THE September 2016 LEE

For , Lee Common, Hunts Green, Kings Ash and Swan Bottom From the Editor HS2: setbacks By Viv Robins to the cause ell team GB may have piled W up the medals in Rio but that By Simon Morris, Chairman looks to have been as Chiltern Ridges HS2 Action Group nothing compared to the amount of he sad news this month is the silverware handed out at The Lee T decision by the local authorities Flower Show in July. The event enjoyed – being its customary success with the bonus Council, County this year of some excellent weather. Council, Aylesbury Vale District But the summer also saw a more Council and the Chiltern Conservation sombre event with the marking of the Board – not to proceed in taking the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles, in case for a long tunnel through the which 10 men from The Lee were Chiltern AONB to the House of Lords killed. Commemorations took place HS2 Select Committee. both in France, attended by We heard at a meeting in early representatives from the village, and at August that the Councils had been our own war memorial on the Green. advised by their lawyers not to continue As part of the plan to bring news with it. Before Parliament went into of events outside the immediate parish recess, the House of Lords Select we include reports from the surgery in Committee said that it did not wish to and St Mary’s hear petitions requesting actions which Church in Ballinger. would require ‘Additional Provisions’. Following our customary August Where changes requested by Sales & Lettings break we received a record amount of petitioners would have significant 64 High Street Great Missenden material this month, so apologies to impact on people in the locality it is anyone whose contribution has had to required, under a procedure called Buckinghamshire HP16 0AN be edited or held over. ‘Additional Provisions’, that another Next month’s Editor is Peter Archer. consultation process is triggered. In the Tel: 01494 890990 th Please send material to him by 12 interest of fairness this may require the email: [email protected] September, preferably by email at Bill to go back to the House of www.jeremyswan.co.uk [email protected] or Commons for consultation again and as hard copy to Mulberry Cottage, the process could delay the HS2 Bill by Blackthorne Lane, Ballinger. several months. The Committee said 2 3 that it would only hear petitions that disappointment for CRAG’s the most popular stuff from the Greek would lead to Additional Provisions if engineering team under the leadership event and expand geographically to the House of Lords specifically of Barnaby Usborne who have spent include some typical Italian (and required it to hear them. The the last six years designing and Sicilian) foods as well... and this time Committee Chairman described the presenting the T3i tunnel, which we will try to get enough to ensure we prospect of the House of Lords ultimately became known simply as the don’t run out by 9:00 am on the first instructing the Committee to hear such Long Tunnel. They have done a terrific day! So please keep a lookout for proposals as being “remote and job in a difficult situation. more details. fanciful”. It appears that in the Petitioners will not be heard Looking further ahead, Laura and circumstances the Councils decided In July the House of Lords Select Katie are planning a Christmas event in that the prospect of success was too Committee also announced its decisions late November / early December – uncertain for them to spend more directly affect them where they live. centred mostly but not exclusively, on the locus standi of petitioners. In Noise in particular would be an issue public money on the process. plain English that is whether or not around food. This should set us up This is a great disappointment for for some to focus on. nicely for highlighting our Christmas petitioners have a right to be heard by On 17 th July the new Secretary of the many of us who wanted to save our this Committee. It became clear as the Eve order system, more of which nearer Chiltern AONB from the horrific State for Transport Chris Grayling said the time. These events, the Flower results of the early cases were the Government were fully behind proposal to build 18-metre high announced that the Committee were Show and some new arrivals in the viaducts in the middle of a very HS2. “The new capacity was village – to say nothing of the large determined to limit it to petitioners who desperately needed”, he said, giving as beautiful valley in our area, forever could show that their property was number of builders who bring their blighting it with high-pitched episodic an example the West Coast Mainline large appetites to the Shop every day – directly and severely affected by the which was, he said, becoming “really bursts of noise and unsightly concrete HS2 proposals. Their criteria effectively have all helped to boost this year’s structures. It must also be a great congested”. At the end of July his own sales. It’s great, so please keep coming! limited locus standi to people living Department published its latest figures within about 300 metres of the track. on overcrowding on trains. It showed Effects of noise on properties further that standing passengers in morning away than that or the effect of traffic peak hour travel increased between MJ Electrical Engineering Ltd delays on the A413 during construction 2011 and 2015 by 31%. The only trains NICEIC Approved Electrical Contractor did not qualify. Such issues, the entering London at this time without Committee believed, should be any standing passengers were trains on presented by Parish, District or County the West Coast Main Line. How can he An established family business with Councils on behalf of the residents. The get it so wrong! HS2 will be built to courteous, prompt service, covering result was that the majority of locus provide additional capacity on a route Beds, Bucks & Herts. claims were turned down. Only three which is currently not overcrowded. individuals were allowed in The Lee For more information please visit Parish. In Great Missenden Parish, our website or contact Mike petitioners in Potter Row and parts of South Heath represent most of the Lee Shop goes successful applicants. The Committee Tel: 01296 630703 continental refused locus to CRAG as an Action Web: www.mj-electrical.co.uk Group and turned down our local MPs, By Symeon Economu including, Cheryl Gillan, David ollowing on from our highly Email: [email protected] Lidington and John Bercow. successful Greek food CRAG will help those who do have F experiment in May we propose locus to prepare their presentations. to have another foodie event over the They will have to stick closely to the weekend of the 3 rd and 4 th September. specific issues which severely and The plan is to have a return of some of 4 5 Anything goes, from TS Eliot to Your letters Bridge too far? Pam Ayres. You can ask to hear a favourite piece performed by one of To the Editor: By Rita Sully et al our brilliant line-up of ‘readers’ or if I was passing through The Lee his hand occurred during our you’re feeling super-confident you can churchyard the other day and noticed weekly bridge evening. How perform it yourself. a fine display of Betony growing T would you bid and play this Alternatively you can just sit back amongst the gravestones (pink interesting hand? and enjoy the literary show, followed Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel, flowers with narrow leaves). by the now legendary Old Church at Winchmore Hill, provides According to folklore it was ♠ K Q J 9 6 5 canapés and wine. boutique five star often planted purposely in ♥ 4 Tickets cost just £10 each. Phone accommodation for your cats.

