FEBRUARY 2017 Price £1.00

Inside this issue: Advertisers index Page 35 Gilbert King Page 7 Comforts & Recruitments Page 29 Royal British Legion - Women’s Section Page 11 Give our Ducks a New Year Treat Page 15 Theatre Going Page 26 Evening WI Page 9 The Lantern Club Page 19 Holmer Green First School News Page 13 The Parish Matters Page 25 Holmer Green Football Club Page 21 Useful Names & Numbers Page 32 Holmer Green Scouts Page 13 Contacts Page 3 Holmer Green Stroke Club Page 11 Village Centre Page 5 Rennie Grove Charity Shop News Page 15 What’s On and Where Page 33 and much more!.…

Editorial by Ann Miller

appy New Year to you all Another year put to bed and a new one unfolding. What can we expect apart from paying off those credit card bills, losing a few inches and H getting our systems back on track? We begin again with a clean sheet and motivation to do better for ourselves and others. Very sadly a certain group of individuals decided to start the New Year by taking from those who are trying to improve the lives of others! I am under no illusions that they will not be reading this editorial, but I feel the need to put to paper the despicable nature of their callous and cruel deeds. To steal from anyone is horrible enough, but to take from a charity, which is supported through the efforts of a community in their donations and support, is the lowest of low action - see the detail on Page 15. As a community, I think that we all feel aggrieved by this disgusting act but we need to move forward together sharing greater responsibility for each other. End of sermon. I will now try to end on a brighter note. Although as I write this, my electricity has just gone off and the darkness is closing in and I am hoping for a muse to give me some inspiration for the rest of this editorial. One thing I would like to do is to re-echo the litter situation, as a couple of our articles have alluded to. It is beholden upon us all to encourage everyone to share the responsibility of caring for our environment, both for the safety of our children and the wildlife. In conclusion, and on behalf of Holmer Green Today, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Marjory Mack, who is standing down as Chair of the Lantern Club in March, a peaceful and happy future. I am sure the whole community would also like to wish Barry and Sylvia Evans — whose house was rammed by a bus recently - all the very best after a traumatic few months in their lives.

The Magazine Team: Editor: Ann Miller 57 Winters Way E: [email protected] Advertising: James Paterson 27 Orchard Way. 07740 290685 E: [email protected] Coordinators: Judy Gilligan 11 Parish Piece. 714838 E: [email protected] Linda Meatyard 24 The Rosary. 715805 E: [email protected] Desk Top Publishing: Peter Rawbone 1 Hollyberry Grove. 713649 E: [email protected] Distribution: Nick Reynolds 31 Harries Way. 714473 Subscriptions: Janet Reid 10 New Pond Road. 712073 E: [email protected] Treasurer: Ann Sollars 15 Watchet Lane. 713420 The publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. They cannot be held accountable for the accuracy of advertisements, nor for the editorial information sent to them and reserve the right to amend it. The deadline for the next issue is 21st April 2017. Advertising Rates: Full page – £50.00, Half Page – £30.00, Quarter Page – £17.00, Eighth Page – £10.00 Printed on FSC Paper by South Bucks Business Products Ltd - 01494 437470

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 VILLAGE CONTACTS 

Church of ATC, 871 Penn Squadron 1st HG Guides Vicar: Rev. Captain Peter Simmons Pilot Officer Shepherd [email protected] Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 07900 241760 01494 715195. www.pshg.org 1st HG Rainbows & Brownies 4th HG Brownies Residents Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 Assoc. Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 Beavers 6-8 years Boys Brigade Breathe Easy Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mrs Pam White – 711539 Angie Lockwood – 527062 Chadwick Ladies Club Cub Scouts 8-10 years Evening W.I. Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 Karen Hobbs – 716931 Mrs Jean Casson – 715390 Extend – Gentle Exercise Girl Guides GirlGuiding – Volunteering Carolyn – 712801 Mrs Camier – 711134 Vicki Fleming – 717704 [email protected] Holmer Green Baptist Church Holmer Green Cricket Club Grasshopper Golfing Society Pastor – Anthony Smith. Office: Mr Steve Adams – 07793 561764 Mr John Taylor – 712092 712479 Secretary Mrs Val Allcorn 714597 www.holmergreenbaptist.org.uk Holmer Green Childminding Holmer Green First School Holmer Green Flower Club Group 712050 Mrs Jennifer Tilling – 716836 Jackie Shaw – 711920 Holmer Green Football Club Holmer Green Juniors Football Holmer Green Players Mr Rob Shed – 716318 Mr Matt Brades – 716114 Vicky Martin – 07817724184 E:[email protected] Holmer Green Methodist Pre- Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Senior School School 713000 Association Sharon Dorme – 716897 Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment [email protected] c/o School Office – 712219 Scrabble Club Holmer Green Sports Holmer Green Youth Club Christine – 01494881913 or Association Mr Michael Turner – 711970 07980 429326 Sarah Banning 711485 / 714985 Junior & Adult Chess Junior School Association Girls Football (Beginner & Refresher) Helen Hodgson – 717838 Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 Lantern Club Link-up Bereavement Friendship Lunch Club, Christ Church Mrs Marjory Mack – 815840 Group Centre Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 Methodist Church Playmates Day Nursery Rossetti Hall – Bookings Minister - Rev John Richey – 526747 Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 Ms Jo Lynskey 716915 Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth –712236 E: [email protected] E:[email protected] Royal British Legion Royal British Legion – Womens’ Scouts Mr Chris Peers – 07785 772810 Section Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 Mrs Andrea Gardner – 711246 Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Simply Walk Squash Stroke Club Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mr R. Dunning – 712177 T’ai Chi The Cherry Tree Pre-School Village Centre – (Bookings) Lin Williams – 562037 Miss Siobhan Miles c/o HG First School Mrs Wendy Muspratt – 0870 7656450 Village Centre – (Chair) Village Produce Association Women’s Fellowship – Christ Mr James Cadle - 716992 (Chair) Mr James Cadle - 716215 Church (Secretary) Ms Meg Brinton - 711644 Mrs Joan Toye - 718466

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VPA: - THE HOLMER GREEN GARDENING ASSOCIATION 2016 saw a slight ‘re-branding’ of the VPA. Originally founded in 1944 to help ‘dig for victory’ in World War 2, we felt that the name ‘Village Produce Association’ may be confusing to potential new members. We have kept our connection with our history by retaining the ‘VPA’ abbreviation but have coupled this with a new title ‘The Holmer Green Gardening Association’. So now, as the adverts say, ‘it does what it says on the tin’. For 2017, the VPA offers the usual blend of benefits and activities to its members, including:  Use of our Trading Store, next to the allotments in Beech Tree Road, which offers a wide variety of horticultural products at competitive prices.  Discounts on horticultural products (on showing a membership card) at Hildreths in , the South Heath Nursery and Peterley Manor Farm.  A programme of monthly talks on a variety of subjects including, this year, local history, wildlife, travel and, of course, gardening. Talks take place on the evening of the third Wednesday of each month, at the Holmer Green Village Centre, and they are free to members.  Outings to houses and gardens of interest. The 2017 programme is being organised right now and details will appear in the VPA newsletter and on our website.  A Spring Show (on 8th April in 2017) and an Annual Show (on 2nd September), where members can showcase their produce, flowers, domestic products, photos and paintings.  Other social events, notably the Harvest Home Lunch in October.

We have kept membership at £5 for 2017 and this covers all members of the family. You can join or renew at the Trading Store (next to the allotments in Beech Tree Road) on Sundays between 10 am and mid-day. New members are always welcome!

