Hilltop News

June & July 2009

Hilltop News  made hard to access by plastic spikes (which Protect your can also be used on side gates). Security alarms come in two types: monitored, which links via a telephone property land line to a monitoring centre, and unmonitored which just makes a noise if set off. Dogs are a cheap alarm! Outside against theft lights with movement sensors, with good coverage of the sides and rear of your It seems a long time since 33 villagers property, including the garden, also act as attended the Crime Prevention meeting successful deterrents. Marking valuables is advisable, usually at St Leonards Parish Hall on 24 February by UV marker pens, which can be used on to hear Mike Levine, our local Crime electronic equipment with plastic frames: Reduction Advisor, with our Neighbouring use your postcode and house name or Policing Team PC 6150 Melvin Mutch, PCSO number. Lawn mowers and other valuable garden equipment can be marked too – it’s 9418 Les Roche and PCSO 9007 Victoria all a deterrent. Cooper, advise on how to protect our Continued on page 4… property against theft. This article should be a timely reminder, now summer’s here, Cover picture of the lessons drawn from the meeting. Last summer, many of our fields were awash with the pretty blue flowers of flax. ike began with a short What’s in store for us this year? presentation on things to consider Mand latest equipment, focusing on properties in rural areas. For example, where it is possible to enclose a garden from open land; rear fences 2 metres high, possibly with open trellis on top, or defensive planting with spiky hedges can deter burglars. Garden sheds and outbuildings should always be kept locked to prevent tools being stolen or used for breaking into the house. On house doors, mortice locks with 5 levers are recommended. UPVC patio doors mostly come with double locking devices but are only effective if the locks are deployed, otherwise the flexibility in UPVC enables the doors to be easily manipulated open. Similarly, the handles on PVC windows should be kept locked when not in use. With the onset of summer, open Which of our local pubs won the cricket 6-a- ground floor windows are an invitation to side trophy - contested as part of the Parish burglars. First floor windows are not too Council’s 75th Anniversary celebrations? vulnerable but ladders should be secured Find out inside… to prevent illicit entry, and flat roofs can be

 Hilltop News Hilltop News  SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES OR ACTIVITY, no …continued from page 3 our next meeting on 18 May. The newly matter how insignificant it might seem. It THE PARISH COUNCIL devolved highways maintenance operation Protect your property: could be part of a larger picture. Take the e were sorry to hear that Maureen will save costs at County Hall so we need to registration number if possible. Routine Newall had decided to resign as know if services, already bad, are likely to further advice to calls should be made to the Thames Valley Wa member of the Council after deteriorate further. combat theft Police central number 0845 8 505 505 several years’ service. She worked very hard We have written to Thames Water and ask for any of the team by name, for the Parish and deserves a large vote of about a series of leaks in The Vale and had he recent vehicle thefts and break-ins which will get a quicker response than the thanks. By the time this edition of Hilltop a positive response from them, subject to led to the following advice. Thieves job just being logged in turn. Our local News is published, a replacement member budget of course. Tsometimes break into houses solely Neighbourhood Policing team, based at will have been co-opted. The Parish Council has agreed in principle to steal car keys, because modern cars are , work from 8am until midnight: The Council is extremely concerned by to create a fund for future replacement almost impossible to start without a key. thereafter responds, using their the possibility of further floods in The Vale costs of equipment at the St Leonards Parish So keep keys hidden: don’t leave them on two SatNav equipped cars (so give your caused by drainage problems on bridleway Hall playground. Details will be available windowsills, hall tables or by doors. When postcode!). Ring 999 if you suspect a crime 51 (Black Horse Lane). After several attempts following the budget review in December. parking cars, even on your own drive, never is actually being committed: the police to get some action from both Bucks David Clarke, Clerk to the Council 758567 leave valuables in them. When loading target for response times in rural areas is Highways and Bucks Rights of Way, we have a car: always lock it when returning a 15 minutes. The more we make calls to now written a strong letter to the Cabinet supermarket trolley, or when going to pay our local team the more it increases their Member for Transportation, Val Letheran, for petrol – it only takes seconds for thieves chances of being given more resources, so at Bucks County Council. It is not right that to get in and drive it away. it’s in our interest to be alert and help by elderly folk should have to shift sandbags in Distraction burglaries tend to increase feeding information in as much as possible. the middle of the night. The County Council during the summer. Beware of bogus callers The more we help ourselves, the less must wake up to the problem and resolve it. and don’t ‘cold buy’ from doorstep sellers. attractive our area becomes for criminals. Similarly we are taking a firm line on If you have a door chain, put it on and ask There are several things you can do. potholes. We have invited Jim Stevens, Head for the photo/identity card of the caller. If Firstly, let your neighbours know if you of Transportation at Bucks CC to attend in doubt, don’t let him/her in. Be aware of see something suspicious. You can receive the front/door back door trick: distraction regular updates from the local police team burglars often work in pairs so that if you by email, fax or phone. If you would like to answer a call at one door the accomplice sign up to the COUNTRY WATCH SCHEME gets in at the other. Always keep one or please go to www.tvpcommunitymessaging. other doors to your house locked. Even if org/ , or phone PCSO C9418 Les Roche on in your garden away from the house, it’s 0845 8 505 505. wise to lock your doors and ground floor If you are on email, subscribe to windows. Grapevine at www..com to When out and about, personal safety exchange sightings with others living in the can be preserved by not walking through Hilltop villages. dark areas you don’t know. If challenged, There’s further information on home don’t argue but surrender valuables. If security at www.thamesvalley.police.uk . We driving long distances to visit friends or have numerous leaflets giving more advice family, consider giving them your estimated on security locks, equipment, Countryside time of arrival. and Farm Watch, door stickers deterring After the presentation, the discussion random callers, stickers for marking and questions dwelt on, amongst other postcodes on valuable items. If you want things, the reaction time of the police any please ring either of your two Parish to emergency calls. PC Mutch and his Councillors below. team explained the most important way Chris Brown Caroline Coates to reduce crime in our area is for us all 758890 758102 to PHONE IN ANY CONCERNS ABOUT

