Hilltop News

April & May 2013 Ten year celebration

On 9 March, Hilltop News advertisers, contributors and distributors were invited to join the editorial team for a social gathering at Village Hall to celebrate ten years of the magazine. t the anniversary party I had the pleasure of meeting and thanking Apersonally the advertisers, without whose support we would not be able to distribute Hilltop News free of charge to more than 600 households, the contributors, whose reports from our churches, clubs, societies, school and membership. At least Oliver has kindly councils help keep the pages filled, and made his vast archive of photos available to the distributors, who get the magazine us for future use. from the printer to your homes with the On behalf of the Hilltop News ‘team’ minimum delay. I thank finally all you readers for your The celebration also reminded me how continued interest in our parish magazine. fortunate I have been for the past six of Graham Lincoln, editor the ten years in having such a fine editorial team to work with, making my role of In this issue… editor so enjoyable. Anne Butterworth and • Prize-winning farrier completes his Ann Horn are driving forces behind Hilltop apprenticeship News now, as they were at the start. As well as co-ordinator (organising the party was • A four-legged resident is our latest star of one of her jobs) Anne deals with church the screen matters for the magazine. Ann still handles • Recalling the Mission Hall the time-consuming task of securing and processing all advertising. • Electric bikes: the answer to our steep I have been lucky to have Mike Spark, hills? always ready and able to add his design Plus our regular features… flair in putting the pages together ready for print. Paula Angell is a much-valued Chris Brown looks to the skies. help with proof-reading. At the final stage, Our Curvaceous Cook serves up another Rosemary Pearce oversees distribution. treat. Finally, a special thanks to Oliver Parsons. …plus all the news from our churches, After many years living in the Hilltops school, pubs, clubs, councils and societies. he is moving to pastures new. Oliver has been the man to rely on to provide photos Front cover for every Hilltop event. The Commons It’s been a long wait, but our spring flowers Preservation Society will also miss his active should be blooming now.

Hilltop News 3 pot called the Delegated Budget, which is Luton Airport’s expansion plans have Finally, most people will be unaware of THE PARISH COUNCIL ring-fenced for highways improvements received remarkably little press in our an organisation called Community Impact he snowdrops have been and gone that are not routine maintenance. The part of the world, although our parish is Bucks, but it exists to help community and the daffodils are coming out… bottom line is that if we don’t put in over-flown by most of Luton’s air traffic. projects in the county. Amongst other TThe grass is growing again and specific bids each year we don’t get any This parish council is not alone in believing things, it offers access to expert volunteers the sun is making more than a passing benefit from it. Being a small and rural that the peace and tranquility we value so for various projects, and you don’t have to appearance in the sky… Spring is here parish, we have little call for street lights, highly here is under serious threat from be a registered charity to be eligible. If you at long last! After what seems like an bus shelters and the like, so what we can the airport’s proposed vast increases in air are thinking of starting a new community interminably wet and cold winter, it is a joy have is actually very limited. That said, we traffic. Councillor Sanger has scrutinised project and need some expert support, to be able to believe that it might just be have put in a bid for money from the 2013- the various consultations over a period of contact [email protected]. over. Is it too much to hope that we might 14 Delegated Budget to renovate the badly several months and drafted our responses uk or visit the website: have a better summer this year? damaged surface of the lower end of the to them, including the most recent one, www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk. Of course, one result of such a bad bridleway that runs from Hawridge Vale to which you can find on the Parish Council Susie Bell, Clerk to the Council winter is the execrable state of our already- Hill Farm in Heath End. page on www.cholesbury.com. 758408 [email protected] disintegrating roads, but Bucks CC spent Council will be holding Transport for Bucks (TfB) is re-launching some of March filling in potholes and we road-shows this spring and summer to its Service Information Centre this spring. Your councillors are: are hopeful that some of the worst sections demonstrate the benefits of its new Joint It started with three demonstration days of road in this parish will be resurfaced or Waste Service (between Chiltern and in March and during April will unveil John Allen, Chairman: 758095 at least properly patched this year. I went Wycombe Councils). Residents in our parish its ‘flagship campaign’. TfB is trying to Nigel Blomfield, 758314 on at length about roads in my last report may expect to see gradual changes in their improve communications on all highways Chris Brown, 758890 so I’ll restrict my comments to reminding waste collection – including much improved issues, from live traffic cameras to fault Philip Matthews, 758205 you to keep reporting road defects. recycling collections of food waste, rigid reporting to forthcoming road works, so Your parish is now sporting two new plastic and aluminium cans as well as glass visit http://www.transportforbucks.net and John Minting, 758206 kerbed triangles, one at the junction of Oak and paper – from May this year. I will keep see whether you think they have genuinely Francis Sanger, 758767 Lane, Jenkins Lane and Springall Hill and you informed about how the roll-out is improved things. Liz van Hullen, 758800 one at the junction of Stoney Lane, Pound going and hope to be able to publish road- Lane and Hawridge Vale. I know these show dates in the next issue of Hilltop News. projects have been controversial in the past and been called a waste of money when potholes could have been fixed instead but, at the risk of repeating myself, the money Severe Weather for these comes from a separate Bucks CC Car Scheme he Hilltop Villages Good Neighbours Group thanks all those Twho came forward to volunteer themselves and their vehicles this past winter. At one time, in early February, it looked like the weather was going to test the new initiative and it went to ‘Amber alert’ for a day or so. The subsequent snowfall did not cause any significant disruption. So on this occasion there were no calls for help, but it was comforting to know the Group was ready if the weather chose to do its worst.