You can read more about the VPA on our website – www.hgvpa.org. Meg Brinton - Secretary

Our Condolences go to the Families of: Valerie Joy Marshall (21st May 1931 - 11th December 2016) Paul Bernard Spittle (15th January 1945 - 25th December 2016) [Paul was a former committee member on this magazine] & Harold Hedley George, "Bob", Shilling. (31st July 1934 - 26th December 2016)

HOLMER GREEN VILLAGE CENTRE The annual Christmas Singalong took place at the Village Centre on 16th December and, as in past years, was a resounding success. The event was organised by the Friends of the Holmer Green Village Centre and attendees enjoyed a mixture of carols, Christmas songs and seasonal readings, with an excellent festive buffet in the interval. As reported in the last HG Today, the Centre incurred a considerable amount of expense during the summer, for replacing the Main Hall windows, external repainting and a new boiler and water heater. As a result, the £850 raised for the Centre by the Singalong is especially welcome. On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank the Friends for all the hard work that went into organising and staging this very successful event. The Village Centre continues to provide a venue and focus for local activities. Its two halls provide excellent facilities for clubs, societies and other organisations including the Pre-School, the Lantern Club, the W.I., the Flower Club, the Village Produce Association, the Holmer Green Players and hosts of other groups. Prospective hirers can learn more about the Centre, and even take a virtual tour, on our website: http://www.holmergreenvillagehall.org.uk/. James Cadle - Chairman

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GILBERT KING In December, Gilbert King, a resident at As a token of their gratitude the Mayor of Cherry garth care home, celebrated his 99th Gennep sent an official lapel pin with an emblem birthday. His friend Mark Williams, who of the city and a commemorative certificate. recently moved to The medal citation Crete, decided that from the Dutch his friend should Embassy said “The have some people of the recognition for the Netherlands will work that he had forever remain done during the 2nd grateful and will World War. He never forget those wrote to the brave men and women Netherland’s who took part in the Embassy telling the liberation of the story of Gilbert’s Netherlands. The involvement in the presentation to liberation of the city Gilbert by Lieutenant of Gennep. Colonel Keith Edin, Gilbert had been a president of the gunner with the 63rd Royal Anti-Tank Regiment British Legion, took 249 battery of the place at a special Queen’s own afternoon held at Oxfordshire Cherry Garth Care Hussars. His unit Home. Many people was ordered to dig in from the British and re-supply the Legion attended to city of Gennep, then congratulate Gilbert came the heavy Mark also wrote to artillery the Belgium Embassy bombardment from asking if Gilbert was the Wehrmacht in entitled to the the region. This liberator’s medal, action left him which they were wounded in his left happy to give. This arm, but some weeks was presented to him later Gilbert was back on the battlefield at the also. A buffet lunch was served and Gilbert Rhine fighting once more with the allied forces partook of a few glasses of Baileys. Gilbert to relieve the Netherlands from occupation. He enjoyed the day, and is greatly looking forward remained in this area until the country was to celebrating his hundredth birthday. liberated. Linda Meatyard

NEWS FROM HOLMER GREEN METHODIST CHURCH Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association for young people have recently hosted a delightful afternoon of entertainment followed by a tea. There were poems, music, and a lovely bell ringing song from the young Anchor boys. If you are aged 5 to rising 19, why not join us for games, craftwork, cooking, model-making, art, badge work and much more on Monday from 5.45pm. It is so good to see the children happy, busy and enjoying themselves. Contact Pam White 01494 711539. Sunday Live happens on the second Sunday of the month 9. 30am – a lively and fun time of family worship followed by tea and coffee – all are welcome. Pre-school for ages 2 to 5 years, runs from Monday to Friday 9. 1 5am to 1 2. 1 5pm, and also afternoon sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (12.15 to 3.15pm) for ages 2-5 years, registered with Ofsted and Bucks Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. It is lovely to see the confident, settled and happy little people enjoying themselves. Barbara Illingworth

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LESS FAMOUS PROVERBS 1. He who laughs last thinks slowest. 2. Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have any film. 3. A day without sunshine is like ... night. 4. On the other hand you have different fingers. 5. Change is inevitable except from a vending machine. 6. I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory. 7. Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it. 8. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't. 9. I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 10. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you. 11. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges. 12. Toot (hoot) if you love peace and quiet. 13. Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular? 14. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. 15. It is hard to understand how a cemetery raised its burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living. 16. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong. 17. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them. 18. You can't have everything. Where would you put it?

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HOLMER GREEN EVENING WI In November Philip Nelcom gave a talk on the History of Scrabble. Philip had worked for a well-known games company, and had organised Scrabble championships, becoming National Champion four times. Invented in the USA in the 1930’s, the Scrabble game was purchased by Macy’s Stores, and became the popular game it is today, being produced in 30 languages. At the Autumn Friend’s evening, we enjoyed a supper of baked potatoes topped with choice of chilli con carne or tuna, followed by the usual excellent homemade puddings. Musical entertainment was provided by Queens Park Jammers, and profits for the evening were donated toward the defibrillator which is planned for the centre of the village. Jean Collard, Daphne Archer and Joyce Davis entered the WI Jigsaw competition. They didn’t win but nevertheless enjoyed themselves. In December, we held our Christmas party with a finger buffet and mulled wine. ‘Bob and Dot’ sang songs and played music from previous decades. The State Rooms and Royal Art Collections of Buckingham Palace are a speciality for our January speaker, Dr Barry Twigg. His talk, entitled ‘They are changing more than the Guard at Buckingham Palace’ covered all the changes and modernisations which have been carried out so far at the Palace. This includes using professional companies to run events, exhibitions, garden parties and concerts, not to mention the cafe and shop. There are several Cross stitch work-in-progress by Salma offices within the palace now dedicated to Michael, Holmer Green Evening WI sending out congratulatory cards (used to be telegrams) to the 13,100 people now celebrating their centenary birthday or significant wedding We are anticipating another interesting and anniversary each year. eventful year in 2017. Here at Holmer Green we have a full programme of talks and social At the end of 2016 we held a successful craft gatherings. Members also have the opportunity plus bring-and-buy coffee morning, raising funds to enjoy the variety of Bucks Federation WI for the Save Denman appeal. Beautiful events on offer. There is something for patchwork and quilted items made by Julie everybody - this year they include a sports Purvis were on display and the craft event, art exhibition, craftwork, science day and demonstrations included Christmas crackers we are looking forward to hearing Gyles with Linda Blunt, Christmas cards with Betty Brandreth speak at our Council Meeting! Furner, knitting with Joyce Davis, cross-stitch work and designs by Salma Michael (see picture), We warmly welcome visitors to our monthly and crochet with Irene Keeley. meetings, so keep an eye out for the posters at the village shops, or see the What’s On page in this magazine. Annie Greatorex

Did you Know? With multi car families it is sometime confusing to remember which side the fuel filler cap is located. On the fuel gauge of most modern cars is a small icon of a fuel pump. It is located on the same side of the dial as the fuel filler.

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WOMEN’S SECTION - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Once again, another New Year, as we get older the years fly past. A chest and cold virus affected many people, including the Queen. Thankfully the virus is over. It was too soon in the previous magazine to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year but not too late now, as I write this article. 2016 ended with a lovely lunch, Christmas crackers and a selection of raffle prizes. Many thanks to our local shop, South Hill, for their help in providing us with delicious chicken/fish and chips. Thanks too to Alec and Richard, acting as waiters. After a colourful autumn, trees are now bare, except for the holly – a sign of a bad winter. Yes, the cold and frosty mornings are here as we await the snow. This year we have a variety of events, including coach outings suggested by the members. Although there have been articles in the media about the closure of the Women’s Section and the men taking over, we have been fortunate enough to remain until October. Several branches have closed and many women will not be returning. The men have now realised their mistake, due to the lack of Poppy Sellers and are reconsidering their thinking. Our first talk this year was by Dinah, her life as a District Nurse and Midwife. In the 1960s, few people had telephones and cars, so she went to visit patients on her push bike. She has written a book ‘Walking Forward, Looking Back’, reminiscing on her past and present life. A lovely story. Our February talk will be on Millinery. Wendy Tomlin

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT PLAYING BOWLS? If so we have excellent facilities at Holmer Green Sports Centre. Don’t worry if you have never played before. We will be happy to show you how. We have several sets of bowls for you to use to get started. Just turn up any Tuesday evening from 7.30pm and join in the fun. We also have an outdoor bowls facility which is open from April to October. It attracts many bowlers from local clubs who enjoy playing short mat bowls in the summer sunshine. Do give it a try, we are sure you’ll enjoy it! If you would like further information, please contact Bob Day on 01494 712284 or Mob: 07756472034. Stop press, we will be running once again successful “General knowledge and fun Quizzes” over the winter period. Teams of maximum eight players, big prizes to be won. Also, a raffle on the night £2.50 a player a good night will be had by all. 8.00pm SHARP START February 24th more dates to follow. Put them in your diaries and tell your friends. Bob Day

HOLMER GREEN STROKE CLUB REGISTERED CHARITY: 1069289 Come and join us! Holmer Green Stroke Club has been running for 43 years and is the longest running stroke club in the country. The National Stroke Association has just awarded us a certificate acknowledging this amazing achievement. We aim to help those left with speech or other difficulties after a stroke. We meet on Tuesday mornings between 10a.m. and 12 noon at the Christchurch Centre, off Featherbed Lane, (opposite the Common and the Bat and Ball ). We enjoy a variety of activities; speakers, have in-house lunches, go out to lunch, do stimulating mental exercises, play games to help co- ordination and memory, help with speech problems, cook, plant, do art and craft work, enjoy music therapy and we also have physiotherapy once a month. The club is run by volunteers. If you or someone you know would benefit from these mornings and you have transport, please ring Mary on 812162 and she will give you more information. Our Easter Fayre will be held on Saturday April 8th 2017 from 10a.m. until 1p.m. Please make a note in your diary!

