February ‘19 £1.00

Brighton or Bust! Page Z has more information!

Inside this issue:

st 1 Holmer Green Scouts news Page 24 Lantern Club news Page 28 ACTS (All Churches together…) Page 18 News from the Baptist Church Page 33 Boys Brigade and Girls’ Association Page 18 Our Advertisers index Page 39 Beat the New Year Burglary Page 4 Royal British Legion – Women's Section Page 31 Chadwick Ladies Club News Page 4 The Parish Matters Page 9 Cherry Garth News Page 31 The Parish of Penn St. with Holmer Green Page 11 Brighton or Bust Page 12 Theatre Going - November to January Page 22 Chiltern House Med Centre – update Page 7 Useful Names & Telephone Numbers Page 36 Gardening Matters Page 29 Village Society News Page 10 Holmer Green Football Club Page 15 VPA – Holmer Green Gardening Club news Page 27 Holmer Green Senior School News Page 15 Women's Institute Page 5 High Wycombe Model Club Page 19 What’s On – and Where Page 37 Holmer Green Stroke Club news Page 32 WorkAid Charity Page 17

and much more …!

Editorial by Ann Miller

children had use of the model railway, but up until the moment I read the article I had no idea about the origin and beginnings of it. It is an interesting read. elcome to 2019’s first edition of What a very successful year the Holmer Green W Holmer Green Today. Hopefully you Village Society has had! We talked in the last have all enjoyed the Celebrations…. the Heroes, edition about Music on the Common, that has been Roses and of course the Quality Street. followed by Christmas on the Common and a Did Father Christmas bring you all that you had wonderfully successful Christmas Tea Party. My hoped for? I was very pleased with my gifts, one of small part with Christmas on the Common, was which was a ticket to go to the Royal Albert Hall to traffic control. It was so lovely to talk to people see Cirque de Soleil. So, at the beginning of arriving for the event sounding so excited and January, along with my grand daughter and family, together as one. My position meant that I couldn’t we went to London. I don’t get out much, so I was follow the procession, but even so the “vibe” that I very excited! got from watching the torchlit, snaking line of people walking around the Common was very emotional. I would like to give a professional review of the A great feeling of togetherness and community. show, but all I can say is that the whole performance Hopefully we can carry these feelings through into was absolutely “awesome”. Not a word I use very the second year of the society’s life. Keep up with much, a bit too American, but it really does say it all. the litter picking, whether you join a group or pick I have obviously heard about the troupe’s up litter as you wander around the village. Admire performances but wasn’t prepared to be so amazed the village pond as it springs into life. Good luck by their abilities and energy. A very energising start once again to all involved with the society. to the year. The magazine would like to welcome Susan With all that energy I began my job of reading Rasala to our team. She is filling the, previously, through and editing the many contributions that have vacant advertising role on the committee. been made to the magazine. Yet again we have had a wide range of different articles on a variety of Again, from the team, thank you for another year subjects. of support for our magazine. “Your magazine does need you”, both to advertise and contribute articles. I have lived in the village for many years and my

The Magazine Team: Editor: Ann Miller 57 Winters Way E: [email protected] Advertising: Susan Rasala 2c Earl Howe Road 716301 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] 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 deadline for the next issue is 14th April 2019. Advertising Rates (B&W, 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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 VILLAGE CONTACTS 

1st Holmer Green Guides 1st HG Rainbows & Brownies 1st HG Scout Group [email protected] Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 4th HG Brownies ATC, 871 Penn Squadron Beamond End Residents Assoc. Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 Pilot Officer Shepherd Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 07900 241760 Beavers 6-8 years Boys Brigade Breathe Easy Buckinghamshire Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mr Mark Durn (Captain) – 07703 182511 Angie Lockwood – 527062 [email protected] Chadwick Ladies Club Christ Church (C of E) Cub Scouts 8-10 years Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 Vicar: Rev. Captain Peter Simmons Ms Karen Hobbs – 716931 Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 01494 715195. www.pshg.org Evening WI Extend – Gentle Exercise Girl Guides Mrs Pauline Ellis – 713625 Carolyn – 712801 Mrs Camier – 711134 Girl Guiding – Volunteering Girls Football Grasshopper Golfing Society Vicki Fleming – 717704 Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Mr John Taylor – 712092 [email protected] Holmer Green Baptist Church Holmer Green Cricket Club Holmer Green Childminding Pastor: Anthony Smith. David Stockings Group Office: 712479 [email protected] Jackie Shaw – 711920 [email protected] Holmer Green First School Holmer Green Football Club Holmer Green Juniors 712050 Mr Rob Shed – 716318 M: 07539 267948 Football [email protected] Mr Matt Brades – 716114 Holmer Green Players Holmer Green Methodist Pre- Holmer Green Junior School Vicky Martin – 07817724184 School 713000 E:[email protected] Ms Sharon Dorme – 716897 [email protected] Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Senior School Holmer Green Sports Association Association Association Helen Hodgson – 717838 Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment Ms Laura Ripley – 711485 / 714985 c/o School Office – 712219 Holmer Green Village Society Holmer Green Youth Club Junior & Adult Chess Membership Secretary – PO Box Mr Michael Turner – 711970 (Beginner & Refresher) 1283, High Wycombe, HP15 6YF. Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 Mrs Penny Thicket – 07976 230371 Link-up Bereavement and Methodist Church Poppies Day Nursery Friendship Group Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth –712236 Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 E:[email protected] Rossetti Hall – (Bookings) Royal British Legion Royal British Legion – Mr David Avery – 712160 Mr Chris Peers – 07785 772810 Womens’ Section E: [email protected] Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Simply Walk Souper Lunch for a light lunch and Squash Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 chat, Christ Church Centre Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 Stroke Club T’ai Chi Tiddlywinks Baby, Toddler and Mr R. Dunning – 712177 Lin Williams – 562037 Under School Age Group Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Church Office – 715195 The Lantern Club Village Centre – (Bookings) Village Centre Mrs Ann Sollars – 713420 Mr Ken Muspratt – 0870 7656450 Secretary Ms Meg Brinton - 711644 E:[email protected] Women’s Fellowship – Christ Village Centre – (Chair) Church Mr James Cadle - 716992 Mrs Joan Toye - 718466 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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CHADWICK LADIES We ended 2018 with an enjoyable festive Christmas party, excellent food and entertainment by the humorous Delectable Selection. During the autumn we had an interesting speaker on the Chiltern Way, illustrated with slides, a talk on Monet and his Garden and a fascinating trip to Bristol, ending in a Christmas Market. On the 18th February we will welcome Jeff Rozelaar, who will give us a talk entitled ‘An Actor’s Life for Me’. We hope you will come and join us. Judy Gilligan

BEAT THE NEW YEAR BURGLARY Chiltern and South Bucks Community Safety Partnership is urging people to take a few minutes in January to security mark any valuable new items they may have received as gifts or bought over Christmas.

Many residents will have been lucky enough to have been given iPads, tablets, cameras, new games consoles and new bikes for Christmas, all of which are desirable to thieves. Marking property ensures it can be returned to its rightful owner in the event of it being recovered after a burglary. It also acts as a deterrent to thieves by making the items harder to sell on.

Items should be marked on the back or underneath with a postcode and house number using an ultra violet (UV) pen which are available in most DIY stores.

Larger items, such as bikes, scooters or machinery can be permanently marked using an engraver or etching kit.

Using forensic marking products such as SmartWater and Selecta DNA are also a highly effective way to mark property. A liquid solution is applied giving items either a chemical or DNA code depending on the product used, which is unique to the owner. The solution cannot be seen by the naked eye and is incredibly difficult to remove. It glows under ultraviolet light, allowing the police to detect it.

Chiltern District Councillor Liz Walsh, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities says: "Property marking is by far the best way to protect your valuables such as jewellery, laptops and antiques. If it's expensive, it's desirable so please get it marked."

South Bucks District Councillor Patrick Hogan, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities says: "Unfortunately Christmas offers a lot of opportunities for burglars, bikes and electronic items are worth a lot of money to opportunist thieves, but there are some simple steps people can take to reduce their chances of falling victim. "A few minutes spent marking your valuables and registering them on Immobilise.com is time well-spent. You stand a much better chance of getting your item back in the unfortunate event of it being lost or stolen." If you would like a free UV pen email [email protected] (please note pens are limited to one per household and subject to availability).

To avoid becoming a victim, follow the guidance on our websites:

www.chiltern.gov.uk/crimereduction www.southbucks.gov.uk/crimereduction https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Follow us on twitter for community safety updates and crime prevention advice @csafetycdcsbdc

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HOLMER GREEN EVENING WI This week an ‘Expert Anti-Age Plan’ in a National newspaper announced ‘Friends Keep You Young’. Apparently studies indicate that maintaining strong social networks seems to be linked to slower cognitive decline, and they suggest that joining a community group such as the Women’s Institute could help keep your brain young! Here at Holmer Green Evening WI we maintain the ethos of Inspiration and Education, whilst keeping our meetings fun and friendly. What better way to stay young! Here’s what we have been up to recently, and what we have to look forward to in the coming year: During the Autumn we hosted a Group meeting, attended by 5 other local WIs in our group. Speaker Angeline Gore has worked in the prison service, and talked of her efforts to set up a WI in a secure women’s prison. She described how it has helped inmates. For example women in prison for seriously violent offences would happily join in a WI knitting group, and reminisce how their grandmas taught them to knit. In November, Keeper of Social History, Will Phillips, talked of Treasures from the Textile and Costume Dept of Aylesbury Museum. Few of us had realised that the collection at the museum was so extensive, with 150,000 items. Some of the items are chosen for display, while the rest are carefully stored at RAF Halton. Many items have hand-drawn pictures on the sides of their boxes, to show what the contents are. Will showed us a selection of his favourites, beginning with a knitted Tudor cap, followed by shoes, embroidery, textiles, quilts and fashion. Knitting patterns were available to make simple vests for AIDS babies using scraps of wool. Several members got busy knitting and provided a variety of little vests which will be sent to charity groups. We enjoyed a successful Friends Evening, with a supper of meat pies, followed by a selection of delicious home-made desserts. We were entertained by Jeff Roselaar, who gave us a nostalgic talk on his experiences as an actor. We received the sad news that Mavis Boreham has passed away. She will be sadly missed by members and friends at the WI. Our condolences also go to Jill Murtagh, whose husband Noel recently passed away. To mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, a WI wreath was laid at the memorial in Holmer Green, represented by Julie Purvis, whose father had served in the KOYLI from 1914 to 1918 and won the Military Medal. Our Treasurer, June Williams, has suffered a stroke, and we send our best wishes and wish her a speedy recovery. For our Christmas party we had a finger buffet provided by all members, with punch and mince pies, and then enjoyed a highly amusing talk from Stuart King, as he read out a selection of his poems. The Christmas meeting was finished off by singing Christmas Carols. With visits to the Pantomime fresh in our memories after the Yuletide season, what better way to start our 2019 programme than with a talk on the History of British Pantomime, given by Catherine Campbell. Catherine filled us in on the mysteries of this uniquely British event, with its superstitions and rituals amongst the plays, actors and audience, and how characters such as the Dame and Principal Boy emerged. Last year’s Bursary winner, Salma Michael talked to us about her 3 day-courses at the WI Denman College, and showed us the beautiful items that she had made. These included embroidery using a sewing machine, crafting a beaded necklace, and then she created a Mosaic style glass bird with silver edging. Activities this Spring include talks on Cambodia and Scarf Tying (something we have all wanted to learn to do). We have a Friend’s Evening, a visit to Brick Lane Music Hall, and a Bucks Federation event, with TV presenter Simon King, Judge Francis Sheridan and Resilience Officer Steve Irons as speakers. Other County events available to us include a fused glass workshop, talks on Food Poverty, a Play, Flower Arranging, a Science and Investigation day and a Quiz. Keeping in mind the slowing down of ‘cognitive decline’ mentioned at the beginning, we welcome visitors to most meetings. You can have three free visits before you need to decide whether you would like to join. Do give us a try! Annie Greatorex