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 THE COUNTY COUNCIL around £30, giving us £15.7 million. One of HAWRIDGE & CHOLESBURY C of E SCHOOL the main challenges in the coming year will ne of the be encouraging people to lead healthier For many in the Hilltop Villages the It was decided to hold the next forum in County Council’s lifestyles and also helping older people to September and we hope that many more priorities maintain their independence with support winter heavy snowfalls created nothing O parents will attend. This is an opportunity is to ensure that from the community. but difficulties. Not so for the children to find out what is going on in our school has The boundary changes for County of Windmill class at school: the severe and with your children’s education, so a thriving economy Council elections on 2 May particularly weather suited their purposes very well. As please do come along. that is creating jobs, affect this Division, which now includes As ever, the PSA have been active in particularly for young in instead of Little part of the creative curriculum they have their fundraising. They have a new website people: working with Kingshill and . Whilst I have been studying penguins and their habitat. www.hawridge.co.uk where you can access the District Council and spent time making myself known in that There is a well-constructed cardboard igloo photographs, dates of upcoming events, local businesses to create area, I have enjoyed representing you and PSA information, letters from the school the right conditions. Another is to improve would very much like to continue. I think in their classroom, but they could not pass and information on the children’s classes. transport networks within the county you know I have the energy and experience up the opportunity to build the real thing! They welcome input from any parent with and surrounding area, by improving our to get things done fast! Snow was cut into bricks and a small but help or ideas for future fundraising. They existing roads and to lobby Government After a very cold and wet winter the perfectly formed snow igloo appeared on do a wonderful job and are committed for funding for new ones. During the next spring flowers are late, but hopefully by to providing funding for the School two years the council will spend a further Easter the season will have caught up. the field. Development Plan. The Spring Fayre will £25 million on roads and release £5 million Some roads will be closed for short periods ears 1 and 2 chose ‘The Lighthouse take place on Saturday 11 May and it is from reserves. in March for repairs, but more permanent Keepers Lunch’ as their core text and guaranteed to be a great day whatever the Another important priority is to protect damage will have to wait until the risk Yhave used it to study the oceans and weather. our special environment and ensure that of frost damage is over. I have been out light and dark. There was a visit to Chesham One very happy event to report is it continues to be recognised nationally as and about regularly with the local area Grammar School to use the dark room and that, in February, Mr and Mrs Davey one of the best places to live and work. We technicians investigating problems such a parent picnic with the children preparing were surprised by the early arrival of will resist inappropriate development and as fly-tipping, water running off fields all the food and games in the school hall. their beautiful daughter, Emily Tamsin. urban sprawl. Buckinghamshire’s blueprint and freezing and blocked gullies causing Years 3 and 4 are studying World War II, Mrs Davey worked right up until the day for HS2 is a manifesto, put together by flooding. hearing about rationing and evacuees, and before the birth, such is her commitment the County Council, assessing the impact I look forward to meeting you at local learning the songs and dances of the era. to the school. Mother and baby are both of the proposals and co-ordinating the functions over the coming weeks. Please let Ann Horn and I were lucky enough to spend well and we all send the Davey family our views of affected residents. The extended me know if I can raise your concerns with an afternoon with them teaching them to congratulations and very best wishes. No tunnel proposal is the preferred option in officers at County Hall. waltz! The children were amazing, picking doubt Emily will in due course become a the blueprint and it sets out to achieve the Tricia Birchley (Chiltern Ridges Division) up the dance quickly and enthusiastically. pupil at Hawridge and Cholesbury C of E! best possible mitigation in reducing the 01296 621138 Years 5 and 6 are looking at the history Judy Joseph, Vice Chair Governing Body effects of construction and operation of the of contemporary music and, to launch this line. HS2 Ltd has been deeply frustrating topic, all the staff arrived dressed as music at the Central Chilterns Local Forum by artistes. Most of these were not known to not giving sufficient weight to the tunnel the children, who then had to undertake proposals and we could yet see HS2 mired research to identify them. I believe there in legislation, derailing the whole project. were Elton John, Janis Joplin and Adam Ant On 1st April the County Council amongst others! inherits responsibility for Public Health. The Governing body held a forum for Historically, the county has been the lowest parents in January: a platform for parents funded in the country for these important to air any concerns or to seek information preventative services. The initial indications from the Governors. Once again the parents were that we would receive just £15 per were vastly outnumbered by the Governors person, but having personally lobbied the but those who came found it a useful DoH, our final settlement has doubled to exercise and promised to spread the word.

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 of the perennials but do not be tempted to Local History CHOLESBURY cum cut back the pentstemons and other plants Group ST LEONARDS which may be tender until the risk of hard frosts has passed. April and May are tulip f you have not been HORTICULTURAL months in my garden: planted back in the to a meeting before, SOCIETY autumn with chicken wire to try and stop or for a while at I the squirrels digging them up. If chosen least, why not come Sarah Tricks has taken over from Barbara well you can have a long lasting display. along and discover that Walking in the Hilltops Baddon as the contributor of the gardening Also important at this time of year are the history Hilltop Villages In 2002, the Local History Group produced spring flowering shrubs, which hopefully style is interesting, amusing, and above all section for Hilltop News. Both Sarah and a series of five illustrated leaflets detailing will not get frosted. These should be anything but that stuffy subject you may Brian Mills, long standing members of walks around the Hilltop villages. Produced pruned once they have flowered if they are have endured at school? Our next two to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee the Horticultural Society, have joined the growing too big or straggly. They flower meetings focus on Buckinghamshire rural and the 40th anniversary of the History Committee. on last year’s growth, so pruning in the life, but from totally distinct perspectives. Group, the leaflets are still available for autumn will mean fewer flowers. We step back two millennia on Friday 5 would like to take this opportunity to those who may be new to the area, or have By April we are reaching the end of April when it’s a case of Life and Death in thank Barbara for her articles over the overlooked them in the past. the season for planting snowdrops in the a Roman Villa. Not so much a “who done past four years. I have just read them all Each leaflet is centred on a different I green. However, an article in the January it” but more “an everyday story of country together and she seems to have covered part of the parish and contains information RHS magazine suggested that this method folk” in Bucks (rather than Borsetshire) and most topics. Barbara will continue to be an about the local history, landscape and of transplanting snowdrops may not be will be narrated by Dr Jill Eyers: a locally- active member of the Committee. Brian will wildlife you might encounter on the walk. as favourable as we have all been led to based Director of Archaeology. The meeting be producing our event posters. The walks are relatively short – two to three believe and that the snowdrops suffer from starts at 8.15 at Cholesbury Village Hall. The Horticultural Society has just hours – and suitable for devout walkers as the root disturbance that inevitably occurs. The final evening meeting takes place published its programme of events for 2013 well as families seeking to enjoy the area, Personally I have always bought snowdrops on Friday 3 May and we are pleased to (see next page). Some dates/visits need perhaps combined with a visit to a local in the green and have had a high success welcome one of our old friends, Julian finalising. pub. rate. Another piece of advice from my Hunt, who will be talking on the cryptic As I was away for much of February I The leaflets can be downloaded from elderly friend: if it works for you, don’t subject of in . As am behind with my seed sowing, although the Cholesbury.com website, or printed change. it is also our AGM the meeting, again at I sowed my sweet peas in November and copies may be had free of charge from Cholesbury Village Hall, starts at the earlier they are doing well. When we first moved Happy Gardening History Group meetings. For further time of 7.30pm. out of we lived next door to an Sarah Tricks details contact Chris Brown on 758890 or Visitors are always welcome, at just £3 elderly gentleman who had worked as a [email protected] on the night. gardener all his life. I remember asking him Chris Brown (758890) if he had ever lived anywhere else, as he was living in the house in which he (and nine siblings) had been born. Yes, he said, he had lived for a short time opposite the church! Anyway, he was strongly of the opinion that it was better to sow seeds late than not be in a position to tend them whilst they germinated and, usually, they would catch up if cared for. Once your seedlings have germinated ensure they have plenty of light as they can go leggy overnight. Mice are an issue in my greenhouse and I net most things until well established. I can see the first signs of growth in a lot

8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 Horticultural Society PROGRAMME FOR 2013

After hours visit to a Nursery Venue to be confirmed Thursday/Friday in May, 6 to 7.30 Wine and nibbles and charity collection

Plant Stall at St Leonards Fete St Leonards Parish Hall playing fields. Plants and Saturday 1 June, 2 to 5 helpers required. Please liaise with Barbara on 01494 757238 or [email protected].

