiana Jones. I would need more space than I have here if I were to list all of Stuart’s life-experiences and talents, but I must find room to mention his photography. Stuart began taking pictures from the early age of twelve. He particularly enjoyed capturing the ever-changing countryside. He also sought out an enormous variety of craft folk at work and captured the intricate detail of their professions in pictures. He now actively shares these visual memories with the Chiltern Conservation board. Needless to say, you can add Historian to his list of talents. If you’re interested in the first World War, you would enjoy a book Stuart has written, along with fellow village resident Chris Peers, called Holmer Green Heroes of WW1. It is a beautifully written tribute to the soldiers who lived in Holmer Green but died in battle. Currently, Stuart is involved in a project called Chalk, Cherries and Chairs, which has had lottery funding to ensure it is seen through to fruition. It was fascinating to hear about the enormous amount of cherry trees, our village has seen flourish over the years. I made so many notes whilst chatting to Stuart, that I’d love to write a follow-up article to include them. He has travelled the world and has so many wonderful stories to tell – I wonder if he should write his autobiography. I’d certainly want to be the first in line to read it, I thought, as I thanked him for his time. Even his parting words, “… and then there was that time I met the Queen,” left me wanting to know more.

Trudie Thomas is an author and freelance journalist. Having lived in the village for over 18 years, she loves to meet fellow residents and discover unusual gifts, talents, hobbies, jobs or homes. If you would like to feature in the next edition of Holmer Green Today, please email Trudie on [email protected] and she will arrange to meet up and treat you to a coffee at our wonderful local café The Square.

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LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S NON-DIARY from February 2021………. So here we are, still locked down, but hoping for an easing of the Covid problem as the vaccination pro- gramme continues apace (although Buckinghamshire doesn’t seem to be in the forefront of rapid vaccination rollout……..) There does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Theatres are anxious to welcome us back, but un- sure of exactly when we might venture forth. Take a look at what the websites of our magnificent six local theatres are currently able to offer. THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR in Thames Street in Windsor (www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk); re-opened in October with three of their ‘On Air’ productions, two of which were staged before another closure. The Pantomime, CINDERELLA, played, socially distanced but was closed down early. Not surprisingly, they are currently listing no productions until 26 November 2021, with their Pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK . Chesham’s ELGIVA THEATRE on St Mary’s Way, Chesham (www.elgiva.com); Their socially distanced SLEEPING BEAUTY Pantomime never did open, but they were hoping to play it at Easter. As no-one is sure of playable dates at present, the theatre remains closed with some shows announced but will only go ahead if restrictions are lifted. See website for up-to-date information. Aylesbury’s WATERSIDE THEATRE (www.ambassadortickets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre) has announced shows again from 11 April but check regularly on website for up-to-date information with re- strictions. WYCOMBE SWAN in St Mary Street, High Wycombe (www.wycombeswan.co.uk); Currently closed but announcing shows from 20 March 2021. See the website for up-to-date information. The MILL at SONNING at Sonning Eye, near Reading (www.millatsonning.com) is hoping to launch Concerts from 14 March with their first play, Alan Ayckbourn’s delightful comedy of mis-understanding, RELATIVELY SPEAKING due to play from 24 March to 22 May. Once again, check the website for up-to-date information. Watford’s PALACE THEATRE (www.watfordtheatre.co.uk) remains closed. Check the website for up-to- date information. Who knows? By the end of the year, we may be ‘back to normal’, but with the vaccination ‘nay-sayers’ may- be not. They are looking to open all the West End long-runners by the summer, but what about all those seats sold to Tourists? We won’t see them again for some time, will we? As enthusiastic as I am to re-start my theatre-going, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may not be until 2022. Let’s see, shall we? Mark Thorburn

PRIDE OF BUCKS AWARDS The winners of the Pride of Bucks local impact Awards have been announced. We are pleased to announce that the winner for the Missenden’s community board area is Lindsey Farn. Lindsey set up a local Facebook group and recruited 150 volunteers to cover each road in the area. After finding sponsorship for “hello “flyers from local businesses. Lindsey arranged delivery of the fly- ers to each household in the area. Lindsey then coordinated volunteers who were, in turn, able to support their community by collecting shopping and prescriptions, walking dogs. Chatting with residents who were isolated and worried, especially those who were shielding, Lindsey was also able to link her team’s efforts to the Buckinghamshire Council support network, ensuring that anyone in the area who requested assistance could be helped. Whilst it has been a community – led response the board particu- larly wanted to highlight all Lindsey’s hard work facilitating the set of the network of volunteers and her continued work co-ordinating everyone. The board was also able to select 2 Highly Commended awards which went to Holmer Green Village Aid and organisers Jane Fallon and Jo Henderson who set up the group at the beginning of lockdown. The key to success of this scheme was the speed of its initiation and its simplicity. A simple response system was established . A simple WhatsApp group was used: volunteers were linked to those needing support and a resilient and fast response system was established. With the easing of “Lockdown “many of these established relationships have continued. Now we are again in Lockdown for the foreseeable future. The village is a closer and more supportive community as of a result of their hard work and motivation. The second highly commended was awarded to Karen Nunnington. With enormous enterprise and initi- ative Karen established a network of local residents in Holmer Green, who cut out and sewed together scrubs for local hospitals. She raised money herself to buy the fabric and the enormous rolls were brought to her house from considerable distances. An amazing production line of villagers worked hard to produce 750 scrubs bags, 180 crochet ear protectors, 123 face masks and 538 scrub suits. Congratulations to all the award winners. Liz Charleston

