Hilltop News

April & May 2011 Panto lovers have a ball! he Hilltop Villages Players put on a rousing performance of the TPantomime ‘Cinderella’ at St Leonards Village Hall at the end of February. Judging by the favourable comments posted on Grapevine, the show was another hugely popular success. In this issue, Gill Sparks presents a personal review of the Panto: our inside front cover shows scenes from the show and, in all their splendour, some of the characters who took part.

Long wait for Easter! Easter is celebrated on the first full moon on or after the Spring Equinox (the day on which there are equal hours of light and dark). So Easter Day can come as early as March 22, or as late as April 25. This year Easter Sunday is almost as late as we can get – the 24th. May your Easter weekend be worth waiting for!

Also in this issue… A tribute to George de Burgh-Thomas. George Humphreys runs with his best friend. Nick Collins shares his passion for sculpting. HS2 consultation gathers speed. Plus our regular features… Front Cover Photo Chris Brown, in his 50th contribution, What better way celebrates the naturalists who have inspired to enjoy the spring sunshine than to him most. walk through one of Jim Hetherington takes a peek at the the many beautiful courting habits of our garden frog. bluebell woods Our Curvaceous Cook serves up tasty ideas that surround our for the humble chickpea. villages …plus all the news from our Churches, School, Clubs, Pubs, Councils and Societies.

Hilltop News 3 THE PARISH COUNCIL a typical example: I have lost count of the Clerk to the Council number of meetings held and letters sent to David Clarke is retiring after ten years he annual public Neighbourhood Parish Council elections will take place Bucks County Council on these issues. Many excellent service to the community as Action Group (NAG) meeting will of the road repairs are a direct result of Clerk to the Council. I am very pleased on Thursday 5 May along with District Ttake place at Bellingdon Village pressure by the Parish Council, although we to announce that Susie Bell has been Hall at 8.00pm on Tuesday 3 May. Please Council elections and the referendum would obviously like to see more effort and appointed as the new Clerk with effect come along to tell our Neighbourhood on voting systems. Most local residents efficiency from the County. from 1st May and we are looking forward Specialist Police Officer, PC 3395 The Parish Council also organises local to working with her. Contact details will are allowed to stand for election so, for Kevin Flint, his PCSOs and your parish events. Who can forget the pantomimes, appear in the next issue of Hilltop News. anyone interested, I have put together councillors, Chris Brown and Caroline which started as part of the Council’s 75th Susie and her husband John live at Heath Coates, what general concerns you a short review of the duties of a Parish Anniversary celebrations and continue to be End and we look forward to seeing them at would like the NAG to address this year. Councillor… underwritten by the Council. Last year we community events. We have done our best to get Bucks CC also had the fun day, beating the bounds, Pantomime to fill in potholes and were starting to he Parish Council is the lowest level civic service and other events. The Parish Council, which sponsored see results until the winter weather put of local government. Its actions are HS2 is a current issue being addressed the production of Cinderella, thank the us back to square one. We have also controlled by some quite complex T by Parish Council members, who will be Producer Caroline Coates, Director Janet asked the police to carry out speeding legal arrangements but, to all intents and attending several meetings on your behalf. Davies, Musical Director Andrew McCrorie- spot-checks around the parishes and purposes, it can do anything which is of Notices regarding the forthcoming Shand, the cast (especially the children) the this programme continues as normal benefit to the local community. It is funded elections will be posted on Council notice backstage team and all those who helped business, with warnings, or worse, given from the Council Tax you pay to Chiltern boards in the near future. in so many ways to provide such splendid to offenders. Fly-tipping is dealt with District Council, but please note that Parish This will be my last Hilltop News report entertainment. by Chiltern District Council as and when Councillors receive no remuneration and, as I will be retiring at the end of May. May I A big thank you also to those of you it arises. But if anything else is causing in this Parish, there have been no expense take this opportunity to thank all the people who bought tickets and came along to play concern please tell us, otherwise we will allowances paid to them during my ten I have worked with over the last ten years. your parts! I shall let you know in the next assume everyone is happy with life in the years as Clerk. There are real challenges ahead and I wish issue what the surplus is, which is to be Hilltop Villages! The Parish Council has a responsibility the Council and their new Clerk, Susie Bell, given to our two community halls. to review all planning applications and every success in the future. comment accordingly. The final decision is John Allen, Chairman 758095 Dave Clarke, Clerk to the Council 758567 made by Chiltern District Council but they must take into account the local comments made by us. The PC also owns and maintains the Green at Buckland Common. You may have noticed that an oak tree, recently removed from the allotments at Springall Hill by two Parish Councillors, has been replanted on the Green. The Council also owns and maintains these allotments. The Council provides funds for a number of local causes, notably annual grants to both Cholesbury and St Leonards village halls. It also has a reserve fund for replacement equipment at St Leonards playground. One very important function of the Parish Council is to monitor local situations and report them to the responsible authority, either directly or via various forums where we are represented. Highways problems are

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 eighteen months to two years to implement THE COUNTY COUNCIL the changes. I am passionately keen to ou may have ensure that each community has a library noticed that the which meets their particular needs and YCounty Council that, unlike neighbouring counties, they all will not be raising council remain open despite cuts in other areas. I am tax this year and has working with members of the community in worked diligently to Great Missenden and across the county and produce a budget which in many cases we will be able to co-locate focussed on cutting back other public services in libraries to increase office activities whilst their financial viability. We will also be protecting services to creating a Trust for Aylesbury museum to HS2 – public consultation launched Buckinghamshire residents. raise funding from new sources and seeking trustees to bring new expertise to the The Government is currently setting out Chilterns, includes essential details and I hope by now you will have started to museum. links on its own website see improvements to our roads. Whilst we its case for HS2, the high-speed railway April promises to be an excellent www.chilterncountrysidegroup.org have been filling around 100 potholes a day which would see trains capable of 225mph month with Easter, followed by the Royal (phone: 01442 824832). to repair frost damage, the plan for the next Wedding and Bank holiday Monday all thundering through the Chilterns. The five- A public outcry forced the government two years is to re-surface larger stretches of road, and I have an assurance that this area within a fortnight. By then the weather month consultation – one of the biggest to make a U-turn over the proposed sell- should be warmer and the countryside off of our forests. Perhaps the public can will be a priority. public consultations ever launched - goes looking its best. May I wish you all a very show its opposition to another misguided In mid-February I had lunch with HRH enjoyable Easter Holiday, particularly after on until 29 July 2011, with open access government plan. The Duke of Kent prior to a Citizenship roadshows, coordinated by the HS2 Action ceremony at Halton House. His first question such a severe winter. No doubt we shall was whether I was affected by the High be busy in the garden, point-to-pointing Alliance, held in towns and villages along Parish Council consultation As a local authority in the Chilterns Speed train. I explained that the Division and enjoying walks in the Chilterns. Last the proposed London to Birmingham route. AONB, Cholesbury-cum-St. Leonards I represented held some of the most summer I particularly enjoyed the flowers y participating in the consultation, Parish Council will respond to the public magnificent landscapes in the Chilterns on Longdown Hill and of course the recently whether by going to a roadshow or consultation on HS2. It will contact other AONB and that much of the route between refurbished Monument on Coombe Hill is visiting the consultation website, organisations, including local authorities, Amersham and Wendover would be worth seeing. B Finally a reminder about the Exhibition you can voice your opinions and concerns so as to understand the arguments for decimated. He is happy for me to say that and find out the information you need to and against the proposals. It will hold a he does not support these proposals, has of Art, which opens on 9 April at Aylesbury respond. public meeting for parishioners, after the thought about HS2 carefully and thinks, as Museum, with works from important local The Transport Secretary Philip Hammond HS2 roadshows in Amersham, Wendover, I do, that we should preserve our precious collections! has already upset many by making the Great Missenden and Aylesbury, which environment. The case is far from proven for Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 convenient, well-used and insulting slur at are taking place in May, to enable HS2. I am pleased that the County Council people living close to the route who oppose parishioners to discuss and inform the has been advised by Queen’s Counsel and HS2 by calling them nimbys. Surely anyone Parish Council of their views. Please try believes it holds some important cards in who loves the Chilterns would oppose the to attend one of these, so that discussion the forthcoming consultation process. Local scarring of parts of this beautiful land, as is as well informed as possible. Details authorities in Buckinghamshire and further they would if it were any other area of of the public meeting will be given in afield will be sharing expertise and have outstanding natural beauty. the next edition of Hilltop News and on expressed their strong opposition to the Consultation documents, roadshow notice boards. project. In Buckinghamshire 74% of people use dates, locations and details about how Chris Brown, Caroline Coates, the nine main county libraries and plans to respond to HS2 can be found at www. Francis Sanger highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk. to turn the fourteen smaller libraries into Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Parish The Chiltern Countryside Group, community partnerships are progressing. Council HS2 Consultation Committee whose aim is to preserve the peace of the Some are ahead of others and we have [email protected]