Coach trip We will first be visiting Kathy Brown’s Garden Saturday 8 June at Manor House, Stevington www.kathybrownsgarden. com and then Coton Manor Garden and Nursery in Helping on the Commons, the RAF volunteers Northamptonshire www.cotonmanor.co.uk. Further details to follow. HAWRIDGE & CHOLESBURY Members Only Evening Open Gardens COMMONS Friday 14 June, 7 to 8.30 Judy and Michael Joseph, The Hermitage, PRESERVATION Jenkins Lane, St Leonards SOCIETY

Friday 12 July, 7 to 8.30 Joe and Sheila Farley, The Old Plough, Chivery RAF Volunteers Collection in aid of the St Marks Hospital On 24 February, a large group of trainees Foundation (bowel cancer research) from RAF Halton came to help on the Commons. Volunteering at various local Annual Horticultural, Cookery, At Hawridge and Cholesbury C of E School venues is part of their training. We were Handicraft and Flower Show Schedules will be available shortly very grateful that Rachel Sanderson from the Chilterns Conservation Board Saturday 7 September had liaised with the officer in charge of Feeding the fire community projects, suggesting that we AGM and Quiz Cottage Pie Supper Cholesbury Village Hall could benefit from their help. of emerging heather plants. Removal of Friday 15 November, 7.30 to 9.30 £3.50 per person including supper and first We had planned for them to start work these gorse plants is a priority if we are to glass of wine. Short AGM, supper and quiz. on the heather restoration project at the sustain the heather area. It is hard work, so top of Horseblock, but snow lay quite we were disappointed that this group of fit deeply, and they would have been unable and strong people were unable to make a To book for an event, or to join the Horticultural Society, please contact the secretary, to see what they were doing. Although start on this. Diana Garner on 758347 or [email protected]. this area had originally been scraped Instead, it was decided that they could to reveal the underlying soil, and gorse work on the small trees that surround the Visitors and new members are always welcome at our events. plants removed, there must have been dew pond on Cholesbury Common. When lots of buried gorse seed. After last year’s these shed their leaves, they pollute the incessant rain, this has now germinated water and fill the pond with silt as they rot and threatens to overwhelm the hundreds down. A good proportion of these trees

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 have now been coppiced, so they will grow was at very short notice, and the Sunday Woodland plans We are very grateful to Steve Clark, who again, but the leaf fall will be less. A bonfire morning scheduled for the event dawned You will have seen that some of the work has put information about the plans on was lit, which helped to keep everyone dreary and misty, with a light, steady on the woodland areas has started. This the Cholesbury.com website under a new warm, and the volunteers were sustained snow falling. Thus we were all the more is after many months of planning and heading: ‘Forestry Works’, and there is a with hot drinks and hot sausage rolls pleased to see so many people out on the negotiating between Christine Stott and direct link to the information: http://www. provided by Christine Stott and Sue Philips. Common at Cholesbury. There must have the Forestry Commission. First to be tackled cholesbury.com/lotm.htm We are grateful for the help provided been between 70 and 80 people of all ages were the veteran trees: those identified by such an enthusiastic and friendly group creating large and striking sculptures. as having the potential to become long- Cut wood from the Commons of young people, who all seemed to enjoy Among the creations were a horse lived specimens. There are about forty of After the RAF working party, cut wood was the opportunity to get out into a new complete with twig mane, a dinosaur, these. The work involves ‘haloing’ around stacked prior to distributing to some of the environment. The session ended with a a shark rearing out of the snow with a the trees to clear competition from small residents living by the Commons. We were snowball fight and toasted marshmallows. gaping mouth full of tomato ketchup shrubs and saplings. Any dead wood will disappointed that some wood was removed Since the visit from the RAF, a working and carrots for teeth, a huge fort made be removed and some carefully considered from the area of the dew pond before party of five worked on the heather area by casting snow blocks from large plastic pruning will ensure the health of the tree we could take it away. While the work is to remove some of the gorse. With picks, containers, a sweet shop with sweetmeats for decades to come. Several of the veteran going on in the woodland areas, there will they managed to uproot some of them, or, made with snow and food colouring, trees are oaks, and it is interesting to know be similar piles of wood, which should be if the plants proved too deeply rooted, the a Trafalgar Square lion on a plinth, a that four 100 year-old oaks support less left undisturbed. In due course, the wood stems were cut about six inches below soil football and boot, a representation of the biodiversity than one 400 year-old oak. will be collected as part of the Forestry level. If the latter does not stop the gorse Cholesbury windmill, a car and a snowman! Work alongside the roads will involve Commission contract. altogether, it should inhibit regrowth. What was good about many of the coppicing with standards, which means sculptures was that they were big enough choosing to retain certain strong and for children to climb on them: the horse Snowdrops in Hawridge Snow sculpture competition healthy trees, and coppicing other trees accommodated two small horse riders and and shrubs that have grown thin and weak The snowdrops underneath the big beech When it was realised that the heavy the car could be ‘driven’ by another two. through overcrowding and lack of light. At trees on Hawridge Common, were lovely snow of January would last through the It was lovely to see so many families out first, this may all look rather drastic, but the this year and lasted a long time because of weekend, Isobel organised another snow enjoying themselves, despite the cold and work will let in light and air, creating good the cold weather. The blackthorn along the sculpture competition. The announcement uninviting weather. We may be establishing conditions for woodland flora to flourish. bottom ride is also a wonderful sight at the a new tradition of folk art in the area! Regrowth of coppiced trees and shrubs will end of winter. Soon the bluebells will be be vigorous and healthy, giving new life to flowering, and hopefully a drier summer Working parties the woodland and plenty of habitats for than last year will follow. nesting birds. The Committee supports this Once again, Isobel Clark and David Barnard Linden Bevan-Pritchard (on behalf of the work, as we feel that it will safeguard the have planned the winter working parties. HCCPS Committee) future of the woodland for years to come. We are very grateful to everyone who turned up on alternate Sundays through the autumn and winter. As usual, mid- morning refreshments were provided by Lindsay Griffin and Sue Philips. In addition to clearing fallen trees and keeping paths and rides open, the work of the volunteers contributes to the mosaic of different habitats on the Commons. Without their help, the Commons would be looking very different. So thank you to all who came to work so enthusiastically throughout the coldest months of the year.

The snow horse!

12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEONARDS W.I. WATCH ell, the snow put paid to the eighbourhood Return January meeting and so Paddy is a Neighbourhood Wand Elizabeth were unable to Nand Home Watch tell us about the County WI Archives. As Network project which uses our programme of speakers is in place for community volunteers to the rest of 2013 it is possible that their search for people with memory problems presentation may be carried forward to a who have gone missing. It has recently future date in 2014. received funding from Thames Valley At least the weather did not interfere Police to expand its pilot area to include in February and Paul Heslop (who now Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. If you lives in Cumbria but is a regular visitor to would be prepared to volunteer to help in a Hertfordshire) gave us a comprehensive search should the situation arise, please get analysis of the Jacobite Rebellions of 1725 in touch with me and I will give you more and 1745. With snow again forecast for the details. All you need is a mobile phone, the days ahead, there will be no prediction as to ability to text, and be 18 or over. whether Barry Keen told us about his years Remember that the number to call as the Bucks Herald photographer! is now 101, and By 15 April, our next meeting, Spring 999 remains the emergency number. may have arrived and we look forward Chesham Police Station is open Tuesdays to to Frances Benton telling us about her Thursdays, 10am – 2pm. “Passion for Pearls”. Frances explains on Shirley Blomfield 758314 her website that after her talk her jewellery is offered for sale, with a donation going to a charity for the poorest orphans in Durban, South Africa. It should be a “lively, entertaining, informative and interactive evening”. Why not come along as a visitor? Carol Henry is happy to give you more information about our meetings, call her on 758435