 4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 land, avoiding some roads and being able local residents while improving service. This LOCAL HISTORY to follow the boundary more closely. In THE COUNTY COUNCIL is an important way forward in reducing GROUP addition, MT Loos have kindly donated us write with renewed staff costs and pensions at a time when the free use of a pair of their ‘portaloos’ hope that ‘Transport senior officer pay awards are in the news. Parish 75th Anniversary – Beating the to be sited at our lunchtime stop over. The Ifor ’ Buckinghamshire’s strategic director’s Bounds Parish Boundary Walk circular walk is about twelve miles and, will better identify road pay reflects the middle of the range of because it almost returns to the start on defects using modern comparable local authorities. ou are invited to crossing Rays Hill you can, if you prefer, join laser technology and As your county councillor, I have been join in the Parish in for a shorter morning or afternoon walk. that the new transport able to increase winter gritting routes, Boundary Walk Y So, dust off those sensible walking shoes, contractor, which is ensure that our roads are regularly on Saturday 13 June as pack a bottle of water and join us for a an alliance between inspected by highway maintenance officers, part of the celebrations ‘stroll’ around the parish. Meantime if you the County Council and Ringway Jacobs argue the case for the DCGS catchment area of the Parish’s 75th have any questions please give Chris Brown (launched on lst April) will at last lead to to include this Division and been part of the Anniversary. Aside from a call on 758890. an improvement in our roads. Recently action in persuading NATS to rethink their Royal celebrations, a Beating the Bounds I attended a seminar for members of plans for planes leaving Luton, to name a event has taken place to commemorate Parish 75th Talk and Exhibition the council to understand the financial few. I care passionately about preserving previous Anniversaries of the Parish’s management aspects of the 8 year contract, The Chilterns AONB and regularly speak at inauguration in 1934. The walk starts and Just to say thank you to everyone who came and the option to renew, and profits will the Chiltern Society AGM. finishes at Cholesbury Village Hall. To see along to St Leonards PH for the Parish 75th both be related to achieving government County Council elections take place why it is traditionally called a ‘Beating the Talk and Exhibition in April. We were very performance indicators. Extra money on Thursday 4 June and I sincerely hope Bounds’, see the article on pleased that so many could make it and feed amounting to several million pounds will be to continue to be a robust voice for local www.cholesbury.com/prog_events.htm . back that you found the talk and exhibits found by the alliance to counteract under- residents at County Hall We will set off as a group around 10am interesting. investment from government on our roads so you just need to roll up to the hall about Chris Brown 758890 Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 and footways. 9.45am to collect a map etc. If you set off As the County Council reaches the a bit late no problem, you will probably be end of the current administration it able to catch up with the main group en is interesting to reflect on numerous route. successes over the last four years. For The boundary route starts by taking example, Buckinghamshire has achieved us along the bottom of the Commons. A 4*s in the government’s Comprehensive break for lunch around 1pm is planned for Performance Assessment, one of only 16 Widowcroft Wood on Oak Lane. The WI has county councils to receive this coveted very kindly volunteered to provide us with award. Price Waterhouse Coopers now food and drink, delivered at Widowcroft puts Buckinghamshire first among the top Wood, where we stop at lunchtime and performing County Councils. can also drop anyone doing half the walk 72% of young people in the county now back to the Hall. The circuit is completed on achieve 5+ GCSE’s at A*-C, compared with returning via Shire Lane around 4pm where 66% in 2005. Fly-tipping incidents have the WI will have refreshments available to been reduced by a third and the growth recharge the batteries. of household waste has been halted. The The route avoids walking on busy roads County has championed local business and is mainly along well trodden footpaths, with a package of support including a so it is suitable for younger walkers and commitment to pay invoices for small those who may want to do a shorter section businesses within 10 working days. of the walk. Many thanks to Dundridge In future more services will be Farm, Allen Farms and the Rossway Estate commissioned rather than provided and for kindly allowing us to walk ‘off the the new Transport for Buckinghamshire beaten track ‘ across short sections of their alliance is an example of cost cutting for

 6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7  Hilltop News Hilltop News  CRICKETERS START WITH A WIN

Hawridge & Cholesbury’s Saturday First XI began the new season as they finished the last: with a win. Having gone through the whole of last The winning ‘Full Moon’ team season in the League’s second division unbeaten, we knew stiffer tests would To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the come in the top division. Parish of Cholesbury cum St Leonards, a are a strong side and scored a daunting 6-a-side cricket tournament was hosted by 261 when they batted first. However, our & Cholesbury Cricket Club for opening batsmen Mohammed Rifai and the four Pubs in the Parish: The Full Moon, Sean Robinson, with 97 and 82 respectively, Rose & Crown, Black Horse and White Lion. paved the way for a four wicket victory. lthough the day was a mixture of ur Second XI lost their opening sunshine, light rain and a cold wind, match, but with many promising Athe four pubs enjoyed a competitive Oyoungsters coming through day of cricket. From the outset it was fairly the colts system, we look forward with obvious some pubs had fielded stronger optimism. The Sunday players and newly teams than others but every team gave formed Friday team are enjoying their 100% and gained in confidence as the day ‘friendly’ fixtures. went on. The pub landlords came to lend The colts, as ever, have turned up their support, as did friends and family, enthusiastically and in great numbers for villagers and members of the Parish Council. the start of the season and I am sure they After playing against each other, the will have great fun. In the next HTN, I top two teams played in The Final. The hope to report on continuing success and Full Moon defeated The White Lion by 2 enjoyment throughout the club. runs in a close and well fought final. Nigel Follow the club’s performances and catch Blomfield, Chairman of the Parish Council, up with the latest news and activities on our presented the winners shield to The Full website: www.hawridgecricket.org Moon and medals to both finalists. The day was a great success and will now Graham Lincoln, become an annual event on the May Bank Secretary, Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket Holiday. Thanks to all who helped with the Club. 758449 bar, supplying food, helping with the BBQ, scoring and umpiring. Mick Channer, H&CCC Social Secretary

