Summer’20 £1.00
A Quarterly Publication containing News, Views, Reports and some History of the Village, produced by Villagers for Villagers. All profits go to good causes within the Village
London 8 May 1945
Holmer Green 8 May 2020
Does anyone have any memories of VJ Day, 15th August 1945? If so, we’d love to publish them, please send them to the Editor.
Inside this issue: A PRAYER FOR OUR VILLAGE PAGE 21 LANTERN CLUB NEWS PAGE 7 ACTS - ALL CHURCHES TOGETHER PAGE 19 LOCAL THEATRE – GOERS NON-DIARY ! PAGE 28 1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUTS NEWS PAGE 7 MY DAD, CHARLIE GARDNER PAGE 17 4TH HOLMER GREEN BROWNIES PAGE 8 ‘NEW BALLS PLEASE’’ PAGE 13 CHERRY GARTH NEWS PAGE 9 OUR ADVERTISERS INDEX PAGE 35 CHILTERN VOICE RADIO PAGE 10 THE GRAND HOUSES OF HOLMER GREEN’ PAGE 14/15 HOLMER GREEN FOOTBALL CLUB PAGE 11 THE PARISH OF PENN ST. WITH HOLMER GREEN PAGE 21 HOLMER GREEN PLAYERS - SHOW REPORT PAGE 11 TRUDIE TALKS … TO ... PAGE 23 HOLMER GREEN STROKE CLUB NEWS PAGE 10 USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS PAGE 32 IN CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS SINCE VE DAY PAGE 17 VE DAY 1945 - SOME MEMORIES PAGE 5 VILLAGE CONTACTS PAGE 3 and much more …! 30 Years providing news and views to the Villagers
Editorial by Ann Miller
have thought long and hard about what I should write in my editorial for this issue. I usually try to pref- ace my piece with something amusing, but at this horrible time in our lives it does not seem appropriate or apt. I I started writing on what should have been a celebratory day in our world history, but sadly we are going through an extremely surreal situation and our thoughts and lives are in a very unreal space. The many celebrations and fun that should have been taking place at this time have been overshadowed by an unseen enemy. In spite of this we need to show respect and give thanks to the many people who went through such horrendous times, and then on May 8th, 1945 were able to give vent to much joy and of course some sadness. I hope you will enjoy, as I have, reading the many thought-provoking snapshots of memories from villagers on the momentous occasion of VE Day. It seems so trite at this time to comment on articles and contents of the magazine, but as bizarre as it seems life has to go on. This will be an edition straddling several months where many of our clubs’ and societies’ activities have not been able to go ahead and therefore had limited material to recount upon. I would like to write a few words of great thanks to the many people in our community who have been so re- sourceful, and community spirited throughout this horrible period. Suffice to say the people of the village are coming through this ghastly time showing a great spirit and, in many ways, mirroring the times of 75 years ago. As many of us have more spare time on our hands at the moment it would be good to pay a bit of attention to our hedges and grass verges. To try and keep pathways easily accessible and also of course be aware of the litter situation. Remember to be very mindful of safety precautions when picking up litter. On a much brighter note, Holmer Green Today would just like to report that over the last six years your magazine has been able to donate over eight and a half thousand pounds to various village societies and pro- jects. We are always happy to consider any project suggestions from villagers. We would like to thank the Parish council for its kind contribution towards our production costs and Stuart King for some of the VE Day press cuttings. We at the magazine can only wish the whole community better times and a return to some sort of normality. A normality where we all will need to take more care than ever of each other and continue to give support and understanding to all those who need it.
The Magazine Team:
Editor: Ann Miller 57, Winters Way E: [email protected] 715483 Advertising: Susan Rasala 2c, Earl Howe Road 07885425027 E: [email protected] 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] Magazine 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 nor can they cannot be held accountable for the accuracy of advertisements, or for the editorial information sent to them and reserve the right to reject or amend it. The copy deadline for the next issue is 7th August 2020. Advertising Rates (black &white) – there is an additional cost for colour: Full page – £50.00, Half Page – £30.00, Quarter Page – £17.00, Eighth Page – £10.00
Printed by South Bucks Business Products Ltd - 01494 437470
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1 HG S G ATC, 871 P S B E R A . Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 Pilot Officer Shepherd. 07900 241760 Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 B 6-8 B B B E B Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mr Mark Durn (Captain) – 07703 182511 Angie Lockwood – 527062 [email protected] C L C C C (C E) C S 8-10 Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 Vicar: Rev. Captain Peter Simmons Ms Karen Hobbs – 716931 Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 01494 715195. www.pshg.org E WI E – G E G G – V Mrs Pauline Ellis – 713625 Carolyn – 712801 Vicki Fleming – 07823 478200 [email protected] G G – HG D 1 HG R & B 2 HG B Mrs Maureen Carnier – 711134 Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Rosalyn Stead - 07908 475009 4 HG B 1 H G G 2 H G G Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 Vicki Fleming – [email protected] Dianne Carnier – [email protected] G F G G S H G B C Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Mr John Taylor – 712092 Pastor: Anthony Smith. Office: 712479 [email protected] H G C C H G C H G F S David Stockings G 712050 [email protected] Jackie Shaw – 711920 H G F C H G J F H G J S Mr Rob Shed – 716318 Mr Matt Brades – 716114 713000 M: 07539 267948 [email protected] H G J S H G M P - H G P A S Vicky Martin – 07817724184 Helen Hodgson – 717838 Ms Sharon Dorme –716897 [email protected] [email protected] H G S S H G S H G S C A A Mr R. Dunning – 712177 Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment Ms Laura Ripley – 711485 / 714985 c/o School Office – 712219 H G V H G Y C J & A C (Beginner & S Mr Michael Turner – 711970 Refresher) Secretary – Mrs Penny Thicket – Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 07976 230371 L - B L M P C M C F G Parish Clerk: –715429 Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth –712236 Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 E:[email protected] E:[email protected] P D N R H – (B ) R B L H – Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 [email protected] (B ) †711144 [email protected] R B L – S W S L W ’ S Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 , C C C Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 S T L C T B , T Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mrs Ann Sollars – 713420 U S A G Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Church Office – 715195 V C – (B ) VPA – T H G G W ’ F – Christ Paul Fleming – 08707 656 450 A Church www.holmergreenvillagehall.org.uk Secretary: Meg Brinton, 716992, Mrs Joan Toye - 718466 [email protected]. www.hgvpa.org.uk
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION 2018 (GDPR) It appears that the magazine complies with the GDPR. However, if anyone wishes their contact details removed from this list please advise a member of the Team, whose information is on the previous page.
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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. Du es may range from a simple caring service including companionship, cooking, shopping and light household du es to more complex personal care depending on needs. As situa ons change we adapt our care service to ensure the comfort of our clients and the peace of mind of their rela ves and loved ones. Please contact us for further informa on: Chester House, 9 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JJ Telephone: 01494 678811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.universal-care.co.uk
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"God bless you all. This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce a acks of the ene- my, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the Bri sh na on. God bless you all..." Prime Minster WS Churchill I was eight on VE Day and remember Winston Churchill had declared a public marching down the cobbled street where that men were going into the woods holiday. Weather was perfect, sunshine all we lived, and everyone in the street started to collect wood for a huge bonfire on day. We had a celebration party of sorts in clapping them. The government must the common. Then they were march- the street. Everyone was happy, with sing- have known the announcement was going ing on the roads around the common ing and dancing, flags waving. Personally, to take place. I do not remember the end so with flaming torches made by treacle tins stuffed with oily rags. There my parents were looking forward to the clearly. John Nixon were mainly kids, as some dads were war ending in the Pacific as I had two I was a land army girl working in Kent in a brothers fighting there, but we still man- still in the army and some soldiers market garden, all celebrated the war end- who were stationed in Hazlemere aged a few high jinks! It took quite a time ing. Sybil Nixon (Cosy Corner) and Penn Woods. John for it all to sink in as we still were rationed Wilkins (83) which was hard. (Judy Dalton) I remember more the date of the start to the war. I heard it announced on the radio I was from Winchmore Hill and visiting I was 14 years old working for the relatives in Skewen, S. Wales, with Leslie magazine, Woman’s Own in London. I and shortly after, we witnessed air fights of Seers, a friend and my parents. I was 17 at had to stay in the office but hundreds spitfires and German planes. Our aircraft the time and had gone to bed when the of very excited people poured into the were from Northolt airport near to where I announcement was made on the radio, so streets shouting, cheering, whistling lived. I was 15 when we heard the war they dragged us out onto the street where and jumping up and down. I could was over, my mother and I got the 65 bus only watch from an open window but there was dancing and goodness knows to Ealing common then the central line the atmosphere was electric. Dot train to Bond Street. We proceeded to what. Very merry. It was 1.30pm before Spooner we turned back into bed. The next day the Piccadilly where masses of people had pub had run out of beer. Cliff Payne (92) I was a young 15 year old lad working on congregated, all happy of the situation. my dad’s farm in Wycombe Heath where Joyce McGarry I can just about remember as a small he was a tenant for Baron Roundway in Living in Swansea with my mother and baby, sitting on my Father’s shoul- Holmer Green. No time off to celebrate V ders in front of Wembley (now Brent) grandmother. I remember that night the Town Hall and being subsequently E Day. I remember a party being held on lights came on in Swansea after darkness told about what had happened. Peter the common later that week. I was camp- all war time. Ray Williams Rawbone. ing in Southwold with the cadet school. Remember the side of a house in Holmer I was at school (Ursuline Convent, Ilford A group of us went up to London, where Green being blown away and never mov- Essex). Each morning we had assembly we slid down the moving staircase on the ing. Alan Pitcher and the Reverend Mother (A Nun) told us side at top (nearest to banisters). Two we could have the next day off school. We boys took a No Smoking sign from the Lived in Shoreditch, lots of men worked were all delighted. Two weeks later we Abdullah advert (as in “not even Abdul- on the Thames which was heavily bombed had a Street party at St Margaret Ilford lah”) from the tube train and we ran along- during the war. Memories of the start of Essex. Everybody brought food and drink side brandishing it in front of Churchill the war. No television, radio had two sta- to celebrate. Pam Barnett who waved and laughed when he saw tions, it used to give you 2 minutes warn- it. Then we went to Buckingham Palace ing of a bomb attack allowing you to get to Working for Ernest Turner an electrical and joined in the general celebrations with a shelter. The day the war broke I had just company in Totteridge. We cycled back the crowd, i.e. dancing and singing. It was left my home in Cumbria Road to get a down to Wycombe High Street. Every- a very exhausting day! However, very battery for my torch. The radio an- body going mad with excitement, singing, fondly remembered. G Hudson (90+) nounced, “We are now at war” and within dancing and very happy at the news. 10 minutes a battalion of soldiers were Elsie Hussey
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A M Please don’t forget that pavements are for pedestrians.