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Holmer Green Royal British Legion (HGRBL) I believe that most villagers are aware that we are located on Beech Tree Road, Holmer Green. However, what they may not be aware of is that membership is no longer required, and we are fully open to non-members. Most of our customers do opt for membership as it provides access to reduced pricing for drinks and club services. This has helped us create a venue for everyone to come and enjoy themselves: whether you are a young family looking for a child friendly environment, a keen darts or pool player looking to join a team or just have a friendly game, or if you just want a quiet drink in a safe environment. Last year we installed Sky Sports, and the hosting of events during major football, rugby and golf tournaments has proved extremely popular. As a non-profit, volunteer run organisation we are not expected to show a profit at year end, and this allows us to keep our prices low and use any surplus funds to update our facilities and support local community projects. When the local health service was looking for venues to host flu clinics, we offered our facilities free of charge meaning that local residents did not have to travel too far. We also used some excess funds to purchase a defibrillator which has been installed next to our main entrance and is available for the whole community. Our main source of income is from our social events, and we offer regular monthly entertainment such as quiz nights, curry nights, live music, and family fun days. During the summer months we hold BBQs and beer and gin festivals, and later in the year we host Halloween and Christmas parties. We do also rely heavily on our popular private venue hire packages for our event room/bar and garden which are normally booked weekly for christenings, birthdays, anniversaries, and wakes. Unfortunately, since March 2020, all of our fund-raising events have had to be cancelled to comply with social distancing. Indeed, last year due to the Government restrictions, the club was forced to close from March to July and then again from November onwards. This has made life difficult as one of our stated objectives is to work with the local community and help to bring people together by offering a safe environment for them to meet and socialise over a quiet drink. There is not much else to report at the moment as the club is still closed or “hibernating” as I prefer to call it. Our team have not had a face-to-face meeting for about three months, and we are keeping in touch via text and calls. Due to lockdown, we have also had to twice defer our AGM where we would normally elect new committee members to help manage the club. Fortunately, the small number of committee members due to step down in December 2020 have agreed to continue in their roles until replacements can be found and duly elected. Let us all hope for better times in the coming months and a return to normality as soon as possible. If you would like to find out more about us or be kept up to date with future events, you can join us on Facebook or visit our website www.holmergreenbritishlegion.com Roger Bright - Club Secretary

THE JOY OF ART By 2B or not 2B, a local artist What is art What is art The question may be A footprint of life A picture taken or drawn from a child's knee. Still, moving or What is art Sculptured with a certain knife A splash of colour What is art Imagine how and dreams used by no other Summed up by me But thee. A new pair of eyes looking out every day What is art Observing new things present and away A feeling within Negative and positive shapes to stare A feeling without Simply found just everywhere Splish, splash, sploshes dotted about To view a picture like no other What is art Captures the heart of another A glimpse of the past, present and future My pencils, paper, paintbrushes too are my special Many styles and expressions to see friends Enjoyed by many, with or without tea Which beats the blues Can also be accompanied by walking shoes In or out, for you to choose Art is an interest you cannot lose Enjoy

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Grampy’s Old Armchair……….