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 Mews in Windsor Castle, looking after the their involvement with the church and Queen’s horses and grooming at shows for community to the full. Passionate about Princess Alexandra. She lived at the Castle gardening, Shirley created a glorious and tells the story of her first day when the garden and was able to tell you the name Queen Mother and King George bounced of every plant that grew there. Sadly, her on her bed to see if it was comfortable happy time was cut short with Ivan’s sudden enough, and then sending someone out death in 1994 but, ever the survivor, she to get a bedside lamp so she could read picked herself up, moved on and occupied before going to sleep. Shirley travelled with her time becoming a RUG, as she called the horses to Sandringham for the holidays herself (Really Useful Grandma), helping and was there when it was announced Caroline who by now had Christopher, that King George had died. Elizabeth was Robert and Jonathan in quick succession. crowned Queen and Shirley was given Throughout her life Shirley has been a commemorative medal to mark the renowned for her love of gardening and, occasion. wherever she lived, created a wonderful Shirley married Keith in 1954 and they garden. People would often say to her, moved to Chesham where their children when she moved house, won’t you miss Caroline and Carl were born. Shirley’s love your garden? She would reply, “I can always of animals continued when they moved make a new garden, and will take the up to Orchard Leigh, where she ran a Pets friends and memories with me”. Boarding Service looking after anything Shirley always felt that people were the cat-sized downwards. There was a constant most important thing in life and gave her Shirley Gilman array of cages in the house containing time generously to help others. Despite a anything from Stick insects to terrapins, as number of difficult times, she remained 1932-2009 well as the usual mice, birds and hamsters, incredibly positive and forward-looking. with rabbits and guinea pigs housed in She led a very sociable life and, above all, Cholesbury Church has always had a a large shed next to the house. Caroline had an infectious sense of fun, which will special place in Shirley’s heart, from when remembers being sharply told off for stay with all of those who knew her. she first moved to the village 37 years ago. interrupting her mother whilst she was on the phone to tell her that nine ferrets, She and Ivan were married here and her which had broken out of their cage, were grandsons were christened here; and she rampaging round the garden! St Leonards Parish Hall often attended services with friends from Shirley then moved to Post Office Fête, Horse Show the village. Cottages on Cholesbury Common and soon became an active member of the hirley Slaughter (as she is well community, attending church, helping & Gymkhana remembered in the villages) was born with village fetes and becoming a founder Sin Windsor in 1932. At the age of member of the cream teas team. Saturday 6 June 2009 four she was sent to boarding school, was When Shirley’s marriage to Keith evacuated to Wales during the war years ended, her career changed from animals to Horse Show & Gymkhana - and spent most of her childhood living people. She worked as an auxillary nurse at with her grandparents in Ovingdean near Chesham Cottage Hospital before becoming from 9am Brighton. On finishing school she went to a receptionist at a firm of solicitors. It was Porlock Vale in Somerset to train for her here she met Ivan, who had come to the Dog Show – from 1.00pm Preliminary Instructors certificate in horse office as a client. riding. Shirley and Ivan set up home in From there Shirley went on to become Askett where, now both retired, they Fête – Open at 2pm one of the first female grooms at the Royal began an idyllic life together enjoying

12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEONARDS W.I. WATCH ecent meetings have been well pportunists attended and lively. Sandra Webb continue to visit Rgave an excellent demonstration of Othe area, please Caribbean Cookery in March, where we all stay alert and be aware got to taste what was cooked, including of the need for security and some exotics which some were not so always report incidents to the police. Jot sure about! Sandra fundraises for the XP down registration numbers of any suspicious Support Group, a rare genetic disorder vehicles. The number to ring is 0845 8 505 505 causing extreme sensitivity to the sun’s and dial 999 if a crime is in progress. ultra-violet rays. This was Sandra’s second Shirley Blomfield 758314 visit to us so we were pleased to have an update on the progress of her son and news of the night time garden. In April, Gerry Foster gave an enthusiastic and knowledgeable talk, telling us about training border collies and sheep dog trials. We did not get to meet her dogs but we got to know them through Gerry’s descriptions and the photographs which she brought. The May meeting is now concentrating on just one Resolution, ‘SOS for Honeybees’. The results of our voting will go to the National AGM on June 3 at the Albert Hall. Continuing until June 27 is an exhibition from the Buckinghamshire Federation’s archives, titled ‘All Our Yesterdays’. This is held in the new library at High Wycombe, and includes some beautiful craft items. Our own member, Paddy Thomas, has been involved with the setting up. Entry is free and the library is open every day except Monday. Our next meeting will be on Monday June 15, when ‘Graphology’ is the topic with ‘A Favourite Book’ as the competition. The meeting will be in St Leonards Parish Hall, starting at 8pm. If you ring Carol Henry (758435) she will be pleased to tell you more. July will be our 30th birthday month and the meeting is to be an outing for members, visiting Manor Farm Herbs at Fringford, near Bicester.