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T L C When I was working, although I loved my busy and challenging teaching job, Monday was never my favourite day of the week, back to the grind after a nice weekend. All that changed when I retired and started volunteering at The Lantern Club – Monday became one of the best days of the week! Along with our elderly members and all the other volunteers I really looked forward to the fun and laughter which was a guaranteed feature of our meetings. Sadly of course this has been put on hold until we can be sure that we can safely resume our Monday sessions. Our members are the most vul- nerable members of the community and their welfare is paramount. Before we closed, we had enjoyed some particularly lively activities, notably when one of our favourite singers came and managed to get us all up on our feet clapping along to “Is This The Way To Amarillo?”. We had enjoyed Music Therapy and music from Banjovi (you can guess the main instru- ments in the band from the name!) as well as testing our brains with games and puzzles and exercising along with Carolyn. When we do resume activities, we shall be needing a couple more volunteer cooks – this would involve preparing a lunch for the elderly members, along with another volunteer cook, once a month. For details please contact Janine on 01494 714434. Naturally, we do not know when this will actually happen but meanwhile please give it some thought. Earlier in the year we had started planning the celebrations for our 30th birthday, an achievement we are very proud of. We will pick this up when we can meet again safely, whenever that might be. Until then we send everyone in the community our best wishes and look forward to seeing everyone again in due course. Ann Sollars
Would: any local business care to purchase space in Holmer Green Today to advertise their activities and at the same time support the Village? The magazine circulation each edition is between four and five hundred. If so, please contact our Advertising Organiser, Susan Rasala, w hose details are on page 2.
And … would any local organisation like to submit articles for future publication? If so, please contact the Editor whose details are also on page 2, it’s free!
1 H G S G As I write this article the Group has been obliged to temporarily close in line with the school clo- sures. However, we are working with advice from the national team to provide scouting interest for children who are at home. There are many badges they can earn and other skills they can develop, and we will encourage them to work at whatever interests them. We have had to cancel planned events like St George’s day on the common and later Camps and outings for the summer and autumn will be kept under review. The children in all sections have already had an active term, Beavers went to the Pantomime in Chesham. At the Scout Hut they worked toward badges including Builder activity and cooking pancakes over a tin can. Future ideas when possible include a night hike, sleepover visits to Longridge water ac- tivity and Whipsnade. Cubs have attempted archery, abseiling, building large catapults in pioneering and worked on chal- lenge badges including Community impact. The highlight was Endurance 10 where teams of 6 did a 10k hike. Our teams did very well indeed, finishing 2nd and 7th out of 25 teams. Future ideas include, Zip- wire, paddle boarding and camping. Scouts, with new leaders Richard and Sam plus Adam (young leader), have done Backwoods Cooking, First Aid, building strong paper bridges, bleep test for Skills Challenge badge and electronics badge. Our 3 oldest Scouts are actively working to achieve their Chief Scout Gold award and we hope, despite the current situation, they will achieve this. The Committee organised a site clear up at the hut and Old Fire Station and we asked parents, lead- ers and children for their help. We have had a fence at both sites repaired and work continues to fin- ish some electrical and roof leak work. A successful term and Scouting in the village will continue. My thanks to leaders for their support. Neil Spencer CBE Group Scout leader
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4 H G B
Brownies is for girls aged 7 - 11 years. 4th Holmer Green Brownies meet on Thursdays during term-time from 5.30 – 7.00pm at The Church Centre, Holmer Green. We undertake activities connected with, and leading to, the awarding of Brownie Guide badges in a range of topics from Inventing to Zero Waste. We aim to equip the girls with a range of skills to ena- ble each to find her potential. They are guided in a relaxed and happy atmosphere towards becoming useful and resourceful mem- bers of society. Anyone interested in joining should contact: Dr Diana Burman 01494 724 573 / 07973 620 551 or [email protected]
The need to be taken to hospital following an accident or sudden illness can happen anytime; on holiday, at home, abroad or perhaps just on a day trip. Could you remember all your medical history, medication and allergies at
what could be a traumatic time? The hospital needs this vital information to ensure you get the right treatment.
Your local Lions Club have introduced a credit card size concertina card which, when kept inside your wallet or handbag, provides a contact name and other essential information to the Emergency Services about illnesses, and allergies etc. from which you may suffer. To request your free Message In A Wallet* please contact Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Coun- cil’s joint Community Safety Team on: 01494 586535 or via email at: Communitysafe- [email protected]
*Subject to availability and you must be a Chiltern or South Bucks resident Follow us on Twitter for community safety updates and crime prevention advice @csafetycdcsbdc
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C G N
We shall start with some uplifting news. We now have our second centenarian living here at Cherry Garth. Lucy Day is special because she was born on 29th February1920 in Camden, London. This means that her birthday falls on a leap year which only comes around every four years, so officially she is only 25 years old! We asked her what advice she could give to others to live long and happy life, her response was very relevant to our current world pandemic. Lucy said you just have to think of others, keep smil- ing and “carry on regardless”. Her life to date has been rich in experiences, having travelled in a helicopter, a hot air balloon and on the Orient Express, as well as dining at The Ritz and the OXO Tower Restaurant. For her 80th birthday her two daughters arranged for a limousine ride around London and, as if on cue, when they passed Buckingham Palace, they changed the Guard and saluted which they all had a great laugh at the timing! During the war Lucy drove a horse and cart between Camden Town and Euston, collecting empty box- es and bottles as part of the war effort. For many years she worked as a cook at the Dublin Castle pub near Camden and was known for her speciality meat pies. The pub was frequented by a number of ce- lebrities whom she met over the years, including Dickie Valentine, The Bachelors, Madness, Benny Hill, Dickie Henderson, The Dubliners and Val Doonican. Lucy also includes meeting the Queen Mother among her life milestones, who opened a school in her local neighbourhood. She remarked: “I went along in the hope of seeing her and at first, because of the crowd, all I could see was her pink hat. I managed to squeeze forward, and she stopped and shook hands with me!” Lucy got her card from the Queen and had not one but two parties (well why not!) We held a lovely traditional “knees up” party at Cherry Garth, and Lucy out-danced her guests who included Sandra Geraghty, who presented her with a lovely bou- quet on behalf of our local Parish Council. Her family then took her to stay at a hotel in Wat- ford. They enjoyed a lovely meal and party with family and friends where she once again danced the night away. We have often said it before but in the cur- rent climate we all find ourselves in we feel very thankful to be a part of such a kind and caring community here in Holmer Green. You our friends and neighbours have sent lovely supportive cards and letters which both the residents and staff have enjoyed reading so much. We are also grateful to the local chemist and Spar who have helped us stay stocked up with essentials such as toiletries and sweets for the residents!
