THE February 2018 LEE

For The Lee, Lee Common, Hunts Green, Kings Ash and Swan Bottom library service, which is currently ‘out From the Editor for consultation’, a process that By Richard Dickinson inevitably suggests that Bucks. County Council would rather like to shut it very belated Happy New Year down. Does it matter? Well for the 511 from The Lee Newsletter A people that use it the answer is probably team! Hopefully by the time a resounding YES! Those people will this drops onto your doormat the sun tend to be elderly, less mobile, on their will have reappeared and there will be own and find it harder to visit the bricks some indications of climate change! In and mortar alternative. fact, we already have 76 minutes of st A more profound question however extra daylight when compared to 1 is this: What is the impact on our January but given the December we’ve community of the gradual withdrawal of had it is no surprise that snow features useful but non-essential services? Each in articles within. We thought however cut must surely diminish the community that we would help brighten up the unless of course volunteers and residents gloom a little with a splash of colour in step in to help out – which seems to be this edition, with a reminder of some of the solution that the County Council the flora and fauna that surrounds us. now want to suggest for the mobile The lively debate on woodland library. I asked to speak to someone at management continues in the letters the Council about the service and guess section and I was also interested to what? It was unable to provide a receive Phil Harrison’s observations response in time for publication! There about the recycling practices of Chiltern seems to be a recurring theme here and I District Council. I contacted the Council am left wondering why the people that for a response but despite follow-up we elect, and particularly their Sales & Lettings emails it was unable to provide a respective organisations, do not seem 64 High Street Great Missenden response in time for publication. That willing or able to talk about the quality got me thinking about the value that and type of local services that they run Buckinghamshire HP16 0AN Councils are adding in this time of on our behalf. Tel: 01494 890990 austerity and cuts. For sure, local The editor for the March edition is authority budgets have been cut by Peter Archer, so please send material to email: [email protected] central government, much more so than him by 12 th February, by email to www.jeremyswan.co.uk many central departments, but questions [email protected] or if remain about the added value of local you prefer, hardcopy to Mulberry authorities. Take for example the mobile Cottage, Blackthorne Lane, Ballinger. 2 3 that were the subject of the To the Editor Your letters correspondence in May 2014 are still I have no idea who dedicated the gate but ‘Women, Prosecco, Cheese and To the Editor in a poor condition some three and half years later! Secateurs’ were all on my Christmas list. Woodlands revisited Whilst the landowners may make Adrian Mole, age 13¾ What a pity that some of the responses these woodlands ‘not well-managed P.S. I got three out of four! to John Pope’s letter appear to seek to they are manicured – brilliant belittle other people’s views of what is silviculture’ we would just like to be To the Editor happening in our local community! able to use the public footpaths safely Thanks! Thank you to all the respondees for so that we can enjoy the environment Just to say how much I enjoyed the trying to ‘educate’ those of us that are without worrying about breaking a leg Newsletter Dinner in December and not fully aware of matters of or losing a boot (which one of us did thank you and those involved for ‘forestry’. recently). Is it really too much for any To the Editor including me on the guest list. We feel that in all the matters contractor or forest worker to restore Kissing gate mystery People in The Lee have worked discussed in recent correspondence the footpaths to a useable and safe In your December edition you asked to very hard to create such a pro-active one point that affects all walkers in the standard after they finish working? whom – or what – is the new kissing and friendly community and it is area has been side-lined. John Pope Has anyone considered the impression gate on Kings Lane dedicated? The lovely that much of what goes on is raises the matter of the ‘rutted given to visiting walkers who come to inscription ‘Women, Prosecco, Cheese available to and shared with the footpaths’ (this was also raised in see our beautiful AONB? surrounding hamlets of South Heath correspondence in May 2014) and it and Secateurs’ rather gives this away. Peter and Jo Jordan Having very much enjoyed her and Ballinger. seems to us that as far as walkers are Lee Gate Lynda Cooke concerned it is the condition that the walking in the Chilterns, the gate has of course been dedicated by Theresa Ballinger footpaths are left in that causes much To the Editor May, MP in recognition of the current of the concern. We are sure that What a waste! everyone who uses the area for state of the Government’s negotiations With the news channels full of stories The Lee walking appreciates the involvement on Brexit and the four key stumbling and information regarding the damage of the landowners in maintaining the blocks in reaching an agreement with being done by plastic, particularly in based beautiful woodlands and are happy to the EU, namely “Women, Prosecco, the oceans, and China’s decision to be educated but the condition that Cheese and Secateurs”. stop taking our plastic for recycling, In fact the gate is to be known as dog walker some of the footpaths are left in have you ever wondered how the following forestry work makes ‘Brexitgate’, as although it was As from February 2018, I have village’s careful recycling is