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 the competition for these funds is fierce, HAWRIDGE & so they are not guaranteed at all. The club CHOLESBURY is planning a couple of events to help with this fund-raising, so please be generous CRICKET CLUB when the opportunity arises! New season Although the snow Colts is not long melted, Last year was a bumper season for the Club grounds youngsters, with four teams entered in manager Phil Wright the Bucks leagues, from Under 10 to 13, already has his hands with the U10 team, managed by Andy full, preparing the Holdsworth, winning its league. This year Local interest in Bucks Open Studios wicket and outfield the club is entering an additional team in for the first home the U14 section, so there are high hopes for match of the season, an even better season. Now in its 28th year, Bucks Open which takes place on 14 April, against The official launch for the season is on Studios is the largest visual arts event in Sarratt. Last year the first match of the Thursday 18 April, when all aspiring colts Buckinghamshire and one of the largest season produced a few sleet flurries, so we are asked to come along to the pavilion in the country. Organised by the Visual are hoping for a better start this year. to sign on. Membership costs £50 for each Images Group, an alliance of 600 artists The Saturday team will be playing in the junior, and this includes social membership Mid Bucks League again. Unfortunately, the to the Club for both parents, as the club living and working in Bucks, the 2013 event club has to start at the bottom and work its works hard to make membership a family will take place from 8 to 23 June. way up from the Third Division, which means venture. playing most matches against second and All news, photos and more can ver 500 artists and makers from third teams from other clubs. The first match be found on the club website: the county including painters, is at home against II on 4 May. hawridgeandcholesbury.hitscricket.com. Oglass workers, basket weavers, metal workers, wood turners, jewellery Brian Ralphs As the Club is keen to grow its playing makers, book makers, print makers and silk Chairman, Hawridge & strength back to its former levels, to makers will be opening their studios to the Cholesbury Cricket Club become a force in the Mid Bucks League public for free and showcasing their talent once more, new members are very through demonstrations, exhibitions and welcome. Most league matches are played workshops. against clubs from the surrounding villages, In 2012, a record 38,000 visits were made so there is limited travel. So, please dust to studios and exhibitions by around 12,000 off those boots and come along to net visitors during the fortnight. practices, which start on Wednesday This year the Collins family will again evenings in mid-April. be displaying their paintings, photos and sculptures from their home in Buckland Pavilion extension Common. Michael Spark, the Hilltop News The extension work to the pavilion has design and production expert, will exhibit progressed through the initial planning some of his artwork with the Little Kimble stages and the foundations have been laid. Art Group. There will now be a pause whilst further fund raising takes place. Applications have You can find out more about Bucks Open been submitted to a number of sources, Studios by visiting the website: for either grants or loans to allow the www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk. extension to be completed this summer, but these take time to be confirmed. Also

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 the case of The Bull. Just in case that is their subterfuge, our Parish Council has been Spring news of Hilltop Pubs asked to initiate a procedure to preserve a “Community Asset” with Chiltern District Council. This is a procedural device to delay a change of use as a pub/restaurant for a When this report was drafted in the second period of six months to give the community week of March, the Hilltop pub scene breathing space to organise an alternative enterprise to preserve the Community Asset displayed a variable range of fortunes from as a local amenity. feast through famine. The Black Horse is Having said all that, when this issue of on a high, The Full Moon and The Rose and Hilltop News is delivered, it could be all Crown are ticking over as they have been coming up roses for The White Lion. The past temporary tenant and his helpers left in since September, The Bull is in long-term early March after a four-month period of no hibernation and future fortunes of The food service, severely limited drink offerings, White Lion defy prediction. no phone, no credit card facility, inadequate heat, unpredictable opening periods and hilst the perceived wisdom is that an air of despair and utter defeatism. Now Punch Taverns are managing their there are signs that a tenant with aspirations Westate in a manner that looks like to become a long-term proprietor has self-destruction, the example of the case usual. He is currently offering ales from XT arrived on the scene. Watch this space is all of The Black Horse may serve to prove that Brewing Company, which is a newly formed we can say at this stage. with the right management, there can be micro brewery near Long Crendon. Their exceptions made. The incumbent hosts, Bill Ingram offerings range from ‘Number 1 Blonde’, Sandra Taylor and Peter Broom, have come up through ‘2 Golden’, ‘4’, their flagship to a financial arrangement with Punch Mellow Amber, to ‘9’, a rich Black Velvet. Taverns which is not devastatingly onerous, Westons cloudy scrumpy and perry are also and the pubco has taken the property off available. the market, which makes it one they are Monday Quiz Nights have become fairly committed to retaining. Their bona popular in recent weeks with an fides are confirmed by the investment entertaining format proving to be a Punch has just made in adding a full suite welcome break in the winter gloom. In July, of health and safety compliant devices and another big band concert/dance is expected refurbishment to the premises. The outside to be very well attended, as have past such has been repainted, and there is even a attractions. posh ladies’ loo now! When one contrasts the way Punch On Easter Monday, The Black Horse will Taverns have been managing The White host a major community event in aid of Lion with the more business-like way they Riding for the Disabled. It is a 10K Cross have dealt with their current tenants in The Country Run starting at 11am followed by a Black Horse, one begins to wonder whether Children’s Fun Run and Games at 11.15am. there is a method to their madness. Advance entries are £10 or £12 on the day. By installing a series of disinterested, Details are on flyers available at the pub amateur or otherwise unproductive or on their web site www.black-horse-inn. tenants, have they tried to make a case co.uk. for an uneconomic enterprise to support a Peter’s enthusiasm for good ales and change of use application? That was one of a variety of alternatives is in evidence as Fortitude Investments’ failed arguments in

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 Hawridge Mission Hall

St Leonards Parish Hall Neil Rees from Chesham is a faith heritage 75th Anniversary writer and is researching churches and chapels in the Hilltop Villages. Here he provides a background to the origin and Village Fête history of Hawridge Mission Hall… awridge Mission Hall was formed they shared the pastor, Samuel Alexander, out of the Chesham Mission of with Hope Hall. In 1881 he 1876, and run by a vicar and the H was described as ‘Minister of the Gospel at Bucks Evangelical Mission. A local man who Hope Hall’. came to faith opened a cottage meeting George Free of Naphill became the at Hawridge, but his health soon failed. first full time minister of the Mission Hall. A Christian woman went to the church at His father was Rev Alfred Free, former Hope Hall in Berkhamsted and asked them minister of Zion Chapel in Chesham. He to help continue the work. Eight men from married local girl Elizabeth and had six Berkhamsted agreed to help, with two daughters and one son. In 1890 he left the of them going every Sunday to conduct ministry to run a grocers shop in Hawridge, services. The services were well attended which was converted from a tramcar body. and soon the cottage was too small to cope. George played the organ at various local Mrs Emma Grace (1805-1890), a wealthy churches. His eldest daughter, Daisy, was a Christian from Naphill, who supported schoolteacher at Hawridge. George died in 1st June 2013 the Bucks Evangelical Mission and Naphill 1939 and is buried alongside several of his Mission Hall, helped them to purchase Opening 2 pm family in Hawridge Churchyard. a piece of freehold land, and build a From about 1890, the pastor was Joseph room capable of seating 100 people. She Staniford, who came from . The endowed a stipend of £30 a year to pay for following year he was described as an Horse Show and Gymkhana (starts 9am) a minister. As a result the church had links ‘Evangelist of Unsectarian Mission’. He with Naphill Mission Hall. In 1881 she drew died in 1951 aged 86 and is also buried at Companion Dog Show up the Naphill and Hawridge Missions Trust Hawridge. Pedigree & Novelty Classes. to pay for the ongoing work at both places. Latter years (Booking from 1 pm, Judging 2 pm PROMPT) New Mission Hall In the 1970s, the chapel was run by Edgar The new Mission Hall on Hawridge Hill of Newtown Evangelical Church and Common opened then by Jim Cooper, who lived on the site. in 1879, when 150 Woodside Morris Dancers The work of the Mission Hall ended people were present in 1989 and it was sold. In line with the for an afternoon public Fairground organ, bric-a-brac, vintage cars, motorcycles, cycles. conditions of the ‘Naphill & Hawridge tea costing sixpence Barbeque, Beer Tent, Cakes, Ice Cream, Pimms, Strawberries. Missions Trust’, the money went to Naphill each, followed by an Mission Hall. Today, the property is a Coconut shy, games, bouncy castle, candy floss. evangelistic service. The private house called ‘The Old Mission Hall’. Model aeroplanes, plants, stalls, teas and refreshments. Grand draw. hall opened with a week If anyone has any more information, of evangelistic services, memories or photos, please contact me on More information 01494 758567 or www.wherecanwego.com culminating in a Sunday 01494 776457. Entrance – Adults £1, children 50p service when the new George Free Hall was filled. At first Neil Rees

