August 2018 £1.00

‘Chif’s Challenge’ – Common to Windsor Castle

Inside this issue:

A day in the life of … an Invigilator Page 17 News from the Methodist Church Page 20 Boys Brigade and Girls’ Association Page 21 News from the Methodist Pre-school Page 21 ACTS (All Churches Together Serving) Page 22 On-Line Security Page 20 Cherry Garth Page 27 Our Advertisers index Page 31 Chif’s Challenge Page 12 Rossetti Art Group Page 4 Defibrillators in the area Page 7 The Parish of Penn St with Holmer Green Page 10 Holmer Green Football Club Page 15 Theatre Going Page 18 Holmer Green Scouts Page 14 Useful Names & Telephone Numbers Page 28 Holmer Green Stroke Club Page 15 Women's Institute Page 5 Lantern Club News Page 23 Contacts Page 3 News from the Baptist Church Page 11 What’s On – and Where Page 29 and much more …!

Editorial by Ann Miller

Some like it hot! What with the weather, were, ultimately, going to make or break the next watching , watching the tennis, listening to stage of my life. Shivers down the spine time. the news, fake or otherwise it has certainly been a The Holmer Green Today magazine is very very pleasing few months since last we spoke. pleased to say that they have been able to make I am in the lucky position that I have been able to donations to three different causes: help towards the be virtually settee bound and enjoy plenty of sport maintenance of the village planters, Holmer Green and historic occasions. Please forgive me a moment Youth Club and the very successful Chif’s challenge to express my enjoyment of watching England come raising money for Newlife Charity. Well done Chif as far as they did in the World Cup. Yes, I know we and your fellow walkers for making your destination had a favourable draw, but we still had to play and of Windsor Castle. The article recounting the beat the teams put before us. I appreciate that many marathon walk to Windsor makes you understand people were not that bothered, but it surely did create what a mammoth undertaking it must have been both an interest and conversations between us all. End of for those taking part and the successful organisation the sport’s report. of the venture. As we progress through these glorious summer A brief note about the Data Protection situation. months, it has unfortunately rather curtailed the Holmer Green Today team would like to advise the number of articles that I have received for our next readership that we have asked the Information edition. I can only assume that, many of you, like Commissioner’s office to convey any concerns vis a me have been engrossed in other matters. Even as I vis Data Protection. We are still waiting to hear write I have just finished watching the Trump/May from them. Please see the panel at the bottom of the news conference, don’t fret I am not going to get into next page. politics, and have now resumed watching one of the By the time you read this issue, Holmer Green men’s semi-finals. I must make sure I spell, and Village Society will have had their first event, Music grammar check my copy as my mind could possibly on the Common. Hopefully the weather stayed fine have wandered! and all went well. Although we have not received as many articles On behalf of the Holmer Green Today team I this quarter, one article did bring back long forgotten would like to wish John Richey, Minister of memories of those days sitting in an exam hall and committing to paper information and answers that HG Methodist, a peaceful and happy retirement.

The Magazine Team: Editor: Ann Miller 57 Winters Way E: [email protected] Advertising: Situation vacant

Coordinators: Judy Gilligan 11 Parish Piece. 714838 E: [email protected] Linda Meatyard 24 The Rosary. 715805 E: [email protected] Desk Top Publishing: Peter Rawbone 1 Hollyberry Grove. 713649 E: [email protected] Distribution: Nick Reynolds 31 Harries Way. 714473 Subscriptions: Janet Reid 10 New Pond Road. 712073 E: [email protected] Treasurer: Ann Sollars 15 Watchet Lane. 713420 The publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. They cannot be held accountable for the accuracy of advertisements, nor for the editorial information sent to them and reserve the right to reject or amend it. The deadline for the next issue is 12th October 2018. Advertising Rates: Full page – £50.00, Half Page – £30.00, Quarter Page – £17.00, Eighth Page – £10.00 Printed by South Bucks Business Products Ltd - 01494 437470

Page 2 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

 VILLAGE CONTACTS 

1st Holmer Green Guides 1st HG Rainbows & Brownies 1st HG Scout Group [email protected] Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 4th HG Brownies ATC, 871 Penn Squadron Residents Assoc. Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 Pilot Officer Shepherd Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 07900 241760 Beavers 6-8 years Boys Brigade Breathe Easy Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mr Mark Durn (Captain) – 07703 182511 Angie Lockwood – 527062 [email protected] Chadwick Ladies Club Christ Church (C of E) Cub Scouts 8-10 years Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 Vicar: Rev. Captain Peter Simmons Ms Karen Hobbs – 716931 Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 01494 715195. www.pshg.org Evening WI Extend – Gentle Exercise Girl Guides Mrs Pauline Ellis – 713625 Carolyn – 712801 Mrs Camier – 711134 Girl Guiding – Volunteering Girls Football Holmer Green Baptist Church Vicki Fleming – 717704 Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Pastor: Anthony Smith. Office: 712479 [email protected] Secretary Mrs Val Allcorn 714597 www.holmergreenbaptist.org.uk Holmer Green Cricket Club Grasshopper Golfing Society Holmer Green Childminding Mr Steve Adams – 07793 561764 Mr John Taylor – 712092 Group Jackie Shaw – 711920 Holmer Green First School Holmer Green Football Club Holmer Green Juniors 712050 Mr Rob Shed – 716318 M: 07539 267948 Football [email protected] Mr Matt Brades – 716114 Holmer Green Players Holmer Green Methodist Pre- Holmer Green Junior School Vicky Martin – 07817724184 School 713000 E:[email protected] Ms Sharon Dorme – 716897 [email protected] Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Senior School Scrabble Club Association Association Christine – 881913 or 07980 429326 Helen Hodgson – 717838 Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment c/o School Office – 712219 Holmer Green Sports Holmer Green Youth Club Junior & Adult Chess Association Mr Michael Turner – 711970 (Beginner & Refresher) Ms Sarah Banning – 711485 / 714985 Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 Link-up Bereavement Methodist Church Playmates Day Nursery Friendship Group Minister - Rev John Richey – 526747 Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth –712236 E:[email protected] Rossetti Hall – (Bookings) Royal British Legion Royal British Legion – Mr David Avery – 712160 Mr Chris Peers – 07785 772810 Womens’ Section E: [email protected] Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Simply Walk Souper Lunch for a light lunch Squash Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 and chat, Christ Church Centre Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 Stroke Club T’ai Chi Tiddlywinks Baby, Toddler and Mr R. Dunning – 712177 Lin Williams – 562037 Under School Age Group Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Church Office – 715195 The Lantern Club The Cherry Tree Pre-School Village Centre – (Bookings) Mrs Ann Sollars – 713420 Miss Siobhan Miles c/o HG First School Mr Ken Muspratt – 0870 7656450 E:[email protected] Village Centre – (Chair) Women’s Fellowship – Christ Mr James Cadle - 716992 Church Mrs Joan Toye - 718466

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION 2018 We have all been ‘bombarded’ about this. The Magazine has requested clarity and is awaiting for a response from the Information Commissioners Office. In the meanwhile, if anyone wishes their contact details removed from this list, please advise a member of the Team, whose information is on the previous page.

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 3

ROSSETTI ART GROUP Holmer Green July 2018

It’s the time of year for me to tell you about our 2018 Summer Exhibition. This year we have totally revamped our Roadside Advertising and I must thank Barrie Whitten for all his work to make this possible. Please look out for our new Advertising Boards which will be placed at strategic points in the local area for two weeks before our exhibition. Hopefully they will inform and attract more visitors to our exhibition. We will of course still be displaying A4 posters, locally and further afield, to advertise the exhibition as well. This is the third year we have used our logo on our advertising for our annual exhibition. Have you spotted our posters and roadside boards on display around Holmer Green and adjoining areas. Please do come along to our 2018 Exhibition and let us know. We would really value your feedback.

We will be holding our Annual Summer Exhibition in Rossetti Hall, on Saturday 18th August 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and again on Sunday 19th August 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Just to remind you, admission is free and refreshments will be available. Many thanks to all Holmer Green Today readers who came to our last Exhibition in August 2017. We hope you will come to this year’s Exhibition as well. If you haven’t been before why not come this year. Entry is free, there will be plenty of paintings to see and of course, refreshments will be available. As you probably know, our artists tackle a new project every month. One of our most popular project this year was to paint Foxgloves in watercolour. I’m sure some of our artists will display their work mounted and framed at the exhibition. This will however leave a lot of peoples work unseen which we plan to remedy. So this year we plan to have a trial where we display finished Foxglove paintings, both mounted and unmounted, in a group display which we hope will deliver a great visual impact. I’m sure it will and all the items will of course be on sale for anyone who wants one. I know I wrote about last year’s popular, “favourite painting” in the exhibition in the October 2017 issue of Holmer Green Today but, in case you missed it I’m letting you know again. So, our August 2017 exhibition’s “favourite painting” in the exhibition, voted for by you the public from the many framed pictures on display, was a watercolour by local artist Pauline Godley entitled “Irises”. Pauline used concentrated watercolour inks that she had reconstituted from dried ink flakes and this gave the picture its lovely colour intensity and hue. Why not come along and see what Pauline and our other artists have done this year? A number of people enquired about joining our Art Group at the 2017 Exhibition and I am pleased to report that three artists have become new members and our membership is flourishing and full. Unfortunately we do have to limit our numbers so that our artists and their equipment can fit into Rossetti Hall. We have a varied and interesting programme of events with visiting artists for our members who like to experiment with media other than watercolour. We meet on the first and fourth Wednesday in the month from 1.00pm to 3,30pm. If you are interested in joining our Art Group please come along to our exhibition in the summer to see what we do and talk to members to find out more.