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Chiltern & South Bucks Police Cadets would like to invite you to a presentation on

PROTECT YOUR WORLD

This is a cyber safety presentation in relation to chatting, banking and shopping on line. Please come along to Beaconsfield School, Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield

Thursday 9th February

from 7.30pm

WHATEVER YOU DO ONLINE, SECURE YOUR WORLD

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1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUT GROUP We concluded our Scouting year with our usual Father Christmas float and Christmas card delivery. Over 2 weeks in December we visited every road in the village and I would like to thank all those who assisted in making this a success, particularly Father Christmas, the drivers, parents, leaders and children. We delivered several hundred Christmas cards following the sale of stamps in Fox Chemist, Walsh Newsagent and Jennies Haircare. Our thanks for their support. Again thanks to the children and their parents who turned out to deliver the cards. I only wish that when we say we can only deliver in the village we don’t mean and Widmer End. However, we do get a few every year who don’t read the posters. Finally, we are grateful to Claire Royston-Hayes who once again did a good job in once more organising these events. We start the New Year in good heart. Youngsters are joining and others are moving up to new sections. Leaders are planning an interesting programme including a Beaveree, Cub Camps and Scout events like Longridge and camps including the Troop Summer camp in the first week of the School summer holidays. There is always a downside. This time it is because we are to lose Julian Graham at Easter. He has given invaluable service to the Group as Wednesday Beaver Leader for 18 years and he will leave with our gratitude and the realisation he will be a hard act to follow. However, we are actively seeking volunteers to fill the void, so if you know anyone who might be interested, please ask them to call me. We will also be looking to recruit a new Assistant Cub Leader as Kellie Smith, who joined us a few months ago is unfortunately leaving. Our thanks for her support. One other small setback is that because we have spent over £50,000 on the Scout Hut and with the old Fire Station being renovated, our insurance premiums will rise dramatically so fundraising will be necessary. The Committee are starting to plan our 50th anniversary event and the maintenance team will be clearing the sites over the next couple of months. Please note in your Diaries: St George’s day parade this year will be in at 2.30pm on Sunday 23 April. Holmer Green is always the largest Group attending. I am sure this will continue. As always, I am optimistic that your village Scout Group will have another successful year. Neil Spencer CBE Group Scout Leader

HOLMER GREEN FIRST SCHOOL The children at Holmer Green First School really enjoyed their Christmas celebrations. Our Christmas Creativity day ensured the school was thoroughly decorated with sparkles and glitter wherever you looked. There were three nativity plays to enjoy performed by the children in Pre- school, Reception and Key Stage 1. The plays were traditional nativity plays with the usual showing of tinsel haloes and tea-towel head-dresses. All were greatly enjoyed with the occasional tear being wiped away. The Spring term got off to a brisk start with children beginning their studies around fairy tales, toys and the Fire of . This work has been brought to life by visiting historians who have had the children making toys and re-enacting attempts to put out the great fire. Our children have also been busy thinking of others. Together we amassed a huge collection of tins, packets, cosmetics, bags etc. to help homeless people in High Wycombe. We have been finding out more about what it is like to go to school in Kenya and the children were shocked to see how plain and bare the classrooms are with no equipment or toys. Finally, we collected lots of small gifts to put into shoeboxes for children who would not have had a Christmas present without our help. The school is receiving a thorough smarten up with all toilets refurbished and clutter cleared. We are now looking forward to some new playground equipment being installed thanks to the hard work and fund raising of our Friends committee. Sandy McClelland

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Holmer Green Players to stage ‘Oliver’ in March

For the first time in its history the two parts of Holmer Green Players will come together in March to perform the popular Lionel Bart musical “Oliver”. One of the first British musicals of the modern age, it probably goes without saying that “Oliver” is a musical version of Charles Dickens ‘Oliver twist’ which, in the 19th century exposed, to the middle and upper classes, all the problems of the working class. Oliver is not a hard hitting musical and is full of well-known favourites like ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider yourself’ and ‘Reviewing the situation’. And, with both junior and adult groups involved we are able to cast children to children’s parts while the adult cast is played by people of the correct age. The show will run from 22nd to 25th March with a matinee at 2.30 on 25th March at Holmer Green Village Centre. Tickets for the evening performances are priced at £15.00 with £13.00 concessions for under 16s and over 60s and include a chicken and chip supper. For the matinee, the tickets will cost £11.00 and £9.00 respectively. Tickets go on sale on 21st January 2017 via our ticketing system (see the link to the tickets in 1. below) which enables you to purchase allocated, numbered seats, in the hall for each performance of “Oliver”.

The profit on our Wednesday night performance of “Oliver” will be donated to SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Sands operate throughout the UK, supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby, working to improve the care bereaved parents receive, and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives. You can purchase tickets for “Oliver” in either of the following ways: 1. By visiting our ‘Next Show’ web page - http://www.holmergreenplayers.co.uk/ nextshow.html and following the link to the online purchase page where you can see a seat layout, which will show available tickets. You can purchase your tickets here using PayPal. 2. By phone, using a credit card by phoning 07778 175616.

Don’t miss the chance to see this excellent show performed in your local community.

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GIVE OUR DUCKS A NEW YEAR TREAT! A visit to the Duck Pond and feeding bread to the ducks has been a pastime enjoyed by generations of families from the Village for many years. At any one time, there can be up to 40 ducks resident at the pond with the occasional visit from Seagulls when bad weather occurs. Unfortunately feeding bread to the ducks is not particularly good for them - the RSPB have recently advised that ducks are happy to fill up on tasty white bread which offers no real nutritional value making them less likely to forage and eat more healthy types of food. So, what we can we do to ensure a proper diet for our ducks? The best foods are those that provide the nutrients, minerals and vitamins needed for healthy growth and development. The following are examples of foods that can safely be given and which will help offer a more balanced diet:  Sweetcorn (either canned or defrosted)  Frozen Peas (defrosted)  Duck Pellets (sold online or at pet stores)  Oats  Seeds (including birdseed and sunflower seeds)  Lettuce or other greens It is important to try and provide any food in bite size pieces so that the ducks can easily eat without choking or struggling. Happy feeding and the next time you visit with your children or grandchildren why not give our ducks a New Year Treat! Mike Lawson

RENNIE GROVE CHARITY SHOP Hello and a Happy New Year Art work made from findings sure you all know we were from your local Rennie Grove and scrabble tiles, book burgled over the New Year Charity Shop. folding, card making, cupcakes, while we were closed and the We ended the year on a fruitcakes and of course the robbers did a fair amount of high, after a fantastic late ubiquitous mince pies! One damage before gaining entry night shopping event raising volunteer held a coffee and managing to rip the safe just under £1,500 and one of morning raising over £400 and off the wall. The callous the shop’s best week’s takings another collected donations in nature of this attack on our ever in the lead up to memory of a relative. We wonderful shop really defies Christmas coming in at well really are lucky to have such a logic and humanity. However, over £4,000. lovely and dedicated team! we must move past it and get over it. Onwards and Upwards. Our Christmas window On a sad note, earlier in the display featuring Santa and his year we lost our dear friend I will say farewell now as I elfish worker drew admiration and book volunteer Scott am leaving Rennie Grove at the from everyone, so a massive Patterson who was such a big end of January. I have thanks to Hannah and her team part of the shop and such an enjoyed managing the shop for the mammoth effort all round great chap. We immensely and wish I could involved and the late Sunday remember him often and I for stay, but due to a change in my night installing it. We hope one think of him trying in vain circumstances I am moving on you and your little ones not to get absorbed by a book to new adventures. I wish the enjoyed it! he was flicking through or team all the very best for the cycling around the car park future and ask the people of We got a bit crafty this testing out a bike we’d had Holmer Green to keep on Christmas too with volunteers donated! supporting your lovely knitting all kinds of creatures; Whilst we look forward to community shop! I’ll be back sewing stockings, bunting, to visit, I might even make a purses and bags, all from 2017, I feel I must mention our recent break in. As I’m few purchases…. recycled scraps from the shop. Bridget Brookland

