THE September 2021 LEE For , Lee Common, Hunts Green, Kings Ash and Swan Bottom Please send your letters, articles and From the Editor photographs for the October edition to her at [email protected] by By Phil Harrison the 12th September. fter a short break in August the Newsletter returns full of A optimism and stories of reawakening, with the Parish Hall, Your letters LeeWay and Re-engage just three Lee Common Methodist examples. Weddings and christenings are happening with joy and laughter and Church closes guests galore again. Our congratulations To the Editor to Clare Curling and Flip Constable on 182 years ago, the world was a totally their very village wedding and different place... as was Lee Common. celebration (photos next month), to Dedicated villagers working in the Lizzie Benwell’s son, Nick, on his fields collected flints to build the marriage to Emma and to Chris Nevill’s Methodist Church in which to worship daughter, Chloe, on her marriage to and to give thanks to God. Ryan Gould (photos on page 16). There is a new off-road cycle tour for the more adventurous to try before the really wet muddy paths of winter are upon us (pages 22/23). The second instalment of The Lee Flower Show article from the 1992 centenary brochure reminds us of this special village event so that we look forward to it for next year. The Newsletter team has booked the Parish Hall for the evening of Friday 3rd December for the traditional Newsletter Dinner on the assumption that Covid Through the years harvests have circumstances will be favourable at that been celebrated, children have been time. If you have made a contribution to baptised (and educated in the Sunday the Newsletter over the past 12 School), marriages have taken place, months ‘Hold the Date!’ More detail in and, at the end of life, people have October’s edition. gathered together for funerals. Next month we welcome a new Within the chapel’s walls editor to the team, Mary Godfrey. many have found peace, spirituality 2 and friendship, but sadly, the time has every year of sorting the garden shed, come to close the doors as the which in practice meant taking Methodist Conference (the governing everything out and putting it back body of the Methodist Church) now again ready for next year. After some require a minimum of 12 members. bargaining, she always gave me half-a The Church closed on 31st August. -crown, which I suppose was quite If you had a choice, how would you generous as it would be worth around like the building to be used? Please let £12.50 today. us know by putting a note in the Come to think about it, she often Church’s letter box or emailing appeared quite grumpy and now I [email protected] know why! Marian Tompkins Tony Rigby For Lee Common Methodist Church Expat. of The Lee

Scouts in the community Midsomer seen from afar To the Editor To the Editor In response to Enzo D’Alessandro’s I thoroughly enjoyed your newsletter plea for suggestions as to how Scouts about The Lee and Midsomer Murders could get more involved with the as I enjoy the series. I’m late coming community, Liz Macann has suggested to it and I can’t remember if I first saw the revival of ‘Bob a Job’. it on PBS or on BBC America. This does seem an excellent idea, Now with everything available on however it is important to note that some streaming service or another I’m Cubs and Scouts did not profit catching up. I just saw ‘Death in a personally from their labours as all Chocolate Box’ and was very curious income went to a nominated charity. about that building on the Green. I When I was involved in the 1950s looked online and found the Wikipedia in Beaconsfield, every year we raised article on camera obscura. I was funds for Doctor Barnardo’s. We had surprised to find out we have a couple our regular round of ‘victims’, on of camera obscura buildings here in the whom we would hone our nascent United States. negotiating skills via demands for So, I know their function for above inflation remuneration. projecting an image, as a pinhole On my route I had Enid Blyton’s camera, as an aid in drawing & house – she gave me the same job painting, and even for eclipse viewing. I understand the use of tents and portable camera obscura for these

purposes, but why would anyone make The LeeWay – Your a permanent building like this? Village Support Team There’s only so many times you can If you have difficulty getting to your draw or paint the same scenery, even doctor or the hospital, doing your with the change of seasons. So why shopping or would like a home visit and build a permanent structure? To spy on a friendly chat, then please ring: the neighbours (when they know they’re 07845 029500 being spied on)? As a guard station? Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm. Sat: 10 am - 12 Entertainment for bored people? noon. Please give us reasonable notice of I would definitely not like a your requirement to help us organise it. Detective Inspector Barnaby and his 3 sergeant in my village as deaths often seem to multiply whenever they are investigating. Parish Hall Ileana Dominguez-Urban USA events

LeeWay back in business To the Editor Call us… if you are unable to get to an appointment at a hospital, the doctors or dentists. Call us…if perhaps you need a bit of company. Call us… if you have broken an arm and need ironing done Restrictions have eased so we are By Tony Lea available again. We cannot act as ith the lifting of restrictions th carers but will help in any way we can. on 19 July, the Parish Hall Call us on 07845 029500 Mon-Fri happily welcomed back its W st 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sat 10:00 am to first children’s party on the 21 July. 12 noon. The Lee Common School ‘Swallows’ Ann Ash had their leavers’ party in the hall. It Lee Common was a joy to hear the laughter and happy shouts of the children using the The Lee 2022 ‘countryfile’ calendar To the Editor This is a last call for photographs of The Lee and its surrounds for next Cromar year’s village calendar. We have been sent some lovely Carpets Ltd photos during the year but we need more of the villages and their fauna and flora please. If you are out and about and can catch the essence of the Carpets, Vinyl and countryside in summer please do so and send them in. Wood Flooring If you have been taking photos Supplied and Fitted over the year but not yet sent them in please do so by 18th September. Please send your contributions to me at [email protected] These calendars will be on sale in 9-11 Station Approach the village shop, so that’s some Christmas presents solved! 01494 862125 Jane Marsh Lee Clump 4 bouncy castle and water slide that been out of bounds for summer afternoon. They even had the only bookings. We are also repairing the sunny week in July to add to their fun! cracked and broken concrete surrounds Children’s birthday parties and at the base of the fencing on the tennis christening parties are starting to fill court later in the summer. the diary. Steve Moody’s upholstery Later this year classes have been running very Looking to the autumn we plan to successfully since the restrictions were hold the Bonfire and Fireworks on 5th lifted and he now holds three to four November in the paddock off Cherry classes a week in the hall. We are very Tree Lane. We would very much fortunate to have such a regular and appreciate any help we can get on the reliable booking during term time. morning to set up the field and serve The Parish Council hope to start food and drinks in the evening plus holding their meetings at the hall in taking things down the next morning. September, so a degree of normality Also, we would like to have an idea seems to have finally returned to our how people feel about staging the Roving booking calendar! Tennis court Supper on Saturday 20th November. The bookings continue to be steady as we average attendance in recent years has have secured a sound base of ‘Out of been around 110. We would propose to Parish’ players who played during the continue the evening in the same first lockdown and are happy to have format with drinks and canapes in the found such an idyllic court to play on. Parish Hall, main course in various We have our village regulars too. houses around the villages in groups of Generally, there are 15-20 eight and then return to the Parish Hall bookings a week during the summer for dessert and drinks. We would like to months. In May 2020 we had a record know if people feel there should be a number of 60 bookings in a week restriction in numbers. We would also when tennis was just about the only like all attendees to be double vaccinated. activity available during the easing of Please let us have your views in restrictions in the first lockdown. We order that we can proceed or not by haven’t returned to that number but phone to Pat Lea on 837237 or then use of the court was free! We continue to carry out email [email protected] improvements and repairs at the hall and grounds. We are replacing the rotten decking at the rear of the hall this Bucks in 100 autumn with brick pavers. This area has Objects MARTIN THE MILKMAN By Lallie Davis Refrigerated delivery of fresh Culture milk, dairy produce, bread, Can you help tell the story eggs, fruit juices and more. of the place we call home? To place an order call uckinghamshire has a rich 01442 833944 collection of artefacts dating B back over 300,000 years held in PHONES MANNED 4 PM – 6 PM museums, stores, archives, National ANSWERPHONE AT OTHER TIMES Trust properties, stately homes, 5 landscapes and gardens across the county. Taken together these objects tell the story of Buckinghamshire. And there are even more objects which help to define us and tell our story – many of these might be sitting in our high streets, riverbanks or in people’s workplaces or even hospitals.