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A RECENT PRESS RELEASE REGARDING THE FUTURE OF CHILTERN HOUSE MEDICAL CENTRE Chiltern House Medical Centre – the next steps December 11, 2018 Over the last few months, NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group has been asking for the views of patients, public and the staff at Chiltern House Medical Centre about the future of this practice of 7,000 patients based in High Wycombe. The survey was available online, with paper copies sent to patients over 65. Further copies were available at the practice and local pharmacies. Meetings were held with the Patient Participation Group and staff at the practice, as well as with other practices in the area that cover High Wycombe and Holmer Green. 1,124 members of the public took part in a survey. As a result of the feedback from this and other engagement, the CCG has agreed that Option 3 – reprocurement – is taken forward. This means another service provider will be found to run the practice. Nicola Lester, Director of Transformation at Bucks CCG said: “The majority of people who took part in the survey, and those we spoke to at meetings, said that they preferred the option of keeping the practice open by finding another service provider rather than dispersing the list (Option 3). “This option means that we will now look for a suitable provider who can provide high quality care for the patients registered at Chiltern House Medical Centre. “This option will require us to carry out further engagement with patients, staff and stakeholders to see what services they need Chiltern House Medical Centre to provide. “We are aware that, since July 2018, patients at the practice have undergone a period of uncertainty and change and we would like to thank everyone involved for their patience and cooperation. “We will continue to work with Chiltern House Medical Centre to ensure that services continue as normal while we carry out these next steps.” The new provider of services is expected to be in place by late summer 2019. In the meantime, we will be publishing regular updates on our website and www.letstalkhealthbucks.nhs.uk A report containing our recommendation that went to the CCG’s Primary Care Commissioning meeting on Thursday (6/12) can be viewed there. The results of the survey are also contained within the report.

OUR CONGRATULATIONS GO TO: Liberty Patton and Graham Brooks 8/11/2018 who were married on 8th November 2018 and Nicola Lewin and Jack Needham who were married st on 31 December 2018 & OUR CONDOLENCES GO TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF: Elizabeth Tilbury. 28th April 1925 – 5th November 2018 The Reverend William Mason. 18th June 1948 – 24th November 2018 th Christine Hobbs who passed away on 30 November 2018

James' Joke Corner What is a witches favourite subject in What comes out of the ground shouting, school ? knickers knickers ? Spelling.. Crude oil.. How do you make an octopus laugh ? What comes out of the ground shouting, With ten-tickles.. underwear underwear ? Why did the elephant cross the road ? Refined oil.. The chicken was on holiday.. What do you call a sleeping dinosaur ? Dinosnore.. James Crawley age 8

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THE PARISH MATTERS Belated New Year greeting to everyone, Christmas seems a far distant memory now. This year your Parish Council (LMPC) were once again able to finance the Christmas trees in the Holmer Green shopping area and we thank Mark Roberts for installing them and also Alan at Walsh’s Newsagents for providing the power. We were also able for the first time to support the provision of a Christmas tree at Little Kingshill. 2018 was a challenging time for the Parish Council with many internal changes but we achieved a great many things for the community as a whole including:  A good RoSPA report which highlighted improvements made within LMPC play areas and no high-risk equipment.  Safety surfaces were installed under key play equipment in the Parish  Delivered projects in Hyde Heath: 20mph school flashing signs. A ‘green path’ and two new school bus stops.  Started the pond refurbishment programme in Holmer Green, cleared the pond, refurbished the duck houses and cleared invasive plants and scrub We also employed an Assistant Parish Clerk As residents will be aware from the article in November’s issue of Holmer Green Today, the Parish Council has expressed its concerns regarding the closure of Dragon Cottage surgery and the continuing uncertainties around healthcare provision in the Village. To this end a meeting was held on 4 January 2019 with County Cllr Isabel Darby, District Cllr Mark Titterington, myself and representatives of Bucks County Council Clinical Commissioning Group and Primary Health to discuss the way forward. We have requested that the Parish Council is updated and advised on a regular basis and involved with any decision making that affects residents. D Cllr Titterington said ‘The meeting was very constructive and we impressed on the officials the strong need for a physical presence in the village and our commitment to work with them to achieve that’. As information becomes available we will add this to our website www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk HS2: by the time you read this, HS2 should have restarted work at Gt Missenden on the Haul Road from the roundabout at Link Road on the A413 to the top of Frith Hill. Although not in our Parish the HS2 tunnel will exit at Gt Missenden and the layout of Link Road will change, have no on-road parking and Frith Hill will be widened where it joins the A413. HS2 may not immediately appear to affect Holmer Green but it does impact upon the Parish as a whole, not least the building of a vent shaft at Little Missenden. There can be no doubt that traffic will find alternative routes from the A413 to the A404. We have had some positive meetings with HS2 and the contractors involved in these major works and have been advised that disruption should be kept to a minimum and I am also now involved in meetings with surrounding Parishes and HS2 regarding progress. To assist residents of all Wards with more information regarding timing of work, fuller explanations of the project and how it may affect the Parish we are arranging for a ‘Drop In’ session to be held at Rossetti Hall in Spring 2019 with HS2 and their contractors. The date will be announced on the website and on noticeboards in all Wards once confirmed. Please try and attend this first session as a low turnout will mean we won’t get another one. Monthly meetings are held in other Parishes along the HS2 route and we should not be left out. You may have heard of the Single Unitary Council (SUC) which will be in place on 1 April 2020. The Vice-Chair, Parish Clerk and myself attended a meeting of Chiltern Parish and Town Councils shortly after the announcement was made in order that we could speak with one voice regarding matters that could affect our area. As its name suggests there will be one Council for the whole of Bucks, to be called Buckinghamshire Council, which will replace the current District Councils. The SUC will no doubt have implications on the Parish in many ways but we will keep residents informed on the website regarding progress as and when information is released to us. We have made firm objections to Wycombe District Council and Chiltern District Council regarding the proposed development of 103 homes by Inland Homes on HW8 and 20 Wycombe Road and continue to make the Parish’s voice heard. Please check both Wycombe and Chiltern planning websites for information, where you will also find correspondence from the Parish Council under the relevant planning applications and contributions from other agencies on the WDC website. We currently have two vacancies for Parish Councillors, one in Holmer Green and another in Little Kingshill. If you are interested in becoming a Councillor in what will become a very interesting future period, please do contact the Parish Clerk on 01494 715429 for further information. In order that we can keep our Council website up to date can I ask that you advise the Clerk of any updated links. Finally our Annual Parish Meeting for all Wards will take place in Rossetti Hall on 1 April 2019 at 7pm where you can hear a fuller overview of last year’s activities. On 29 April 2019 the Holmer Green Open Meeting will be held at 7pm in Rossetti Hall and you will be able to speak with your Ward Councillors and hear our plans for 2019/20. We look forward to seeing you there. Rita Whitten, Chair, Little Missenden Parish Council

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NEWS FROM HOLMER GREEN VILLAGE SOCIETY Christmas On The Common On the evening of Saturday 8th of December the Village came together to celebrate Christmas. It was an extraordinary evening with a real feeling of community. At 5pm, out of the darkness, came so many people… families and friends… who congregated outside the Village Centre. [See the image on the back page] We walked to Christ Church, The Baptist Church and several other points around the Common joining in carols led by The Baptist Church singers, with Christmas stories told by Anthony Smith. Our final stop was back at the Village Centre where the Junior School Choir entertained us with festive songs. Frosty the Snowman appeared on cue and of course Father Christmas was there too. As ‘Away In a Manger’ drew to a close, he pulled the lighting lever and Holmer Green’s very own tree twinkled in the darkness. Then it was into the hall where the Women’s Institute served mulled wine and mince pies, so kindly donated by Hazlemere Co-op. Holmer Green Village Society want to thank everyone for being there, but also, we must thank those who made the evening possible. James Cadle and the Village Centre kindly allowed us to host the tree on the front of the building, the Baptist Church gave great musical support, the local police accompanied us on our route and local food outlets offered discounts and advertising. And we must not forget those people who installed the tree, on one of the coldest and wettest afternoons in November a valiant group including Jamie and Harvey from Rossetti Developments worked so hard. Happy New Year to you all. Penny Thickett Afternoon Tea Party On 16th December 2018 Holmer Green Village Society hosted a tea party in the Village Centre for 80 of our senior residents. The day started for a great band of volunteers at 10.30. The kitchen team prepared the sandwiches and cakes and the front of house team started working on the table settings. Poinsettia’s, serviettes and crackers finished with individual sets of vintage china created a festive Christmas theme. [see the image on the back page.] At 1.45pm the first of our guests started to arrive, some by courtesy of our volunteer drivers and M&F Cars. At 2.00pm the event was opened by the HGVS Chairman Charles Padley who was Master of Ceremony for the day. Copious amounts of tea and coffee flowed throughout the afternoon interrupted only by a round of Name That Tune, sandwiches, homemade cakes and mince pies. The event moved on to a little social ballroom dancing led by Paula & Lucy, space was a little tight but a few guests managed to show us their dancing skills. Santa followed on with his trusty Elf (Sugarplum Mary) delivering gifts, cards and stockings filled with naughty treats. Very generous raffle prizes were donated by Hazelmere Coop, The Old Oak, Jennies Hair Care, The Square, Zizzi’s Italian at Marlow & High Wycombe and Waitrose. Guests also offered prizes and we had a number of donations to HGVS which are always gratefully received. The Singing for Pleasure Choir conducted by Keith Pulford started with Christmas Carols followed by a sing-a-long song sheet which gave us all the opportunity to join in. The event was brought to a close with Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again. What an amazing sight to see all guests and volunteers enjoying the final song of the day. Old acquaintances were renewed and new friendships developed. The following days brought many lovely comments and thank you notes from guests which is a real demonstration of the positive effect that these events have on our village and why we need to do more. HGVS would like to thank all of the guests, volunteers and sponsors that made this a really enjoyable afternoon, we are now planning the next party to be announced soon. Steve Hardman

CHRISTMAS TEA PARTY On behalf of the residents of Holmer Place, who attended the Afternoon Tea Party on the 16th December in the Village Hall, I would like to thank everyone from the Holmer Green Village Society who worked so hard to make the afternoon such a success. We all really enjoyed the occasion and it was very much appreciated. Many thanks. Jeanette Townend