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 were very pleased to be able to take it to Signs on the Commons HAWRIDGE AND George Brown’s, who undertook essential In order to make it clear to people who use CHOLESBURY work and fitted a reconditioned engine. the Commons which are the footpaths and COMMONS We have to thank Isobel Clark, Steve Cheeld which are the permissive rides, the Society and Paul Hembury for all the research is planning to put up some small signs. A PRESERVATION that they did in order to make sure that few brushwood barriers have appeared in SOCIETY the Society has a tractor. We were very places, presumably to deter horses from fortunate to have received an unexpected going on footpaths. These have not been Log Deliveries and unsolicited grant of £3300 from the erected by the Society and they are being As a result of all the hard work that is Chiltern Conservation Board, on condition removed. We are always ready to consider done on the Commons throughout the that we matched that amount either in ways of making the paths and rides easier autumn and winter, Isobel Clark was able to terms of man-hours or money expended on to use, but anything that is done will be the arrange log deliveries to several households the Commons. I would like to thank Isobel result of an agreed policy. I would like to in the villages. This brought to an end the for all the paperwork that she had to do encourage any of you who have concerns programme of working parties for the year, in order to finalise the payment. We were about aspects of the management of the to allow birds to nest in peace. I would like able to use part of the grant towards the Commons to talk to me on 758750. For our to say a big thank you to everyone who tractor. It could not have come at a better part, we will try to inform the community helped with the transportation of the logs time for us. if we are considering doing anything other and also for the energy and commitment than routine maintenance. that workers have given throughout the Summer Party season. At the last two working parties, This year’s party will be held in the Paddock Exit from Permissive Ride onto there was such a large group of willing next to the Full Moon garden on 4 July Cholesbury Road helpers that Lindsay Griffin, who provides from 6 - 9.30pm. We will again be having We are aware of a very deep gully where everyone with refreshments, will need to marquees; a licensed bar; Paul Nicholson the ride exits onto the road. This makes it buy more mugs! and the Cholesbury Swing Quintet; and very awkward for horses to negotiate. We lots of activities for children of all ages, have consulted the Highways Authority, Litterblitz including some favourites from the past, because we think it has been caused by This year, we held our Litterblitz over two to mark the 75th birthday of the Parish incessant run-off from the road and the weekends. Unlike last year, which was Council. situation is now in their hands. Some time extremely wet and windy, the weather was Admission is by ticket only. These will be ago, it was built up by the Highways, but fine. Thank you so much to everyone who available from committee members or from the ground has all been washed away Lindsay Griffin (758440) and Mike Fletcher again. The run-off there has resulted in went out to collect rubbish. We assembled Grapevine to say whether or not we are (758419) at a cost of £15 per head for adult that part of the ride being very muddy and it all in one place near the Cricket Club and going to cancel the event. For those who members; £20 for adult non-members; wet, and we are also investigating ways of the Council came to collect it the next day. are not on Grapevine, please ring me to £7.50 per child 5 – 16 (children under 5 combating this. Meanwhile, if anyone has a find out what has been decided. My phone are free) and £45 per family ticket (for solution to the problem, please let us know Tractor number is at the bottom of this article. Earlier this year, the Committee came to the members only). what you think could be done. If you have a favourite salad, quiche decision to restore the tractor that has been Membership or dessert that you would like to offer, it Butterfly Walk such an important part of the management If you have not yet renewed your would be most welcome. The society is The next event on our calendar is another of the Commons. We had considered membership subscriptions for 2009, these happy to reimburse you for the ingredients. of David Dennis’s interesting butterfly several options, including buying a new are payable to Mike Fletcher, Ivy Cottage, Could you please contact Lindsay if you walks. We have chosen Sunday 12 July one, but the one we have been using Tring, Herts, HP23 6ND or to any other intend bringing something to help us for the walk, meeting at 2.00pm on perfectly suits our needs and a good new committee member. They remain at £7.50 with the catering? Raffle prizes are also the Common opposite The Full Moon. one was beyond our means. Over the years, for individuals or £15 for a family. the tractor has been very well looked after welcome. Hopefully, it will be sunny, but if not, we We hope that you will come and have an alternative date – the following by Windsor Thomas, but it reached an age Linden Bevan-Pritchard (758750) bvanp@ join us for a relaxing evening in lovely Sunday, 19 July. If the weather looks when it needed more radical help. We care4free.net surroundings. very unsettled, I will post a message on

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 people and transforming lives. Yet they experienced him speaking to the one he Three in one called “Abba, Father” - the one they had always known as the God of Israel. Finally, by the Reverend David Burgess they experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. My father was a It was to take the church 400 years to man who had a very hammer out the details of this experience. straightforward and But it began with the relationship to Jesus. The truth of the Holy Trinity is a truth sincere faith; a faith that every generation of Christians must which he gained in experience for themselves. And like the first his late twenties and experience, it begins with Jesus. early thirties through At the end of Matthew’s Gospel is Jesus’ Great Commission. Jesus sends out the the Billy Graham eleven disciples telling them to baptize in rallies of the late 1950s and membership of “the name of the Father and of the Son and his local parish church and which had a late of the Holy Spirit.” This isn’t just a formulaic flourish in the two or three years before he saying. To baptize in this way means to baptize with the love, authority and power died. He had one problem, though, about of the Trinity itself. which he confided in me one day. “You If we’re called to live in the name of the know, David, I just can’t get the hang of the Trinity, then we must know and experience that Trinity at the deepest level of our Holy Trinity.” beings. Perhaps the key factor in deepening Well, you and me both, Dad; I don’t that experience is prayer. think anyone can. We can get close to the We can give thanks to God, the Creator, truth; we can illustrate it, imagine it and when we create by gardening, cooking, interpret it from the Bible; but it will always painting or writing. We can give thanks be part of the mystery of God. to God the Son when we give or receive We celebrate the last major festival of the grace of a gift totally undeserved. the Church’s year on the first Sunday in We can commend to God the Holy Spirit June—Trinity Sunday. At one level, the relationships that need strengthening, doctrine of the Trinity is a part of Christian works that need empowering, lives that theology; something to try and get our need more joy. minds around. But theology is also about Our God is both mystery and as close as experiencing God. The principal at my our own breath. As we pray in the name of theological college, one of the top New the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Testament theologians in the country, Spirit, may those words wrap themselves stated this my first day there. Our future around our hearts. And may “the grace of calling was to be in using our theology to our lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and help others to know Him. the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” be with The doctrine of the Trinity began when us all. everyday people - fishermen, tax collectors, Yours in Christ, even women of the night - encountered a man named Jesus. They experienced him acting like God - teaching with authority, healing, raising the dead, changing