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HOLMER GREEN JUNIOR SCHOOL TO THE RESCUE! As a resident of Holmer Green for more than 30 years I am very proud of our lovely village. Recently I took my grandson to the park to indulge his latest passion of sitting on the swings and watching the world go by. On arrival I was dismayed to find the park full of litter, with broken glass strewn across one of the pieces of equipment. I immediately returned home to fetch dustpan and brush to sweep and tidy up. A few weeks prior to this there was yet another incident of the waste bin being thrown into the pond, and although it was eventually retrieved, [the cost of this was borne by the Parish Council - Ed] the contents are still floating on the pond causing a hazard for the ducks as well as being an eyesore. Such was my frustration that I decided to contact the Senior and Junior schools. I worked in education for many years and know the value of encouraging young people to get involved with their local community. I asked if staff could speak to the children about the dangers that litter presents to both people and wildlife. The next day, I was delighted to receive a letter from children at the Junior school who belong to a group called the “Eco-Jets.” They expressed concern at the issues I raised and informed me that not only would they be talking about it in assembly, but they would ensure that regular checks of the common will be made and they would endeavour to keep it litter free in the future. Well done Holmer Green Junior School Eco-Jets! Let’s hope for a tidier village in 2017. Judith Lawson

TRY PRAYING? On the 16th August 2004 I was on holiday in “The waters will soon be above your house. Climb Cornwall. We had just dropped our sons off at a the ladder and we’ll fly you to safety”. camp and were travelling back to the caravan when “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve the rains came down heavier than I had ever seen prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me”. in this country. The road we wanted to go down, towards Boscastle was closed and we were All this time the floodwaters continued to rise, diverted by the police. until soon they reached above the roof and the religious man drowned. When he arrived at heaven The two of Boscastle and Crackington he demanded an audience with God. Ushered into Haven in Cornwall suffered extensive damage after God’s throne room he said, “Lord, why am I here in flash floods caused by an exceptional amount of heaven? I prayed for you to save me, I trusted rain that fell over eight hours that afternoon. I you to save me from that flood”. expect many of us remember the pictures of people being rescued from rooftops. Just in the “Yes you did my child” replied the Lord “And I week of writing this article, I visited the Fleet Air sent you a canoe, a boat and a helicopter. But you Arm museum and saw the display showing how the never got in”. (Source: unknown). rescue helicopters worked so hard to save lives As a Pastor, it is at times when people face the that afternoon. Not a single life was lost. Reading biggest challenges in life that I find they the stories of those rescued you hear how people, “naturally” turn to prayer. Whether it be illness, who possibly never went to church, turned to family issues, work problems or life is challenging prayer when they were in need. It reminded me of in some other way. I suspect most if not all those this story. reading this article have at some point prayed. “A very religious man was once caught in rising Why? floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his In the weeks leading up to Easter the “ACTS” house and trusted God to rescue him. A neighbour the churches together in Holmer Green will be came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon taking part in the TRY PRAYING initiative again. be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to You can find out more at www.trypraying.co.uk. safety”. There is a booklet to help you. If you would like “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve one please pop in to the church and I will be happy prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me”. to let you have one. They are free! A short time later the police came by in a boat. You may be surprised to know 20 Million Adults “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in in the UK pray. 13 million pray at least once a and we’ll take you to safety”. month and nine million every day. One in three people believes God will answer their prayers. “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me”. Look out for the banners and why not “TRY PRAYING” you may just be a little surprised at the A little time later a rescue services helicopter results. hovered overhead, let down a rope ladder and said. Anthony Smith, Holmer Green Baptist Church

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THE LANTERN CLUB, DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY Registered Charity No. 1001393 Awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2013 Client attendance dropped during the latter half of 2016 mainly due to families being advised to put their loved ones into residential care. We now have several vacancies and it is hoped that with the New Year additional clients will come forward for referral. However, the Christmas festivities went off with a swing with Partytime Productions, a travelling theatre group, giving an excellent song and dance routine under the title “Let it Snow”. We also had another lady who gave us a karaoke style programme which our clients thoroughly enjoyed as they were able to join in the traditional Christmas songs. Volunteer numbers remain stable but additional volunteers are always welcome to help to provide the necessary care and attention to our clients. Outside entertainment has dwindled over the last twelve months. Many of the groups and performers are retirees and health problems have arisen which prevent them from continuing. It is important for our clients that they receive mental and physical stimulation when they attend the Club and so we are actively seeking replacement acts to ensure that our elderly clients enjoy their time with us. We are also looking for a replacement exercise professional, initially for a period of three months, as our regular “extend” lady will not be available for the first three months of the year. An offer from Public Health England has been received where they would fund an appropriate activity for our Clients for a period of six months. This is being taken up, and if it goes ahead, and is successful then the Club would consider continuing with that activity at its own expense. This will be my last contribution to Holmer Green Today as I will be standing down as Chairman and retiring from the Lantern Club at the end of March 2017. I would like to extend my thanks to the editorial staff of Holmer Green Today for giving me the opportunity to introduce the service provided by the Lantern Club in offering respite to carers of elderly relatives in the village and surrounding area. Consequently, the Management Committee is currently seeking a replacement Chairman and advertisements will be placed around the village. It would be advantageous for a local person to take on the role if at all possible. The Chairman would be required to take control of the management of The Lantern Club Day Centre which meets on Mondays (except Bank Holidays) at the Village Centre in Holmer Green between the hours of 9.30am and 3.00pm. A team of volunteers cares for up to a maximum of 14 elderly people. A Group Leader is contracted to the Club to arrange suitably stimulating mental and physical activities and to organise entertainment and music therapy. Ideally the position would suit someone with experience in a caring role, dealing with the elderly, and an awareness of the requirements of the Mental Health Act 2007 - Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults. Some experience of management and working with a team would also be advantageous. The Chairman would be assisted by a Management Committee made up of members of the voluntary staff. For further information please telephone the current incumbent on 01494 815840 or e-mail [email protected] in the first instance. On behalf of everyone at the Lantern Club I would like to wish the staff of Holmer Green Today and all its readers a very happy and prosperous New Year. Marjory Mack

Can you solve these Anagrams? A clue, they refer to London Underground Stations

Get report translated (5-8-6) Quota ensures (6-6) Queerer elastics (9-6) Letting loathing (7-4-4) Togetherness thinking (4-6-10) Equal reasons (6-6) Written mess (11) A retard cottonmouth (9-5-4) Trivia co (8) Uses quarrels (7-6) The answers are on page 35

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NEWS FROM ACTS (ALL CHURCHES TOGETHER)

ACTS (All Churches Together Serving) in Holmer Green is working together with the current Alpha Course, being held at the Baptist Church (The Common) for those interested in exploring the basics of the Christian Faith. All are welcome, to the different churches in Holmer Green, who would be happy to talk about our faith. Women’s World Day of Prayer is to be held at the Methodist Church (Earl Howe Road), led by the ladies from Christ Church on Friday 3rd March at 2pm, followed by tea and biscuits. The service has been written by Christian women of the Philippines and is on the theme of justice in today’s world. All (including men and women) are welcome. All those who are interested are also invited to Prayer and Praise services at the Baptist Church. Anthony Smith, the Baptist Pastor, is exploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we can benefit, both personally and in the local community, as we live out our calling to follow Christ’s call to each one of us. Future services will take place at the Baptist Church on the first Sunday of each month at 7pm. All our welcome. Holy Land trip Pastor Anthony and Adele Smith from the Baptist Church, the Common are planning a trip to the Holy Land from Tuesday 31st October to Friday 10th November 2017. Places are available. Please contact Anthony Smith 01494 712479 for details. Price is £1460 per person. Barbara Illingworth