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 Facing the challenge – revisited

by the Reverend who, without sharing its beliefs, know David Burgess exactly what Christianity should stand for and exactly where its believers falls short. Six or seven years Let me give you an example. I’m ago I came across usually within my comfort zone when talking through differences in doctrine an article on with a Jehovah’s Witness. I’ve been less repentance and comfortable on the couple of occasions I’ve forgiveness. It been asked why we aren’t all knocking on doors and proclaiming our faith the way included this paragraph: they do. “The point was, in Christian theology, I think we’re making a key mistake. each person is supposed to have this We think that we’ll be effective and reach personal relationship with Christ. It’s not out to others by watering down what we supposed to be just putting a quarter in the believe, by compromise and consensus. To swear jar on Sundays. The idea is that you me, the opposite is true. I’m all for making don’t get free of the consequences of sin Christianity accessible, but not at the cost of any other way than loading them on Christ the core of the faith itself. and Him taking them to the cross for you. Firstly, this approach won’t work; The priest is there to guide you, but you secondly, it isn’t what’s wanted. People are don’t get out from under the load because crying out for something that makes sense he absolves you…. You get out from under of their lives, something that they can be the load because Jesus carries it.” clear about that at least begins to explain It seems on the surface a the way the world is. straightforward, orthodox understanding It isn’t even what other faith of how Christians believe God deals with communities want. A few years ago many our sin. What made the article more Muslims, Hindus and Jews protested interesting was its opening sentence: against the secular attempts to weed the “What follows is the output of an Christianity out of public celebrations of atheist, so take it for what it’s worth.” Christmas. They knew the value of a faith I think it is worth quite a lot. Someone which is clear and sharp, even if they’re who explicitly claims to have no faith normally in contention with it. whatsoever has been able to give a spot- That’s why Jesus died for you, after all. on explanation of a key part of Christian That’s why you’ve just celebrated Easter: doctrine. isn’t it? I think the greatest challenge that the Christian church faces in the second decade of the twenty-first century is this: too many people see us for what we are. It’s true that in many areas Christianity encounters ignorance and uninformed opposition and hostility, but it also comes up against those

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23

CHURCH SERVICES - APRIL TO MAY 2013

St St Leonard’s St Laurence St Mary’s DATE DAY NOTES ST LEONARDS CHOLESBURY HAWRIDGE

8.00 am Holy Communion Parish 7 April Easter 2 11.00 am 9.30 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Family Service 10.00 am Matins Communion with Sunday School Parish Communion Parish 14 April Easter 3 10.00 am with 6.00 pm 10.00 am Matins 9.30 am Holy Communion Communion Sunday School Shared Parish Shared Parish All Age Worship Shared Parish 21 April Easter 4 10.00 am 11.00 am -­‐ Communion -­‐ Communion at LCM Communion At St Leonard’s At St Leonard’s Mid-­‐week Parish Breakfast Quiet Parish Holy Communion 28 April Easter 5 10.00 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 10.45 am Communion Service Service Communion 10.00am at The Lee Parish Communion on First Wednesday 8.00 am Holy Communion Holy 5 May Rogation Sunday 11.00 am with 9.30 am 9.30 am Family Service 10.00 am Matins Communion Sunday School Holy Communion, Matins & Evensong Parish Communion Parish Communion at 9 May Ascension Day 10.00 am Holy Communion -­‐ 7.30 pm Parish Communion -­‐ Book of at Cholesbury Cholesbury Common Prayer Parish Communion Sunday after 12 May 10.00 am with 6.00 pm Parish Communion 10.00 am Matins 9.30 am Holy Communion Ascension Parish/Family Sunday School Communion & Shared Shared Shared Communion Morning Services 19 May Pentecost 10.00 am All Age worship -­‐ Communion at 11.00 am -­‐ Communion at Cholesbury Common Worship Cholesbury

Parish Breakfast Quiet Parish 26 Ma y Trinity Sunday 10.00 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 10.45 am Communion Service Service Communion

The Revd. David Burgess Parish Secretary 01494 837315 Peggy Sear The Vicarage, The Lee, 01442 863589 , [email protected] Bucks, HP16 9LZ The Lee St Leonards [email protected] Janet Whittow Gill Fleckney 01296 624568 01494 758895 [email protected] [email protected]

Rod Neal Hawridge 01494 837264 Joan Walton 01494 758332 [email protected] Elizabeth Tomlin 01494 758214

Cholesbury

John Farmer 01494 758715 [email protected]