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 Church services – June & July 2009

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 a young family to join us. Everyone is most welcome! Family BBQ - This will follow on the Family First Service on 14 June. It is ST LEONARDS to New Villagers’ leaflet to be given to all our opportunity to thank all of you for new arrivals in St Leonards with details of supporting us so just ring Ann or Anne to ittle Bears came to celebrate Church Services and contacts. As many of say you are coming! Easter with us you will have seen, Helen has also been Tea Parties – You continue to join us Lat the end of responsible for the ‘Welcome to the Hilltop in large numbers and it’s lovely to see March.We were Villages’ leaflet. This will be produced in everyone. We meet again on Wednesday delighted to see its final form as soon as possible and it is 24 June and again on Wednesday 22 July. so many of them hoped that all Villagers and particularly Please do inform Anne Lake 01296 620169 again – a number of whom Distributors of Hilltop News will let Helen or Anne Butterworth 758700 if you would had asked to come specially to join us. know of new arrivals across the Parishes like to be collected. David led the short service and it was lovely so that they can receive a copy of HN Wedding Blessing - It was lovely to see to watch the children as Virginia gently together with information on Schools, the church so beautifully decorated in told them the story of Easter. We ran out of Doctors, Hospitals, Clubs and Societies, local shades of cream, green and copper with small chairs when they joined us afterwards Councillors and much else of immediate deep red roses on Saturday 2 May. David for squash and biscuits in the church room interest. led the service of Blessing for the marriage – we almost ran out of adult chairs too! It was noted with pleasure just how of Clare Summerfield and Kevin Crowdy. Sunday School - one or two Little Bears much the Church Room is being used. Not It was a perfect day and the church was are starting to come to Sunday School and filled with family and friends. Clare looked only by David and his Secretary twice a Clare and Kevin Crowdy together with support from the Mother and week but also by the Sunday School, the radiant in a wonderfully traditional deep Toddler group our once a month service for Mothers and Toddlers Group, the Film cream dress with a long train. She came the three to eight (and over) year olds is Evenings, the Small Rural Parish Forum, the down the aisle with her father to The Bridal increasing again considerably. Virginia has County Council, the Deanery and Wendover March played by John Coppack (Lynne CHOLESBURY Priest’s father) who had come from North more than 27 children on the register with church. Even the National Childbirth Trust n Tuesday Wales specially for the occasion. Clare’s an average attendance of about fourteen. has held a couple of sessions there because 28 April, mother spoke briefly to the couple before We are most grateful to our young families of our excellent disabled access. family and reading ‘Love is a Mighty Power’ by Thomas O for their support at this important stage of Songs of Praise is to be held on friends gathered in a Kempis – a very sincere and most moving their children’s lives. Sunday 7 June at 6pm following the Fete Church for a Service piece which complemented perfectly Our Easter Services were well attended on Saturday. David will be leading this of Thanksgiving David’s address. And the sun shone all day! and the church was beautifully and service and if you would like to take this after Cremation for Small Rural Parish Forum - Out of nine simply decorated. It is now an established opportunity to choose a favourite hymn, Shirley Gilman (well remembered in the small Parishes in the Deanery, seven were practice that our 11 o’clock services both please contact Anne Butterworth 758700 or villages as Shirley Slaughter). Shirley lived at represented at a meeting in the Church at Christmas and Easter are for all ages. Ann Horn 758250. Do join us! Post Office cottages for ten years from 1971 Room on Thursday 23 April. Mike Sherratt These are short services aimed very much Family First – Our new Family and was an active member of village life from was in the chair and following at families – and seem to be enjoyed by Communion with Sunday School started with her generous, outgoing and bubbly progress reports from the representatives everyone. in May and it was lovely to have the personality. She was a regular member (sometimes Churchwardens, sometimes The APCM was held on 21 April and younger children in the church at the end of the Church community and a flower Treasurers, sometimes both) of each church the Churchwardens and the PCC were of Communion to receive a blessing at the arranger with a love of gardens. Beautiful we turned our attention to the many and unanimously re-elected. Thanks were altar rail. We are working to develop this flowers were brought to church for the various ways we could ‘Grow Fellowship’. given to the Churchwardens and the PCC service and look forward to seeing our service. She was also a Trustee of the Village This covered both practical matters of for their great team work in developing local families with children – young and Hall and a founder member of the Cream welcome and forms of worship. We find it worship and outreach in the Parish. Helen old – on the first Sunday of each month Teas that we continue to enjoy. extremely helpful to be able to compare Pert was thanked particularly for her – But not next month, when Family First Shirley moved away from Cholesbury notes with other churches with and often contribution. She has drawn up a ‘Welcome will be on 14 June. You don’t have to have but stayed in the area and continued to with similar problems.

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 and support from residents of both villages. Please join us again this year! ST MARY’S CHURCH, HAWRIDGE PATRONAL HAWRIDGE FESTIVAL CONCERT