churchyards in order to ward off the ♦ K 7 2 Pam Garner on 837501, Jilly Carleton- Fully licensed with 6 appearance of ghosts. It would be ♣ Smith on 837205 or Rowena Irving on 8 7 2 sumptuous bedrooms, interesting to know if that is the case ♠ 10 4 2 ♠ 8 7 3 837265 to book yours now, and if you here. spacious play areas, room ♥ K J 8 3 ♥ 10 7 6 5 would like your request to be included Keith Hainge in this exciting evening’s programme service and plenty of playtime, ♦ 8 3 ♦ A 5 you can rest assured that your ♣ ♣ just call or email Jilly A Q 5 4 K 10 9 6 ([email protected]) or Rowena cats will be having the time of To the Editor: ♠ A ([email protected]). their lives whilst you enjoy I am pleased to report that net ♥ A Q 9 2 your time away.

takings for The Lee Fete on 18 th June ♦ Q J 10 9 6 4 (after allowing for ticket-printing ♣ J 3 Village out in and Bouncy Castle hire) came to the Dealer: South Grand Total of £10,544, including an Vulnerability: None force for extremely kind donation of £5,000 from Liz Stewart-Liberty. Turn to page 11 to see which Flower Show The Fete Committee would like contract we played in and whether or to thank her publicly for her By Jonathan Batten not it made. he summer started on Saturday generosity, for lending us The-Lee th Green and for doing a painting of a 16 July, the day we had all bouquet of flowers, which was Poetry –and T been looking forward to at dizzying levels of excitement – The raffled on the day to raise the sum of Lee Flower Show 2016. £403 (towards the costs of the new prose – please! I have noticed a distinct change in boiler and included in the total By The Lee Old Church Committee the village since then: an air of Extensive menu of guest above) and which was won by Mrs ome and celebrate all that is optimism, a spring in the step, a services, including home Susie Seligman. wonderful and moving about feeling that life is good – the flower cooked food, regular updates, The Committee would also like C poetry and prose at this very show effect has worked again! tailored packages and to thank all those who supported the special Audience Request evening at The sun shone, the temperature exclusive treatment options. event, for contributing their help and The Lee Old Church on Saturday 17 th hovered nicely around 21ºC, the donations and for generating a September at 7:30pm. marquee shimmered on the green sward Full details at record amount towards the running The idea’s simple: it’s all about of the cricket ground and the village www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk of the Parish Church. sharing works that mean something to came out in force to enjoy the day. Call Emma on 01494 372 371 Rod Neal you with other members of the Well done to all of you who put in or email her at winchmorehill@ Fete Committee audience. such a wonderful array of exhibits to longcroftcathotel.co.uk 6 7 fill the tent with a blaze of colour and scents to assault the senses for the enjoyment of all. It was a difficult year for vegetables but other classes made up for the gaps. The exhibits are the core of the show and a testament to the enthusiasm of the exhibitors for friendly competition. Well done to those who exhibited and sold your work in the art tent. Well done to those who entered the dog show and the races, children and adults alike. Well done to all the brilliant cup- winners who made the grade and found that points mean silverware. Here is a list: Best In Show Trophy Annie Standley Open Classes Cup Frances Cutler Cottager Cup Roderick Neal William Holland Cup Judi Whymark Dick Chinnery Richard Rolfe Maurice Holland Cup Lynda Cooke Davie Bowl Fred Harrison William Arthur Rose Cup Roderick Neal Well done to the dogs, sheep, Pot Cup Annie Standley goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, mice, bees A.S.K Gardens & Elsie Matthews Cup Judi Whymark and the alpacas. Well done to all those James Merifield who were still standing at the dance, Property The Darvell Cup Anne Button Maintenance The Lee WI Cup Anne Button an integral part of the whole day and

Evelyn Stewart-Liberty Cup Anne Button so vital to the well-being of the show.