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 April. The Second team is not playing in Trafford Matthews and Chairman Tony the League this season, but matches will Smith remain to oversee the continuing be arranged through the Club Cricket development of the club. Tony particularly Conference as required according to player wants to lead a special effort to ensure that availability. This short term measure will the club is inclusive and all club members give the Saturday team a chance to gather are motivated to support the club in their strength without the pressure of having to individual ways. find two teams to fulfil League fixtures. The Following last year’s 125 year anniversary Sunday team, playing traditional ‘friendly’ celebrations, Mick Channer will again be matches, begin the season on 17 April busy planning social events to complement away to Chipperfield, before the first home the playing season. game against Hemel Hempstead 2nds the Visit our website following Sunday. Follow the Club’s fortunes throughout the Ryan Anderson, who lives in Cholesbury, season. Here you can see all the fixtures, will pick up the reins as Saturday First Team results and league tables and catch up on captain. Steve Drane continues as Second the latest news and activities... Team captain. Andy Holdsworth also carries www.hawridgecricket.org on as Sunday captain. Mike Harding takes Please support Hawridge & Cholesbury up the important role of Cricket Manager Cricket Club. Come to a practice and we have a new Treasurer, Richard evening from the end of April (weather Wyatt, who has been with the club for permitting!), seniors Wednesdays from many years in various offices, including 7pm, colts Thursday 6pm to 8pm. Here’s to crease on the second ball of the match! Chairman. I have stepped aside after several A WARM WELCOME a happy and successful season! The first had shattered the stumps of our years as Club Secretary and we warmly AWAITS NEW opener Neil Page (now an honorary club welcome Jackie Piggott, from St Leonards, Graham Lincoln MEMBERS life member). As our respective paths to to the committee in that office. and from the pavilion crossed I muttered Colts matches have been arranged by suppose something like “bad luck old chap”. He Phil Wright for Under 10, 11 and 12 age cricketers, at responded with some colourful words and groups this season. Look out for the throng Iwhatever level, hurled his bat over the pavilion. Plenty of of enthusiastic youngsters training on always remember spirit in this club, I thought! Curiously, on Thursday evenings from 28 April through their club debuts. I my debut for my former club, Chalfont to September. All children in the villages certainly remember Saints, I was also asked to bat at first wicket with an interest in cricket are more than mine. At Hawridge down, and also went in to face the second welcome to join in. & Cholesbury, 30 ball of the day! Continued improvements to the years ago, I turned Happily, I did at least contribute to the clubhouse have been made throughout up for the first team score on my debuts and went on to the close season, mainly thanks to Pavilion game of the season enjoy many happy playing seasons with Manager Mick Sargent. shortly after my wife and I moved to the both clubs. I am hoping that Hawridge & The players can’t wait to run out on Hilltops. Cholesbury will be welcoming more local the lush green outfield again after the We won the toss and elected to bat. I cricketers to its teams this coming season, if winter break. Kevin Hamblin, who has was asked to bat at number 3, rather high not with such dramatic beginnings. helped prepare the pitches for the past for a newcomer I thought. I flattered myself * * * few seasons, has now been elected as that this was based on my performances for After finishing a creditable sixth in the official Ground Manager. Rest assured the my previous club, but it might have been Chilterns League First Division last season, pitch will again be one of the best playing a reflection on the current strength of the Hawridge & Cholesbury looks forward to surfaces in the district. H&C batsmen. The latter thought came to the new campaign. Our first league match With many changes to Club officers mind when I was summoned to walk to the is at home to Braywood on Saturday 30 this season, it is reassuring that President

8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 the adverse weather. Sarah Gray, who is the LOCAL HISTORY manager and curator of Buckinghamshire CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST NEIGHBOURHOOD GROUP County Museum, will reveal some hidden LEONARDS W.I. WATCH treasures of the museum’s art collections. ere are the oger Askew gave us an extremely he Chiltern If you are new to the area or have just upcoming talks good evening in February: his Community Safety not got around to coming along before now, organised by the well-researched history of the Savill Information (CSI) H why not come to a meeting: non-members R T Local History Group for Garden culminated in some stunning slides newsletter for January/ are always made welcome, entry just £3 on the next two months. of the planting in Windsor Great Park and February 2011 is available to the door. Look out for the yellow roadside The quiz this time is on held the attention of all. view on the Chiltern District notices and posters on notice boards to some of the roads in the For the April meeting, Amanda Rayner is Council website. It has information about remind you a meeting is imminent! Hilltop Villages and the people they are coming to explain ‘The Language of Fans’. what the Community Safety Partnership named after. Quiz Questions She will bring a selection for us to admire did during the first two months of the year The next meeting is at 8.15pm on Friday 1. Which road is named after a 14th century and will talk about their history, fashion and contains details of local ‘Have Your Say’ 1st April at St Leonards Parish Hall, when farmer whose farm was, at the time, at the and design, and there really is a ‘language’ meetings during March and April. Among we have Jan and Margaret Gosling, whose end of this narrow lane? of fans. All will be revealed on Monday 18 other things, the issue focuses on recent 30 years living in the town just down the hill 2. Which road is named after a couple who ran April. crime figures, Victim Support, doorstop in Aylesbury Vale, make them experts on The a post office and shop along here? Our Resolution meeting will be on Census advice, the Message in a Bottle History of Wendover. 3. Which short road commemorates the Monday 16 May. At the time of writing it scheme and property marking. On Friday 6 May at Cholesbury Village efforts of a local person to ensure modern is not known what we shall be discussing Police have also issued a reminder Hall, starting at the earlier time of 7.30pm, social housing was built to replace some and voting on so please ring Carol Henry to be wary when drawing cash from we have our very brief AGM followed by a condemned cottages? (758435) nearer the date for more ATM machines. Please be very aware of talk about Buckinghamshire Artists, which 4. Which road’s old name derived from the information about this meeting. There will the people around you when keying in had to be cancelled last December due to name of the farmer who worked Hill Farm also be a chance to sample and vote on numbers and withdrawing the money. on this lane? (This lane is not suitable for the competition as ‘Cup Cakes’ will be the The Neighbourhood Monthly News cars) entries on the table. Updates are now available on the Thames Brief answers to be found on page 52. But Valley Police website where you can check why not join the Local History Group and get out dates of meetings, view photos of to know more about the history of the Hilltop Neighbourhood Police officers and see villages? recent press releases and crime statistics. Chris Brown: 758890 There is also a link on the Neighbourhood email: [email protected] Page where you can contact your Neighbourhood Police officers about local issues. The link for our area (Chesham Rural) is: http://bit.ly/9saBi8 Shirley Blomfield 758314