When my Grampy Rupert King Forward to 2009 to one of my stints on ‘Time Team’. The Married Edith Morrel in 1908 an challenge here was to uncover a Saxon Hall over three days, I immediate requirement was a was engaged to demonstrate how a Saxon woodturner, using strong armchair in which to rest a pole lathe, would have created a traditional drinking goblet. after a hard day’s work. There My old mate, archaeologist Phil Harding, who was a was only one local establish- regular fixture of the programme over the twenty years it was ment that could fill such a need, broadcast was also required to Dancer and Hearn’s chair facto- do a piece on Wassailing. Was- ry in Factory Street (now sailing is a drinking tradition that Orchard Way). [See the image goes back to the Saxon era and on the back page]. So, Rupert Rupert & Edith King central to this is the large ‘wassail became the proud owner of a bowl’ from which the liquor is traditional Windsor lathe back armchair. dispensed. So once more, Apart from doing his bit away from his family fighting in Grampy’s chair became a minor France during WW1 Grampy sat in this beech and elm chair TV star when Phil waxed lyrical every day of his life, seat- about the Saxon’s drinking habits ed beside the old wood- while holding my two-gallon was- fired kitchen range of his sail bowl seated in this solid piece cottage. There Granny of Holmer Green craftsmanship. Stuart with Phil Harding Grampy in his favourite chair would keep a kettle con- Today, BBC Countryfile is one of the most watched weekly stantly on the boil for TV programmes, generally a gentle look at life in the UK coun- endless cups of tea, even when Rupert was spending an even- tryside. Early in January it was decided to concentrate an ing with his mates playing darts in the Earl How pub. hour on the Chilterns and so the phone rang, could they film I eventually inherited the old chair, it now glows with the me turning chair legs as the old local bodgers did in the old patination of time, a mixture of beeswax polish and smoky days? I spent a day setting up my ancient foot treadle lathe in firesides, and it remains as robust as the day it was made. For a nearby woodland and the following day presenter Matt such a humble and unremarkable piece of every-day Baker, accompanied by two film cameramen arrived. furniture it has had an interesting life. My campfire was well lit with a kettle dangling over the During the early 1980s I did some filming for a couple of flames, a TV programmes with the late, great necessity as John Noakes. The programme was the tempera- called ‘Go with Noakes’ with John ture was only o touring the UK in an old Morris Mi- 2 C. After nor. For one of the programmes, turning a we did some filming in my tempo- couple of chair rary workshop at Hale Acre in legs we both sat chatting Watchet Lane, it was here during a Matt Baker & Stuart in local woodland short break that I photographed round the fire John resting in Grampy’s chair. with Matt sitting in Grampy’s chair, his lovely dog Bob by his side. We reminisced about the fact that this old armchair had provided comfort to two ‘Blue Peter’ presenters. So, who is ‘Shep’ and John Nokes next? Stuart King

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Cherry Garth News 2020 will certainly be remembered for all the wrong reasons, and like many friends and neighbours the fes- tive season brought restrictions and challenges, but we were determined to make the most of it. Normally, we would all celebrate together, but throughout most of the year we kept each house group sepa- rate (a bit like the school bubbles) with the hope that it would help stop the potential spread of Covid 19. Each group of residents busied themselves with preparations ready for Christmas; decorating their Christmas Cakes and tables, getting crafty with making decorations and arranging a Christmas party for each house, where both residents and staff enjoyed a lovely time. Trent group entered a cake decorating competition and won a prize, whilst Kennett group (who already have their own singing group) hosted a special Covid safe carol concert which was lots of fun. We still very much miss our friends and volunteers in the local community and can’t wait to once again be able to open our doors to you all. As the weather changed, we set up 5 specially designated safe visiting rooms with Perspex screening, venti- lation and disinfection, (as well as PPE and temperature checks) so that residents and their families were still able to get to spend time together. We also continued to offer Facetime, Zoom and Skype calls. We must thank the generosity of the Student Union at Bucks University who fund raised and provided such lovely Christmas presents this year, also the charities Violet’s Gift and Random Acts of Kindness who also pro- vided gifts for those residents who do not have regular friends or family. The most fantastic news we have to share with you so far is that on the January 26th this year the nurse came in and the first residents (who consented) and then staff were given their first dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine. After a very difficult year at last it feels that there is hope on the horizon! Meanwhile, we wish all our friends a happier, healthier and hopeful new year. Diane Woolford

Alpha Create space to explore life, faith & meaning www.alpha.org

Is there more How can I have to life than faith? this?

Who is Jesus? How and why should I pray? Why did He die? Online

Has life in Covid Lockdown given you more time to question the meaning of life? If there is a God out there - does He care that bad things happen to good people? Is there life after death? How can I know if I will go to heaven? If you would like a chance to meet and chat to others about these questions -and any others you care to raise - and you have access to the internet and the media to join a zoom meeting please consider joining us on-line as we follow the Alpha Film series.

Please look out for posters around the village or check out our website at www.holmergreenbaptist.org.uk to find course dates and details of how to register and get the media link for the course. We are hoping to start the first sessions of the course in the lead up to Easter. Alternatively you can email a private message to [email protected] and our minister Anthony Smith will pick this up and respond to you in confidence.

