April & May 2007 hen I was first asked to take a unsolicited, unexpected and mostly on turn to edit the Hilltop News I time! I hope that you will find them equally Wdeclined because I felt I had too enjoyable. many other things to do. I was also aware Fortunately, Fletcher that following on the heels of Anne and Nicholson has Christine would be no easy task since they volunteered to edit the did such a great job. However as the pleas next big edition and became more desperate, I reconsidered Graham Lincoln has mainly because I really enjoy the magazine kindly offered to do the with its local focus and because, unlike Christmas one. I hope Fletcher much of the national press, it acclaims many that they will also enjoy the buzz and the of the good things which go on in our challenge. You can help by sending community. I would certainly hate it to fold. feedback about the magazine, to Fletcher However, when friends and family heard by 13th July for the August – September that I had agreed to edit this edition I edition (758366 email encountered many of the same reactions as [email protected]). If writing is David Barnard describes when he decided not your thing but you have something to to walk 70 kilometres on his 70th birthday, say, ring someone involved with the ranging from unflattering queries about magazine. The article on the Sri Lankan the state of my mental health to polite Wedding stemmed from something as encouragement! Like David, I had my own simple as two photos and a bookmark! doubts about whether I could do it; Happy Easter – Lindsay Griffin whether I understood what had to be done; and whether I could still burn the candle at both ends to meet the deadlines. Essays and Front Cover: - The due dates were never my strongest suit!. Stained Glass window Anne can be very persuasive, however, on the front cover is and she assured me that a lot of it just one of five by local happens! Now… I am reasonably gullible artist, the late Anthony but even I was sceptical! Surprisingly Griffin, which were though, she was right. The process set in commissioned by St place works like the proverbial, well-oiled Thomas’ Anglican machine and all of the people with whom I Church, Linden, have had to deal have been friendly, Johannesburg. In 2005, considerate, and professional in their almost fifty years after approach. They have willingly volunteered they were completed, their help, which shows just how much Derrick Patrick, curator collective support there is to ensuring that of St Thomas’ Church the magazine continues to flourish. contacted the Reverend Of course, there have been late nights David Burgess asking if he knew anything and early mornings, some stress and, of the artist since he had been able to inevitably, worry about getting it out on establish that St Mary’s Church, Hawridge time. (There are still plenty of opportunities also has one of his stained glass windows. for things to go wrong before it gets to Since Tony had grown up in Cholesbury, you!) However, there have also been real had lived for more than thirty years in pleasures in finding such an interesting Hawridge, and he and his wife, Diana, had variety of articles on my computer, often been parishioners of St Mary’s, it was easy

Hilltop News Hilltop News 3 to provide the South African believe it if he could see and church with the information feel for himself the nail marks PARISH COUNCIL which they wanted. on Jesus’ hands and the spear Parish and District Council elections will be Tony’s family knew of the wound on his side. The main held on Thursday 3rd May. If you would like stained glass windows and some frame of the window carries on others, believed to be in Graff St John’s account v 26 – 29 to stand for the Parish Council please (Photo - Oliver Parsons) Parsons) - Oliver (Photo Reinet. However, apart from a when Jesus returned to the contact me for further information or (Photo s- Oliver Parsons) preliminary sketch for one disciples a week later and when contact the Returning Officer at Chiltern window, and childhood St Thomas was present. memories of seeing them at the District Council. London studio where they were St Mary’s window his afternoon, 14th March, I received an being made, the family had no Tony was later commissioned to Email from Shaun Pope at Bucks record of them and no make a stained glass window TCounty Council giving an update on the knowledge of their for the North window at St Central Chilterns Traffic Management Project. whereabouts in South Africa. Mary’s, Hawridge in memory of I have copied the report verbatim as follows: 2004 Tony had begun his career in Frank Albert (Bert) Tomlin who the restoration of fine porcelain was churchwarden there from Chambers Green Directional Sign. before going on to teach in the 1920 – 1962. (The window was The new parts are now ready and David war years and then on to work dedicated in 1967.) Bert, Gosling of Signpost Restorations will be on in stained glass. However, soon Elizabeth’s father, was one of site on Thursday 15th to install the arms, after the South African four brothers who, together collars, spacer and finial. windows were completed, he with their younger sister, all ran decided that this was not his the family business ‘Alfred Directional Signing preferred medium and he Tomlin and Sons’, which had As you are aware we have been seeking subsequently went on to turn been established by their father. authorisation from the Government Office his hand to other artistic The family had moved from South East (GOSE)/ Department for Transport endeavours. At his studio in Chartridge to the Old Smithy, (DfT) to place the cycle route signs on Chapel St., Berkhamsted, whilst Hawridge in the early 1900s. separate smaller arms, and their response has doing his own creative work, he restored Here they played a vital part in the villages not been positive to this proposal, I believe paintings; ran a little gallery; accepted since they could turn their hand to almost that this is due to their interpretation of the commissions from individuals and film anything from blacksmithing and carpentry traffic advisory leaflet on traditional signing. I 2006 companies; and let out rooms to other to funeral directing; from providing a taxi am therefore going to challenge them as to artists. He also went off on painting trips to service to supplying petrol from the pump why they have rejected our proposal. Guatemala and Mexico, living with local outside the smithy. families there, before settling on sculpture, Bert took over as churchwarden from his Village Gateways which became his passion. Tony died in father, Alfred, and after his own death, his The gateway which incorporates the speed 1989. wife, Venetia, took over the same role limit, with which we are proposing to replace from 1963 – 1984. Miss Edwards, Venetia’s the Cholesbury village name plate is based on St Thomas’ window sister and Elizabeth still provide staunch a similar design to that used in Oxfordshire The lower panel of the stained glass support for St Mary’s in a variety of ways, which had been approved by DfT, which we window, shown on the cover, depicts the including fund raising; organising concerts; believed we would also get DfT authorisation scene described in John 20 v 19 – 25 when and playing the organ. for, however they have issues with the Jesus came to the disciples in a locked The window in St Mary’s shows Jesus as Chilterns logo being mounted alongside the room on the evening of Easter Sunday. St a young boy helping his father, Joseph the speed limit roundel. We are therefore Thomas was not with the other disciples carpenter. The theme of the window was submitting a revised design which will and, when they later told him what had chosen to reflect the Tomlin family relocate the Chilterns logo to the bottom of happened, Thomas said that he would only business. the sign, but will not change the overall 2007

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 shape of the proposed sign. As soon as I have THE COUNTY COUNCIL between The Old Swan and St Leonards. an answer and the sign has been modified I In February the Council approved a council will let the parish know. The standard anuary and February tax rise of 4.5% with a total revenue budget gateway we are proposing for locations were busy months at of £252.7 million. Five months have been where we have village signs such as the JCounty Hall. On 15th spent analysing budgets for efficiency savings Buckland Common/Cholesbury boundary January Cabinet agreed an and necessary investment in new areas of without speed limit signs is ready, I am Outline Business Case for a legislation or areas where inflation is higher awaiting plans from the utilities companies proposed Energy from than normal. My personal involvement was a before the contractor goes on site to install. I Waste plant to recover look at how our Communications and understand from David Clarke that the parish energy from our residual Consultation services are performing and have asked that the sign be installed on the waste. This would produce enough electricity recommending improved ways of working in opposite side to the one that was for 20,000 homes, with the potential of future. demolished, and given the width of verge providing heat for local business. The County Happily the winter weather is now largely that would appear possible, given some aspires to recycle and compost 50% of our behind us and already many of our gardens cutting back to improve visibility. waste by 2010 and reduce the amount we are a picture of Spring flowers. The footpaths As soon as I have a date for the contractors currently send to landfill by 70%. Government and bridleways are still very muddy, testament to be on site I will let the parish know. policy clearly rules out such facilities in the to the enjoyment of our beautiful countryside. AONB! The clocks alter shortly and Easter is less than a Speed Limits On 18th January the Council agreed that a month away. The best months of the year are Based on the feedback to date a non key Pathfinder two-tier model of local just ahead. report is being prepared for the cabinet government would be the way forward for I look forward to seeing you at our Spring member which will propose that Buckinghamshire. In effect, this means the functions and do please remember that I am representatives of the parish councils, county four District Councils and County combining here to raise your concerns at County Hall. and district councillors and the police be many back office activities to improve our Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 invited to attend a meeting to discuss services and manage costs to keep council tax potential changes to the speed limits, based down. A Joint Waste Authority on the before and after traffic monitoring will emerge in around 2009 from data, Parish and Public feedback and the the Joint Waste Committee for results of the telephone survey of 300 Bucks. residents. Following that meeting we will The winter weather has prepare any agreed amendments or new wreaked havoc on our roads, be orders, this will then go out to formal and it frost damage causing potholes public consultation, we will then report this or heavy rain bringing torrents of back in a key decision report (which will be shingle to block the gullies. On published on the web along with the 8th/9th February the County feedback) to the cabinet member and inform Council used 1500 tonnes of salt the representatives from parishes etc, the and roads excluded from this orders will then be sealed. We will then be year’s winter gritting routes were able to implement the agreed changes on treated. There is an extra the ground. £100,000 in the budget from April for gully cleaning and David Clarke, Clerk to the Council gritting, and I have been out and about regularly reporting potholes and flooded roads. I (Quite a saga!! I used to think that a would thank all of you who have signpost was….well….just a signpost! called me with local road Not any more! Ed) problems and a particular concern at present is the road