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 are sheltered from the strongest winds specialists, is arranging an event for the HAWRIDGE AND also helps. My most remarkable memory Society. As last year, a light box will be set CHOLESBURY of one of David’s walks on the Commons up at a suitable location on the Commons COMMONS was seeing a purple hairstreak settled on a and moths will be identified, as they arrive, leaf at eye level, the sunlight catching the by our guest experts. The moths that PRESERVATION iridescent light purple on its wings. This visit later in the night will be viewed the SOCIETY was remarkable, because, like the purple following morning (Sunday 24th) before emperor, this butterfly is usually seen flying being released back into the wild. Holding Butterflies of the Chilterns around the canopy of oak trees in high this event in July this year should result On 5 March HCCPS hosted an evening at summer. in greater numbers, and different species Cholesbury Village Hall for David Dennis We are very grateful to David for a really of moth. The bat experts will be on hand to present a talk on behalf of Butterfly inspiring and interesting talk. during the evening with equipment that Conservation. He is a trustee and supporter (The August/September issue of Hilltop can pick up the high frequency sounds of this charity, which seeks to understand News will include a feature on David Dennis made by different bat species. It will be so how different factors affect butterfly rare butterfly, confining itself to oak woods and his work for Butterfly Conservation). interesting to find out which of the UK’s populations and increase awareness of in southern Britain, where it can sometimes 17 species we have on the Commons, as it what we can do to help them to thrive. be seen soaring on powerful wings around Closure of Permissive Rides is normally very difficult to identify them. Some major projects in recent years have the tree canopy in July and August. One or At dusk on Sunday, 7 March, we closed the More details about this will appear on saved more than one species from the brink two have been seen in the villages during permissive rides for 24 hours until dusk Grapevine and in the next Hilltop News, but of extinction. recent summers: not above the trees but, the following day. This is something that please put the dates in your diaries now. Britain is at the northernmost range remarkably, settling in gardens – even on we do each year in order to preserve the of possible habitats for butterflies, so one occasion alighting on David’s father- status of the tracks as permissive rides, as Working Parties the number of species that can live in in-law’s shirt! There may be a breeding opposed to bridleways. Every year, this is The fortnightly working parties that meet our country is fewer than in warmer colony somewhere nearby. David would something that we do on the first Monday throughout the autumn and winter have countries. For this reason I think we value like to hear about any sightings and would in March. On reflection, it would have now come to an end for this year. All the the species that we do have as something be especially interested to learn of a local been a good idea to give people warning clearing of scrub and small trees is stopped very precious. Climate change and other colony. If you are lucky enough to see one via the Grapevine that this was to happen, to allow peace and quiet for wildlife on the changes in our environment have a big of these beautiful insects, please let him so that horse-riders would have been able Commons. Little work will be done during impact on the numbers of butterflies that know on 758379. to avoid the Commons for that day. We the summer, apart from cutting grass on we see. As the climate warms, species There has been a huge decline over must remember to do this next year. I hope the tracks and treating the bracken in an that have hitherto only been found in our the years in the numbers of even our nobody was inconvenienced. attempt to curb its vigour. southernmost counties are moving their most common butterflies, but where the On behalf of all the committee, I range northwards. conditions are well managed for different Moth and Bat Evening would like to thank everyone who came We were shown photographs, which species, results can be impressive. Gardens On the evening of Saturday 23 July, David, out during the winter to help with the David had taken over a period of time, of tend to be rather tidy these days, but it may together with a team of moth and bat maintenance of the Commons. We are very the orange tip butterfly’s life cycle: from be possible to leave part of your garden to grateful for all the work they did. the caterpillar slowly being transformed grow nettles, which are the food plant of into a chrysalis, through to the moment of the comma, small tortoiseshell and peacock. Membership its emergence as a butterfly. The orange Michaelmas daisies, buddleia, sedum, and We always welcome new members. tip (above) is a harbinger of spring, as it common marjoram are some of the late- Subscriptions are now £10 per member. It first appears as the cuckoo flower (ladies’ flowering plants that can attract butterflies. is the first rise that we have had for several smock) comes out. This is its main food We have recorded 27 species of years, but costs have risen. Subscriptions plant. butterflies on our Commons out of the for 2011 are payable to Mike Fletcher, Ivy One of David’s favourites is the purple UK total of 58. In our management Cottage, Cholesbury, Tring, Herts., HP23 emperor. This is one of the largest of the of the Commons we try to encourage 6ND. British butterflies. The male, in certain intermediate native shrubs at the edges of Linden Bevan-Pritchard lights, is a beautiful iridescent purple-black: woodland, where butterflies can find nectar the even larger female is browner. It is a and sunshine. Opening up glades which

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 the ‘Egyptian Creation Story’. The story was acted out with the use of masks and hats made by the children to help bring Governor Vacancy the characters to life. As always, their enthusiasm and sense of fun shone through, Hawridge and Cholesbury Church of to the appreciation of their audience England School is voluntary aided, (particularly the younger ones who always meaning that it operates under the enjoy ‘assemblies with acting bits in!’). auspices of the Diocese of Oxford rather So now we’re looking forward to the than Buckinghamshire County Council. summer term and lots of time learning and The Governing Body has responsibility playing in our glorious school grounds! for all aspects of the operation of the Come on Mr Sunshine - we’ve got plans! School whilst delegating management to the Headteacher. Kay Bass 786016 A vacancy exists for a foundation governor, who is not a parent of a child at the School, whose appointment has to be approved by the Diocese. Please call me if you are interested in finding out more about this interesting and challenging opportunity. Sarah Jones 758495

4’s (8-9 year olds) about our ‘sustainable HAWRIDGE & future’. They really helped them to imagine CHOLESBURY SCHOOL what the real rainforest would be like to visit and the outing has initiated further Rainforests and Egyptians… work back in the classroom looking at these his term some of the classes have interesting themes. been studying the rainforest, learning Meanwhile Year 6 (our oldest pupils at Tabout topics such as deforestation 10-11 years) attended a joint schools event and food. The highlight of this project was entitled ‘Mini Enterprise’, where they were an amazing day at the Living Rainforest, challenged to design a prototype kite, and near Newbury, where they spent their time then provide a finished item, all in the experiencing the sights and sounds of this space of about 3 hours! Pupils representing exciting environment (above). 20 schools across the county worked in The site houses 700 species of plants small teams taking on the roles of design, and animals: some of which (birds and construction, finance and sales with our butterflies) roam free in the tropical team showing fabulous creativity and really glasshouses. Other creatures, such as pulling together as a group. We hope that monkeys and crocodiles, were caged (thank children across all classes will have the goodness) but still stirred much excitement opportunity to attend these events in the among the pupils, with the baby monkeys coming terms. definitely being the biggest hit of all! Finally, another aspect of our school life, Enthusiastic guides took small groups class assembly, was really shaken up this around to talk in detail to the younger term when pupils, looking into the many pupils about ‘the edible forest’ and to year different ideas about ‘belief’, performed

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 St Leonards Parish Hall Fête Horse Show & Gymkhana & Dog Show 4th June 2011

Please make a note in your diaries! Bring your family and friends to support the day

Fête – Opens at 2pm

Many attractions including the Annual Draw! Along with all the usual great prizes we have been offered again Two Top Price West Stand Tickets (near Royal Box) for an England home Rugby Match in the 2011 Autumn Internationals or the 2012 Six Nations! Draw Tickets now on sale, to be drawn ‘on the day’

HELP is also always needed –Raffle Prizes & Raffle ticket sellers, Cakes – there are never enough! Items for stalls – Bottles, Books, Bric-a-Brac Children’s Toys, Plants, Tombola etc The usual Villages Collection will take place during the week beforehand Could you run a Stall or do you have any new ideas!

Horse Show & Gymkhana from 9am Schedules/Entry Forms/Enquiries from 01442 825882 or 07956 611278.

Dog Show 1pm – Judging at 2pm As ever, details from Jonathan Bright 01494 758907

The Fête is the Hall’s main fund raising event and the proceeds help to keep the Hiring Rates as low as possible. Any offer of help, however little, helps to make this important Annual Village Event a success

Contact me or any member of the St Leonards Hall Committee we look forward to hearing from you JOHN HORN 01494 758250

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 one performance! As the person sitting next to me at the final performance said, “The only ‘criticism’ was that the obvious mistakes were too transparent!” Comments have been posted on The Grapevine. As many of you will have seen, all of them were positive, of course. We can only hope that the weather next winter is less dreary than in 2010, as we will have no Pantomime to brighten up the season. A footnote tells us that the Pantomime spirit was still in evidence on the Sunday after the final performance, at St.Leonards Church, when Michael Joseph’s “Good morning” was returned with a resounding “OH NO IT ISN’T!” Gill Sparks

Another seasonal treat? Just like Cinders, Louisa has been working very hard… eading lady Louisa Haggerty Oh yes it was! performed at the Chesham Arts LFestival two days before our first night, winning her vocal class, before I have been asked to write the review cast for praise as everyone played their part going straight to Cinderella rehearsals that extremely well. How refreshing to see all for the Village Pantomime and must say evening. ages of Hilltop Villagers working so well that if you didn’t see it then you really Selected to be the Amersham Rotary together. I only hope everyone enjoyed Club’s vocal representative in the Rotary missed a treat. If indeed you did attend a taking part as much as we did watching you Club of Great Britain Young Musician of performance then you hardly need me to all. A few ‘snippets’ have been given to me the Year, Louisa has since performed in about some back- stage ‘incidents’... tell you how splendid were all the cast and the district final in Watford and won the At one of the rehearsals when the vocal section – regional finals in Colchester ‘backroom’ staff. slipper was being tried on by ‘Fenella’ (who to come. On 10 March she performed solo rom the brash and ‘in your face’ has rather small feet for a man) things went at the Barbican Hall in the Haberdashers ugly sisters with a retort to all rather awry when Dandini’s line “It doesn’t Aske’s Boys’ Gala Concert (Louisa attends hecklers worthy of the finest political fit Sire” was met with “Actually it does!” F the lower sixth form at the HA Girls’ speakers, to the sweet little mice, and This could have ruined the whole story! School). Louisa last performed solo at the the children: just everything was so well The dress rehearsal was apparently Barbican when she was just nine years executed. Programmes and posters, scenery ‘enlivened’ by the Producer inadvertently old and has been performing in the West and costumes were all so professionally setting off the fire alarm by leaning against End since she was seven. She also passed produced and Cinderella’s coach was simply the wall just before the start. her Grade 8 classical singing exam with amazing, changing magically from Pumpkin The debt collectors Sid and Bert were distinction last year. No doubt we shall be to Coach. apparently so convincing as baddies that hearing much more of Louisa’s wonderful It would be unfair to pick out any of the they frightened a child in the audience at voice in the near future…