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 community, which is increasingly extending Church in Little Missenden. Alice was its boundaries. Everyone is most welcome. joined by others in the Deanery for a We do have a regular attendee who is over service led by The Bishop of Buckingham. 90 and some of the younger members are The confirmation service is a memorable ST LEONARDS well under a year - so there’s definitely event where Candidates make their own Blessing of Marriage ‘something for everyone!’ commitments and their families and friends 26 January 2013 – Simon and Anne Forrest Do come and join us. We meet on the promise their support. fourth Sunday of the month: the next being The annual Quiz was a great success Sunday 28 April and Sunday 26 May. We with teams from the villages but also from think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! the Chiltern Society, a Bridge group and St Leonards Fete – Don’t forget this will U3A. Some felt the questions were harder be on Saturday 1st June. This year it is also a than usual but all agreed the food was as Gold’ accompanied by Angus on the guitar celebration of the 75th year of St Leonards delicious as ever! Sandy’s questions were HAWRIDGE and Lizzie on the violin. The church was Parish Hall, which is owned by the residents typically wide ranging and there seemed Quiz Evening - Saturday decorated by Tan Strong with wonderful of St Leonards and to be many to which you knew the answer 13 April – at Hawridge & Canna lilies and David spoke most sincerely and run by the Management Committee. but just couldn’t bring it to mind! This, of Cholesbury School, 7 for on the importance of loving relationships. It is always an enormously successful and course, encouraged discussion in the team, 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 The reception was held at Old Orchard. enjoyable day so do put the date in your which is what it is all about. David ensured to include a hot supper. Family Christingle on 3 February was diary. Chairman David Clarke (758567) would the Quiz ran at a good pace. Interestingly Please bring your own led by Kevan Royle and the light of the appreciate any offers of help! the Jokers (double points) could be played drink and glasses. Tables Christingle was evident throughout his talk Tea Parties – these continue to be after answering the questions but before are for six, so please either make up your on new birth and the need to remember extremely popular: scones and cakes ever the correct answers had been given. Thank own team of six or join with others on the both on the ground and in our prayers more delicious and old and new faces you, Dave and Sandy. evening. Contact Joan (758332) or (Elizabeth children throughout the world. Laurie welcomed. Don’t ever be stuck at home for Supper was a Chicken Bake prepared 758214). Strevens’ reading about the meaning of the lack of transport: phone Anne Lake or Anne by Rosemary, Brigid, Liz, Sue and Linda Afternoon Teas – Sunday 5 May – at Christingle and prayers by Jonathan Baddon Butterworth, who would be delighted to followed by Trifle and Brownies. We Cholesbury Village Hall from 1pm until and Katie Branfield were beautifully done. arrange a lift for you. We would love to see enjoyed generous helpings served promptly 5pm. Come and join us for your Sunday The Christingles themselves, made by you. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of to 80 people. Thank you to the catering afternoon tea: there will be cakes, bric-a-brac Barbara and Jo, were equally beautiful and each month, 24 April and 22 May. staff and also to Sue who ran the Raffle. and tombola stalls and gifts for these are as they were lit and the children collected APCM – The Annual Parochial Church The proceeds from the Quiz amounted particularly welcome. them from the altar, returning with them to Meeting is to be held on Thursday 25 April to £791, which is a great start to our Annual Summer Concert with Iain the back of the church, light and hope for at 7.45 in the Church Room. We hope that fundraising year. Ledingham - We are holding our Concert the future shone out. St Leonards moves with the times, but if It was fabulous to welcome so many again this summer led by Iain with his chosen Breakfast Service – despite it being half you think we’re not moving fast enough or people to the Mothering Sunday service artistes from the Royal Academy of Music. term – was extremely well attended and if you feel we’re moving too fast or indeed – despite the bitterly cold weather. Mums The date is now confirmed as Friday evening Michael Joseph spoke in a most interesting if you have any thoughts and ideas to put and grandparents came and Caroline Davey, 28 June. Further details available from way on Lent. He suggested that as well as forward, we would love to see you. It’s your our newest Mum, brought Emily, only a few Elizabeth Tomlin (758214). giving things up we might consider taking opportunity to be heard! weeks old - their first Mothering Sunday. things on. He didn’t think he or anyone We welcomed thirteen children including ST LEONARDS else would get to heaven by giving up CHOLESBURY another baby, junior school children and chocolate! We all went home with much to teenagers. The service was led by Peggy he Blessing of the Marriage consider. e were Sear, who is our regular leader on the of Simon and Anne Forrest The Service, which starts with a delicious delighted second Sunday of the month. Peggy’s talk Ttook place in our church on breakfast in the Church Room at 9am, Wto welcome described many aspects of motherhood and Saturday 26 January. It is short and to the point: just half an Alice Hobbs into she unveiled a homemade sponge that we was a simple, happy hour in church. Hopefully no-one leaves full membership of shared at the end of the service! service ending without something to think about and a the church at her Our thanks to the Carruthers family, as with ‘Fields of feeling of belonging to a happy and caring recent Confirmation in St John the Baptist father-and-son team of Andrew and Jamie

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 read the lessons and Euan and Danny took the collection. The readings included the event when Jesus as a baby was blessed MUSING: CONSTANCY by Simeon. Thanks also to Alice Hobbs for THE HILLTOP reading the Mothering Sunday Collect. All VILLAGES GOOD e’ve had two bouts of snow the children acted as couriers when the NEIGHBOURS GROUP this year (so far). Each had posies were distributed and our thanks Wthe same pros and cons. Con: to Doritt and Tan for the beautiful posies he Pub Lunch Club meets at hesitancy to venture out, for fear of – all of which were needed for the large lunchtimes on the second slipping over or getting stuck. Pro: the congregation. TWednesday of each month at the absolute beauty of pure, white snow The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Rose and Crown in Hawridge. It is open on trees, foliage, fields and houses up will be held in the church on Monday to anyone living in or near our four here in our hills. The most marvellous 22 April. Please come along to hear the Hilltop Villages, but in particular aims thing about living here is coming back reports of the church’s activities in 2012 and to provide an opportunity for those from local towns, driving up from give us your views for the future. At the who might otherwise find it difficult urbanisation, through woods and over AN ELECTRIC BOOST meeting the new Church Electoral Roll will to get to local social events. If a lift is commons. It’s always the same: so quiet, be approved. We are required to revise the needed this can be arranged. On offer is tidy, beautiful, constant, even as it FOR CYCLISTS Roll every five years, so please be sure to a two-course meal for just £8, prepared changes with the seasons. any of us in the Hilltops like have your name included. and presented by hosts Marc and Kerry, And because of that constancy, do we cycling. Some are happy cycling Cholesbury will host Ascension Day on Landlords of the Rose and Crown. take it for granted? We can easily forget Maway from the Hilltops, which is Thursday 9 May with a Parish Communion The next few dates for your diary that that constancy is the result of the downhill of course, but not so keen at 7.30pm and we will be celebrating are: Wednesdays 10 April, 8 May and care and attention of a generous band coming back! Perhaps an electric bike Pentecost with Hawridge and St Leonards 12 June. Booking needs to be made of people, giving their time and indeed might be for you? on Sunday 19 May at Cholesbury at 11am. in advance to Janet Hopkinson, e-mail their money. It takes both to keep the The electric bike can be a convenient Cream Teas this year will be held on [email protected] or phone status quo; without them things fast get way of visiting friends and family, Sunday 26 May in Cholesbury Village Hall 757059. out of control. commuting to work, going to the shops and we look forward to the usual generous A Directory of Public Services is So I for one say thank you to the or just pleasure cycling around our lovely array of homemade cakes. We are bound to available on the Cholesbury website: Commons Preservation Society and the countryside. With more bus routes being wonder what weather we can expect as this www.cholesbury.com - follow the link to Lord of the Manors and all those willing affected by cuts and the cost of driving is written during a very cold mid-March! Good Neighbours Group. If you would workers who ensure our landscape is getting more expensive, this can also be an We are planning a Bridge Evening on like a printed copy contact Chris Brown: such a lovely place in which to live. I economical alternative. The electric motor Friday 27 September, so watch this space email [email protected] daresay plenty of others join me. gives you the extra drive to climb any hill, for details. It is many years since Cholesbury or phone 758890. Paddy Sanger allowing you to go anywhere you want in Church was involved in Bridge but this is a comfort. popular game and we hope that regular Under UK law, an electric bike is players in the villages will put this date in classified as a conventional bicycle. Cycling their diary. is permitted without restriction on cycle tracks and other legal cycle areas – as long as you are over 14 years old. Electric cycling is great way to reduce your travel cost, has no road tax and low insurance. There are a number of charge points scattered about our area for electric bikes. You can see where there are by visiting www.zipmap.co.uk. Look out for the logo.