The Real Food Diet is for fast weight loss for everyone but has been designed especially for people with Type 2 Diabetes, quickly reducing blood sugar levels.

Amersham Martyrs Monument Menus created by our chef with all Buckinghamshire Culture has fresh food delivered straight to created an online campaign in response to Covid-19 that feeds into a larger your door, for you to prepare at project idea to develop the story home – no bars, no shakes, no of ‘Bucks in 100 Objects’. Eventually, ‘ready meals’. A week’s worth of we want to create an exhibition, publication, county trails and a website food which makes sticking to the sharing the wonderful objects and diet so much easier – no shopping, heritage that can be found across so no temptations. Bucks, but for now we want to use this idea to develop connection, a sense of community and local pride. A ‘diet in a box’ if you like. With We have asked a handful of proud various plans our prices start from residents to nominate objects they £14.30 a day for our 8 week would like to see included in the final plan. What price would you put 100 and will be sharing these via social media, inviting further nominations and on changing your health, discussion. surprisingly quickly and easily? Some nominations so far include Bekonscot, the grave of William Penn, the Boarstall Cartulary (a collection of Go to www.therealfooddiet.co.uk charters and records, dating from 1444, or call 01494 972384 produced for Edmund Rede of Boarstall in Buckinghamshire), the Lenborough It is advisable to notify your GP when Hoard, the University of Buckingham starting a new weight loss programme. Mace, the lions in Aylesbury Market 6 nominate some of our local objects and don’t assume that someone else has done so. If you have an object that you wish to nominate email your nominations to: [email protected] Each nomination must include: • An image or a video of the object that you feel is important to Buckinghamshire’s story – ideally images should be 1080 x 1920 The Lee Old Church pixels and no bigger than 4MB. Square, Cliveden House and a pint of • Up to 500 words providing a Chiltern Ale. description of the object, what There are many more very Buckinghamshire means to you, and interesting suggestions at https:// why this object is important. This buckinghamshireculture.wordpress.com will be posted on our website with /bucks-in-100-objects/ your object image. Some local nominations might To be considered as one of the 100 include the figurehead of Lord Howe, objects, nominations must: the Jubilee Well, the Lee Manor or the • be physical objects within Bucks, Old Church; to suggest a few. You • hold some kind of heritage, cultural may have other thoughts. Please or community value, • be available to be photographed and/or videoed if not actually on display and • must be suitable for people of all age groups.

The Jubilee Well at Lee Common 7 So, whilst I completely understand A kiss is treasure what Yevtushenko wrote and that every person’s experience is only true for By Diana Taylor them, I am writing this because I also he Russian poet Yevtushenko, believe something else. That is that we who was born in Siberia in 1932, have a lot to learn from these post T wrote “When a man dies, there lockdown first kisses. Yes, we shall dies with him his first snow and his first share them sparingly with caution and kiss”. I find these words both beautiful good sense but we shall also treasure and thought provoking. them. We shall remember them and look Before lockdown, a kiss may have back at them for, even though our been something we took for granted. A small kiss upon greeting a friend or experience of our first snow may die saying goodbye to a visitor. But then, a with us, these first kisses now are shared kiss became a forbidden fruit and hugs and will not be squandered. These are were not allowed to warm us, however not ‘party’ kisses. They are to be given, cold our lives seemed to have become. one to another between people who trust For the first time in 18 months, I and love. They are to be respected. have kissed some friends this week. One I intend to remember them and to was a neighbour who has come out of look at my tapestry of life, counting hospital, two were precious friends who them as precious moments. I hope I may entertained us to supper. We were their add a few more of these precious and ‘first footers’. carefully shared gems before the first In all three cases, the kisses were snow and I wish you all the love and treasures. They were not undertaken friendship that is symbolised in a kiss. lightly as perhaps they were in the past. They were part of a tapestry of what matters in life and that is made up of SHORT-TERM many colours. Amidst the array of interesting RENTALS threads, we need (and endure) a few From £375 per week (all inclusive) dark strands to set off the light, we are lucky if some gold and silver notions are Self-catering holiday woven into the fabric to give the whole picture sparkle and shimmer. In my own or temporary accommodation tapestry of life, this week’s three kisses at Lee Common were such shining chords and I shall be able to identify them when I look back. Moving house? They symbolise so very much Completion dates don’t coincide? including my faith that, thanks to House sale falls through? vaccination and good practise, we are Builders outstaying their welcome? becoming safer. They also caused me to reflect on what we have missed. Expecting Visitors? In contrast, they show the abundance Need extra accommodation? of a life with love and friendship and nothing saved in a store cupboard can Self-contained Period Property: sleeps four guests help me feel so comforted in cold times as richly as my family, friends and Tel: 01494 837798 neighbours. There is no hunger so harsh as a life without love. e-mail: [email protected] 8 Bridge too far? By Judy Hart et al his recent hand presented some bidding options for N-S as T there were 31 points between the two hands.

