No 178 Autumn 2011 STOKE POGES From the Editor Index Village Fete report 4 In this issue we record and celebrate a wonderful Community Picnic 6 summer of colourful activity in Stoke Poges, showing Poetry, Faith and Flowers 8 that we are fortunate to live in one of the most sociable and vibrant communities in South Bucks. Flower Show report 11 Birds in Stoke Poges 15 There are many items of good news this time, however, for me the most remarkable item is the Chairman’s Letter 17 information in the neighbourhood police report that Cricket Club 18 in July, there was not a single burglary reported in the parish. There is no room for complacency – with Bridge Club 18 the shorter days fast drawing in, please take every BucksVision 20 precaution you can to discourage opportunistic burglars from trying their luck on your doors South Bucks Sports 22 and windows. See the Neighbourhood Police page Stoke Poges Singers 24 for more detail. Bowls Club 26 September is the time of year when our village clubs Scouts 27 and societies begin their new season programmes. We are lucky to have such a diverse choice of recreational British Legion 28 clubs in the village – they are a big part of the informal Friends of Stoke Common 30 network that makes village life so enjoyable. The Parish Rainbow 31 Council and the Village Centre are sponsoring a ‘Clubs and Societies Fair’ on Saturday 10 September as an Dates for your Diary 32 opportunity to meet and find out more about The Laughing Group 34 membership. If you are new to the village or don’t know many people here, it’s a great opportunity to Golf Pro Tips 35 get involved – you are assured of a friendly welcome. Photographic Club 38 Finally, I would like to welcome three new contributors Hedgerley Historical Society 40 to this edition. Lewis Fry, the new pastor at Stoke Threeways Surgery 42 Poges Free Church, Mo Shoaib of Stoke Green Cricket Club and Geoff ‘Jaffa’ Orange – a former resident who Vicar’s Letter 43 has kindly offered to write a series of articles recalling South Bucks Golf 44 his youth in the village in the 50s and 60s. Stoke Poges Society 46 Ralph Bagge, Editor Tennis Club 48 Cover: Ray Aldridge takes a direct hit at the Sunshine Corner 50 Village Fete Stoke Green Rovers FC 52 Stoke Poges Remembered 56 Thirty Years Ago 56 STOP PRESS Women’s Institute 58 Stoke Poges Players 60 As we went to press, news arrived of the sad Neighbourhood Police 62 loss of Revd Cyril Harris, former Vicar of Stoke Poges, artist and Vice Chairman of the Parish The Stoke Poges School 64 Council. His family is in our thoughts. Council Business 65 3 Fantastic Fun Fete The weather was very kind to Stoke Poges on 11 June. With the village’s youngsters to the fore – musicians from The Stoke Poges School, a top class display by the school’s gymnastic team and the dancers from the Orchard Academy – record crowds enjoyed a fabulous day. These photos capture the spirit of the day. 4 5 Community Picnic Stoke Poges Parish Council celebrated the opening of our new playground and outdoor fitness equipment on Saturday 18 June. Heavy showers were passing through, however, the sun appeared from behind the clouds in time for the opening. Parish Council Chairman, Mark Fletcher, made a short speech thanking all who had been involved in the project and Dominic Grieve, for his efforts lobbying ministers to ensure the scheme funding was spared from Government savings. Dominic Grieve congratulated the Parish Council for its determination and tenacity in fighting so hard to save the Playbuilder grant when it was threatened in last year’s round of spending cuts and then formally opened the new playgrounds by cutting the ribbon, assisted by Alan Walters, Chairman of South Bucks District Council. The afternoon was a relaxed, sociable occasion with all sections of the community represented, enjoying the fete committee’s bar and the Scouts’ barbecue. The showers returned around 4 pm, with all but the hardiest dashing to shelter from the rain. 6 7 Have you Poetry, Faith and Flowers Made Your Will? Over 250 visitors enjoyed this wonderful day organised to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible together with the 260th anniversary of Thomas Gray writing ‘The Elegy in the Country Churchyard’. The day started with the church bells, tours of the church, handbell ringing, poetry readings, an organ recital and storytelling. In the churchyard visitors enjoyed refreshments and lunches provided by members of the church congregation. The historic church interior was beautifully decorated following the theme of ‘Poetry, Faith and Flowers’. Some of the tributes were created by professional people who regularly provide the ! " floral arrangements for weddings at the church. Many more were made by the women of