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Holmer Green Village Society News (HGVS) HGVS had its AGM on the 23rd February 2021, all members were welcome to join the zoom meeting, I hope you managed to attend, however a review is available on the website. We would have much preferred to have met everyone in person and chat about Holmer Green matters and we will arrange this later in the year when we are allowed and let you know when. Holmer Green Gardens Hopefully when this edition of Holmer Green Today is printed we will be able to say more about this flag- ship HGVS project. We asked villagers in July 2020 if they would like to have a sensory garden and received a massive yes. Since then we have been in discussion with Little Missenden Parish Council (LMPC) to secure a site and with Willmott Dixon (HG Secondary School builders) who have offered help from their Social Value initiative. We have produced a vision of a combined nature and sensory garden which we have called Holmer Green Gardens, so visit our website to keep up to date with this. Free Trees You will have noticed that HGVS have been giving away Norway Spruce saplings at Nathan’s Fruit and Veg. The story behind this is that a nursery in Wendover planned to give them to their customers at Christmas, couldn’t because of Covid restrictions and were going to destroy 1,000 of these saplings. It was brought to the attention of HGVS and hence the tree giveaway – since each tree is worth 40lb or so of Carbon Dioxide offset hopefully Holmer Green will be greener as a result! Events Although all winter events were cancelled, we did erect a large artificial tree on the front of the Village Centre and made some jolly Christmas Videos of Father Christmas visiting the village, they are still available on the web site if you missed them. The Christmas Raffle in association with the Junior School Association was successful and we enjoyed chatting with residents at the pop-up stall in the village. The star prize of an iPad was won by one of their pupils. We are planning a summer event (we don’t know what yet!) but save the 17th July date in your diaries! Also, we are planning with the Sports Association and the local schools for a mega Firework display on the 6th November. Open Spaces The Open Spaces group have been busy working on various areas of land around the village, Spring bulbs are now showing at the plot of land at the top of Earl Howe Road/Pond Approach and pansies have also just been planted in the bed opposite the pond. A water trough has been sourced for the bed opposite the pond as a planter. Organised litter picking has not been possible but we do have the picking sticks if you want to borrow one and litter pick your own street or just pick litter on your walks - contact [email protected]. Heritage Design work is continuing on the information panel at the Sport’s Association and a mural is also planned for the side wall in a collaboration between our local artists. LMPC has purchased a high-resolution map we are using for panels for the four wards of LMPC showing local footpaths and walks. We hope that by Spring these will be installed. A 1974 guide to Holmer Green has been digitised and we are making this into an up-to-date history with the help of Stuart King and Peter Healy. Please get in touch if you want to contribute. Merchandise After selling out of Holmer Green Trails, Christmas cards and tote bags we have decided to increase the range of products available. We now have more stock of the Holmer Green Trail, the RRP from the supplier has increased to £9.99 however we are still selling at £5 on our web site during Covid. Greetings cards are still in stock on the web site. A new calendar for 2022 is planned, the first stage is to ask HGVS members to contribute their photos, we are asking for winter landscape photos (December, January and February) at pre- sent, use Facebook or our website to send them. We are also planning a whole range of cards and postcards using images of Holmer Green so look out for them shortly. Membership We are always keen to accept new members and at a minimum contribution of £5 its great value for money when you look at the activities it funds. All members are kept up to date with regular emails (or post for those without online facilities) so you will stay connected to village life. In addition, we continue to update the HGVS website with news and comment so do catch up and, if you are not a member, you will find a membership form that can be filled in on-line or printed. The HGVS Facebook page continues to grow and now has more than 1,700 followers and we have now established Holmer Green Info page as a commercial page allowing local businesses to advertise their wares so check that out. We are constantly on the lookout for anyone who can help with the MOJO membership software, website and facebook and are happy to train you for free! Village Aid Don’t forget Village Aid. During this period of confinement please make sure that those near you are sup- ported and get the help they need. The number for Village Aid is 07784984153. Eric Thickett – Chair

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 27 Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years Do you know the answers to these? If not, the answers are below 1. Which one of these baby creatures could not be called a pup: Gerbil, Shark, Raccoon or Bat? 2. What is the commonly used name of calcium carbonate? 3. What is the capital city of New Brunswick? 4. True or False: the first person to survive plunging over Niagara Falls was a woman. 5. In Greek mythology, what was the name of the Goddess of Love? 6. The Galapagos Islands are named after which animal: Tortoise, Penguin, Whale or Snake? Compiled by Judy Gilligan

Oh No ! 1. The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. 2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. 3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still. 4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of maths disruption. 5. No matter how much you push an envelope, it’ll still be stationery. 6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was prosecuted for littering. 7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart. 8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie. 9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it. 10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. 11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. 12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: "You stay here; I’ll go on a head." 13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me. 14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab centre read: ‘Keep off the Grass.’ 15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. 16. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. 17. A backward poet writes inverse. 18. In a democracy it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism it’s your count that votes. 19. When cannibals ate the missionary, they got a taste of religion. 20. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you’d be in Seine. 21. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, "I’m sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.’" 22. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says "Dam!" 23. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too. 24. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One said, "I’ve lost my electron." The other said, "Are you sure?" The first replied, "Yes, I’m positive." 25. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused novocaine during a root canal procedure? His goal: transcend dental medication. 26. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Answers to the ‘Do you know’ above 1. Racoon (Cub) 2. Chalk 3. Frederiction 4. True 5. Aphrodite 6. Tortoise