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THE PARISH OF PENN STREET WITH HOLMER GREEN INCLUDING LINK-UP After so much preparation for the Christmas period, Our last Meeting of the year was a Coffee/ it is over very quickly. Our Christmas services were Mince Pie and Chocolate Biscuit morning on well attended and started with the Candlelit Carol Friday 21 December. Service. The church in Penn Street looked beautiful The next Meeting will be on Friday 18 January for the Midnight Communion with all the candles lit 2019 when we will meet in our usual place – The and the lovely flower arrangements. The ever-popular Workshop in Christ Church Centre, from 10:40 Christingle Service had over 50 children plus adults a.m. onwards for coffee, biscuits and a chat, and raised a grand total of £480.00 for the Children’s Society. The candles stuck in the oranges with fruit followed by a Sharing Lunch for those who wish and sweets are very popular with the children, to stay on – 12:00 noon to 01:30 pm. especially as it’s so easy to eat the ‘bits’, and it was We are a very friendly group; all who have accident-free again. Peter, our Vicar, entertained us been bereaved either recently or longer ago will on Christmas Morning with a very Chocolatey Nativity be very welcome to join us. If you would like to Story. know more, please ring Joan Toye 01494 718466, We are very blessed with the talents of our flower or the Parish Office or go to the Parish Website. arrangers, who produce lovely displays during the WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP year sometimes with just a few flowers and greenery. The Women's Fellowship, which meets on the Now we get back into the swing of our regular first and third Thursdays at Holmer Green activities with our Souper Lunches, short-mat bowls, Church Centre, usually at 2 pm, has several open etc, as well as the groups detailed below. More meetings coming up. On 7 February our vicar, information is available on our website, at https:// Rev Peter Simmons, will be telling us about some www.pshg.org, or of course the Parish Office, 01494 of his previous adventures. On 21 February 715195, will be able to help, especially the situation regarding Christ Church’s temporary lack of heating. Michael King will be giving us a photographic The website also shows photos of various events video show, and on 7 March John Trett who is during a Parish year and much more. deaf himself, will be telling us about new hearing technology. Our Anniversary meeting will be on TIDDLYWINKS NEWS 21 March, when we hope Rev Pippa Soundy will be The Christmas Term ended on Monday 17 speaking to us, and then on 18 April Ken and December with our Christmas Party. All the Coralie Payne will be telling us about Mercy children had a wonderful time thanks to our Ships, who take hospital facilities to areas of amazing entertainer Elisa, and of course a visit Africa which do not normally have access to such from Father Christmas. facilities. All these are open meetings, and The New Term began on Monday 7 January anyone, including men (!), is welcome to join us. 2019 and Half-Term Holiday will begin Monday 18 OTHER NEWS February, returning on Monday 28 February. Great Missenden CO-OP has a Community There are spaces – no waiting list. Fund and chose our church as a recipient for th Tiddlywinks will be 11 years old on Monday 18 2018. The church had an early Christmas April and we welcome any past members to call present when a cheque was presented to some in, at the Church Centre anytime between 1.30 – members of the congregation by the Branch 3.00, to see us all. Manager (dressed as Superman) and staff All Parents, Carers, Babies & Pre-School together with senior members of the Co-Op children will be warmly welcomed on Mondays management team. [see the photo on the back page] 01:30 to 3:00 pm in the Church Centre, Christ This donation will help us to reach the target for Church, Featherbed Lane, Holmer Green, HP15 the renewal of Christ Church heating. 6XQ. We have spacious facilities, Crafts, Toys, Sad news was received in December – Rev Song-time and Refreshments. Come and join in William Mason had died. He was our Vicar from the fun. Term-time only. 2007 until 2013 when he retired due to ill- The cost is £1.50 per family. If you would health. His funeral service was held on 13th like to know more, please ’phone Joan Toye December in Holy Trinity and he was laid to rest 01494 718466, or the Parish Office or go to the in the churchyard. Parish Website, detailed above. Are you looking for a venue for a one-off event or regular booking? If so, contact the LINK-UP BEREAVEMENT FRIENDSHIP GROUP Parish Office to see if the Church Centre can We held our Christmas Lunch on Friday 30 fulfil your needs. November and 35 Members and friends had a very enjoyable Roast Christmas Lunch (thanks to Hilary Hide our Caterer Richard and his Team) followed by Carol Singing.

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BRIGHTON OR BUST Some of our older readers may remember that I wrote an article about an old M.G. car that I discovered as a wreck, only to lose out when I tried to buy it. I first discovered it in a shed by the Pack Horse Hotel, Manchester. As I said, it was a complete wreck, but when I found it again, some fifteen years later, in Switzerland, it had been restored to better than original condition. The owner had spent £26,000 on it, not including the cost of his own labour, I believe it took four years to complete the rebuild. I have owned the car, one of only thirty seven made, for about twenty years, and have used it for the weddings of both my sons, and a couple of their friends as well. Having done a fair mileage in the old girl, over the years, 1 became aware of a vibration in the engine. A word with the experts confirmed my suspicion that the engine needed balancing. This meant stripping it completely and working on the internals separately, and then as a complete unit. Unfortunately, a crack was discovered in the crankshaft, which changed a routine job into a financial nightmare. A new crankshaft was made, together with new pistons and con rods. The "spit and hope" lubrication system was replaced with a full flow system, using a modern filter, and the fabric jointed propshaft was replaced with a new one with Hardy Spicer universal joints. The old six volt electrical system was replaced with a twelve volt system, together with a dynamo rewound to modern specification. I won't divulge how much it cost, suffice to say the mortgage will take a few more years to payoff. All this took the best part of a year to complete, and I took delivery of the car early in 2018. Some time was spent gently running her in, when Toby, my eldest son, suggested we take part in the London to Brighton Classic car rally. Our entry was duly placed on the internet, and we were given number 162, with a start time of 9-30 am from Greenwich Park. But we hadn't thought this through. I knew it would take about two hours to drive from Holmer Green to Greenwich whilst still running in. We also had to find a way of getting the tow car and trailer to Brighton to bring the car back. Our clothes were another problem, as we were supposed to wear "period costumes". In the end, we decided to go dressed as the Peeky Blinders, (a notorious bunch of gangsters that sewed razor blades into the peaks of their caps to use as a weapon). Headgear was bought from Cotswold Hats, and very good quality they were. Toby already had a suit and waistcoat suitable for the occasion, but it was my friend's wife who came up with a waistcoat suitable for me. Two problems solved, all we had to do now was get the car to the start line, and collected from Brighton after the rally. Fortunately, I remembered an old army friend lived in Plaistow. I hadn't seen him for fifty two years, but I was certain he would help if he could. Such is the camaraderie between those who served in the army, Bernie agreed to look after the car the night before the rally, and provide a cooked breakfast for Toby and me before we set off on Sunday. So, we had arranged for the car to be taken to Plaistow on Saturday, the day before the rally, costumes had been organised and Sunday morning breakfast was arranged. All we had to do now was to find someone to drive the tow car and trailer to Brighton. Time was against us, but Toby remembered he had a friend in Slough, called Andy, who might help. A couple of phone calls and everything slotted into place. I would drive the car and trailer to Plaistow and unload the M.G. on Saturday afternoon, then drive to Slough and leave the tow car and trailer in Andy's garage. Linda, my wife, would collect us from Slough and bring us home to Holmer Green. Early on Sunday morning Linda would drive us to Plaistow, where a full English breakfast awaited us prior to us setting off for Greenwich Park. Phase One was duly completed on Saturday, and eight o'clock Sunday morning saw Toby and I booted and suited, full of good food, climbing into the cramped cockpit of the M.G.

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(Continued from the previous page, ‘Brighton or Bust’)

It was going to be a hot day so the sun roof was fully opened, and the windscreen hinged outwards to provide a cooling breeze. Who needs air conditioning? We duly arrived at Greenwich Park in plenty of time to join about four hundred other cars preparing for the journey. Most of the entries were from cars made in the fifties, sixties and seventies. My car, built in 1931, was the second oldest to start in the rally, beaten only by a 1928 Crossley. The car parked next to us was a Triumph Spitfire. He told us he had fitted a new battery the night before, but had to jump start the car on Sunday morning. He had assumed the new battery would have been fully charged. I offered to lend him my emergency starter battery, but he declined, saying we would be in front of us, so keep an eye out for him if he stopped At 9-30 we were flagged off, and Toby concentrated on reading the from the route book, shouting instructions to me at regular intervals. The going was pretty slow to start with, due to the volume of traffic. A convoy of classic cars mingled with the usual Sunday morning traffic and I didn't get into top gear until we got Eltham on the outskirts of London. I'm not too sure where we went after that as I was concentrating on turning left, turning right or carrying straight on, according to the bellowed instructions from Toby The car had done a fair few miles at running in speeds, and was starting to hum along very nicely. In fact this became a bit of a problem, as I was enjoying the new found performance of the car, but had forgotten the brakes had not been upgraded accordingly. One had to think well ahead to ensure a safe journey. Just after we left Eltham the car in front of us, a Lotus 11 occupied by two young ladies, came to a standstill at the side of the road. We stopped to see if they needed help, but they said they were fine, so we motored on. There is nothing much to say about the first half of the journey, except one little incident. We had stopped at a T junction, facing uphill. When the road was clear, I started to pull away and the engine died. Rather than cause a holdup I used the starter motor and first gear to get us into a layby. At first I thought we were out of petrol (the fuel gauge wasn't working,) but a visual inspection showed we had plenty. I gave the engine another whirr on the starter, and she fired up just as our friends in the Triumph Spitfire pulled in behind us to see if they could help. So, off we went again anxious to get to Penhurst Place, where we could get food and drinks. Penhurst Place was about halfway. We could have looked around the house and gardens, as this was included in our entrance fee, but we decided to motor on after a light lunch. The route book showed the total mileage from Greenwich to Brighton was about eighty miles. This would be nothing in any reasonably modern car, but mine was quite small, bounced around a bit and did not have power steering or hydraulic brakes. We also had crossly motor cycle tyres on the wheels, which made steering interesting if you got caught in a rut or tram line. Fortunately the engine didn't cut out again, so I can only assume it was fuel vaporisation, as it was a very hot day. Toby continued bellowing instructions, and after a while we decided to stop for fuel, just to be on the safe side. I only had a five gallon tank, and I had no idea of fuel consumption. The engine was only 850cc but we had been pushing her a bit. At one point on our journey we were approaching Box Hill. I was told this was pretty steep. As luck would have it a Triumph TR2 was behind me as we approached the start of the hill. He couldn't overtake because of traffic coming the other way, so I pulled well over and waved him on. He wouldn't have appreciated following me up the hill at five miles an hour. Off he went with a cheery wave and a thank

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HOLMER GREEN SENIOR SCHOOL On Thursday 13 December we held our annual Excellence Evening, an opportunity to celebrate the success and progress made by a large number of our student body. We were extremely fortunate to host Station Commander Charlie Turner from the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as our guest speaker and prize giver. A total of 140 prizes were given out on the night for academic and sporting success, contribution to the wider school community and positive attitudes to learning. Our annual KS3 Commitment Prize was won by Lucas Payne in Year 8 and both Daniel and Oliver Graham (Year 8 and Year 11 respectively) won the Rob Holland Award.