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 then applied mathematics to work out exact measurements, whether to make a life-sized model, or one scaled down. If sculpting a pet, Nick also makes a note of its movements and characteristics to add that unique and special intimate quality to his subject. Special tools, which look like they come from a dentist’s surgery, provide the finishing touches. When the sculpture is complete, this is the time for the customer to approve. Next, a rubber mould is made. The RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanising) silicone rubber is poured over the sculpture, which fills every detail. Thicker layers are applied and finally a fibre glass jacket keeps the form of the rubber in shape when it has set. The most common material Nick uses ‘King’s Rhapsody’, a commissioned portrait to pour in the mould and make the cast is bronze resin. This is the metal ground down produces a white model. Stone materials to a powder and mixed with a polyester like granite and marble provide an Nick Collins putting the final touches to his latest sculpture resin. The cold liquid is poured into the alternative medium. mould where it bonds and sets into the Cold casting with bronze resin costs shape of the model. The cast comes out about half as much as a casting of The fine art of sculpting brown, but a wire brush polishes it up to solid bronze, made in a foundry by the the familiar bronze lustre. Nick then may traditional ‘lost wax’ method. Nick’s ‘cold Nick Collins from Buckland Common is become a freelance model-maker in film treat the cast with various acids to create cast bronze’ looks much the same, and is infinitely better than the mass produced part of an artistic family. Parents Barry and and TV, producing props for special effects, different colours and patinas. and it was at this time that he started Other metals and materials can also models you can pick up at garden centres Heather are painters and sister Laura is sculpting. be bonded into resin for casting in the which, of course, lack that personal touch. a photographer, specialising in black and Nick now has his own workshop at same way. Copper, for instance, is ideal if Commissions mostly come to Nick by white landscapes. Nick is a professional home where his time is spent creating a Red Setter dog is the subject. Aluminium word of mouth, and they are commonly of dogs or horses. One such was commissioned sculptor. models, mostly commissions, of people’s dogs, horses or whatever; sculpting other by the daughter of a blind man. Nick was ick’s creative bent started in items for display and sale at exhibitions; moved to hear the praise when the owner childhood, when he loved building and making moulds and castings for other recognised the unique features of his guide Nmodels. From school he naturally artists’ work. dog by touch. went to art college (Amersham) and then The initial sculpture is modelled using Nick is a member of the Surrey Sculpture to Hertfordshire University to specialise in a professional modelling clay called Society and Oxford Sculpture Society, for model making and design representation. plastaline, which is an oil-based version of which he provides exhibits. Along with Before computer technology made this type the children’s favourite plasticine. For small his parents, Nick has displayed his work of work possible with keypad and mouse, models Nick uses a special sculpting wax, at home in aid of the annual Bucks Open Nick would create three-dimensional which allows finer detail. An armature, or Studios. This year, countrywide exhibitions models to explain concepts. wire frame, usually forms the core structure by local artists and makers will be held For someone who likes model making, of the model to hold its weight as it between 18 June and 3 July. Nick’s first job was a dream-come-true: develops. What better souvenir of a much-loved designing and building models at Windsor’s Nick uses photos of his subject for Jasper, a life-sized portrait in bronze of a pet could be than a portrait sculptured to famous Legoland. He left in 1997 to reference, taken from all angles, and much-loved pet perfection with loving care?

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 Easter Joy

by the Reverend at the Gospel accounts, it seems that the joy David Burgess came from two sources. Part of the joy lay in the mystery of Firstly, my thanks the event, and in the way the news was to many members revealed and passed on. There were no witnesses to the act of resurrection itself; of our church but a series of people, at first sceptical, and village were finally convinced by the evidence they communities for saw before them (the empty tomb, the angels, the appearance of Jesus). their support, The second source of Easter joy was the prayers and good wishes over the last few transformation which the events brought months. I’m much improved, and I hope to about. David Wheaton writes: be back working in the parishes in the very “As day broke on that Sunday morning, Jesus’ followers were shadow-men.... near future. Yet within twelve hours everything is xperiences such as time away from changed.... Despondency and mourning are work give you a sense of living in things of the past. Fear is gone, and in its Eparallel with events rather than being place, indescribable joy.” fully involved with them. For example, The events of a quiet Sunday morning being aware of, but not being part of, in Jerusalem, bringing joy through mystery the churches’ response to the news of the and transformation, changed the world devastating events in Japan (news that’s for good. Our existence as a church is only only three days old as I write this piece, possible because these events happened. and reflection on which would, I think, be Easter is the mark of God’s love, and of his better left for my next article with more offer and provision of new life for us. time for thought and preparation). I wish you a joyful Easter. An entire society once lived in parallel with the greatest single event in history but was almost entirely unaware of it. It was just another Sunday morning in and around the Jerusalem area one day in the early ‘30s AD. People would have been embarking on their new day as usual. No-one witnessed the event and only a few were to learn about it even by the end of the day. For those who did witness the immediate aftermath of the Resurrection, joy is the emotion which is most strongly captured in all the accounts of the Easter story. Looking

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 CHURCH SERVICES - April to May 2011

DATE DAY St. John the Baptist St.Leonard's St. Laurence St. Mary's NOTES THE LEE ST. LEONARDS CHOLESBURY HAWRIDGE 3 Apr Mothering 8.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Family Communion 9.30 Family Service 5.00pm Evensong Sunday 10.00 Family Service Sunday School Mid-week Holy Communion

10 Apr Passion 10.00 Parish Communion 6.00pm Parish Communion 10.45 No Service 9.30 Said 10.00am at The Lee on First Wednesday Sunday Sunday School Parish Communion of the month (Except April) 17 Apr Palm 10.00 All Age Service 11.00 Parish Communion 11.00 Parish Communion 10.45 Parish Communion Holy Communion, Matins & Evensong Sunday Shared with Cholesbury at St. Leonards Book of Common Prayer

18 Apr Monday 7.30pm Joint Compline Parish / Family Communion and 19 Apr Tuesday 7.30pm Joint Compline Morning Service 20 Apr Wednesday 7.30pm Joint Compline Common Worship

21 Apr Maundy 10.00 Said 7.30pm Joint 7.30pm Joint Service 7.30pm Joint Service Thursday Holy Communion Parish Communion at St. Leonards at St. Leonards 22 Apr Good 10.30 Walk of witness: Start from St. Leonard's or St. Mary's. Arrive Cholesbury Common about 11.15 Friday 12.00 Devotional Hour Followed by Devotional Hour in Cholesbury Church 24 Apr Easter 10.00 Parish Communion 9.00 Holy Communion 9.00 Parish Communion 10.30 Holy Communion Sunday 11.00 Family Easter 5.00pm Easter Praise Celebration 1 May Easter 1 8.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Family Communion 9.30 Said Communion 6.00pm Evensong 10.00 Matins Sunday School 4.00pm Family Service & Tea

8 May Easter 2 5.00pm Centenary Celebration 6.00pm Parish Communion 10.45 Matins 9.30 Holy Communion Choral Evensong

15 May Easter 3 10.00 Family Service with 9.30 Shared Service at 9.30 Parish Communion 10.45 Parish Communion DB= Rev. David Burgess School at Parish Hall Cholesbury Shared with St Leonards JH= Rev. John Hull and Bluebell Walk

22 May Easter 4 10.00 Parish Communion 9.00 Breakfast 10.45 Morning Praise & 10.00- Family Service Sunday School 9.30 Parish Worship Baptism (All ages)

29 May Easter 5 11.00 Joint Service at 11.00 Four Churches 11.00 Joint Service at 11.00 Joint Service at JuH= Judy Hart St Leonards Parish Communion St Leonards St Leonards VO= Virginia Oldham

Vicar Hon. Curate The Lee Hawridge The Revd. David Burgess 01494 837315 The Revd. John Hull Janet Whittow 01296 624568 Joan Walton 01494 758332 The Vicarage, The Lee, 01296 624487 [email protected] Elizabeth Tomlin 01494 758214 Gt. Missenden, BUCKS. HP23 9LZ Judy Hart 01494 837328 [email protected] [email protected] Parish Secretary St. Leonards Cholesbury Jane Reynolds 01494 757048 Anne Butterworth 01494 758700 John Farmer 01494 758715 Church Room [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ann Horn 01494 758250 [email protected]