HOLMER GREEN FC - WINTER UPDATE After such a good campaign in 2015-16 the 1st XI are currently 18th out of 22, but have up to 7 games in hand over teams above. They are struggling to score goals after losing a 40-goal a season player to a higher level. They have won, however, nearly £1500 of Prize money in the FA Vase this season. In The Wycombe Senior Cup a victory at Amersham Town in the Quarter Final has earned them a home Semi Final against either Thame Rangers or Pitstone and Ivinghoe. The Development XI are 6th out of 16, again with games in hand over all teams above. But they are currently looking for a new Manager once more after the previous one moved to the Middle East with a new job. The U-18’s (Allied Counties League) are 2nd of 11 and still have to play top team Abbey Rangers twice in the East Division. Barnet, whose First team play in Football League Division Two like Wycombe Wanderers, are also in contention. Holmer Green drew 2-2 at Barnet’s home ground just before Christmas. This Youth Team are also in the Quarter Final of League Cup, where they will be at home to Bicester Town, Hartley Wintney, or Wembley. This, after beating Premier Division Oxford City away in Round 3. In the County Cup after beating two teams from Milton Keynes and Bracknell Town (away) they won an away Quarter Final win at Reading Academy U-19, on penalties. Their Semi Final opponents at Watchet Lane on Sunday 29th January will be Buckingham Athletic. It will probably be a morning kick-off. The U-16’s are mid-table in Division 1 having Won 3 & Lost 3. The U-15’s are 9th of ten in Division 1. The U-15’s Colts are 2nd of 6 in Division 5, having Won 7 & Lost only 2. They have 3 games in hand on leaders Risborough, and are only two points behind. The U-14’s are 8th of 10, again in Division 1. They are in the Semi Final of the League Cup after beating Chinnor. Also they are into the County Cup Quarter Final on January 15th, with a tie at Thatcham Town. The U-13’s are 5th of 7 teams in Division 1. They have also reached the County Cup Quarter Final. Due to be played at “The Lane” on Sunday 15th January versus Harwell and Hendred Youth. As well as that game they are into the League Cup Quarter Final, versus Risborough. We have other teams/squads in age–groups from U-6 to U-12. Making 15 groups in total. A Café is now up and running on Saturday Mornings at Watchet Lane, providing sustenance for players and parents alike as well as producing a healthy addition to club funds

(Continued on page 23)

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THE PARISH OF PENN STREET WITH HOLMER GREEN INCLUDING LINK-UP A busy and happy Christmas was enjoyed by the regular members of our congregation and the many visitors we welcomed to our various seasonal activities. To name but a few, the informal Carol Service was enlivened with the audience participation, the Christingle was as popular as ever with children and adults alike and the ACTS Christmas Eve candle-lit service in Holy Trinity, Penn Street, was a wonderful start for Christ’s birthday. Plenty of mince pies were consumed along the way. On New Year’s Day, the joint Churches in Holmer Green (ACTS) met in the Baptist Church and had a great time of worship and fellowship. The Lunch Club is forging ahead on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, in the Church Centre (next door to Christ Church, Holmer Green) at 12.30. The last meeting of 2016 benefitted from the lovely decorations and some Christmas fare, including delicious mulled wine and carol singing. If you would like a chat and a light lunch with home-made soup and cake for £2, do come along. A very happy, healthy and blessed New Year to all our members and friends in Link-up. On 2nd December we had our Christmas Lunch, and we would like to thank Morden, Glynn and their team for a delicious meal, served so efficiently. The usual Link-Up meeting was held on Friday 16th December, but we only had a festive coffee morning instead of a shared lunch. In the New Year, we will be back to normal, gathering on the 3rd Friday of the month from 10:30 am onwards for coffee, followed by a shared lunch from 12 noon to 1:30 pm (which is optional). All who have been bereaved, either recently or longer ago are most welcome to join our friendly group. The meetings are held in the Workshop at Christ Church Centre, Featherbed Lane, Holmer Green, HP15 6XQ, usually on the 3rd Friday morning monthly. If you would like to know more about us, please ring Joan Toye on 01494 718466. Tiddlywinks enjoyed its Christmas Party with an entertainer and then a visit from Father Christmas. We follow the school terms, meeting on Mondays from 1.30 to 3 pm, and our Half-Term will be 13th February. The little ones certainly enjoy themselves with a variety of activities – Playdough, ride-on toys, a sing-along and a craft table (often with the ever-popular sticking of bits of ‘this and that’ onto paper or card to make something to take home or to give to Granny for her ‘fridge door), etc – so do come and see what we do, just for a small fee of £1.50 per family. The Women’s Fellowship entered the spirit of the season with our Christmas Lunch and Carol Service. We are now into our varied programme for 2017 on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2 pm in the Church Centre. We have occasional “open” meetings when everyone is welcome, including the men, and a range of speakers, including Liz Nickless on March 2nd, Jackie Lambert from one of Chesham’s churches for our Anniversary meeting on March 16th, and Elaine Simmons on April 6th, to name but a few. We always look forward to welcoming new members. Short-mat bowls are played in the Church Centre on Tuesday afternoons. Spaces are limited but do ring the Parish Office – 01494 7125195 – if you are interested. Are you looking for a venue for a one-off event or regular booking? Contact the Parish Office to see if the Church Centre can offer what you want.

(Holmer Green FC - Continued from page 21)

The club website holmergreenfc.co.uk is dedicated to the whole Club, although some age groups do not feature? (Please remember that the FA does not allow publication of younger age-group results). U-13, U-14, U-15, and U-16 information including fixtures, results and tables will be on www.football- results.org. 1st XI Match Reports, Allied Counties’ Match Reports, and occasional Development XI reports, appear on the Club Website. The 1st XI and Development XI and the U-18’s have information including fixtures, tables, and results, on the FA Full-Time website. The Club is always looking for more assistance. A list of Club Contacts is on the notice board in the HGSA Clubhouse. If you have any particular skill and would be prepared to give up a few hours of your time, please get in touch with the appropriate person or persons. John Anderson, President.

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THE PARISH MATTERS Holmer Green Councillors Bulletin – Issue 1 - 2017

Keep OUR village tidy – Be Cool and Bin It

The are part of the most beautiful countryside in the whole of the UK, people like us are lucky and very proud to live here, so near to London yet embedded amongst emerald green fields and rolling landscapes. Holmer Green has a rich and proud history which we hope to share with you in future bulletins but for now, together we really need to STOP the littering and minor antisocial behaviour, the results of which are for all to see. from time to time. Holmer Green unfortunately continues to witness a low but chronic level of Anti-Social Behaviour which is a real shame. The police will help, but it is mainly up to us as parents, grandparents, teachers, take away shops, off-licence, other shop keepers and residents to say STOP. It is up to the many well behaved youngsters to tell their peers that it is NOT COOL to litter and it is even LESS COOL to damage public property - so don’t do it. The police have the relevant expertise and we have asked for help, but also as a community we are duty bound to do what we can ourselves. Above, you see a photo of our beautiful pond, which is the envy of many local villages, and below you see photos taken on 10th January 2017, with so much litter spoiling the view, giving the village a bad name and possibly risking the lives of the ducks that live in the pond, which the young children love to come and feed.

Holmer Green is very lucky to have a nice range of shops on residents doorsteps, the reputation of many, like the Kebab shop and the Greengrocers go well beyond Holmer Green itself. Yet what should be a nice shopping area is often blighted with litter although we probably have more rubbish bins per capita than anywhere else in England!

Please tell your students, your customers, your children and your friends and peers this is NOT COOL. Help us keep OUR village tidy: Be Cool and Bin It

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LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY : FEBRUARY TO MAY 2017 Panto’s long gone as we await the Spring – but with all this warm-ish weather, where is the Winter? Still, there’s lots of varied entertainment locally, listed for the coming months, all within a 20 mile radius of the village, as diverse as ever. For full details, simply visit the websites (all listed) or telephone the box office for a free brochure by Royal Mail. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for the local amateur shows too. Just look out for posters in the village. Mark Thorburn

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

THE SOUND OF MURDER (6 to 8 Feb) long running Thriller. Desire, Adultery and a plot to murder. CIRQUE BERSERK! (14 to 15 Feb) Real Circus, for kids and adults, made for theatre, contemporary artistry plus stunt action. RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA (16 to 19 Feb) Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker. Wycombe Youth Project URINETOWN The Musical (17 to 19 Feb) local youngsters in this hugely entertaining show in the Town Hall. SERIOUSLY DEAD (23 Feb) a new comedy play featuring Crissy Rock (Benidorm) and Fraser Hines (Emmerdale). THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (6 to 11 March) Strictly Come Dancing Champion, Joanne Clifton stars in this madcap 1920s Musical. RUNNING WILD (14 to 18 March) the sell-out Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park 2016 production of Michael Morpurgo’s tsunami inspired survival tale. BABE The Sheep-Pig (20 to 22 March) Dick King Smith’s classic tale, adapted by David Wood. DIRTY DANCING (3 to 8 April) the stage version of the movie phenomenon. ’s SHIRLEY VALENTINE (18 to 22 April) with Jodie Prenger. FOOTLOOSE The Musical (8 to 13 May) Gareth Gates and Maureen Nolan in the 1980s dance sensation. Plus many, many more ‘One Nighters’ of diverse entertainment to choose from.