Liz Plascott

HOLMER GREEN FC WINTER UPDATE The 1st XI, as predicted, are well ahead with manager/coach from the parents/guardians of the their league fixtures and have played 26 of 36 young players hoping to join the club as U-6’s at games. They are currently in 13th place, nine the start of this season. Therefore, some players points ahead of the relegation places. In the at that age have joined other clubs. A couple are County Cup against National League Maidenhead integrated with our U-7’s for training. Not an ideal United, they gave a very good account of situation. One we would hope to avoid repeating, themselves before going down 0-2. There is a this coming September, with the next prospective home semi-final in The Wycombe Senior Cup U-6 intake. Each age group needs at least one against Chalfont Wasps on Tuesday 12th February. manager/coach, preferably two or even more in the The club will look at asking the FA to put us back in beginning. All our Coaches need to be checked, by The Spartan South Midlands League for next the County FA, as to their suitability of working season. Playing in The Hellenic League has proved, with children. Samantha Lewin as we forecast at the time, far too expensive to ([email protected]) is in charge of this justify for football at supposedly the same level important aspect. for an amateur club. The Development XI is doing The club website holmergreenfc.co.uk is well, having played less games than others in the dedicated to the whole Club, although some age division. Their games have all been evenly groups do not feature? (Please remember that the contested, which is just as it should be in this type FA does not allow publication of younger age-group of competition. The U-18 Allied Counties midweek results?) XI is near the top of their division, with games to come against the other leading teams namely Under Seven to Under Twelve Fixtures can be Harefield, Uxbridge, Burnham, and North found through The South Bucks Mini Soccer Greenford. All five teams concerned are currently Conference on the FA Full-Time website. Our U- separated by just two points, at about the half- 14, and U-16 information including fixtures, results way stage. The Sunday U-18 side, which is mostly and tables can be found on www.football- composed of U-17 players, is competing well in results.org Division Three of The South Bucks Youth League. 1st XI Match Reports, Allied Counties’ Match But is locked in a tight battle at the bottom of the Reports, and occasional Development XI reports, table with Berkhamsted and Chalfont. The U-16’s appear on the Club Website. are mid-table in Division 2 of The Wycombe and The 1st XI and Development XI and both the U- South Bucks League where most of our younger 18 teams have information including fixtures, teams play their football. We have no U-15 team tables, and results, on the FA Full-Time website. this season, but the U-14’s are in third place in their Division Three. Slough Town and Thame Boys At the HGSA AGM in December Jack Lubbatt are just ahead of them. We don’t currently have a won the Member of the Year award, for his fund- U-13 team playing competitively in this league. raising efforts on behalf of the football club. Neil Munday was narrowly beaten into second place by We are also running “Minor” sides at the Jack. Our congratulations and continuing thanks go following ages: The U-12’s (2 teams), U-11’s (2 to both. At the same AGM our Chairman Rob Shed teams), U-10’s, U-9’s (2 teams), U-8’s, U-7’s, are in was voted in as Joint-Chairman of the Sports The South Bucks Mini Soccer Conference. Association. Unfortunately, we were not able to find a team John Anderson—President

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WORKAID CHARITY

The Workaid Charity in Chesham is heir to a tradition of ‘Light Industry’ in the town. For decades Chesham was noted for its four Bs namely-Beer, Brushes, Boots and Baptists. Key to the Boot trade was the factory of Giffard Newton in Townsend Road Chesham who made boots at this factory from 1854 until the early 2000s. The factory building was acquired by Workaid almost a decade ago and after major restoration is now the centre of its activities Workaid accepts donations of unused or unwanted workshop, DIY and garden tools of all types as well as sewing and knitting machines. These are cleaned and refurbished by Workaid’s team of over 200 volunteers. Responding to requests from partner groups in East Africa, Workaid then assembles kits for a variety of trades from its stock. These can include, for example, kits for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, motor mechanics and builders. The sewing and knitting machines are typically destined

for women’s self-help groups. Workaid which holds the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was established over 30 years ago by an ecumenical group of local Church members in response to TV pictures of famine in East Africa. Rather than send funds the founders believed in trying to encourage self sufficiency by providing tools and other equipment for identified groups in East Africa. Each year the Charity now despatches between eight and nine 10 tonne shipping containers of assorted kits ,sewing and knitting machines and other equipment to partner groups in East Africa . Since Workaid was founded in 1986 over 100 containers have been shipped . These shipments have already helped hundreds to learn trades and or set up businesses . In short, the recipients can, as the founders envisaged, become self sufficient escape from poverty and help their local communities to develop. In order to help fund its activities Workaid has a shop adjacent to the Workshop in Townsend Road. Open 10 ’till 4 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the shop has a range of tools, haberdashery, wool and materials and other items for sale at competitive prices. Forecourt Sales are held every few months with the next one on April 6th from 10am till 2pm. Workaid also hosts a number of Craft events during the year, open to all. Workaid is always looking to attract more volunteers. Volunteering is a perfect opportunity for anyone, perhaps newly retired, and interested in giving a few hours a week to help those less fortunate. Volunteers typically give a half day each week which includes a tea or coffee break! For information how to donate, volunteer or join a craft class go to the website www.workaid.org and follow the link or phone 01494 775220

Peter McLoughlin - Workaid Volunteer

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ACTS (ALL CHURCHES TOGETHER SERVING IN HOLMER GREEN) WELCOMES YOU TO: Prayer and Praise – A time of reflection, prayer and praise held at Holmer Green Baptist Church with worship leaders and young musicians on the first Sunday of each month from 7pm. Churches from our local area come together to support and encourage one another. All are welcome. ************* Everyone is invited to this year’s World Day of Prayer event to be held on Friday 1st March 2019 at 2pm, at Holmer Green Methodist Church, Earl Howe Road, HP15, followed by tea and biscuits. The service has been written by Christian women of Slovenia, one of the smallest and youngest countries in Europe, and explores barriers they have faced since the end of the Second World War when their country was part of Yugoslavia. World Day of Prayer is an interdenominational, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world – their hopes, challenges and prayers for their situation. This year’s theme is: “Come – everything is ready!” All are welcome. ************* Community Prayer Link - if you would like the support of Christian prayer in your life for whatever reason (e.g., illness, loneliness, bereavement, debt, divorce) then we would be happy to pray. Often people comment that when they know people are praying for them and about their situations, they feel held in God’s love and care. Please contact me, Barbara Illingworth (07967 192406) ([email protected]); there are a few of us from the different churches, i.e. Anglican, Baptist, Catholic and Methodist and we pray for you in our own homes. There are also prayer groups in the Anglican and Baptist churches who pray together. Confidentiality is very important, and we only pray for a person’s situation of need, thanks, etc. Your first name would only be used if you are happy for us to do so. Barbara Illingworth

1ST HOLMER GREEN BOYS’ BRIGADE COMPANY AND GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION (An Outreach of Holmer Green Methodist Church) We started back on the 14th January having enjoyed a peaceful rest over the Christmas period, wow that went quickly! Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association is thriving in Holmer Green, we are up to 41 members across the three sections & I guess it’s mostly down to the fantastic work our team of volunteers carry out every Monday night. In fairness to them, it’s not just a Monday night. Evenings have to be planned, outings & activities alike. We really are indebted to all of them for what they do & the difference they make in the lives of the young people in our care. We have children ranging from five years of age up to eighteen. To give you an idea of the sort of things we get up to on a normal Monday night (Weekly meeting) we have craftwork, games, badgework, sport, model making, quizzes, outings, stories, painting and cooking, a generally ‘fun time’- We also have visitors who come to talk to the children. When our young people reach the age of fourteen many of them will go on to achieve their President’s Badge (their first major award). The final and top Award is the Queen’s Badge – the culmination of a good deal of hard work on the part of the young members concerned. This usually takes approx. 15 months to achieve. Outside of our normal weekly programme we take part in competitions against other BB Companies, 10 Pin Bowling, Fun Days, Camps, Narrow Boat Weekends, Archery & many more exciting activities. We run Events such as Children in Need, Quizzes and a Christmas Tea for the elderly. We fundraise for Company Funds, but normally for other Charities. e.g. we support Disaster Appeals and Refugee Charities. So, do you have to be a Christian to join? Absolutely not! Although we run a Christian based programme, we welcome anybody & everybody from any faith as long as you are between the age of 5-18. The Aim of the work of Our Company and its Leaders is for the Boys and Girls to make friends, in a caring and Christian environment – no Child is ever left out. It is also for each Child to gain a sense of Personal Achievement, learn about God’s love for them and to have a good time both on a Monday evening and at other Boys’ Brigade Events. If your Son or Daughter is interested in having a good time with us, we would love to welcome them.

Mark Durn – Company Captain – [email protected]

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HIGH WYCOMBE MODEL CLUB AT HOLMER GREEN RAILWAY

The Holmer Green Railway, which is situated on with a firm Alcan who could draw a mile of rail for the Holmer Green Sports Association field is us and another club member, plus some private owned and operated by High Wycombe Model individuals who also wanted some at the very engineering Club Ltd. (HWMEC). favourable price! A die for the drawing of the rail It started in the 1920’s as a model engineering was made by a friend of the club and the rail was club. The members made various models in their ordered. At this time lots of arguing was going on line aeroplane sheds and outhouses which were as to what we should do to the site. John Turner usually played with on Sunday mornings on the Rye. opened his trap and things finally got sorted out. i.e. controlled powered by rubber bands or small He was made Clerk of the works and all decisions diesel engines. Boats were used on the dyke. had to go through him. During the Second World War the club used Now the hard work began...Getting the site dry. the technical school in Easton street, numbers A dry oven was going to be sent to another part of decreased due to men being called up for active the country where a member worked, the shelves service. By the end of the war numbers went up were diverted to Holmer Green to prop up the due mainly to the U S Army based at Dawes Hill pond and 20 yard tipper lorry loads of top soil (Pine Trees). After the war numbers became mixed with chalk were sent to the pond instead of unmanageable so it was decided to split the Booker Airfield at a cost of 25p per load (I am aircraft section away from the club and that was sure that went to the driver).The track was the start of the successful High Wycombe Model ordered. Another group were cutting ex Aircraft Club. scaffolding boards into 2850 sleepers with Brian The members wanted a railway track to run Patton soaking them in preservative and me drilling their engines on and be able to give rides to 22,750 pilot holes for holding down screws. We children. Wycombe Council was approached and a had a lot of luck and help building this railway. piece of land near the swings on the Rye was given. The boards came by a man asking us if we needed This was 1946/7. The club used various halls and timber as he had a contract to remove and burn meeting places in Wycombe. But in 1970 the the used wood from a bridge on the M1. Someone council wanted the land back, they did not want else asked us if we needed a wheelbarrow and, boats on the Rye and had a falling out with the over the gate, every few weeks appeared another club. The club had a meeting in Bassett bury and wheel barrow. Who knows where from! several sites were looked at for a replacement Then one morning about 7.00am someone rang track. None were suitable. me to ask if I would like some steel, like an NOW FOR THE HOLMER GREEN RAILWAY electric pylon. I thought he was joking but it was One of the members was propping up the bar in redundant from Earley power station in Reading. Holmer Green Sport’s Club and overheard a It was free and I got a dozen strong men and a conversation. The club needed to fill up a piece of lorry to collect that day. It had many uses in spare ground near the tennis courts that had been Holmer Green. The rail holding down screws came designated for archery but was found to be too from a factory in Wycombe which had made close to the public right of way. The HWMEC television cabinets. The owner had died, and his member reported back to the president Mike Cox, daughter was getting rid of unwanted materials. who contacted me and Tony Vince. We had a She wanted to know how to dispose of half million meeting with both sides and agreed we could use brass wood screws. It turned out they were ideal the land. On inspecting the site in daylight, it for holding the track down. Any surplus was sent appeared to be a complete bog as the so-called to the north of England for another miniature pond, which is a dew pond, had no sides/ bank and track. had spread across the field to the bottom left We had no water supply, but as the water table corner near Dormer Lane and the private houses. was only 3 foot down a sump was dug This was There was also a fifteen plus high bank which ran used to make the concrete. It was filled in 4 parallel with Dormer Lane which consisted of years later when the mains were connected. Brian stones, scrapings and rubbish when taken from the Marston took charge of the hard job of setting up sports field when it was cleared and levelled. the legs for the line. It was a sharp learning curve Brian Marston knew a surveyor who would draw for us all. We, who had never built anything like if up plans for the site. The current members were before. It is thanks to the hard work of the then asked to contribute to buying conifer trees to members, that for over forty years, it is still stop a chilly wind and prying eyes. At that time being used and enjoyed by many people and is still there were two entrances to the sports centre, as good today as when it was first built. but the council wanted only one. Anyway, a new The railway is opened to the public, running on entrance was made for the tennis club and railway four last Sundays of the month per year, i.e. May, club from Dormer Lane by removing the hedge and June, July and August (all weather permitting) for installing a five-bar gate. giving rides on steam or electric locomotives. The club now had 25 active members, but very Refreshments are available tea and homemade little money, but they did have a portable track cakes or bring your own picnic. The HWMEC which was used in schools and village fetes at usually has a running day/morning on Boxing Day weekends to raise money and to help pay for the John A Turner proposed new permanent site. We had contacts