28 Hilltop News Hilltop News 29 number of her other great friends. So many (758836) if you would like to play. Tables people were involved in the organisation are £48, to include morning coffee and a of the service, which was beautifully led light lunch. CHOLESBURY by Ivor and was followed by a reception Easter – The making of the childrens’ Holy Baptism at Dorrien’s farm, where both flowers and Easter Garden starts at 10am at the Church 13 February 2011 Tobias James Oliver Verney food had a distinctly Vietnamese flavour on Good Friday and at 10.30am the Sunday – reminding everyone of Imogen’s great Schoolers will join us for the first short love and knowledge of that country. It was stage of the Walk of Witness, before an immensely sad but strangely wonderful returning to hear the Easter story and join occasion, so well expressed in a single in an Easter-egg hunt. The Venerable Karen sentence on the service sheet: ‘Seeing death Gorham, Archdeacon of Buckingham, has starting point is to be advised as the end of life is like seeing the horizon kindly agreed to walk with us and will take HAWRIDGE Please contact Joan and Margaret for as the end of the ocean’. the Devotional Hour in Cholesbury Church at about 11.30am. othering information (758332). Phil is to write a much fuller account of On Easter Sunday we will have our Sunday, 3 Imogen’s life in the next edition of Hilltop usual Said Communion at 9am with an April - Please News. M ST LEONARDS The Breakfast Service is gathering informal Family Easter Celebration at 11am. note that our Evening This will be a short service, with a further Service is at 5pm (not he appeal for £50,000 to re-render momentum and the breakfast tables, abundance of Easter Eggs and we do hope 6pm). The summer the church walls was launched in groaning with pain au chocolat (a definite as many of you as possible will join us on time of 6pm has been Tearly February and has received an plus for the younger members of the this important day. altered for this month only so that it is overwhelming response. This means congregation) and croissants, now fill not too late. There will be posies for the that we will be undertaking the rapidly. You need to be there at 9am children to give to their mothers. work this year, starting sharp if you want a place! The service, as Good Friday, 22 April - Walk of witness as soon as weather promised, is very short and both children starting from Hawridge Church at 10.30am permits. We are and adults alike leave with a simple and prompt to meet with others walking from immensely grateful thoughtful message to carry them through St Leonards and Cholesbury. This will be to all of you who have the day. Do come and see for yourself! Our followed by a service in Cholesbury Church so generously contributed. For anyone who next service is on Sunday 22 May. at noon, taken by the Archdeacon. would still like to contribute, the appeal The Toddler Group has taken off - Easter Sunday, 24 April - Our Morning remains open and any further donations meeting every Wednesday morning Service of Holy Communion with hymns is will be very gratefully received. between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the at 10.30am. On Friday 21 January we celebrated Church Room. For further information Easter Praise - We are holding our usual Imogen’s life in a service of Thanksgiving. contact Claudia on 758703 - as she says, Easter Praise Service at 5pm. If anybody More than 350 family and friends joined “the only criterion for coming is that you’re of any age would like to take part in this Phil, Gemma and Evie and Imogen’s mother, accompanied by a small person and possibly service by playing an instrument, singing or Joan, in what was a fantastic testimony a toy”. reading, please contact Joan or Elizabeth. to a very special person. The church and Tea Parties – Our regular visitors have We will be holding our annual concert the adjoining marquee were filled with seen a few new faces recently. It is lovely with Iain Ledingham on 24 June. More irises and Spring flowers in a way that that so many of you want to come. We can details available in the next issue of Hilltop fitted so well with Imogen’s natural and do arrange lifts, so come and join us News character. Gemma and Evie spoke of what on Wednesday 27 April and Wednesday 25 Hawridge Church Walking Group - The their mother meant to them: Andrew May at 3pm. next walk will be on 5 April and will start at McCrorie-Shand played both the organ Bridge Drive – We are holding the 10am from Wigginton Playing Fields. Coffee and keyboard and, thanks to an amazing second St Leonards Bridge Drive on will be served as usual and a 50p donation sound system, all those in the marquee Wednesday 6 April at Old Bruns Farm Barn. for the church is appreciated. could watch on screens and hear one of There is still room for a couple of tables, so We will be walking again on 3 May. The Imogen’s friends read tributes from a do get in contact with Sue Hetherington

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 take place at 9am with a service of hymns and communion. This is an early service as it is the fourth Sunday of the month and we hope you can join us and have time for other family events that day. In late March, the ashes of Winifred May Burch were scattered in the churchyard. The church records show Winifred Batchelor was baptised age ten weeks in March 1921 when her parents lived in Cherry Tree Cottage. In 1944, the register shows her marriage to Ronald Joseph Burch who was recorded as a Sergeant in the Beds and Bucks. The couple lived at New Mill Terrace in Tring, had no children but loved cats. And the Snowdrops were glorious this year…

Toby Verney welcomed into the church

wake up. It was a lovely occasion. We were Cholesbury grateful that Mark and Melanie wanted the eople knew Baptism to be part of the regular Sunday there was a worship as this allowed the congregation PBaptism on to welcome Toby into the church. As the Sunday 13 February Baptism service says “the church receives as soon as they Toby with joy”. entered the church The Mother and Child theme continues because they saw on Sunday 3 April with our Mothering a beautiful garland of flowers around the Sunday service. The service is at 9.30am and top of the Font. Melanie and Mark Verney posies will be given out. Do come along brought Toby for christening and two year whatever the age of your offspring and old Jemima was a busy and happy sister. It celebrate motherhood. was lovely to see Yo Scarrott and Sue Sapey We are now into Lent and are preparing back in the village again - joining Mark’s for Easter. There is Compline at 7.30pm on parents and others in the families. Monday of Holy Week (18 April) and the Revd. Pippa Soundy had designed a Good Friday Walk of Witness takes place as special service of Morning Praise that usual. We set off from St Leonards church incorporated the solemn Baptism. There at 10.30am and walk to Cholesbury Village were three hymns including ‘The King of Hall, which will be open. Then at midday Love my Shepherd is’ but Toby seemed we go into the church for an hour-long undisturbed. He was asleep when the water service focussing on Good Friday. was poured over his head and did not The great celebration of Easter Day will

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 happy years at Fritwell in Oxfordshire before moving into the Vicarage at The Lee. The Revd. He greatly enjoyed working in the Hilltop Villages and retired somewhat reluctantly at the age of 67 to Wantage. There ensued George many happy years, since George loved the church and the choir in Wantage and De Burgh- the community into which he and Brenda moved. He continued to gain a regular thrill of happiness and fulfilment when Thomas presiding at the altar over the holy sacrifice. His delivery was always memorable in its April 1930 - December 2010 sincerity and sensitivity. More recently he became a Christ Church Cathedral Steward. As many of you will know, George de George was eternally optimistic, always Burgh-Thomas, Vicar of our four Hilltop believing things would work out. That they Parishes for nearly ten years, died suddenly did was a result of his hard work and the hard work of others, spiced with plenty of just before Christmas. He is remembered prayer. Brenda and he had celebrated their by many of us with much affection and Golden Wedding Anniversary and, more the following extracts are from the tribute and the complexities of the many boxes recently, his 80th Birthday surrounded by connected to his televisions eluded him! spoken at his funeral by his son, Andrew… family and friends. He loved life, living it But George accepted his failings gracefully, to the full and enriching the life of many eorge was a kind man with humour remaining composed when others would others along the way. He had hardly and sincerity and through his life have cracked – always loyal to his love of slowed his pace and still showed impressive Gand ministry his kindness touched being involved and playing an active role in reserves of mental energy and enthusiasm. the lives of many people. He was loyal and this thing called LIFE. Despite two heart attacks and two coronary if he developed a good relationship he On leaving Llandudno Grammar artery bypass operations he bounded would foster and maintain it through thick School, George took a degree in English on. His last illness lasted just four days. and thin. He was humble, though widely and Philosophy at Bangor University. His During the run up to this I detected only a read and happy to defer to those he felt ambition was to be a teacher of English strengthening of his fine qualities. His mind had greater knowledge. He accepted his but, on finding lodgings at the Church seemed to drive him beyond the capacity of own limitations and celebrated God’s gifts Hostel, he much enjoyed the company of his body. Dad had so many special qualities in others. He remained dutiful and a man a number of students preparing for the that we can all treasure and will greatly miss. of his word. If he committed to something ministry. He realised he had two options: he would see it through. ‘Either there was no God and therefore He George’s mother was a Headmistress could not be blamed for wars and suffering, who ran her own school and empowered and it was pointless to pray or go to church my father with his solid educational or, if God was there and I was beginning to foundation. This was developed further by accept that he might be, He was the most his Grammar School. His inquisitive nature important thing in this life and I must spend coupled with his intelligence meant he the rest of my days getting to know him’. remained a fount of knowledge to whom George accepted the second option, I could turn – assured of an honest straight completed his original objective to become forward response. However, his many a teacher and was accepted afterwards as abilities didn’t entirely equip him for our an ordinand into the church in Wales. He technological age and, despite boundless spent his first seven years as a Parish Priest enthusiasm, understanding his computer in the Lake District, followed by seventeen