We have had to close our doors to family and Lucy Day receiving a bouquet from Councillor Geraghty friends for the past few weeks to try and shield our vulnerable residents as best we can from Covid 19. So, we have purchased an ipad for the home so some families can Skype and Facetime as well as phoning to stay in touch with their loved ones, but its still very hard for us all, especially for our older residents. We wanted to thank our next-door neighbours who have brightened our outlook by putting up your lovely Rainbow drawing and pictures, and we hope you enjoy ours. It has also been very moving to hear and take part in the ‘Clap for Carers’ each Thursday evening at 8pm and it has also cheered the residents as well. One big bonus at the moment is our garden at the back, which will enable some of the residents to get out in the fresh air when the weather is good. As all the garden centres are closed at the moment can we ask a favour? If any of you have any spare seeds, bulbs or plants please can you donate then by leaving them at the front for our activities co coordinator to plant with the residents. Wishing you all well. Stay Safe, and hopefully we can look forward to seeing you all soon.
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C V R C
Since a successful two-week FM broadcast in 2018, local radio station “Chiltern Voice” put in an ap- plication to OFCOM for a full time FM licence which has been successfully granted. Since this time the radio station has been broadcasting online where listeners are able to listen in a variety of ways, from the website www.chilternvoice.fm to the “Tunein” app. They can even download the free Chiltern Voice app for IOS and Android platforms from the App Store/Google Play (depending on platform). It is even possible to listen in by asking Alexa or Google Home to “Play Chil- tern Voice!” And despite the lockdown, which came in force in March, a full schedule of shows has still taken place. David Rees, Station Director for Chiltern Voice explained: “We are delighted to have been granted a FM licence. Obviously, like many other organisa- tions, the coronavirus crisis has limited our progression a little, but the team are continuing to work in the background, towards a Spring 2021 launch. In the meantime, our volunteer pre- senters have set up studios at home and we have a vast array of different shows.” The station caters to different tastes with local news at its core. Popular programmes include The Community Show with Amy Deane and Ben Lemel broadcast daily from 4pm, Chiltern Breakfast with Antonia Honeywell which brings the community together with local chat and great music and Chiltern Voice’s youngest presenter Mark Hobbs delivers an entertaining weekly chart show. The broadcast schedule can be found online at https://www.chilternvoice.fm/broadcast-schedule/ About Chiltern Voice Chiltern Voice is a not-for-sale profit community radio platform. Whilst the station can be listened to and enjoyed by everyone, the focus for the station is to help promote local charities and voluntary groups within the Chilterns. Businesses can also help support the project by advertising or sponsoring the station, which will also promote their business. The radio station is an online community radio station, licensed by Ofcom, PRS and PPL. Based in Chesham, the project covers the Chilterns including Amersham, Chesham, Great Missenden, The Chal- fonts, Ashley Green, Bovingdon, Chartridge, Holmer Green and many more areas across Buckingham- shire. The station is run and presented solely by volunteers. Amanda Akien
H G S C Our Members and Volunteers wish everyone good The sbu3a Jazz group came to play and sing for us. fortune during this anxious time. We have The band themselves obviously enjoyed it as much as temporarily suspended our meetings until we feel that we did. our Members are safe in a large group again. Cooking and physio continued as usual and we have We have already enjoyed a variety of experiences another exciting programme planned for when we each week. reconvene. Apart from the varied games we play, with Rumikub definitely the most popular one, we have produced some lovely craft work. [See the picture above] Our Members made lavender bags and Valentine cards for their Valentines and during a quiz, we learned its origins and why it is celebrated. Many of our Members have lost the use of one arm so this Our club is looking for a new Treasurer. We would kind of work helps to strengthen the good arm. We like to find someone who ideally would become fully have also tried threading, [See the picture to the part of the group, getting to know us by attending our right] which needed concentration and resulted in a meetings and Committee meetings. If you or anyone very quiet morning! you know would be interested please let us know. We had a happy Valentines lunch at the Hazlemere For any additional information about the group, Golf club, where we were well looked after in lovely please ring 01494 812162. surroundings. Hopefully we shall go there again. Elizabeth Aylward
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H G P P : A As a lady of rather mature years who hates pantomimes and loves rugby …. it was a real labour of love to take our grandchildren to the matinée performance of Aladdin. The 9yr old was quite ambiva- lent, the 7yr old had a cough, the 5yr old wasn’t well and didn’t come, the 4yr old was bemused and Granddad rather wished he was further along Beech Tree Road at his Saturday watering hole especially as he’d seen it all before on the opening night when he filmed it! Anyway, we settled into our good seats in the third row and the curtain went up. Oh, my goodness!! We were captivated from the first minute, children and old sceptics alike. What a fabulous production, best I have ever seen and very worthy of a professional theatre. The music ar- rangements and singing were superb and the whole Show just bounced along and never lost any momen- tum (I have never seen so many young children sit still for well over 2hrs!). The whole cast were amazing and too many to mention but I loved the Storyteller (Greta Archer) a natural, and Widow Twanky (Nick Blanks) was just fantastic. Aladdin was brilliant (look forward to see- ing Georgia Willans again) and any show featuring Catherine Gallagher and Ali Law is guaranteed to be exceptional. Another extremely enjoyable outing to Holmer Green Players (we have probably missed only one or two over the past three decades!) – you have amazing talents. Many thanks to all the Aladdin crew too – cannot wait for the next one in which, incidentally, I believe I may have a starring role!?! Sybil Blundell
H G F C The obvious thing to say at the start of this report please everyone. is that the Caronavirus pandemic is like nothing that For all other leagues, affecting the Development XI, The Club has faced before. In the last update I Under-18 midweek, Under-18 Sunday, The Women’s touched upon the fact that the 1st XI was facing a fight XI, and all the other Age-Group teams and squads, the to avoid relegation. In the weeks before the total season is over. How the various leagues will deal with shutdown we had doubled our points score and any promotion/relegation issues is a matter for them performances had improved considerably. We had individually. gained as many points in the month that preceded the Needless to say the complete suspension of shutdown as in the previous six months! But all this is playing, training, attending HGSA etc., has a far insignificant with the main problem? The FA had a reaching effect on both the Club’s and the plan in place to add two more leagues to the non- Association’s finances. The best place to look out for league pyramid this summer. But with the further news will be the Club’s website: reorganisation this would require, they had only just www.holmergreenfc.co.uk. The Club will endeavour to refused some leagues an extension to the season publish any further news on this site as soon as because of the recent wet weather. The idea is that possible. It may be some time before any final news is this move to a 1-2-4-8-16 pure pyramid would put an announced, especially if irresponsible persons continue end to intolerably long journeys for amateur players at to selfishly ignore government advice on Social Holmer Green’s level. The FA may go ahead during Distancing? the summer, or may delay it for 12 months? They just have to decide how the “final standings” will affect John Anderson – President next season’s constitutions, they will not be able to
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N B P !
If you search online for ‘Tennis 1968’, you will discover that it was the start of the ‘open’ era for tourna- ments as the players turned professional and also the year that Virginia Wade won the US Open Champion- ship. But, for me, there were far more significant tennis events that year! I was lucky enough to ball girl at not one, but two tennis tournaments at Queen’s Club. In the spring of 1968, a notice was pinned up on our school PE noticeboard asking if anyone in my school year group was interested in being a ball girl at the Queen’s Club summer tournament held just before Wimble- don fortnight. As a huge tennis fan, I was one of the first to put my name down. A selection process fol- lowed: * Did we know the rules of tennis and in particular the scoring system well enough? * Could we accurately keep a tally of the number of games played in the match against the totals of 7, 7+9, 7+9+9 etc so that we could anticipate when new balls were required? * Could we roll a tennis ball in a straight line from one end of a tennis court to the other so we could transfer tennis balls to the server’s end? * Could we gently bounce a ball to land in a player’s hand gently and at the right height? I passed on all points and made it into the final group. In teams of six, we then attended many lunchtime training sessions to meet the expected level of proficiency - we were not to let our school down. We had to realise the privilege and responsibility involved. And so, in June 1968, I found myself standing at the back of the court as Valerie Ziegenfuss of the US de- feated Eva Lundquist of Sweden 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the women’s tournament. I loved the experi- ence, but it was all over so very quickly after all the many hours of preparation. It is mentally tiring making sure you get every detail correct with the balls always at the correct end, new balls delivered on time and every whim of the players catered for. You need to be very alert, but the players thanked us profusely at the end of the match. A couple of weeks later, I watched the children from Barnados carry out the same task at Wimbledon. I now understood what an important role they had and hoped they felt as proud as I had. That is not quite the end of my ball girl story though! In the autumn term, our school was asked to supply one team of seven ball girls for the British Covered Court Championships to be played at Queen’s Club in November. A further selection process followed, and I was amazed to be in the final team of seven. When we asked why seven girls, not six, we were told that one of us would be operating the scoreboard. Not only that, we were ball girls on Finals Day, which was to be televised, so we needed to get everything perfect on the day. We duly arrived at Queen’s Club full of anticipation and nerves. For which match would we be ball girls? Our PE teacher went into a briefing and came out beaming – we were to ball girl the women’s final between Margaret Court of the US and Virginia Wade of the UK. Wow! The fear and excitement ramped up! We marched onto court, selected a tube of tennis balls and took up our positions. I was thankful to once again be at the back of the court and not operating the scoreboard or kneeling by the net. The players ar- rived and the spectators applauded. The warmup followed which was a good opportunity to find out what the players required. Did they want one ball at a time or two? Would they discard a ball they did not feel they liked? Did they take a towel to the back of the court? As a ball girl, the primary responsibility is to get it right for the players so that they can concentrate on playing. The umpire called for the match to start. We all took a deep breath. Just where were those TV cameras? The first set was hotly contested and long with Margaret Court wining it 10 – 8 (no tie break in 1968). The second set flew by as Margaret Court romped to a 6 – 1 victory. Watching both players from the back of the court was truly amazing. Fit, able to move with agility around the court and the power with which they hit the ball – it was a great eye opener of just how talented they were. With a heavy heart, we left the court having been thanked by the players and umpire. Our excitement was over. Refreshments appeared to cheer us up whilst they prepared for the next match on court. But wait – our PE teacher had been called over to speak to the referee, what was happening? She returned to our group; the school due to ball girl the next match had unexpectedly had to leave. How did we feel about go- ing straight back on court for the Mixed Doubles Final? There could only be one answer – Yes Please. In no time at all we were back on court. If Margaret Court could play a second final, we could certainly be ball girls for a second match. It was a long three set match. As I recall, there were times during the match when I had no idea what the overall score was, I just knew where the balls had to be next and who was to serve. We found ourselves on automatic pilot as the fatigue crept over us. Margaret Court and Stan Smith of the US were triumphant over Mary-Ann Eisel and Peter Curtis, also of the US 5-7, 7-5, 8-6. My abiding memory? What a gentleman Stan Smith was at the end of the match taking time to chat with us and thank us for doing a great job. We all felt really valued. From then on and to this day, I cannot watch a tennis match without studying the ball girls and boys. Little has changed in how they operate except I think the players are even more demanding of them now. A great experience which I am truly grateful to have had. Katharine Edgar
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T G H H G Unless, like me you are getting on in years and have spent all your life in Holmer Green or the surrounding areas, you probably won’t be aware of the fact that the village had what I would describe as four Grand Houses. Even as a child I was intrigued by them and their occupants.