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LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY : FEBRUARY TO APRIL 2019 Well, all that dreaming of a white Christmas didn’t work, thankfully. Looks lovely but it’s the aftermath… So here we are, entering what will probably be the most momentous year in UK history for decades. Whichever way it all works out, if the politicians don’t know what to do, how the hell are we supposed to…? Why not relax and make the most of the theatrical entertainment for the coming months listed here, most within a 20 mile radius of the village, as diverse as ever. For full details, simply visit the websites (all listed) or telephone the box office for a free brochure by Royal Mail. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for the local amateur shows too. Just look out for posters in the village. Mark Thorburn

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

DIRTY DANCING (4 to 9 Feb) latest touring version of the famous Patrick Swayze film. For the girls. DEAR ZOO (14 & 15 Feb) daytime performances of the stage premiere of Rod Campbell’s 1980s classic children’s story. BLOOD BROTHERS (19 to 23 Feb) on tour again after over 10,000 West End performances. PIPPIN (22 to 24 Feb) Wycombe Swan Spring Youth Project’s latest offering with a great rock score from the composer of Wicked. THE MOUSETRAP (4 to 9 March) the thriller of the century, in the West End since 1952, tours again. ZOG (13 & 14 March) daytime performances of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved character. RAIN MAN (19 to 23 March) a new stage adaptation of the Oscar Winning Best Picture story. DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE 2019 (17 & 18 April) A roarsome interactive family show, dares you to experience the dangers and offers a special meet and greet after the show to make a new dinosaur friend. Plus many, many more ‘One Nighters’ of diverse entertainment to choose from.

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

ANNIE (31 Jan to 2 Feb) local amateur Youth. LA TRAVIATA Royal Opera as Live (5 Feb). RESPECT TO ARETHA (7 Feb). PSYCHIC SALLY 10th Anniversary Tour (11 Feb). David Hare’s I’M NOT RUNNING National Theatre as Live (14 Feb). DON QUIXOTE Royal Ballet as Live (25 Feb). THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Merry Opera (26 Feb). HANSEL & GRETEL GO DOWN IN THE WOODS Adult Panto (1 March) KING FOR A DAY Nat King Cole Story (2 March). THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Multi Award Winning Comedy within a Musical by Panda Players (Amateur) (6 to 9 March). THE FUREYS (14 March). THERE’S ALWAYS DANCE Sergent & Plester School of Dance (16 March). Allstars Academy SHOWCASE (17 & 24 March). MY MOUNTAIN LIFE by Simon Yates (18 March). RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN (20 March). THE JIVE ACES BIG BEAT REVUE (21 March). Bowie Experience (22 March). CHESS VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR (23 March). SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (25 March). ROMEO & JULIET National Production Company – not National Theatre (26 March). CLARE TEAL & Her Trio Swing’s The Thing (28 March). ABBA FOREVER (29 March) CC SMUGGLER (30 March) LA FORZA DE DESTINO Royal Opera Live (2 April). RHIANNON Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (5 April). ELO AGAIN (6 April). FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Classic Musical by Chesham Musical Theatre Co (Amateur) (10 to 14 April). AS YOU LIKE IT RSC as Live (18 April). ALICE IN WONDERLAND (20 April). JACK DEE Work in Progress (24 April). JUST LIKE THAT! The Tommy Cooper Show (26 April). HORRIBLE HISTORIES BARMY BRITAIN (27 April). PINOCCHIO (28 April). FAUST Royal Opera Live (30 April). For details, plus Films, please check website.

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

THE CAT IN THE HAT (31 Jan to 3 Feb) the Dr. Seuss’ classic, a rollercoaster ride of havoc and mayhem! With original songs and spectacular circus elements. Age 3y+. BETWEEN US (8 & 9 Feb) a unique one-woman musical filled with original music, laughter and burning questions for women of our time. ONE DUCK DOWN (21 & 22 Feb) music, clowning and puppetry, inspired by a true tale, and with a set and props of recycled rubbish. Winner of Best Family Show at VAULT Festival 2018. Age 3y+. Moscow City Ballet SWAN LAKE & NUTCRACKER (1 & 2 March) Russian classical ballet with Orchestra. David Baddiel’s ANiMALCOLM (6 & 7 March) on a school trip like no other, Malcolm, who dislikes animals, suddenly begins to understand animals more deeply than anyone. Sometimes the hardest thing to become is yourself. Full of energetic fun and excitement. (Continued on page 23)

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

THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY (12 to 16 March) they are still rolling in the aisles in the West End after three years. ABIGAIL’S PARTY (18 to 23 March) Mike Leigh’s iconic 1970’s suburban hit is one of Britain’s most celebrated comedies. Featuring Jodie Prenger, Vicky Binns and Daniel Casey. DIRTY DANCING (25 to 30 March) latest touring version of the famous Patrick Swayze film. For the girls. THE WIZARD OF OZ (4 to 6 April) no online info/amateur? HONEYCOMB FESTIVAL (10 to 12 April) no online info/amateur? THRILLER Live! (21 & 22 April) still in the West End after 9 years! Please check website for many shorter runs, Stand Up, Concerts, Live Screenings.

Watford - PALACE THEATRE (18 miles from Holmer Green) 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD17 1JZ 01923 25671 : www.watfordtheatre.co.uk

Good Dog (31 Jan to 2 Feb) tells the story of growing up in a multicultural community, good dog returns to Watford following its acclaimed premiere in February 2017. OKLAHOMA! (13 to 16 Feb) local amateur Company, Abbot’s Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR (7 to 30 March) It's Britain 1971 and backstage at the party, three marriages are in the pressure cooker. An hilarious vintage gem of marital misunderstandings from master of comedy, Alan Ayckbourn. Please check website for shorter runs, films and Concerts.

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

ROUGH CROSSING (30 Jan to 9 Feb) Tom Stoppard’s absurdly mixed up comic tale, set on a trans-Atlantic luxury Liner, with John Partridge, Charlie Stemp, Issy van Randwyck and Matthew Cottle. IAN McKELLEN on Stage (12 & 13 Feb) Sold Out. DAD’S ARMY RADIO SHOW (15 & 16 Feb) celebrating 50 years with three classic radio episodes based on favourite scripts from the original TV series. JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (20 Feb to 2 March) back on tour. Vienna Festival Ballet GISELLE (4 to 9 March) the ultimate romantic classical ballet. A SONG AT TWILIGHT (11 to 16 March) Simon Callow and Jane Asher in Noel Coward’s comedy. HANCOCK’S HALF HOUR (18 & 19 March) come to 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam for three classic radio show episodes. THE DEVIL’S BRIDE (20 & 21 March) a fiendish new play based on the chilling Victorian Gothic horror story. TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE (26 to 30 March) a fascinating dramatisation, written by his grandson Merlin Holland, using the actual words spoken in court. OCTOPUS SOUP (1 to 6 April). A razor-sharp new comedy with Nick Hancock. BUGSY MALONE (9 to 13 April) Gangster warfare in New York from local Youth amateurs, Rare Productions. Please check website for shorter runs and Concert details.

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

GUYS AND DOLLS (to 23 February) the latest in a series of big classic musicals for Christmas at the Mill, now so successful that they play until the end of February! GASLIGHT (28 February to 13 April) one of the world’s most famous thrillers. The creepily atmospheric film starred Ingrid Bergman.. Check website for details of innumerable Sunday Concerts.

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1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUT GROUP

The Group ended 2018 on a high with a very successful tour of the village with our Father Christmas Float. I would first like to thank the children and parents who helped the leaders accompanying the Float, in particular those youngsters, mums and dads who braved the torrential rain on the 18th. Also, thanks to the drivers who had to cope with the many cul de sacs in HG, not forgetting Father Christmas and the generosity of residents of course. Our Christmas Card service went well with over 350 cards delivered and this year for the first time nobody put a card in the box for anyone outside the village. In the past Hazlemere and Widmer End were popular and one year Australia and France. The New Year programme has started well, despite our heating packing up (in the middle of winter). We will have to install a new system. There are so many interesting badges to go for now, but we don’t forget basics. I am teaching knots at the end of February. The big event this year is the County Jamboree at Claydon, where up to 200 Groups will attend. It promises to be the biggest camp of its kind that Bucks has staged and I hope most of our youngsters will be there 24 to 27 May. We also have our annual St George’s day Parade to look forward to on 28 April at Lowndes Park Chesham. Other outings will take place later in the year. The Committee are getting organised to tackle the myriad of jobs needed to keep the group infrastructure up to date. A working party in January started the completion of site clearance begun last autumn. I hope this year’s efforts will not be left to the same few volunteers and we welcome any assistance offered. As always onwards and upwards as we enter year 53 of the Group’s existence Neil Spencer CBE – Group Scout Leader

This impressive poem and drawing was composed by Maddy Royston a year 5 pupil at Holmer Green Junior School.

Well done and congratulations !