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 HILLTOP NEWS NATURE NOTES we should remember that its smoothness, on Richard Mabey (1941- ) which so much of its beauty depends, is mainly attended school in due to all the inequalities having been slowly Berkhamsted and spent levelled by worms. It is a marvellous reflection 30 years observing Some musings on nature that the whole of the superficial mould over and recording nature’s any such expanse has passed, and will again happenings around pass, every few years through the bodies of worms….. It may be doubted whether there him. He wrote the are many other animals that have played so following in 2010, important a part in the history of the world as having recently moved This being a sort of landmark for my observe with how much ardour and punctuality have these lowly organised creatures.’ to a remote cottage in Norfolk:- Nature Notes articles, (number 50) I have those poor little birds observed the strong (The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through ‘Beetles sidle in under ill-fitting doors. Crickets impulse towards migration or hiding….. the Actions of Worms, 1871) hang out in lamp lit corners of the living room. chosen four of my favourite naturalists and with some degree of mortification Miriam Rothschild Goodness knows what’s going on in the thatch. when I reflected that, after all our pains and who I have enjoyed reading over the years (1908-2005) who, like But I also have the sense of the house being a inquiries, we are still not quite certain to what and have provided some of the inspiration her uncle Walter who kind of squatters’ encampment on anciently regions they migrate, and are still farther (sic) occupied territory.’ for my contributions in Hilltop News over embarrassed to find that some do not actually founded the natural history museum in Much of Mabey’s writing has been about the past eight years. migrate at all.’ (The Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne, 1789) Tring, was a zoologist flora rather than fauna. His book ‘Food For Free’ was a landmark publication in he Reverend Charles and almost as eccentric. the 1970s foretelling the resurgence of Gilbert White Darwin’s Her major area of allotments, self sufficiency and TVs ‘The T(1720-93), who (1809-82) research was the Good Life.’ His ‘Flora Britannica’ broke happened also to writings diminutive flea: however, her writings new ground by combining, through be the subject of a have been so covered the whole range of the animal vibrant writing, plant taxonomy with biography by Richard influential in kingdom, incorporating philosophy and social history and folklore. However, it is Mabey (see later), was every walk of history into her zoological treatises. One of his observations about insects and the like arguably one of the life, not just her observations I came across was about that I enjoy the most. One of the easiest first natural historians biology, that the cuckoo... traps for the nature writer to fall into to commit his thoughts it is impossible ‘The cuckoo was thought by the ancient is anthropomorphism. I came across the to writing, and these writings had the to find just Hebrews to be a hawk and for this reason following words from Mabey… capacity to reflect with refreshing simplicity one example along with nightjars and owls they excluded it and honesty the sights and sounds he came to reflect his from their diets.’ ‘How does one write about creatures whose across on his daily walks from the Wakes in life’s work. She goes on to speculate that this states of consciousness are so remote from ours, whose lives are so brief and mercurial Selbourne. He recorded these ‘religiously’ Rather than seek the most notable, the assumption, which persisted until the 18th and full of what we see as the horrors of in his exchanges with other men of the most controversial, or the most beautiful, I century, was down to the bird’s habit of:- clergy who, as was the vogue, were also cannibalism and slavery and living parasitism? have chosen an extract from one of his least ‘beating along hedgerows or gliding out of a Not, certainly, by trying to interpret insects’ like-minded naturalists. I find it fascinating known works. He spent much time studying thicket or copse much like a sparrow-hawk or behaviour in terms of human institutions, as that, at a time when relatively little was earthworms. Employing his children to like bird of prey.’ in so much embarrassing writings about social understood about the life histories of collect them from his garden at Down Today, we who live in this part of the bees and ants’. (On the anger of hornets in animals and plants, he made almost daily House in Kent, he turned the billiard room Chilterns would be very lucky to see such a Nature’s Cures, 2010) insights. His conversational style of prose into a giant wormarium. He calculated that sight. Instead we know there are cuckoos All the examples of animal behaviour in is a delight, such as in this observation on for every acre of pasture more than ten around because of the onomatopoeic calls the extracts above are ones we can enjoy, swallows… tons of dry earth passes through the bodies of the males. Miriam, in her unique writing or in Mabey’s house endure, but above all ‘When I used to rise in the morning last of worms annually and that every few style, describes the female’s song as like:- appreciate still today in this part of the autumn, and see the swallows and martins years, therefore, the whole of the topsoil ‘a soft burbling call rather like a sudden rush of Chilterns. So, in anticipation of the arrival clustering on the chimnies (sic) and thatch of has been so transported. He concluded in a water through a narrow-necked bottle.’ (Fleas of Spring, it’s a great time to get out there neighbouring cottages, I could not help being monograph... Flukes and Cuckoos, 1952) to see our local wildlife in the raw. touched with a secret delight, mixed with some degree of mortification: with delight, to ‘When we behold a wide, turf-covered expanse, [email protected]

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 Our Horticultural Society events got off Sunday 10 July – Coach trip to Buscot Park CHOLESBURY cum to a great start on a cold day in February (Please note revised date). ST LEONARDS when about 50 visitors were delighted Saturday 3 September – Annual Show at St HORTICULTURAL to see Carys and Eric Gadsden’s fantastic Leonards Parish Hall. NGS OPEN GARDENS range of snowdrops at their lovely Friday 18 November – AGM, quiz and SOCIETY grounds in Hawridge Place. Through your he ‘Yellow Book’, the free County cottage pie supper at Cholesbury Village donations we raised over £120 for ‘The leaflet which lists all the gardens Hall. As I write this, spring is definitely on its Child Bereavement Charity’. Thank you for open for The National Garden We also plan to have Open Gardens T way: the days feel much warmer although supporting it. Scheme, is available in bookshops, and teas in the summer, so watch out for garden centres, libraries (if we still have the nights are still very cold. Our hellebores further details. Dates for your diary any!) and tourist information offices are blooming and everything is coming John and Diana Garner are also opening Friday 20 May – Bring and Buy plant sale (ditto). their woodland garden ‘Montana’ again back to life. I’m incredibly excited: for and Ploughman’s supper at Cholesbury The gardens at Kingswood House for the National Garden Scheme – gardens the first time in three years we have Village Hall. Please bring any spare plants and 2 Kingswood Cottages, The Lee, will open for charity – by appointment this year (well labelled) and buy some others while be open on Sunday 22 May from 2-6pm. some newly laid lawn at the back and are from March to August. Full details can be you are there! The National Garden Scheme supports found on www.ngs.org.uk. not looking out on to mounds of mud! many charities including Macmillan Saturday 4 June – St Leonards Fete plant If you wish to attend any of our events, Whether the grass will ever look as perfect Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Help stall – please contact me on 757238 or would like to join The Horticultural Society the Hospices among others. Teas will be in a few years time is another matter. Each [email protected] if you can help on or visit ‘Montana’ either individually or in available in aid of the parish church. It day I’ve been inspecting our new plants the stall or can donate any well labelled groups then please contact Di Garner on plants either before or on the day of the would be lovely to see you. and trees checking for signs of life. [email protected] or phone 758347. fete. Further details on the NGS website: Happy Gardening. ur garden is really taking shape: Friday 10 June – Members only evening www.ngs.org.uk. Barbara Baddon the main shrubs and trees are in Open Garden at Michael and Sally Reynolds, Oplace and the trees have below- Wood Farm, Asheridge. ground tree anchors to stabilise them in the wind. The tender plants and herbs should arrive late March. Once these are in place mulching will begin in earnest. In the meantime weeding is frantically taking place. I’m already worrying now whether our new plants have enough water and I’ve been watering the dry spots close to the walls of the house. The new trees are beginning to get their leaves and we have lots of vegetable seedlings growing in the greenhouse. We have ended up with some of the bulbs that need planting being put in temporary pots. The climbing wires have been fixed to the house to give support to the roses and wisterias. Our next steps are to finish planting the tender plants, planting out the herb bed, complete the fencing on one side of the garden, plant out the front garden and either turf or seed the side and front lawns.