Page 28 The magazine is normally sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy, Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years

Gardening Matters

As I begin to write this article I am aware of the bitterly cold weather that we are experiencing at the moment, but as I look out of the window I notice that the daylight hours are increasing and the sun is getting higher in the sky. So I realise that spring is not far off and look forward to another year of enjoying the emergence of plants that have died down to soil level or below. It is a good idea to put some markers in where these plants are so that they are not inadvertently dug up when they are dormant. Alternatively, do not cut them right down until the new shoots appear in the spring. Herbaceous plants such as Paeony, with their very dark young leaves and red stemmed shoots, Phlox cultivars with dark or variegated foliage and Actaea simplex “Attropurpurea group” look spectacular when the sun is shining on them in the spring. Dicentra spectabilis, the “Bleeding Heart”, is particularly beautiful as it comes into flower within a few weeks of the emergence of the new shoots. It is an excellent plant for a shady site and establishes well if it can be annually top dressed with leafy composting material. I hope that you have enjoyed working in your gardens in the winter months and have thought about the changes that you would like to make, whether it be new features or replanting a certain area. It is worthwhile to look out into the garden from the house to get inspiration as to how you can improve the visual effects of various parts of the garden. A garden is more interesting if there are numerous focal points. Just putting in a different shaped evergreen plant or a statue will lead the eye to that part of the garden. This year I have obtained some old gardening tools, containers and equipment and hopefully they will be on display in my garden by early summer. One of my friends has a fascination for any old item that can be used as a plant container and some of them were once used for sitting on! He has a large open patio area to display them on and the effect and choice of plants growing in them is rather interesting. I have often heard it said that when you look at a garden it can tell you something about the character and interests of the person that oversees the design and maintenance of the garden. A well-known garden designer made a statement in one of his lectures that I attended whilst on a cruise ship. He asked the audience to share their thoughts on the factors that they considered to be the most important when designing a garden. He acknowledged them as all good suggestions and then went on to say that the most important thing to consider is “how do I feel about my garden, and how do I want to feel about my garden?” Last year I encouraged one of my local friends to grow plants from seed. He had never done this before but when the plants were growing in his garden he was so pleased with his efforts. One of the plants that he tried was the annual Rudbeckia, and the display of yellow to orange and rusty coloured daisy like flowers was amazing and brought so much joy to the people passing by his front garden. There are many annuals that are easy to grow from seed. They can be divided into two groups – hardy annuals, which tolerate frost. Examples of these include Sweet Peas, Pot Marigolds, Candytuft, annual Chrysanthemum, Godetia and Salvia horminum, the annual Clary that has been growing in the flowerbed opposite the pond for the last two years. The second group are called half-hardy annuals. These cannot be sown outside until the danger of frost is over which is normally late May. So to grow half-hardy annuals well it is an advantage to have a greenhouse or a frame so that they can be sown from February to March. Examples of plants from this group are Salvia splendens, Lobelia, Dahlias and French Marigolds. When the emerging shoots of herbaceous plants appear this is a good time to consider whether they need to be lifted and divided. Plants such as Michaelmas Daisy, Golden Rod, Phlox paniculata and ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus and Calamagrostis will require dividing every three years or else the clumps very quickly become congested. The best way to divide these is to remove the whole clump from the ground then put two forks back to back, push them into the clump and lever them backwards and forwards. Each division should have 5 – 7 new shoots. Some herbaceous plants such as Phlox paniculata and Papaver orentiale will produce shoots from any roots that are left behind in the ground. So if they are moved to another area shoots will still emerge from any roots that are left behind from the old clump. Herbaceous plants such as Anemone japonica and Paeony produce thick fleshy roots and often take two or three years to recover after being divided, so I’m usually reluctant to dig them up but prefer to dig down with a spade at the side of the clump and remove a small section. Instead of planting them into the soil I pot up the divisions, put them in the shade for a while until they are established and plant them into the border in the autumn. Take care, and here’s looking forward to an enjoyable gardening season both working and relaxing. My wife is often saying that I should be doing more of the latter! Brian Fisher

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 29 Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years

Page 30 The magazine is normally sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy, Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years