handled? designed to allow a free flow of goods walking difficult and dangerous for th On 4 January the collection of the availability for one more dog to users. The footpaths in Broiler Wood and services through the gate in either recycling waste was made in the direction, it was also intended to restrict be walked either separately or Crocketts Lane/Oxford Street area of non-Lee residents from passing through with others. I also offer home- Lee Common. the gate from West to East. However, visits to feed or let out your pets I watched as the operatives took due to disagreements during the whilst at work or away. the brown paper boxes full of protracted negotiation and construction Christmas detritus and simply emptied period, the design has in fact proved Other services available. them into the blue bins full of bottles, faulty; Brexitgate will in fact allow References available on request. cans and plastic containers and then anyone and anything to pass in any emptied the total into their lorry. Am I direction they like, whenever they like! Contact: missing something? The gate is aptly named. Adele: 07547 100312 Phil Harrison A. Resident Lee Common The Lee [email protected] 4 5 campaigner for the organisation Chilterns survey spending over 780 hours a year – By Emma van Dijk, Chilterns that’s an incredible two hours every

Conservation Board single day! – volunteering her help, Cromar he Chilterns Conservation Board support and expertise. has launched a survey on the The Prime Minister recently Carpets Ltd Chilterns Area of Outstanding recognised Gill’s dedication saying T “Your work with ‘DrugFAM’ as well Natural Beauty (AONB). We want to hear from local organisations and as your experience at ‘Samaritans’ members of the public about what they demonstrates your inspiring ARPETS INYL AND special landscape over the next five dedication to providing a listening ear C , V value about the Chilterns, what their OOD LOORING concerns are and what the priorities years and beyond. to some of the people in society who W F should be for the future. This survey will form part of our need it most. By both extending the UPPLIED AND ITTED review of the Chilterns AONB S F The Chilterns AONB, with its organisation’s support to include Management Plan working with a dramatic chalk ridges, beautiful email help and also creating a range of partners. As an important valleys, meandering chalk streams and bereavement support group in High stakeholder in the AONB we are very traditional brick and flint houses, Wycombe, you have given your local keen to involve you in this process. A spans the four counties of community the opportunity to share 9-11 S TATION A PPROACH first consultation on a draft plan will Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, their experiences without judgement.” GREAT M ISSENDEN take place from May and we will Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. ensure you also have the opportunity 01494 862125 Sitting on the doorstep of London and to comment at that time. with major towns and cities within The link to the survey can be easy reach it is arguably the most found at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ accessible protected landscape in the FutureOfTheChilterns United Kingdom. Once you have completed the Tell us what you value about this survey please do share it so we can area, what you are concerned about gather as many views as possible. All and what you think should be the who complete the survey will have the priorities for the future as we chance to win £50 in vouchers from develop our plans to protect this the Chiltern Brewery to spend on local produce. (Surely ale! Ed.) Gill, shown here (left) receiving her Point of Light award from Teresa In high places May, is the 841 st Point of Light By The Editor recipient in this country since it began big round of applause goes in the UK about four years ago. to Gill Owen-Conway who The award was first created by the A lives at Lee Common and is a President of the United States to ‘befriender’ at DrugFAM, a charity personally recognise people who have specialising in supporting people who gone above and beyond in have experienced bereavement in the volunteering and charity work. most traumatic of circumstances. Gill Well done Gill – The Lee is proud has been a tireless supporter and of you! 6 7 arrived before James and rang him years, we both took new directions for Planning to from the doorstep and, as I recall my more fulfilling and personal careers, exact words were “Darling my heart is James is now a personal trainer and I visit Fromelles actually racing.” I hadn’t even crossed am training to be a nurse. These new the threshold but something about the directions meant we weren’t tied to in 2018? quaint street that I had ended up on, London anymore; we had the freedom following winding roads through lush to don wellies, make friends with our From Les amis du Lee green fields and autumn trees bursting neighbours, notice the seasons change his year will mark 100 years with rich colour touched with the and live on an Oxford Street with just since the end of the First World golden light of the setting sun, had a little less hustle and bustle! War and many will be planning T The Battle of Fromelles Museum indeed made my heart race. As we On our first exploration to Great to visit the battlefields of France. If so, moved through the rooms of the then you might like to note that the Battle Missenden we got chatting to one of of Fromelles Museum is now offering a cottage we questioned whether a 6’4” the ladies in a beautiful gift shop when new service to individual visitors. man could actually live in a cottage, we told her we had just moved to Lee A guided tour of the permanent but that 6’4” man saw the glint in my Common, she gasped and said “Oh it’s exhibition of the museum and/or the eye and knew he could embrace the just magical