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

PETER PAN The Musical Rare Productions (2 to 4 Feb). AMADEUS National Theatre as Live Encore (6 Feb). MUSIC AND MEMORIES 2pm only (7 Feb). ROCK ICONS (9 Feb). CHESHAM ARTS FESTIVAL (11 to 19 Feb). SAINT JOAN Donmar Live Encore (21 Feb). THE ROY ORBISON STORY (23 Feb). KING OF POP Michael Jackson Tribute (24 Feb). KING FOR A DAY Nat King Cole Story (25 Feb). ALICE IN WONDERLAND Family Musical (26 Feb). THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Royal Ballet Live (28 Feb). THIS IS TOM (Jones) (2 March). THE BEACH BOYS STORY (3 March). THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK Panda Players (Amateur) (8 to 11 March). HEDDA GABLER National Theatre as Live Encore (14 March). SOMEWHERE IN TIME Strictly’s Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe (18 March). THE FUREYS (22 March). MAGIC–A KIND OF QUEEN (24 March). FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HAVANA Fund Raising for Chiltern Samaritans (2.30pm & 7.30pm) (25 March). THE PICCADILLY REVELLERS (26 March). THE VERA LYNN STORY (28 March). MADAMA BUTTERFLY Royal Opera House Live (30 March). OH WHAT A NIGHT (31 March). BLAKE Songs from Stage & Screen (1 April). LEGEND Elgiva Easter Workshop (3 to 7 April). EXPLOSIVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA (8 April). THE LITTLE MERMAID 11am & 2pm (9 April). ANDY PARSONS-PEAK BULLSH*T (13 April). MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS (15 April). THE ELVIS YEARS (20 April). THINK FLOYD (22 April). GYPSY A Musical Fable Chesham Musical Theatre Company (Amateur) (26 to 29 April).

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Aylesbury - WATERSIDE THEATRE (13 miles from Holmer Green) Exchange Street, , Bucks. HP20 1UG 0844 871 7614 : www.ambassadortickets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre

SWAN LAKE (2 to 4 Feb) St Petersburg Classic Ballet. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTIME (7 to 11 Feb) return of the National Theatre smash hit, winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards in London and five 2015 Tony Awards in New York. DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS (20 to 25 Feb) 10th Anniversary Revival of the ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Party. BUDDY (7 to 11 March) The phenomenally successful Buddy Holly Musical returns. BALLET ETUDES and NUTCRACKER SUITE (24 to 25 March) English Youth Ballet. THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (27 March to 1 April). Strictly Come Dancing Champion, Joanne Clifton stars in this madcap 1920s Musical. GHOST The Musical (18 to 22 April) hugely successful musical version of iconic Patrick Swayze film. JANE EYRE (24 to 29 April) Sally Cookson’s amazing adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece from the Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre. Please check website for many shorter runs, Stand Up, Concerts, Live Screenings.

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

CAROUSEL (1 to 4 Feb) Rodgers and Hammerstein classic presented by amateur Company, Abbots Langley G & S Society. GOOD DOG (14 to 18 Feb) a story of growing up in a multicultural community in the early noughties. CYRANO (7 to 11 March) Northern Broadsides in Edmond Rostand’s romantic comedy. I CAPTURE THE CASTLE (31 March to 22 April) a new British Musical based on the novel by Dodie Smith (101 Dalmatians). MISS MEENA & THE MASALA QUEENS (5 to 13 May) Bollywood meets drag-queen. Please check website for many shorter runs and Concerts. Please check website for many shorter runs and Concerts.

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

Simon Williams’ cutting edge thriller KISS OF DEATH (7 to 11 Feb). Alan Ayckbourn’s HENCEFORWARD (13 to 18 Feb). Evening Standard Best Comedy 1988. DING DONG MURDER ME ON HIGH (20 to 25 Feb) World Premiere of the fourth instalment of the Inspector Pratt Trilogy with Mark Little. (27 Feb to 4 March) Lyn Paul back in the lead. JOSEPH & the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (7 to 11 March) with Joe McElderry. SWAN LAKE (13 to 18 March) Vienna Festival Ballet. Jane Austin’s NORTHANGER ABBEY (20 to 25 March). John Lyons (A Touch of Frost) as FATHER BROWN — THE CURSE OF THE INVISIBLE MAN (27 March to 1 April). DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS THE MUSICAL (4 to 8 April). SWMTC (Amateur). A song. A dance. Two conmen. Lots of fun. FAME THE MUSICAL (11 to 15 April) Amateur. THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (17 to 22 April) GABRIEL (24 to 29 April). Please check website for shorter runs and Concert details.

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

Peter James’ DEAD SIMPLE (19 January to 11 March). A thriller. Four bodies. One suspect. No trace. Alan Ayckbourn’s IMPROBABLE FICTION (16 March to 6 May). Pendon Writers’ Circle, all six of them with writer’s block! Add Ayckbourn’s imagination and you have an hilarious mixture of comedy and thriller with a touch of madness… Check website for details of Sunday Concerts.

In addition to the above, the Fourways Drama Company presents A FEW GOOD MEN (16 TO 18 February) at the Lancaster Arts Centre, Wycombe Abbey School. Tel. 522722 for tickets.

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THE CHILTERN HERITAGE TRAIL As regular walkers in the Chilterns, we were intrigued by occasionally seeing signposts and roundels for the ‘Chiltern Heritage Trail’. In particular, a slightly worse for wear signpost in Beamond End which we often walked past kept prompting us to find out more. Research kept leading to a dead end. The trail was originally established as a millennium project by Council, with the help of the Ramblers, and links all the towns and parishes in the district, but the leaflet describing the route was out of print. Eventually, in 2015, we tracked down a copy of the route and decided to complete it with our regular walking friends. It is a wonderful 52 mile walk that takes in the highlights of the Chiltern District which we completed over five separate days. As we walked the trail, we found a few discrepancies where new roundels had been added that took the trail on a slightly different route to the one described in the leaflet. This was worth investigating further! We also felt that the original leaflet was short on ‘Heritage’ and needed to tell us more about the villages through which we passed. By chance, when we were invited to join a new Heritage Group formed by the Chiltern Society, we discovered that it was the Society that was responsible for the new roundels and that they were bringing the information on the Chiltern Heritage Trail up to date, adding photographs and information on all the historic sites along the route. Our enthusiasm for both the route and the need for heritage information on the villages, led to us being asked to do a final check on the route and its wording and to contribute to the research and writing for the points of historic interest along the route. So, this time last year, we donned our walking boots and warm clothing and re- walked the Chiltern Heritage Trail checking the signage was correct and the route clear to follow. We experienced a very different walk as the seasonal changes in the landscape accentuated different aspects of the beauty of the Chilterns. It was a pleasure to check the route to ensure clarity for all those we hope will follow in our footsteps. The new booklet which was recently published, describes the Chiltern Heritage Trail split into eight sections varying from 3.7 miles to 7.9 miles which enable you to walk a section and take public transport back to your starting point. The sections are Chesham to ; Chenies to ; Chalfont St Peter to Old Amersham; Old Amersham to Penn Street; Penn Street to ; Great Missenden to ; Chartridge to ; and Ashley Green to Chesham. Plenty of scope for excellent walking very close to Holmer Green! The photographs of points of interest taken by members of the Chiltern Society Photographic Group are stunning and complement the information on historic and other points of interest along the way. For those who love the Chilterns, the booklet is well worth a read just for the photos and information even if you don’t wish to complete the Trail. The book costs only £5.95 and is available to buy online from chilternsociety.org.uk or from the Society’s office in Chesham. Katharine and Steve Edgar

For Sale - Advertising space ! Why not advertise your business etc. here? For only £10.00 a quarter, your advertisement at this size could reach many villagers and more. Please contact our Advertising Manager whose name and address is on page 2.