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 efforts of the JCB and a similar machine to broken stones might suggest transport by lift the stones into the air sufficiently to ice; but other articles suggest formation allow a low loader to be backed between the chalk and London clay, which underneath. They now reside in the drive at implies that they formed close to where Wood Farm. they were found. Apparently, the Sarsen Of course, geologists bandy millions of stones used at Stonehenge and Avebury, years much as we count the pence in our though lacking the rounded pebbles, pocket or purse. But it is suggested that the contain a similar sand matrix and silica pebbles captured in pudding stones cement and were formed at the same developed about eighty million years ago period. Would it not be fascinating if they and were rounded subsequently by water could talk? action, much as that seen on any stony Sally Reynolds beach or river bed. They were then cemented in the Eocene Period, about fifty- (Oliver’s photo shows the two pudding five to sixty million years ago, when arid stones near to the cricket pitch on conditions caused silica, carried by Cholesbury Common. There is a theory that percolating water, to cement the previously they once marked the entrance to the fort independent, rounded stones into a solid where the entrance to St Laurence Church is mass. Though ‘Global Warming’ is currently now. Evelyn Money believed that Henry being created by different causes, it appears Turner, Lord of the Manors (1899 – 1929) that it is hardly new. had them removed to their present site tines, snapped off in the vicinity of the Although the valley side, where these THE ‘RUMBLE’ RUMBLED since they were thought to be symbols of mysterious ‘rumble,’ particularly, where the stones were found, has been a source of Pagan times and so, not suitably placed in a s a child at Dundridge I remember field slopes steeply into the valley. quite a number of smaller stones, I have churchyard. Whether they had any such that on occasion my Father would Last summer, after the prolonged dry seen no definitive article advising as to significance, who can tell? Ed) Acomment that he had ploughed over spell, a complete leg from the cultivator where they actually formed. A pile of the ‘rumble’ again. The original wartime snapped off and Marcus had had enough! tractor then in use was a twenty-eight hp The JCB was brought in, and after removing Fordson Major, drawing a two-furrow about a foot of soil, the edge of a plough, which may well have been originally substantial ‘pudding stone’ was found. made for horses. In fact, with eight heavy Furthermore, working round the edge, a horses, either Shires or Clydesdales, most of second and even larger stone was found the haulage on the farm was still horse lying against the first. Well, he had found drawn; but the tractor demonstrated its the ‘rumble’! Any displacement of either strength in ploughing and, with no cab, the stone was causing reverberation as it rubbed driver would be well aware of any change in against its companion. But… was the the underlying surface. machinery man enough to get the stones Today, the farm equipment is vast, out? Initially this appeared unlikely as his requiring power of five or six times that of first inspection had suggested that there that old Fordson and allowing Marcus to was only one stone. However, further work manage eight-hundred acres alone, apart proved that this was not the case, and the from the harvest. But, though a cab may two pudding stones were eventually insulate the driver from the sounds outside, uncovered. Though each proved close to the the plough shares and deep-leg cultivators working capacity of the JCB, individually, are now working to a significantly greater they could be levered free. At approaching depth and much time has been wasted over eight tons each, the stones had to be recent years repairing plough-points and pushed up the hill to level ground to await removal. Even so, it required the combined

8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 POP GOES THE WEASEL animal – like the roe deer and badger – seems to immobilise the animal by hypnosis that practises a special form of birth before despatching it by biting deeply into ……… OR STOAT control involving delayed implantation. its neck. Stoats are also adept at snatching embers of the Mustella family, Mating takes place in May or June but the chickens, eggs and game birds; this puts weasels and stoats are quite female is able to keep the fertilised egg in them into conflict with farmers and Mdifficult to tell apart at a glance – suspended animation for several months gamekeepers. which is as much as most of us get to see of before implantation and gestation (of In spite of heavy losses from predation, these little carnivorous mammals. There are about six weeks) begins around March of hunting, habitat loss, secondary poisoning, about 500,000 of each spread widely the following year. The young ‘kits’ are and on roads, stoats and weasels appear to through Britain’s countryside but they are thus born around May – a full year after be maintaining their numbers across the absent from urban areas. Because they are the mating took place. A stoat can live for country and there is little danger of low to the ground and up to 10 years. extinction. elusive, one rarely has The life span of the weasel - Britain’s These animals have a rather sinister a good sight of smallest carnivore - is only about 3 years reputation – not helped by their reported either. The two and many do not live beyond the year. siege of Toad Hall while Mr Toad was in animals are often Cats, owls, birds of prey and foxes take prison. To the Cockney, the ‘weasel’ or coupled together them and many are killed on the roads. ‘weasel and stoat’ meant his coat. So when because of their The weasel therefore has to reproduce we sing ‘pop goes the weasel’ in the similarities but much faster than the stoat to maintain nursery rhyme, it’s to do with hard times there are also numbers. It will raise two litters a year of and pawning the overcoat – not an significant up to six young in a nest of leaves or grass exploding carnivore! situated in a hole or crevice. The kits are differences. Jim Hetherington 758836 Both animals have able to fend for themselves after only a light brown furry five weeks by which time they are coat and pale already able hunters. The female kits underside. The stoat is from an early brood significantly longer and fatter may breed in the than the mouse-like weasel same year, and can weigh up to 400gm sometimes as a as against 150gm. A result of mating with distinguishing feature is the their father who, it stoat’s black tipped tail. In seems, takes his the snowy highlands of procreation duties Scotland and Wales, the seriously! stoat grows a creamy white Weasels live on small mammals winter coat as camouflage, such as field voles and mice of which though the tail retains its black tip. The they can kill hundreds in a year. They can white stoat – or ermine as it is often called squeeze through tiny gaps, hunt down – used to provide the trimmings for narrow tunnels and go through a hole of ceremonial dress. Apparently, 50,000 diameter just over an inch. Being good ermine pelts were sent from Canada to be climbers, they can get into nesting boxes to used for trimming robes for the coronation take eggs or young. of George VI in 1937. Stoats will be The stoat is heavier and altogether more comforted to know that the ‘ermine’ used aggressive, a fierce predator taking reptiles nowadays is artificial! and birds as well as rabbits which generally Stoats and weasels have very different account for a high proportion of its intake. reproductive habits. The stoat is another It will track a rabbit by scent for miles and

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 IN SEARCH OF THE H&C CRICKET CLUB At the club’s AGM last December, Katharine Matthews was happy to accept GOBELLS OF HENGROVE Looking to build on last season’s success re-election as our President. Tony Smith, Ann Caple, Graham Lincoln and Sen A recent enquiry from a former pupil of awridge & Sinniah continue as Chairman, Treasurer, Hengrove School, Chivery has prompted a Cholesbury Secretary and Cricket Manager respectively. begin the number of responses on the local emailing H Alan Brown has accepted the joint role of new season in the Ground and Pavilion Manager. We all know service The Grapevine. Kookaburra Mid- and appreciate the great amount of work oes anyone know why the school Bucks Cricket Alan does at the ground throughout the closed given that it had such a good League as weeks of the season. Our ground, Dreputation for dealing well with Champions. A particularly the playing surface, is generally children from difficult home backgrounds? close season of regarded as one of the best in the district. Mrs Lisa Gobell, who is now frail, quiet reflection Mick Channer, who lives down Shire Lane, founded the school with her husband and, has passed since is a newcomer to the committee responsible after his death continued to run it with the jubilant team for the social and fundraising matters. Mick their son. lifted the Premier League trophy after its would like Sundays to be a time when Any information would be welcome final league game at home to Knotty families can come and enjoy a day’s cricket on [email protected] or Green last September. So what does the followed by refreshments in the clubhouse Lindsay Griffin (758 440) new season have in store for H&CCC? We and, on certain days, a barbeque. know for sure that we are now “the team The club is committed to improving the to beat” and our opponents will be trying practice facilities at the ground before the that bit harder against us. start of the season, which will benefit all Our new First Team captain, Wajid players from the colts to seniors. We are Fayyaz is full of enthusiasm for the also, as ever, very keen to get more playing challenge. Wajid has been with the club for members, social members, umpires and many years and has been one of our most general helpers. What better way is there consistent bowlers. Taking up the of spending a weekend afternoon than responsibility of captaining the Second watching village cricket in the beautiful Team is Craig Hill. Now in his early 20s, surroundings of Cholesbury Common? Craig has made great progress through our Everyone is given a warm and friendly youth system. The team will play in the welcome. Our first competitive match takes Third Division of the Mid-Bucks league and place at home to Great Hampden on April we hope an increase in the number of 29. This is Round 1 of the national npower reliable playing members will make team village cup, a competition in which we selection easier for all concerned this have enjoyed many memorable moments in season. Simon Knight will, as last season, the past. captain the Sunday team. This side of Please support your local cricket club. mixed ability plays traditional friendly Give me a call, or come to a practice matches. Neil Jones is again responsible for evening from the middle of April (weather our colts. Anyone passing the common on a permitting). Seniors Wednesday from 7pm, Thursday evening during the summer must colts Thursday 6pm to 8pm. have been impressed with the vast number Here’s to a happy and successful of youngsters enjoying practice under the season! dedicated supervision of our team of coaches. League and cup matches for Graham Lincoln Under 12, 14 and 15 have been arranged Secretary, Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket for this season. Club Phone: 758449

12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 show respect by calling an older gentleman learned that this was because of the UNCLE. This has mistakenly led fellow club Buddhist belief in the importance of members to think that they are related. astrology and the right timing. For that Suranga, who hopes to play for H&CCC reason, it was vital that the actual marriage again this year, is building a home near took place at precisely 10.28 am.