We will start with Polidoris House. The entrance to the drive leading to the house was situated on the right-hand side of the Beech Tree Road end of Polidoris Lane. The house has long gone and been replaced by many homes. I cannot remember what it looked like as it was not visible from the road- there appear to be no pictures remaining, even Stuart King does not know of any! He did actually tell me that he believes a family by the name of Matthison lived there at one time, and Mr. Matthison was a publisher. I also know that an Italian gentleman, by the name of Gaetano Federe Polidoris (married to an English Governess) moved there in 1836, they had eight children, four boys and four girls. One of the daughters, Frances, went on to have a daughter named Christina who married and became Christina Rossetti, the very famous poet. She was known to pay frequent visits to Polidoris House to see her Grandfather, it is thought that she loved the area and made mention to it in some of her poems. I have no recollection of who lived at Polidoris House at the time it was demolished, however I have spoken with Robert Patch, originally from Steven’s Garage, and he seems to think it was a family by the name of Forrester-Walker. I have looked into this with no avail.
I move on now to Weathercock House which was positioned on the land now occupied by the houses known as Weathercock Gardens. It also had a lodge overlooking the common which still remains, I have a vague idea that this was occupied by the chauffeur but cannot be totally sure. The house could be seen from the road and I can remember looking through the gates completely mesmerised. It was demolished in the 1970s. I know this was occupied by a Colonel Huntingdon and his family in the early 50’s, the Colonel was the chairman of Sanderson’s wallpapers, other than that I have no information. Now for Holmer Ridings. Unfortunately, the only one left standing and what a beautiful house too, built in 1728 and now luckily a Grade 11 listed building. It is such an imposing property to be seen at the end of a wonderful tree lined drive in Sheepcote Dell Road. I am afraid again I know nothing of its history, other than when I was a little girl a gentleman by the name of Mr. Trees lived there. He was very much part of the community and played cricket for the local team. Lastly Holmer Court, to me the most memorable, perhaps because it was occupied by Lady Clementi and her family. Lady Clementi was such a wonderful character and if you lived in the village it would be difficult not to know who she was. Over her time of living there many of the villagers were employed by her. The house of course was positioned on the land now occupied by the Clementi Estate, it had a half circle drive-one entrance being near the now Junior School and the other where the entrance to Clementi Avenue is now. Each entrance had a Lodge, one being for the gardener and the other for another member of staff. My uncle (Albert James) on occasions would be called to help her with the bees that she kept. He did the same for the residents of Polidoris House, clearly beekeeping was the in thing to do in those days. A Mrs. Pearce who lived in a house by the common would do the housework along with my friend’s mother who was the cook and for a short time lived at Holmer Court along with my friend. I was informed that Lady Clementi often dined alone (she had lost her husband many years back), she had a very large gong and despite being in close proximity of the kitchen, the cook had to sound the gong when meals were served! The house inside had many beautiful antique items probably provided by her late husband, Sir Cecil, who spent a lot of time in Hong Kong as Governor. I do not remember, but was told, that Lady Clementi was responsible for surrounding farmland and my friend would be sent across the fields to fetch milk and cream for the house. She could often be seen driving in the village in her Triumph Herald and Robert Patch from the garage informs me that they were responsible for taking care of it and helping her out in times of trouble. One such occasion was when she was trying to get her beloved Herald out of the garage which was of a wooden construction, the car had been driven in frontwards and obviously needed to be put into reverse to come out, however this didn’t happen and the car went straight through the back of the garage landing in the vegetable patch - the garage was called to assist! I am hoping that this will inspire other mature occupants of the village, and readers of the magazine to put pen to paper and share some of the memories they may have of the Grand Houses of Holmer Green. Carole Burnard
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Two of the Grand Houses of Holmer Green referred to in the adjacent ar cle
Weathercock House
Holmer Court
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C G — 1907 My dad was abandoned as a baby and sent to The props were made out of a high-density Dr. Barnado’s. He was adopted by the Leach Wood Laminate. It was so dense that it did not family who lived in Holmer Green in Factory float. He was in The Buck’s Home Guard. Street, now known as Orchard Way. When war In the photographs my dad is in the 3rd row broke out, he was 30 years old. He worked in down and 4th from the right. In the second Haddenham at Haddenham Airfield, known as photo he is 2nd from the left. RAF. Thame. Dad made propellers for Spitfires and Wellington Light Bombers. Neil Gardener
I C 75 V E D , 8 M 1945 Mrs Iris Churchyard, now in her 90th year moved to Holmer Green in 2005. Her rec- ollection of the second world war is really interesting. She was 9 years old when war broke out having been born in 1930. She was living in Derbyshire with her family on an Army Camp. Her dad was a reserve head fireman. She remembers a German plane going over the camp on the day that war broke out. She always felt safe but the family would spend time in an air raid shelter. She left school in 1944 aged 14. On VE Day, she was listening to the radio, it declared that the war had ended and peace had been restored. In celebration, tomorrow had been declared a holiday so there would be no work, yippee Iris does a lot for the Holmer Green community, she knits for charity, works in the charity shop twice a week, walks to church on Sunday and plays whist on a Thursday. She can use a mobile phone with ease and is a real character, a lovely friend.