Bob Firman

Page 4 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

HOLMER GREEN EVENING WI

The WI has a long history of campaigning on a wide range of issues. The campaigns are about changing things for the better and tackling the issues that matter to members. Recent campaigns include Save The Honey Bee, End Plastic Soup, More Midwives, Tackling Loneliness. This year our nominated campaign is Mental Health Matters, raising awareness of mental ill health. At our May meeting we debated the arguments for and against the Resolution, including the impacts that could be made Nationally - by lobbying Government and National Organisations; at County level - targeting schools and local organisations; and on a personal level - aiming to remove stigmas and personal prejudices, to open out and talk to friends and family. Clinical Psychologist Dr Helen Ellis-Caird discussed mental health issues and funding, provoking questions and debate. Later in the meeting, Chris Kirby told us all about her course at Denman College entitled ‘Painting for the Petrified’. She spent a busy 3 days learning to mix and build up colours, and showed us her finished picture of fruit and vegetables. Linda Blunt had made soft dolls and jams for sale, raising more money for our funds. June heralded our birthday party! Celebrating 60 years, we enjoyed a splendid meal provided by Celestine Caterers, followed by serenading from Bucks Voices Male Voice Choir. The gentlemen singers have a wide and varied repertoire, and encouraged us to join in. Birthday cakes (one traditional and one gluten free) were made by Margaret Hearn, and exquisitely iced by Jean Browning. Margaret Weddell had the honour of cutting the first slice. On a June Saturday afternoon we held a successful Cream Tea at the Village Centre. Our guests enjoyed scones with jam and cream, or chose from a selection of home-baked cakes to have with their tea. It was good practice for when we provide tea and cakes for the Music on the Common event on 21st July, organised by Holmer Green Village Society. This event will be supported by local clubs, schools and societies, and we all hope it will be a great success, getting all ages together, and encouraging the community spirit in our lovely village. With the promise of a floral demonstration by NAFAS Floral Art Demonstrator Gill McGregor, we attracted 23 visitors to our July meeting. Invitations were extended to friends, members of other Holmer Green clubs, and old friends from the now-closed Flower Club to join us and share the delights of Gill’s floral creations. Gill started with a beautiful arrangement in a more traditional style using 40 pink roses, then one with feathered ferns surrounding a plethora of pink orchids, finishing with a contemporary design using exotic leaves, proteas and red lilies. At the same time, Gill entertained us with funny stories and anecdotes, and teased us about saving places in the front row for our friends. It was wonderful to have so many visitors to enjoy our evening, and take part in one of our 60th birthday treats. The flower arrangements plus containers were then raffled, causing considerable excitement as we all decided which one we would choose if we won! Photos can be seen on the Holmer Green Evening WI Community Facebook page. Looking ahead, our WI is planning a visit to the Poppy Factory at Richmond, plus a trip to the Brick Lane Music Hall for next year’s St Georges Day festivities. We are also planning to start up a Rummikub club. The Bucks Federation of WIs is currently advertising a varied programme with interests ranging from artistic to intellectual, including an outdoor bowls morning, a fashion show, up-cycling craft dabble days, a jigsaw challenge, and a talk on Modern Day Slavery. Fancy any of these? Then you should come along to a meeting and give us a try! On 4th September our talk is ‘WorkAid – Tools for Life’ and we would love to see you there, 7.45pm at the Village Centre. Annie Greatorex

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 5

Page 6 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

DEFIBRILLATORS IN HOLMER GREEN AND NEARBY AED's (Automatic External Defibrillars) are used on victims of sudden cardiac arrest to restart a natural heart rhythm when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Without immediate treatment, 90-95% of victims will die. If an AED is used with effective CPR within 3-5 minutes the chance of survival increases from 6-74%! Holmer Green has four AED’s located outside the following premises: Stevens’ Garage, the Junior School, Dragon Cottage Surgery and the latest, most up-to-date one, at the British Legion. The Royal British Legion Club has a President’s Fund which receives money from Bingo, small donations, etc., for local welfare. After a member died about two years ago on the premises from a heart attack, it was decided to use money from the fund for an AED which is now installed on the wall outside. Fund raising began in 2016 following the sudden death of a much loved staff member at the Esso Garage on Cross Roads who sadly died of a heart attack at work. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, organisations and small business owners, enough funds were raised for a total of four AED’s and lock boxes to be situated within easy access in the area. One of the AED's is installed at the Garage, one at the Hazlemere Community Centre, The British Legion (Flackwell Heath) and the last will be installed at the Co-op Park Parade once refurbishment is complete but in the meantime it is carried by members of the Hazlemere Neighbourhood Team in the back of their marked police car. Anyone with a smartphone can download a free app from the South Central Ambulance Service called ‘Save a Life’ which shows nearby locations and also how to work them. There is also an AED affixed to the outside wall of Tylers Green Community Centre, not easily missed in its bright yellow box. In the near future the local neighbourhood team will be rolling out training on CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Dates and locations will be announced via the Thames Valley Alert system. Hilary Hide Editor’s note: The defibrillator at Steven’s Garage was installed following an initiative led by the Parish Council that included donations from this magazine, Villagers and other organisations within the Village.

OUR CONGRATULATIONS GO TO: James Sutton to Emily Bradshaw – who were married on June 2nd 2018 at Penn Street and OUR CONDOLENCES GO TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF: th th Michael Allen — 27 May 1934 – 5 June 2018 th Ian Balsdon — June 1948 – 28 June 2018

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 7

When is the Chilterns Heritage Festival? The first Chilterns Heritage Festival that will take place later this year starting on Saturday 22 September and running through to Friday 5 October 2018. What kind of events are planned? A wide range of different events are taking place from walks and trails that unpack the heritage of a particular location, to private visits to historic houses. Some local museums are putting on bespoke visits; there is an Iron Age weekend at Woods that is totally free and aimed at children and families; a photographic exhibition in High Wycombe; three films will be shown in unusual locations including West Wycombe caves plus a talk from a renowned Oxford historian. We are hopeful that there will be something to appeal to everyone from adults that enjoy an interesting visit followed by afternoon tea, to active trail-runners, walkers and children and families. Where can I see the programme and make a booking? The Chilterns Heritage Festival is being organised by the Chiltern Society and as such the programme is accessible on line via: https://chilternsociety.org.uk/heritage-festival/ Are there events near to Holmer Green? Yes. The area covered by the Heritage Festival extends from Ewelme in the south to Luton in the north, but many activities will be taking place close to Holmer Green including West Wycombe, High Wycombe, Lacey Green, , , , , and .

Can anyone attend an event and is there a charge? Some events will be free and others will carry a charge to cover costs. Chiltern Society events are open to everyone, but the Society offers members discounted prices so perhaps now is the time to take out annual membership and save on the cost of any bookings.

The Chiltern Society is dedicated to conserving, celebrating and caring for the Chilterns www.chilternsociety.org.uk David Knights

Page 8 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

Ask For Angela

Pubs and bars within Chiltern and South Bucks are being encouraged to join the Ask for Angela campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of sexual violence and abuse and to stop harassment that some people may experience while out on a date.

If anyone feels unsafe or threatened on a date, they can ask a staff member for Angela and they will make sure that they are ok and arrange for them to get home safely.

Every or bar that supports the scheme will have an Ask for Angela sticker in the front door/ window and an Ask for Angela poster in the toilets.

For the full list of and bars that support Ask for Angela please visit: www.chiltern.gov.uk/askforangela or www.southbucks.gov.uk/askforangela Please contact Chiltern and South Bucks District Council’s Community Safety team via 01494 586535 or email [email protected] if you would like to sign up to the Ask for Angela campaign.

In an emergency please always telephone 999, alternatively you can report via the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Defensive Planting

The ever-increasing popularity and sophistication of gardening has not gone unnoticed by the criminal. Garden crime is a reality. According to police statistics, the most likely items to be stolen are mowers, strimmers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, garden furniture and plants.

Nature herself provides one of the best solutions to many garden crimes. With careful thought and planning you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of garden crime, whilst at the same time creating an attractive garden. For instance you can create an impenetrable hedge, which looks far more attractive than security fencing but is just as effective.

Planting prickly shrubs around vulnerable windows can also serve as a deterrent to the burglar. By careful planning you can produce a beautiful garden and reduce the risk of being the next victim of garden crime.

Criminals do not like climbing through prickly plants and hedges. They know that a small item of ripped clothing or blood can help the police identify them. For a full list of defensive plants please visit:

http://www.chiltern.gov.uk/homesecurity http://www.southbucks.gov.uk/homesecurity

You can also contact Council and South Bucks District Council’s Joint Community Safety team on 01494 586535 and for further crime reduction advice you can visit: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/ www.chiltern.gov.uk/crimereduction or www.southbucks.gov.uk/crimereduction or follow us on Twitter @csafetycdcsbdc

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 9

THE PARISH OF PENN STREET WITH HOLMER GREEN INCLUDING LI NK-UP The Parish has had a website since 2003 which was looking somewhat antiquated, as you can imagine! Our website has now been completely redesigned - we hope that you will find it very useful and very much more informative, particularly in showing the activities that we as a church family participate in during a Parish year, plus advance notice of What’s Happening Next, and much more. Go to https://www.pshg.org if you want more information and especially about the following activities. EATING OUT The Cream Teas season at Holy Trinity Church, Penn Street, HP7 0PX, is well under way and we are welcoming ‘old’ regulars and new customers, including energetic walking groups and cyclists. The hot weather during July led us to re-arrange tables to find some shade. The Teas are served between 3 and 5 pm, giving time for a leisurely walk in Penn Woods. The popular Souper Lunch meets for a chat and light lunch on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the Church Centre, Featherbed Lane, Holmer Green, HP15 6XQ, from 12.30 pm. Look out for details of the Church Barbecue to be held at the Vicarage, Penn Street, on Saturday, 4th August – ring the Parish Office or go to the website. TIDDLYWINKS The Summer Term ended on Monday 16 July with our Summer Event – complete with bouncy castle. The Autumn Term begins on Monday 10 September 01:30 to 03:00pm in the Church Centre, Holmer Green [HP15 6XQ]. All parents, carers, babies, toddler and under school-age children are welcome to join us. There is currently no waiting list. We have spacious facilities, refreshments, crafts, toys and Song Time. The cost is £1.50 per family. Half-Term holiday will be on Monday 22 October, returning on Monday 29 October. If you would like to know more, please ‘phone Joan Toye on 01494 718466 or the Parish Office 01494 715195, or visit the Parish Website. LINK-UP BEREAVEMENT FRIENDSHIP GROUP The Link-Up Group continues to meet in August, as usual on the 3rd Friday morning monthly, 10:30 am onwards for coffee, the 12:00 noon to 01:30 pm for a shared Lunch. If you only want to stay for coffee, that is fine. We are a friendly group of 24+ people, all who have been bereaved either more recently or much longer ago – you will be warmly welcomed. On Sunday 4 November, we will be holding our annual Thanksgiving Memorial Service in Christ Church, Church Centre [HP15 6XQ] at 03:00 pm, followed with refreshments. If you would like to know more, please ‘phone Joan Toye on 01494 718466 or call the Parish Office on 01494 715195 or email [email protected]; also look at the Parish Website. WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP The Women's Fellowship meets at the Church Centre on the first and third Thursdays at 2 pm, and all ladies are welcome. We take a break during the summer, so our next meeting will be on 20 September, when Peter Simmons, our vicar, leads us for Holy Communion in Christ Church, followed by a cup of tea. On 4 October we shall be having our Bring and Share Harvest Lunch. A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY On Saturday September 1st there will be a Charity Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Penn Street. Robert Wicks as their Director of Music will be bringing the award winning Concert Band to our church again and this time they will be joined by rising star Jacob Cole. Jacob, a young RCM hopeful, will be delighting us with pieces from 'Phantom' and ‘Les Misérables’ as well as some old favourites from the world of opera. Starting at 2-00pm the Tickets are £11 and light refreshments will be available at the interval. Contact Dave Wainman on 01494 716726. Short-mat bowls are played in the Church Centre on Tuesday afternoons. Spaces are limited but do ring the Parish Office if you are interested. Are you looking for a venue for a one-off event or regular booking? If so, contact the Parish Office to see if the Church Centre can offer what you want.