38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 I decided to race as there was a local fast as the Olympic runners on the track. event at Wendover Woods. Bono took off They also breed dogs specifically for the from the start line like a demon possessed! I events, while in the UK at the moment Running and racing had never run so fast and by the end of the most runners are just having fun with their second mile I had nothing left with another pets. In 2012 the European championships mile uphill to go! I learnt a lot in that race, are coming to the UK to coincide with the with my best friend got myself some proper kit and changed my Olympics. normal running training routine to suit the Most Saturdays, when not racing, we event and distance. go to Ashridge to run between 5 and 7km. Over our first CaniX season I progressed Sarah runs with Bono and I harness up the from finishing towards the back of the field terriers Smurf and Barney. We are often to being competitive and ended up with a joined by Gina Elliott with Ruby and Flo, second and two thirds. One of those thirds her border terriers, as we tackle roots, mud, was at Crufts on a short course (2km) where snow, etc. We do get the odd turbo boost I managed to run under the five-minute- thanks to the squirrels and deer! mile pace with Bono’s help – not bad for a Canicross is great fun and if anyone 50 year-old! wants to give it a go they are welcome to The CaniX season stretches from the come and join us. For most people it is not end of September until the end of April: about racing but about getting out and summer months are too hot for the dogs, enjoying the countryside with your best whose wellbeing is paramount. This friend while getting considerably fitter. I’m season I’ve raced in some lovely locations, sure we could also help cobble together including the Lake District in the autumn, some kit for your first attempts to see if and Cannock Chase in the snow. Most CaniX it turns out to be for you. Be warned: it is races are held on Forestry Commission land addictive! so you get to visit some beautiful places. George Humphreys My summer training, working out on hills last year, has helped Bono and me to win seven out of nine races that we’ve started this season. We came second in You’ve seen huskies pulling sledges across been seen at CaniX events all around the the two I didn’t win. Sarah, my wife, said I the Arctic. Well, in warmer climes, there country. came out in a rash because I lost – it was in CaniX and Canicross Trailrunners are is a relatively new sport called canicross. fact shingles that I’d raced with! Injury has the two main clubs/organisers of canicross. sidelined me during January but I hope to This is where runners attach themselves to CaniX runs purely canicross events, while be back racing by the end of February and their faithful dogs and off they go running Trailrunners tag onto normal cross country to be fit for Crufts in March. cross-country together. Keen exponent running events: so the profile of the sport is Bono and I are also intending to go growing. CaniX races are normally between of this activity, George Humphreys from to Poland in October to compete in the 5 and 7.5km in distance, Trailrunners target European Championships, and I have set Cholesbury, tells us how he has taken to 10km races. my sights on a top ten place. To achieve this this form of racing for fun and fitness… I became involved when a friend picked I will have to be running at around 5min up a CaniX leaflet a couple of years ago 50sec pace, so I have to improve by around he runner prepares by wearing a wide at Crufts. She knew I ran for fun and Bono belt, to which he (or she) attaches a 25 seconds a mile by then – some challenge! (our doberman) also loves to run. I cobbled In Europe the sport is more established, T2.5m line with bungee, and the dog together a makeshift set-up to try it out. wears a harness. Unlike husky racing the with countries like France having nearly Bono and I found it exhilarating and 1,000 clubs, and the top runners are doing sport is all-breed inclusive and anything motivating. from border terriers to Great Danes have 5km in around 13 minutes, which is as

42 Hilltop News Hilltop News 43 * * * The 100 CLUB February 2011 1st Prize £25 Chiltern Mrs J McDonald, Hastoe 2nd Prize £15 Mr & Mrs Smith, Buckland Common

Society 3rd Prize £15 The Chiltern Society was busy in our Mr D Cheek, St Leonards parish earlier this year. In January March 2011 a team of volunteers spent a day 1st Prize £15 working on the footpaths in Cholesbury, Mrs D Bradfield, St Leonards installing waymark posts near Bowmore Farm in Horseblock Lane and 2nd Prize £15 opposite the school. They also cleared Mrs B Farmer, Buckland Common the overgrown path behind Chiltern On Easter Monday 25 April, the St Cottages. Leonards Parish Hall committee members will be spring cleaning the hall and any he aim of the Chiltern Society is to help would be much appreciated. All conserve and protect the natural sorts of jobs will be undertaken and beauty, environment and heritage T lunch will be provided. Please contact of the Chilterns in the face of growing Dave or Sandy Clarke on 758567. pressures. The Rights of Way Group actively protects and restores open * * * access land and public rights of way - some 5,000 paths. It surveys each path and takes up irregularities with parish, district or county councils. This charity has over 6,500 members and organises weekly walks and cycle rides as well as volunteer work parties to carry out footpath maintenance and other conservation projects. The Chiltern Society welcomes new members to join those who love the Chilterns. For more details contact: The Chiltern Society, The White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG. Phone 01494 771250 or visit www.chilternsociety.org.uk.

44 Hilltop News Hilltop News 45 46 Hilltop News Hilltop News 47 HILLTOP NEWS WILDLIFE special ‘get off my back’ call to tell another fertilised! male that he has mounted him by mistake! In just twelve weeks the tadpole There is a saying that a frog will mate with undergoes an amazing transformation, first anything that moves that isn’t small enough breathing through outer gills which are Froggie would a-wooing go to eat! shed when legs develop. Finally, when the Clasped by the male, the tail is lost, a tiny adult froglet, measuring female sheds her eggs – little more than one centimetre, leaps out often as many as to begin life on the land. During June, 3000 – which predators have learned to wait at the Along with toads and newts, frogs are their natural habitat succumbs to man’s are fertilised pond edge to celebrate the amphibian – a word meaning able to lead land developments. So called progress externally and occasion with a feast! On means that ponds and other fresh water a ‘double life’. Amphibians evolved from first sink to the land, frogs are eaten sources are drained and agricultural pond’s shallow by grass snakes, fish about 400 million years ago when the chemicals that leach into the water are bottom. As their hedgehogs, foxes, amount of dry land on the globe increased absorbed into the frog’s very receptive skin: protective, jelly-like and badgers: significantly. Certain fish adapted to often with fatal results. coating swells to form otters and Many of us have learned about the spawn, the egg mass herons take changing conditions by developing limbs to frog’s life cycle during school years expands and floats to them in the crawl on land and lungs to breathe. They through collecting spawn in jam jars and the surface where it water. Frogs, were able to live on land and underwater studying, with excitement, the fascinating is warmed by the in turn, eat development of emerging tadpoles. because of their unique ability to absorb sun. The jelly not spiders, insects The cycle begins in February or March only provides (using their long, oxygen either through their lungs or depending on the weather. At this time of buoyancy but sticky tongue), through a permeable skin, provided it was the year the water is cool and therefore deters many earthworms, slugs kept moist. rich in dissolved oxygen, which is essential predators (fish, and snails – a fact to the amphibian’s development. The newts, insects and birds) because much appreciated he great majority of cold-blooded mature adult frogs (over two years old) of its foul taste and keeps the embryo at a by gardeners, who are amphibians in the world are will have hibernated over winter: when constant temperature during initial stages always glad to nurture the concentrated in tropical regions T their bodies cool down they are not able of its development. The embryo itself is amphibian’s contribution to pest where ideal warm, moist conditions to move. In the spring they make their black so as to absorb as much solar heat as control. The adult has teeth only in abound. As members of that family, frogs way from their hibernation site (typically a possible. the upper jaw: used to hold prey which are described as cold-blooded in that their compost heap or muddy bottom) to a fresh The emerging larvae (tadpoles) initially is swallowed whole. There are not many blood temperature is not constant: it varies water pond – usually the one in which they live on the yolk of the original egg before animals that use their eyes to swallow - yes, with the temperature of the animal’s themselves originated. Frogs are attracted becoming vegetarians, consuming pond the frog is one! Those big bulging eyes environment. by the smell of algae and females respond matter. They develop tiny teeth in their (designed for seeing above water) go down Of the many thousands of frog species to loud croaking by an excited male chorus. upper jaw which enables them to grate into its head and apply pressure to push that live in the world, just four can be Females are said to merely chirp and grunt! food into a soup. In early development, food down its throat – not a pretty sight! found in Britain. Three of these – the marsh Anyone who has witnessed a frog tadpoles have a long, coiled gut which As I write, early in March, the Hilltop frog, edible frog and tree frog - were saturnalia will know that the male frog extracts maximum nutrition from a meagre frogs are croaking their invitation to the introduced from Europe relatively recently, does not go through a subtle, sensitive diet. As the weeks pass, they become ball. Outside the relatively short breeding have not become established and exist only courtship ritual. When in the mood he carnivorous and some even cannibalistic! season, all frogs are terrestrial and can be in isolated pockets of the South. This leaves crudely grabs the nearest female with When the growing tadpoles swim free of found in meadows, gardens and woodland. our native common (brown) frog which is his front legs, that have developed more the spawn they become very vulnerable to One can only hope that another threatened widespread and the only one we are likely pronounced ‘nuptial pads’ designed to predation. Only the frog’s phenomenal rate Hilltop creature – another gardener’s friend to come across in the Hilltop countryside. provide a better grip round her ‘waist’. of reproduction ensures the survival of the - will continue to survive against serious Despite being widespread, this popular The embrace is called amplexus and they species. It is doubtful whether more than odds. An abundance of frogs is said to little amphibian is nevertheless under can be locked for several days. It’s all a bit three fully mature frogs will win through indicate a healthy, well balanced ecosystem. threat. Frog populations are declining as hit-or-miss and it is said that a male has a from the original 3000 eggs originally Jim Hetherington 758836