awridge & Cholesbury Churches’ Friday 26 JUNE, 7pm in the School August Bank HHoliday Fete ‘Not too high-brow, not too low-brow and - This is an important with just the right balance of a variety of event for the two music and readings. When is the next one? villages and we look forward to receiving We shall certainly come again!’ This was your support either just one of the comments from a group Good Friday walk helping to set up of local newcomers to our 2008 Patronal or manning one of be in touch with her many friends. Her the stalls or just coming along to enjoy festival Concert . daughter, Caroline Channer, lives in St. a traditional Village Fete with all the Leonards and her son Carl owns the Blue ain Ledingham is certainly skilled in traditional stalls! If you are able to help Ball in . It was Shirley’s wish that compiling a captivating concert and in any way please contact either Elizabeth the service of thanksgiving should be at Ihe has come to know his audience’s Tomlin 758214, Joan Walton 758332, James Cholesbury Church. Her son in law, Mick likes well. As regulars know, this is the Watson 758914 or John Farmer 758715. Channer, spoke movingly at the service and seventeenth year he has directed it for us! At the May meeting the details of the his words form the basis of an obituary in Why not try it for yourself this year? Fete were discussed and these will be this Hilltop News, which records a full and Tickets – available from 758214, 758332 published in the August/September issue of interesting life. and 758914 – are now on sale at £14.00 to Hilltop News. The Good Friday Walks brought two include refreshments and a glass of wine. Patronal Festival - On 26 June at 7pm groups to Cholesury Common with walkers You will find yourself at a recital worthy we are holding our annual concert with from all four Parishes. The Devotional of a London concert hall without the need Iain Ledingham in the School (see separate Hour in the Village hall was a new idea to travel to the capital. Iain brings with article) and on 5 July from 2 – 5.30pm and became a strongly focused series of him guest singers who are on the point the Church will be open with a display meditations with group participation. of leaving The Royal Academy of Music to recognizing the 75 years of The Parish Those present throughout enjoyed a embark upon a professional career. Council. On Sunday 6 July we will be contrast between a good walk with Do come and enjoy the evening with holding our Family Service at 9.30am and friendly conversation and a quiet hour of us…you’ll wish you had joined us earlier! Evensong at 6pm and the church will be thoughtful time. Elizabeth Tomlin open from 10.30 to 5.30pm. Our annual Pet’s Service will be on 28 June at 9.45. We have enjoyed fine weather Hawridge Church Walking Group for several recent years that has allowed Our next walk will be on 2 June starting us to hold the service outside. Please come from Crantock, (Marion’s House) along with your pets of all sizes for a at 10am followed by the usual coffee and Blessing - we have welcomed all sorts over biscuits. the years! The July walk will be on the 7th and The Hawridge and Cholesbury Bank final details including the starting point will Holiday fete is on Monday 31 August be given nearer the date. and will be held at Hawridge this year. As usual a 50p donation to Church Funds Our 11 May meeting started this year’s is appreciated. Please contact Joan and proceedings. The fete has been successful Margaret for further details – 758322. because of the continuing generous help

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 and much fun was had by all. We were even more pleased to win Do you need help with first place in the county’s ‘Mini Enterprise’ your competition. Here, local schools compete in Maths or Physics the design, cost and sales of a product (in this instance, a money box). The challenge at GCSE or A level? requires a team of eight pupils to take Experienced and Patient Tutor on roles including manager, accountant, Competitive rates buyer and workers and is judged not only on the end product but also on manners, Call Isobel Clark 758987 teamwork and demeanour. How proud we email : [email protected] are of our team. Finally we were able, at last, to see the scaffolding and building materials leave the premises as Class 5 and the ICT suite were completed. To celebrate and mark the end of this exciting project, Bishop Alan visited to bless the new areas and talk to pupils. Much more to come before the end of Comic Relief Day term - sports day, bluebell walks on our beautiful common, our May Fayre and all morning. Musical the usual end of term ceremonies. HAWRIDGE & interludes, including CHOLESBURY SCHOOL a rousing rendition of ‘Mamma Mia’ and Bishops and bluebells… various individual his year’s Comic Relief day saw the performances, were a entire school in fancy dress (themed delightful back-drop Tas characters from films and books). to the rather splendid Red-nosed pupils ran a toy stall and cake cakes and teas served. sale and everyone spent a happy day of £80 was raised for games and quizzes, raising funds for this Hearing Dogs. Bishop Alan marvellous charity. The choir were Since then the parish birthday soon busy again, this time singing at The celebrations continued with the school Full Moon at their annual St George’s day hosting a coffee morning, welcoming shindig. Much to the children’s delight, parishioners and parents alike. The previous they were generously rewarded with week the pupils had put on an evening complimentary cottage pie and ice lollies of music for all round! (Some of the choir members are their parents already planning to volunteer again next (known as year on the basis of the pie alone!) our annual It’s not just music we’re good at though. ‘Soiree’) and Mr Gowing entered a country-wide excerpts from ‘computer generated’ Grand Prix car race this event where the children had to use all their were repeated mathematics skills to calculate angles, percentages and the speed of their vehicle. The annual ‘Soiree’ through the coffee We came a very respectable 7th out of 16