there” and as I write this military cemetery of Pheasant Wood daily potential danger and that we and see the twinkling Christmas lights nd will be offered every 2 Sunday of the would indeed be happy here. that adorn the houses on our street month at 3:00 pm (except February). Just 17 days later and that cottage outside my window, I’d have to say… For more details and how to book became our home, embracing life she was absolutely right! see: www.musee-bataille-fromelles.fr away from the city, embracing the evening smell of the ‘big (wood) smoke’, having our eyes literally light Mervyn’s up when we look up and see a clear Carpet & Upholstery Meet and greet sky dotted with stars. Welcoming the smiling faces that always say “Hello” Cleaning Services By Zoe Berkeley to us when we pass them in the street Independent carpet cleaning From London to The Lee and the cars that thank you when they specialist with over 30 years ondon is often described as stop for you. experience. ‘The big smoke’ and you could With James’s background working L say it was exactly that we were in the City and me running a cake CARPETS. UPHOLSTERY. trying to escape when we decided to shop and tea room in London for 10 RUGS. HARD FLOOR. move out. Ironically the most poignant CARPET PROTECTION. thing I remember about arriving in HOLIDAY HOME TO LET FULLY INSURED. The Lee for the first time is the smell IN SPAIN of wood smoke. GAUCIN - ANDALUCIA Friendly and reliable service. st It was the 1 November and the Dog Photography, Working Dogs, Most work by recommendation. 3 Bedroom property with pool doorsteps were laden with intricately Game Shoots, Pets Environmentally friendly in the hilltop white village of Gaucin. carved pumpkins from Halloween the Action and Portrait cleaning materials. Stunning views of Mediterranean, ______night before. I’d dashed out of the For a no obligation quote ’phone Gibraltar and Moroccan Hills. Chrissi Ratcliffe LRPS 01525 371724 or 07975 847027 London hospital after my shift to get Ring now for availability 07719 731507 / 01494 837452 Email: [email protected] to our viewing on time and was Tel. 01494 837602 [email protected] meeting my partner James there. I www.casa-mirador.com www.chrissibellphotography.co.uk 8 9 Missenden and to build the haul road formally known as CEK JV (Carillion- immediately before the adult sessions, HS2: coming from the Link Road roundabout to the Eiffage-Kier). We were advised that from 7:00 to 8:30 pm but during term Chiltern tunnel portal. the other two partners in this joint- times only. Everyone is welcome at the The schedule for this ‘enabling’ venture were able (and obliged) to nets, whether members of the club or not, soon to a field work carried out by Fusion JV is: take up any gaps created by the demise and it is an ideal way to have a go at  January / February 2018 – ground of Carillion and that the programme batting and bowling to see how you get near you! surveys, design work and safety continues as planned. on. The adult sessions are £5 each, or £45 By Colin Sully, Chairman The Lee assessments Consultation… or not? for the set if paid in advance. For further  March to May 2018 – detailed Parish Council At this meeting we raised concerns details, or if you have any queries, please design and schedule es, in spite of all the troubles about the lack of real local consultation contact Patrick Walsh (07887 736205) or  Summer 2018 to February 2019 – we hear about Carillion, I’m on the design of the viaducts and other Ed Boakes (07912 288712). alterations to roundabouts, Link Y afraid it looks like 2018 is the key structures. Not for the first time, The Lee Cricket Club is still Road, safety barriers, etc. and year when we will finally see some there appears to be disagreement as to looking for a new honorary Treasurer, construction of the temporary access significant activity in our local area as whether local residents will actually be so if you are competent with numbers haul road as far as the tunnel portal. a result of the decision to build HS2. ‘consulted’ on design… or simply and spreadsheets and have a little time There remain issues regarding informed of the proposed ‘solution’. free then please contact Patrick to find Construction begins… parking and changes to the Link Road We also requested updates on the out more. In January, HS2 Ltd issued a that need to be resolved between HS2 The Club’s AGM is scheduled for ‘Notice of Works’ to 1,470 premises Ltd, Bucks CC and Great Missenden latest strategy for spoil movement in th the area and on the overall timetable Tuesday 13 February 7:45 pm at in Great Missenden regarding their PC. We are advised that full details of the clubhouse; do please feel free to intention to start the alterations to the for HS2 work. These were promised the proposed work will be available at come along and discuss all issues two roundabouts on the A413 at Great for our next meeting in March. a public event in Great Missenden in relating to the Club. February (date to be confirmed). Finally, the joint-parishes have had a formal response from HS2 Ltd to our

Parish Council discussions latest (final?) suggestion that matters J Brown Funeral Services Ltd SHORT-TERM The Lee Parish Council responded construction, environmental, financial

RENTALS in January to the HS2 Chiltern Review and social might be greatly improved Group’s draft Detailed Design by more tunnelling in the AONB. The 67 Woodside Road, Amersham, HP6 6AA From £295 per week (all inclusive) Principles document (DDP) for 01494 727474 (24hours) response, just before Christmas, did not building the railway in the AONB. Self-catering holiday come gift-wrapped: it basically said An independent family run business We commented on: “we are NOT considering any with over 20 years experience to or temporary accommodation  noise (the document was light on significant additional tunnelling”. ensure peace of mind.