William Baxter Cup Danny Woolard Thank you to all those who Egg Trophy Giacoma Parola contributed so much by helping: on * Full garden maintenance Ben Harris the side shows and stalls, in the road is offered all year round Audley Humphreys Judi Whymark directing traffic, at the gate, in the tea * All types of hard and soft Gill & John Chudley Cup Judi Whymark The Cecil Beaton Chloe Easeman tent, in the beer tent, playing in the landscaping undertaken Hart Shutter Magic Isobel Robertson bands, making the judges’ lunches, * Free estimates, fully insured & Tim Hilder Award Daniel Boakes donating raffle prizes, setting up the competitive rates Glanfield Award Freddy Beckford PA system, moving the tables and Eric Hobbs Award Millicent Merifield * Services include: leaf clearing, Morley Cup Isabella Parola chairs, erecting the gazebos, patio cleaning organising the dance, being on the President’s Cup Neil Humphreys * All rubbish removed. Susan Cowdy Award Jemma Thomson committee... Ladies Race 35+ Clare Smythe And especially thank you to all of Visitor’s Cup Veg Fruit Katherine Hersee Contact the team on: you who came to the show and the M: 07765010457 Visitor’s Cup Floral Art Sue Keane dance to have a good time – you were Visitor’s Cup Cookery Marika Stevens W: 01494 862941 there and you know what it was all Doggie Bag Jug Acer E: [email protected] Diploma for Excellence Giles Robertson about… 8 9 Cream teas hit the spot By Kelly Stone Chiltern Ridges News By County Cllr Tricia Birchley ver the past three months there have been several O changes of Local Area Muir who once again gave up her day Technician, the person responsible to wash up in the kitchen; Chris Field for overseeing pothole repairs, and her stunning flower displays and ensuring that the gullies are cleaned Once again the master bakers of the Anna and Lucy Bannister (and friends) and responding to the Parish Councils village provided a dazzling array of who spent all morning cleaning the on highways concerns in general. home-made cakes, biscuits and yummy mud off chairs supplied by the marquee Whilst I have been out inspecting our scones for the Flower Show this year. company. roads regularly with three of them we Claire and I would like to welcome A couple of our new volunteers now have a new name, Clifford to the Committee Sara Harrison and came up to me to say, “Never knew it Marshall. Erica Cheetham who threw themselves would be such fun!” This is such a great Last month I also invited the (and their husbands Simon and opportunity to give something back into Depot Manager in to meet Dominic) 100% into ensuring the day the community and I would urge you all me in the parish so that he was aware to get involved with not only the ran smoothly. Also making it all of work that needs doing locally. Flower Show but the numerous village possible were the 56 volunteers and I’m sure you’ll agree that events throughout the year. approximately 100 cake donations from Chesham Lane now looks much better the parish. where it has been re-surfaced and I Special thanks to the ‘cutting crew’; shall press for more work to be done our scone-decorators ‘the two Pats’; the towards Red Lion Hill and beyond. savoury crew; Guy and Anne Morgan If you see a pothole please report who made sure the stall-holders and it at buckscc.gov.uk/transport/tell/tfb band were kept hydrated; our jolly for the quickest repair. cake-servers; our fairy Godmother Jan Mike Lake Friendly & Local Painter & Decorator For that professional touch Interior & Exterior Also Property Maintenance For a free quotation please call: 01494 866873 / 07723 017005 [email protected] 10 11 Help for special needs heard, with particular emphasis on The County Council is currently parish councils. I have arranged a Bridge too far? Mervyn’s examining the provision of education meeting with the Leader, Martin Tett, The bidding at our table: Carpet & Upholstery to discuss the views of local residents. for children with Special Education S W N E Cleaning Services Needs (SEN), who now make up 3.2% More money for haul road? ♦ ♠ 1 Pass 1 Pass Independent carpet cleaning of the school population (up from HS2 reported back in mid-June on 2 ♦ Pass 2 ♠ Pass 2.79%). In some cases our costs are their proposals for the haul road from specialist with over 30 years 3 ♦ Pass 4 ♦ Pass almost 50% higher per child than the Great Missenden roundabout to the experience. 5 ♦ Pass Pass Pass many other authorities and there are a tunnel portal at Bury Farm. Following ♦ CARPETS. UPHOLSTERY. variety of reasons why. The outcome their presentation the County Council 5 looks like it shouldn’t make, but ♠ RUGS. HARD FLOOR. may well be to train more teachers in together with the Districts decided that we faced an opening lead of 4 and were CARPET PROTECTION. mainstream schools to provide their the House of Lords Select Committee able to throw a loosing club from South FULLY INSURED. education rather than relying too should be approached for additional on a spade winner: a club lead is unlikely. ♠ heavily on special schools. funding to move the haul road further Do you think 4 is a better Friendly and reliable service. north, significantly reducing contract? See foot of column. Most work by recommendation. Could County Council go? The County’s business case for a congestion on the A413. The cost in Environmentally friendly Unitary Authority in Buckinghamshire terms of the overall budget is Last of the cleaning materials. is gaining momentum and the District considered insignificant – however we For a no obligation quote ’phone Councils are now working together to must all hope that following Brexit 01525 371724 or 07975 847027 look at other options. Whilst it would this monstrous project will be dropped summer teas Email: [email protected] be sad to see the county council altogether. By Charlotte Reynolds I am always happy to raise your he cream teas are set to finish in replaced after 125 years of service th there is no doubt that savings would be concerns with officers at County Hall. style on Sunday 11 September You can contact me on 01296 651823 when Tim and Judy Hart will achievable from a rationalisation of T Pippa Hart chief executives, planning, finance and or at [email protected]. kindly host an event in their garden at Photography other services. The number of Kingswood House, Swan Bottom. Councillors is also likely to reduce Along with full cream teas there will with the danger that local government Red Cross week be a home produce stall, a children’s treasure hunt trail and live music. Bring in the county could become more By Jo Boon the family, your neighbours and all your remote. Buckinghamshire is looking at ell, best beloveds (to quote friends! It’s the perfect excuse to catch the ‘Wiltshire model’ which ensures Rudyard Kipling) – you’ve up after the summer holidays, all the the voice of the local community is W done it again! This year the while raising much-needed funds for the combined total for The Lee and Lee upkeep of the village church of St John MARTIN THE MILKMAN Common amounted to a magnificent the Baptist. £267.32 and the organisers would like Teas will be held under cover if the Doorstep delivery of fresh to extend their very grateful thanks milk, dairy produce, bread, weather is inclement and parking will be “for such as fantastic contribution”. available. Well-behaved dogs on leads eggs, fruit juices and more. Natural & Informal Diane Wilson, Viv Robins and I would are welcome. Further details from me To place an order call like to add our own personal thanks to at [email protected] and Black &White 01442 833944 you all for your generosity and for Claire Wise at [email protected] Portraits

making our task such a friendly and lead is 6 is lead and the third lead is a a is lead third the and . .