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 HILLTOP NEWS NATURE NOTES One interesting find, summing up the A highly ordered, sociable community love-hate relationship with the rook, sacrificing individuality for an impressive was an account of how colonists to New organisation of labour, comprising foragers, Socialising - ‘Whilst many a mingled swarthy Zealand in 1874 took rooks with them. defenders and egg producers (queens and Some writers, somewhat romantically, have drones) all locked together by an advanced crowd – rook, crow, and jackdaw – noising loud’ said this was to remind the émigrés of the form of communication. Man has harnessed ‘Old Country’. Not at all, despite their less- this community living to his own ends, Weathewise, June is the month by which we Maintaining good relations in a crowded than-harmonious relationship with man, exploiting their industry as pollinators and judge how good our summers are. The rare community necessitates order, customs and they were seen as ideal pest controllers harvesting the fruit of their labours. A few occurrence of a ‘flaming June’ somehow conventions. Rooks achieve this by having to deal with insect infestations prevalent thousand years of intensive bee husbandry dictates our impression of the season as a rules reinforced by a complex vocabulary; in the South Island. Rook populations may be having disastrous consequences. whole. Take 1976, which we oft quote as some say up to 30 distinct calls. Younger may have fallen in the UK but are on the Colony Collapse Disorder is the name the benchmark on which all summers are birds joined in to learn the ropes and increase down under and there are serious coined for the yet-to-be- determined cause to be judged. It was characterised by an practise these elaborate flights ultimately concerns they will become a major pest in for rapid decline in bee communities right all but perfect June. True, July and August aimed at establishing pairings and their own right in the North Island. around the world. Some of the possible were also sunny but that is not so unusual. hierarchies in the rookery. As the days went Another reminder of animals living in reasons for the declining numbers could be My conclusion is that it’s the length of by many couples cemented a relationship an unusual association with humans came a bee plague, pesticides, or malnutrition. the summer season that stands out in our by synchronising their displays. from a recent conversation about the If the commercial bee community were memories not the occurrence of scorching Victorian writers did not try and arrival on someone’s doorstep of some to collapse totally within as little as hot days. So what about this year? Although distinguish rooks from crows, both of which wild but highly sociable bees, living happily three seasons, fruit and vegetable food the Met Office has announced it will be a were imbued with age old affiliations in the crevices beneath the brickwork - a production could have all but ceased. The ‘good summer’, folklore contradicts this with death and disease and were equally source of neither damage nor danger. Bees consequences for food production would with the first cuckoo late announcing its blamed for their destructive abilities and are the most highly developed of all insects. be devastating on the human population. arrival this year (25 April). The only other scourge of arable land. Rooks in particular Although the colonies of honey bees may I don’t normally recommend a walk prediction I will make is that rain will not outnumbered crows by a hundred to one, seem to be the ‘bee’s knees’, these house- amongst the nettles but if the harsh winter interrupt play on Centre Court this year! so it remains a bit of a mystery why we have sitter bees are in fact the top of the bee- has not taken too heavy a toll a third brief ‘scare crows’ and not ‘scare rooks’. We may was the witness at a wedding a month pyramid. example of sociability to look out for are describe distances in terms of ‘as the crow or two back. Not a wedding I had These bees have developed a specialised the colonies of small tortoiseshell, peacock flies’ yet it is the rooks in their hundreds, Ibeen invited to and not one involving trade, wood-boring or leaf-cutting for or red admiral caterpillars clustered tightly rather than crows, that are known for long, just a single couple but one with many, example. Many of them have consequently on the freshest leaves. Safety in numbers straight flights up to 25 miles returning to many participants. It was a noisy affair sacrificed their ability to bite or sting. and co-ordinated reactions to predatory their roosts. Much like a rook in a ploughed but there were no humans involved. It So to insure their progeny are wasps protect the vulnerable larvae field, I unearthed this tasty morsel, part of was a ‘crows’ wedding’ but there were no protected against predation, and ensure a healthy population of a longer poem about the month of January crows involved. Instead, each day from they live as individuals but butterflies to socialise in your garden by the 18th Century poet John Clare, which late January for several weeks, there were in a loose, but sociable or up and down the hedgerow. paints for us a still relevant picture:- normally over a hundred rooks flying in community preserving Comments and questions tight formation, stalling and stumbling. their individuality but adopting as usual to chrisbrown@ Why is a conflagration of rooks assigned Whilst many a mingled swarthy crowd – a level of give and take with their rayshill.com, to crows? Rooks and crows are closely rook, crow, and jackdaw – noising loud, neighbours. These bees are in fact the 758890. related of course and at a short distance most ‘socialised’ of all bee societies, Fly to and fro to dreary fen, both birds look black but rooks have proving the motto ‘Good fences make shiny feathers which in sunlight have an Dull winter‘s weary flight again; good neighbours’. The next group of bees ‘oil-on-water sheen’ of blues, bronzes, They flop on heavy wings away and the largest of all are in fact strictly purples and mauves. So what is going As soon as morning wakens grey, solitary, shunning publicity. Some are even on at such ‘weddings’? Rooks are the aggressive towards their own kind and And, when the sun sets round and red, most intelligent and sociable birds of the prime candidates for a bee ASBO for their ‘corvid’ family (rooks and crows, etc) while Return to naked woods and bed. persistent unsociability. crows lead a mainly solitary existence. Honey bees represent the third way.