M J D , has lived in Holmer Green since 2003. Now in her 93rd year having been born in th 1927. She lived with her parents in Desborough Street, High Wycombe at the outbreak of the war, 8 May 1939 she was 12 years old. In 1941, aged 14 she can remember the planes bombing parts of Lon- don as she was going on holiday with 3 friends to Cornwall. They had to go by train to London first to get the connecting train to Tintagel. When she left school at 14 Jean worked at Snieder making de-mob suits and parachutes. Jean then worked at Nicholls and James making ammunition boxes. Her dad managed to make an air raid shelter at the bottom of her garden out of corrugated metal sheets. Jean loved dancing and would go to The Legion, The Town Hall and The American Air Base. She met an American soldier called Vick who could get tickets to London Shows. She recalls him saying “ Good night honey” at the end of her date. He had a lovely singing voice and sounded like Frank Sinatra. She met her late husband Alan at Booker Community Centre. She states, I've had a lovely life. Make sure you do all you want to do with your life. A great friend of mine. Susan Rasala
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COPING WITH CORONAVIRUS
Dear Friends, timid, but gives us power, love and self- Who would have thought we would have been in discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Paul’s words remind us this situation at the time of the last issue of this not to cower in the face of a threat, nor to panic. local publication? I appreciate only too well how Through faith we can act with the power, love, and many of you are feeling and I wanted to share some self-discipline that comes from God. thoughts with you. We are in this together as a “Do not be anxious about anything, but in community so if we can help in any way whether it every situation, by prayer and petition, with be a request for prayer, a chat or something prac- thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And tical please email me at the peace of God, which transcends all under- [email protected] (in confi- standing, will guard your hearts and your minds dence) in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Let us resolve Coping with self-isolation to pray throughout the duration of the coronavirus outbreak. Situations like this can cause fear and If you live alone, self-isolation is likely to be anxiety, but Paul’s words remind us that, in every particularly difficult. As well as feeling lonely, you situation, as we pray, we are able to reconnect to may find that the days seem endless without a trip God’s peace. I am lighting a candle every evening at to the shops to break up the day or a trip out with 7pm and placing it in my front window and spending friends to look forward to. You may find it helpful time praying. It has been so encouraging to see my to divide the day up into sections. Things to in- neighbours doing the same. clude might be time with God, exercise, phone calls, letter writing, gardening, watching tv or reading. Anxiety and uncertainty lead people to actions Exercise will help lift your mood as well as keep- which impact negatively on others. We’re seeing ing you fit. If you have access to outdoor space empty supermarket shelves, people stockpiling rice this can also lift your mood. Take a walk around and pasta, and fighting over toilet rolls. Prepare, the garden or do some tidying up. Take comfort in but don’t panic. Let us always keep in mind Jesus’ the fact that nature is continuing as normal, with command to “love your neighbour as your- spring plants growing and birds nesting. self” (Mark 12:31) and “to do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). If there is a particular time of day when you Consider how you might show kindness to neigh- feel low, you might be able to save something bours and to others shut in at home at this time, pleasurable for that time. This could be your even if you are confined at home yourself. If you opportunity to re-read a favourite book or sort have a supermarket delivery, could you add any through old photos. Use your time to look to God. items for a neighbour? You might like to try keeping a journal, making note of what you feel God is saying to you. If you have access to the internet, do use the resources available on our website. During the time Dealing with anxiety you would normally have spent at a service, do take If you find that you are constantly worrying, the opportunity to listen to the on-line sermon, lis- turn your worries into prayer looking to God for His ten to a selection of songs and hymns and use the strength and comfort. Whenever you feel a con- prayer guide. Although we cannot meet together cern creeping in, pause and hand it over to God, physically, we can still pray and worship as one thanking Him that He is in control. Some of the body. You are very welcome to join us for our verses below may help you with this. online service via Facebook at 10:45am each Sun- FAITH AND CORONAVIRUS day. This is the first time in our lifetimes that we The BBC produces various religious programmes have seen a global pandemic with such far-reaching and services. Radio 4 offers a Daily Service at consequences. Normal life is on hold. Church ser- 9.45am throughout the week on 198 kHz long wave vices, meetings, groups and activities are all sus- and Sunday Worship at 8.10am on Sundays. pended indefinitely and our local and national busi- On television, Songs of Praise is shown each Sun- nesses are all under great strain. Whether or not day, usually at 1.15pm on BBC1. Revelation TV on we or any of our loved ones contract the virus, all Freesat channel 692, Freeview HD channel 264, of us will be impacted by the unprecedented re- Sky channel 581, and is also available worldwide on strictions on social contact, none more so than the the internet. On a Sunday morning from 10.30am – over-70s. 12 noon they have a lovely programme called ‘Church Without Walls’, which ends in communion, Bringing our fears to God and is really lovely for the housebound. Many older people are particularly vulnerable to “Come near to God and he will come near to the illness due to pre-existing conditions, and anxi- you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify ety is a natural reaction. But rather than worrying your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8) and being anxious, Jesus calls us to respond with prayer and faith: “Can any one of you by worrying Never in our lives have we been told so often to add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27) wash our hands. James is of course talking about “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us (Con nued on page 19)
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(Con nued from page 18) everyone who is unwell, and for those who are be- reaved as a result of the virus. Pray for wisdom, cleansing ourselves from sin rather than the coro- strength, and endurance for our NHS and navirus. But perhaps for each of us, this period of healthcare staff and others on the frontline, and social isolation is an opportunity to take time to also for those working behind the scenes. Pray for examine our own lives, and to draw closer to God. those struggling with loneliness and mental health Why not resolve to use this time of isolation to difficulties during this time of social isolation. good purpose: to spend more time in prayer, in Pray for those who can no longer visit family mem- reading God’s Word, and reflecting on your priori- bers in nursing homes due to visiting restrictions. ties during this period when your normal activities Pray that this time will prove to be a spiritual wake have been suspended. up call for our nation. Look out for the most vul- Ideas for prayer nerable, and stay connected as much as you can. Love courageously and be like Jesus to those Pray for the world’s political leaders as they around you. seek to implement strategies that will slow the rate of transmission of coronavirus, and for the “God is our refuge and strength, a very scientific and medical community to discover, de- present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) velop, and deploy a strategy to combat this crisis. Your Pastor and friend Pray for all who are in authority and particularly Anthony Smith - Holmer Green Baptist Church for church leaders during this period. Pray for
ACTS (A C T ) HOLMER GREEN COMMUNITY PRAYER LINK Praying for all affected by the coronavirus and hoping for an end to this season of sorrow. We are all affected in some way or another due to the enforced isolation, loneliness, lack of control, sickness, etc. We pray for the sick, NHS staff, care home staff, the lonely, the fearful, the frail of all ages, the bereaved, those in relationship difficulties, parents at home coping with their children, those in increasing debt due to loss of earnings, businesses, pubs, restaurants, shops and many others. If you would like the support of Christian prayer in your life for whatever reason, then we would be happy to pray. Often people comment that when they know people are praying for them and about their situa- tions, they feel held in God’s love and care. Please contact Barbara Illingworth (07967 192406) ([email protected]) if there is anything you would like us to pray for, there are a few of us from the different churches and we pray for you in our own homes. I am finding it helpful that prayer is something that we can indeed do as we self-distance from each other, while knowing that the Lord hears our cries and gives us the EASTER hope that we proclaim as our good news. (Confidentiality is especially important, and we only pray for a person’s situations of need, thanks, etc. Your first name would only be used if you are happy for us to do so.) Holmer Green Village Aid – we offer thanks for the wonderful ongoing support of Village Aid, part of Holmer Green Village Society, set up by Jane Fallon and helped by Jo Henderson. So many generous people are helping out with practical support in assisting vulnerable folk as well as some gifted sewers making scrubs for NHS staff and carers in the community. Praise to all who are creating a good feel- ing of fellowship and support as we reach out to one another. Contact is by telephone: 07784 984153 or email: [email protected]. This year’s World Day of Prayer event was held on Friday 6th March 2020 at 2pm, at Christ Church, Holmer Green, before we were asked to self-isolate when all our local churches closed (apart from set- ting up some excellent online services for people to watch from their homes). The service was written by Christian women of Zimbabwe and the title was “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk”. We raised a total of £268.32 to help towards helping vulnerable and marginalised people throughout the world. During the service we were encouraged to write down our commitments to support our community with actions of love, peace and reconciliation. World Day of Prayer is an interdenominational, inter-church world-wide movement (170 countries) led by Christian women of many traditions who call people together to observe a common day of prayer each year. We affirm that informed prayer and prayerful action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. Barbara Illingworth
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A P O V Dear God We thank you that you hear our prayers and love us beyond our wildest imagination. We pray for everyone in our village and all over the world at this time of the coronavirus pandemic. We ask you to protect us from the virus and with your powerful hand heal any of us that may con- tract it. Thank you for the amazing medical teams and all in authority dealing with it. Please give them your almighty wisdom, love and care. Cast your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22 Val Allcorn - Holmer Green Baptist Church Pastor Anthony Smith is doing a service via the Baptist Church’s Facebook page each Sunday at 10.45 or via a link on website www.holmergreenbaptistchurch.org.uk
THE PARISH OF PENN STREET WITH HOLMER GREEN During the Coronavirus epidemic, we regret that all our Worship Services, church-run groups and activities are suspended but we look forward to resuming everything when the crisis is over. The Women’s Fellowship was looking forward to its Diamond Anniversary with Fiona Castle as the speaker, followed by cakes, scones and a special cake. It is hoped to have a belated anniversary service in the autumn. To keep up to date, log on to our website www.pshg.org and read the Weekly Newsletter. This will give insight in to current/evolving information. The other links like News & Notices give details of some past events. Look after yourselves – we look forward to seeing you when normal service resumes! Hilary Hide
PENN STREET PARISH MAGAZINE
During his long service as the Vicar of Penn Street and Holmer Green, the Rev Arthur Browning, recorded many aspects of the life in the villages in his monthly newsletters. In July 1917, the Rev Browning wrote about the formation of the Holmer Green District Nursing Association. “A meeting of representative ladies took place at the Parish Room, Holmer Green, on May 30th to discuss the possibility of installing and maintaining a District Nurse to visit an area comprising the whole of Penn Street Parish and Little Missenden Village. It was felt that the need of a District Nurse was so great, owing to the distance of the villages from doctors, and the increased importance of the health of the community, that every effort ought to be made to effect this reform.” The ladies present agreed to canvas the proposed area for subscriptions and on June 25th reported that the results were so encouraging that the provisional committee decided unanimously to proceed with the scheme. About £55 had been promised or paid into the fund, of which at least £25 was in small subscriptions. A General Committee was set up: the first two jobs were to apply to the County Council for a grant and to the County Superintendent for a nurse (in short supply). Rules regulating the nurse’s services were drawn up as well as details of yearly subscriptions. Briefly, these were “Cottagers at 2/6, for tradespeople, Farmers and Public-house Proprietors at 5/-… Those who feel they cannot afford the 5/- have the choice of paying the nurse 1/- a visit.” Other fees for confinements and operations were also listed. There was an emphasis on mother and baby care. In July 1918, the vicar was pleased to write that, after two temporary nurses, a permanent appointment had been made. Nurse Paul was a county-trained nurse and would be found at Miss Winter’s, Holmer Green, which had been the base ever since the scheme started. It was decided to start a Baby Welfare Centre in Holmer Green. After a fairly-well attended preliminary meeting in mid-July 1918, it was agreed to have fortnightly meetings at the Wesleyan Sunday School rooms beginning on Thursday, 31st July, from 2 to 4 pm, when a doctor and nurse would be present to give free advice. NB. Where was the Wesleyan Sunday School.? The entry in the newsletter definitely states ‘Holmer Green’. Hilary Hide
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T … Susan Rasala
Holmer Green, our village, is home to many talented and gifted people. Look closely and you will discover a wide variety of folk offering caring and professional help to meet all kinds of needs.