Hilary Hide

Page 10 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

STILL URGENTLY REQUIRED!! Due to family commitments, James Paterson, our Advertising Manager resigned. So we are seeking a replacement volunteer. It is not a particularly onerous task – encouraging new advertisers, sending invoices and attending the quarterly Team Meetings. We do hope that one of our readers will feel the urge to fill James’ boots, preferably prior to the next issue of the magazine. Please contact either The Editor or coordinator, Judy Gilligan. Their details can be found on Page 2. We really do look forward to welcoming you to our friendly Team!

FOOTBALL OR FAITH? — FOOTBALL AND FAITH? Huge anticipation! after our win that will go on for But and of course there is Excitement and some days to come. always a “but” we must not trepidation for the World Cup Church needs to be relevant. dilute the Gospel message. The preparations. Gareth Southgate More people are on sports good news is that whatever we was really feeling the pressure fields every Sunday than are facing God loves and cares before the World Cup started Church. If people don’t come on for us shown so clearly in the so the England manager set up a to church let’s understand why. life of Christ. Sport offers us friendly match for the England Meet at other times in a chance to practice our beliefs team against Iceland to try and different places and make the in a very real way. When are cheer fans up and test his sermon relevant to today’s you more likely to see a person’s squad. If they won that game, world and deal with the real true character? When they are they'll then play Tesco followed issues that people face. Our smiling on a Sunday morning at by Asda! worship should be a blend of Church? Or when they are As I write this I have just the traditional and modern. fouled from behind when just about to score a goal on a cold got home having watched The challenge for the Church England beat Sweden 2-0. We winter’s night in Holmer Green. is that we follow the example Plato said that you can discover now face the semi-finals. You and teaching of Jesus. He was will of course know the outcome more about a person in an hour fully engaged with those around of play than in a year of when you read this but I do not. Him. He was where the people What I do know is that there is conversation. It is how you were. He also encouraged his react in these situations that great expectation in our disciples to make sure that country. Maybe “It has come our true Christian character is they got their priorities right – tested and possibly exposed. home” or perhaps it just went “The Sabbath was made for on another holiday. The man, not man for the Sabbath”. We can’t always wait for country seems united behind a people to come into Church. common purpose. However If we limit Church to Sunday God is calling us as the Church many of our churches remain mornings we risk excluding a to go to them and invite them empty and to some irrelevant. large proportion of society. I to come – but we have to go and Just what would it take to get met with someone this week and find them first. Building Church the same excitement about I went with no intention of outside the four walls of the attending church? specifically talking about my building is possible – and sport faith but they asked me what I Some say to me they don’t provides one environment to do did. I said I’m a Baptist Pastor. so. sing but look at the thunderous They then spent the next 45 singing at today’s match. Some minutes asking every possible Why not come and shape the say I don’t raise my hands but question about my faith and it Church of today and tomorrow look at today’s match and the wasn’t in Church. I didn’t need and be a part of a great hand waving and rejoicing that to push it on them they simply celebration. If we had won the there was. Some say they don’t asked. If people ask they are World Cup we would have want to listen to a sermon, but usually willing to listen to the celebrated our success. Maybe they hang on every word of the answer. you can find time to also engage commentator or England with your local Church. We manager and debate every have fun and can celebrate as match detail. Some say I only well as the next person! do Church on a Sunday morning Anthony Smith but look at the celebrations Holmer Green Baptist Church

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 11

TICKING THE BOX or CHIF’S CHALLENGE, WANDERING TO WINDSOR

This is a story about ticking a box that I didn't know needed ticking, in fact I didn't know I had that box. It all started a few months ago when family and friends started talking about Chif's Challenge, which turned out to be a charity walk of 26 miles from Holmer Green, where I live, to the gates of Windsor Castle. I must point out here that my son-in-law James and his group of friends, of which Chif is a member, have a history of organising charity events, a cycle ride to the Isle of Wight then canoe round it and ride back. They also canoed from the source of the Thames to Marlow, 100 miles non-stop, to name two of many events. So in the months leading up to the event it came up in conversation occasionally but I never gave it much thought, apart from the fact that I would donate some money. Then I learned that Claire, James's mum, who is about my age, had said she was going to do it! Not only that, she had a friend who was also keen! This changed everything. I couldn't let the side down, so the next time we talked about it I said that "Of course I would be taking part". Claire and I agreed that we would only walk at our own pace and stop when it got too much. Famous last words! When Natalie, my daughter, asked if I was sure about this I said that it was only ‘walking’ and I could do a few miles a day so it was just a case of taking it easy and not over stretching yourself! More famous last words. So the day dawned and 50 or so people gathered on the Common in Holmer Green. The weather was perfect, cool and cloudy, we signed on and got our t-shirts and route sheets; it was looking quite professional. A quick pep talk from James – he was going to be the travelling marshal seeing the first and last people through the check points and providing water and flap jacks to the weary walkers. I think he walked almost as many miles as anyone. So with a few words of encouragement from Chif's mum and a prayer from the vicar we were off. The pace was quite quick and I was thinking that I wouldn't want to keep this up for too long. We quickly left the village, crossed the A404 and into Penn Woods. The mood was upbeat, people chatting, laughing and looking forward to the challenge. Across a lane and into Common Wood the first bit of uphill, not far but quite steep enough for me to feel it in my legs! So through the woods across another lane across some fields, admire some beautiful scenery and into Penn, next to the Red Lion. We meet up with Claire's friend, have a quick chat and a drink and before we know it everybody has moved off so off we go in pursuit; it's not a race but you don't want to get too far behind. Through the village and turn right by Slade’s Garage, a quick glance at the classic Ferraris and Maseratis in the showroom, no time for a proper look, and on down the lane. Bottom of the lane we are into a field, no problem there's a footpath but we get to the next field and the path disappears! Considering at least 50 people are ahead of us there should be some signs but all we can see is a wall of nettles, so after a bit of a discussion we back track a bit to see if we had missed something but nothing looks right so we give James a ring and he confirms we were right the first time! Oh bother! So not only had we lost more time we had to fight our way through a jungle of nettles! Still, never mind, onwards and upwards. Through the nettles the going got easier along a track and down a lane, another track and out onto the A40. Crossing the road needed a bit of thought; I've driven this road many times but haven't really appreciated how difficult it is for pedestrians to cross. After a few minutes delay we are across and on to Wooburn Green. At this point I'm chatting to Emily, an interesting young lady with a job in the civil service, unfortunately she does walking and running as a hobby and she's too fast for me! Wooburn Green and we stop at the checkpoint outside The Red Lion, time for a quick wee and a sandwich, James is there and says that the main group is only a few minutes ahead, of course this might be true but they will be walking at a similar or faster pace than us but anyway we set off in pursuit again. Emily sets off at a run to catch the main group, I settle into a slower pace as I couldn't hope to match that and my calves are beginning to ache and we've only done 7 miles. Another couple of miles and we are in Bourne End, a short walk down Wharf Lane to the Thames and another checkpoint supplying water and flapjacks, a brief pause and off down the Thames path towards Cookham and ultimately Windsor! We pass the back gardens of some very posh houses; I wonder if they get fed up with people looking over their fences? Then over the Thames via the old railway bridge and on along the Thames Path through the meadows to Cookham. Just before we reach Cookham we come across a huge hospitality marquee! It’s loaded with food and drink, unfortunately not for us. Apparently, Macmillan is doing the same thing in the opposite direction with 2,000 people! So into the picturesque village of Cookham with its old pubs and houses with flowers round the door, we start to notice a few people in green Macmillan tee shirts coming the other way, no problem, plenty of room but as soon as we turn back onto the Thames Path we are faced with groups of 50 or so green- tee-shirt-clad walkers coming straight at us and the path is only one-person wide for long stretches! So it's out with the elbows and press on. People are generally good natured and polite but a few are not looking or looking at their mobile phones and it soon becomes difficult to maintain forward motion and (Continued on the next page)

Page 12 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

not bump into people. We finally reach Boulters Lock and the path has widened, still lots of green tee shirts but more room. We stop for another checkpoint, a quick sandwich, a drink and an ice cream, then press on to the halfway point at Maidenhead Bridge. By now, not only are my legs aching but my feet feel like I've got gravel in my shoes. But we’re halfway and I'm not giving up yet. We cross Maidenhead Bridge and turn immediately right to rejoin the Thames Path, we pass a party on the river bank with revellers raising their glasses and cheering us on, a bit embarrassing but nice to be appreciated. A few hundred yards further on we pass under a beautifully proportioned red brick arched bridge built in the 1830's by one of my heroes, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for his proposed Great Western Railway and it's still standing today and still carrying the main line to the West Country, some achievement! We now have about five miles of Thames Path before we reach the outskirts of Windsor marked by the less remarkable bridge carrying the Windsor relief road. I wonder if that will still be there in 190 years’ time. Five miles to Windsor; if you say it quick it feels like we are almost there. That's what they call wishful thinking! The legs and feet are starting to really feel it now, my right foot is quite sore. So a quick stop for a swig of warm water and a banana, the snack of champions and on we go. We pass the old Bray Studios, home of many Hammer Horror films, Monkey Island, Dorney Lake - home of the rowing at the 2012 Olympics – and Windsor Racecourse. After a couple of miles we catch up with Tracey and David, who are my daughter Natalie's neighbours, wisely they had set off early to go at their own pace and not get too far behind, so a quick chat about how we were all doing and the fact that there didn't seem to be any benches along this stretch of the river and on we went. After about a mile, 13-year-old Jed, who was walking with us was starting to find it hard going. I was amazed he had lasted this long; it was a brave effort. We called up James who met us at the next convenient point and gave him a lift to the next checkpoint. At this point David, who we had passed a mile or so back, caught us up, saying that Tracey, who suffered with a hip problem, had had to stop and been picked up by relatives. Another brave effort. The group stopped for a breather and David and I pressed on. Finally, we reached the grey concrete of the Windsor relief road bridge decorated as it is with a rather impressive mural of faces, up the steps to the road – the legs didn't like that! – across the river and down the other side to meet James and Geoff at the next checkpoint. It's Windsor, we must be nearly there I thought! Well not quite. Another quick drink and flapjack and we are off through the suburbs of Windsor. After five miles of just following the Thames, suddenly we have to start following the map, which was a bit of a shock. With tiredness creeping in there were a few nearly missed turnings but with David correcting my mistakes we made it to Windsor Football Club, ‘through the car park to a gate, through the gate and follow the path for more than a mile’ it said in the instructions! More than a mile! It seemed like 10! We finally had made it to the gates of Windsor Great Park, surely it can't be far now? Since I had been walking with David, we had been sharing a bag of Jelly Babies that David had brought along; the sugar content is good for energy apparently. As we entered the park David announced, "Captains log, water and Jelly Babies running low, still no sight of land." I must have been getting tired or delirious but it made me laugh. I don't know about land but there was still no sight of Windsor Castle! On we trudged up a fairly steep gradient bordered by immaculate lawns, left at a crossroads, past a royal farm, then we saw it, Windsor Castle in all its glory, but it was way over to our left and we seemed to be walking away from it! Still climbing, we carried on through a gate and up a steeper hill until we reached the top and the Copper Horse Statue of King George III and a magnificent view of Windsor Castle and The Long Walk. Well we could see The Long Walk but the castle was a dot on the horizon. They say the last mile is the longest, well this was about two and half miles and it felt like 10! There's nothing worse than being able to see your goal but it never seems to get any closer. We trudged on and gradually the Castle came closer and we could see white t-shirted figures standing at the gates of Windsor Castle waving at us. We finally arrived to lots of hugs and handshakes; apparently, we were the last to arrive who had completed the whole 26 miles (it turns out it was more like 28 miles!). After a welcome like that I realised it was quite some achievement and I was very pleased to have completed it. We could have gone to the pub with a few of the other finishers and organisers, but we were feeling so exhausted we just wanted to get home. Looking back, it was hard for me but I'm glad I did it. It was a great sense of achievement and we raised a great deal of money – over £20,000 in total – and yes, it was a box I needed to tick! P.S. Don't let anyone tell you walking a marathon is easy because you're not running. It's not! Peter Reeve