28 Hilltop News Hilltop News 29 CHOLESBURY cum Jobs to be getting on with in June/July crop throughout the summer. Gardens should be looking good in June • Thin out rows of vegetable seedlings such ST LEONARDS with all your hard work bearing fruit now, as beetroot, lettuce and radish. so make sure you take time to enjoy it. HORTICULTURAL • Collect fresh fruit as soon as it ripens to Herbaceous borders come alive and the avoid damage by birds and wasps. Pick off SOCIETY vegetable patch is full. small, damaged or diseased fruits to leave • Cut back early flowing perennials once Earlier in the year about 50 of us thoroughly space for those remaining. flowering is over, this will encourage fresh • Cut back prolific herbs such as mint and enjoyed Tan Strong’s demonstration when growth later in the season and keep them chives before they flower. she recreated her last year’s award winning tidy. • Never let onions go short of water as Chelsea exhibit. She gave us a great insight • Mow regularly but keep the blades high if their yield will be severely reduced. the weather is dry. to the workings of Chelsea with exhibitors Water thoroughly once or twice a week if toiling through the night to perfect their • Lift daffodil and narcissus bulbs once conditions are dry. foliage has withered. They can be displays. The theme that she had to work to • Use a forceful jet from a garden hose to replanted in smaller clumps immediately knock off aphids from garden plants. was ’Overture’ and Tan chose to create her or in the autumn. • Biennials such as foxgloves and sweet floral display based on the opera Carmen. • Potted lilies will need support such as • Take cuttings of geraniums and fuchsias williams can be sown in July. n Mothering Sunday John and Di canes as they will be growing quickly. now. • Biological pest control can be used against Garner kindly invited members • Water morning and evening and ensure • Dead head sweet peas, bedding plants whitefly and red spider mite. Oof the Horticultural Society to vents are open in your greenhouse. Never and roses to encourage fresh blooms. experience the fruition of six years hard let growing bags go short of water, • Keep up the battle against problem weeds • Summer prune established wisteria to work as they have planted over 5,000 standing them on gravel trays will help. removing any flowers before they have a encourage next year’s flowers. Cut back daffodils and snowdrops in their daffodil chance to set seed. • Use slow release plant food and a liquid unwanted shoots to 6” of the main stem. walk in the wood. Over 60 visitors enjoyed plant food for hanging baskets as regular Many spring flowering shrubs such as Have a super summer and enjoy your the experience immensely and raised over watering washes away the goodness in forsythia can be pruned as soon as their gardens. £220 for Arthritis Research. the compost. flowers have started to fade. We would welcome any donations of • Sprinkle rose fertiliser around roots to Barbara Baddon plants for the plant stall at the St Leonards • Continue to cut back herbaceous plants encourage strong growth and a good fete on Saturday 6 June. Please bring them including delphiniums and lupins once flower display. in the morning before the fete starts. flowering is over. Don’t forget our Pashley Manor and • Keep fruit bushes and trees well watered • Fuchsias benefit from having their shoot Sissinghurst coach outing on Sunday 14 and weed free to ensure better crops. tips pinched out to encourage branching. June and our Open gardens and teas at • Remove sideshoots from greenhouse • Large clumps of primulas can be dug up Cholesbury Village Hall on Sunday 28 tomatoes and spray open flowers with now and divided into individual plants. June with a group of gardens opening in tepid water to assist fruit setting (this will • Plant autumn flowering bulbs as soon as Cholesbury in aid of the Iain Rennie Hospice also help chillies to set) or tap the blooms they become available. at Home and the Thames Valley and Chiltern on greenhouse tomatoes to improve Air Ambulance. pollination. Plant out outdoor tomatoes • Prune back shrubs and climbers such as There’s still plenty of time to work but stake them well. ceanothus immediately after flowering towards our annual Craft and Horticultural • Plant out young plants of Brussels sprouts, and remove older and weaker shoots and show on Saturday 29 August with lots of winter cabbages and broccoli ready for flowered stems. classes to suit varying interests. The schedule the winter. • Cut out plain green shoots growing is now available on www.cholesbury.com. • Repot pot-bound houseplants into a on variegated shrubs to prevent them Please call Di Garner on 758347 for more slightly larger pot. Don’t overfill with spoiling the look of your shrubs. details or to book a seat for any of the compost but leave a gap at the top of the • Continue to sow small sowings of herbs events. pot that can be watered into. and salad crops to produce an ongoing

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 100 CLUB WINNERS

April 2009 1st Prize £25 Mrs N Matthews, St. Leonards 2nd Prize £15 Cholesbury-cum-St. Leonards W I 3rd Prize £15 Mrs D Bradfield, St. Leonards

May 2009 1st Prize £15 Mr B Lake, St. Leonards 2nd Prize £15 Mrs R Matthews, St. Leonards

Thank you for your ongoing support following the 2009/10 renewal and welcome to newcomers. The number of subscribers is now 132 and 46% of the proceeds will create an increase in prize money each month! (Annual prize total: 24 x £15, 6 x £25 & 2 x £50)

New Members always welcome - please contact the Treasurer, Mick Mariscotti, 01494 837093

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 THE THURSDAY CLUB THE WATERCOLOUR irstly I’d like to thank all those people CHOLESBURY-cum-ST.LEONARDS PARISH who made the inaugural Barn Dance WORKSHOP Fsuch a success, both members and 75TH ANNIVERSARY non members. I’ve had a number of emails The Watercolour Workshop held at FAMILIES FUN SPORTS DAY requesting that this becomes a firm fixture... Cholesbury Village Hall on Thursday SATURDAY 11 JULY watch this space. So onto June 18. This is our AGM evenings is still going strong. The group at St. Leonards Parish Hall and Playing Field followed by a set by Sparkies Jazz Band. will be holding their Annual Exhibition starting at 2.00 pm The AGM starts at 7.30pm prompt and of members’ work at Cholesbury Village Free Admission should be over in double quick time. The Hall on Saturday 29 August from 10am evening will include a fish & chip supper, ********************* please bring your own drink. Tickets are to 6pm. Commission from sales and To include attractions for all ages! likely to be £8.00 for Non Members & £6.50 donations will go to Iain Rennie Hospice Fun Races, Rounders, Tug-of-War, Wellie-Wanging for Members. Everyone is welcome. Please at Home. contact myself or Anne Lake. 75th SOUVENIR PRIZES FOR WINNERS Thanks for making this a great year. Autumn Term begins on 27 August And featuring a Musical Ride by the Pony Club Guy Williams and new members of all abilities (or Licensed bar, soft drinks and tea all afternoon, ice-creams none!) are most welcome. We work in Pig Roast from 4.00pm any water-based medium, i.e. acrylic ********************* or gouache as well as traditional Contact: Nigel Blomfield 758314; John Allen 758095; Caroline Coates 758102 watercolours.

For more information please call Ron Evens on 01494 758446

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

Free Estimates No Obligation 01494 862821 (Day) 01628 521210 (Evenings) 21 Haleacre Workshop, Watchet Lane , . HP16 0DR

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 Hilltop News We welcome all news, letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Material for inclusion in the August/September edition should be sent to Graham Lincoln, Imogen Vallance (Societies), or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by 9 July latest. Please note that photos sent online must be at least 2,500 x 1,750 pixels in size. Editor Graham Lincoln 758449 [email protected] Societies, Diaries Imogen Vallance 758552 [email protected] Co-ordinator/Church Matters Anne Butterworth 758700 [email protected] Advertising Ann Horn 758250 [email protected] Design & Production Michael Spark 758882 [email protected] Photography Oliver Parsons 758694 [email protected] Distribution Rosemary Pearce 758334 Printer Strongs, Berkhamsted 01442 878592 [email protected] Hilltop News is entirely non-profit making and is funded by advertising. Supported by Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Parish Council.

38 Hilltop News 40 Hilltop News