♣

PHONES M ANNED 4 PM – 6 PM enjoyable one. ♠ 01494 837340

does not make if East’s opening opening East’s if make not does 4 ANSWERPHONE AT OTHER TIMES See you all next year! ♠ www.pippahart.com 12 13 too. If you are new to the village it’s a She had me in stitches with the Cup of coffee great way to meet people. horse on stage ‘performing’ in For more information contact Janacek’s opera (p 167). It was on a par Pippa on 837340 or email with Norman Wisdom and Joyce for a cause [email protected] or Trish on Grenfell singing “ Narcissus” – By Pippa Hart and Trish Swain th 837752 or [email protected]. hysterical. The humorous literary lease join us on Friday 30 writing is akin to P.G. Wodehouse. September and be part of the Altogether the book is a tour de P World’s Biggest Coffee Roving Supper force, a succes fou. Getting back to Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer ploughing through Dostoevsky’s Support. By Pat Lea ust a reminder that the Roving Brothers Karamazov I will find hard Coffee, tea and cakes will be after this champagne cocktail available from 9:00am to 12 noon at Supper will be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 19 th November, autobiography. How on earth have Furzefield Farm, Furzefield Lane, J Glenys and Tony found the time to see Lee Gate, HP16 9NR. commencing at 7:30pm. Tickets will be £22.50 to cover all food and drinks. all five continents and visit 110 Phoenix Cards and Forever countries?? Living will be there and there will The main requirement is to find volunteers to host the main course so I fully agree this book is an excellent be cakes and preserves for sale, and read. I had no idea there were so many of course a raffle. please step forward if you want to host 6/8 people. Please contact me on near-disasters behind the scenes at Please come and join us for a chorus at the Royal Opera House, soon Covent Garden! “Ballads, Songs and convivial morning in a great cause, 837237 – as in recent years we will she was to perform to popular acclaim restricted on numbers. If you are new Snatches” is on sale at the Parish Shop and feel free to bring a friend along in the village. One evening at a packed and the Cock and Rabbit, price £10: Ed to the area this is a great opportunity Old Church memorably she sat on the to meet your neighbours. knee of the then Vicar George du Burgh Thomas singing “ I like the boys” (they were both Welsh, you see). Ballads, Songs To my chagrin she, with the celebrated accompanist Jennifer Partridge, cajoled and Snatches me to sing/croak “ Come into the A book review by John Glanfield garden, Maud”. Service with a personal touch his life story of our erstwhile At the Old Church a memorable Hand picked designer frames soprano Diva Glenys Groves is black tie evening saw Glenys and a Contact Lens Specialist a must. I couldn’t put it down. Covent Garden mezzo friend perform, Retinal Scanning T after which everyone enjoyed a slap-up All is song and laughter. Family Friendly dinner at the Cock and Rabbit with She and husband Tony had heard of Feel free to walk in at any time events at the Old Church soon after ‘inter-course singing’. In another role at the front bar, (our late night opening is on coming to our idyllic village in 1986. Wednesdays) or contact us at: After she announced her profession at serving gin and tonic at record levels – Firgrove Cottage front door I pounced to the appreciation of Franco… Chiltern Opticians Ltd. on her with pieces of music Margaret performing all over the world before 75 High Street Great Missenden played for me to sing. At 50+ I became the high and mighty alongside Bucks HP16 0AL 01494 868496 the first of Glenys’ many pupils. Sutherland and Domingo.....even [email protected] With a highly successful career, meeting Prince Charles and… Cliff www.chilternopticians.com culminating in membership of the Richard! 14 15 T.B. How often do you meet and what D.B. Often of parishioners, many of Conversations sort of business do you do together? whom I knew well. D.B. Each PCC meets four times a year T.B. And if you didn’t know them? with the Revd so on average I have a meeting a month. D.B. I try to learn all I can about them T.B. To discuss what, for instance? when meeting their close family. In such D.B. Everything from a vision for cases I say, ‘I didn’t know (name) but I David Burgess Christian mission to the financial hear that....’ and I try to give an outline No. 3: A Life in the Week accounts – which must be assiduously of the person, their work and character. In a series of articles for the Newsletter detailed and transparent – to a leaking T.B. I’m thinking that it must be easy to the Revd David Burgess is interviewed roof. become stale, I mean with repetition – by Tony Brignull, an old friend and T.B. And a new boiler for St John’s in the weekly, monthly and annual cycles lifelong Buddhist. In this piece they The Lee. of your daily round and Church explore what David does for his living. D.B. Ah yes, that boiler. It was an on- teachings. Do you get time off for Tony Brignull: David, many people going saga and a real pain. spiritual refreshment? only get to know their vicar in times of T.B. How much did it cost in the end? D.B. I give myself a whole day off each joy or sadness, typically weddings or parishioners – I mean the ill, the lonely, D.B. The new boiler cost £19,000 but week and a further afternoon. Then there funerals. Today I’d like you to open up the bereaved. Do you do so? And how there was an additional £6,000 to are retreats which the wider Church your diary for inspection so we can see do you get to hear about them? remove the asbestos. organises. what you do with the rest of your time. D.B. First of all, I never make cold T.B. Voula and