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COMMEMORATING THE END OF WORLD WAR I, CONTINUED

This is the last paragraph of the article printed in the November edition on page 18: “Holmer Green residents were raising money and in July up to nearly £40 had been donated. Some people were paying by weekly and monthly subscriptions so on the whole the response had been gratifying. Rev Browning urged upon all Holmer Green people the desirability of contributing something towards this fund. “However liberally we may respond to outside appeals we ought not to do so at the expense of our own memorial.” To be continued …”

The Rev Arthur Browning continued giving information in the monthly newsletters about the provision of the War Memorials in the two villages. In May 1920, it is reported that a design had been chosen and a site in the Churchyard given by the Vicar for a memorial in Holmer Green. More donations were received to cover the cost. In October the faculty for the erection of the War Memorial Cross in the Churchyard was received and work started soon after by Mr G Darlington of Amersham. In the December 1920 Newsletter, a meeting in Penn Street Schoolroom, it was agreed that the most suitable place for a memorial would be on ‘The Piece’, close to the road, if Lord Howe consented. The bound volume for 1921 is missing and I think this is when the Holmer Green Memorial would have been completed and dedicated. Has anyone any information about this? It was in place by 1925 and was shown on the Ordnance Survey Map. It is also mentioned in November 1922 when the Vicar writes that “In spite of the cold weather a good number of people assembled in front of the War Memorial on Sunday afternoon, November 5th, when a short service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving was held.” In July 1922 it is recorded that “A large number of people – estimates varied between 700 and 1000 - assembled on the Village Green for the Unveiling and Dedication of the War Memorial Festival of the Parish Church (in Penn Street)”. Penn and Tylers Green Brass Band accompanied the hymns, and “by the kindness of the Commanding Officer,” two buglers came from Halton Camp to play the Last Post and the Reveille at the end of the ceremony. Earl Howe gave an address and invited Private Eric Randall, who lost a leg in the war, to unveil the memorial. At the conclusion of the Ceremony about 350 people packed in to the Parish Church for Evensong, when the collection was given to St Dunstan’s. Holmer Green War Memorial was given a Grade II listing by Historic England, shown as List Entry No 1435088, Heritage Category, location: The Common, on 17th May 2016. [There is an image of the Memorial on the back page showing the recently laid wreaths.] The reasons given were –“Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the 20th century, and Architectural interest: a simple yet dignified memorial obelisk”. Hilary Hide

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Thank you to Stuart (King) for these thought provoking and interesting collages. (if only we could have produced them in colour!)

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A Tale of Jean Davis 91¾ Having moved to Holmer Green in 2016, I have met so many lovely people, none more so than my neighbour and great friend Jean Davis. For a 91-year old I can honestly say that I have not met anyone like her. Her memory and wisdom, each time we meet, truly astounds me. We talk about things new and old, in between our meet ups we keep in touch by text. For someone of 91 she has her feet firmly planted in the here and now. We can talk for hours. She was born and raised in High Wycombe and has been a resident in Holmer Green since 2003, so a bit of a newbie like me. She was born in 1927 and lived in Desborough Street, no longer there, her family then moved to Abercrombie Avenue, she married Alan in 1949. She stayed with her parents until she got a flat in Chiltern Avenue. When she was seven she would go on coach trips, which they called charabanc, to the seaside with her family, friends and lots of children. This was organised by The Queen Pub. They would take a huge container of lemonade and a massive box of crisps. It must have taken hours to get there, well before motorways. The fun they had telling stories and singing. Jean talks about, until recently, travelling to the town on the bus. Mums getting on with their children in pushchairs and as soon as they sit down out comes the mobile phone. No interaction with the children. She talks about children today turning up at school unable to talk properly, not able to feed themselves and still wearing nappies. Today's young mums could learn a thing or two from Jean. She states that children are only loaned to you for a short space of time. When they leave home, like birds leave the nest, if they are able to look after themselves then you have done your job. There is so much more that we talk about. She is certainly a very wise intelligent woman. Although she seems to think that her education was not too intense. Her ability to recall memories and articulate them sometimes brings a tear to my eye. I hope you enjoyed this short article about my good friend Jean. Susan Rasala

VPA – THE HOLMER GREEN GARDENING ASSOCIATION The Holmer Green Village Produce Association – soon abbreviated to just ‘the VPA’ – was founded in 1944 as part of the campaign to ‘dig for victory’ during World War Two. This means that we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary in 2019. The objectives of the VPA, enshrined in our original constitution, were to ‘encourage and improve the standard of horticulture, small live-stock keeping and the best use of produce in the home’. VPAs were actually set up all over the UK during the war but, as far as I can tell, we are one of the few to continue under something like our original name. (We started to style ourselves ‘The Holmer Green Gardening Association’ in March 2016, to make our purpose clearer to new residents of the village, but we kept the ‘VPA’ as a link to our history.) Today, membership is stable at just over 200, but because the £6 subscription covers all members of a household, this probably means that well over 300 people are involved with the VPA. Of course, we always welcome new members, especially younger ones with new, fresh ideas. That goes for our Committee too. Our 75th year got underway on January 6th, when our Trading Store in Beech Tree Road re-opened for business. We offer to our members a range of horticultural products at competitive prices and members also came in to pay their subscriptions for 2019. The first major event of 2019 will be our Spring Show on 30th March held, as usual, in the Holmer Green Village Centre. This will feature the usual combination of Spring flowers, some fruits and vegetables, domestic classes and photography. In a change to our past practice, the art classes will now feature in the Spring Show (instead of the Autumn one) as this will give us more room in the more crowded Annual Show on 7th September. The Show Schedules will be available in the Trading Store and on the website shortly. Full details of the shows, plus other activities and our monthly talks, are available on our website – www.hgvpa.org. We are trying to get together some memorabilia of the 75 years of the VPA’s history, to display at our AGM in November. So, if you have something you are willing to lend – pictures, show programmes, certificates, anything really – please contact me or any other member of the VPA Committee.

James Cadle, Chairman - ,01494 716992, [email protected]

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THE LANTERN CLUB

Christmas seems a long time ago now but we celebrated in style at the Lantern Club, our weekly local day-care centre. [see the picture on the back page] At the beginning of December PartyTime Productions visited us to perform their seasonal show, which this year was “Puss in Boots”. Everyone enjoyed the singing, dancing and laughter. On December 17th we had two special treats. Firstly, the children from the Pre-School, which meets in the Main Hall, came to sing their Christmas songs to us: our elderly members always love to see the children, so this was lovely. Then our cooks served up a delicious Christmas lunch – turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding, scrumptious and very much appreciated! We made Christmas cards and tree decorations and then our members were presented with their Christmas goody bag, so we all felt very festive. On a very rainy evening before Christmas, Sharon our activity leader, and two of our volunteers (plus one volunteer’s mum!) braved the damp to accompany the Amersham Round Table Christmas Float on its rounds and we received a generous amount from the collection that night. Well done, girls! The volunteers also attended a Moving and Handling course at Cherry Garth especially run for us by the Manager, Kelly. This was really helpful, and it is nice that village organisations can work together in this way, so thank you Kelly. We currently have vacancies at the Lantern Club and we feel sure that there are elderly residents who may be missing out on what we offer. We have recently amended our Constitution through the Charity Commission to widen the criteria for membership so that we can welcome any elderly resident who is perhaps a little lonely and who would benefit from getting out and about a bit more and enjoying some good company and fun (and a lovely hot lunch!). Transport is provided in the local area by our team of drivers and escorts in the Hazlemere and Widmer End Good Neighbours mini-bus which has disabled access. We meet on Mondays in the Chadwick Hall, the Village Centre, from 10.30 am – 2.30 pm. Please contact me on 713420 or Sue Hogan on 713589 or pop in and meet us on any Monday if you would like to know more about us, we would love to see you.

Ann Sollars

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GARDENING MATTERS Hi from Brian Fisher. My wife Rosemary and I In my next article I will tell you more about my moved to the lovely village of Holmer Green in May career and the interesting people that I have 2017 after living in our family worked alongside. home in Maidenhead since Spring is a good time to take 1983. We have three an in-depth look at the daughters and five teenage garden and see what changes grandchildren, the eldest of you would like to make in which is at Bangor University. design, features and planting. Rosemary and I now live in A garden should never be a small bungalow and since we static, and I always like to do have been here, we have been something new each year, very busy working on the even if it is very small. Stand house and garden. It was inside the house and look out quite a coincidence that Judy into the garden – it is Gilligan contacted me amazing what ideas will come recently as I had been from just doing that. It is thinking of the possibility of also a good idea to visit regularly contributing gardens and local nurseries to articles on gardening topics get inspiration. Spring is a to the Holmer Green Today good time to move plants, Magazine. some will be able to be Most people would divided and if you don’t want describe me as an extrovert, all the divisions offer them and I have made many friends to your friends – but make since living in Holmer Green. sure they are free from A couple of days after moving weeds like ground elder! here Rosemary met a lady dog-walker and in Spring is also a good time to aerate the soil in conversation she asked if her husband was called the garden and add bulky organic materials which Brian! One thing that we noticed immediately was encourage the activity of earthworms and add that every time we went out people would stop and nutrients to the soil. For those of you that grow speak to us and we have felt very welcome here. hellebores it is essential to remove old leaves The people in the village have certainly made the before new leaves emerge to prevent hellebore village a most welcoming place to be. We love the leaf spot disease. As I look out the snowdrops are shops and the regular bus service to Amersham and flowering, and I am often surprised that many Wycombe which we make use of frequently. We gardens do not have them planted. Contrary to have become members of Holmer Green Baptist most gardening advice I have never divided and Church and have been so blessed by the Pastor, replanted snowdrops when the leaves are still Anthony Smith and the people that go there. We green. I usually wait until the foliage starts to go have also joined the Gardening Club, and I entered yellow and find that this leads to much greater exhibits in the Summer Show in 2017 and judged success. Snowdrops love to be planted in soil that the Horticultural exhibits in 2018. Since the AGM has had decayed leaves incorporated into it. last year, I have offered a gardening advice Now is also a good time to rejuvenate well service exclusively to the members of the established shrubs. This takes me back to when I Gardening Club. I would highly recommend joining was 15 years old when I spent two days pruning the Club as they are very friendly and have fun down a whole border of overgrown shrubs. The meetings and a good lecture programme through Head Gardener told me to prune everything down the year. The Baptist Church has also given me the to 18 inches from the ground at the end of March. responsibility of maintaining the church gardens All the shrubs responded amazingly well apart from and at the moment I am clearing a corner so that I the Cistus and Ceanaothus which all died. Shrubs can develop an area to encourage wild life and that flower on the wood of the current year can be native plants. I discovered a large area of decayed pruned down to leave only 2 – 4 inches of last leaves and grass that had been building up for year’s growth as soon as they show signs of coming many years and have been re-distributing that on into leaf. Examples of this are Buddleia davidii, to the garden. Caryopteris, Lavatera, Spiraea “Anthony Waterer”, Before I mention a few topics for this month, I Floribunda and Hybrid Tea roses and Leycesteria. would like to mention that I am a Master of The annual pruning of this category of shrubs Horticulture RHS. I spent two years training at should begin in the first year of planting and not Wisley some 50 years ago where I gained the wait until the shrubs have become too large. Wisley Diploma with Honours and then progressed Happy Gardening, and take care, into teaching Horticulture. I have been in horticulture since a youngster, encouraged by my Brian Fisher father who was a Head Gardener.