♠ 7 3 ♥ K 8 Mrs Susan Cowdy and Mr Nigel Dwight with ♦ K J 10 8 6 2 Mr Michael Cowdy at the microphone for the ♣ J 5 3 public address announcements ♠ Q 9 5 ♠ 6 4 2 ♥ Q 7 5 2 ♥ J 10 9 4 ur show has a special charisma. ♦ 7 5 ♦ Q 4 3 Each year the same early ♣ 8 7 4 2 ♣ Q 10 9 O morning bustle, competitors arriving loaded with flowers and ♠ A K J 10 8 vegetables, jams and ‘gardens on ♥ A 6 3 plates’ all being set up in the huge ♦ A 9 marquee. People scarcely speak to ♣ A K 6 each other such is their concentration, Dealer: East arranging vast onions or strings of Vulnerability: E-W luscious blackcurrants, (trying not to glance at the even larger ones beside At our table, the bidding started: your own entry). The special smell in E S W N the tent at this time has always been pass 2♣ pass ? the same, trodden grass and the combined scent of flowers. Then the How would you complete the command for all to leave, make way bidding and do you think the contract for judges (nowadays provided with a made? See page 23. delicious lunch for their trouble). The Art Show is still receiving works of art while tea ladies slave in The Lee the cricket pavilion making plates and ever more plates of sandwiches ready Flower Show for the hungry hoards. A teatime where tables are set and positioned next to the The First Hundred Years splendid oompah Ellesborough Silver (part 2) Band in idyllic surroundings 'neath the 1992 marked one hundred years since spreading chestnut tree. the first Flower Show was held in 2:00 pm the gates open, crowds 1892. A souvenir booklet was pour in. Children dash to see whether produced, with an introduction by their vegetable monsters or jars of Susan Cowdy (née Stewart-Liberty), wildflowers have won a prize, grown- then President of the Flower Show ups put on a nonchalant air as they and resident in The Lee since 1914. pass their Best Sweet Peas hoping for a 9 coloured ticket. The area around the the band. Secretary’s ‘tent’ is a cricket pitch holds stalls from the ever- caravan in which sit the officials popular coconut shy to the largest dealing with serious money like raffle prize draw on record. putting 50p pieces into small brown prize-winning envelopes. By 5:00 pm the crowds have dwindled leaving the winners to receive their silver cups and prize giving. In 1924 there was a handwriting competition, children had to write an essay on a given subject. Reg Dwight, aged 12 years, chose ‘Birds, flowers and trees and how they help us’. He wrote of the blue cornflower and sleek poppy towering above the tall corn The tension mounts as the Egg & Spoon race is about to start and how, without wood no wooden ships would be built, or without it the Children’s races are run, but no woodcutter could not earn his living. longer the blindfold for girls or Thus was life over 60 years ago. thread the needle for boys. Instead of Reg was the brother of Nigel and a shout through a megaphone there is Mary Dwight, who with Maurice now a tannoy which can even drown Holland have been the backbone of the

PLUMA SPANISH KITCHEN & TAPAS Traditional Spanish fare, using fresh, local ingredients alongside authentic, regionally sourced Spanish produce. Our beautiful surroundings fuse the rustic textures of Spanish culture with the clean dynamics of a modern space, making for a truly original food experience. 18 High Street, Old , Buckinghamshire HP7 0DJ +44 (0) 1494 728383 [email protected] www.plumarestaurant.com 10 show for several decades as were their fathers before them. The next big step By Claire Gresswell, Head Teacher love September! Even before I retrained as a teacher, the end of I the summer always felt to me like the opportunity for a fresh start. Perhaps it’s the fact that my birthday falls in this month, or perhaps it’s just a hangover from school days and the Flags, Banners and Band as the procession start of a new academic year. Either passes the War Memorial at The Lee way, September for me is about new in the early 1920s ideas, fresh resolve to do better and the

So may this, our hundredth year be joy of starting a brand new notebook blessed with sun where friends have so clean and full of promise! met together over the generations. For our children, September marks a big step. Whether they are starting school for the first time, moving to a new school, or even just a different Rural Spotters classroom, they will be experiencing a By Helen Evans, , lot of change. For children, this Equine Liaison change is usually exciting, but it can e are holding an also be unsettling and even a little ‘Introduction to Rural scary. Our job as parents and teachers Spotters’ event on is not to shield children from these W th Tuesday 7 September in the changes and the feelings they bring, evening, at Amersham (venue and but to allow them to face the challenge time to be confirmed). and experience the big emotions Rural Spotters are volunteers who against a backdrop of unconditional act as the eyes and ears of the police love and support. in rural areas and liaise with their Endings… and beginnings local community. They will be horse This was brought home to me at riders who look out for anything the end of the summer term when we suspicious whilst out on their normal managed to squeeze in a Year 2 hacking routes. Leavers’ performance. Our 12, fine Training will be given, Swallows of 2021 performed a short assessments made, Hi-Vis vests musical drama called The Next Big handed out. We already have an active Step, which summed up their moment team of enthusiastic Spotters and are of transition perfectly. It allowed them looking to recruit more. to reflect on their time at Lee Common If you are interested to find out School and look ahead to Year 3 and more, please contact me by email at: life at Junior School. They were [email protected]. amazing! There was singing, laughter police.uk and of course a few tears. For a 11 moment, I wondered whether bringing Early Years Framework, a new the prospect of moving on into such Reception Baseline Assessment, a new sharp focus was too much and risked Reading Framework and a requirement overwhelming the children. However, to adopt a ‘validated’ scheme of work as I observed them laugh and cry for phonics. These changes, just as for together, I came to that conclusion that children, can feel overwhelming to staff it is important to bring one chapter to a at first. However, like our children we close, clearly marking its ending, so experience them together, work through that a new one can begin. It is them as a team and offer each other important to acknowledge that endings love and support when it gets tricky. often bring sadness and that this is No matter how many demands to adapt shared by children and adults alike. curriculum, policy and practice come Far better to work through these our way, holding fast to our core values feelings with the friends, families and and purpose will help us stay on track. teachers that know and love you so So, September brings change and well than to face them on your own. I challenges, but it also brings the chance have no doubt that our Swallows have to start afresh. The school is sparkling already more than moved on and have once again, thanks to a happy band of spent the summer break not looking volunteers who have been working back with sadness, but eagerly their magic over the summer break. anticipating the start of the new The teachers are refreshed and academic year instead! brimming with new ideas and Holding fast to core values enthusiasm. And me? Well, I have my lovely new notebook! For those of us who work in a school, the start of the Autumn Term is also a bit of a leap into the unknown as we prepare to get to know and love a Shop at The Lee new cohort of characters. Will they settle well? Will they get along? Is the environment fit for purpose and the curriculum well matched to their needs? Much planning and preparation goes on during the summer break and this year has been no exception. The DfE have kindly ‘gifted’ us a new