28 Hilltop News Hilltop News 29 30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 HILLTOP NEWS nature notes might get of this bird. Recently I spied a pair of birds, probably an adolescent at roost on a low-swung bough, with an adult swooping through woodland and patrolling A thousand acre sky a much smaller domain. Buzzards inhabit most parts of the British Isles, but this was not always the case. Though today across Britain there are now estimated to be over 50,000 pairs, for over Three species of snake live in the UK: none the crustaceans. Though living on land they 200 years previously it was the subject of can be found in Ireland. The rarest of these are almost as dependent on water, so spend much persecution, and not only in the field. most of the time in the damp environment is the smooth snake, which is not native to Surprisingly, writers considered it a dull under stones or in soil cavities. bird, spending most of its time watching these parts, preferring the heathlands of This enforced obscurity just adds to the from its favourite tree roost, or lazily Hampshire, in particular the New Forest. curiosity that has been generated by every surveying the landscape for any carrion. About now both grass snakes and adders tradition that has succeeded the Anglo- Whilst true that it is an opportunist seeking Saxons, who coined the term eselchans out road kill, the buzzard is also capable start to become active. Distinguishable or ass-coloured. Other regional names of hunting rabbit or taking down pigeon from the adder, which has dark zig-zag assign woodlice to facsimiles of pigs and or larger birds such as duck or even crow markings down the back, the grass snake in Bucks they have the local name cheese- on the wing. At other times it will excavate bug. ‘Cheese’ could either be down to the has a lemon yellow patch on the head and for earthworms on a ploughed field. As practice of grinding up dried woodlice important to the character of this bird olive green body. and adding them to milk to induce the is its call: a constant cat-like mew which n Spring and Autumn all snakes need to production of rennet, or possibly derived dominates the soundscape. from ‘ches’, meaning stones. The medicinal bask on open ground, ideally sandy, to That’s all this time. Comments and qualities of woodlice might have originated Imaintain their body heat. At the height questions welcome as usual to chrisbrown@ through the belief that the capacity of of Summer high temperatures enable them rayshill.com (758890) to be active all-day long. Hunting is carried some woodlice to curl up in a ball, or pill, Chris Brown out by a combination of smell and taste by hinted that they had such powers to tackle sampling the air with their forked tongues. a whole range of illness from tummy-ache, Grass snakes, in particular, are excellent bladder problems or jaundice! swimmers and feed on frogs or fish and * * * anything from insects to mice on land. The Lying as we do astride the ‘hilltops’ of male grass snake can grow up to a metre the Chilterns we are sometimes afforded long. Mating takes place in June and the the opportunity to gaze across ‘a thousand female lays eggs in June and July under acre sky’: as much a part of the Chiltern rotting compost heaps: another difference hill-scape as all other features we take from the adder - which lays its young live. for granted. Birds of course are the main * * * occupants of the sky. One that stands out is The lives of some members of our the buzzard. Aside from the golden eagle, resident bug-life, though ever-present, it is our largest native raptor. Today it is not remain secret, mysterious or the subject of a surprise to see one or, more likely, two much folk history. I could pick out many buzzards holding station almost motionless such examples but I choose the story of the above the beech wood canopy. The woodlouse, which serves as an admirable silhouette of this bird is distinctive. Broad representative of the under-trodden class of wings with feather-tipped fingers support such invertebrates. Woodlice are members a hefty body and hold station effortlessly. of the same family as crabs and lobsters: However, this is not the only sight you

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 Singingxx q in the Hilltops

he first evening of the weekly by ear accessible to the whole group so ‘Hilltop Villages Community Choir’, that nobody needs to be able to read Twas held in Cholesbury Village music. Hall on Wednesday 6 March. The choir The choir is hoping to make this a is led by Jenny Wright, a ‘Natural Voice’ weekly workshop for those who enjoy Practitioner from Aylesbury. If that sounds singing without the pressure to perform. scary, it certainly wasn’t for the 29 ladies They sing songs from around the world, and gentlemen who came along for a taught by ear, in a relaxed and friendly sing-song. environment. Jenny’s singing philosophy of Natural The Community Choir is an idea Voice is about celebrating the voice you dreamed up by Janet Hopkinson, Di were born with, rather than trying to train Garner and Nicola Leat. If you would like it to an ideal of perfection. It is about to find out more, catch one of these ladies welcoming all voices into a group without or email Nicola at [email protected] or audition and working from there to make watch out on Grapevine for future dates. a group sound. It is about making learning

x ee q

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 Walliams? This was followed by another Smurf – our four-legged film star! photo shoot for a different pet food company, this time on location in Norfolk. ‘Sightseers’ was to be filmed for four The Hilltop Villages has been home to weeks in the autumn of 2011. This would an array of stars of stage and screen in have been ideal for someone who was perhaps retired, who could just drop recent years. Now meet our first canine everything and go. But Sarah had to star! Smurf, owned by Sarah Humphreys think of two other dogs, two horses and from Cholesbury, scooped the prestigious a husband (not necessarily in that order) Cannes Film Festival Palm Dog 2012 Award as well as a part-time job. After much deliberation, Sarah realized this was a once- and also the Comedy Canine Fido Award in-a-lifetime opportunity. She would worry for his role as ‘Banjo’ in the British film about the time off later! ‘Sightseers’. Kind friends looked after the horses and Barny, Sarah’s other dog, went on location he Palm Dog prize is a leather with them (eventually to get a small part collar decorated with the words in the film as an ‘extra’). Husband George, ‘Palm Dog’ in silver lettering. The T meanwhile, was off on his own road 2012 award featured a stylish Union Flag trip to Poland with Bono the Doberman design and diamante-studded lettering to take part in the Canicross European to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Championships. Jubilee. The Comedy Canine is the dog Filming started in Dingley Dale, equivalent of the Oscars, and the ceremony Yorkshire, and then at other beauty spots was held at the London Cinema Museum in Yorkshire: Fountains Abbey, Mother in December 2012. The Awards are held Shipton’s Cave and the Ribblehead Viaduct to celebrate the cinema talents of canine For three weeks Smurf the terrier was before moving on to a remote farm in contributions to film. The judges were a part of the cast, during which time he the Lake District. Each shot was based in team of top film critics. worked with six different actors in the film. and around the caravan. While the rest “Smurf loves to be the centre of He was unfazed by lights, camera, sound of was bathed in sunshine, Sarah attention”, says Sarah, “and in his mind that booms and crew. “He was an absolute and the crew had to endure cold, torrential is just what he became when he landed the star - we were all very proud of him”, says rain up in the Honister Pass. The campsite Smurf shows off his ‘Palm Dog’ award role of ‘Banjo’, the co-star of the Sightseers Sarah. At just over two years of age at the on the edge of Lake Windermere afforded movie”. The film was written by and stars time of filming - Smurf showed he has what took place by ancient stone circles near better conditions. Sarah was always out of Alice Lowe and Steve Oram, and directed it takes to be a fully committed actor. His Penrith, then at the Thornton Viaduct shot, giving hand signals to Smurf as he by Ben Wheatley. The dark comedy follows immediate attentiveness, high levels of before moving back south to Bedford performed his tasks obediently. a young couple on a caravan holiday which obedience and charisma were all qualities for the final couple of days. “I have been In one memorable scene involving develops into a murder spree. The film has that shone through. They were also very privileged to have been part of this the two actors, ‘Banjo’ is seen licking an received positive reviews. important qualities in a low budget movie incredible journey” reflects Sarah. “Smurf intimate part of the male lead. If you see Smurf’s amazing journey into the where there was no time for re-takes or and I got to know the film crew well and it the film and cringe at this, you might bear film began with a call from Kay Weston time to settle into new scenes. was sad to say goodbye”. in mind that Smurf was actually licking pate of Animal Ambassadors. Kay put Smurf Smurf had gained a little experience Smurf attended the premier of the from the palm of someone’s hand – the forward for the part and accompanied him when, at just one year old, he featured in a film at the Berkhamsted Rex, a surprising editor did the rest! with Sarah throughout the filming. “Words professional photo shoot for a brand of dog treat for the unsuspecting audience. Smurf Sarah and Smurf stayed at a luxury self- cannot express how grateful we are to all food. His confidence grew and just before and Sarah watched the whole film on the catering apartment in ‘Emmerdale’ country the actors and other team members behind his second birthday landed a role for a TV big screen from Table 10. The film is now and a “charming” bed and breakfast near the scenes who gave Smurf the opportunity trailer ad – you may have seen him riding a available on DVD. What next for this very Keswick during filming, so it was a perfect of a lifetime”, said Sarah. skateboard across the studio behind David special pooch? working holiday. The third week’s filming

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 Company of Farriers. This qualification must be obtained before you are able to shoe horses legally in the UK. It does not stop here, as there are further training courses, qualifications and competitions for a farrier to improve his knowledge, and also keep up to date with new theories and standards in the industry.