(Photo - Sheila White) - Sheila (Photo Kandy for his return to Sri Lanka in the Ellie tells that the English visitors were future. Nayomi continues to live in Kandy. treated as VIPs and, though they couldn’t always communicate with them, the Sri The Wedding Lankans were very caring for their guests’ The bride and groom, comfort and attentive to their needs. They both Buddhists, have even provided English food at the wedding known each other in case the visitors didn’t want to try Sri since their school days Lankan food! Ellie says they could not have and their families been more hospitable. would have checked The Happy couple with Sen (rt) their horoscopes to Visits H&C CRICKETER’S SRI approve their This was the first visit to Sri Lanka for Alan, marriage. The Sheila, Ellie and Richard and they enjoyed LANKAN WEDDING ceremony was held on not only the ceremony itself but also visits to one day with a attractions such as the elephant orphanage One of HCCC’s star players Suranga ‘Homecoming’ two at Pinnewela, near Kandy and a turtle farm Daluwatta is to be congratulated on a days after the on the coast. match of a different kind - his marriage to wedding. This Ellie has a very soft spot for elephants and Nayomi on 8th January in Kandy, Sri Lanka. celebration, marked she found the visit to the elephant by beating of drums orphanage absolutely delightful. The Do you need help with uranga came to this country with four and sharing of sanctuary houses around 45 adults, which your other young Sri Lankans, to follow a sweetmeats, was held have been rescued from the jungle, and four Maths or Physics Sone-year cricketing course at the at the bridegroom’s or five young, which were born there. They at GCSE or A level? University of Buckingham. Whilst they were home. The very cannot be released into the wild since they Experienced and Patient Tutor there Bucks Cricket Association, which runs impressive clothing could not cope, but they are well cared for Competitive rates the league games, wrote to cricket clubs worn by Suranga and and kept busy transporting logs. A highlight throughout the county saying that all five Nayomi is that worn traditionally by the for the visitors was that they were able to Call Isobel Clark 758987 were available to play club cricket at Kings of Kandy for their wedding witness the elephants on their daily walk (at email : [email protected] weekends. Without even seeing him play, ceremonies and at all Buddhist, Kandyan 1pm) to the river for their bath. They always the H&CCC committee decided on Suranga weddings to the present day. follow the leader in single file, the young and have never regretted their decision. H&CCC were represented at the sometimes holding the tails of the others Suranga, a kind, gentle person with wedding ceremony by Alan Brown, who with their trunks. The elephant which brings impeccable manners, is a very good all offered the young Sri Lankan players up the rear has only three legs since he lost rounder and he has now played with the accommodation; Sheila White, the club’s his other leg in a landmine accident. club for the last three years. He was joined Welfare Officer; Ellie Redding; Sen and The visit to the turtle farm was equally here by his cousin Sankalpa Gunasekara last Richard Vasey. The wedding itself was very memorable. There they provide the best year. Sen Sinniah, the club’s Cricket Manager colourful and most interesting. Ellie was conditions for the turtle eggs to hatch and says that Suranga is capable of playing for a sorry that, as visitors, they didn’t the young are released into the sea at three more prestigious club but H&CCC helped him understand all of the rituals and were days old. The original farm was swept away to get a visa to extend his stay in this country intrigued by the fact that the Monk, who in the tsunami and so they have had to start and he has remained loyal to our club. Sen, married the young couple, consulted his again from scratch, funding the project by also of Sri Lankan origins explained that, in watch frequently. They subsequently donations and from selling crafts such as Sri Lanka it is customary for young people to

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 (Photo - Ellie Redding) - Ellie (Photo

ARCHAEOLOGY DAY Age people made tools from flint, discover the Iron Age hillfort near the common, Archaeology and History Fun Day make your own Roman mosaic or try your hand at re-building an ancient pot! The Ellie’s elephants he past will be brought to life on event lasts from 12 noon until 4pm and is Cholesbury Common this summer as jigsaws and T-shirts which they print. free. If you have an interest in archaeology Tthe Chilterns Conservation Board or local history and would like to help run teams up with local groups on Sunday Aid for Sri Lanka an activity on the day, contact Cathy Rose 22nd July for an Archaeology and Local Speaking of her trip, Ellie says that she was from the Chilterns Conservation Board on History Family Fun Day. Learn how Stone very glad she went though she experienced 01844 355 506 or [email protected] a very real culture shock. One of her most vivid impressions was the differences between the lives of the rich and the very real poverty in which some of the Sri LOCAL HISTORY Lankans live. hilst trying to find out about the Many of you will remember reading in 1897 Diamond Jubilee Stone the Hilltop News that, at the time of the Wopposite the Full Moon Oliver tsunami, Sen organised the transport of aid Parsons came across the County Records items from our villages to Sri Lanka. What website for Cholesbury civil parish at you may not know is that Sen still sends aid, http://ubp.buckscc.gov.uk/ThemeDetails.asp particularly clothing for children aged 5 – 12 x?UID=TBC696 year olds. Sen has also adopted a family of Oliver didn’t find out anything more eight children whose mother was killed in about the Jubilee Stone but did find other the tsunami. One of the little boys hasn’t interesting material on the website. spoken since the tragedy. He would welcome any information that Sen 865896 and Ellie 758330 would be you might have about the stone 758694. more than happy to collect and pass on any children’s COTTON T-shirts or shorts and trainers which your children have outgrown. Please help if you can.

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 THE SHADOW CABINET Cliff, Norman Coleman and more recently Tony Aspinall; Bill Murden from Whelpley n the past, several Hilltop News articles Hill; and one or two from Tring including have dealt with the various pubs in the John Hawkes who moved there from Iarea. But, what of the regulars who visit? Hillside, Cholesbury a few years ago. Mike Surely one of the most loyal and longest Scarrott's son, Tim used to call in when he established of such regulars in the villages returned from Perth, Australia and he was must be the group which meets every made very welcome and John Phimister Tuesday at noon at the Full Moon, as it has drops in from time to time. One of the over a period of around 30 years. main conditions of membership seems to be Jack Cliff from Tinker's Lane was one of that it is important to enjoy a drink in the the ‘founder members’ of this group and he company of one's friends and to be able to recalls that it started when John spin a good yarn. There is a good deal of Misselbrook came from Tinker's Lane to live gentle fun poked at each other's expense at Medlars in Hawridge, next door to the and lively banter. The group has been Full Moon. John had been an air-traffic known as ‘The Shadow Cabinet’ because of controller in the RAF and is remembered the political nature of their discussions. very fondly by the group. His curry parties Long-term members remember Wally were legendary as was his own home-made fondly but recount that in his day, one log ‘giggle juice’. On his retirement, John used was made to go a very long way on the fire to like to help Wally Pope, the then owner on Sunday evenings. Under subsequent of the pub, and many of John's friends management, there is now a gas fire, with visited the Full Moon for a chat with him. In log fire effect – a good deal warmer! The due course, this evolved into the diverse group have seen many other changes to the group, which meets on a regular basis pub over the years. Firstly, it is very much around noon each Tuesday. The convention bigger than in the1960s. The smaller room is that they each pay for their own drinks to the left as you enter the pub had a piano but snacks can be shared. Over the years in it at that time, and the room was only ‘The Shadow Cabinet’ many residents have joined the ranks of this open on Saturdays; dominoes and various and Bill George were also RAF pilots. Alan ‘organisation’on their retirement. They other games were played; there was an without getting his feet wet! Apparently, spent his time on passenger and cargo have included friends who have since outdoor bowling green; and the food has having been told to head for a pall of vessels in the Merchant Navy and Jack was passed on such as Edgar Taylor; George definitely improved since Wally’s day! When smoke, he got there to find a jetty and was in the army for seven years. Bunton; Frank Sugden; Bert Gomm; Ray Wally left the new owner, David able to board a boat without any undue Alan entertained us by telling of his time Mountain; Mike Scarrott; ‘Red’ Ted Buck Brackenboro, entered into the spirit of the hassle. We should have found out more at the outbreak of the Korean War. The from Buckland Common, so named for his group, erecting a sign where they always sit from Aubrey about what he had gone Russians (in a place, the name of which politics and being married to a Russian; ‘an saying ‘Bulls**t Corner’. through to get to the jetty in the first place. defies our spelling ability) placed him and a Irishman from Shire Lane who liked Scotch Several of the group served in the forces I am sure that it wasn’t all that easy! group of others under house arrest! Clearly, (whose name escapes them at the and have interesting tales to tell of their After the War, they went on to pursue they were all somewhat apprehensive since moment!);’ Aubrey Lever and John wartime experiences. Edgar was able to talk varied careers in such fields as architecture; they were unsure how they would be Thatcher. John Misselbrook left Hawridge to about his exploits in both the first and surgery; the law; engineering; treated. However, as it turned out, the live in Weston Turville and died in the 1980s second World Wars. He flew planes in the management; estate agency; and so on and British were popular then and so they were Membership of the group seems to be a First World War and, to celebrate his 90th some have poignant stories of more recent able to hoist their own Union Jack and loosely organised affair. Mike Scarrott birthday, took a short flight from Booker times. For example, for 15 years, Bill George were amazed to be served champagne to invited John Hawkes when he retired and over the pub to salute his friends, briefly cared for his wife Beryl, who suffered from mark the birth of Princess Anne, before he, in turn, invited his friends James Watson taking over the controls. John Thatcher Alzheimer’s disease. Jointly they have a being released a few days later! from Benton Potts and Bill George from flew Mosquitoes (fighter-bombers) and wealth of experience and they still have The group also recounted how Aubrey Aston Clinton. There is still a contingent Spitfires in World War II and Mike Scarrott fun. Several continue to play bridge from Tinker's Lane, Alan Whitehead, Jack had managed to get out of Dunkirk regularly and five are members of

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 Recent email from the Grapevine: I found a dog collar about 18" long this morning in the middle of Shire Lane, Cholesbury at the junction with Cholesbury Road... If you think it is yours please let me know and we can arrange a pick-up. Isobel Clark All I can say is that it's not one of mine... David

W.H.AW.H.A UpholsteryUpholstery RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALIST IN ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE ALSO LOOSE COVERS

‘The Rivals’ Free Estimates No Obligation 01494 862821 (Day) Berkhamsted Probus Club as well as 01628 521210 (Evenings) meeting their ‘Cabinet’ colleagues weekly 21 Haleacre Workshop, Watchet Lane at the pub. Little Kingshill, Great Missenden. HP16 0DR As a newly formed acquaintance was leaving the pub, John Hawkes very cordially invited him to pop in any Tuesday, saying ‘The survivors will be here!’ Long may they continue to do so and Good Luck to Alan, a founder member, who is off to live in Devon and to Tony Aspinall who is moving to the West Midlands!

The Rivals eated at the very next table there is a ‘rival’ group of young S‘whippersnappers’, known affectionately as the Dudswell Mob. This group - comprising David Gay (formerly the landlord of the Golden Eagle, Ashley Green) and Dudswell residents Colin Bowller, Bob Farrar and Tony Horton - has been coming to the pub weekly for the last five years. They explained that The Full Moon is one of the few ‘real pubs’ left and, like the ‘Shadow Cabinet’, they enjoy its friendly atmosphere and a decent beer.