48 Hilltop News Hilltop News 49 Fortitude’s representative expressed the In a straw vote of those who attended investment company’s altruistic desire to the meeting, 100% voted in favour of the Spring news of give the community its pub back as a focal plans going forward so long as it means point for village life. Whilst John Conlan getting their pub back. There were no and John Allen rigorously challenged the objections and no abstentions. financial realities of the potential return The lease of The White Lion has now Hilltop pubs on investment, David Pert asserted that, been assigned to Sascha Dwight, who has in his 20 years of experience dealing with solid financial backing from two silent Fortitude, he had found them always to partners for his enterprise. Sascha plans to Over the past 15 years, individual be honourable and dedicated to long- rebuild the trade in gradual steps. Whilst citizens have experienced ever-declining Fortitude Investments Ltd, owners of term investments. Nick Rose, leader of the incumbent part time cook will be discretionary spending power. As a result The Bull, has established a rapport with Chiltern District Council, said chances retained, a full time cook will be engaged of this and other factors, on-trade beer representatives of the locals and with of gaining planning approval would in due course. Although other events may be greatly enhanced if there were an come along in the interim, another White sales and numbers of operating pubs have the wider range of would-be customers at a public meeting in early March, outpouring of local support in the form Lion Beer Festival will definitely be held on declined in every year since 1996. It has which was attended by an estimated 140 of individual letters and representation at the Bank Holiday weekend of 27-30 May. been a challenge to survive in the trade, interested parties. It presented the latest the planning meeting. He also noted that We all wish Sascha good luck in his new plans to provide 29 on site parking spaces and only the most agile are doing so. development plans drawn up by a different enterprise. for 60 diners, a clutch of drinkers and staff Because very few pubs can now survive local architect from those submitted with Bill Ingram previous planning applications. Based on would be seen as inadequate, and parking on the backs of beer drinkers alone, food the latest design and with support from overspill onto the public road would be a sales and special events are making the the local community, a new planning deal breaker. difference between survival and failure. application is imminent. Although The Bull is the only investment he Rose and Crown and Full Moon of its kind that Fortitude has made, its are good examples of pubs offering representative asserted forcefully that they Tspecial events to increase the want it to succeed as a village focal point. community participation. In April alone, It would have a convivial area for drinkers The Rose and Crown has scheduled special to socialize plus space for 60 diners – about events, starting with a Mothers’ Day lunch, 45 in a cosy dining room, to be added along a return of Comedy Lounge evenings the south side after the existing toilets are (6 April), Grease – the movie themed demolished, and about 15 in the bar area. evening (14 April), a Chav night (22 April), With extensive remedial structural work, Easter egg hunt and a Royal Wedding the new investment is estimated to cost party. You can follow the details on www. £750,000. roseandcrownhawridge.co.uk and subscribe Until planning assent is granted, to a monthly e-mail circular of news and Fortitude would not be drawn on details events. as to what the structure of the pub Not to be outdone, The Full Moon will management would be, and they do not celebrate Mothers’ Day with a lunch and admit to having a detailed business plan St George’s Day with their usual patriotic for it. All it would say is that it wants a 5% celebration and lunch. There will also be a return on its refurbishment and extension celebration brunch on the Royal Wedding cost. This would translate into an annual day, Spring Bank Holiday BBQ (30 May), rent of £37,500, which would give no and a Fathers’ Day lunch. Not to be missed return on what was initially invested in the will be ferret racing with a supper and pay property and its losses in the period leading bar in aid of the Game Conservancy Trust up to its closure. (1 July).

50 Hilltop News Hilltop News 51 THE THURSDAY CLUB Answers to Local History Quiz on page 10 1. Parrotts Lane - so called because, way e had a successful Quiz Night in back in the 1330s, there was a farmer by February and the proceeds of the name of Thomas Perot who ‘seized W£276 have been donated to the lands and tenements in Chilwaldesburye’. St Frances Hospice at Berkhamsted. Thank Before the 20th century, the lane was you. a farm track only accessible from the Our next event is the Thursday Club Barn Cholesbury end. Dance on 14 April, 7.30pm at St Leonards 2. Gilberts Hill got its name from Phoebe CURVACEOUS COOK Parish Hall. This is a popular event and and Samuel Gilbert who, in the latter part numbers are limited. To book your place Glorious Chickpeas of the 19th century, ran the shop and post please phone Anne Lake (01296 620169) office and lived next door in Dundridge I received the reminder from Graham to send a recipe whilst getting some escape from the gloom, damp before 8 April. There will be food but Cottage. The shop continued business until and fog of our Chilterns Spring by visiting my husband in Kuwait. Whilst there we (bravely) went on our long please BYOB and glass. Tickets are £7.00 for 1975. planned trip to Luxor. For the first couple of days we were among a very small handful of European tourists, so members and £8.00 for non-members. We we saw all the amazing sights with no queuing. We also tried lots of new foods, admittedly somewhat tenta- look forward to seeing you. 3. Browns Rise, which was built in the tively, but I am so glad that we did. Our AGM is on 16 June. Entertainment 1960’s in Buckland Common to replace will be provided by Lou’s Sextet and there some terraced cottages known as ‘The In Luxor, and in Kuwait, the humble chickpea is in a lot of food, and it reminded me of just how delicious this will be a fish & chip supper. Further details Row’, was named in 1967 in memory of nutty little vegetable is. I have yet to find it fresh, but the tinned ones in water are so easy to use and very will appear in the next Hilltop News. Mrs Emily Brown, a district councillor who inexpensive. My husband professes not to like them but loves houmous/hummus/hummous, so the proof is in endeavoured over many years to get the Guy Williams the eating, and here are some simple ideas. Do give them a go if you don’t usually use them. small estate built for the benefit of the local community. Hummus Just whizz up a drained tin of chickpeas till as smooth as you want them. Personally I like them to have a bit 4. The now unadopted lane running from Hawridge Vale up past Hill Farm and down of texture, and sometimes just bash with a spud masher. Most recipes tell you to use tahini, which is sesame to the Chesham to Wigginton Road was seeds pureed with oil, but to reduce calories I don’t, and don’t think it suffers! I do add a pureed garlic clove, once known colloquially as Puddephatt a good squirt or two of lemon and some olive oil. Just fiddle around until you have it how you want it. It does Lane, after the farmer who worked Hill need salt, and lots of pepper. We were given it in a B&B in France with ground cumin sprinkled on the top, and Farm. The Parish Council, in 1934, made a here it has a drizzle of chilli oil, both of which are delicious. last minute change, choosing to name it Mixed Pulse Salad after the farm instead. Chickpeas are great added to a tin of mixed bean salad. I always drain these as they are often tinned with sugar and salt, and I prefer to add my own flavourings. Add lots of parsley and some chives snipped in and you have an instant salad. For any leftovers, if you haven’t added lemon juice or vinegar, bash or whizz well, add enough beaten egg to bind, make into burgers, dip into flour or rolled oats, and fry/bake in the oven and you W.H.A Upholstery have bean burgers! Personally I think these need some chilli in them, which could be fresh or dried flakes, or TSILAICEPS YRETSLOHPU-ER TSILAICEPS just fried in chilli oil. They don’t BBQ well in my experience unless you have a fancy burger holder to turn them NI in - I usually end up fishing the bits off the coals! ERUTINRUF NREDOM & EUQITNA EUQITNA & NREDOM ERUTINRUF Casseroled SREVOC ESOOL OSLA ESOOL SREVOC Chickpeas are a brilliant addition to any casserole or soup, and a simple tomato sauce/passata with a can of noitagilbO oN setamitsE eerF setamitsE oN noitagilbO chick peas added, some cooked onion (or onion marmalade if you are in a hurry) lots of parsley and some cheese melted on top makes a great casserole or soup on its own. )yaD( 128268 49410 128268 )yaD( )sgninevE( 012125 82610 012125 )sgninevE( I love all pulses, and especially shelled broad beans, fried until crunchy in bacon fat, ideally with a few strips of sliced bacon and a fried egg on top! I think they are better for being a bit bashed first so that they don’t stay enaL tehctaW ,pohskroW ercaelaH 12 ercaelaH ,pohskroW tehctaW enaL RD0 61PH .nednessiM taerG ,llihsgniK elttiL ,llihsgniK taerG .nednessiM 61PH RD0 as hard little balls. Lulu Stephen [email protected]

52 Hilltop News Hilltop News 53 Hilltop News We welcome all news, letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Material for inclusion in the June/July edition should be sent to Graham Lincoln or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by 14 May latest. Please note that photos sent online must be at least 2,500 x 1,750 pixels in size. Editor Graham Lincoln 758449 [email protected] Co-ordinator/Church Matters Anne Butterworth 758700 [email protected] Advertising Ann Horn 758250 [email protected] Design & Production Michael Spark 758882 [email protected] Photography Oliver Parsons 758694 [email protected] Distribution Rosemary Pearce 758334 Printer Strongs, Berkhamsted 01442 878592 [email protected]

Hilltop News is entirely non-profit making and is funded by advertising. Supported by Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Parish Council.

54 Hilltop News