at Lee Common this impact compared to ecological Brace yourselves! All denominations and visual impacts); Moving house?  green bridges (we specifically Civil and humanist services

Completion dates don’t coincide? supported what they had to say on Private chapels of rest House sale falls through? this) and, Cricket score Builders outstaying their welcome? By Trish Swain Pre-paid funeral plans  a rather strange proposal to put a layers will start preparing for the Off street client parking and good Expecting Visitors? new bridleway through the area close to the eastern edge of the new season with indoor nets disabled access Need extra accommodation? high-speed railway! P taking place at the Beacon School Contact Jason Brown at Self-contained Period Property: Also in January, we held a joint- in Chesham Bois 8:30 to 10:00 pm every th [email protected] sleeps four guests parishes meeting (The Lee, Great Wednesday night from 7 February on 01494 727474 Missenden and Wendover) with HS2 through until the end of April. Tel: 01494 837798 … or just pop in e-mail: [email protected] Ltd and their contractors, including the Junior nets (for Under 10s to U14s) joint-venture construction company will take place at the same venue for a cup of tea 10 11 make us better. Once again we had towards making the Shop a valuable Bridge too far? From the Shop some successful events – Greek Easter, and integral part of the whole By Judy Hart et al the Flower Show, the Christmas Food community. To this end we would like By Symeon Economou and Gift market and Christmas Eve – to hear any thoughts our customers his recent hand presented us but the Spanish Food event was a bit of have, so please do not hesitate to email with a playing challenge. Can Forward into 2018 a damp squib, and we think we know me at [email protected] you see a better outcome than aving given a couple of T minutes to pat ourselves on the reasons why – our customers like Finally, on behalf of everyone who we achieved? the fresh ‘homemade’ foods rather than helps to make the Shop what it is, ♠ Q H the back for the good things about 2017, the Shop Committee spent glossily packaged, commercial long many thanks to all of our customers ♥ A K 5 some time considering the things we life foods. This year we are therefore who make it all worthwhile . ♦ J 8 4 2 could have done better and quite a bit hoping to have a new event in the ♣ A K 10 5 3 autumn featuring selected wines and of time looking ahead and planning Dogs to note! ♠ 7 ♠ K J 10 9 8 4 what aspects we might address to fine cheeses. By Thames Valley Police ♥ Q 10 4 3 ♥ - make us better. Good selection and consistency are also essential, as demonstrated by the lease keep your dog on a lead ♦ A 7 6 3 ♦ K Q 10 9 5 success of our flowers, cards, wines when around sheep. Ewes are ♣ J 9 8 4 ♣ Q 6 and frozen foods. We still don’t think P in season and can easily abort ♠ A 6 5 3 2 we have the right solution for our fruit the lamb if stressed. A dog in Holmer ♥ J 9 8 7 6 2 and vegetables, so we will try to Green recently attacked a pregnant ♦ - improve what we get from our current ewe and killed both mother and lamb. ♣ 7 2 supplier whilst casting our net out to Please stay on the correct footpaths find a local one. and keep dogs away from livestock. Dealer: North We have become increasingly Vulnerability: None conscious of the environmental aspects Our bidding went: of everything we stock. Examples of N E S W poor packaging which are evident in 1 ♣ 1 ♠ Pass Pass the Shop are the single use trays and KINGSHILL 2 ♦ 2 ♠ Pass Pass non-recyclable containers. Over the Pass coming months we plan to develop a CARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS permanent policy of questioning After an opening lead of 7 ♣ from everything we have in an effort to South, at our table East went one make it more environmentally friendly. CHILTERNS down. How should East have played We will also test a small range of zero- this hand? See page 24. Symeon enjoying a little refreshment after a 4:30 am start on the Saturday before Christmas! waste products. Whilst there will be legitimate practical issues which hold Mike Lake Looking back, the efforts of the us back we believe that every little volunteers were rewarded by the AIRPORTS Friendly & Local thing we can do helps. Painter & Decorator continuing loyalty of our customers From its first incarnation in the which kept sales marginally ahead in Portakabin, constant efforts have been For that professional touch 2017. This, combined with an on-target made to improve and update the Shop LONDON Interior & Exterior gross margin, gave us a healthy and its fixtures and fittings. Through Also Property Maintenance surplus, most of which we will use on this year we will consider ways we can the planned improvements. For a free quotation please call: maximise the use of the space we have, 01494 868699 01494 866873 / 07723 017005 Identifying what went well should both internally and externally. In