Today, I’m talking to the lovely Susan Rasala. Susan is a hypnotherapist and counsellor, and not only did I find the nature of her work interesting, but I really enjoyed hearing a little of her unique family history too.
Allow me to share.
Firstly, Susan explained that hypnosis is a state of relaxation induced by suggestion; you won’t actually fall asleep and you will be fully aware of what’s going on. Common issues such as wanting to give up smoking or trying to lose weight can be dealt with in as little as one to three sessions. She’s been a hypnotherapist since 1984, now in her 36th year and currently sees her clients within her beautiful little cottage in the heart of the village close to the shops. So, super convenient.
Her website www.ultimatehypno.co.uk will tell you more about how she combines hypnotherapy with her counselling skills.
Secondly, I must tell you about Susan’s extraordinary family background. I’ll break you in gently: her mum was an actress and a dancer, lovingly known as Lucky and her dad was a professional musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet.
It gets better. Susan’s grandfather, Frederick Fant Michael Abbott, was an illusionist and became well known for a magic act which he performed with his fourth wife, no less, in front of packed audiences at the London Palladium.
This of course was Susan’s grandmother and the poor woman was sawn completely in half with each new performance. The sight of which was found to be so shocking that many newspapers tried to get the act stopped, declaring it to be horrifically violent and causing the lady in question much pain – total nonsense of course. In reality, Susan’s grandmother loved every minute and lived to the ripe old age of 90 with her top and bottom, very securely, in one piece.
However, Frederick, unhappy with the claims against him, retaliated by suing a total of eleven newspapers. He was successful and received his compensation; the grand sum of £500. That’s the equivalent of around twenty-five to thirty thousand pounds in today’s world.
Following Frederick’s windfall, he bumped into the wonderful Charlie Chaplin on a train, whilst they travelled into the city . This was before Charlie had found fame and he told Frederick, that he was particularly broke that day. Frederick, very kindly, solved the problem by handing Charlie a crisp ten-pound note.
Now there’s a story for Susan to tell her grandchildren.
Susan’s grandfather: Frederick Fant Michael Abbott 1870 to 1947 Also known as Charcot (pronounced shark-o)
Trudie Thomas is an author and freelance journalist. Having lived in the village for over 18 years, she loves to meet fellow residents and discover unusual gi s, talents, hobbies, jobs or homes. If you would like to feature in the next edi on of Holmer Green Today please email Trudie on [email protected] and she will arrange to meet up and treat you to a coffee at our wonderful local café The Square.
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P Over a one-week period in the middle of May, Brian and Rosemary Fisher, who reside in Holmer Green, held a plant sale as representatives of Holmer Green Baptist Church. This sale replaced one that was planned for Saturday 16th May which would also have included a cream tea as was done last year for the Church’s 150th Anniversary. Very close observation was maintained to ensure social distancing and the placement and the safe han- dling of all money. As well as buying plants a lot of people also donated them. The timing of the plant sale coincided with the increased activity of people working in their gardens. An amazing sum of £1136 was raised and a big thank you goes to all those that in some way helped to achieve this result for MNDA. Roy Alcorn
G M
Firstly I would like to say thank you to those of you who supported the recent plant sale that I had on behalf of Holmer Green Baptist Church to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. My inspiration for this article has once again come from a walk around our village today May 13th. I would suspect that a lot of you while walking around have glanced into gardens and made a mental note of ideas. My visit to the allotments showed me all the various uses that are being made of discarded timber, doors, plastics, carpets and piping that have been used to build frames and supports for crop and soil protection. I noticed that lots of potatoes and runner beans have been badly frost- ed due to the recent very cold nights. The weather is so unpredictable in this country, and from my early years I was told of the dangers of planting and sowing too early. In this area the 18th May has always been regarded as the earliest date recom- mended for sowing Runner and French beans directly outside so that they emerge in early June when danger of frost should be over. It is very satisfying to get early crops but there are many dangers including cold soil that can lead to the rotting of plant roots. In the past I have grown excellent crops of Runner and climbing French beans and potatoes by planting in late June and early July as the plants grow much faster due to the warmer soil and ambient air temperature. A lot of herbs such as mint, thyme, sage and savory are in flower at the moment and attracting a lot of bees and other pollinat- ing insects. As soon as they have finished flowering they should be pruned back to produce new growth. Most herbs are easy to grow from seeds and early summer is a good time to do this. They need a well-drained soil and preferably given a light covering of grit and sown in a sunny position. This time of year is a good time to have a look at the arrangement and positioning of outdoor containers and also renewing or replacing some of the plants. A container can look great as an individual focal point with a striking plant such as a variegated Yucca. In a sunny situation containers with summer plants can provide a very attractive feature and there is no better plant for a sunny site than Pelargoniums, which are sold as “geraniums”, but not true Geraniums as true Geraniums are perfectly hardy. There are so many types of Pelargoniums with attractive foliage, scented foliage, amazing double flowers and different habits of growth including Ivy-leaf trailing Pelargoniums. Pelargoniums are easy to root from stem cuttings taken before the growth goes soft and lanky as it does in the autumn. Peonies are one of the favourite cottage garden plants and are just coming into flower. People often ask me why the flower buds fail to open, and there are three main reasons for this. The main cause, as with lots of other flowers, is that if the soil is too dry there is insufficient water for the buds to swell and open. Secondly, during cold damp weather the buds can be infect- ed with fungus disease causing them to rot. This also commonly happens to buds on rose bushes, especially in the autumn. Thirdly, there is a condition known as “flower balling” whereby the outer tissues of a bud are softened by rain and if followed by dry sunny weather will dry out rapidly and harden, thus preventing the petals from unfolding. Many people are enthusiastic about one particular type of plant and a great effect can be achieved by planting one type in large groups. A neighbour has recently removed everything from a border, cultivated it extensively and replanted with a col- lection of different types of hydrangeas. Personally I love to see a border planted with different types of grasses and then mulched with different types of shingle, gravel and groups of stones or rocks. This is particularly effective on sunny dry sites, but for this to be successful the soil needs to be deeply cultivated as grasses will produce an extensive root system. Some winter and spring flowering plants such as Helleborus orientalis and Bergenia can be divided in early summer. Helle- bores can seed prolifically and the plants need to be separated and replanted in well prepared soil enriched with compost and love a shady situation. Bergenias tend to produce thick stems that grow across the surface of the soil and root readily into the ground below. Rooted pieces can be cut off and transplanted into well prepared soil. Bergenias will grow both in shade and sun but will flower more profusely in a sunny situation and the leaves of some varieties will colour up beautifully when ex- posed to late autumn sunshine. One of the best cultivars to display this effect is “Bressingham Ruby”. Finally, keep on top of the dead heading of plants and the watering of containers to prolong the summer display of flowers. Enjoy your garden, Brian Fisher
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Page 26 The magazine is normally sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy, 30 Years providing news and views to the Villagers
An excerpt from ‘WE HAVE A GUARDIAN’, pages 6-7, written by W.B Grant)
T A M Much has been written on the subject of the Angels of Mons. There are many versions of the phenomena, but it's not inconsistent to believe that they were all true. A collection of accounts are written in Harold Begbie's book, On the Side of the Angels.