CHILTERN HOUSE PRACTICE

Dear residents of Holmer Green and indeed beyond - since my last article to you all back in October, rather a lot seems to have happened! Obviously, the pandemic cases rose and peaked again; Christmas has been and gone and the difficult winter months of January and February quickly came at us with the additional worries of mutated strains from far away places such as (Kent) South Africa and Brazil. We have all been locked away in one form or another, whether it be home schooling or just simply missing our loved ones or being out and about. Life at Chiltern House Medical Centre has continued and we have done our best to carry on regardless and to provide a good service to our patients. We are not perfect, we cannot please everyone but we can only work with the resources we have available and within the limitations set upon us. Our services have continued throughout and we have made excellent progress on the Covid19 Vaccination programme too. It was a busy yet productive January setting up for vaccination clinics to be held at the Town Hall and we commenced our vaccination programme in earnest with the first ‘jabbings’ being administered to all our healthcare staff from our Dashwood Primary Care Network (PCN) (of which we are one of six member surgeries) on Thursday 14th January and then to our first patient on Friday 15th. Since then, our PCN has vaccinated the vast majority of the 70+ year olds, care home residents and staff and all housebound patients. We are now moving forward and are commencing the vaccinating of the over 65s this week (week of 8th Feb). I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all of the patients that have come forward to receive a vaccine and to all of those whose turn is yet to come and who have remained patient. The release of pressure on the NHS and critical care in hospitals is beginning to be felt as cases and deaths decrease week on week. I would also like to thank the amazing volunteers that turned up at the Town Hall to help shepherd the elderly and to assist the practice staff. An amazing act of selflessness to put themselves in potentially harms way to help others. So, thank you from all of us working within the NHS. As the vaccination programme continues, we strive forward with life within the practice to keep services ticking over and tobe ready for when the lockdown eases and public movement is a little more free. It is expected within the next few months that we will undergo a (long awaited) CQC inspection at the practice and attention will once again focus on readying ourselvesfor that. We have had new staff join and some leave and some due to retire in the coming months. It is always a busy time at the practice and the days roll in to one. We could all do with taking some leave and having a little rest, I think! That said, the dedication and commitment of my team at Chiltern has been fantastic and to see them grow, improving the practice and striving to improve each day has been tremendous to be a part of. Finally – if you have any doubts about receiving the vaccine, please be assured that it is perfectly safe and will save lives. When your turn comes, please take it up. Finally finally – if you have any comments or suggestions for us, please either email them to us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.chilternhousemedicalcentre.com to pass them on to us. Your opinions are always welcomed. And finally, my final finally – If you are a user of Facebook, please join the Chiltern House Facebook page at (2) Chiltern House Medical Centre | Facebook where you will find lots of informative and useful posts from yours truly! The End.

Craig Stanley – Practice Manager

12022021 This is an example of a palindrome and an ambigram. It means you can read the date from left to right, right to left and upside down.

What five letter word typed in all capital letters can be read the same upside down? What seven letter word is spelled the same way backwards and forwards?

The upside down five letter word is … SWIMS & the seven letter word …. racecar

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 31 Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years

The Parish Matters It has been a challenging year for residents and Little Missenden Parish Council (LMPC) would like to thank you all for the sacrifices you have made to keep us all safe. Holmer Green Village Aid Little Missenden Parish Council would like to thank Councillor Jane Fallon and Jo Henderson for their fantastic contributions to the local community by setting up the Holmer Green Village Aid to support res- idents during the pandemic. We also thank Penny Thickett for co-ordinating this in the most recent lockdown. LMPC are able to signpost anyone needing assistance to other agencies and support – just get in touch 01494 715429. Holmer Green Common and Play Area Last summer the play area at Holmer Green Common underwent huge changes and now offers an all- weather surface, new seating and additional equipment for younger children in the community. It has proved to be very popular and visitors can be seen using the equipment in all weathers. It was lovely to see people enjoying The Common. The Parish Council had works done to improve the drainage and this will make it more enjoyable for users to walk and play on. The Council has worked hard to ensure that their play areas remain open after they were initially closed by the Government and thank residents for keep- ing to the safety rules clearly displayed at each site. The Missenden’s Community Board Missenden’s Community Board | Buckinghamshire Council is now fully functioning and chaired by Coun- cillor Peter Martin, along with Vice-Chair Councillor John Gladwin, and covers Little Missenden and Great Missenden Parishes. The Board was set up to determine where local action is taken and to allocate fund- ing to improve the local area. There are funds available for a range of projects; the priorities at the mo- ment are: -  Covid and economic recovery  Transport, highways and environment  Community Safety  Health and wellbeing  Youth support and provision  Communications and engagement plan LMPC Councillors are actively involved in the working groups and residents can make contact to find out more information or to discuss ideas [email protected] Funding for some Christmas lights was kindly donated to Holmer Green Shops by the Missenden’s Community Board and these were installed at Turners Place. LMPC also thank the residents who very generously contributed towards the Christmas trees and lights at Holmer Green Shops. “What do councillors do?” or “What do councils do?” Local Democracy These are questions you may ask. Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood. Councillors attend to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions on local services, collaborate with county councils to adhere to local needs and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the commu- nity. Councils lead on community services such as allotments, footpaths, public seating and litter bins, but also larger projects such as planning, leisure services, youth services and climate change initiatives. These activities are funded by a local tax, called a precept which is determined by the council. LMPC have suffered the resignation of some Councillors over the last twelve months due to the im- pacts of Covid-19 and ill health. Elections are coming up, having been cancelled last year due to the pan- demic, if you would like to be more involved in the community and influence decisions that affect the lo- cal community please contact the Clerk: 01494 715429 / [email protected] LMPC Supporting Community Led Groups LMPC continues to work closely with Holmer Green Village Society and Holmer Green Sports Associa- tion in their projects and activities, although this year has seen reduced activity due to the effects of the pandemic. HS2 The Parish Council has been working closely with other Parish Councils and Village Societies to raise awareness and campaign against HS2 and this has been led by our Chair, Councillor Stephen Burke along with the Chair of Hyde Heath Village Society, Mr Andrew Cordiner. As High Speed 2 moves from site preparation to full construction, Little Missenden Parish Council have been actively engaged with the Highways Authority, HS2 Ltd and their contractors to minimise disruption to the local area. Public con- sultation and liaison have been difficult, made worse by the current crisis. (Continued overleaf)