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 As indicated at the AGM, any surplus raised LOCAL CHOLESBURY CUM ST by this year’s afternoon Open Garden and LEONARDS Teas will be donated to the Chiltern Air HISTORY HORTICULTURAL Ambulance Service, who have been of GROUP PHYSIOTHERAPY AT HOME assistance in the Hilltop Villages on several SOCIETY NEWS occasions. Carol Delaney has very kindly WOBURN ABBEY: A chance to Chartered Domiciliary assumed the responsibility of organising this Physiotherapist ‘Plants in a Chiltern Garden’ was the topic hear the story and then experience the event, and details of the gardens that will be chosen by Jolyon Lea to present at the opening then will be made available nearer place for yourself. Liz Holroyd MCSP Cheese and Wine evening held on March Member of the Health Professions Council the time. Our next meeting promises to be one of 16th. Jolyon is an alpine specialist and opens the highlights of the season. On Friday his established garden in Little Chalfont Local, experienced physiotherapist now offer- We are also planning a coach trip to Kew 13th April (NB 2nd Friday of the month) ing domiciliary physiotherapy for sports, spinal under the National Garden Scheme, where Gardens, open to both members and non- starting at 8.15pm at St Leonards Parish and general injuries. Treatments available visitors can view his rock plants, peat beds, members, on Thursday 20 September. Hall, we will be learning a whole new side include and alpine houses. Details of opening are The cost of the day for members is £20, to the story of Woburn Abbey, the House • Assessment & Advice available from the Yellow Book or from £17.50 for those aged over 60 years. Non- and its Owners from Christopher Gravett, • Mobilisation and Manipulation Diana Garner on 758347. As usual this was a members are welcome to join us for just an Curator at Woburn. • Rehabilitation Exercises. well attended event and I am sure we have extra £1.00 per person. The final meeting of the season is on • Electrotherapy all gleaned a little extra knowledge to Friday 4th May, 8.00pm sharp at In the meantime, while you are enjoying your experiment with this year! Cholesbury Village Hall. It will be our AGM spring gardening, cast a thought towards the Registered with most major health insurers and Members’ Evening including a Our next event will be the annual Bring and early autumn and the Annual Show and plan Telephone 01494 757132 member’s talk and a chance to learn about Buy Plant Sale, which will take place on now for what you hope to enter then! Friday 11 May, commencing at 19.30 at the History Group Photographic and Cholesbury Village Hall. This will be Anne Brown - Hort Soc Committee 758890 Document Archive over a glass of wine and accompanied by a ploughman’s supper and a http://www.cholesbury.com/hortsoc.htm a bite to eat. As always, contributions of tabletop quiz. Any plant contributions on ‘vittles’ will be much appreciated. the night will be gratefully received. Plants SUMMER OUTING – SATURDAY 30th are often generously donated from local June. Woburn Abbey: Guided Tour of gardens so this is a great opportunity to the House and Gardens 11am Woburn 1 acquire specimens that have been proven to House - A Guided Tour - duration 1 ⁄2 hrs, grow well in this area – perhaps even some £9 (incl. deposit) 2pm (approx) Gardens - 1 recommended by our recent speaker! Please An Optional Guided Tour - duration 1 ⁄2 hrs, contact Diana Garner as above to book your just £5. place. This is a unique opportunity to follow up on the April meeting by visiting the This year our members-only evening open House and checking out the place for garden visit will take place in June, when we yourself. For the first time, this year have been invited to visit the garden of Mrs Woburn is offering tours of the Gardens, Godden at Bassibones Farm, Ballinger Road, which were designed by Sir Humphrey Lee Common. Please note that this is strictly Repton. One of the gardeners will be our a members-only event, and you should Guide. contact Diana Garner if you wish to take Non-members are welcome at all our part. If you are not yet a member and meetings including the Members’ Evening would like to join us in time to take and also to join us on the Summer Outing. advantage of this visit, Diana will also be able For more information and to reserve a place to give you information. Membership costs on the summer outing please contact me. just £2 a year! Chris Brown 758890

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 by beech when plantations of the latter doubt I will encounter its offspring in the availability of food supplies. As high WEATHER AND were planted to serve the furniture trade, not too distant future. altitude flying relates to high pressure and NATURE NOTES could make a comeback. Bluebells which Hornets aren’t the only wildlife that vice versa they have long been used to rely on late arrival of the tree canopy could undeservedly and perennially receive bad predict the imminent arrival of rain. All simply in the springing of the year also suffer. press. Stoats, for example, have never For the past four years of writing these (Robert Frost) I was sitting by the PC seeking inspiration recovered from being maligned as villains - Nature Notes I have received reports each for this article and, just in case I needed a along with weasels - in Kenneth Grahame’s year in April of the first ‘soundings’ of anuary and February provided warmer reminder that this is the time of year when ‘Wind in the Willows’. They have a cuckoos in the area. Dates have varied from days, colder nights and a bucket-load of wildlife emerges from all quarters, I heard reputation for killing rabbits and mice between 19th to 27th of the month. This is rain. The rate at which the well is rising J scratching coming from the air-brick of the mercilessly, giving out a piecing scream about ten days later than in the Scilly Isles - 55ins per week - suggests the water table long-disused chimney beside me. Closer before the ‘coup de grace’. Normally where they are first heard in the British Isles. has a head of steam behind it and this is an inspection revealed the antennae of a large crepuscular (appearing at twilight), May is I suspect we will have our first record early indicator, as in 2000/1, that there could be insect exploring the gaps clearly with a view the best time to see these elusive animals as rather than late again this year. Cuckoo pint, flash floods before the year is out. The Met to squeezing through the vent. Freedom the females need to hunt in daylight to aka lords and ladies or arum lily is out at the Office is cautiously came just a few seconds later when out ensure sufficient milk for their young, or same time, as is the cuckoo flower and suggesting that spring popped a rather sooty, but huge queen kits. The stoat exchanges its all-white ermine cuckoo bee. Look out for both the purple and summer will hornet. Despite knowing the last thing on a coat, from which it takes its other name, for and yellow club-shaped inflorescences as continue to be a little hornet’s mind is to attack it is a rich brown coloured covering to its long well as the spotted and unspotted varieties, wetter and nevertheless intimidating close up. thin body, retaining just a white front and which appear in different frequencies from somewhat warmer Just as well I had managed to its black bottlebrush tail. The white fur was place to place. than average, though scramble for a glass and used in the ceremonial dress of the Lord Finally, Springwatch returns to the BBC and not necessarily at the sheet of Chief Justice and an ermine as a pet appears should be on our screens by the time HTN hits kind of record paper in paintings of monarchs such as Queen the streets. I look forward to receiving your levels we have as it Elizabeth I as a symbol of purity. comments and questions as usual. had in recent was If you read this at the start of April, swifts years. [email protected] will be leaving their over-wintering sites in Beech leaves burst clearly tropical Africa (not emerging from English forth in April but dates finding its river mud-beds as Gilbert White concluded can vary by three to four bearings in his ‘Natural History of Selbourne’). If you weeks from year to and read this article in May those swifts will year. Last year it already be arriving. The long journey has was late on 28th, became depleted their fat supplies and their arrival held back by a cold extremely hopefully coincides with an explosion not snap in March but in animated. I’m sure the fact that Spurs just of flying insects but many non-flying previous years it was during the first ten had just beaten Watford (aka the invertebrates and in particular spiders, days of the month. Imagine the Hornets) 3-1 was just a coincidence. which make up what is known as aero Chilterns without beech trees! Research Safely confined behind a piece of A4 I plankton. There is no time to lose as, not reported last September suggests that the gave it a quick once over - a magnificent only must they feed continuously on the number of trees suffering from water stress insect close up and deserving much better wing, catching each morsel individually, but had increased four-fold over the last 15 press than it gets. However, its persistence also adults must find a mate and breed years, with trees under 50 years old showing in pushing its legs and antennae around the whilst in flight. Most incredibly though, on these signs in particular. The degree of edge of the paper prompted my decision to warm evenings as light fades, swifts will damage is at a level one would normally set it free quickly. Luckily it fancied spiral higher and higher so they can catch expect of a tree that has reached at least exploring the great outdoors more than our up on their sleep by having short naps. 140 years. Slowly the beech will be house and headed off (made a bee- line Swifts are gregarious birds and will call to replaced by oak and ash, which are both would be quite descriptive here but seems each other to encourage communal flying. better able to withstand summer drought contradictory) towards the woods. No They will also vary the altitude at which conditions. Lime, which was largely replaced they fly to ensure they maximise the

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 his followers knew that; that’s why the records in the Bible of them and the New Testament church they founded are so full of good storytelling, vivid imagery and descriptions and word-pictures. It’s absolutely true that there’s space for closely- argued theology, but what the Christian Gospel urgently wants to get across is the good news of the saving love of Jesus Christ. Even John Stott, a real man of letters, says “‘Images’ of salvation... is a better term HEAD AND HEART than ‘theories.’ For theories are usually abstract and speculative concepts, whereas “Year after year in spring,” wrote the biblical images of the atoning achievement theologian Ben Witherington in the Wall of Christ are concrete pictures....” Street Journal a few weeks ago, “a new Easter for me, is a very direct experience - crop of religious dandelions pop up in our emotional, even visceral. And as someone who tends at least outwardly to be a ‘head’ post-Christian culture. Like the real ones rather than a ‘heart’ person, that’s growing in my yard, they make a colourful important - the images that Good Friday splash that briefly captures our attention, and Easter Day conjure up for me inform until we realize that they are only shallow- the theory that I’ve absorbed and learned over the last twenty-five or so years. rooted weeds, not beautiful flowers I believe that both sides of the picture planted long ago in the deep rich soil of the are important; that knowledge of the past, such as Easter lilies.” history of the story of our faith goes hand in hand with our personal response to it. Head e was referring in his article informs heart and vice versa. Otherwise particularly to the last twelve months, we’re left with arid theory on the one hand, Hwhen we faced last year the interest and impulsive emotionalism on the other. in ‘The DaVinci Code’ and the Gospel of Easter is so special, I’d argue, that Judas, and this year film director James Christians are duty-bound to get their Cameron‘s assertion that the tomb of Jesus, approach to it right. The incentive, of along with that of Mary Magdelene and course, is to be able to receive all that the their infant child, has been found in greatest of Christian festivals has to offer. Jerusalem. Theory and picture, head and heart, reason Witherington continues; “We are a Jesus- and emotion, all come together at this time. haunted culture that is so historically So I hope you have a joyful and fulfilling illiterate that anything can now pass for Easter, and I'm looking forward to being knowledge of Jesus.” involved in the life of the four parishes Every one, it seems, has a take on the again shortly afterwards. I start back on resurrection (or otherwise) of Jesus. What’s light duties in the middle of April. yours, I wonder? Your particular theory of what happened, and when and why, on that Yours, in Christ Sunday morning just under two thousand years ago? You can only go so far with words, theories and concepts, of course. Jesus and

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 28 Hilltop News Hilltop 29 Ploughman’s Lunches and Afternoon Teas will be available. We look forward to seeing you there!