THE White Cavalry In the spring of 1918 the Germans broke the Allied Line. Heavy casualties were sustained, reserves were practically exhausted. Describing how the German advance was checked, an article in the journal of the Brigade of Guards (Household Brigade Magazine – Winter, 1942), states: “At the focal point of the enemy’s advance, Béthune, the Germans concentrated high explosive and machine-gun fire, preparatory to bayonet attack in mass formation. Suddenly the enemy shell fire lifted and concentrated on a slight rise beyond the town. The ground here was absolutely bare – yet enemy machine guns and shells raked it from end to end with a hail of lead. As suddenly as it started, the enemy’s fire ceased, and in the complete silence there rose a lark’s trilling song of thankfulness. The dense line of German troops which had started to move forward to victory in mass formation halted dead. And, as the British watched, they saw it break! The Ger- mans threw down everything they had – and fled in frantic panic. And here is the statement of a senior German officer who was taken prisoner immediately afterwards:” “The order had been given to advance in mass formation, and our troops were marching be- hind us singing their way to victory when Fritz, my lieutenant here, said: ‘“Herr Kapitan, just look at that open ground behind Béthune, there is a brigade of Cavalry coming up through the smoke drifting across it. They must be mad, these English, to ad- vance against such a force as ours in the open. I suppose they must be cavalry of one of their Colonial Forces, for, see, they are all in white uniform and are mounted on white horses.’” “Strange,” I said, “I have never heard of the English having any white-uniformed cavalry, whether Colonial or not. They have all been fighting on foot for several years past, and anyway they are in khaki, not white”. ‘“Well, they are plain enough,” he replied. “See, our guns have got their range now; they will be blown to pieces in no time.”’ “We saw the shells bursting among the horses and their riders, all of whom came forward at a quiet walk-trot, in parade-ground formation, each man and horse in his exact place. Shortly afterwards our machine-guns opened a heavy fire, raking the advancing cavalry with a hail of lead; but on they came and not a single man or horse fell. Steadily they advanced, clear in the shining sunlight; and a few paces in front of them rode their leader, a fine figure of a man, whose hair, like spun gold, shone in an aura around his head. By his side was a great sword, but his hands lay quietly holding the reins, as his huge white charger bore him proudly forward. In spite of heavy shell and concentrated machine-gun fire the White Cavalry advanced, remorseless as fate, like the incoming tide surging over a sandy beach.... Then a great fear fell on me, and I turned to flee; yes, I, an officer of the Prussian Guard, fled, panic-stricken, and around me were hundreds of terrified men, whimpering like children, throwing away their arms and accoutrements in order not to have their movements impeded ... all running. Their one desire was to get away from that advancing White Cavalry; above all from their awe- inspiring leader whose hair shone like a golden aureole. We are beaten. The German Army is broken. There may be fighting, but we have lost the war; we are beaten – by the White Cavalry .... I cannot understand ….. I cannot understand.”
Extracted from the account of the Staff Captain, 1st Corps Intelligence, 1st British Army Headquarters, 1916-18, who was present and himself took the above statement from the German officer). During the days that followed, many German prisoners were examined and their accounts tallied in substance with the one given here.
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LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S NON-DIARY M 2020………. For over ten years now, I have been providing Holmer Green Today with quarterly informa on on ‘What’s On’ at the six professional theatres we have within twenty miles of the village, in the hope that some of you might find it useful and perhaps enjoy a night at a theatre close to home every so o en. And now, suddenly, none of us can go to the theatre anywhere, un l the coronavirus ‘lockdown’ is li ed, , whenever that may be. I certainly won’t be rushing to sit in a confined space with unknown people for three hours, watching theatre, as much as I enjoy it, but I will do as soon as I feel safe. It could be 2021. If we all work together and beat this pandemic then normal life will be resumed – eventually. Maybe then a few more of you will try the theatre-going experience? So with no produc ons to write about just now, I thought I might introduce you to the venues you would be most welcome to visit. We have six very different professional theatres in our area, as you know from previous issues. However, if you have yet to visit them, you won’t be aware of how diverse those actual buildings are. The WYCOMBE SWAN is 4 miles from Holmer Green, in St Mary Street, High Wycombe, at the bo om of Marlow Hill. A fine, modern building with an uninterrupted view of the stage from all 1076 seats, it was built by Wycombe District Council and opened in November 1992. It is adjacent to the old Town Hall and the Oak Room, which stage smaller produc ons and other events, such as weddings and par es. Touring produc ons of Plays and Musicals visit the theatre for a week at a me, plus a huge number of very diverse one-night stands featuring everything under the sun! Stand Up Comics, Tribute Bands, Children’s Shows, Classical Music, Ballet and much more. You can also get a meal in the Theatre Restaurant before many shows. The venue was refurbished in the summer of 2010. It is also home to Wycombe Youth Theatre and the annual Summer Theatre Project where 250 local youngsters come together to produce a full-scale musical in two weeks in the Summer Holidays. Full details on www.wycombeswan.co.uk. The ELGIVA is on St Mary’s Way, Chesham, just 8 miles from the village. The original Elgiva Hall was opened in 1976, owned and managed by Chesham Town Council. In 1998 the site was required for a major enlargement of the Sainsbury’s Supermarket, who spearheaded the development of the New Elgiva, a purpose-built 300 seat/400 standing capacity theatre and digital cinema on its current site, with the official reopening performed by Danny La Rue. It presents a wide-ranging programme of professional and amateur produc ons, comedy, musicals, ballet/ dance, a diversity of one night stands, a professional pantomime, an eclec c range of films, exhibi ons, weddings and other public and private events. The Elgiva is commi ed to accessibility, to its community and providing a programme with, hopefully, something for everyone. Full details on www.elgiva.com AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE is a £47 million, state-of-the-arts theatre on Exchange Street in Aylesbury, 13 miles from Holmer Green, presen ng a range of West End and touring musicals and plays, along with one night stands and performances of opera and ballet and a Christmas pantomime. It was in 2003 that Aylesbury Vale Dis- trict Council held a public consulta on into plans to replace the Civic Centre Theatre, in essence a Concert Hall. The concept for the eye-catching design was inspired by local features. The undula ng roof reflec ng the shape of the neighbouring Chiltern Hills and the use of mber columns reminiscent of the surrounding woodland areas. The venue has a 1,200-seat auditorium, with luxurious leg room, which converts into a 1,800-capacity hall for standing events, and a 225-seat suite for smaller events including dance, drama, Live Streaming, mee ngs and conferences. The Theatre was officially opened on 12 October 2010 by Cilla Black. Full details on www.ambassador ckets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre
WATFORD PALACE THEATRE is a 600-seat Edwardian Grade II listed theatre on Clarendon Road in Wa ord, Her ordshire, 18 miles from the village. Opened in 1908, it put on variety shows and plays, mostly imported from other theatres, including an appearance by the great Marie Lloyd. For almost a decade, around the early 1960s, the theatre was managed by actor Jimmy Perry, best-known for co-wri ng the television series Dad's Ar- my. It currently produces its own and co-produc ons of plays and welcomes visi ng and local amateur companies and has a tradi on of producing its own Christmas pantomime. In September 2004, the theatre re-opened a er a two year £8.8million Lo ery funded refurbishment, which included its own rehearsal room, wardrobe, more pub- lic space, two bars, a day me café, air cooling, new sea ng and improved Access via a li to all levels, ramps and automated front doors. In October 2015, the theatre won the Promo on of Diversity Award (joint winners with Leicester Curve) at the UK Theatre Awards. Full details on www.wa ordtheatre.co.uk
(Con nued on page 29)
Page 28 The magazine is normally sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy, 30 Years providing news and views to the Villagers H G E WI
We started the year with a talk on Ancestry by Betty Furner, who is a member of our WI. Betty demonstrated using our President, Pauline’s family history. She told us how to get started on this journey with just a notebook and pencils, as a computer is not essential. Start with your own surname, and work back from there. Lots of information can be collected for example from old newspapers, birth, marriage and death certificates and the family Bible. Parish records hold a wealth of fascinating details about our forebears. Betty can be found at Wycombe Library on Tuesday mornings to help anyone with their family history. Cathy Bryant came to us in February from the High Wycombe Beekeepers Association to talk about ‘The Importance of Bees’. Cathy and her husband keep several hives in their garden and are experienced apiarists. Using slides, we were shown the life cycle of a beehive, and learnt the difference between workers, drones and queen bees. She also explained about the extraction of honey, and capturing a swarm. This fascinating talk provoked many questions. Later we were able to purchase honey, beeswax, food wraps and candles. Lesley Shayler had won the Bursary award last year, and used the money to visit Manor House Hotel in Okehampton, to pursue a number of craft activities. The beautiful items she made there were on display for us to see. March meeting: We were delighted to welcome four visitors to the meeting, which we hope they enjoyed. Dressed in full Japanese Kimono, Ruriko Kojima gave us a delightful talk and demonstration on Ikebana, the Art of Japanese Flower Arranging. Whilst creating flower designs which were beautiful in their simplicity, Kojima described to us the history, origins and techniques of Ikebana, including how the idea of empty space is important. She told stories about her training, and also about the kimono she was wearing, which was passed down from Mother to Daughter. Our April meeting is cancelled, due to the Covid19 situation. We hope all readers and WI members are keeping safe and well during this time. Meantime, please do visit our website: Holmergreeneveningwi.weebly.com Annie Greatorex