I remember T.B. But pretty soon you’re back in your How do you begin your day? calls, I always phone first. So how do I contributing to an appeal, but I suppose room writing a sermon for another Revd David Burgess: On waking I know who might welcome a chat? you got a Church grant to cover the Sunday. find the need for caffeine and prayer Sometimes I’m invited, sometimes a balance? D.B. Not just a sermon but the service as come simultaneously. member of the PCC (Parish Church D.B. No! This is a common a whole: the readings, the prayers, the T.B. Do you say the same prayer every Council) might tip me off. misapprehension: there’s no central hymns and the sermon should work day? Conversations in the Chesham fund for repairs. It all has to come from together to be a single act of worship. I D.B. No, I vary it to keep myself fresh. Sainsbury’s can be a good source of the parish. Fortunately some 35 donors usually put aside most of a working day There are a number of websites which pastoral information! My door, covered the extra asbestos cost. in total to the task – a joyful task I might offer a new prayer and reflection each incidentally, is always open, and not T.B. Gosh! And we thought our 50 quid add. day, and I regularly use one of these; merely for religious matters; anyone was generous...Tell me, do you have T.B. David, if you had more money and www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today.html. can drop in at any time, to talk about many weddings at which to officiate? more resources are there any other Then I give myself a quiet time, 10 to anything, football… anything. D.B. On average only about half a ‘joyful tasks’ you’d like to undertake? 15 minutes, to prepare for the day, often The joy of pastoral work is its sheer dozen each year. But last year we had D.B. Without question more pastoral using the short Anglican service of variety, meeting people at all and every only two. More and more people are work – with different age groups, morning prayer. stage of their lives. Having been in the now authorised to conduct weddings teenagers, young families, the elderly, T.B. And after breakfast? community for the best part of 20 years and more and more places are available including a number of things we did in D.B. For example, I take a weekly means you get to work with people in in which to hold them. the past and have had to abandon assembly at each of the church schools the long term. I haven’t quite got round T.B. But each one takes your time. through lack of resources. in our parishes. This actually involves to taking the wedding of someone I D.B. Not just for the ceremony itself. I T.B. Keep up the good work, David. quite a lot of preparation. I present the baptised as a baby, but it probably like to see each couple privately three Next time I’d like us to get right to the assemblies to an age range of four to won’t be long… or four times before their great day. For esoteric heart of the Christian religion – 11. The younger ones in particular T.B. Your mentioning the PCCs makes them – and for the Church – a marriage the idea of heaven and how the Church aren’t afraid to show it if they’re bored, me recall that you have four of them. is a holy ceremony not to be undertaken defines it for a scientific and so I try to keep my talks interesting and D.B. I do. I couldn’t be the vicar of four involving. parishes without the excellent help the without serious thought. materialistic age. T.B. Traditionally, vicars visit their members of the PCCs give me. T.B. And funerals.... D.B. A challenge I look forward to, Tony. 16 17 Minister: Mr Tony Eccleston (07777 people from The Lee and have Services for 640386). Churchwardens: Roderick definitely given the twinning initiative Neal (837264) and Trevor Pearce some real momentum. As ever their September (837601). Verger: Bill Pearce hospitality was superb. (785191). Treasurer : David Our party was made up of Judith St John the Baptist Stephenson (867617). and Chris Syer (and two of their th 4 8:00 am HC Revd D Burgess grandsons), Michael and Sarah Dubus, Old Church Methodist Church Ros and Simon Morris, Liz and me. 10:00 am AA Revd D Burgess 4 th th 10:00 am AA Joint at St John We had a fascinating time and were 7 10:00 am MHC Revd D Burgess the Baptist able to continue to cement th th 11 10:00 am PC Revd D Burgess 11 3:00 pm Gerald Tomkins relationships between the two villages th th 18 10:00 am Matins Lay Leader th 18 3:00 pm HC Revd Stephen as well as pay our respects to the 25 11:00 am Harvest Festival Watts th fallen of The Lee. Revd D Burgess 25 3:00 pm Joint service at I laid a wreath on behalf of the (Please note later service time.) Winchmore Hill Parish Council at the Trou Aid HC Holy Communion (said) We continue our Coffee mornings rd military cemetery at Fleurbaix on July MHC Midweek HC (said) on Saturday 3 September 10:30am – th 17 . Fleurbaix is the next village along PC Parish Communion (sung) 12 noon when all are welcome, and from Fromelles through which some AA All-age service our Church will be open on the nd morning of Saturday 10 th September of the 2 Bucks Battalion must have 8:00 am services are in the Old Church. Bryan Hart and a smaller group of for the Historic Bike Ride. If you are passed before the battle. I believe Trou Contacts. Vicar: The Revd David learned military history enthusiasts led Burgess (837315). Licensed Lay passing do drop in! Aid was a military hospital at the by Mike Senior. St. Mary’s, Ballinger I was delighted to be part of a Play like your heroes: th group of eight quite learned and 4 9:30 am Holy Communion th reasonably intrepid local residents rock, blues, slide and folk 10 ‘Ride and Stride’ between local who stayed with members of churches “L’Association des Amis de The Lee”. This is a group of Fromellois including the families Lagache, Battle of Masson, Fromentin, Delecroix, and Lefebvre who have helped build some Fromelles genuinely warm friendships with Electric guitar and bass, plus