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COMFORTS AND RECRUITMENT 1915-1916 The Parish of Penn Street with Holmer Green has some bound volumes of Penn Street Parish Magazines dating back to over 100 years, and from the early days of World War One recorded the two villages’ practical efforts to support the troops. The congregations of Holmer Green and Penn Street were very busy during the last months of 1915 and the early months of 1916 raising money and donating gifts to support our servicemen. Fruit and produce from the Harvest Thanksgiving Services “were sent to the West Ham Hospital for the use of wounded soldiers. Letters of warm thanks from the Matron have been received, and the gifts were evidently much appreciated.” All the collections went to the British Red Cross Society, which also received the collection made on “Our Day” in the Parish. The sewing parties were fully occupied making garments for the wounded. Michaelmas Day was observed as “Tricolour Day” and collections were made in the Parish and neighbourhood for the French wounded, as well as selling bows of red, white and blue ribbon. Since the war began, the people in both Parishes raised money for other charities connected with the conflict, such as the National Relief Fund, Beaconsfield Help Association, Princess Mary’s Fund, and Serbian and Belgian Relief. The November 1916 edition printed in full the King’s “stern and inspiring call to duty”. TO MY PEOPLE At this grave moment in the struggle between my people and a highly-organised enemy who has transgressed the Laws of Nations and changed the ordinance that bands civilised Europe together, I appeal to you. I rejoice in my Empire’s effort, and I feel pride in the voluntary response from my Subjects all over the world who have sacrificed home, fortune and life itself, in order that another may not inherit the free Empire which their ancestors and mine have built. The end is not in sight. More men and yet more are wanted to keep my Armies in the Field, and through them to secure Victory and enduring Peace. In ancient days, the darkest moment has ever produced in men of our race the sternest resolve. I ask you, men of all classes, to come forward voluntarily, and take your share in the fight. In freely responding to my appeal, you will be giving your support to our brothers, who, for long months, have nobly upheld Britain’s past traditions, and the glory of her Arms. GEORGE, R.I. The Vicar, Rev Arthur Browning, added his comments that “to those of us who cannot fight it summons to our duty to the utmost of our power, to make such sacrifices as we are able, and so to serve our God and country.” He referred to the excellent response being made to the new recruiting appeal, which resulted in several new names being added to the Roll of Honour of serving men displayed in the porches of both churches. Hilary Hide

A House Maintenance Tip Most houses still employ a separate cold water storage tank in the loft. This supplies the cold taps upstairs and possibly any other cold taps, apart from than in the kitchen. It also supplies the inlet to the hot water tank. Therefore, if you have a problem, turning off the mains supply may have no effect until the cold tank has emptied. (Apart from the kitchen tap obviously). You should have two pipes leading out from the tank. Make sure you know where the isolating valves are (if any) and that they work. It will be too late when you have water coming through the ceiling! Corick Property Maintenance.

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WHO AM I? I was born in , qualified as a nurse and eventually married David in 1958 and had 3 children. David was offered a new job so we moved to Newmarket, sometime later he got a job as a rep. for an engineering company covering Bucks and London, so we moved to Buckingham. It was here I attended a back-to-nursing course, lasting one week! We brought a black and white house in Well Street, Buckingham called ‘Wycliffe’, which had been built in the 1600s. During our time there, we found a cavalry sword in the garden alongside a very big old key. One can only image how they got there. Opposite the house was the Woolpack public house, it is reputed to have a tunnel underneath where a member of Oliver Cromwell’s army dragged a resident through the tunnel to the house to make him sign the pledge. (a temperance house). I worked at Maid Moreton Hall, a care home. The matron, a Mrs Fletcher, was assisted by Pam whose husband was the local policeman. It was lovely red brick building and residents could go to the local Chandos cinema. There were some interesting residents who made the matron’s life difficult. One such pair were Bertha and Jim who would visit each other in their rooms! Matron insisted they got married. She was a wonderful cook whose speciality was brisket of beef cooked overnight in a huge oven. I had always admired the district nurse when I was growing up and eventually I was offered a post in Buckingham. I had never dreamed that one day I would have this position. The main office for the district nurses was Verney Close run by a lady called Mrs Riley, the superintendent, who we called Old Mother Riley. The area all around was owned by Florence Nightingale’s family (the Verney family). One day whilst driving in my Morris Minor, to visit a farmer, I had to go through two fields shutting gates and with cows licking my car. I got to the farm house, up a rickety stair case to the patient, I turned on the tap only to find brown coloured water coming through! Another household was a group of cottages with only an earth floor and newspaper on the table. I remember going to Stowe School to take out some stitches. It was here my children learned to ride on a Sunday morning. When the weather was bad the only way to the school was by tractor. A farmer in Thornton had a great laugh when I got out of my car and fell over on the ice in the farmyard. One patient I visited was a gentleman suffering from arthritis; to help his wife I used to take her out in my car. She laughed as we followed the local rag and bone man with his horse, I would stop, open the boot of my car and take out a bucket and spade to collect the horse manure! Another patient, a Mrs Hart, who had lived all her life in India and retired to Buckingham always had a lovely meal prepared for me, by her nanny. To get to the lady’s bedroom I had to navigate the stairs avoiding a parrot who called out “custard, custard” all the time and would peck your legs if you were not careful. In Thornbury there was a very irate patient who was annoyed when nurses got a pay rise of £20.00 a month; he did not think they deserved the accolade. District nurses were at the forefront of modern medication. B12 injections were given for pernicious anaemia by the nurses for patients who, previously had to eat raw liver. I was not a midwife but was called in on the 4th day after delivery to check progress of the babies. Another character I became very fond of was Bob Stevens of Leckhampstead. He lived in a very old farm building, and I caught up with him when he moved to Primrose Cottage in Primrose Hill. He was an uncle of Audrey James who lived with her husband Gordon in Primrose Farm at the top of Primrose Hill. My husband moved again with his job and thus a move in 1975 we came to Parish Piece in Holmer Green. To be continued.

Page 30 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

“Wycliffe” - the house in Buckingham

The Morris Minor

Bob Stevens

Rennie Grove Charity Shop & Jennie's Haircare quarterly Page 31

SOME USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS

British Gas, Emergencies 01753 – 571570 Chiltern District Council 01494 – 729000 Chiltern Medical Centre (formerly Dragon Cottage Surgery) 01494 – 717339 Eastern Electricity, Loss of Supply 08007 – 838838 Holmer Green Dental Practice 01494 – 718318 Member of Parliament for Chesham and Amersham:– Cheryl Gillan, House of Commons, London, 020 7219 5146 SW1A 0AA. E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721577 Refuse Collection 01494 – 586550 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 – 315000 101 Thames Water, Emergencies 08459 – 200800 Traveline 0870 – 608 2608 Tourist information 01494 – 421892 Wycombe General Hospital 01494 – 526161 LOCAL COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN

Parish Councillors for Holmer Green Ward:- Mr Jeffrey Dominy “West Barn”, , HP7 0QY 864710 Chair & Local Authority Forum Representative (LAF)

Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green, HP15 6TL 717663 Rossetti Hall Committee member (RH) Mr Walid Marzouk Cherry Tree Cottage, Weedon Hill, , HP6 5RN 776656 Mr Peter Rawbone 1, Hollyberry Grove, Holmer Green, HP15 6XB 713649 Chair - Rossetti Hall Committee Mr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. HP15 6TA 713739 Chair - Open Spaces & RH Committees Mrs Ruth Werbiski “Windward”, 4 Glebe Close, Holmer Green, HP15 6UY 714523 LAF, NAG Representative & Youth Committee Mrs Rita Whitten “Holly Lodge”, Alice Close, Holmer Green, HP15 6TS 711929

Vacancy - Any person interested in the future of Holmer Green is invited to contact the Council Office. Parish Council Meetings The public may attend any meeting but should inform the Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting. Check the Council’s web site: http://www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for further information. The Parish Council meets twice a month (except in August) in the Council Offices, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm.