For all your daily needs

Mike Lake A community shop, financed and Friendly & Local run by the village; the shop lies at Painter & Decorator the heart of the parish.

For that professional touch Current opening hours: Interior & Exterior Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. Also Property Maintenance Saturdays: 8.00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Sundays: 7.30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. For a free quotation please call: 01494 866873 / 07723 017005 Tel: 01494 837195 [email protected] [email protected] 12 Boundary Commission The Lee Parish Many of you will have heard of the Boundary Commission for ’s Council update (BCE) proposals to redraw the By Hayley Farrelly, Clerk constituency map for parliamentary representation. In The Lee’s case, we Annual Parish Meeting would move from and n normal years The Lee Parish Amersham to a new, largely rural, Council (TLPC) holds an Annual Princes Risborough County I Parish Meeting, usually towards Constituency stretching from the end of May. The meeting was not in the south-east to the held in 2020 for obvious reasons, and Oxfordshire border in the north-west, in May 2021 we were still not able to with Princes Risborough being the meet freely. main centre of population. It is now long overdue, so a Following much discussion and meeting has been arranged for th feedback from residents, TLPC Thursday 7 October, at 7:30pm. With responded to the BCE consultation the lifting of restrictions we very much pointing out a number of advantages hope that it will be possible to meet in and disadvantages, summarised below. person at the Parish Hall rather than The full response is at https:// via Zoom, but a final decision will be www.thelee.org.uk/tlpc-response-to- taken nearer the time. bce-consultation/ So, what is an Annual Parish Meeting? It is an opportunity for residents of The Lee Parish to come along and talk about any issues that may be of interest or concern. Although questions can be raised on any topic, it is usual for TLPC to arrange some speakers or a theme for the evening – which may trigger additional thoughts and comments from residents. Having been locked down for so long, the theme for this meeting will be ‘New Beginnings’ and our speakers will be our new Member of Parliament, Sarah Green, our new vicar, Revd Chris Haywood and our (not quite so) new head of Lee Common School, Claire Gresswell. Advantages: Not all residents will have voted • Being in a predominantly rural area for Sarah, are practising Christians of could result in an MP being more any denomination or have children of focused on rural rather than urban infant school age, but I’m sure all issues. will be very interesting, so please do • Many villages in the proposed come along. constituency would be affected by 13 both the construction and operation develop the skills and meet the of HS2, whereas it is likely to contacts they need to give their become less of an issue in Chesham business idea the best chance of and Amersham once built. success. Full details can be found at Disadvantages: https://bbf.uk.com/be-your-own-boss. • The Lee is currently part of a Please note that our Community constituency which falls mainly Board, Chesham and Villages, is not within the AONB, whereas a listed as it is currently in the process significant part of the proposed of signing up to BYOB. I am however constituency does not. assured that residents of The Lee are • The Lee forms part of the local eligible, welcome and encouraged to government ward of Chiltern sign up to any of the events. Ridges, which would be split Any old papers? between the constituencies of For a variety of reasons, TLPC has Princes Risborough and Chesham been looking back through its past and Amersham. records and has realised that a number • The Lee has many ties to Chesham of people in the village may have old and Amersham, but few to council papers. We’d be happy to take and none to Princes them off your hands, so please phone Risborough and beyond. me on 07704 909324 or email • There is a bus service to Chesham [email protected] and we will and Amersham, but none to arrange to collect them. Princes Risborough. • Many local children attend secondary schools in Chesham and Amersham, but none attend schools J Brown Funeral Services in Princes Risborough. Independent Family Funeral Director • The geographical area of the Jbrownfuneralservices.co.uk proposed Princess Risborough constituency is considerable, Serving Wendover, Aylesbury, Amersham, making it challenging to represent. The Chalfonts and all surrounding areas. • The Lee would physically be separated from the bulk of the new constituency by HS2. Jason Brown has over 25 • HS2 construction in Bucks will be years experience and is here taking place predominantly within to assist you with making the proposed constituency, thus funeral arrangements. reducing the number of impacted constituencies and in turn the Westminster representation of • Winner of the Bucks Business Award for such constituencies. excellence in customer service 2021 BYOB • Recommended by The Good Funeral Guide Not ‘Bring Your Own Bottle’ but ‘Be Your Own Boss’. This is an Wendover Amersham initiative by Bucks Business First, to 23 High Street 67 Woodside Road HP22 6DU HP6 6AA support anyone thinking of starting 01296 312222 01494 727474 their own business by helping them 14 belonging here, in just the same way as I hope the church will be a part of My remit the community which it serves and By Revd Chris Haywood continue to establish itself and find its aving been place in the life of the parishes, even Instituted and more than it is at the moment. H Collated (which My remit is to help the church and sounds rather like a scene the community it serves to connect in a from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's real and relevant way and to be Nest) by the Bishop of Buckingham, available and receptive to the wider Bishop Alan, on 29th April 2021, my population, whether ‘church goers’ or appointment as Vicar of The Lee and not. That is, in a nutshell, my remit. Rector of with For sure there is a Parish Profile and St Leonards is completed with my which sets out a manifesto and there ‘in person’ Induction by the will be Ministerial Development Archdeacon of Buckingham, Guy Reviews which will guide and frame Elsmore on Sunday 18th July. Not my ministry but in essence I just want only is my appointment a two-stage to be here for the community, to share process (first on Zoom, then life with you and be a part of the necessarily and legally in person) but scene here. it needed to be done twice! I needed to In the community be Inducted in person as Vicar and I have the image opposite, a Rector, given that The Lee and the painting by Egon Schiele, reproduced Hilltops are two separate legal entities, on one of my stoles – the ceremonial first at St Leonards Church (on behalf scarf worn on special occasions. I of the Hilltop Churches), and then at wore it when I was ordained as a vicar the Lee. The necessity of my and again at my Induction. The image induction is one thing (with all its depicts a church in the midst of a pomp and circumstance) but what I neighbourhood and I chose it because am being Inducted to do is quite it captures graphically what my another. You may ask. ministry is all about. Furthermore, the Indeed, you have already asked. A church is a hospital chapel, which couple of weeks ago Georgie and I represents for me my previous career were invited for drinks with the in healthcare. neighbours. We’d barely sat down It’s strongly symbolic of my and been handed a drink before we ministry. I also like the fact that on were asked, “As the new Vicar, viewing it from distance the image is what’s your remit?” somewhat abstract and indistinct. For It’s a key question and you might me this captures the idea that the well wonder just what it is I’ve been ministry of the church is in some tasked to do in taking up this post. My respects indistinguishable from the answer somewhat surprised our community which is serves, whilst still hosts… raising my glass of wine I being distinctive in its purpose. When said, “Just this…” “What do you viewed closely the church remains a mean, just this?” came the reply. I strongly defined feature of the went on to explain that my remit was landscape. It is my hope that the image becoming embedded in the will be truly symbolic of my ministry community of which we are a part, in the parishes and the place of the sharing our lives with you and church in our community. 15