acoustic guitar: lessons in your own home remembered HOUSE TO LET FOR HOLIDAYS By Cllr John Ford IN SOUTH OF FRANCE Introductory lesson free: uch is the level of contact now New 3 bedroom house on small château teenage, mature or senior with the village of Fromelles I development with communal pool in am happy to report that there No need to read music, we use S quiet Languedoc village. Sleeps 6. were at least three visits by parties tablature – much simpler! 5 minutes walk to shops, café, etc. from The Lee to our twinned village Near Mediterranean beaches, around the centenary of the battle of mountains, lakes, caves, markets. Call on Marcus 19 th and 20 th July 1916. These included 01494 837392 or 07841 670174 For details and availability call 837596 a group of intrepid cyclists led by or email [email protected] 18 19 earlier battle of Fromelles (Aubers us for a drink. We found Jean-Gabriel Ridge) in 1915 and is about a mile Masson, the town mayor, and from the site of the battle in 1916 introduced the team and thanked him where men from The Lee were killed. for his support in organising the trip. There was a very simple and The reason the Battle of Fromelles moving ceremony organised by the fiasco had such an impact on our local community which we were very village is that The Lee suffered one of honoured to be able to attend. the highest proportion of deaths to Attendance at the main ceremony on village population in . The th South Bucks and Oxon Regiment, led July 19 was very tightly controlled by Ivor Stewart-Liberty, had been part and had been the unfortunate source of of the attack on the German front lines. some Anglo-Australian tension. Lee cyclists The Australian and German trench Luckily four of our number were also positions did not change throughout the able to attend. conflict and the slaughter was We hope to reciprocate the join tribute unimaginable. The Germans knew we hospitality of our friends from By Bryan Hart were going to attack, the preliminary Fromelles next July at and around the ith the Flower Show over bombardment failed to cut the wire, the date of the Flower Show. This event we began our preparations enemy were unscathed and the machine has a ‘Harry Potter-like’ mystique in W for the commemorative Lee gun positions were intact. The that part of France, following the – Fromelles cycle trip. Phil and Wendy slaughter began at 6:00pm 100 years Robertson, Chris Wise, Kelly Stone, experiences of our visitors here last ago claiming thousands of lives. Just Bill and Fiona Baxter, Yvonne year. Pimms has become a local being there, seeing the fields and the Haggart, Paul Knowles and me, with delicacy. trench positions, was quite surreal. WELCOME TO 7, PLACE ST. PIERRE James Clephan and Pete Haggart in the The official commemorations If anyone would like to be support van and the Siddle family Provence/Cote d’Azur involved in hosting families then complete, we all visited the British making a late entrance. cemetery which is a very beautiful and please let me know. In particular we If you are looking for somewhere special to The Lycra-clad brigade from the peaceful place. Mike Senior had been embrace French village life then this is it! would like to attract families with Lee arrived in Fromelles from different there previously and laid a wreath on This lovely medieval stone house with south children aged from between six and 15 directions on Tuesday evening to find behalf of the village. We laid out a facing roof terrace was once one of the olive to match some of the French families the whole town surrounded by police in mills in the village of Callas. Union Jack in front of the memorial who are likely to come over. Vive a security lockdown. Fromelles is a and arranged the poppies from the Lee Beautiful Provencal villages, St. Tropez and l’entente Fromelloise! small village that had been transformed war memorial around it. Chris Wise beaches 50 minutes away, a wealth of for the occasion with huge TV screens, read a few pages of Mike Senior’s amazing vineyards on your doorstep, local cameras, tents, exhibitions and book on Fromelles which gave the Provençal markets, golf, water sports, hundreds of people attending names, ages and addresses of all those superb cycling terrain and the fabulous commemoration services held at the Gorge du Verdon – all nearby. who died. It was a poignant reminder separate cemeteries. We knew we were that many were from houses or families The house can accommodate 4 people sharing the commemoration with the that we knew. comfortably (1x double room and 1x twin Australians and there were many room) and is furnished to a high standard. Small groups & 1:1’s for all abilities My daughter Daisy had written a

Classes held locally coaches carrying Australian families poem (see page 20) that I read out as it from Lille, so we were very much a For further details please call Sarah Booth Please contact me to discuss your needs seemed fitting for the time. We on 07704 651055 or email Debbie Adcock minority. The Australian Prime 07708 612868 collected up the poppies, folded the [email protected]. [email protected] Minister was also there with a suitable Union Jack and left with sombre Visit www.frenchmaison.co.uk www.renewpilates.co.uk security motorcade so he could not join thoughts. (property ref: PLA2648) to see photos 20 21 The pain subsides, A warm, tingling sensations fills me, No man’s land And as I smile to myself, By Daisy Hart (aged 15) I see the rays of light though my eyes.