Parish Clerk & Assistant Clerk: Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Holmer Green, HP15 715429 Vacancies – Would interested parties please 6SU. E: [email protected] contact the Council Office The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 12noon.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR Mr David Schofield Deanwood Cottage, Dean Wood Road, Jordans, Bucks. 676440 HP9 2UU. E: [email protected] DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Mr Michael Smith Chiltern District Council, c/o Democratic Services 729000 E: [email protected] Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ E: 07500 546651 E: [email protected]

LOCAL SERVICES The Mobile Library vehicle visits on the third Thursday of each month at the Shops: between 11:10am - 11:15am. and the Village Centre: between 11.20am – 11:45am

A Holmer Green community web site — www.holmergreen.info where some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today may be viewed.

Page 32 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

WHAT’S ON — AND WHERE 7th February Evening WI - talk “Way of life in Rural South Africa “ Village Centre - 7.45pm 15th February VPA talk - “Where Did That Saying Come From?” - Colin Oakes Village Centre - 8.00pm 20th February Chadwick Ladies - “Endangered Species in Britain” Village Centre - 8.00pm 1st March Ash Wednesday—Communion Service Christ Church - 8.00pm 3rd March Women's World Day of Prayer - all welcome, not just women! Methodist Church - 2.00pm 7th March Evening WI - talk “Gilbert and Sullivan” Village Centre - 7.45pm 11th March Evening WI - Friends Evening Village Centre - 7.45pm 15th March VPA talk - “Invasion 1940 – What If”- Tony Eaton Village Centre - 8.00pm 18th March Chadwick Ladies - “London in the 50’s & 60’s” Village Centre - 8.00pm 22nd-25th March Holmer Green Players production of ‘Oliver!’ Contact 07778 175616 Village Centre 27th March Chadwick Ladies - AGM & Social Village Centre - 8.00pm 28th March Holmer Green Flower Club Village Centre - 8.00pm 4th April Evening WI - talk “A Tale of 2 Boys” Village Centre - 7.45pm 8th April VPA Spring Show Village Centre - 8.00pm 10th April Chadwick Ladies - “The History of Wycombe” Village Centre - 8.00pm 14th April Good Friday - All village churches’ service Baptist Church - 11.00am Village Walk of Witness - from the Anglian Church to the Baptist 14th April Anglian Church - 9.30am Church - 9.30am 16th April Easter Sunday - Sunrise service The Common - 5.45am 19th April VPA talk - “The Shopping Experience, 1945-1970” - Mike Dewey Village Centre - 8.00pm 17th May VPA talk - “Thailand” - Roy Allcorn Village Centre - 8.00pm 30th May Holmer Green Flower Club Village Centre - 8.00pm 22nd May Chadwick Ladies - “Thames Valley Millionaires” Village Centre - 8.00pm 5th June Chadwick Ladies - Chinese Wok Cookery Village Centre - 8.00pm

Advance Notice: Holy Land Trip led by Pastor Anthony and Adele Smith from Holmer Green Baptist Church. Enquiries to Anthony Smith 01494 712479. Tuesday 31st October to Friday 10th November 2017.

REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1st Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Wednesdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 5.45 – 7.15pm 4th Holmer Green Brownies — Church Centre. Thursdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 1st Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Fridays, weekly 6.30 – 8.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 7.30 – 9.00pm 1st Holmer Green Rainbows — Holmer Green Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 4.45-5.45pm Air Training Corps — ATC Hut, Sir William Ramsey School, Hazlemere. Wednesdays and Fridays, weekly 7.30 - 9.30pm Boys Brigade — Holmer Green Methodist Church. Mondays, weekly from 6.00pm, depending upon age. Citizens Advice Bureau — Rossetti Hall. Thursdays, 9.30 – 12.30pm. Confidential meetings. Holmer Green Beavers — Mondays 5.30 – 6.30 and Wednesdays, 6.00 – 7.00pm. Holmer Green Baptist Church Playmates Toddler Group — Tuesdays, School Term only, 9.30am - 11am. Holmer Green Flower Club — the last Tuesday of each month, except January, August and December. Holmer Green Cub Scouts — Mondays and Thursdays, 6.45 – 8.15pm. Holmer Green Scouts — Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm. Holmer Green Short Mat Bowls Club — Holmer Green Sports Association. Tuesdays 7.30 - 11.00pm. High Wycombe Scrabble Club — Rossetti Hall. Second Wednesdays, 7.30 for 7.45pm. Holmer Green Youth Club — Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weekly 6.30 - 9.00pm & 7.30 - 9.00pm, depending upon age. Lantern Club – Village Centre. Mondays, weekly 10.30am - 2.45pm.

Rennie Grove Charity Shop & Jennie's Haircare quarterly Page 33

Link-Up Friendship Group — The 3rd Friday of each month. Church Centre - 10.30am-noon, followed by a shared lunch. Lunch Club for a light lunch and a chat – Church Centre, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12.30 – 2 pm. Messy Church, Baptist Church - 3rd Sunday in month (19th March, 23rd April, 21st May. 3.30pm-5pm. Pop In Lunch, a light Lunch and Chat - Baptist Church. The first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12.30pm. Short mat bowls — Tuesday afternoons at the Church Centre. Call the parish Office if interested. Simply Walk — Meet outside Holmer Green Baptist Church. Mondays, weekly at 1015 for 1030am. Tiddlywinks Baby & Toddler Group — Church Centre. Mondays, 1.30 – 3pm School Term only Time–4–God — Traditional service at the Baptist Church, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 11.15am. Toddler Group — Baptist Church. Tuesdays, Term Time only, 9.30am-11am . Christmas Party 13th December. Women’s Fellowship of Holy Trinity with Christ Church. Church Centre 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2pm from 15 September. Women's Fellowship — Baptist Church. Alternate Thursdays from 17th November, 2.15pm. Wycombe Stroke Club for persons affected by communication problems - Christchurch Church Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 10am-12noon. Wycombe Centre National Trust Supporter Group — The fourth Friday of the month at Hazlemere Community Centre. Oct to Mar., 2.15pm. Apr to Sept., 7.45pm. Youth Club — Baptist Church — Every Friday during term times, 7.00-8.30pm. It would be prudent to check that the events, locations and times are correct!

Welcome to Universal Care…… More than 25 years of caring experience We can provide daily carers, throughout Buckinghamshire and live in carers across the South East. Our staff are friendly, well trained and dedicated to providing the individual service our clients need. Duties may range from a simple caring service including companionship, cooking, shopping and light household duties to more complex personal care depending on needs. As situations change we adapt our care service to ensure the comfort of our clients and the peace of mind of their relatives and loved ones. Please contact us for further information: Chester House, 9 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JJ Telephone: 01494 678811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.universal-care.co.uk

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

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

ADVERTISER SERVICE Page Telephone Adams Garden Services Garden Services 18 07793 561764 Allied Accountancy Accounting / Bookkeeping 35 01494 711210 ARG Services Domestic Appliance Repairs 4 01494 714850 Arnold Funeral Services Funeral Directors 18 01494 472572 Beacon Funeral Services Funeral Directors 20 01494 818181 Bright Sparks Electrical Contractors 24 01494 713373 Convert Old Audio Old Audio Translators 34 01494 713553 Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School Pre-school for 2 to rising 5s 4 01494 711341 Holmer Green Service Centre Garage Services and MOT’s 20 01494 715058 J Walsh Newsagents 24 01494 714466 Jennie's Hair Care Ladies and Gents Hairdressers 18 01494 713580 Jewellers based in 01494 440813 Jordans Family Jewellers 22 High Wycombe & Aylesbury 01296 339108 Mike’s Garden Services Garden Services 8 01494 817441 Select Heating Services Local Plumbers 35 01494 715254 Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies Plumbing and Heating Supplies 24 01494 717665 SPAR Corner Supermarket 24 01494 713364 The Cottage Bookshop Bookshop 6 01494 812632 The Window Doctor Repair Windows & Doors & Supply new 6 01865 891776 Universal Care Provision of Carers 34 01494 678811 W&M Stevens Garage Services and MOT’s 4 01494 713185

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

Answers to the London Underground Station Anagrams Great Portland Street E uston Square Leicester Square Notting Hill Gate High Street Kensington Sloane Square Westminster Tottenham Court Road Victoria Russell Square

Rennie Grove Charity Shop & Jennie's Haircare quarterly Page 35 Try this perpetual calendar for recurring dates - just fill it in, cut it out and save!

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