HOLY BAPTISM 29th April at 10.45am Joint Service. The speaker at this service will be talking on Sunday 18th February 2007 – Harley William Leyborne Echlin African Aid in Kwa’ Zulu, Natal - arranged with the help of Mrs Rosie Batterham. Sunday 4th March 2007 – Ruby Ann Matthews 22nd June – Annual Summer Concert at the School with Iain Ledingham. As usual, Iain will bring with him students from The Royal Academy of Music. If you have been before you will know what a good evening CHOLESBURY this is and if you have not – and are a HAWRIDGE music lover – this is an opportunity to come oly Week and Easter Day will be busy EASTER SERVICES to a first class evening on your doorstep. for St Laurence. On Good Friday we Good Friday 6th April Full details from Elizabeth 758214 or Joan Hwill be host to our neighbouring 10.30am - Walk of Witness starting at 758332. Tickets will be available nearer the parishes when two Walks of Witness, Hawridge Church - joining with walkers time. starting from Hawridge and from St from St Leonards for a brief service at HAWRIDGE CHURCH WALKING GROUP Billy, Clare and Harley Echlin Leonards, come together outside Cholesbury Cholesbury Village Hall at 11.15am. Tuesday 3rd April starting at the later At a simple and moving service led by Village Hall. We will be sharing a short open 7pm. - Devotional Service time of 10.30am at Wilstone Reservoir near John Hull, Christine Cushing and Ray Brown air service. The weather has been kind for Tring. Meet at the small car park on the had their marriage blessed on Saturday 3rd the last few years and you are most Easter Sunday 8th April B489 just past the turning to Wilstone March. Ray’s father was a choir boy at St welcome to join us for the service at about 9.30am – Holy Communion with hymns coming from Tring. The car park is still Leonards many years ago and it was for 11.15am or to come on either of the walks. and a Baptism free! Coffee and Tea will be served as this reason that the service was held in our We are celebrating Compline at 7.30pm 5pm – Easter Praise with readings and usual. Church. The bride looked really beautiful on Tuesday 3rd and the Devotional Hour hymns. If you play an instrument and and the Church was filled with cream lilies on Good Friday is at 2pm. Our Easter would like to play at the Easter Praise Tuesday 8th May – starting from and deep crimson ranunculas…and the sun Sunday service with Parish Communion is at service please contact Joan Walton – ‘Crantock’, Bellingdon (Marion and Stan’s shone! 10.45am. Do join us! 758332 or James Watson – 758914. house) at the usual time of 10am. Many of the Matthews family were in We are most grateful to Kate Hoskin and 25th April – Joint Hawridge & Tuesday 5th June – Arrangements to be church Sunday 4th March when Hannah Tim Yates who have led services in the last Cholesbury Fete Meeting at the School advised. and Philip brought their little daughter, two months during David’s absence. at 7.30pm. The Fete is an important Ruby, to be christened. Only the fourth We are delighted to have been able to money raising event for the two churches A donation of 50p towards church funds is baby girl in a family dominated by boys for add three new volunteers to our Mowing and we would like to see as many people always appreciated. sixty eight years, it was lovely to welcome Rota – reflecting our changing village as possible at this meeting so that plans her into our Church! population – and the Spring Tidy at the end can be made for this year’s fete. If you feel The monthly Tea-Parties continue as of March gave us a good start and ensured you can help in any way either by running ST LEONARDS usual and it’s a great pleasure to meet the Churchyard was ready for Easter a stall, helping to set up tables or simply new-comers. You don’t have to be ‘old’ to Visitors. Thank you all who helped! bringing new ideas, please come along. n Sunday 18th February we were come – it’s simply a very pleasant hour and On Sunday 13th May 2-5pm we are delighted to welcome Clare and a half spent with friends. For those of you having a Cream Tea afternoon in 14th April – Market Stall – Chesham Billy Echlin’s baby son, Harley, into O who don’t have transport, you are Cholesbury Village Hall in aid of Church Market. Please come and support us! the Church. It was wonderful to see such a especially welcome and Anne Lake – 01296 funds. As well as the usual delicious tea, Bank Holiday Monday 28th May – May supportive gathering of friends and family 620169 – can arrange for you to be there will be cake and other stalls. Fayre at Cholesbury Village Hall from 12 at the Christening and great to have Molly, collected. We meet again on Wednesday noon to 5pm. his cousin, read a poem. 25th April and Wednesday 23rd May at

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 GOOD AS NEW SALE! To be held on Saturday 8th September from 10 – 1 in St Leonards Village Hall. Clothes only please (including hats, bags, shoes and jewellery) Please put it in your diary! In aid of Church funds.

The bi-monthly Discussion Group which met in St Leonards Church Room last Autumn is Philip, Hannah and Ruby Matthews to meet again to discuss 'The Parables' starting on Wednesday 11th April at 8pm. 3 o’clock. The scones come very highly The second meeting will be on Wed 2nd recommended! May and thereafter every two weeks - 16th It is with great sadness we tell you of May; 30th May; 13th June and 27th June. Dandy Shearman’s death on 15th January. Dandy who lived for many years in Bottom Last year's series of discussions, led by Road and who was looked after so David, were particularly well attended and wonderfully by Ellie Redding for many much enjoyed. You are most welcome to years, had finally gone to live with her son join in this time. Knowledge of the Bible is in Lincolnshire. She was a marvellous lady not important: a desire to question and and we were delighted to write about her better understand is! life in the June/July 2005 edition of Hilltop News. Dandy was 94! You will read more about her in ‘A Celebration of Life’.

EASTER SERVICES Palm Sunday April 1st – Parish Communion and Sunday School at 11am. Maundy Thursday April 5th Joint Parish Communion at 7.30pm Good Friday April 6th Children’s Easter Garden and Easter Egg Hunt from 10 – 12 noon Walk of Witness starting in the Churchyard at 10.30am Devotional Hour at 1pm Easter Sunday April 8th Holy Communion at 9am Easter Family Celebration at 11am We welcome you to join us at these services!

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 personal, honest and trustworthy service of which we are proud. Many rely on us and continue to use us time and again. Advertising? We have never used newspapers. Like all small businesses, we rely heavily on word of mouth recommendations and only advertise locally

(Photos - Sally Forsyth Spark) Spark) Forsyth - Sally (Photos in the Hilltop News. We also support other local groups such as H&C Cricket Club; a boys’ football club; local horse events; Anglian Rovers Club; the Commons Preservation Society’s Summer Party and St Leonard's fete, to name but a few. We are delighted with the support we receive from the local villages and we will continue to maintain the high standard of personal and competitive service we set ourselves for all our customers old and new. John Caple and John Minting (partners) and our new employee John Kirby

Phone 758206 and ask for John and you CHILTERN MOTORS many more to come, thanks to the can't go wrong! tremendous support we get from local A village garage with a personal touch residents. Are we the cheapest? No - but our prices are very competitive (property y the time you read this article we and business rates in this area are not will have been at Chiltern Motors for cheap!). Are we the quickest? No - but we Bthree years. We hope you have try hard to do your cars as quickly as noticed the improvements that we have possible and don't over promise. Will we made to the property whilst trying to please everyone? No - but we do work retain some of its character. For example, hard to provide our customers with a we listened to the concerns of certain villagers regarding the old pumps and restored and replaced them as a feature. They have become a point of reference for lost delivery vans and have even been used on a treasure hunt! In the old days villages had shops, post offices, smithies and a number of pubs, many of which have now gone for a multitude of reasons such as changing social habits, progress, or because they simply became unviable - but they are gone! The village garage has been here for many years and we hope it will remain for

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 application to the Big Lottery Fund Community Buildings Program for the St Leonards extension at the east end of the hall fell at the first fence, i.e. Stage 1 of the Parish Hall Fête application process. We understand that very few applications from the South East Dog Show, Horse Show & Gymkhana have been passed forward to Stage 2. However, we trust that a great deal of the 2nd June 2007 (Photos Ann & John Horn) preparatory work done by Brian Lake will be put to use eventually. The Management Please make a note in your diaries! Committee have got the bit between their Bring your family and friends to support the day collective teeth and are exploring all avenues for alternatives to fund the work. We have achieved the new Kitchen - now the objective is a little more Ideas would be welcome as we do not wish space and new toilets (including one for the disabled) ST LEONARDS PARISH the time already invested to be wasted. HALL Do talk to any member of the Committee if you have knowledge of Fête – Open at 2pm News Update - Onward and Upward! possible funding providers. he Race night held in the hall recently Michael Reynolds (Chairman) PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN - the following are URGENTLY needed this year: raised £780. The evening was Raffle Prizes & Raffle ticket sellers Tintended as a celebration of the new Items for stalls: Tombola, Bottle, Book, Plants, Cake, Bric-a-Brac, kitchen, completed on time and on budget, by Raybell Construction and A.W. Burch Children’s Toys and Clothes Kitchens. However, it also kicked off a new Many old and some new attractions fundraising program. ‘Onward and Children’s Races and Fancy Dress (Circus theme) Upward’, so they say! Although there were a number of fallers- over -hurdles, the Any other ideas and offers of help would be most appreciated ! night appeared to be much enjoyed by all Horse Show & Gymkhana - from 9am present. I, personally, have never backed a horse in my life, but the evening was This successful committee has again taken on the organisation of the Horse Show certainly very noisy and a lot of fun. and Schedules/Entry Forms are available from Karen Crippen 758609 Some of you will already know that (to continue the racing metaphor) our Dog Show - from 1.30pm Details from Jonathan Bright 758907

The Fête is the Hall’s main fund raising event of the year and the proceeds also help to keep the hiring rates competitively low.