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 13

1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUT GROUP The good weather has enabled all sections to enjoy a range of outdoor activities this term, which compensated for the limited options last term. We started with St George’s Day at Great Missenden where the 11 Groups in Chiltern North District paraded behind the Girl’s Band from the Bury Field to the Parish Church. After the parade our long serving Cub Leader, Ruth Jackson, received from the District Commissioner a well merited award for Good Service to the Group, signed by Bear Grylls , the Chief Scout. This was very well deserved for her exceptional work in running 2 cub packs for a long time. Readers will be aware that I have for years lamented the lack of volunteers to provide the fun and challenging activities our 70 plus children enjoy and also to find a committee to support the leaders and look after the buildings and our 2 sites. Maybe the good weather has helped because when we held a crisis meeting for parents in May, from the 9 who attended we were able to welcome 2, Gemma and Nick, to become Cub Leaders, so we can once more open the Thursday pack and enable, from September, the cubs in both packs to meet every week instead of fortnightly and ease the burden on Ruth. We were also able to recruit 4 new committee members in Alec, Mark, Kirsty and Jo. They are a most welcome addition to our team and will give much needed support to Linda, our Treasurer and myself and will give us the opportunity to update our sites and buildings. There is always a downside however. Last school year we had to find Beaver Leaders, this school year was Cub Leaders and Committee and next school year it is Scout Leaders. Our 3 long serving Scout Leaders have resigned with effect from the end of July after the Troop camp. Mike and Neil are moving away and Paul, while willing to work with me next term to run the Troop and provide an interesting programme, to give us a chance to find new Leaders, will move on at Christmas. I am very grateful for their many years of loyal service and wish them well for the future. We are actively looking for replacements and I am aware there are in the village a number of adults who have previously been involved with the Group as Children. I wonder if any of them would like to impart the skills they learned to the next generation? During next term we will be building our teams, developing the site, and offering a fun programme to all 5 sections. The next main event will be Remembrance Day in November and the Christmas float and Christmas card delivery service in December. As always, we will survive and do our best for the children. Neil Spencer CBE - Group Scout Leader

Page 14 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

HOLMER GREEN STROKE CLUB Holmer Green Stroke Club has had another Royal Flying Corps pilot who used to fly low over very varied and interesting few weeks and has a farmyard near his aerodrome and drop a letter welcomed several new members and another in a weighted envelope to his sweetheart. This volunteer. was a poignant reminder of how young those We continued with our programme which pilots were and how flimsy their aircraft were included stimulating mental exercises, quizzes, then. We learned that he was killed in action at cooking, physiotherapy, music therapy, musical the age of 18. entertainers and art work and the creation of Our summer ended with a morning and lunch lovely hanging baskets. on 25th July in the garden of one of our group th One of our events was focused on “Olden and shall return refreshed on 5 September. Times” and was a fascinating morning. We We meet on Tuesday mornings from 10 ‘till 12 brought old autograph albums, old school and noon at the Christ Church Centre off wedding photographs, some of the books we Featherbed lane. If you or someone you know, used to read like “Tom Sawyer”, “Swiss Family has survived a stroke, has transport and would Robinson”, “What Katy did”. One member had a enjoy our mornings, or if you would like to famous ancestor, whose funeral was attended by become a volunteer, please get in touch on Royalty and her life recorded in a book. Another 01494 812162 for more details. treasure was the Wings from a First World War Elizabeth Aylward

HOLMER GREEN FOOTBALL CLUB — SUMMER 2018

Never mind ‘Footballs Coming Home’, it has been home and very much alive and kicking here in Holmer Green for many years! So as summer arrived a hive of activity began in preparing for the next season, no such thing as a break from football! And this Summer has been particularly busy. We have undertaken quite extensive work to all our pitches in trying to ready them for the activity they have to withstand during the football season. The weather has not helped this year and as I write we desperately need some rain. I didn’t think I would be saying that after the wet winter we had this year. The first team have played for many seasons in the Spartan South Midland League but this year as part of a major reorganization ‘masterminded’ by The FA they have been moved sideways into the UHL Hellenic. A new challenge and one we did try to resist as it involves an additional 50% travel over the season. However, the FA were not for turning and we start our new League season on 4 August, not sure where at the moment. However, we do know that we have an FA Cup game at Watchet Lane on 11th August when we take on Longlevens who travel from Gloucestershire to play us. Next season we will once again have a Development Team but for the first time we will have two Youth teams. One playing in the Allied Counties and the other in the WSBML Youth League playing on Sunday’s. It is great being able to encourage so many young people to play football at this level. So, preparations in hand for the start of their fixtures in September. Our Junior teams attended a sunny presentation day on 20th May when we celebrated their performances over the past year. I have no doubt that when they return to train later this summer many will have been inspired by what they have been watching in the World Cup. They start training again in August and this season we will have teams at Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 & 16. There is a significant amount of paperwork that must be submitted each season and we are fortunate in having John Ostinelli as our Secretary. He does a great job at this time of year. [See the images on the back page] This year our Junior Football Tournament will take place over two weekends, on 2nd and 8th September. We will be welcoming teams to our event from across the area. Not only is it a great footballing event for erstwhile Kane’s and Maguire’s it also provides valuable funding for the Club. Finally, a plea. In order to keep grassroots football alive and flourishing in Holmer Green we need help. This can be in the form of sponsorship or your time. All the money we raise goes to providing the best facilities we can. If you know anyone that might be interested in helping please, please contact me at the details below. You would be joining a committed group of people whose only objective is to enable young people to play football to the best of their ability. Rob Shed, Chairman - HGFC

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 15

ON-LINE SECURITY

The Basics: a Swiss organisation that uses encryption to ensure complete security. No more Amazon Load a Firewall and Virus Scanner. These suddenly offering products randomly. should not cost much, if anything. No Wi-Fi: This freeware site will show you where to get hundreds of freeware programs. This is the PC Whenever possible physically connect your PC “best Award” page - https:// to the internet router with a cable and turn off www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-windows- the Wi-Fi. (Airplane Mode). It is faster and desktop-software.htm safer. Get a separate bank account just for online VPN (Virtual Private Network) shopping. Transfer funds into the account when Every computer has a unique Internet Service needed. Then, if it is hit, you have very little in Provider Number (ISPN). You can check your here there and have not compromised your main - https://whatismyipaddress.com account(s). Malware, advertisers and other irritants can see Check for HTTPS: this ISBN and target you for adverts and possible hacking. Connect through a VPN, your ISBN can Although most banks have now upgraded to the show you as anywhere in the world. You safer version of their websites to encrypt data effectively become invisible. There are loads to and use HTTPS instead of HTTP, it’s best that you choose from. Mine – CyberGhost – cost £20 a always check the URL. https://xxxxxxxxxx year. Browser A Little More Paranoid? Another layer of protection is to use a specific Windows is, by an order of magnitude, the most browser just for banking. The best known of popular Operating System worldwide. It is also which is Avast Safe Zone - https:// probably the most insecure. Not only because a www.avast.com/f-safezone hacker will naturally choose the most popular but This runs in what is known as a sandbox. i.e. also because it’s basic architecture renders it separated from the rest of your system. No data more vulnerable. exchanges between the sandbox and your system. You have 2 basic alternatives. Although you may be offered it by your Apple. Which costs a considerable amount browser – never save your passwords. (It’s daft!) more and will then try to own your life. Unknown E-mails: Linux. Which is completely free, is based on We all get e-mails pretending to be from a Unix, an operating system which was first known, trusted source. Banks / Building developed in the 1960s. Apples OS is also based societies / Power companies etc. The hope, on Unix. Most web servers, the devices that holds presumably, is that the receiver of the spam mail the web pages on line, run on Linux. Almost all will be a customer and will be tempted to click on tablets and smartphones us a derivative of Linux. the “More Details Here” / “Click Here” link. Large Hadron Collider? Japanese Bullet Train? Air Traffic Control and some nuclear submarines all Before you do that, simply hover over the link, run on variations of Linux. Windows crashes would the address it is linked to will appear, either next not be acceptable in these installations. to the cursor, or at the bottom left of the screen. If it is not what you expect or, especially if it has This article is written using Open Office, a – tinyurl – in the address, avoid. completely free suite of programs equivalent to the expensive MS Office suite. On an old (2006) Tinyurl is a means of hiding a long or dubious desktop PC running Linux Mint 18.2, the desktop address in a small link. Say for instance you loads and runs faster than the top spec 2017 wanted to send people to russianmafia.rl. Tinyurl Windows 10 laptop that is linked to the same will sell you a link with just a plain code. Say screen. 12345678. Then tinyurl.12345678 will go to russianmafia etc. It has a (free) virus scanner and thousands of other (free) programs available. Which it will load So, if you see tinyurl, allegedly linked to a and / or remove with a single click. Downside? It legitimate company, send it straight to spam and is a bit different and will require learning. Just as delete. a new release of Windows always changes. Safe Email I use it as an alternative back up for when the We all know the dubious realisation that our windows machine throws an inevitable wobble / Emails and browsing are being read as Ads. does an unexpected update that renders it useless suddenly popping up on subjects that we may have for a while etc etc. Both machines are connected watched or discussed. through HDMI cables to the same TV monitor. Just choose which you want by the “source” There are safe, anonymous e-mails. available. button on the remote. One such being https://mail.protonmail.com/login Nick Corrick