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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – WOMEN’S SECTION Two members resigned at the Annual General Meeting last October and three younger members joined the committee. They proved helpful when the members met in the Hall to celebrate their Christmas dinner. A big thnk you to our local fish and Chip shop. We had a tombola stall full of Christmas presents, a lovely end to the year. The New Year started with Nik Stoter singing and dancing with members. Next month we will have a talk on the needs of disabled children and looking forward to the spring there will be a river cruise with a cream tea, a mystery trip and in August our annual seaside outing. All welcome. We still need a Treasurer and Welfare Officer to join our Section, come along and see what we do on the second Tuesday of the month.

Wendy Tomlin

CHERRY GARTH NEWS We would like to wish all our friends a Happy pampering and manicures for those who wanted it. New Year from us all at Cherry Garth to our We would like to thank all the staff and pupils who friends in the village. Residents, friends and staff must have worked so hard to host such a fantastic have had a very busy time since the last magazine. community event. In October our team of residents became the We arranged a couple of group visits to see the Fremantle South Bucks Inter-service bowls pantomime at the Wycombe Swan, which this year Champions, it was a challenge, but everyone had was a hilarious performance of Snow White. great fun on the day. Later that month we took Within the home we also had lots going on, another multi talented team to Farnham Common including three house Christmas parties for to take part in a Bake Off competition. residents and their families with entertainment. We were so pleased to be approached by Mr. Just before Christmas we had a packed Carol Rolph of the local Royal British Legion, earlier this Service. Our many thanks go to Mary Bell who once year. Together we planned to hold a very special again put in so much hard work to organise and lead Centenary Remembrance service in November, it it. honoured local people who served in WW1 but the legion also honoured seven of our residents who It’s now become a bit of a tradition for Santa had served in the forces in WW2. Each person and his local helpers from the scouts to call in to had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of say hello and enjoy some hot chocolate and mince their respective regiments, and it was a very pies! The residents loved it and the sleigh looked moving service. Our residents also got a chance to very impressive in our car park (there was no room dance the light fantastic at two tea dances; thanks on the roof). to one organised by Amersham Action Group as A special thank you goes to Elizabeth Firth who part of Silver Sunday, and later a fantastic party has started visiting some of the residents with a at RAF Halton. family pet, Grace the poodle. Grace has a lovely We started our celebrations early, by being calm disposition, and residents love to pet and invited to a special Christmas Service, Tea and interact with her. performance hosted by our friends at Holmer Phuong Dang, who lives locally works for an IT Green Methodist church together with the Boys company called GLG based in London, She organised and Girls Brigade. They provided a traditional a truly altruistic surprise when together with her nativity, along with some very talented musical, co-workers they bought Christmas presents for dance and comic performances. We later enjoyed our residents, and spent a lovely morning going a generous tea party. All of us had a really around to meet and chat to everyone! It really was fantastic time. It was particularly special for Joan a wonderful gesture, Thank you. Horton, one of our residents who attended as not Once again we would like to thank our regular one but three of her grandchildren were taking volunteers, friends and local community for all the part. [see picture on the back page] extra special things you do to make a difference Other residents also had a superb afternoon and bring a smile to our residents. If you are out when invited to Sir William Ramsey School reading this, and would like to get involved, why not Christmas party. It was packed with entertainment contact us or pop in for a chat? Our number is: with the pupils singing, dancing and performing. 01494 711681 They also provided food, a quiz, bingo and free Linda Meatyard

Valentine Cake Sale and Coffee morning on Tuesday 12th February from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at Hazlemere Library

Do come and sample the home-made cakes or buy to take home and see what else goes on at the Library besides lending books.

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HOLMER GREEN STROKE CLUB

We returned on 8th January 2019 from IF you or anyone you know has suffered a our Christmas break and ready for our new stroke or if you would like to volunteer, programme. please ring 81 2162 for more information. Our year had ended with a Christmas We meet on a Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. service and party, where cakes and until noon, at the Christchurch Centre, off decorations made by the members, were also Featherbed Lane and opposite the Bat and sold. Everyone was invited and it was great Ball pub. to meet new people interested in the work Elizabeth Aylward we do.

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WHAT MAKES CHURCH SPECIAL? (150 YEARS AND COUNTING!) There is a film where a man is in a remote place instruments including a violin, cello and flute (dare and seriously ill. He contacts a doctor over the I say no Organ yet). At one point the “orchestra radio where the doctor says he will instruct the was 20 strong”. Perhaps the re-introduction of a man how to perform the required surgery on greater range of instruments today is taking us himself – all over the radio. The ‘patient’ asks the back to our roots. doctor, “Shouldn’t you be doing this?” One would Of course, in those days many children came to expect something as serious as surgery to be the Sunday School because that was the normal performed by a surgeon – not by the patient. thing to do. Today it is very different and people Despite the remonstrations the surgery goes come far more out of choice. That means we can’t ahead and the surgery is successful. always wait for people to come into Church. God is I appreciate the significance of the above calling us as the Church to go to them and invite having just benefitted from the skill of a surgeon them to come – but we have to go and find them in our NHS. I am so glad he was next to me the first. Building Church outside the four walls of the whole time and I declined the DIY option. building is possible and we love to be involved in The same is true for the Church. If the Church the community. It has been amazing to be involved is important, and its mission is critical, then one with the Holmer Green Village Society (HGVS), the would think that God would have significant British Legion, Cherry Garth and our local schools involvement. He would not leave it for us to do over recent times. It is also encouraging to see ourselves, as best we can figure it out. Yet, many the local churches working so much more closely. Christians seem to think that God has pretty much God is working in all those churches and I am sure left the Church on its own to figure out for itself longs us to be even closer in the future. just how it should function best. Why not come and shape the Church of today This year Holmer Green Baptist Church and tomorrow and be a part of a great celebration. celebrates its 150th anniversary. I do wonder Maybe you can find time to also engage with your sometimes what the founder members of the local Church and see how God still wants to shape Church would think of the Church today. It is the Church of today and make it fit for the next certainly very different. The building has changed, 150 years. We have fun and celebrate as much as worship is different in style and the instruments anyone! used, and the We have lots of ways we are thinking of people have celebrating this year and you are all very welcome changed. What to join us. I will leave it to Val Allcorn, one of our hasn’t changed Deacons, to highlight below some of the things we is our desire to are planning to do: worship God “We are really excited to be celebrating the and to have Him Church’s 150th anniversary during this year. at the centre We have some great ideas lined up for the of all we do and whole community of Holmer Green. Our neither has Church anniversary itself will be celebrated at God’s desire to our morning service on Sunday 23rd June and be involved in all we do. As the Bible says “God is which will be followed by a BBQ and to which the same yesterday, today and for ever”. all are welcome. Our Church actually began back in 1798 in one Some of the other June celebration events in of the small dwellings in Penfold Lane where some the pipeline are firstly Songs and Hymns on Christians met to worship together. the Common (weather permitting), secondly Then in 1869 the Chapel on the Common, our an evening at our Church with Steve Legg, a former home, was built and that is the anniversary great magician and comedian we (www.stevelegg.com/index.php ), on Friday 28th June, which is an event suitable for all the family, and thirdly an evening of reminiscing about the Baptist Church and the village by Stuart King (you never know there might even be a cherry pie supper as part of this?). In addition we are hoping to hold a family barn dance on the Common which is in the early planning stages at present. Everyone will be warmly invited to any of our celebrations and more details with dates on these will follow in due course”. celebrate [see photo]. Singing then was Do join us if you can. accompanied by a harmonium and various other Anthony Smith - Pastor, Holmer Green Baptist Church

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MORE FROM HOLMER GREEN VILLAGE SOCIETY LITTER A SCOURGE OF OUR TIME?’

I remember as a youngster walking with my Mother Litter is everybody’s responsibility. If you see something and dropping a sweet wrapper on the ground. She went on the ground, pick it up! You are doing the whole absolutely ballistic! I was told to pick it up immediately. village a service and making it a nice, clean place to But there’s no bin to put it in I protested. Then put it in live. If there’s no litter on the ground, people are less your pocket until we find a bin or take it home I was told likely to throw rubbish down. in no uncertain terms.  If you see anyone dropping litter, challenge them. I expect that this scenario rings loud bells with many You’ll no doubt get abuse but it will make them people of my generation and hopefully some younger think twice about doing it again. readers as well.  If you have children or grandchildren, please explain to them about litter and the use of bins or Unfortunately Holmer Green has not been immune their pockets if necessary. If we don’t teach the from this blight. In fact from my perspective, it’s getting children, what does the future hold? worse.  Subscribe to the Village Society Facebook page. Some of you have been part of the Village Clean Up They post details about litter picks, normally held team organised by the Village Society and are well on a quarterly basis. It’s also a great place to find aware of the quantity of rubbish collected during the few out what is happening in the village. Why not do hours that this band of volunteers spend clearing other your own mini litter pick and go down your road people’s litter. My wife and I walk regularly around the once or twice or month? On the longer roads, village and despair that not two metres from a bin, why not get some of your neighbours to help? It rubbish is just thrown on the ground. Plastic bottles are actually is very satisfying! pushed in hedges, empty cigarette packets litter paths, crisp packets are dropped behind bus shelters and  I know many of your houses front onto main polystyrene food containers just thrown out of cars. roads in the village and it’s very frustrating to constantly remove litter from your hedges and The sad part of this is that if wasn’t for a small band verges but please continue to do this, it really of people in the village who care about the environment does help! and what the village looks like; we would be knee deep There is no one solution that will cure this problem. in rubbish. So what can we do? Here are a few However I will be talking to the Head Teachers of each suggestion of the three schools to try and educate pupils not to drop litter and have some pride in where they live and are taught. Very much a longer term solution but necessary nonetheless. Colin Thirsk

DOG FOULING My wife came home the other evening from a class at Rossetti Hall. It was dark and walking into Clementi Avenue she trod right into some dog excrement. It was smack bang in the middle of pavement, not even to one side. The owner must have known what their dog had done and just ignored it. Just one example what is happening around the village. The law is very clear on dog fouling: The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. A person who doesn't clean up after their dog may face an on-the-spot fine of up to £80. These fines are known as fixed penalty notices. If a person refuses to pay they can be taken to the local Magistrate’s Court for the dog fouling offence and fined up to £1,000. By law, dog walkers have to carry at least two waste bags- or face an on the spot £80 fine. There is no easy answer to this menace – save shaming the owners into picking up their dogs’ excrement. If you see a dog fouling the pavement, grass verge or Common, and not being picked up, please firstly ask the owner to deal with it if you feel comfortable doing this. Pictures are obviously useful if possible. Chiltern District Council do employ a dog warden and you can report owners on the CDC website - http://chiltern.gov.uk/dogfouling or please call 01494 586519. Colin Thirsk