[email protected] point us to what we could change to general, all of our efforts continue to go Email: [email protected] 12 13 Church News Services for Notes from a By Peggy Sear Revd David Burgess February natural garden ’m writing from the St. Leonard’s St John the Baptist By Don Stone th office to let you know how 4 8:00 am HC Revd Alan Davies Part II: July - October 2017 I thankful Penny and David are for Old Church Don’s record of the amazing diversity your thoughts and prayers over the 10:00 am AA Tony Eccleston th and quantity of wildlife in our area 10:00 past few months. They say ‘THANK 11 am PC Revd Geoffrey continues with a report of the later YOU’ so very much for your support Howell th part of last year. Ed. and understanding through this 10:00 nd 14 am HC Ash Wednesday uly 2 five Ringlets, numerous traumatic time. Revd Ivor Cornish th Meadow Browns, Commas, Red I heard recently that David came 18 10:00 am Matins Lay-led th th Admiral and Marbled White on Silver-washed Fritiliary (August 13 ) home for a 24 hour visit to see how he 25 10:00 am PC Revd Ivor Cornish J the wing, Chiffchaff sunbathing in a would adapt to home life again. He did 21 st the Robins have reappeared after HC Holy Communion (said) sheltered spot with wings outstretched th very well and is now home on a rd their summer moult, 24 Marsh permanent basis. With medical care PC Parish Communion (sung) in the manner of a Blackbird; 3 first AA All-age service House Martin chicks fledge; 8th at Harrier at Shardeloes, Night Heron and still a very long way to go in terms leaving its daytime roost at a site in least eight tiny Newts swimming in th of physical strength, he remains Contacts: Vicar: The Revd David th North Bucks, Speckled Wood; 28 determined to get back to a normal life. Burgess (01494-837315). Licensed Lay the ponds; 14 two Linnets drinking from the pond, juvenile Green mixed flock of 60 Swallows/House There are going to be ongoing hospital Minister: Mr Tony Eccleston (07777- Martins over the house this evening, visits and daily medical care at home. 640386). Churchwardens: Roderick Woodpecker we’ve been hearing for days finally puts in an appearance on What makes this possible and Neal (01494-837264) and Trevor th easier is that they know how much Pearce (01494-837601). Verger: Bill the lawn; 18 eight juvenile Pippa Hart help and support they are getting from Pearce (01494-785191). Treasurer: Goldfinches on the lawn, Red each one of you, the community. At David Stephenson (01494-867617). Admirals holding territory in the Ivy, Photography the moment visits are not permitted will often settle on white clothing as rd because of infection but one of the Methodist Church we walk close by; 23 four Gate things everyone can help with is th Keepers and Small Copper (new 4 10:00 am AA Joint Service at continued support for them, both by species for the garden); 24 th three St John the h thinking about them and praying for Baptist Church newly fledged Blackbirds; 27 them in their journey forward and th th 11 3:00 pm HC Revd Nigel Linnets again; 28 a recently fledged David’s healing progress. Wright House Martin dead under overhead th 18 3:00 pm Margaret Scott power cables (second such casualty MARTIN THE MILKMAN Salvation Army this year). th th th 25 3:00 pm Revd Anne Ellis August 5 two Ravens over; 10 Refrigerated delivery of fresh 60 Goldfinches at The Lee, Cyclamens milk, dairy produce, bread, Our Coffee M ornings continue on starting to flower, always like the way rd eggs, fruit juices and more. Saturday 3 February 10:30 am to 12 the flower appears before the foliage; Natural & Informal To place an order call noon. All welcome. 13 th first sighting of a Silver-washed Black &White 01442 833944 Fritillary in the garden, Michaelmas Portraits Daisy’s in flower; 20 th Green-veined PHONES M ANNED 4 PM – 6 PM St Mary’s, Ballinger th 9:30 White, another first for the garden, 01494 837340 NSWERPHONE AT OTHER TIMES 4 am Holy Communion A brings the butterfly list up to eighteen; www.pippahart.com 14 15 including Swallows from the five nests Swan Bottom; 13 th 20 Canada Geese in the neighbouring stables (the skies over; 28 th three Hawfinches over are alive, will soon need air traffic Chesham Moor, 300 Wood Pigeons, control!!). 20 Fieldfares and 95 Starlings over Sly st September 1 four Wheatears at Corner; 29 th Cetti’s Warbler at Weston nd Lower Bassibones Farm; 2 three Turville Reservoir; 30 th first frost of Whinchats at Liberty’s Nature the Autumn; 31 st 84 Golden Plovers Reserve; two Wheatears at Sly Corner and 27 Lapwings at Hyde End, 24 th fields; 10 two Meadow Pipits over Chaffinches, 156 Fieldfares, 287 th Sly Corner fields; 17 three Starling and 369 Redwings heading nd Chiffchaffs, 22 Meadow Pipits West over Sly Corner in the space of roosting overnight in the un-cut hay one hour from 7:25 am. Berberis Stenophylla blue/black berries in Autumn th  Song Thrush (October 8 ) Uses: Hedging or border shrub Defensive  Spike Rating: Excellent foliage th Hyde End; 8 16 Meadow Pipits over and stems, well-armed with Sly Corner; a Blackcap, three planting spines. (Other varieties of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Blue Berberis also available) By the Editor Tit, Goldfinch, two Song Thrush and MAHONIA MEDIA three Blackbirds all using the pond in hiltern District Council has one half hour spell; 9 th two Marsh tits, kindly reminded us of a ‘WINTER SUN’ 26 Redwings and many migrant C variety of safety tips to keep  Growth: Medium sized shrub, Blackbirds frantically darting in and our sheds and bikes secure and our attractive evergreen leaves out of the trees, 33 Redwings and two neighbourhood safe.  