Running from the shells Gun in hand, Great Missenden My sodden boots squelch in the thick The Lee mud, A warm, friendly sheltered house for As I fear for my life. Parish Council the elderly in the picturesque centre of

the village. So much loss I have seen, And so much more I will see, News Come and take a look and see for yourself If I do not run, By Liz van Hullen, Parish Clerk and have a chat with Carol Lauder Ross. I will join the rest of my fellow friends. ollowing on from the Parish Tel: 01494 865026 or Council News article in July the email for a brochure: I see a Bosche fumbling in the mud, Task Force is taking shape F [email protected] Slipping and sliding, nicely: our sincere thanks to all those Gripping his rifle with white knuckles, who volunteered. Tasks relating to the Find out more on our website: The same as me. Playground have already been www.abbeyfield.com

identified and hopefully the Task (whose grand-father fought in the I remember my daughter and wife, Force will start to make an impression battle), Mike Senior (above, who has Abbeyfield is a charity and a Reminding me why I am here, soon. Additional volunteers will researched and written extensively on not for profit organisation To protect them always be welcome – please contact it) and the Revd David Burgess. We From danger and harm that knock on their door. me if you would like to become remember with sadness and gratitude involved. all those who gave their lives for us. Why I ask that my daughter has to live Battle anniversary Tackling the litter louts in this world? While Cllr John Ford attended a It is always great to see so many Cromar Where there is pain and suffering, simple ceremony in France to mark people enjoying the glorious And selfish people causing destruction the centenary of the Battle of countryside around The Lee – what is Carpets Ltd Of family and nations. Fromelles (see page 16) here in The not so great is the litter that the Lee we held a brief gathering at the minority leave behind. We are aware I say a prayer to God, War Memorial, led by the Parish that neighbouring parishes have also Telling him to end this misery, ARPETS INYL AND For me Council Chairman Colin Sully, raised genuine concerns over the litter C , V For everyone. Richard and Oliver Stewart-Liberty seemingly left by Duke of Edinburgh WOOD F LOORING Awards participants and the Parish A great pain takes hold of me, Council is keen to add weight to this. SUPPLIED AND F ITTED As I clench my chest in agony, Currently D of E groups carry no And I look at my hand identification, so linking them with the To see red. schools or youth organisations to which they belong is tricky. Therefore The gunfire stops, we ask that if you see anyone leaving 9-11 S TATION A PPROACH And the sun comes out, litter or behaving in a way not suited GREAT M ISSENDEN I fall to the ground to the countryside you take a moment 01494 862125 With closed eyes. to ask them which organisation they 22 23 are from and relay this information back to me so I can report them. Beware door- Add your voice Anything he Keeping tabs on cyclists The quiet lanes around here are to-door scam to local choir can do... often chosen for cycling routes. By By Jeannette Batten Again this is lovely to see but we ome households in The Lee ollowing a successful Summer have received complaints from a may have been paid a visit Concert ladies’ choir Vocal few parishioners because a minority S earlier this year by the so-called F Lees seeks three or four more can cause disruption. We are in the Nottingham Knockers* – doorstep voices to swell our numbers. process of asking cycling callers offering small household The choir will be learning new organisations to give us some cleaning products for sale, often of joyous music – including Vivaldi’s advance warning when routes bring poor quality and at inflated prices. Requiem and lighter pieces – over the events through the village and we Sometimes these callers may claim to coming months, singing them all in will try to make this information be ex-convicts attempting to mend three part harmonies: soprano, second public via the website or notice their ways; however they are not part soprano and alto. boards. If any residents are of any recognised rehabilitation Led by professional singer Judith ....Just three months after David themselves aware of such events scheme. Sheridan we rehearse every Monday Cameron popped into the new farm please let me know. Often merely as a way of getting (term-time only) between 5:00pm and shop in Buckmoorend on the Chequers I can be contacted at rid of them the house-holder agrees to 6:45pm. estate, his successor Teresa May has Ladies from The Lee and [email protected] a purchase and goes off to get the followed suit. She and husband Philip surrounding villages who enjoy or on 01494 758800. money – usually a £10 note – which is were shown round by with the owners, singing are warmly invited to join our where the scam begins. th next rehearsal at 5:00pm on 5 When the note is handed over the TIM SIMMONS IS September at the Methodist Church, seller examines the condition and if it Lee Common, for a ‘taster practice’. THE VERMINATOR is crisp and new they may engage the An ability to read music can Pest control services KINGSHILL person in further conversation to sometimes help, but is not essential; obtain details about them. As they CARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS several of our members learn their leave they will smell the note. If it is parts successfully by ear. slightly musty this is an indication Please contact me at WASPS ALL that there is more in the property. GLIS-GLIS INSECTS [email protected] or on SQUIRREL FOXES CHILTERNS Those addresses are noted and can 837450 for further information, or just RATS RABBITS then be sold on in prisons and pubs, turn up to the next rehearsal. MICE AND paving the way for a future break-in. MOLES ANTS Once on a list, your address could be AIRPORTS HOLIDAY HOME TO LET sold on and on. IN SPAIN FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE So please warn your neighbours, GAUCIN - ANDALUCIA LOW PRICES - HIGH QUALITY particularly if elderly or vulnerable, 3 Bedroom property with pool not to open the door to strangers or LONDON in the hilltop white village of Gaucin. 07734649305 buy anything on the doorstep. If cold Stunning views of Mediterranean, callers don’t get any sales in your area Gibraltar and Moroccan Hills. they are less likely to return. Ring now for availability WE WILL ALSO PROOF YOUR 01494 868699 *The scam originated in Nottingham Tel. 01494 837602 HOUSE/PREMISES TO STOP THEM Email: [email protected] in case you’re wondering! Ed. www.casa-mirador.com COMING BACK 24 25 Colts are the Prospect House champions! wants to hear By Patrick Walsh, Chairman, The Lee Cricket Club from you ongratulations to the club’s By Lynda Cooke Under-15s Colts team, who ach GP practice is required to C have become 2016 champions have a Patient Participation of the Bucks Cricket Board’s U15 E Group (PPG) to discuss the Division 2 South. services on offer and how They won five of their six league The Head of Colts, Martin Price, improvements could be made. games this summer (against and I have been coaching this group The Prospect House group in Great , Farnham Royal, Great since they first started playing Missenden is seeking new members to Kingshill, Denham and Chesham B), hardball cricket