Contacts: Vicar: Revd Chris Haywood (01494 837566) Churchwarden: Trevor Pearce (01494 837601). Treasurer: David Stephenson (01494 867617).

The Lee Old Church am HC

Contact: Secretary: Pam Garner 837501.

St Mary’s Church, Ballinger am HC On Sunday 3rd October, we will be holding our Harvest Service at 9:30 am. All welcome

Contacts: Associate Church Wardens: Maggi Cameron 01494 864790 and Anne Ellis 01494 837247. In short, I hope in some way we can play our part in the life and soul of this community, sharing a laugh with you when it is a time for humour and crying with you when there is a time for sadness and grief. We want to be part of the rhythm of the place and we're grateful for those that have helped us to settle into the metre and tempo of life. We already feel very at home and I Swan Bottom based glazing hope that you too will feel increasingly company specialising in comfortable with us and our ministry Replacement UPVC Double here over the years to come. Glazed Units

Repairs to UPVC Windows & Doors (hinges, handles, draught seals, Services for jammed sashes) Splashbacks/Mirrors September Glazing Repairs

St John the Baptist 24/7 Emergency ‘Board-Up’ am Family Service with Baptism Call Out Service am HC Tel: Macauley Hearn 01494 919015 Full information on our services Mob: 0788978695 will be published on The Lee Forum. E: [email protected] 16 and she has loved and known the little Wedding news church for all of her life. By Maggie Cameron Benwell n 26th June Nick and Emma Benwell were married by Sue O Mooring at St Mary’s Ballinger, the little church Nick went to as a small boy and that they both know and love.

Her sister was her bridesmaid and she was given away by her Dad, Chris, who is Group Scout Leader. They were driven to the church by Bernard Tompkins in his vintage Bentley. Bernard is Chairman of 1st Lee Common Scout Group. This was a very iconic wedding especially as the garden was tended beforehand by the church team of gardeners and the flowers inside and outside were done by the bride’s mother Elise, Mary Gould and Judy Whymark.