Flowers: Erect racemes of Sky Larks over Swan Bottom One of the options is to think about scented yellow flowers in (Autumn is truly with us); 10 th 55 what plants you might put in your winter Redwings over Swan Bottom; 11 th garden to ward off intruders. I can  Uses: Border shrub Chiffchaff and two Redwings at the attest to the fact that Hebe dwarf  Spike Rating: Good, spiny th shrubs are absolutely useless as th pond; 12 three Sky Larks and two edged foliage (Other varieties Green Woodpecker (July 14 ) House Martins heading East over defensive barricades and were indeed of Mahonia also available) meadow at the end of Sly Corner rather favoured by the inept burglars track; 23 rd 40 Swallows and 25 House that recently visited us, in that they Martins heading South early morning, walked over them, rather than on the Barn Owls present at four sites, gravel which was their other option. (thanks to local farmers for their co- So what sort of things are a bit operation and Bucks Bird Club for better at warding off your funding the project); 30 th Yellow- unwelcome visitors? Browed Warbler at Marlow. BERBERIS STENOPHYLLA st October 1 steady stream of (BARBERRY ) House Martins heading West over  Growth: Medium sized shrub, Swan Bottom throughout the day; 5th th arching habit, evergreen two Song Thrushes on the lawn; 7  Flowers: Yellow in April/May, Pair of Stonechats and 21 Lapwings at Red Admiral (July 2nd ) Mahonia Media 16 17 PYRACANTHA ORANGE GLOW (FIRETHORN) Lives  Growth: Medium/large evergreen shrub remembered  Flowers: White in early John Clibborn summer followed by orange ohn Clibborn, CMG, as reported autumn berries  Uses: Hedging, border or wall in The Times, was a scholar and a shrub J spy with a liking for Elgar, red wine and a bench in the sun. He died  Spike Rating: Excellent, very th spiny stems. (Other varieties of on 16 December. John lived in Pyracantha also available) Clump House for many years and owned fields around Lee Common. CHAENOMELES X He worked for MI6 spending time SUPERBA ‘CRIMSON AND overseas including Cyprus, Africa and GOLD’ (JAPONICA) Washington DC. He never voted but  Growth: Medium size was a wise man with a balanced view spreading shrub of life, saying last year that  Flowers: Cup shaped red petals “Unchecked capitalism leads to with golden stamens, quince fruits grotesque inequality; and unchecked  Uses: Hedging, border or wall socialism leads to tyranny”. shrub Allan Crawley  Spike Rating: Very good, well On Boxing Day, Allan Crawley spined stems (Other varieties of sadly passed away. Allan farmed at Chaenomeles also available) Chartidge End Farm and in The Lee for ILEX AQUIFOLIUM more than half a century; he will be ‘FEROX ARGENTEA’ known to many and sadly missed. His life-work lives on all around us and is (HEDGEHOG HOLLY) continued by his family: a fine legacy.  Growth: Medium sized evergreen shrub Ursula Holden  Flowers: Not a prominent feature Also on Boxing night, Mrs. Ursula Top to Bottom: Pyracantha, Chaenomeles X, (Sue) Holden died peacefully in her but interesting colourful foliage Ilex Aquifolium  Uses: Hedging or border shrub sleep at home. She had recently moved  Spike Rating: Very good, tightly CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA - to Dorset; prior to this she had been a packed spines on sides and top of Common Hawthorn, May or Quick- resident of Oxford Street in Lee leaves (Other varieties of holly thorn. Makes a superb, wildlife Common for over 30 years and was also available) friendly hedge. greatly involved in village life; Other plants that you could also ULEX EUROPAEUS PLENA - particularly the local Ballinger Players think about include: Double flowered Gorse, very prickly. Drama group with many memorable RUBUS THIBETANUS - White Makes a tough hedge. performances to her credit. She was a stemmed Bramble Do also remember to lock up the wonderful elegant lady, a true friend HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES - tools in your shed when you have and a good neighbour: a real Lee Sea Buckhorn, white flowers orange planted all these out and also to secure Commoner. She will be sadly missed berries. Makes a tough hedge. your treasured garden ornaments! by all those who knew her. 18 19 She invited readers to make contact sausage rolls put on ‘hold’ until next The Newsletter with her if they would like to find out month’s Contact the Elderly tea party, more about volunteering for ‘Contact and the Christmas cards and gifts annual dinner the Elderly’ or the vintage film group. were delivered by willing volunteers. (See next article .) It was the first time we had ever had By the Editorial Team to cancel a tea party in five years, a he Parish Hall was packed in great shame indeed. early December to celebrate If you know a person living on T the end of a record-breaking their own in The Lee or Wendover year for the Newsletter: more area, over the age of 75, who has contributors, more pages and more difficulty getting out and about, advertisers than ever before, all perhaps they would like to join our resulting in more invitations to the An earlier Contact the Elderly ‘gathering’ Contact the Elderly group. now famous Newsletter Dinner. The For full details please phone me day of our Contact the Elderly evening was particularly well-attended on 01494 837372 or email me at Christmas party. The catering and with over 60 people sitting down to [email protected]. If you transport was organised, the enjoy a splendid meal. would like to become a volunteer Christmas tree decorated, holly we’d also love to hear from you. Finally, the announcement that the wreaths hung on the doors and the For details on Contact the Elderly Newsletter Annual Award for 2017 choir assembled. It was all systems go please visit their website at was being presented to Reina Free was – or was it? www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk received with great acclaim. The By mid-day the snow was still Award goes to her for the great many falling and a decision had to be made: contributions she has made to the was the party to be or not to be – that Newsletter over its whole lifetime and was the question. Clearly we had no also for the service she has put in as a choice – it was not to be. Fallen trees distributor. and stranded cars blocked the roads – Our thanks go to all those who transporting our elderly guests was made the Newsletter such a success in simply not an option, it would have 2017 and to those who helped pull been unreasonable to ask our together such a splendid evening . volunteers to drive in such conditions.