as Under-Nines. It join the committee which meets losing only to Taplow. There were has been an absolute pleasure to approximately every two months. We some nail-biting last over finishes, watch this team develop and to see are also seeking increased but some very accomplished and their cricket go from strength to participation from existing or new nerveless displays with bat and ball, strength. This season particularly we patients who would like to make their and in the field. saw really strong contributions from voice heard on issues concerning the practice. So if you have any ideas or The poor weather in June meant all members of the squad, including feel that you would like to become that the last three games were some of the club’s younger players involved with the work/aims of the compressed into one hectic week in who were called up for a few PPG or even just be kept informed mid-July. The last home game, matches. th Top run scorers were Ben Harris please contact any member of against Denham, was played on 19 reception on 862325 or July, on the 100 th anniversary of the (143), Tom Hewat (138) and Robert Walsh (100), whilst the top wicket- [email protected] or the PPG at start of the battle of Fromelles during [email protected]. takers were Matt Price (8), Abdul which villagers lost their lives, and Recent Activities the 11 cricketers played that evening Chaudhry (6) and Ben Harris (5). Prospect House PPG has recently wearing black arm bands in The Lee Cricket Club runs two organised an open meeting with Carers remembrance. adult league teams on Saturdays in the summer and a Sunday friendly Bucks which was well supported and team, and has Colts teams at various helpful for carers and those cared for ages from Under-nines to Under-19s. by them. A similar event is planned on We also have softball ‘kwik-cricket’ the subject of dementia. Two items of equipment have been training on Friday evenings from May purchased with money raised by the to September and run indoor nets PPG and Friends of the surgery – a from January to April. rechargeable ophthalmoscope and We always welcome new otoscope. Further fund-raising is members of all ages and abilities. If planned with our annual raffle at the you would like to know more please October flu’ clinic which we hope will contact me on 07887 736205. be well supported. 26 27 Friday 30 th . World’s Biggest Coffee www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/survey. Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer All information will be treated as The Newsletter Support. See page 12. anonymous. It should take no more he Lee Newsletter is published than 10 minutes to complete and will th 10 times a year and distributed The fastest way to let everyone in the be open until Friday 30 September. free to all households in the Parish know about an event you are If you would like a copy of the T Coming Soon parish. The views expressed in it are st arranging is to publish it right here in Saturday 1 October. Coffee Morning survey posted to you please contact not necessarily those of the Editor. the Newsletter. Contact the Editor by at Lee Common Methodist Church. the Office of the Police and Crime We welcome original letters and th th the 12 of the previous month (see Friday 7 October. The Lee Walking Commissioner on 01865 846780. articles of general interest and contact details on page 1). Group - t.b.c. relevance to The Lee. Copy should be th Thursday 13 October. CRAG sent to theleenewsletter@googlemail. meeting at the Parish Hall: 8:00 pm. Broadband com or, if on paper, to the Editor of September th the month (see page 1) by the 12 th of st Tuesday 11 October. Parrot Thursday 1 . The Lee Walking Watching in Brazil (Ballinger update… each month. Group - starting at 9:30 am. Evening WI) Letters should ideally run to no rd th By Colin Sully and Pippa Bannister Saturday/Sunday 3 /4 . Food event at th more than 200 words and articles to Tuesday 8 November. The Lee s we go to press we are still The Shop @ The Lee. See page 3. Parish Council Meeting. 7:30 pm at 700 words; material may be edited and rd waiting for confirmation that Saturday 3 . Coffee Morning at Lee may also appear on the village website the Parish Hall. the Lee Common telephone Common Methodist Church. Saturday 19 th November. The Lee A www.thelee.org.uk unless consent is th exchange IS indeed to be included in specifically withheld. Anonymous Thursday 8 . CRAG meeting at the Roving Supper . See page 12. the next phase of the Fibre-to-the- Parish Hall at 8:00 pm. contributions are not accepted. th cabin (FTTC) programme in Bucks. To advertise or place an insert, Saturday 10 . ‘Ride and Stride’ Assuming this to be the case, then, between local churches See page 16. please contact Paul Apicella on 837377 Policing: have by June 2018, the village can expect to th th by the 12 of the previous month. Sunday 11 . Cream Teas at Swan be finally connected to ‘Superfast Bottom, See page 11. If you have photographs for th your say Broadband’. publication please contact Jonathan Tuesday 13 . The Lee Parish Council More details will be reported here Meeting. 7:30 pm at the Parish Hall. By Thames Valley Police Batten on 01494 837450 or email th his summer the Office of the and on the Forum as they become [email protected]. Tuesday 13 . Calligraphy Workshop available. At an appropriate time, we (Ballinger Evening WI) Police and Crime Other members of the Editorial th Commissioner is seeking views will also organise another update at Saturday 17 . Audience Request evening T team: Peter Archer, Jo Jordan, Gilbert from the residents of the Parish Hall. Nockles, Jen Ogley, Viv Robins, Trish at The-Lee Old Church. See page 4. th Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Meanwhile, a local resident offers Swain, Colin Sully and Barnaby Monday 26 . Travel Impressions Berkshire on policing and crime. This advice on the Forum: Usborne. event at Pendley Manor. See page 25. feedback will help inform the Police “After 10 days of frustration with Printed by Strongs: 01442 878592. and Crime Plan which sets the BT, when I reported poor broadband THE L EE WAY – Y OUR priorities for Thames Valley Police for speed several times, I spoke to an To book the Parish Hall VILLAGE S UPPORT T EAM the next five years. informed customer service chap and or Scout Hut What concerns you about policing discovered that on new BT modems, If you have difficulty getting to your ’phone Anne Barnett on 837796 wi-fi can be run at 2.4 or 5.0 Ghz. doctor or the hospital, doing your in your area? What would you like Thames Valley Police to prioritise Most old computers run on the 2.4 Rates 9 am - 1 pm 6 pm - shopping or would like a home visit and 2 pm - 6 pm midnight a friendly chat, then please ring: with regards to crime? Have you been frequency. Problems occur with new Mon - Fri £30 or £10/hr £45 or £10/hr 01494 837177 a victim of crime and would like to computers that run at the faster 5.0 Ghz because this confuses the modem Sat/Sun £12/hr £70 give us feedback on your experience? Bank Holiday £12/hr £70 Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm. Sat: 10 am - which has been set to receive 2.4Ghz 12 noon. Please give us reasonable notice To give your views you can Car park only £10 of your requirement to help us organise it. complete a short online survey at so the modem has to be reconfigured.” Crockery/cutlery £15 (hire outside the hall)