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(Continued from previous page)

The Parish Council’s chief concerns relate to impacts on the A413, specifically additional HGV movements that will add far more vehicles to the Road than HS2 informed Parliament. The resultant im- pacts this could have on villages either side of the A413 (of which Holmer Green is one) as regards rat running and in particular safety in and around the local schools is a priority for the Parish. Recently one of the HS2 vehicles got stuck coming up Penfold Lane, where it should not have been, when using sat nav to avoid congestions on the A413. When 700 HGV's are travelling each way along the A413, residents will find it impossible to get onto the road from Deep Mill Lane or London Road. Already cars are coming along Watchet Lane in Holmer Green and then down Penfold Lane. Additionally, there continues to be widespread public concern on HS2 proposals for a new roundabout outside Little Missenden at the junction with Keepers Lane, together with concerns on design of the HS2 buildings at the vent shaft and fears for the construction impacts to the Chilterns Aquifer, Misbourne Chalk Stream and Shardeloes Lake. The Parish Council are working very hard to address all of these issues. Parking LMPC often receive complaints about inconsiderate parking. At this time, more than ever, it is vital that we keep the pavements in the village free for those taking their regular exercise and in particular for those using pushchairs and mobility aids. When your car is stationary you must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road, doing so can incur a £20 fixed penalty under the Road Traffic (Vehicles Emissions) Regulation 2002. Rossetti Hall The Parish Council has had to take the sad decision to keep the hall closed for the time being due to the pandemic. It is hoped that the groups will be able to meet up again soon. Helen Hogan – Clerk

You may, or may not, be aware that Little Missenden Parish Council has 5 Allotment sites within its Wards. There are 2 in Holmer Green as well as sites at Hyde Heath, Little Kingshill and Little Missenden. [There is an im- age of a frozen one on the back page!]. The Holmer Green sites are situated in Beech Tree Road and Earl Howe Road/Hogg Lane. Beech Tree Road has 28 full size plots, and Earl Howe Road/Hogg Lane and has 47 full size plots. Some plots on each site have been divided in half to make some smaller plots. Interest in home grown vegetables seems to be increasing; in January 2020 almost half of the plots available for rent in Holmer Green were uncultivated and very uncared for. In March 2020, as you know, Corona Virus arrived and with it Lockdown 1. Since then, the residents of Holmer Green have come out in force and it feels to me like they are ‘Digging for Victory’! Every plot now has a tenant and there are great Communities at all sites. I find it very inspiring to wander around the sites and see the hard work and progress being made by people. Some of the plot holders have been growing their own for years, decades in some cases, and others are novices. Those who have a greater knowledge are more than happy to offer help and advice to those who ask for it. I am now starting waiting lists for all of the Allotment Sites, if you would like information regarding availability of plots at any of the sites please contact me at [email protected] I have read that in 1939 when WW2 began there were 46 million people in Britain and most vegetables were not imported. There are now around 50% more people and 85% less home-grown vegetables! What better time to start growing your own? Lynne Lusby – Assistant Clerk

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 33 Providing News and Views to the Villagers for more than 30 years

SOME USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS British Gas - Emergencies 01753 – 571 570 Chiltern District Council 01494 – 729 000 Chiltern Medical Centre (formerly at Dragon Cottage) 01494 – 439 149 Eastern Electricity, Loss of Supply 150 Holmer Green Dental Practice 01494 – 718 318 Highfield Surgery, Hazlemere 01494 – 813 396 MP for Chesham and Amersham:– Dame Cheryl Gillan, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. 02072 – 195 146 E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A, Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721 577 Police – Thames Valley 999 or 101 Police Community Support Officer:– Amersham Police Station HP6 5AL 101 E: [email protected] Refuse Collection 01494 – 586 550 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 – 315 000 Thames Water - Emergencies 08459 – 200 800 Traveline 08706 – 082 608 Tourist information 01494 – 421 892 Wycombe General Hospital 01494 – 526 161 Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (at Wycombe General Hospital) 111 or 526 161