Page 16 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN EXAM INVIGILATOR Most of us have faced examinations at school where our grasp of a certain subject is tested and no matter how well we might have revised and prepared ourselves an exam is inevitably a daunting experience. How many of us have wondered what it is like on the other side of the exam process – for those who organise the exams. Each Senior School throughout the country employs an Exams Manager with overall responsibility for the whole exam process. He or she, is supported on the day by several invigilators who ensure the smooth running of the exam, the number of staff involved depending on the number of participants. School hall seating 150 students would require 6 invigilators, which indicates a ratio of 1 invigilator to 25 students. The Exam Papers arrive from various Education Boards all in sealed envelopes and kept locked away in a fireproof cabinet within a locked room that must have no windows. While a classroom may suffice for a small number of examinees in most cases the School Hall is necessary to accommodate everyone and as many as four different exams may be running simultaneously. When the big day dawns, it falls to the invigilators to promote sanctity of the Exam Hall by placing “Silence Exam in Progress” at strategic points around the school corridors. Examination rules dictate that a large notice is displayed informing students (should they be unaware!) of the exam subject they are sitting, together with starting and finishing times. Several clocks are provided to be clearly visible to all. The greater part of an invigilator’s duties is setting out the exam question papers. This is not random as student and desk allocation is arranged beforehand. Many question papers are in two categories, a “Foundation” or a “Higher” paper. The former offers a limited score only, while the other is more taxing, providing greater potential for the aspiring student. Many exam papers have the answer section within the same booklet, others require a separate answer book to be provided. These and any supplementary material must all be in place before any student is admitted to the hall. Teachers often like to browse over the exam paper, but invigilators have the right to deter them. Once students are admitted and correctly seated the examination rules are read out by the Exam Manager. Obviously complete silence is mandatory, together with no conferring or turning around. Less obvious rules are pencil cases must be transparent and drink bottles must have no labels and a sports type cap. Only items necessary for the exam are allowed in and if found in possession of mobile phones there is the risk of disqualification. Prior to the start of the exam, a register is checked and once that has happened the students are given the word to start. Invigilators set and start the clocks; exam time is not necessarily school time. During the exam no one can leave unless it is a toilet break. In this situation an invigilator will accompany a student and precede them into the toilet to check that there is no one in there. After they are escorted back to their desk. The invigilator is normally left to the smooth running of the session maintaining order and assistance if needed. Invigilators are forbidden to help with exam but may provide replacement equipment etc. Students are expected to provide their own equipment, but inevitably there may be things forgotten so there are items that can be loaned out. It is important to report any occurrence that might have affected a student’s exam performance – an excessively hot room summer (or winter) or groundsman working. The adage “if it wasn’t documented – it didn’t happen.” The report can also record any misbehaviour, this is not usually a problem, as a look or word can often suffice. Once the exam is over and the Exam Manager has called time a reminder is given to ensure personal details have been included on sheets before they are collected. The students are then dismissed and a sigh of relief from those involved then preparation for the next exam. It is not only students that look forward (or dread) the exam results in August. Like teachers the Exam Manager and Invigilators also await the fateful day with bated breath. Excellent results are what everyone hopes for and Invigilators can feel proud that playing their small, but essential role sets students on their way to university. C. Christopher

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 17

LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY : AUGUST TO OCTOBER 2018 As glorious summer begins to drift slowly away and we enter early autumn, it’s time to start theatre-going in earnest once again. There is always good entertainment out there and here is what’s on locally (most within a 20 mile radius of the village), as diverse as ever. For full details, simply visit the websites (all listed) or telephone the box office for a free brochure by Royal Mail. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for the local amateur shows too. Just look out for posters in the village. Mark Thorburn

High Wycombe - WYCOMBE SWAN (4 miles from Holmer Green) St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 : ww.wycombeswan.co.uk

Wycombe Swan Summer Youth Project “OKLAHOMA!” (9 to 11 August) Rodgers and Hammerstein’s legendary musical performed and stage managed by hugely enthusiastic local young people. National G & S Opera Company “THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE” (14 & 15 September) and “IOLANTHE” (15 September Matinee) direct from the International G & S Festival in Harrogate. “ROCK OF AGES” (2 to 6 October) another national tour for this night of outrageous rock ‘n’ roll debauchery. Matthew Bourne’s “SWAN LAKE” (9 to 13 October) returns to Wycombe. An exciting, uniquely original, re- imagining of the classic production with the menacing male ensemble of swans. “EVITA” (23 to 27 October) Direct from the West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s classic musical about Eva Peron featuring “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina”. Plus many, many more ‘One Nighters’ of ‘Big Name’ diverse entertainment to choose from.

Chesham - THE ELGIVA THEATRE & CINEMA (8 miles from Holmer Green) St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1LL : 01494 582900 : www.elgiva.com

“THE ESCAPE ROOM” (6 to 10 August) the Elgiva Summer Workshop for 8 to 18 year olds. “THE RELUCTANT DRAGON” Quantum Theatre stage version of Kenneth Graham’s classic children’s tale; “JULIE” (6 Sept) NTLive from the National Theatre. “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR” (12 Sept) RSCLive from Stratford; BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS (13 Sept); “AN EVENING OF MEMBERSHIP” (18 Sept) with Psychic Tony Stockwell; “KING LEAR” (27 Sept) NTLive the Chichester Festival Production starring Ian McKellan. G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS (28 Sept). LEE HURST (29 Sept). “WHEN YOU’RE SMILING” (2 Oct Matinee) travel down memory lane through music of the 40’s to 70’s. THINK FLOYD (5 Oct). “HANDCOCK & CO.” (6 Oct) James Hurn’s stunning one man, many voices show. “THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST” (15 Oct) NTLive from the Vaudeville Theatre. JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW (18 Oct). THE TRAVELLING WILBURYS EXPERIENCE (19 Oct). “HEROES & VILLIANS” (26 & 27 Oct) CK Theatre School (Amateur). THE THREE DEGREES (28 Oct). “KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING” (31 Oct) based on real events, using unforgettable songs of the Great War. For details, plus Films, please check website.

Aylesbury - WATERSIDE THEATRE (13 miles from Holmer Green) Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 1UG 0844 871 7615 : www.ambassadortickets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre

“WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND” (16 to 18 August) Aylesbury’s Stage Experience for local young people. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on the famous film. HERITAGE OPEN DAYS (Sat 8 Sept 12pm & 3.30pm : Sun 9 10am & 1pm) Free Backstage Tours. Limited spaces. Special B.O. 0844 871 7607; “SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” (9 to 13 October) New production of the stage version of the John Travolta hit film, featuring the music of the Bee Gees. “SUMMER HOLIDAY” (23 to 27 October) Crammed full of Cliff Richard classics in the stage version of his famous film about a Bus, romance and a holiday. Starring Ray Quinn. Please check website for many, many ‘One Nighters’, shorter runs, Stand Up, Concerts, Live Screenings.

(Continued on page 19)

Page 18 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

(LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY - Continued from the previous page)

Watford - PALACE THEATRE (18 miles from Holmer Green)

20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD17 1JZ 01923 25671 : www.watfordtheatre.co.uk

2018 is Watford Palace Theatre’s 110th Birthday. Rifco Theatre Company “DISHOOM!” (12 to 22 September) featuring the music of the iconic Bollywood hit “Sholay”, the story of Simon and his cousin Baljit setting out to change the world. “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” (4 to 27 October) Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy of misunderstandings, given a 1940s twist. Please check website for shorter runs, films and Concerts..

Windsor - THEATRE ROYAL (19 miles from Holmer Green) Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS : 01753 853 888 : www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

“CATS” (7 to 12 August) Windsor’s Community Theatre production featuring local amateur performers .“THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE” (13 to 15 August) Daytime performance times for this fantastic family whale of a tale from Julia Donaldson and Alec Scheffler. “RHYTHM OF THE DANCE” (14 to 18 August) Wowing world-wide audiences since 1999, a stunning Irish Dance spectacular experience. “RAIN MAN” (21 August to 1 September) Mathew Horne (Gavin and Stacey) and Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) star in the new stage production based on the Oscar winning film which starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. “THE NIGHTMARE ROOM” (3 to 5 September) A wicked contemporary thriller based on the classic tale by Arthur Conan Doyle. “THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL” (6 to 8 September) A Costume drama full of the thrills and spills of the French Revolution, Madame de Guillotine and that elusive Pimpernel. “THE GOON SHOW” (11 to 12 September) the first major theatrical production of the radio show which revolutionised British comedy. “DICK TRACY” (13 to 15 September) fast-paced family entertainment full of mischief, malice and mayhem. “CIRQUE BERSERK!” (18 to 22 September) direct from the West End, circus skills and thrills in a theatrical setting. “MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD” (25 to 29 September) London Classic Theatre revival of Charlotte Keatley’s Mother-Daughter poignant, bittersweet story. “DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE” (28 to 30 September) Interactive family show in a Jurassic adventure, live on stage. “A SPLINTER OF ICE” (2 to 13 October) World Premiere of Ben Brown’s new play about Graham Greene and Kim Philby meeting in Moscow in 1987, from the team that brought “Three Days In May” to Windsor, prior to the West End run. “THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN” (15 to 20 October) breath-taking Concert Spectacular featuring 40 Motown hits. “THE WIZARD OF OZ” (23 to 27 October) unnamed local Amateur Company in the Yellow Brick Road classic musical. “LOOKING FOR GATSBY” (29 to 31 October) Musical adaptation beginning where F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel ends. Please check website for shorter runs and Concert details.

Sonning - THE MILL AT SONNING (20 miles from Holmer Green) Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY : 0118 969 8000 www.millatsonning.com (Dinner Theatre : Ticket, Pre-Show Meal, Programme & Parking included

“TEN TIMES TABLE” (2 August to 22 September) Alan Ayckbourn is a genius at analysing ordinary people in everyday situations. We follow the planning and disastrous outcome of a group of members of the Pendon community as they plan their small town's first pageant. All have very different views of what the pageant should be and what it represents. Battle commences. And what was a mock-up of an historical event now becomes the real thing as both sides clash with hilarious and riotous results! “A NIGHT IN PROVENCE” (27 September to 17 November) Ah Provence! The French Riviera, where optimistic holidaymakers rent luxury villas for exorbitant sums. However, imagine the crisis if one such sumptuous place was triple booked! “Toujours L’Amour” becomes “Tonight for Sure” in this hilarious comedy by Robin Hawdon, author of the hugely successful “Don’t Dress For Dinner” and “Perfect Wedding”. Check website for details of innumerable Sunday Concerts.

And finally, locally:

The FOURWAYS DRAMA GROUP. present 'King Charles 111' 25 - 27th October, at Lancaster Arts Centre, Wycombe Abbey School, High Wycombe. Tel 01494 522722 for details.

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 19

A REQUEST FOR HELP TO IMPROVE OUR MAGAZINE Many readers have requested over time that we include more coloured images within the magazines pages - something the Team would dearly love to do – But and there’s always a But, isn’t there? – it would increase the printing costs and we suspect you would not be prepared to pay more than the £1.00 you regularly spend. However, there is a way: would any Business or generous Holmer Green Resident care to sponsor coloured images on the centre pages? If they did for say four issues, the pages could contain, for 1 example in the case of a Business, a small ( /8 page) free coloured advertisement plus other coloured images submitted by the various writers etc. Wouldn’t that be good? Please do contact any of the Team and say if you are interested in sponsoring. Also, when submitting an article or advertisement for inclusion please ensure it is ‘camera ready’. We volunteers do not always have the time – or the ability to turn your pieces into art work. Thank you and please continue to send interesting articles to a coordinator or the Editor.