Any offer of help, however little, adds up to a large effort which makes this annual village event a success. Please contact me or any member of the St Leonards Hall Committee - we look forward to hearing from you. John Horn 758250

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 100 CLUB WINNERS February 2007 1st Prize £15 No 28 Mrs S Reynolds 2nd Prize £10 No 14 Mr N Blomfield

March 2007 1st Prize £25 No 18 Mr J Conlan, Bellingdon 2nd Prize £15 No 102 Mrs M Marchant, Cholesbury 3rd Prize £10 No 60 Mr M Angell, Buckland Common

Annual Renewals due 1st April 2007 New Members always welcome - please contact the Treasurer, Paul Thomas 758062

38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 butterflies than you ever thought possible! bluebell. Bluebells - Hyacinthoides non- Motorcycles HAWRIDGE & Both walks are dependent on the scripta - are native to Britain, and 30% of We hope that the new signs at each end of CHOLESBURY weather. If it is very rainy we will try to the world’s population of bluebells are the lower horse ride and at its intersection COMMONS reschedule the walk. Please get in touch found here. Bluebells are much less with Horseblock Lane need only be a with me on 758440 or another Committee common elsewhere in Europe, so this temporary measure and that the young PRESERVATION member should this happen and you will be country has an international responsibility motorcyclists will get the message that they SOCIETY notified of the change of date. for the conservation of this species and are breaking the by-laws and could be fined English Nature is doing all it can to preserve if they drive on the Commons. Please Summer Party Distribution of logs them. The native wild bluebell cannot continue to log any information that you We are delighted to be able to hold the The working party in early March gathered easily be established outside its native have about them and notify Thames Valley Summer Party at Hawridge Place this year and distributed a large number of logs to habitat but the Spanish bluebell, planted in Police on 0845 8505 505 if you see them. and would like to thank Eric and Carys local residents and we expect to have more error, will grow anywhere. What is more, Gadsden very much for allowing us to use after the chainsaw training takes place. If it will hybridise with the native wild Grant money from Chilterns their beautiful grounds again. The party you know of anyone who is in need of bluebell, and, its traits being dominant, will Conservation Board from the will be held on the evening of the 7th July some please let a committee member know breed the native out of existence. Its Sustainable Development Fund and will follow a similar format to last year, or ring Isobel Clark on 758987. botanical name is Hyacinthoides hispanica. This work is nearing completion and should though we hope to extend it till a little This is a race against time for once the be finished by the deadline of the end of Please note that we do not remove every later in the evening. Tickets should be on hybridisation begins, it cannot be reversed. March. We are very grateful for their tree which falls down since they provide sale in late May and June but please put The dominant genes cannot be removed support as it has enabled us to carry out habitat for many small creatures. the date in your diary now and contact from a wild population once their presence work such as stump grinding and extending your Committee member for tickets. has been established. the heather regeneration trial which the Working parties society would have found expensive The regular Sunday morning working Both Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons Litterblitz without their help. Many thanks to all who have helped to parties have now finished for the year to let have a fine distribution of native bluebells the birds nest in peace. Many thanks to all and we want to protect them from the tidy up the Commons. There has been a AGM Minutes of the hardworking and hardy souls who invaders. With this in mind, we are in the fair amount of rubbish around this year and These can be found on the website have helped out over the winter – a process of removing the invasive Spanish so it is good to see them looking so much www.cholesbury.com/HCCPS. clearer. magnificent effort, especially on the day of bluebells and their hybrids from the log distribution which was cold and Commons - a task which will extend over Annual subscriptions miserable! many years since it takes 4-6 years for a Summer walks These fell due at the AGM last December. seed to mature sufficiently to flower. This year we have two walks planned. It As always there is a fair bit of summer work They remain at £7.50 per member and are will be helpful to have binoculars for each. to do and we are fortunate to have willing Gardeners can contribute by removing any payable to: Mike Fletcher, Ivy Cottage, helpers who do their bit to keep the Spanish or hybrid bluebells from their Cholesbury. Tring. Herts. HP23 6ND. Birds/Plants Commons in good shape. If you can help gardens, and destroying them. Digging up Lindsay Griffin - Chairman John Kilpatrick will lead a bird walk on the with any of the routine jobs such as the bulbs and burning them is the most th Commons on Sunday 6 May at 7am mowing of footpaths or have an hour or effective method of removal; cutting off starting opposite the school, Hawridge. two to offer please contact Isobel who will the heads before they set seed stops the John’s wife, Francesca Greenoak is a keen certainly be able to find something for you seeds being transported to surrounding botanist and she will also be on hand to to do! areas; cutting off the flower heads prevents help identify plant species. I am sure that the pollen, which contains much of the the early start will be worth it! Bluebells genetic material, from being transported to This is an issue that we can all do local native populations. This is a great Butterflies something about - perhaps without leaving time to fill vases and take the flowers David Dennis will again conduct a butterfly our own gardens! Read Isobel’s reasons indoors!’ rd walk on Sunday 3 June starting at 2pm why you should. Remember that it is an offence to opposite the Full Moon. David’s walk was dump garden waste of any kind on the ‘As you probably know, the native bluebell a real pleasure last year - you are Common and stiff penalties apply. guaranteed to find out much more about is under threat from the foreign Spanish

40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 TEAS AT CHOLESBURY THE THURSDAY CLUB CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST CHOLESBURY Our next meeting will be on April 19th LEONARDS W.I. VILLAGE HALL at 8 pm in St Leonards Parish Hall when he Quiz Night on the evening of 10th VILLAGE HALL there will be a talk about the Wendover ‘Cream Teas’ are served at Cholesbury March was well-attended and not Arm of the Grand Union Canal. This Village Hall on some summer Sundays, quite as noisy as previous times! should be a very interesting evening when T usually between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm. Questions set by Sandy Clarke had Annual General Meeting we can hear about the work being They are organised as fundraisers by everyone thinking hard, even smelling and undertaken to restore this arm of the Monday 14th May 2007 at 8.00 pm various charities and often there will be tasting with the "Spice" round and Table D canal. We welcome visitors to the evening stalls for homemade cakes, bric-a-brac, were again the worthy winners. Thanks to Everyone is welcome to attend this which will be free for members and £1 for plants etc. Dates booked so far this Sandy and to Quiz Master Dave and to the meeting. It is your opportunity to meet non-members. year for ‘Teas’ or other events are: ‘cooks in the kitchen’ for the supper. the Trustees and members of the Brian and Anne Lake 01296 620169; Violet Another good evening! Committee and to find out what is Sunday 13th May - for St Laurence Lovett 758775; The poster in the hall advertising Tai Chi happening in your Hall. There will be Church, Cholesbury Primrose and Alan Langdon 01296 696092; at the March meeting has been drawing plenty of time for you to make Sunday 20th May - ‘Art and Tea’ for Joan Walton 758332 attention and we hope that everyone comments, ask questions and put Iain Rennie Hospice at Home knows that visitors are welcome at forward your ideas to the Committee. Monday 28th May - Ploughman’s meetings. They are held on the third So, please come along on 14 May. Coffee Lunches for St Mary’s Church, Hawridge Monday of each month in the hall at St and biscuits will be served. Sunday 10th June - for Hawridge and NEIGHBOURHOOD Leonards, starting at 8pm. On Monday, If you are not able to come but have Cholesbury School April 16th, Mr Burnett will be showing some queries, please speak to Paddy Sunday 22nd July - for Chiltern WATCH slides with the title of "The Four Seasons". Thomas (758460) or Joan Barnard May is the meeting where we discuss the Conservation Board he police have issued a reminder of (758365) before the AGM. Resolutions which will go forward to the Sunday 19th August - for Chiltern the new penalties for National AGM. Dog Rescue Tusing a mobile Monday 27th August - Hawridge and phone whilst driving: a Get in touch with Carol Henry 758435, if Cholesbury Church Fete £60 fixed penalty fine you would like to know more about WI and three penalty activities. Saturday 1st September - Art points. Exhibition DON’T FORGET THAT THERE MAY BE Distraction burglaries LATER ADDITIONS OR ALTERATIONS. continue to be reported within the Chiltern LOOK OUT FOR POSTERS AROUND THE area, also incidents of smash-and-grab on VILLAGES OR ‘WHAT’S ON’ NOTICES IN unattended vehicles. The unseasonably THE LOCAL PRESS. warm weather encourages country walks - if you drive to a favourite location, do not leave anything on show when you park your car, or even leave anything of value out of sight, these thieves are very quick. The number to call to report an incident is 0845 8 505 505 and 999 for emergencies. Shirley Blomfield 758314