Their four year old twins were Ring Bearers (very important) and the It’s been a sun shone. Emma looked absolutely lovely, the church was awash with long haul flowers, the wonderful local folk group The Wick Trimmers played and By Anthea Hartley, Re-engage we all danced out at the end of the opefully, as I write this, the service into the sunshine. return to ‘normality’ will be H within sight. However, the last sixteen months have been a very long Nevill haul for the older members of our The wedding of Chloe Nevill and village community. Ryan Gould finally managed to take rd The ‘youngsters’, the under seventy place on 3 July at St Mary’s Church year-olds, have been wonderfully Ballinger. Chloe and her family have supportive in so many ways but the first lived in South Heath for many years lockdown in spring 2020 and the total 17 isolation was an especially gruelling glimpse a light at the end of the Covid experience for our older folk. As one tunnel, we are hoping to resume our elderly Re-engage Friend told me: “This monthly tea parties. is worse than the War, at least then we The team of Re-engage volunteers could hug and comfort each other when will be needing some additional drivers times were bad.” The loneliness of to join the group – can you please help? living on their own and without any It is essential that, as the older physical contact with their families, members of our Re-engage volunteer must have been appalling. team retire, they are replaced by Very few of our Re-engage Friends younger volunteers willing to help own a computer or mobile phone, their maintain this very simple, but very sole means of communication during special, local organization. Whatever the lock down was their landline your age, but especially if you are an telephone. However, only very rarely enthusiastic ‘youngster’ and would did I hear a complaint or a note of like to join our Re-engage team, please despair. These veterans of hardship call: Anthea Hartley (Tel: 01494 have been an inspiration to me and 837372) or Erica Cheetham (Tel: fantastic role models for all of us. They 01494 837188). Similarly, we are have become our friends. always ready to welcome new Friends, over the age of 75 and living on their Amazing support own, to join the group. Our team of twenty Re-engage ‘Re-engage’ is a registered charity volunteers, half of whom are formerly known as ‘Contact the themselves over seventy years old Elderly’. and also subjected to the initial isolation rules in 2020, have all been amazingly supportive. Obviously, our monthly Re-engage tea parties had to be abandoned right from the start of the pandemic but they were immediately replaced by a Bake Exchange system: each month five volunteers baked wonderful cakes which were then cut up, boxed and distributed to our elderly Friends by “The groundwork of all happiness is good health” the younger members of the Re- engage team. At BODYMYND Chloe takes a Personalised cake boxes, carefully holistic approach, delving into not sanitized, and delivered to the doorstep only your physical health but also ensured that our elderly Friends knew your mindset, sleep, nutrition and that they had not been forgotten despite mental wellbeing. the Covid lock down. A Phone Buddy system was established whereby every Online Coaching and one of our Friends in the Re-engage Personal Training group received two phone calls a week Contact Chloe to start your from volunteer team members. It was a journey today great opportunity for a chat and to hear fascinating anecdotes from our stoic, [email protected] housebound, neighbours. As we now www.bodymynd.co.uk 18 It was late in 2020 when the Rick Brockett condition stepped up its game and 12th June 1945 - 13th June 2021 really started taking hold of Dad. By Tom Brockett It was very tough for my brother and I to look after him. Getting him dressed, dealing with the admin work, talking to care companies and the doctors as well as providing hands on care too. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the critical role of Chris Nevill. I have no idea how we would have coped without his help. Chris put his life to one side to help us by being with us throughout this time and giving me a couple of nights off a week to rest. Chris cheered Dad up no end keeping him company, making him lunch, having a beer with him. At one point Dad referred to him as his best buddy. Takes a lot for Dad to be that open with his emotions. Our guardian angel came in the form of Chris Nevill. The final moments this summer couldn’t have been more peaceful. 12th ou never think these events will June 2021 was his 75th Birthday. In the ever happen. You always think evening he said what a wonderful day Y “Oh my parents will live he had had. A video chat from his long- forever, they are invincible”. term mate in Canada and a friend On the 13th June my dad popping down from the cricket to see if succumbed to the mentally and he wanted to watch. physically trapping disease of Motor Cards and presents left on his Neurone. A disease that took hold of doorstep, in particular his traditional him in the foot in late 2018. He carried beer in a plastic milk bottle from Vicky on working and climbing ladders with and Franco at the Cock and Rabbit. the disease getting worse until Easter Late that afternoon Luke came and 2020. He had intended to retire that picked him up for a family dinner at summer anyway. the Swan in Kimble. Surrounded by his He struggled but was determined to grandkids, his two sons and partners. I get in his car at any opportunity to see know deep down Dad was happy my his grandkids in Wendover where my girlfriend was there with her daughter. brother lives. You couldn’t tell him not The fact I had someone by my side to go because of his condition. That meant he would have been at peace in man was determined once he made his the knowledge that his boys were safe mind up, no arguing. I found his and happy. determination inspiring. He even Dad had a great chat on the phone managed to walk part of the Beating with my uncle. My uncle later referred the Bounds route in 2019. Dad’s to that phone call as the best he had stubbornness knew no bounds. had with him. I spent that evening 19 with him so that I could put him to bed. My last words were “Happy Quality Building & Birthday, night night” Renovation Projects

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Rick and Tom Brockett The next day Luke found him at lunchtime at peace, asleep. Dad’s final wish had always been to fall asleep. He did. KINGSHILL CARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS HS2 update By Cllr Colin Sully Chilterns n August, a BBC Newsnight review of HS2 reported that HS2 I Ltd was thought by the Department for Transport and the Airports Treasury to be suffering from “optimism bias”, and by others to be “hostile to accountability”. Our local report this month seems to reflect this. Imminent road closures We try to communicate details of road closures as we know them, but for a myriad of reasons the reality often differs. 01494 868699 All dates are therefore subject to change Email: [email protected] 20 at short notice. We will post updates on and vehicles are removed from this the Forum as we receive them. This is site via the Internal Access Road our current understanding of HS2- (which may be ready by then). related local closures. Extended working hours Rocky Lane: should have re- opened on 27th August, but also due to HS2 contractors have applied to be closed 24 hours a day from 13th Bucks Council for extended working September to 1st October hours between South Heath and Rocky Bowood Lane: closed 31st August Lane. (BC) to 10th September has so far refused permission pending Leather Lane: next closure a more detailed review of the impacts scheduled for 4th to 22nd October during normal working hours. A413 at : full night-time closure for six nights from 13th September and then for one night on 22nd October. Grim’s Ditch / Kings Lane Archaeology and other work around Grim’s Ditch is not now expected to be completed until late this year (see page 24). TLPC has asked, when the work is completed, that all equipment, plant

TLPC is working with GMPC and BC Environmental Health Officers to Pippa Hart try to assess the impacts of any extension of hours, particularly in Photography terms of noise and dust. Leather Lane A residents’ group, supported by engineers, lawyers, local action groups, and local councillors, has prepared and presented to the contractors an alternative routing for the re-alignment of Leather Lane, aimed at protecting more trees and ecology in the area. At the time of writing, we are still awaiting HS2 Ltd’s review of their design of the re- alignment and the overbridge. Natural & Informal Construction routes Black &White The result of HS2 Ltd’s appeal Portraits against Bucks Council’s blocking of approvals for traffic on the A355/ 01494 837340 A413, is rumoured to be due to be www.pippahart.com announced in early September – if 21 true, you may know the outcome by the time you read this newsletter (more on this topic next month). Nearby… HS2 Ltd are planning online public engagement events on Monday 6th September (6:30 pm) and Wednesday 8th September (12:30 pm) on the design of the Chesham Road Intervention Shaft (near the former Annie Bailey’s). Full details at Chesham Road intervention shaft | High Speed 2 (hs2.org.uk) The need to reinforce the ground at the north portal of the Chiltern tunnel at South Heath has led to a proposal by HS2 to demolish the former Weights and Measures building. They have scheduled the building to be demolished in September, pending any necessary approvals of regulatory issues by BC. … and at Westminster Parliament has been scheduled to debate the petition ‘Stop work on HS2 immediately and hold a new vote to repeal the legislation’ which was signed by over 150,000 people. The debate is currently scheduled for 13th September. With the Climate Change Conference due to start in October, this ought to be an interesting debate. However, unless one of the main parties changes its stance on HS2, it may well just be another side-show. HS2 engagement TLPC councillors continue to meet the HS2 Community Engagement Managers on a regular basis. If you have any local HS2 queries for the Parish Council, please send them to [email protected] If you have questions or complaints for HS2 Ltd or their contractors, then please go to www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area 22