(Con nued from page 28)
The THEATRE ROYAL is an ornate Grade II listed 600-seat Edwardian theatre on Thames Street in Windsor in Berk- shire, some 19 miles from Holmer Green. The present building is the second theatre to stand on the site and opened in December 1910. It was a replacement for the previous theatre, built in 1815, which had burnt down in February 1908. In a chequered history, the theatre became a cinema in the late 1920s, before the legendary John Counsell took over the lease in 1933, quickly becoming bankrupt and taking un l 1938 to re-open it once again, a er which he ran it successfully un l his re rement in 1986. Since 1997 it has been managed by West End Im- presario, Bill Kenwright, the only UK unsubsidised producing theatre opera ng all year round. The repertoire is wide, ranging from the classics and a tradi onal pantomime to first produc ons of new work. Many produc ons which first appear at the Theatre Royal subsequently transfer to the West End or go on na onal tour. Full details on www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk The MILL AT SONNING is a 215 seat, air-condi oned theatre and restaurant (or dinner theatre), converted from a derelict 18th-century flour mill, on an island in the River Thames at Sonning Eye, near Reading in Oxfordshire, on- ly 20 miles from the village. Your cket includes the Show, a Pre-Show Meal, a Programme and Parking. When the working mill closed in 1969, it remained empty un l 1977. Tim and Eileen Richards, who had a great love of theatre, found the derelict building and decided to convert it into The Mill as it is today. The transforma on took four years to complete. ‘The Mill At Sonning Dinner Theatre’ opened on July 22nd 1982. Their daughter, Sally Hughes, is now the owner and the theatre con nues to go from strength to strength, having produced an abun- dance of comedies and thrillers, innumerable Sunday Concerts and the new tradi on of a musical every Christ- mas. It won the UK Theatre Award for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre three years running from 2016 to 2018. Full details on www.millatsonning.com And, of course if you really want to push the boat out, when all theatres re-open, the West End of London is only 35 miles from the village. Mark Thorburn
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Page 30 The magazine is normally sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy, 30 Years providing news and views to the Villagers
Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 31 30 Years providing news and views to the Villagers
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 – 439 149 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 – 195146 E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A, Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721 577
Police – Thames Valley 999 or 101 Police Community Support Officer:– Amersham Police Station HP6 5AL 101 E: [email protected] Refuse Collection 01494 – 586 550 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 – 315 000 Thames Water - Emergencies 08459 – 200 800 Traveline 08706 – 082 608 Tourist information 01494 – 421 892 Wycombe General Hospital 01494 – 526161 Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (at Wycombe General Hospital) 111 or 526 161 PARISH COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mr Simon Baker [email protected] Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green. 717663 Dr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. 713739 Mr Adrian Timon [email protected] Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy If you love our Village and would like to serve your community, why not consider becoming a Parish Councillor?
Parish Council Meetings The Parish Council meets twice a month in the Council Offices, Rossetti Hall, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm.
The public may, and are entitled and encouraged to attend any meeting but should inform the Parish Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting.
Please refer to the Council’s web site www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for dates, Agenda’s and more information.
Parish Clerk – Mrs Helen Hogan Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Assistant – Ms Lynne Lusby Holmer Green, HP15 6SU. E: [email protected] 715429 The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 2.00pm. COUNTY COUNCILLOR SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mrs Isobel Darby Halfway Cottage, 2 Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0BZ. 01753 888055 E: [email protected] DISTRICT COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Dr Michael Smith c/o Democratic Services, Chiltern District 729000 Council. E: [email protected] Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ E: [email protected] 07500 546651 LOCAL HOLMER GREEN SERVICES The Holmer Green Village Society’s web site - www.holmergreenvillagesociety.co.uk - contains some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today.
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R E A - P L ! 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 1st Holmer Green Scouts — Wednesdays, 7.15 – 9.00pm. Holmer Green Cub Scouts — Thursdays, 6.45 – 8.15pm. Air Training Corps — ATC Hut, Sir William Ramsey School, Hazlemere. Wednesdays and Fridays, weekly Boys Brigade — Holmer Green Methodist Church. Mondays, weekly from 6.00pm, depending upon age. Families Together — Baptist Church. Sunday 9th June, 10.45-12noon Encounter (Prayer and Praise) — Baptist Church. First Sunday each month at 7pm all warmly invited. Holmer Green Beavers — Mondays 5.30 – 6.30 and Wednesdays, 6.00 – 7.00pm. Holmer Green Short Mat Bowls Club — Holmer Green Sports Association. Tuesdays 7.30 - 11.00pm. Holmer Green Stroke Club for persons affected by communication problems - Christchurch Church Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 10am-12noon. 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. Messy Church — Baptist Church - March 10th 10.45 - 12.30 Pop in Lunch, a light Lunch — Baptist Church. The first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12.30pm. Short mat bowls — Tuesday afternoons at the Church Centre. If interested, call the Parish Office. Souper Lunch for a light lunch and a chat — Church Centre, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12.30 – 2 00pm. 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
Women’s Fellowship of Holy Trinity with Christ Church. Church Centre 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2pm.
Whist Club — Rossetti Hall – Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Women's Fellowship — Baptist Church. Alternate Thursdays at 2.15pm
Wycombe Centre National Trust Supporter Group — The fourth Friday of the month at Hazlemere Community
Youth Club — Baptist Church - Every term time. Friday, years 6 to 8: 6.45 - 8.00pm; Years 9+ - 8.00 - 9.30pm.
It would be prudent to check that the events, loca ons and mes are correct!
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Celebrating a recent birthday, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall. One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favourite Things' from the legendary film 'The Sound Of Music'. Here are the lyrics she used:
(Sing It!) -If you do, it’s especially hysterical!!!
Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings, Bundles of magazines tied up in string, These are a few of my favourite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favourite things.
When the pipes leak, when the bones creak, When the knees go bad, I simply remember my favourite things, And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions, Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favourite things.
Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinning', Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning', And we won't mention our short shrunken frames, When we remember our favourite things.
When the joints ache, when the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I've had, And then I don't feel so bad.
She received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores
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I O ADVERTISERS THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SERVICES ADVERTISED HEREIN Please remember that some may still be subject to Lockdown so Check that they are open
SERVICE ADVERTISER Page Telephone Carpet & Upholstery cleaning AllClean 11 01494 707548 Chemists Fox Pharmacy 12 01494 713360 Dietician Vicki Fleming 26 07823 478200 Domestic Appliance Repairs ARG Services 24 01494 714850 Funeral Directors Arnold Funeral Services 4 01494 472572 Funeral Directors Beacon Funeral Services 31 01494 818181 Garage Services and MoT’s Holmer Green Garage 16 01494 713185 Garage Services and MoT’s Holmer Green Service Centre 6 01494 715058 Garden Services Mike’s Garden Services 24 01494 817441 Hall Hire Holmer Green Royal British Legion 30 01494 711144 Hall Hire Holmer Green Sports Association 26 01494 711485 Hypnotherapist Susan Rasala 22 07885 425027 Ladies and Gentleman's Hairdressers Jennie's Hair Care 4 01494 713580 Local Supermarket SPAR 26 01494 713364 New Installations & Repairs to Windows The Window Doctor 16 01865 891776 Newsagent and Tobacconist J Walsh 4 01494 714466 Personal Finance Solutions Airedale PFS Ltd 20 & 36 01494 816144 Plumbers Select Heating Services 24 01494 715254 Plumbing and Heating Supplies Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies 4 01494 717665 Pre-school for the 2 to rising 5’s Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School 6 01494 711341 Providing Daily Home Carers Universal Care 4 01494 678811 Take Away Food Holmer Green Kebab & Pizza 24 01494 717755 Take Away Food South Hill Fish & Chips 22 01494 711240 Translation Service for ‘Older Audio’ Convert Old Audio 6 01494 713553 Vehicle Sales and Servicing M & I Motors 22 01494 862740
Please do support our advertisers (and local shops!) and tell them that you are responding to their advertisement in Holmer Green Today It is even more important to shop locally after all we have gone through.
Do you know the origins of “To Queue” and “Bob’s Your Uncle”?
TO QUEUE - Americans stand in line but British people queue, usually in a very orderly fashion. The word queue is French for a tail and when one looks at a long line of people waiting for a shop to open or to get into a theatre, it does look just like a long tail. In the days when all Chinese men had their hair in a pigtail, this pigtail was also known as a queue. BOB'S YOUR UNCLE - When something goes well or when everything is expected to turn out fine, people often say Bob's your uncle. Surprisingly this saying has a political background and is said to come from the fact that in 1900 the Conservative party leader, Robert Cecil, picked his nephew for an important government position. The appointment was very unpopular at the time and was said to have come about because of the family connection - Bob was his uncle. Judy Gilligan
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