42 Hilltop News Hilltop News 43 HAWRIDGE AND enjoy the experience and so that everyone had a chance to fine-tune their accents CHOLESBURY SCHOOL among friends. Tres bien!!! Now we are looking forward to Red The Wonderful World of School….. Nose day, planned by the pupils on the he first part of the year has been school council. The day is expected to spent being very continental here at include dressing up in red, funky hair styles, THawridge and Cholesbury School!!! a cake sale, coin trail and almost certainly Miss Weston and Class 3, who have been an element of red nose mayhem! After the studying various countries through the success of Children in Need day, the school year, decided to celebrate by children are hoping to raise a good sum to holding a ‘World Day’. The pupils dressed donate to this popular charity. up in brightly coloured costumes, hats and Finally, as we hurtle towards Easter, The head-dresses, and shared food and drink Friends of the School are busy arranging from around the globe. They discussed more fundraising. Already in place is a lifestyle, customs, religion and the different chance for the children to spend a busy values of the various peoples. Saturday afternoon making Mothers Day Alongside this wonderful celebration of and Easter gifts in the school hall. Other culture, children from Class 4 at last met ideas for events in the summer term the French pen pals they have been writing include an Auction of Promise and family to for the last year. The school hall was fun day. (More details in the next issue). decorated appropriately with French and Kay Bass (Photo - Frankly Fantastic! Liz Green) English flags and some older pupils, kindly ‘loaned’ by Dr. Challoners School, were on POST OPERATIVE! hand to assist with any language Are you looking at difficulties. The children were given time to hen six inches of snow descended relax together so that they could really upon us overnight, with an your options? Wunusually accurate weather warning, many schools and businesses were closed. There was general road and rail If you’d like to find out about a way of… chaos, and how many residents in The Hilltop Villages were unable to leave their • working for yourself with flexible hours homes? As Pepper and I slithered down • doing something you enjoy Shire Lane to photograph Cholesbury • being with positive people Church, I was amazed to see a red van at • helping others & helping yourself the bottom of the lane. Quite how Frank • taking care of your health naturally managed to inch his way along the • with lots of training & support treacherous lanes I do not know. He was …then please give me a call. his usual cheerful self, and more than obliging for a photo or two. Definitely an unsung hero to whom we all say a sincere It would be my pleasure to share a business I love with ‘thank you’ for conquering the elements! you, so that you can see if there is something in it for you P.S. As an owner of a 4 x 4 I was more Suitable for any age or background, whatever kind of than happy to be called out for extra Meals income you are looking for on Wheels shifts. We 4 x 4 owners are made to feel increasingly ostracised but, Look forward to hearing from you…Valerie for once, they truly came into their own! 01494 757197 or 07946 423251 Liz Green 44 Hilltop News Hilltop News 45 WHEN I WAS A BOY

Part Four onderfully, I now have two very good replacement knees and am Wenjoying walking in comfort for the first time in many years. My wife thinks I’ll ‘overdo it’ and has said that although I (Drawing – Jackie Henderson) – Jackie (Drawing may feel as if I have a new lease of life, I am not to forget my age! Glancing through the diary the other day I realised just how the time flies. I have reached the 50th Anniversary of my De-Mob from my RAF their clothing marked by a yellow circle on National Service. I spent most of the two the back, marching under guard to their years in Singapore, just a few years after work each day. the occupation. One very exciting day when were we Hort Soc Knees up This again brought back memories of hanging over the school wall at break time, a large tracked vehicle complete with gun knee. Imagine my embarrassment on the Hilltops during the War years when, as KNEES R US on top came roaring up the middle of the discovering that many people in the hall a young lad, it all seemed rather interesting. In such a quiet and enclosed road straight towards us. It then ground to Nobody told us. We should have been seemed to have had or be having knee a halt, turned problems. If extra room had been provided community, all sorts of warned! The dreaded knee lurgy awaited around and made for all such people, others would have had different and exciting off whence it came us in the hilltops. to go home. Most of the Committee had things were happening. The Air – I wonder who hen Gillian, Becca, Lizzie, had knees replaced. Some of them two. Raid Shelters were well was driving it? It Bessie,Twiggy and I left Little Hips as well! used but there were seems that even Gaddesden we thought that up An ornithological friend of mine was W no direct hits. My then, drivers here, higher than Ivinghoe Beacon, it mystified by what he thought was a new family used the ones became completely would be healthy. Little did we know! We rare bird sound. Was it a finch or a warbler on Buckland Common. lost in our lanes! did our research and found our prospective making the ‘click,click’ sound? No! It was There were two that Apart from neighbours fit and well. Mind you, Nick the noise of a lesser spotted knee victim were quite large and these events and had had a promising football career, doing a turn around the lanes, with new had been dug out by the plane crashes, starring for Aldbury FC, cut short. Yes, metal walking sticks. the men who worked in the local which I described you've guessed, by a knee injury! But Jim, There is hope, as those that were brickfields. Another was next to Horseshoe in Part 3 of my memoirs, our War passed the Peter Crouch of the legal profession, overtaken by John Horn, striding out days Cottages and had been constructed by Mr very peacefully. My father returned, safe has been known to thrill many an onlooker after his second replacement, will testify. Brown who lived in Molasba Cottage, and well, and continued his work making with his daring on the slippery slopes of But it does seem amazing that this little Cherry Tree Lane. These were roofed with bricks and enjoying his allotment. His Switzerland. corner of the Chilterns is home to so many tin and overlaid with soil – I doubt if they stoutly constructed runner bean frame is I won't bore you with my medical knee sufferers. Perhaps we walk too much- would have been effective! still in the Buckland Common allotments history, fascinating as it is, (this could be the footpaths are very inviting. But perhaps Opposite what is now Coppice Farm and used by others to this day. The the subject of a future article), but three there is something in the air. Park, St Leonards, then known as Dixon’s Horticultural Society’s annual Prize for Best years and six broken ribs later, I joined the Beware the dreaded knee lurgy! Camping Coppice, was a large beech wood. Allotment is named after him. local knee replacement group. Clive Fleckney. Leyland Barn 758895 Italian Prisoners of War were detailed the By the time the war was over my time at Before Christmas we spent a jolly task of felling the trees under the St Leonards School was over too. The evening at the Horticultural Society AGM (Has anyone thought to make a study of supervision of T.T. Boughton Haulage Co. It School no longer took pupils right through and supper. I was very kindly seated in a the effects of gardening on knees, was a familiar sight from St Leonards to fourteen or fifteen and so I was sent to corner with extra room for my troublesome Clive? Ed) School playground to see the prisoners, in Chesham on a coach - not the fancy air-

46 Hilltop News Hilltop News 47 Butcher’s Orchard, Little Twye Road. This is where Mrs Zoë Dowson lives now but her house was the Fruit Store at that time. A very old, single speed Trojan ‘Pick Up’, as it would be called now, was used to take the fruit to market. There were so many cherry trees around Buckland Common in those days! conditioned type of vehicle used today, but and about in the snowy countryside. I also remember Mr a Bedford seating 29 belonging to the Lee Summertime also brought excitement Brown, always known & District Coaches. It was all good fun and often more trouble! I remember one as Count Brown. He though and we were up to pranks as usual. time when my friend Steven Seabrook and had a very old Fordson The driver, John Selby, was in charge, or I thought we’d have little fire out on the ‘spud wheeled’ tractor thought he was, and used to roar at us if green at Buckland Common. Before we at his farm in Sandpit we did not behave. The girls usually came knew it the dry gorse and ferns had caught Hill, Cholesbury. He off worst, finding their pigtails tied in fire and the whole Common was alight didn’t use this knots or themselves in the line of fire from (not surprising as we had taken paraffin particular tractor very peashooters, owned by Derek Sutherland out of our shed to get our ‘little fire’ much so he allowed us (now living in South Africa) and me. A started). My father gave me a good lads to take it on his Prefect who also travelled on the coach thrashing for that. We all took these things fields. It was very once reported us to our Headmaster in in our stride, if we were in trouble we took temperamental when Chesham, Mr Thirtle. The result of this was the consequences. It was all part of life. starting. As this involved using petrol then a visit to the Headmaster’s Room and five Happy memories of indoor events quickly switching to a kind of paraffin, the of the best across our palms. Justice really! include visits, along with the other carburettor often caught fire and we There was a Sunday School at the youngsters, to the home of Freddie Halton extinguished this by using a handy cowpat! Chapel in Buckland Common on Brackley’s and his wife Elsie. They lived at the Unfortunately for us, the fun on the tractor Hill (also known as The High Street or Potteries, Buckland Common. I loved to see ended abruptly one day when the gang of Parrotts Lane). Boys and girls were Freddie’s wonderful motorcycle with lads were unable to stop the thing and it expected to attend. I never enjoyed it very sidecar but the reason for our visits was his demolished one of Count Brown’s sheds. much and used to ‘mess about’ a fair bit. garden shed, for once a week in this shed Enough for now I’m off to dig the Those who misbehaved were sent out he held a film show. I think he charged 3d vegetable patch .………………… a show and we watched in wonder a which didn’t really worry me. Having been John Horn sent out though, I found it amusing to variety of old films. Freddie made little make faces through the window at those money out of this as he hired the films. It certainly was a bit special in those days. (Never mind about overdoing things at still inside…. until I was caught there one your age, John! – it’s the gardening I’d be time by my father who gave me the ‘clip Harvest time was the highlight of the summer holidays. We helped to gather the worried about, after reading of the round the ear’ I deserved. epidemic of Patella Horticulturalis affecting Winters were the best. The Hilltops were crops and rode on the tractors and trailers. No Health and Safety and EU regulations gardeners in the Chilterns - see Clive’s regularly cut off by snow. Therefore no Knees R Us! - will this dread disease also coach, no school! They were great days out then!! When the fruit was ready to pick, we boys were employed to pick cherries at attack replacement knees? Ed)