Page 34 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

My life by Faith Paul as told to Linda Meatyard I was born at Collings Hanger Farm in Prestwood in 1934, one of four children. My father was Arthur Wren Davis (always known as Wren Davis) and my mother Emily Davis (nee Stevens). The Stevens family had a number of butchers shops locally. Dad was a farmer and was reportedly five times removed, a descendant of Sir Christopher Wren of St Pauls fame. My father went to the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe with his two brothers. I went to a small private school in Sixty Acres Road, alongside 17 other pupils. My teacher, Miss Beeson, wore a long skirt to her ankles. When war came the evacuees from London came to Prestwood and the school down Moat Lane was full. The Old Vicarage School in Richmond was evacuated to Prestwood Lodge, it then moved to a new location in Great Kingshill, which was a former maternity home. It then became known as Pipers Corner School and it was an all-girls school for day girls and boarders and I spent eight happy years at the school and made lifelong friends. I used to cycle to school in Great Kingshill. I remember the war as being noisy at night and a plane came down and exploded on the road near Honor End Lane, Prestwood, the tarmacadam was red hot. Our Doctor was Dr Ellis situated at Priory Road, High Wycombe and later at Dragon Cottage, Holmer Green. Dr Ellis saved my brother Rex’s life when he had contracted meningitis aged eight years old. Rex went on to live for over seventy more years. Dr Ellis lived on the Amersham Road in High Wycombe and he could often be found in his garden, which he loved. After leaving school I worked on the farm and in the office, we had dairy cows and milk was bottled and delivered all around the area. My Dad used to deliver milk on a bicycle in the 1920’s, the round started at 6.00am, up to 500 bottles were delivered at a cost of seven and halfpence a pint, old money. Then he had a van, then later milk floats which were easier to use. My mother was in charge of the house, she had a house assistant, Gladys, to help with the chores and cooking. Gladys was a real asset to the household. A carter looked after the horses. In 1953 Dad purchased a Bedford dormobile (a sort of minibus) which I drove everywhere. I drove for over sixty years and only stopped driving a few years ago. Dad thought it would be a good idea if I learnt some home skills. I was sent off to Eastbourne School of Domestic Science, where I spent a year learning skills such as dress making, sewing and cookery. I enjoyed the coast and my time there, it helped with my weak chest. We kept bees at the farm until my brother Rex got an allergic reaction. One family friend was Mrs Glenister who went to The High School with Mother. She made lovely meals and we were invited around often. Mrs Glenister’s husband was Mr Glenister of the furniture company in Wycombe. The family made the Coronation chairs for the nobility. I remember visiting the Rex Picture House in High Wycombe, the Palace Cinema, Frogmoor was much better. I visited many European countries with my sister and a college friend, in the early fifties. It took nearly two days to reach Barcelona by train in 1953. My social life revolved around the Young Farmers Club, there I met many lifelong friends. One memorable trip was to Ireland. I met my husband at Young Farmers and my sister in law married my elder brother. The Young Farmers clubs were much bigger in north Bucks due to the larger farming areas. We met in the Red Cross hall in High Wycombe and the Court House in Great Missenden. I married and moved to Widmer End to a house formerly owned by the Saunders family. They were furniture makers and had out-houses in which they made the furniture. I became a mother and my four daughters went to all the schools in Holmer Green. My daughter Rosemary wanted to attend brownies but there was no space. Mrs Tooby, the District Commissioner said I could bring Rosemary, as long as I helped. This led to me being a Brown Owl for the 2nd Holmer Green brownie pack from 1967-1985. I took the brownies on 13 pack holidays including staying at Ellesborough Pack Holiday House. I love animals and have owned many, including geese, budgies, a lamb, a pig, a donkey, a horse, chickens and I especially like dogs. I helped set up the Tuesday Centre, a lunch club in 1978, at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Widmer End, the Centre is still running and I try to attend each week. I used to enjoy swimming at Woodrow High House each week, until I could no longer pull myself out of the pool due to arthritis. My brother Rex had a caravan and took me and my daughters on many holidays, including two trips around many European countries in the 1970’s. I have travelled to Australia by myself, eight times to visit friends, mostly to Melbourne, my last trip was in 2006. I have lived locally all my life, my family still own Collings Hanger Farm. Prestwood, Holmer Green and Widmer End have all changed over the years, mainly due to new houses being built. I have had a great life and hope for more years to come.

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 35

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 – 195 146 E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A, Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721 577

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

PARISH COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN

Mrs Rita Whitten “Holly Lodge”, Alice Close, Holmer Green. HP15 6TS Chair of Council & Chair of Planning Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green. HP15 6TL 717663 Vice Chair of Council Mrs Jane Fallon 20, The Larches, Holmer Green. HP15 6TG NAG & Local Area Forum (LAF) Representatives

Mr Peter Rawbone 1, Hollyberry Grove, Holmer Green. HP15 6XB 713649 RHMan Committee Dr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. HP15 6TA 713739 Vice-Chair Open Spaces & RHMan Committee Mr Colin Thirsk 2, Campbells Ride, Holmer Green. HP15 6TG 716239 Chair RH Management [RHMan] Committee & LAF Representative

Parish Council Meetings The Parish Council meets twice a month in the Council Offices, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm. The public may, and are encouraged, to attend any meeting but should inform the Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting. Please see the web site http://littlemissendenpc.co.uk for dates, Agenda’s and further details. The next Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 1st April and the Holmer Green Open Meeting will be held on 29th April 2019 at Rossetti Hall and all Villagers are encouraged to attend.

Parish Clerk: Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Holmer Green, 715429 Mrs Melanie Franklin HP15 6SU. E: [email protected] Assistant Parish Clerk: The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Mrs Diana Ballard Friday, 10.00am - 2.00pm. COUNTY COUNCILLOR SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mrs Isobel Darby 2, Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0BZ. 01753 E: [email protected] 888055 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Dr Michael Smith c/o Democratic Services, Chiltern District Council 729000 E: [email protected]

Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ E: 07500 546651 E: [email protected] LOCAL HOLMER GREEN SERVICES The Holmer Green Village Society’s web site - (www.holmergreenvillagesociety.co.uk) contains some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today.

Page 36 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

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

5th Feb Evening WI - “Manufactured Women” - Mary Sharp Village Centre - 7.45pm 18th Feb Chadwick Ladies - “An Actor’s Life for Me” Village Centre - 8.00pm 20th Feb VPA - “A River Trip in Burma” with Tony Harper and Peter Overall Village Centre - 8.00pm 4th March Chadwick Ladies - “Lesser Known Grand Houses in Bucks” Village Centre - 8.00pm 5th March Evening WI - “Volunteering in Cambodia” by Carole McCutcheon Village Centre - 7.45pm 18th March Chadwick Ladies - “Literary Luminaries of Bucks and their secrets” Village Centre - 8.00pm 20th March VPA - “Farming at Wren Davis, Prestwood” by Virginia Deradour Village Centre - 8.00pm 23rd March The Rockets - 50's/60's duo HG British Legion - 8.30pm 30th March VPA - Spring Show Village Centre 1st April Chadwick Ladies - Annual General Meeting Village Centre - 8.00pm 2nd April Evening WI - Scarf Tying and Jewellery Village Centre - 7.45pm 15th April Chadwick Ladies - “My Dreamflight” Village Centre - 8.00pm 17th April VPA - “The Adventures of an Old Bucks Boy” by Stuart King Village Centre - 8.00pm 21st April Easter Sunday Celebration Service Baptist Church - 10.45 29th April Chadwick Ladies - “Coaches and Coach Horns” Village Centre - 8.00pm 13th May Chadwick Ladies - ”Chiltern Open Air Museum” Village Centre - 2.00pm 15th May VPA - “Experiences of the National Gardens Scheme” by Brian Fisher Village Centre - 8.00pm REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1st Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Wednesdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 5.45 – 7.15pm 4th Holmer Green Brownies — Church Centre. Thursdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 1st Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Fridays, weekly 6.30 – 8.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 7.30 – 9.00pm 1st Holmer Green Rainbows — Holmer Green Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 4.45 – 5.45pm 1st Holmer Green Scouts — Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm.

Holmer Green Cub Scouts — Mondays and Thursdays, 6.45 – 8.15pm. Air Training Corps — ATC Hut, Sir William Ramsey School, Hazlemere. Wednesdays and Fridays, weekly 7.30 - 9.30pm Boys Brigade — Holmer Green Methodist Church. Mondays, weekly from 6.00pm, depending upon age. Families Together — Baptist Church. Sundays 10th February and 14th April, 10.45-12noon 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. 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. Prayer and Praise — Baptist Church. First Sunday each month at 7pm all warmly invited. Short mat bowls — Tuesday afternoons at the Church Centre. If interested, call the Parish Office. Tiddlywinks Toddler/Parent Group – Church Centre, Mondays term time only, 1.30 - 3.00pm. Souper Lunch for a light lunch and a chat – Church Centre, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12.30 – 2 00pm. The list continues overleaf

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 37

REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES continued 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 Stroke Club for persons affected by communication problems - Christchurch Church Centre.

Wycombe Centre National Trust Supporter Group — The fourth Friday of the month at Hazlemere Community Centre. Oct to Mar., 2.15pm. Apr to Sept., 7.45pm.

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, locations and times are correct!

Welcome to Universal Care…… More than 25 years of caring experience We can provide daily carers, throughout Buckinghamshire and live in carers across the South East. Our staff are friendly, well trained and dedicated to providing the individual service our clients need. Duties may range from a simple caring service including companionship, cooking, shopping and light household duties to more complex personal care depending on needs. As situations change we adapt our care service to ensure the comfort of our clients and the peace of mind of their relatives and loved ones. Please contact us for further information: Chester House, 9 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JJ

Would: any local business wish to purchase space in Holmer Green Today to advertise their activities and, at the same time supporting the Village? The magazine circulation is between four and five hundred. If so, please contact our Advertising Organiser, Susan Rasala, whose details are on page 2.

And … would any local organisation like to submit articles for future publication? If so, please contact one of the Co-ordinators whose details are also on page 2, it’s free!

Page 38 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

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

ADVERTISER SERVICE Page Telephone

Airdale Personal Finance Solutions 20 01494 816144 ARG Services Domestic Appliance Repairs 12 01494 714850 Arnold Funeral Services Funeral Directors 26 01494 472572 Beacon Funeral Services Funeral Directors 14 01494 818181 BPS Roofing Services Roof Work 8 01628 524060 Convert Old Audio Older Audio Translation Service 39 01494 713553 Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School Pre-school for the 2 to rising 5’s 25 01494 711341 J Walsh Newsagents 38 01494 714466 Jennie's Hair Care Ladies and Gentleman's Hairdressers 26 01494 713580 Kumon Centre After School Maths & Reading Programmes 30 01494 702085 Mike’s Garden Services Garden Services 39 01494 817441 Performance Computing Computer Maintenance and Repairs etc. 8 07831 373871 Select Heating Services Local Plumbers 25 01494 715254 Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies Plumbing and Heating Supplies 38 01494 717665 SPAR Supermarket 6 01494 713364 Rossetti Hall Hall & associated Facilities Hire 14 01494 712160 Susan Rasala Hypnotherapist 8 07885 425027 The Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Supply of New 28 01865 891776 Universal Care Providing Carers 38 01494 678811 W&M Stevens Garage Services and MOT’s 6 01494 713185

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

Jennie's Haircare & Rennie Grove Charity Shop, quarterly Page 39 Gt Missenden Co-op presenting a cheque to Christ Church. See page 11 for info.

Thank you so much 2nd Holmer Green Guides for your hard work in producing this and, most probably, many more! How many such gifts did you make?

Joan Horton and her grandchildren. See page 31 for more.

Some of the guests enjoying the HGVS Tea Party. See page 10 for info. The Lantern Club clients enjoying their Christmas Lunch. See page 28

Look at out new jumpers - children at The War Memorial, discussed in page 25 the Baptist Church. Page 33 has more info.