the church who take it in turn to do the flowers every week. Other floral arrangements were contributed by the Stoke Poges Airscouts, the Brownies, the Parish Council, the Stoke Poges Society and the Horticultural Society. Magnificent pots of flowers were also provided by local garden centres. A fascinated group of visitors were allowed access via the precarious external staircase to the bell " # tower to enjoy a demonstration of bell ringing. $! The day’s activities concluded with a full ! congregation for choral evensong, taken from the Book of Common Prayer, led by Revd Harry Latham, with the church choir augmented by the ! David Guest Singers. Barbara Davis 8 9 Remembrance Day Glorious Weather Stoke Poges Parish Council will continue its Clubs and tradition of honouring Remembrance Day at the Draws Record Crowd flagpole on the corner of Bells Hill and Hollybush Societies Fair Hill from 10.30 am on Friday 11 November followed by refreshments in the Rose and Crown. On Saturday 10 September over 15 to Flower Show village clubs and societies will be All villagers are invited to this solemn setting up in the main hall of the Nearly 2000 people, a new record, flocked to the Stoke Poges, Wexham commemoration of those who bravely gave their Village Centre to give potential new & Fulmer Horticultural Society’s Annual Flower Show, held at The Stoke lives in service of our country’s freedom. members an opportunity to meet Poges School on Saturday 30 July. current members and to find out what each organisation has to offer. The Reading Spring Gardens Band entertained everyone with a variety of music. The Uxbridge and District Classic Vehicles Club brought a great ‘Carols on the Green’ The fair, jointly promoted by Stoke variety of over 40 magnificent vintage vehicles, which were much Poges Parish Council and the Village admired. The best classic car trophy, in memory of Peter Spicer, was won Centre, will be open between 11 am A date for your diary – this year’s ‘Carols on the by Tim Neal with his Rolls Royce Phantom 1938. and 3 pm. The idea behind the fair is Green’ will take place at the Village Centre on that it is much easier to join a club if Saturday 10 December. Responding to feedback The gigantic 200 foot long exhibition marquee was packed with very you have met other members first impressive competition entries, beautiful displays and exhibitions. following last year’s event, it has been moved to than going along to a first session the Saturday and will start slightly earlier. when you are uncertain whether you There were dozens of stalls, with lawn mowers, plants, crafts, gifts, and will know anyone. home-made treats for sale and also local organisations with information The Parish Council’s group is at work planning to about their activities. build on last year’s success. Stoke Poges, Wexham & The tea tent, with lunches and Fulmer Horticultural cream teas provided by Pinewood Society Autumn Nurseries, did a roaring trade; the ! demand at the beer tent, selling Programme beer from Rebellion Brewery, was such that replenishments had ✮ ! Wednesday 14 September at to be sent for half way through 8 pm: evening talk at The Stoke the afternoon! ✮ Poges School, Rogers Lane – ✮ ‘Understanding Orchids’ – The skittles alley and coconut illustrated talk to be given by shy were very popular and ✮ Mrs Lydia Cobb, Chairman, competitive with a number of Chiltern Orchid Society. people achieving a clean sweep! ! ! The children loved the bouncy Wednesday 12 October 7.30 for castle, card making, face painting " 8 pm: Members Autumn Social and the ice creams. Evening and Informal Evening # Show – ‘The 2012 London Michael Mobbs presented the Olympics’ – illustrated talk to be " ! cups and trophies won in the given by Sally Botwright, London horticultural classes, plants and Blue Badge Tourist Guide. flowers, fruit and vegetables, There will be a buffet reception wine and beer, cookery and arts. and informal evening show. The Jon Homan, President Emeritus of the Society, thanked all those schedule will be published in the Society’s autumn newsletter. who had worked so hard to make Countryside Services this our most successful show. Wednesday 16 November at 07912 731 500 8 pm: Annual General Meeting Ruth Rooley [email protected] at St Andrew’s Church Hall. Stoke Poges, Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society 10 Stoke Place Heritage Open Day Live life to the full with Lynda Bellingham Each year Heritage Week is held in hotel’s owners have retained the historic September, when buildings of historic character of the hotel whilst meeting the and Reactivate Bucks! interest are opened up for the public to standards expected of a four star country visit. This year, Grade II listed Stoke Place house hotel.