Consequently, my freezer now groans under the weight of cakes and Speaking at the dinner, Anthea To be or not to be Garden Design | Driveways Hartley recalled that the Newsletter’s Patios & Paving | Brickwork Anthea Hartley – Group Coordinator, predecessor – ‘The Lee Magazine’ – Fencing & Decking Contact the Elderly Turfing & Planting | Groundworks was being published in the Parish over s I opened the bedroom 100 years ago and, at that time, th Concrete Works curtains on Sunday 10 Footings & Underpinning contained ‘useful tips for dealing with December I was confronted austerity’. Perhaps we should re-start A Excavations & Roadways with four inches of pristine snow for that series? as far as I could see across the fields Tel: 01494 258632 She also reminded us of the of our farm. It looked beautiful of importance of caring for others in a Mob: 07788 939395 course... and it was still snowing [email protected] community – especially the elderly. heavily at 9:00 am. This was to be the 20 21 Allotments The end of the The Lee Parish Also, have a read of the next article (on page 22) written by one of old: beginning Council News our allotment holders… and be By Liz van Hullen, Parish Clerk inspired! We never have plots of the new available for long! However, a couple Parish Council Drop-in are available at the moment, so please By Reina Free ast year we ran three ‘Drop-in’ do get in touch if you are interested. ature can be so sessions which proved both unpredictable. After the L popular and useful. Topics you Pothole repairs N downpours and lots and lots raised included road repairs, fly At the Parish Council meetings the of rain, very unexpectedly we woke tipping, waste collection, HS2 and Chairman of Bucks County Council up to snow, a deep layer that broke parking in Oxford Street… to mention (who also happens to be our local down a branch of our damson tree just a few. Councillor), Tricia Birchley, is keen to and two quite big conifers. The field The first one for 2018 will be on remind us that she does campaign hard we look down upon is so drenched Saturday 3 rd February, in the Parish for improved repairs to our local and soaked with the snow and rain it Hall, 10:00 am to 12 noon. roads. Lobbying from the Parish has become impossible to be One of the projects we are keen to Councillors and local residents can ploughed. The life of our farmers move forward through this year is a only help her case. To report a pothole can be hard and I often feel concern refurbishment or replacement of the direct to Transport for Bucks you can for them. wooden fort in the playground. Initial use the link below – it only takes a It just goes to show that in spite proposals will be available for you to couple of minutes and is by far the rd quickest way of registering a problem of computers and the like, how very have a look at the 3 February drop-in. TIM SIMMONS IS helpless mankind is against the with the people who can do something forces of nature. Yet in due time about it. If it helps to improve the state THE VERMINATOR of our local roads, that is a couple of spring will return... but suppose it Pest control services did not? We expect the trees and minutes well spent. https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/ hedgerows to spring into leaf. services/transport-and-roads/report-a- There does not seem to be much problem/report-a-pothole/ WASPS ALL happening nature-wise at the moment INSECTS There is also a link on this website GLIS-GLIS but I have spotted huge flocks of SQUIRREL FOXES page to report defects and obstructions RATS RABBITS crows and some starlings feeding on in rural footpaths. MICE AND the leftover barley, resembling MOLES ANTS clouds when they fly up, fast and Hedges adjacent to roads swirling. and rural footpaths FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE Misty misty mornings, dreary and Following the meeting with HS2 Finally, may we remind land- damp yet there is a great deal to be th LOW PRICES - HIGH QUALITY Ltd and their contractors on 16 owners that hedges on your land are thankful for – a lovely stove, enough January (see page 8), we will also your responsibility. Please do all you 07734649305 wood and coal, plenty of food, the have the latest update on the HS2 can to ensure they are properly cut shelter of our lovely hilltop house. construction programme. back, preferably outside of the nesting Peace within, God is good and season, to ensure adequate width and Please do take the time to drop-in WE WILL ALSO PROOF YOUR together with Him we can make it a and see us; we welcome views and clearance is maintained for road users HOUSE/PREMISES TO STOP THEM better world. comments from our parishioners. and pedestrians alike. COMING BACK 22 23 These are not the comments of an beans (all types) and soft fruits are in creating opportunities for local Food for enthusiastic beginner, but the sincere generally the best, and crunchy businesses to grow and prosper. Last assessment of a fifty-something year courgettes, cabbage or carrots far year a record number of Bucks thought old who has enjoyed twenty years outshine their supermarket imitators. companies won the Queen’s Award cultivating a plot on Lee Common In addition, we’ve had some for Export