1. Start at the Cock and Rabbit PH. Off-road Cycle Head towards Pipers. 2. At Hunts Green turn right on Tour No. 29 King’s Lane. By Rudi Kalveks 3. At Kings Ash turn right into Chesham Lane. Loop around Cholesbury 4. After ¼ mile turn left by Corner his varied route takes in lanes Farm onto bridleway through and bridleways through hilltop Lordling Wood. T villages around Cholesbury. It 5. Turn left into lane and continue past skirts Kings Ash, , grass triangle towards St Leonards. Hastoe, Hawridge, , 6. By Stonehill Cottage, turn right onto and Ballinger, and offers a mixture of bridleway through Dundridge fine woodland trails, chalky tracks and Manor grounds. bumpy descents, along with a few 7. Turn left into Oak Lane, then right at tricky climbs. T-junction towards Buckland Common. 23 8. At bottom of dip, turn left into Don’t forget: helmet, puncture repair Bottom Road then immediately bear kit, water, go slow for horses. right onto Little Twye Road. Recommended: 1:25,000 O/S Map: 9. Take care when turning left into North - Explorer 181. Shire Lane. 10. At cross-roads in Hastoe turn right onto long track through High Bridge too far? Scrubs wood. At our table the bidding continued: 11. Emerge onto Kiln Road, then turn left at T-junction with Cholesbury Road. E S W N 12. After ½ mile turn right onto farm track. pass 2♣ pass 3♦ 13. Turn right into lane and head uphill. pass 3♠ pass 4♦ 14. At the common, turn left into pass 4NT pass 5♦ Cholesbury Lane towards Hawridge. pass 6♦ pass pass 15. After ½ mile, turn right onto pass Hawridge Lane bridleway, for a Opening lead 2 bumpy descent followed by a bumpy ♥ climb. At the top, follow bridleway to the right and then left. Luckily North repeated the diamonds, which ensured we found the 16. Cross the Chesham Road into Bank slam. A 6NT bid by South would have Green Lane. been risky without knowing about the 17. Join Brazier’s End Lane, then turn second heart ‘stopper’ and would have right onto track signed “Ashotts” relied on the diamond finesse. and “Asher Lane Farm”. Bonus points for spotting the well-obscured bridleway sign. The bridleway continues through the farmyard then, just before the farm tip, enters a wood on the left. Another bumpy descent and climb follow. 18. Turn left into Chartridge Lane, then right into Capps Lane bridleway opposite conference NICHOLAS JOHN centre. Can be muddy. Your local property services company 19. At T-junction of bridleways turn left. for internal and external works 20. At Pednor Bottom turn right into *City and Guilds qualified lane uphill. 21. At Pednor, take track to the right Multi-Skilled Tradesman signed “St Johns” and continue onto * Forty-five years’ experience bridleway. * Fully insured for your protection 22. Emerge by crossroads in Ballinger * References supplied on request Bottom South and turn right uphill. 23. After Ballinger village hall, turn left Find out more at: and follow track back to The Lee. www.instagram.com/nicholasjohnbatty

Total distance: 16 miles. Three short Mobile: 07841 395867 climbs of 100 ft. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours, Home: 01494 863275 depending on conditions. [email protected] 24

HS2 at Grim’s Ditch The Lee Newsletter recently tracked down Dr Rachel Wood, HS2’s Historic Environment Research and Delivery Manager (HERDS), to find out exactly what is going on at Grim’s Ditch. Here is her explanation. By Dr Rachel Wood, HERDS Manager hose of you who live locally may have noticed, perhaps on Grim’s Ditch… as it used to be T one of your lockdown daily rectangular slots cut into the field using walks, that extensive archaeological a machine. They are generally 2m wide investigations have been underway for and 30m long although some in these much of 2020 and 2021 on a section of were longer at 50m or even 80m. the Scheduled Monument known as Known as ‘evaluation trenching’, this Grim’s Ditch, near Hunts Green Farm. is essentially keyhole surgery. It allows Whilst the global pandemic has us a glimpse into the archaeology affected most of everyone’s daily lives, (previously subjected to geophysical work has continued in a COVID secure survey) and helps us see what types of way at this site. features we have, how well preserved Grim’s Ditch is an earthwork bank they are, assess the survival of any and ditch that exists in broken types of artefacts and what date the segments across the central Chilterns. archaeology may be. From this we then It acquired the name in the medieval determine whether or not we need to period when Grim (the Devil) was move to the next stage of works which assigned to many monuments that were is known as ‘mitigation’. not understood at the time. It is thought to have been constructed in the Iron Evaluating the monument We have also excavated two Age but the reason for its construction and function is unknown. It is a evaluation trenches over the line of the protected in law. This local section Scheduled Monument. These were projects into two agricultural fields. targeted to better understand the The HS2 route will pass over this monument, how well it is preserved, section of the Scheduled Monument. any changes it might have been Before the line can be constructed, a subjected to over time and to determine detailed set of archaeological whether its construction can be dated. investigations needs to be undertaken. The trenching works in the It is being done in close collaboration surrounding two fields have been with Historic England who are followed in 2021 with a stage of responsible for the Scheduled mitigation. This is when the topsoil and Monument, and archaeologists subsoil is removed from a large area working for Buckinghamshire Council. where we have identified Works first began in 2020 with over archaeological remains of interest in 150 trial trenches. These are long the trial trenching. Works are still 25 ongoing here as well as processing all the data and samples we have collected back at the archaeological labs. The early results are hugely promising and have identified a continuation of Grim’s Ditch monument that was previously unknown. We have also uncovered a Great Missenden relationship with some Roman settlement evidence that was also Supported Living previously unknown. Fieldwork in the Grim’s Ditch area will continue into A warm, friendly, house for the 2022. After that the finds made will be elderly, in the picturesque centre of closely analysed, reported on, and sent the village. to a local museum. Come and take a look to see for yourself and have a chat with Carol Lauder-Ross (Manager) Tel: 01494 865026 or email for a brochure [email protected] Find out more on our website www.abbeyfield.com