HOLMER GREEN METHODIST I write as Minister of Holmer Green Methodist Church to say goodbye to the Holmer Green community and particularly to the Holmer Green Methodist Church folk, as well as my ecumenical colleagues. There is a little phrase running through my mind as I write, which I’m sure is one you’ve either thought or have said yourself over the years, usually after returning from holiday or having spent some social occasion with family and friends: All good things come to an end’. For me, the phrase now takes on a greater importance, for this letter not only marks the end of being a Methodist Minister in High Wycombe, but also ends my thirteen years as an Ordained Circuit Minister as I’m about to ‘sit down’, more commonly known as retirement. I’ve been Minister of Holmer Green Methodist Church over the last four years, and I’ve grown to love the community through the folk I’ve rubbed shoulders with outside Methodism but especially the Methodist Church folk themselves. There have been many privileges being the Minister at Holmer Green and I cannot mention them all. One “jewel” in the Church’s crown is her youth work with its Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association. I have been their Chaplain and recently had the honour of making the presentations at their annual award’s evening. Four of the boys (not the girls this time, however I know your time will come) achieved their Queen’s Badges - the highest award possible; and another the President’s Badge. his organisation owes a great deal to its past leadership and continues to thrive under those who have taken on the mantle. I have been Chair of the Methodist Holmer Green Pre-school, which has recently celebrated her 50th Anniversary to which many folk, including past and present attendees, came to mark the occasion. The love, dedication and care of both the paid and voluntary leaders for the children and their families is something to behold; the long-term prospect for the school continuing is very good; if I were beginning life again, I’d loved to have attended as a child; I can’t give higher praise than this. Although Holmer Green’s faithful worshipping community is mainly elderly, there is a small Sunday school with dedicated teachers. Over the four years it has been my immense privilege to be Minister of these faithful folk who quietly and unassumingly get on in their caring for folk in the wider world but also within the local community. I take the view that pastoral care of folk in any worshipping community is what underpins the life of the church and thankfully many have received this in abundance, including myself when having faced some health issues. I thank those folk that have dipped their toes in ecumenical waters by embracing other worshipping communities traditions – through ‘All Churches Together Serving’ commonly known as ACTS; whilst not perfect, ACTS I believe bode well for the future. And to this end, I wish to offer my thanks and prayers to my ecumenical partners as you go forward together. I’m not good at saying goodbye, nevertheless the Teacher in Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us in verse one, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’: my season for activity under God’s heaven in this part of the world is soon to come to an end, so, as I said at the beginning, All good things come to an end. So, I close by thanking the faithful community of Holmer Green Methodist Church for the privilege in allowing me the opportunity to be their Minister over the four years; although I don’t wish to over- egg the pudding, this has been to me both blessing and joy.

John – Methodist Minister

Page 20 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

HOLMER GREEN METHODIST PRE-SCHOOL Happy Birthday to us!! All the planning, and we couldn’t have wished for a better day to celebrate our 50th birthday. The sun shone, and we were joined by visitors from the past, the present and the future of our lovely pre-school in our celebrations. There were water games; a ‘splat’ board, made for us by one of our dads; a bouncy castle; face painting; lunches and afternoon teas to name but a few of the items on offer – something for everyone! Just before the fire engine arrived which was a big hit with our young people, we cut the cake, which had been made for us by Ruth. The children had painted banners and the garden was full of colour with these and the flowers and vegetables that they had planted. A picture of the cake is shown on the back page. So what else have we been up to? Lots of outdoor play in this beautiful weather, playing with water and gardening, We’ve done science experiments, watching balloons pick up sugar, creating shadows puppets using our cutting skills, and seeing if items sink or float in water – and then discover if it is the same in lemonade....and we’ve made volcanoes using bottles of coke and mints – and explored if it is the same if we use diet coke! Lots of fun! We’ve also been looking at keeping healthy, what we eat, and keeping fit – helped by our love of football! We’ve had an outing to where we looked for mini beasts, we’ve watched caterpillars change into butterflies and then said goodbye to them as we released them in our garden once they were strong enough. And we have had our family games and picnic morning at Woodrow, where we were all able to join in with the games and races and have fun together. As usual it has been an active term which finishes next week with our leavers concert, when we say goodbye to the children who are leaving to move on to their new schools. We wish them all lots of happiness as they take the next step in their education. We’re looking forward to welcoming the new children who are joining us when we return in September. Sadly, it is also time for us to say goodbye to both the chair, and parent representative on our committee – they have both worked really hard for us this last year John Richey, our chair, is leaving his position as minister of our church and we wish him every happiness as he moves away from the area. Claire’s daughter is leaving us to move to school. Thank you to you both for all you have done. Vida joins us in September when she takes over John’s position in our church – and the parent rep position is currently vacant! In the meantime, if you have a son/daughter aged 2 – 4, and are thinking about a pre-school for them, please do call us, and come and visit. We have a lovely setting and would be delighted to show it to you. Sharon Dorme

1ST HOLMER GREEN BOYS’ BRIGADE COMPANY AND GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION (An Outreach of Holmer Green Methodist Church) Our Anchor Section has recently grown to sixteen boys & girls; this is excellent news as it shows what a good job the leaders are doing with the children. We are almost at the stage where we will need to start a waiting list but there is still, currently, room for an additional one or two. Along with the Junior Section we have enjoyed a trip to Mop End Environment Centre for Fire building/lighting & popcorn cooking, a great time was had by all & the popcorn was delicious! Both sections have enjoyed a Battalion (four companies joining together) fun afternoon, playing games, craft activities & of course lots of good food. We are now out of uniform & in our summer programme with trips to the park on a Monday night for games & activities. We have just come back from summer camp at Felden Lodge (BB HQ) where our Junior & Company Sections joined the rest of the Chiltern Battalion Camping under canvas for two nights & having lots of fun. The weather was kind to us & the children particularly enjoyed taking part in ‘Life to The Max’ an annual event organised by London District Boys’ Brigade where every Company is invited to attend the fun activities taking place. We enjoyed Roller Coaster rides, Dodgems, Bungee Run, Laser Tag, Sumo Suits, Bungee Trampoline, Footgolf, Putting Green, Inflatable slide, Bouncy Castle & water games. This was a most enjoyable day for 47 children from the Chiltern Battalion who all had an amazing time. We have booked this event again for 2019! As a Company, we also try & do our bit for the local community & have in the past raised money for local & National good causes. We have recently completed a sponsored walk where all our sections gained sponsorship to ‘walk a mile’ in aid of Chif’s challenge. Chif – a former member of our Company & his friend Matt decided to raise money for Newlife (a charity raising money for disabled children) by walking the 26 miles from Holmer Green to Windsor Castle. We decided that it would be a good idea to help this terrific cause & support the boys in their endeavours. The money is still being counted but I am hopeful that we will raise around £200.00. So, if you have a child between the age of 5-18 who would like to have loads of fun on a Monday night & potentially make friends for life, please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you. We run a Christian based programme & welcome anybody & everybody from any faith if you are between the age of 5-18. Don’t forget, we are a Girl’s Association as well, so it’s not just limited to boys. Mark Durn – Company Captain

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 21

The below article was scanned from a rather poor copy of ‘Holmer Green Today’ dated Summer 1998. Apologies for the slight blurring and we hope you can read it. Things don’t change too much - or do they?

Page 22 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

THE LANTERN CLUB At the Lantern Club both members and volunteers alike have continued to enjoy the wide range of activities designed to keep our elderly friends stimulated and entertained - we have exercised our hands and feet in time to music in our fortnightly Extend sessions, we have listened and sung along to all kinds of music (including a watering can!), we have heard our favourite poems and we have played table games and had quizzes, to name but a few. We have also enjoyed a couple of new activities, including Singing with Children, a new venture launched by a former teacher with the aim of bringing the generations together. We have been visited by children from both the Infant School and the Pre-School group here at the Chadwick Hall to spend time together singing and chatting, which our members really loved. We have also received a visit from some young alpacas from a local farm! We heard all about how they are reared and were able to stroke them and feel samples of their recently shorn wool. We do have vacancies at the Lantern Club to offer to any elderly, frail local residents who would like a weekly outing on a Monday, 10.30 am - 2.30pm, with all these activities, plus a hot lunch. We do also offer transport in the Hazlemere and Widmer End Good Neighbours minibus, which has disabled access. We would love to share all the benefits the elderly members gain from such social interaction, so if you have an elderly relative or know anyone you think might also benefit please contact me or Sue Hogan on 01494 713589, or drop in to see us any Monday (apart from Bank Holidays). New volunteers are also most welcome. Our AGM, followed by cheese and wine, is on Monday September 3rd at 8 pm in the Chadwick Hall at the Village Centre. Ann Sollars

PRAYING FOR THE COMMUNITY OF HOLMER GREEN AND SURROUNDING AREA As mentioned in previous issues, our ACTS (All Churches Together Serving) Community Prayer Link aims to provide the support of Christian prayer in your life for whatever reason (e.g., illness, loneliness, bereavement, debt, divorce). Often people comment that when they know people are praying for them and about their situations, they feel held in God’s love and care. Please contact Barbara Illingworth - 07967 192406, ([email protected]); there are a few of us from the different churches, i.e. Anglican, Baptist, Catholic and Methodist and we pray for you in our own homes. There are also prayer groups in the Anglican and Baptist churches who pray together. I would also like to extend our prayers for Holmer Green Village Society, whose aims include building a successful and flourishing community for both business and residents, as well as dealing with local development concerns and improved infrastructure. We continue to pray for a vibrant and supportive community where individuals and businesses can offer friendship and help within our neighbourhood. Barbara Illingworth