48 Hilltop News Hilltop News 49 CHOLESBURY the group. His sketches – created in DAVID’S BIRTHDAY WALK moments - to illustrate a particular technique WATERCOLOUR to lesser mortals, have thrilled us all. A short account of a long day’s journey WORKSHOP - KEITH It was his persuasive manner which gave rise to the Cholesbury Watercolour nce upon a time I walked, with a RICHMOND Workshop Exhibition, run in conjunction friend, from Oxford to Cambridge. In the first 24 hours, we managed with the Horticultural Society September O (Photo – Gill Fleckney) Keith’s name will not spring readily to Show. Many visitors have appreciated the 72 miles - the remaining eight took mind when readers think of village improvement in standards over the years. another two and three-quarter hours. Mark sang Tom Lehrer songs, and we both got activities, but he has directly influenced New members from the villages have sore feet, joints and muscles… BUT, of the work of amateur artists in the village come to join the group (and some have gone again!) and have reaped the reward course in those days, we were young and for nearly ten years. of learning in a very relaxed way from fit and it was the end of term! Forty-seven years later, as my 70th birthday hen the local authority withdrew Keith – a kindly man. approached, so did the idea of doing support for a watercolour class Keith is now retiring to Sussex with his something similar. Fortunately, nowadays in Tring, Keith was persuaded to wife Jan but forever we shall hear his W we can use kilometres instead of miles, but lead a class based in Cholesbury Village watchword cry ‘Don’t use Paynes Grey’. it was still an interesting question whether David’s Shoes Hall. He overcame early navigational Our best wishes go with them both. I could do 70 of them in a continuous trip! problems to get to the Hilltop villages from Ivinghoe Beacon. It was conveniently It would also provide an excuse for Hemel Hempstead! Gordon Kew handy, and nominally 69 or 72 km declining 70th birthday presents and asking Keith has a wonderful ability to enthuse Art exhibition according to one’s choice of guide! (I instead that people sponsor me for the others as well as to bring his own personal Remember to put Saturday 1st September measured 70.6 km on the 25,000 OS benefit of the Chilterns Multiple Sclerosis talent as a professional watercolourist and in your diary for the Art Exhibition and sheets). Since the route crosses roads Centre at Halton. illustrator to the help of every member of Horticultural Show. reasonably often, one could easily meet at The MS Centre treats and supports some a car. It’s only when one gets down to ERIC REID’S LEGACY 300-plus people with Multiple Sclerosis, detail that one realizes the problem of mainly with essential and specialised arranging possible changes of clothing and, TO CHARITY physiotherapy, but also with ‘dives’ in a more importantly, footwear at the various high-density oxygen chamber, with yoga, rendezvous. There were lots of offers of acupuncture and so on. It fills a gap in NHS fter his death in July last support from friends and one friend even services, and is highly valued by its year, we discovered came up from Devon specially to walk the members, most of whom give a just what a fine, last 28 km with me. On the long walk of 47 A contribution, but who are not asked to pay self - taught watercolour years ago, we had no support, just for their treatment. painter Eric was and that rucksacks and the rare pub! After some indecision and comments he had left over a In order to do the walk in the day, the from friends ranging from ‘Good luck hundred paintings, plan was to try to run the first 42 km in six young man!’ to ‘I always thought you were mostly in mounts that he or seven hours, then change into boots and mad’, I did some testing of myself on had made himself. His widow Pat, who is walk until I got to the end. Unfortunately, various hilly routes involving Wendover now living in a Nursing Home in Woburn my 70th birthday fell on a shortish winter’s Woods etc. wearing various old and Sands, has very kindly donated most of these to charity day with a new moon, so a head-torch was reliable shoes and boots. All three pairs and, at a recent exhibition in aid of the Chilterns Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Halton, five going to be needed. involved had been resoled with studs after of Eric’s paintings fetched £245 for which I am sure the centre was grateful. At 6.05am it was still dark at Goring so, the original soles had deteriorated and On Sunday afternoon 20th May from 2.30pm, a Tea and Exhibition/ Sale of his work will clutching a micro-torch for any early cracked. be held at Cholesbury Village Hall in aid of the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. Pat hopes potholes, I set off at an easy trot for an About a week before the snow came, I that the sale of further paintings might fund research into Muscular Dystrophy since their hour along the river - disturbing ducks, finally decided and committed myself to younger son, Stephen, died of this illness. listening to the dawn chorus and celebrating the 15th of February by A bench, in Eric’s memory, is to be placed near to the cricket pitch. negotiating flooded paths. One footbridge following the Ridgeway from Goring to

50 Hilltop News Hilltop News 51 was under 10 cm of water at one point. A top of the Hale, across Red Lane above the little after 7 o’clock the trail turned away Crong, where we were given our head- CURVACEOUS COOK from the Thames, straight up Grim’s Ditch torches, through Pavis Wood and along onto the hills at Nuffield where Joan was two bits of road, then along the top of waiting in very chill mist, but surrounded Tring Park, to our 7th rendezvous crossing by masses of snowdrops. After a five Fox Hill at Wigginton. At 6pm with torches minute pause, on I trotted along on, we were off down to Tring station. No undulating paths (I had to walk up one time to waste here! Our supporters long hill) till the path dropped down to complained they’d barely had time to get join the Icknield Way, and through the their fish and chips from Tring, as we mud to the next rendezvous at the old carried on up through tricky dark woods on A40, at 10.59am. Elevenses here were really Aldbury Nowers, then out to the clear open welcome, with excellent hot chocolate and ridge of Pitstone Hill. We were guided a break for 15 minutes. With two thirds of down by waiting headlights on the road, the marathon distance done, and feeling a and then set off up the penultimate slope LUXURIOUS PANETTONE ‘PUD’ bit tired, I was warm enough to discard my towards the road below the Beacon. There Were you given one of those Italian breads in a pretty tin or box for Christmas or Easter that jacket. we met the car again and, with just 500 m you are not quite sure what to do with? Eaten plain they may be boring, but easily make Along through more flat mud through to the trig point, we could see a dazzling something delicious. Try these ideas: Chinnor, up over Wain Hill, where the plain of lights spread out below. Poor horses I met provided a good excuse for a astronomers! Toast and butter (careful, the fruit burns very quickly!) brief walk. I was getting wearier, and again 70.6 km after I had set out that morning Dip thickish slices in beaten egg with a splash of milk mixed in. Fry in a little butter or tasteless glad of an excuse to walk up the steep end and 14 hours and 19 minutes later, at oil and sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. of Lodge Hill. From there the trail led 8.24pm we finally made it!! Bliss!!! Down to gradually down to Brimmers Road at more chocolate and a short car ride home! Do as the Italians do and just dip chunks in your coffee or hot chocolate. Princes Risborough: 42 km - one marathon - What is more and what is best, is that Butter a shallow, ovenproof dish. Layer thick slices of Panettone, then a mix of blueberries by 12.59pm. Here the support team from through the kind generosity of so many (very good use of blueberries – frozen, when on offer!) and sultanas soaked in orange juice (or Devon were waiting with Joan, watching people over £1600 has been raised for the alcohol of your choice!) ending with more panettone, slightly overlapping so you get a crunchy four red kites putting on a magnificent Chilterns Multiple Sclerosis Centre at aerial display, using the thermals rising Halton, and money is still coming in. To add topping. Whisk up some eggs and double cream (whipping cream, or even single cream, or milk are from the town. They greeted me with to it via the internet, go to the web page all suitable substitutes). Quantities required will vary depending on the size of your ‘pud’ but aim assorted refreshment and encouragement, www.justgiving.com/davidbarnard for more or less equal quantities of egg and cream, and then a bit more cream/milk. Gradually pour it over the top so very much needed, as I felt seriously David Barnard exhausted. BUT it is amazing what 25 that the ‘pud’ absorbs it. Leave for a while for the custard to completely soak in. Thinly sprinkle the top minutes rest, raisins, chocolate, apple juice, (We are all full of admiration for David on with a mix of Demerara sugar and cinnamon, if you change of pants, a dry T-shirt, and putting his achievement – this is 100 times further like it, and bake in a moderate oven for about 30-50 on boots and a light jacket can do! than I walk on my treadmill, feeling very minutes, depending on size of dish. It will continue to Roger and I set off, now at a virtuous! Ed) comfortable walk, up and over behind cook a bit as it cools. I sit it on the rack on the floor Whiteleaf Cross and down to Cadsden to How will you spend your 70th Birthday? of the top AGA oven with the cold tray. Keep a bit of be greeted even before we reached the Joan Barnard writes ‘Personally, in my next an eye on it after 20 minutes, and if the fruit is incarnation, I am definitely marrying a pub by more supporters. (No! We didn’t catching, lay a sheet of greaseproof paper over the top. stop for a pint!). Then we crossed the front corporate lawyer who wants to spend his I served the last recipe at Christmas with Damson puree and of Chequers, up Coombe Hill from the 70th birthday lying on a beach in the back, and down to our rendezvous in Seychelles.’ cream…Well it was Christmas!…also good on its own or with cream. Wendover, by St Mary’s Church in Church Other ideas to Fletcher Nicholson Just don’t call it bread and butter pudding! Even those who profess Lane. We had a very brief swig and bite ([email protected]) who will be to hate that will enjoy this version! editing the August - September issue of there, and were then up and away to the Lulu Stephen [email protected] Hilltop News, please.

52 Hilltop News Hilltop News 53 HILLTOP NEWS We welcome all letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Information for the June/July (limited) edition should be sent to Imogen Vallance (Societies) or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by the 13th May. Material for inclusion in the next larger edition (August/September) should go directly to Fletcher Nicholson by the 13th July. Kay Bass H & C SCHOOL ...... 786016 [email protected] Anne Butterworth CHURCH MATTERS ...... 758700 [email protected] Nick Butterworth TREASURER ...... 758700 [email protected] Jim Hetherington WILDLIFE ...... 758836 [email protected] Ann Horn ADVERTISING ...... 758250 [email protected] Bill Ingram THE PUBS ...... 758258 [email protected] Maureen Newall ...... 758515 Fletcher Nicholson AUG/SEPT EDITOR AUDITOR . .758366 [email protected] Oliver Parsons FRONT COVER & PHOTOS ...... 758694 [email protected] Rosemary Pearce DISBRIBUTION ...... 758334 John Phimister ...... 01296 623425 Sally/Marcus Reynolds FARMING ...... 758548/758610 [email protected] Michael Spark PRODUCTION ...... 758882 [email protected] Imogen Vallance SOCIETIES, DEAR DIARY/ PROOF READER ...... 758552 [email protected] Guy Williams SECRETARY ...... 758735 [email protected]

Sell and Let property in St Leonards, Buckland Common, Cholesbury, Hawridge Common Heath End, Swan Bottom, Chivery and Hastoe If you are looking to buy, sell or let in these areas please contact Graeme Warren or Simon Lambert for a Free Market Appraisal on Amersham 01494 725636 or Chesham 01494 775650 Offices in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & Middlesex

54 Hilltop News