PARISH COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mr Simon Baker [email protected] Mrs Jane Fallon [email protected] Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green. HP15 6TL 717663 Dr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. HP15 6TA 713739 Mr Adrian Timon [email protected] Vacancy Vacancy If you love our Village and would like to serve your community, why not consider becoming a Parish Councillor? If so, please contact the Parish Office in Rossetti Hall for more information. Parish Council Meetings The Parish Council meets twice a month in the Council Offices, Rossetti Hall, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm. The public may, are entitled and encouraged to attend any meeting but should inform the Parish Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting. Please refer to the Council’s web site www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for dates, Agenda’s and more information. The Holmer Green Open Meeting will be held on 10th May 2021 and the Annual Parish Meeting on 17th May 2021; both are scheduled to be held at Rossetti Hall, subject to Covid rules and all Villagers are encouraged to attend.

Please visit the Council’s web site: http://www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for Agenda’s and further information.

Parish Clerk – Mrs Helen Hogan Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Holmer Green, HP15 6SU. Assistant – Ms Lynne Lusby E: [email protected] The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Friday, 715429 10.00am - 2.00pm.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mrs Isobel Darby Halfway Cottage, 2 Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0BZ. 01753 888055 E: [email protected]

Dr Michael Smith c/o Buckinghamshire Council 01494 729000 The Gateway, Gatehouse Road Aylesbury HP19 8FF E: [email protected]

Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ 07500 546651 E: [email protected] LOCAL HOLMER GREEN SERVICES The Holmer Green Village Society’s web site - www.holmergreenvillagesociety.co.uk contains some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today.

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Index of Our ADVERTISERS THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SERVICES ADVERTISED HEREIN

SERVICE ADVERTISER Page Telephone Blind Manufacturers and Installers Alan McDonald Blinds 11 01494 713242 Conversion Service for ‘Older Audio’ Convert Old Audio 4 01494 713553 Carpet & Upholstery cleaning AllClean 4 01494 707548 Chemists Fox Pharmacy 16 01494 713360 Domestic Appliance Repairs ARG Services 4 01494 714850 Film and Video Transfers IMS 11 01494 714320 Funeral Directors Arnold Funeral Services 6 01494 472572 Funeral Directors Beacon Funeral Services 30 01494 818181 Garage Services and MoT’s Holmer Green Garage 20 01494 713185 Garage Services and MoT’s Holmer Green Service Centre 10 01494 715058 Garden Services Mike’s Garden Services 20 01494 817441 Newsagent and Tobacconist J Walsh 20 01494 714466 Personal Finance Solutions Airedale PFS Ltd 18 & 19 01494 816144 Plumbers Select Heating Services 20 01494 715254 Plumbing and Heating Supplies Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies 4 01494 717665 Pre-school for the 2 to rising 5’s Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School 4 01494 711341 Routine foot care Chiltern Foot Clinic 6 07875 294068 Window, Door Repairs & New Installations The Window Doctor 10 01865 891776 Supermarket SPAR 24 01494 713364 Take Away Food Holmer Green Kebab & Pizza 24 01494 717755 Take Away Food South Hill Fish & Chips 6 01494 711240 Vehicle Sales and Servicing M & I Motors 11 01494 862740 Shop Locally - PLEASE Please support all our advertisers (and local shops!) and tell them that you are responding to their advertisement in Holmer Green Today It is even more important after all we, and they, have gone through.

TEETH WANTED The following advertisement appears in the bound volume of Penn Street Parish Magazine for 1920. The magazines were written by the Vicar, Rev Arthur Browning and the Assistant Curate, Rev W H Hen- derson, and were accompanied by copies of a magazine “The Dawn of Day” for the corresponding months. There were both religious and secular articles plus some fascinating adverts like the following one: ARTIFICIAL TEETH (OLD) BOUGHT Highest Value assured. Up to 7/- per tooth pinned on Vulcanite, 12/- on Silver, 15/- on Gold, £2 on Platinum. Cash or offer by return. If offer not accepted, parcel returned post free. BEST PRICES PAID FOR OLD GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY (Broken or otherwise) Satisfaction Guaranteed. S. Cann & co., 69a Market Street, Manchester. Kindly mention“ Dawn of Day.” (The approximate values in 2017 range from 7/- = £10.17 to £2 = £79.91.) Hilary Hide

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 35 Dorothy Spooner – 90 years young!

One of the (chilly!) allotments described on page 33

Dancer & Hearne employees in Factory Street, now Orchard Way, in ~1910. A little more information is on page 25