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 23

Page 24 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS WELL-KNOWN PLACE? 1. Description, Area and Population of Holmer Green. The village of Holmer Green lies on the plateau of the ChiItems between the Misbourne valley to the north-east and the Wye valley to the south-west, a plateau of mainly clay and flint which extends almost level to the north-north-west through Kingshill and to the chalk escarpment at Cornbe Hill near 'Chequers', and slopes gradually away to the south-south-east through Perm Street, Knotty Green,, Burnham Beeches and Slough to the Thames at Eton. All the village is over 500 ft. above sea level, the highest point (588 ft.) being close to the Infants' School in Watchet Lane. In the north-east, however, the ground falls fairly sharply down to the Misbourne valley at : it is in this direction that the only natural drainage occurs, starting from the old sheepwash in Watchet Lane, thence by way of the 'New Pond' (now dried up) and Holmer Pond in the centre of the village and down a shallow valley past the Ridirigs and Sheepcote Dell into the Misbourne valley. The main sewer installed in 1960 follows the same line. In former times this plateau was a desolate and sparsely inhabited region known as Wycombe Heath, or Wycombe Moor, names perpetuated in Wycornhe Heath Farm off Road and the hamlet of Widrner End, a corruption of Wycornbe Moor End, a mile or so west of Holmer Green. It was much frequented by highwaymen and part of it was included in the notorious Chiltern Hundreds, whose Warden was entrusted with the task of maintaining law and order. But today Holmer Green is a flourishing village of some 1.200 dwellings and 3,500 inhabitants (including the outlying hamlets of Beamond End to the east and Spurlands End to the north-west), or nearly 4,000 if we include "Holmer Green Without" (or "Wycombe End"), that is, the southwestern end of the village, distinguishable by the different design and colour of its street lamps, which both for postal addresses and in local esteem has always been part of Holmer Green, though it is in another parish (Hughenden) and district (Wycornbe). The area of the Holmer Green ward of Little Misscnden parish (formerly known as Little Missenden South Ward), which extends from Mop End Lane on the east to the edge of Birchmore Wood, Heath End, on the west, and from the lower fringe of the woods above Little Missenden village on the north almost to the A404 road on the south, is about 1,530 acres, and of Holrner Green Without approximately another 20 acres. All this land lies within the Chilterns AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) and five sixths of it is in the . This means that all but agricultural or forestry buildings and pursuits are restricted to the confines of the village proper: hence the progressive infilling of residential buildings that the village has witnessed over the last ten years or so. The village is almost completely surrounded by fields. orchards and woodlands; only at its south-west tip on Sawpit HiII has it become linked to the neighbouring village of Hazlemere as a result of the ribbon development that took place between the two wars before the Green Belt came into existence. Thanks to its elevated and salubrious situation, its close proximity to the main A404 Amersham-High Wycombe road, which forms its southern boundary,and its good communications in all directions - there are no fewer than six roads leading into and out of the village.- Holmer Green has in recent years been the scene of intensive housing development, both by private builders and by the local authority Many of the houses in the village are council houses,which has more than doubled the population over the last ten years and led to newcomers far outnumbering the older inhabitants. This influx of people (many of whom, incidentally, have come from the North of England and the Midlands) has naturally led to an increasing demand for services and amenities of all sorts, which the local authorities have not been laggard in responding to. Thus, twelve years ago there were only five, scattered shops in the village: now there a dozen or more, most of them congregated in the modern shopping centre of Lynford Parade (Pond Approach) and Turners Place. Twelve years ago the village had no drains. but every house had its cesspool and the RDC sewagecarts were constantly to be seen-and smelt around the village, now almost every house is on main drainage and the sewage-carts are only to be seen occasionally on their way to empty their contents from outlying farms secretively in the woods going up to Beamond End. Twelve years ago several roads were unsurfaced and there was only a short length of pavement and one street lamp by the pond: today almost all roads have been made up to county standards, the principal roads all have pavements on one or both sides, and there are a hundred or more street lamps, including one at Beamond End. On the debit side, it must be said, the village has lost many of the cherry orchards for which it was once famous, and three of the four large houses (most recently and notably Holrner Court) and one of the farms it used to contain. Its several local industries, however, are still here, and there are still some of its inhabitants who practise the old cottage crafts of lace making, button making and tambour work, 2. Communications. Holmer Green is 31 miles from the market town and shopping and industrial centre of High Wycornbe (where many of its inhabitants 1 find employment), 4 miles from Amersharn Old Town,5 miles from Amersham-on- the-Hill (or "Top Amersharn", as it is known locally), 6 /2 miles from 1 Chesham by the main road through Amersham (5 miles by lanes via Little Missenden), 6 /2 miles from Beaconsfield by the main road via Hazlernere and Penn, 1 1 1 5 /2-6 miles by lanes via. Penn Bottom or Penn Street), 3 /2 miles from Great Missenden via , 5 /4 miles via and Prestwood, 8 miles from Wendover, 13 miles from the county town of Aylesbury, and 30 miles from Oxford either via High Wycornbe and the A40. or via Prestwood, Hampden,, Princes Rishorough and Thame. In the other direction it is 14 miles from Slough via Beaconsfield, or 17 miles via Amersharn, 16-19 miles from Windsor. And 32 miles from London hy the shortest route. The Thames side resorts of Marlow, Maidenhead and Henley are all within easy reach too. and Reading is only 22 miles away. is approximately 20 miles and approximately 25 miles, Cambridge approximately 60 mi les and Coventry 72 miles. The nearest seaside towns are Bognor Regis (approx. 80 miles) on the south coast, and Southend (approx. 75 miles) on the east coast 3. Public Transport. Buses. Holmer Green is well served by London Country buses on their route 362, which links the three towns of Chesham, Amersharn and High Wycombe, connecting with London Transport at Chesham, both London Transport and British Rail at Amersham, and British Rail at High Wycombe. The bus route digresses north from the main A404 road past Beamond End, through Holmer Green (with half a dozen short-spaced stops) and Cosy Corner, to rejoin the main road at Hazlemere, another digression to the south passing the parish church and serving the hamlets of Perm Street and Winchmore Hill. No house in Holrner Green is more than half-a-mile from the bus route. The single-deck buses on this route run at half-hour intervals for most of the day, less frequently in the late evening (last bus from Amersham 22.17, from High Wycornbe 22.54), and hourly on Sundays (afternoon and evening only); and there are additional buses In the morning and evening to and from High Wycombe. Occasional buses on route 362A run via Widmer End instead of Hazlemere, A special double-decker bus, No. 372, runs from High Wycombe calling at Holmer Green at 8.30 a.m. to take students to the Arnersharn College of Further Education on Stanley Hill, returning to Holmer Green at 5 p.rn. Connections can he made, either at Amersham (garage) or High Wycornbe, to numerous other towns and , including , Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Watford, the Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross, Uxbridge, Slough, Windsor, Staines, Marlow, Maidenhead, Reading and Oxford; at Chesham to Hemel Hempstead and ; and at Hazlemere to Penn and Beaconsfield. Great Missenden can be reached somewhat circuitously-either via Arnersham or High Wycombe but it is far quicker by train; the same applies to Wendover, and Aylesbury. Note. The Amersham RDC give concessionary bus fares to all men over 65, to women over 60, and to blind and disabled persons, for local journeys. Application for these should be made to the Treasury Department of the RDC offices in High Street, Old Amersham. For residents of Holmer Green Without, the Wycombe RDC offer similar concessions: application should be made at the Council offices, 80 Oxford Road. High Wycombe. Coaches. Green Line service No. 711 runs from High Wycornbe via Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Uxbridge, Hanwell and Ealing to London (Baker Street, Oxford Circus and Trafalgar Square), and on to Reigate in Surrey, at hourly intervals - half-hourly on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons - average journey time to Oxford Street Ihr 50mins) and there are several long distance coach services from London that pass through and call at High Wycombe ; particulars of these may be obtained from Jeffways Travel Services Ltd. in Castle Street, High Wycombe. Rail Services. The nearest railway station to Holmer Green is High Wycombe (3+ miles) whence there is a service of diesel trains to London (Marylebone) via Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Denham and Ruislip at roughly hourly intervals with extra trains in the rush hours (average journey time 45 mins), [n the other direction many of these trains go on to Princes Risborough and some to Aylesbury, Bicester and Banbury. One or two Paddington-Birmingham expresses still run via and call at High Wycornbe (journey time to Paddington 25 mins). From Arnersham station (5 miles) there is an alternating service of diesel trains frorn Aylesbury to Marylebone (average journey time 36 mins. and electric trains from Amersham to Baker Street (average journey time41 rnins) at half- hourly intervals throughout the day, the last train from Baker Street to Amersham leaving at midnight. These trains run via and mostly call at Chorleywood, Rickmansworth and Harrow-on-the-Hill (All Marylebone trains call at Harrow). On Sundays there is an hourly service to and from Baker Street with a connecting shuttle service between Amersham and Aylesbury. There are many additional commuter trains in the morning and evening, the electric trains then running through to and from the City (Liverpool Street) average journey time 55 rnins, Some Holmer Green commuters prefer to use either Chalfont and Latirner (6 miles) which is one station up the line from Arnersharn, or Beaconsfield (6! miles) which is one station up the line frorn High Wycornbe. All four stations have car parks adjoining them.

Extracted from a 1974 edition of “A Guide to Holmer Green” . There may be more in future issues!

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 25

Page 26 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

CHERRY GARTH NEWS This Summer has so far been a scorcher, with Recent regular activites included Art and dry hot weather, and it’s been lovely to see crafts, Cheese and Wine, Poetry, and Pamper everyone’s mood lifted by so many national days, Film nights, bingo, Gardening, events. Here at Cherry Garth, we have enjoyed Naturewatch, Strollers club, classical music taking part in all the fun. May saw the Royal group, Zumba and regular visits to the theatre. Wedding, and apart from celebrating on the day So far we have also had two boat trips from with a lovely buffet followed by Prossecco and Windsor to Henley, and a trip to the Cotswold homemade Wedding Cake, we got really involved Wildlife Park, and we have several more coming during the lead up to it by displaying photos of up. previous royal weddings. Our friend at Ian Rennie loaned us a wonderful ivory and pearl We are very lucky to have the help and wedding dress which was also displayed. support of our volunteers and as the first week Residents, staff and friends also bought in of June is National Volunteers week we all said photographs of their weddings and we all had “Thank You” to them and presented each one great fun guessing who was who and listening to with a card and bottle of wine as a small token some of the funny and wonderful stories! of appreciation for all the things they do! We asked the residents to give their advice Over the past couple of months we have also to Harry and Meghan, there was some really been trying to look at ways to make the home good comments. Pauline who was married for 63 more Dementia friendly. We have started in years said “never go to bed with an unresolved Kennett house on the ground floor and wanted to argument”, and there were lots of heartfelt and make a focal point at the end of the corridor. thoughtful advice. Someone did joke “Don’t do As you know our home is situated in Orchard it!” Way, which was originally the site of a Cherry Orchard, so we have now used this theme to We also held events relating to Ladies Day at brighten up the area. Ascot, the FA Cup, and World Cup Football,and of course Wimbledon. We had a special The manager of Cherry Garth, Lynnette Evens American Independence Day event. has worked for the Fremantle Trust since 2004 and has managed Cherry Garth since August We enjoyed our annual summer barbeque on 2015, we are sad to say that she will be retiring 7th July. This turned out to be a lovely day for at the end of the month, we would like to thank everyone, and the food was delicious, and the her for all she has done, and wish her all the atmosphere was fantastic. As it coincided with best. England playing Sweden it added to the fun. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the local Linda Meatyard businesses that supported us so generously by donating gifts, goods and services for our raffle; and all the residents, relatives and staff that bought tickets.

This text has to be in one of the cleverest E-mails sent in a while. Someone must be "deadly" at Scrabble. (Wait till you see the last one)!

PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER DESPERATION: When you rearrange the letters: A ROPE ENDS IT THE EYES: When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE GEORGE BUSH: When you rearrange the letters: HE BUGS GORE THE MORSE CODE: When you rearrange the letters: HERE COME DOTS DORMITORY: When you rearrange the letters: DIRTY ROOM SLOT MACHINES: When you rearrange the letters: CASH LOST IN ME ELECTION RESULTS: When you rearrange the letters: LIES - LET'S RECOUNT A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters: I'M A DOT IN PLACE ELEVEN PLUS TWO: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE (sorry!):

MOTHER-IN-LAW When you rearrange the letters: WOMAN HITLER

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 27

SOME USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS

British Gas - Emergencies 01753 – 571 570 Chiltern District Council 01494 – 729 000 Chiltern Medical Centre (formerly Dragon Cottage Surgery) 01494 – 717 339 Eastern Electricity, Loss of Supply 08007 – 838 838 Holmer Green Dental Practice 01494 – 718 318 MP for Chesham and Amersham:– Dame Cheryl Gillan, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. 02072 – 195 146 E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721 577

Refuse Collection 01494 – 586 550 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 – 315 000 101 Thames Water - Emergencies 08459 – 200 800 Traveline 08706 – 082 608 Tourist information 01494 – 421 892 Wycombe General Hospital 01494 – 526 161 Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (Wycombe General Hospital) 111 or – 526 161

PARISH COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN

Mrs Rita Whitten “Holly Lodge”, Alice Close, Holmer Green. HP15 6TS Chair of Council & Vice-Chair of Planning Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green. HP15 6TL 717663 Vice Chair & Rossetti Hall Committee Member (RH) Mrs Jane Fallon 20, The Larches, Holmer Green. HP15 6TG NAG & Local Area Forum (LAF) Representatives Mr Peter Rawbone 1, Hollyberry Grove, Holmer Green. HP15 6XB 713649 Dr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. HP15 6TA 713739 Vice-Chair Open Spaces & RH Committee Mr Colin Thirsk 2, Campbells Ride, Holmer Green. HP15 6TG 716239 RH Committee & LAF Representative

Parish Council Meetings The public may, and are encouraged, to attend any meeting but should inform the Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting. The Parish Council meets twice a month in the Council Offices, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm. Please see the web site (details below) for dates, Agenda’s and further details. The next Annual Assembly and the Open Meeting will be held in May 2019 and all Villagers are encouraged to attend. Please visit the Council’s web site: http://www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for Agenda’s and further information. Parish Clerk: Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Holmer Green, 715429 Mrs Melanie Franklin HP15 6SU. E: [email protected] Assistant Parish Clerk: The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Mrs Diana Ballard Friday, 10.00am - 2.00pm. COUNTY COUNCILLOR SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mrs Isobel Darby 2, Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0BZ. 01753 E: [email protected] 888055 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Dr Michael Smith c/o Democratic Services, Chiltern District Council 729000 E: [email protected] Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ E: 07500 546651 E: [email protected] LOCAL HOLMER GREEN SERVICES The Mobile Library service was discontinued by the Buckinghamshire Libraries Mobile Library Service at the end of May 2018

The Holmer Green Village Society’s web site - (www.holmergreenvillagesociety.co.uk) contains some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today.

Page 28 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

WHAT’S ON — AND WHERE WHY NOT CUT OUT AND KEEP THE DATES, AND THE ADVERTISERS PAGES SUMMARY ONCE YOU HAVE READ YOUR MAGAZINE - AND RE-CYCLE THE REST

7thAug. Evening WI - Footpath Walk and Supper, 7pm & 8pm. Village Centre - 7.45pm 18thAug. Rossetti Art Group Exhibition - 10.00am - 6.00pm Rossetti Hall 19thAug. Rossetti Art Group Exhibition - 10.00am - 5.00pm Rossetti Hall 3rd Sept. Chadwick Ladies - “Wildlife on your Doorstep” Village Centre - 8.00pm 4th Sept. Evening WI - WorkAid – Tools for Life by Rosa Maria Welsh Village Centre - 7.45pm 8thSept. VPA Annual Show Village Centre - 2.00pm 9th Sept. Amersham Heritage Day with Classic Cars - Old Amersham 1130am - 5.30pm 19th Sept. VPA - Talk “Truth is Stranger than Fiction” Village Centre - 8.00pm 23rd Sept. Chilterns Heritage Festival - Lacey Green Windmill Open afternoon Lacey Green - 2pm - 5pm 24th Sept. Chilterns Heritage Festival - Ewelme Watercress Beds Visitor Centre Tour Ewelme - 2pm - 4pm 24th Sept. Chilterns Heritage Festival - Wycombe Museum & Town Tour Priory Avenue - 10.45am 30th Sept Chilterns Heritage Festival - Lacey Green Windmill Open afternoon Lacey Green - 2pm - 5pm 1st Oct. Chadwick Ladies - Valuation evening with Amersham Auction rooms Village Centre - 8.00pm 2nd Oct Evening WI - Annual Meeting Village Centre - 7.45pm 2nd Oct Chilterns Heritage Festival - Chair Making, Art Gallery & Workshop 2hrTour Grafton Street HW - 10am 6th Oct. Jonathan Veria - “Songs and Tales” £10.00 ticket entry Baptist Church - 7.30pm 15th Oct. Chadwick Ladies - “Monet and his garden” Village Centre - 8.00pm 17th Oct. Chadwick Ladies - “My time on the Commonwealth War Graves Village Centre - 8.00pm 29th Oct.t Chadwick Ladies - “The Chiltern Way” Village Centre - 8.00pm 6th Nov. Evening WI - “Treasures from the Costume and Textile Dept.” Will Phillips Village Centre - 7.45pm 12st Nov. Chadwick Ladies - “The Workhouses of Bucks” Village Centre - 8.00pm 21st Nov. VPA Annual General Meeting Village Centre - 8.00pm REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1st Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Wednesdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 5.45 – 7.15pm 4th Holmer Green Brownies — Church Centre. Thursdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 1st Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Fridays, weekly 6.30 – 8.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 7.30 – 9.00pm 1st Holmer Green Rainbows — Holmer Green Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 4.45 – 5.45pm Air Training Corps — ATC Hut, Sir William Ramsey School, Hazlemere. Wednesdays and Fridays, weekly 7.30 - 9.30pm Boys Brigade — Holmer Green Methodist Church. Mondays, weekly from 6.00pm, depending upon age. Holmer Green Beavers — Mondays 5.30 – 6.30 and Wednesdays, 6.00 – 7.00pm. Holmer Green Cub Scouts — Mondays and Thursdays, 6.45 – 8.15pm. Holmer Green Scouts — Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm. Holmer Green Short Mat Bowls Club — Holmer Green Sports Association. Tuesdays 7.30 - 11.00pm. High Wycombe Scrabble Club — Rossetti Hall. Second Wednesdays, 7.30 for 7.45pm. Holmer Green Youth Club — Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weekly 6.30 - 9.00pm & 7.30 - 9.00pm, depending upon age. Lantern Club – Village Centre. Mondays, weekly 10.30am - 2.45pm. Link-Up Friendship Group — The 3rd Friday of each month. Church Centre - 10.30am-noon, followed by a shared lunch. Souper Lunch for a light lunch and a chat – Church Centre, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12.30 – 2 00pm. Messy Church - Baptist Church - 16th September, 14th October - 3.30pm - 5.00pm. Pop in Lunch, a light Lunch - Baptist Church. The first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12.30pm.

The list continues overleaf

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 29

REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES continued

Prayer and Praise — Baptist Church. First Sunday each month at 7pm all are warmly invited.

Short mat bowls — Tuesday afternoons at the Church Centre. If interested, call the Parish Office.

Tiddlywinks Toddler/Parent Group – Church Centre, Mondays term time only, 1.30 - 3.00pm.

Time–4–God — Baptist Church – Traditional Service on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 11.15am.

Toddler Group — Baptist Church. Every term time Tuesday, 9.30am -11am .(re-starting 11 September). Women’s Fellowship of Holy Trinity with Christ Church. Church Centre 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2pm. Women's Fellowship — Baptist Church. Alternate Thursdays (re-starting 6 September).

Wycombe Stroke Club for persons affected by communication problems - Christchurch Church Centre. Wycombe Centre National Trust Supporter Group — The fourth Friday of the month at Hazlemere Community Youth Club — Baptist Church — Every term time, Friday 7.00 - 8.30pm. (re-starting 7 Sept.) It would be prudent to check that the events, locations and times are correct!

Welcome to Universal Care…… More than 25 years of caring experience We can provide daily carers, throughout Buckinghamshire and live in carers across the South East. Our staff are friendly, well trained and dedicated to providing the individual service our clients need. Duties may range from a simple caring service including companionship, cooking, shopping and light household duties to more complex personal care depending on needs. As situations change we adapt our care service to ensure the comfort of our clients and the peace of mind of their relatives and loved ones. Please contact us for further information: Chester House, 9 Windsor End,

Page 30 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

OUR ADVERTISERS INDEX THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SERVICES ADVERTISED HEREIN

ADVERTISER SERVICE Page Telephone ARG Services Domestic Appliance Repairs 8 01494 714850 Arnold Funeral Services Funeral Directors 22 01494 472572 Beacon Funeral Services Funeral Directors 14 01494 818181 Convert Old Audio ‘Old’ Audio Translation Service 30 01494 713553 Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School Pre-school for the 2 to rising 5’s 7 01494 711341 J Walsh Newsagents 24 01494 714466 Jennie's Hair Care Ladies and Gentleman's Hairdressers 22 01494 713580 Mike’s Garden Services Garden Services 24 01494 817441 Select Heating Services Local Plumbers 7 01494 715254 Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies Plumbing and Heating Supplies 24 01494 717665 SPAR Supermarket 58 01494 713364 Susan Rasala Hypnotherapist 8 07885 425027 The Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Supply of New 24 01865 891776 Universal Care Providing Carers 30 01494 678811 W&M Stevens Garage Services and MOT’s 5 01494 713185

When contacting any of the advertisers, please tell them that you are responding to their advertisement in Holmer Green Today

Would: any local business care to purchase space in Holmer Green Today to advertise their activities, at the same time supporting the Village? The magazine circulation is between four and five hundred. If so, please do contact a member of the Team, their details are on page 2.

And ...

any local organisation like to submit articles for future publication? If so, please contact a member of the Team - it’s free!

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 31 Members of the Stroke Club Holmer Green Methodist Church folk enjoying a trip. p15 Margaret Weddell cutting at a recent Sunday Live service. p20 the WI birthday cake. p5

The Junior School performing and watched by the enthusiastic audience at the Village Societies ‘Music on The Common’. Young and Old visited the many stalls dotted around and had an enjoyable afternoon.

The young and not so young browsing some of the varied stalls!

Some members of the Football Club. Who will be selected for 20?? World Cup? p15

The 50th Birthday Cake at the Cherry Garth Residents enjoying the glorious weather. p27 Methodists Pre-School party. p21