Mervyn’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services A ‘corn drier’ discovered on site There will be further mitigation Independent carpet cleaning works conducted throughout 2021. specialist with over 30 years HS2 and Fusion-JV are working experience. closely with Historic England on all aspects of this work. This is a fantastic CARPETS. UPHOLSTERY. opportunity to excavate a Scheduled RUGS. HARD FLOOR. (but poorly understood) Monument CARPET PROTECTION. and the works so far are revealing a FULLY INSURED. great deal about Grim’s Ditch and its role in the landscape over time. We Friendly and reliable service. hope that it will reveal more of its Most work by recommendation. secrets as we progress with the rest of Environmentally friendly the archaeological investigations at cleaning materials. this fascinating site. For a no obligation quote ’phone If you have any queries please get 01525 371724 or 07975 847027 in touch with the HS2 Helpdesk on Email: [email protected] 0808 143 4434. 26 Tuesday 7th. Thames Valley Police Rural Spotters Event. Amersham. See page 10. Tuesday 14th. The Lee Parish The fastest way to let everyone in the Council Meeting. 7:30 pm at the parish know about an event you are Parish Hall or Zoom. See website and forum for confirmation. arranging is to publish it right here in th the Newsletter. Contact the Editor by Tuesday 14 . Ballinger WI Meriet the 12th of the previous month (see Duncan talking about Beekeeping 8:00 pm Ballinger Village Hall (TBC) contact details on page 1). September Coming soon Thursday 2nd. Village Walk. Meet on The Thursday 7th October. Village Walk. Lee green at 9:30 am. Meet on The Lee green at 9:30 am. Thursday 2nd. Ballinger Horticultural Thursday 7th October. The Lee Society. Autumn Show. Annual Parish Meeting 7:30 pm at Monday 6th (6:30 pm) and Wednesday the Parish Hall or Zoom. See page 12. 8th (12:30 pm). HS2 webinars. See Friday 5th November. Bonfire & page 21. Fireworks. See page 4. th Tuesday 7 . Ballinger babies and Tuesday 9th November. The Lee toddlers group. 9.30 - 11.30am; then Parish Council Meeting. 7:30 pm at every Tuesday. the Parish Hall or Zoom (TBC). Saturday 20th November. Roving Supper. (TBC) See page 4. FOR ALL YOUR PEST Friday 3rd December Newsletter Annual Dinner 7:00 pm: Parish Hall CONTROL NEEDS… (TBC) See page 1. VERMINATOR UK • Wasps Directory of • Rats & Mice • Squirrels • All flying and local contacts crawling insects Ballinger Babies and Toddlers Group • Solar panel Sophie Underwood, 07970 022190 proofing against Ballinger Horticultural Society Chairperson: Katherine Hersee pigeons also 07801 948650, [email protected] undertaken Membership Secretary: [email protected] THEY WON’T BE BACK Ballinger War Memorial Hall Bookings: Jane Ogden, 837379 Call Tim Simmons 07734 649305 Ballinger Evening WI THE VERMINATOR 0808 1972 730 Contact: Jo Laurie, 863492 [email protected] verminatoruk.com | [email protected] 27 Lee Common C of E School School office, 837267 The Newsletter [email protected] he Lee Newsletter is published 10 Lee Common Methodist Church Graham and Susan Evans, 580016 times a year and distributed free to Lee Common Scouts T all households in the parish… and Group Scout Leader, Chris Nevill; a little beyond. The views expressed in it 864881, [email protected] are not necessarily those of the Editor. Scouts, Enzo D’Alessandro; We welcome letters and articles of [email protected] interest and relevance to The Lee. Beavers, Karen Bruton; Copy should be sent to the Editor of [email protected] the month (see page 1) by the 12th of Cubs, James Bruton; the month before publication. [email protected] Letters should ideally run to no more Shop at The Lee than 200 words and articles to no more Symeon Economou, 837195 than 700 words; material may be edited [email protected] and may appear on the village website St John the Baptist Church See centre pages www.thelee.org.uk unless consent is St Mary’s Ballinger specifically withheld. Anonymous Contact: Anne Ellis, 837247 contributions are not accepted. [email protected] To advertise or place an insert, Tennis Court @ Parish Hall please contact Paul Apicella on 837377 Bookings: Pippa Hart 07785 323232 by the 12th of the previous month. (ideally WhatsApp) If you have photographs for The Arts Society Ballinger publication please contact Jonathan Chair: Lesley Wickham, 865480 Batten on 837450 or email [email protected] [email protected] The Lee Cricket Club For queries regarding distribution www.theleecc.org.uk contact Colin Sully on 837760. Secretary: Mike Harris Other members of the Editorial 07788 345555 The Lee Flower Show team: Zoe Berkeley, Ruth Fowler, Chairman: Jonathan Batten, 837450 Mary Godfrey, Phil Harrison, Liz The Lee Newsletter Macann, Jen Ogley and Adam Speller. [email protected] Printed by Orbit Press: Chesham. The Lee Old Church Trust 01494 778053. Secretary: Pam Garner 837501 The Lee Parish Council Clerk: Hayley Farrelly, 07704 909324 To book the Parish Hall [email protected] or Scout Hut

www.thelee.org.uk/pc ’phone Anne Barnett on 837796 Allotments: Alison Weir, 837529 The Lee Parish Hall Committee Rates 9 am - 1 pm 6 pm - Bookings: Anne Barnett, 837796 2 pm - 6 pm midnight Pippa Hart, 837340 Mon - Fri £30 or £10/hr £45 or £10/hr Chairman: Tony Lea, 837237 Sat/Sun £12/hr £70 Bank Holiday £12/hr £70 The LeeWay Car park only £10 Contact: 07845 029500 Crockery/cutlery £15 (hire outside the hall) Sales & Lettings 64 High Street Great Missenden Buckinghamshire HP16 0AN Tel: 01494 890990 email: [email protected] www.jeremyswan.co.uk