The routine Every morning James meets his workmates early at the forge, where they load the shoes and equipment into vans, before travelling out to visit equine yards in the Home Counties. Most of their clients’ horses are shod between 4–6 weeks, so they added up for an overall total over the two build up a good relationship with clients days of competing. Individual scores are and get to know their horses’ needs. They judged separately. The England team won, also work closely with vets to carry out and James was thrilled to win the individual remedial shoeing. competition as well! The 2012 Home International, a team Farriery – the art of shoe Shoe making and shoeing competitions only class, was also won by the England During his apprenticeship James team featuring James. He also competed making and shoeing the horse! participated in various competitions, again that year at the Internationals held nationally and internationally. There are at Stoneleigh, winning as an individual and competitions for all year level apprentices. the team taking second place. The 2013 Young James Elliott from Cholesbury is reputable farrier, winning a string of world James started competing at the end of Home international takes place at the end keeping the ancient art of farriery alive championship competitions. James had to his first year, and has always enjoyed the of March at the Bath & West Show Ground, undergo a trial period in August 2008 and, challenge. The competitions are held at for which James has again been selected. and kicking. “I’ve been forging metal using after six months hard work, was pleased to county shows and other events. Winning his As James reflects, “Winning the individual traditional methods since I was eleven”, be offered an apprenticeship. first competition at the South of England twice has been my best achievement, says James. “Most weekends I would show “got me hooked”. James was also competing at the highest level an successful at the Three Counties show, visit my uncle Paul Elliott, a local FWCB What goes into a farriery apprenticeship? apprentice can”. cont... The apprenticeship is over a four year where he won the ‘open therapeutic shoe Blacksmith, where I would help him with term. The course involves hands-on making’ competition and also the ‘third and jobs and explore the art myself. I grew experience, with a college block release, fourth years’ class. He also won at Newbury, up around horses and this gave me the where students undergo various progress Leicester, Middlewich, Ireland, Isle of Wight, exams on shoemaking and the complete and Scotland. inspiration to become a farrier”. theory and make up of ‘the horse’. “It’s International team competitions are held ames learnt many of the basic skills always brilliant to go back into the work twice a year. After success at the national from his uncle, so went straight in and place, where you can put your theory championships and trials at Stoneleigh, in Jtook his pre- farrier exam. He passed into a practical situation” says James. “In which James came second, he was offered this and, with a number GCSEs, was now the period outside of college we learn all a place in the England team, competing able to look for an apprenticeship to train the practical shoeing, shoe making, horse in Switzerland at the 2011 Euro Skills. under a qualified farrier. handling and dealing with clients, which This competition features a shoe making After writing to many ATF farriers, James are all as important as the theory”. class and a shoeing class between teams was offered a work trial with Billy Crothers. The apprenticeship works towards the representing Germany, Switzerland, France He took this opportunity as Billy is a very final exam, The Diploma of The orshipfulW Denmark and England. Team points are

40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 What does the future holds for James? James is now at the end of his 4- year apprenticeship, after passing all his exams. “I can now be put forward to sit my Diploma exam in May, so I am working very hard practising and perfecting my shoe making and shoeing for this”. “I have very much enjoyed my apprenticeship. I have learnt so much, not just about shoeing horses but about dealing with clients. I have met so many different people along the way, who have helped me further my knowledge and skills. I hope to continue gaining more experience and to continue my training, even after passing my qualification as a registered farrier. I hope to work my way to obtaining further Worshipful Company of Farriers qualifications, and will continue to enjoy competing all over the world throughout my career, which will hopefully be based here in Cholesbury and the surrounding areas”. Congratulations on your achievements so far James and best of luck in your future career – ed.

42 Hilltop News Hilltop News 43 CURVACEOUS COOK V V V Flatbreads I have recently discovered a lovely recipe for making flatbreads, and have used them with soup, 100 Club winners as a naan with a curry, and as a pitta with kebabs. They are versatile, and really easy to make. Once you have mastered them you can fill with pretty much anything, but try not to A bumper load of winners this time as we missed out the prize draw in the last issue make the filling too thick or it will spill out when cooking.

January 2013 November 2012 1st prize £15.00 For 4 breads approx 5” diameter each: 1st prize £15.00 Ms J Harriman, Braziers End Mrs N Tullet, Buckland Common 250g strong bread flour, 15g unsalted butter, mixed together. 2nd prize £15.00 2nd prize £15.00 Mrs S Reynolds, Add 6g dried yeast and good pinch of salt, then beat in 150ml water. Mr JB Lake, Coppice Farm Park February 2013 Knead for 5 minutes or so till it is soft and pliable. December 2012 1st prize £25.00 Make into a ball and leave to prove for about an hour. 1st prize £50.00 Mrs E Thwaites, Buckland Common Mr M Joseph, St Leonards Meanwhile assemble your filling, pretty much whatever you like. I put some 2nd prize £15.00 dry vegetable curry into the middle of some, and just a mix of strong cheese into another. 2nd prize £25.00 Mr P Matthews, Buckland Common Mrs R Matthews, St Leonards I also like tomato and onion, both sliced very finely. 3rd prize £15.00 3rd prize £15.00 Mr K Walker, Buckland Common When the dough has risen, knock it back and knead again for a few minutes, then break into Mrs P Angell, Buckland Common balls. Flatten with your fingers, then scoop a bit of filling into the middle, and pull the dough March 2013 4th prize £15.00 1st prize £15.00 round the filling, then gently roll out on a lightly floured surface until the filling is almost coming Mr M Rance, St Leonards Mr C Firth, Buckland Common through, and the bread is approx 5” across. It doesn’t matter if the filling does come through, 2nd prize £15.00 but it will make a mess when you cook it! Mr P Sturges, St Leonards Heat a heavy based pan, or put a silicone sheet onto the Aga hot plate and very lightly wipe with REMINDER! a piece of kitchen towel moistened with oil. The annual subscription of £10.00 is due by the 1st April and collectors will be in touch to enable you to join again for another year. Please note our new Treasurer is Richard Leat, Slap the breads onto the pan or sheet on quite a high heat. The bread will puff up a bit. Leyland Barn, Bottom Road, St. Leonards, HP23 6LJ: phone 758784, e-mail leatrj@yahoo. Turn over and let it do the same on the other side. It will probably only take about co.uk. If paying by cheque, please make it payable to ‘St Leonards Parish Hall 100 Club’. 4 minutes to cook each one, which is why it is important that your filling and your breads are not New members are always most welcome. too thick. It doesn’t matter if they are slightly blackened. This year is the 75th anniversary of St Leonards Parish Hall. If anyone has any ideas for celebrating this event, please contact either Dave Clarke (758567) [email protected]) Keep them warm in a tea towel until ready to eat, and they do keep a day or so if you dampen or Debbie Bradfield (758616) [email protected]. and refresh them under a grill or under the Aga lid, but best eaten straight away. St Leonards Parish Hall Committee Have fun with the fillings, and of course you can make any filling you like, or leave plain and use like a pitta. V V V Lulu Stephen: [email protected]

44 Hilltop News Hilltop News 45 Hilltop News We welcome all news, letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Material for inclusion in the June/July edition should be sent to Graham Lincoln or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by 7 May latest. Please note that photos sent online must be at least 2,500 x 1,750 pixels in size.

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