Achievement. I am holding By Sophia and Gary Fowler Allotments. interesting visitors: grass snakes, a Reception in February to celebrate he taste of the first strawberry Our romance with Lee Common frogs, colourful slugs and many their success, to encourage others to is invariably the definitive started twenty-two years ago when we toddlers wanting to ‘help’ with apply and representatives from the T moment, an affirmation that moved to Chesham with two young harvesting our soft fruit. Overall, it has Office for the Queens Award will be despite the back-aching toil, the children. Our three year old daughter been a fulfilling experience, much in attendance. If anyone wishes to nd continuous war against weeds, red loved the swings, slides, tunnel and cheaper than gym membership and a come along on 22 February to find ants and slugs, it was all worth it. woodland, not to mention Barnaby’s welcome distraction from the stresses out more, do please let me know. You cannot buy fruit with such patient pony and donkey across the and strains of the modern office, Buckinghamshire Business First flavour, freshness and texture at lane. Later, our son would save England batting collapses and Brexit. has been successful in attracting Waitrose or Borough Market. In countless penalties and score many If you want to have a go at inward investment, supported by the addition, the therapeutic benefits of centuries on the impromptu pitch by growing your own food in a convivial County Council and as a direct result spending a few hours weeding, the gate. setting then allotment spaces are 80 new companies have moved watering or chatting with fellow As both my wife and I preferred to available – contact the Parish Clerk at in, 2,557 jobs have been created, 479 allotmenteers are not measured by eat home grown fruit and vegetables, [email protected] or apprentices have been supported and conventional means but by the first we decided to take on one of the on 758800... and snap one up before £11 million has been added to the beer, glass of wine or cup of tea after allotment plots in 1997. With patient they all go! Buckinghamshire economy. Bucks is a productive open air session. guidance and advice from the more also an important education centre experienced allotment holders like John and Gill Chudley, Bill Joiner and From the Ann Ash, we soon began to crop exceedingly tasty fruit and vegetables County and found ourselves hooked. Twenty By Cllr Tricia Birchley years on, we’re still toiling away and 018 got off to a brisk start. The our grown up children are more than cold weather has had Transport happy to taste the produce when they Great Missenden for Bucks (TfB) busy filling come home to visit. 2 Supported Living grit bins and repairing potholes. Many There are no limits to how well people in Chiltern Ridges have been A warm, friendly, house for the your plot can be cultivated, apart from reporting potholes and I have spent elderly, in the picturesque centre of your time, strength and imagination. today briefing TfB and planning road the village. Experimenting with new and unusual varieties is a huge part of the fun. One resurfacing up to 2021. I am hopeful Come and take a look to see for that in 2018/19 we shall get more yourself and have a chat with year we were thrilled that pak choi was so easy to grow, but tired of done than in previous years and I Carol Lauder-Ross (Manager) eating it when the crop turned out so have also relayed comments from the Tel: 01494 865026 generous. Parish Council. or email for a brochure Over the past twenty years, we’ve Sajid Javid has said that he is [email protected] had plenty of successes and the encouraged by the excellent progress Find out more on our website occasional failure, but Lee Common Buckinghamshire Thames Valley www.abbeyfield.com grown potatoes, onions, sweetcorn, Local Enterprise Partnership has made 24 25 preparing our students for the work- states that the next collection is at 4:00 place through our excellent schools and From the pm. If I arrive at 4:00 pm or a little Litter pickin’ universities. Sir Anthony Seldon, who after, how do I know if the collection By Pat Chinnery was guest speaker at the annual council has taken place? ur roadsides, hedges and dinner, talked about Buckingham archives (4) B.N. Hunts Green. n 2003 The Lee Newsletter tried paths are getting over-run University’s plans to increase student again with thoughtlessly numbers, widen its remit following the out its own Agony Aunt column… Dear B.N., O thrown litter. opening of its Medical school in 2016 I he/she didn’t last long but do let I suggest that you take a handful It is really worthwhile to get and open new courses in Aylesbury and the Editor know if you would like to be of pebbles and throw them into the further afield. our new Graham Norton! post-box. A sharp metallic sound involved in the ‘Litter Pick’ morning, which this year will be on No doubt we are all following the would indicate that the box is empty th collapse of Carillion in the hope that it Dear Juno, and that the post has gone. A dull Sunday 18 March. may persuade the Government to I have recently moved into the thump would mean that letters, etc. Please think about organising a rethink plans for HS2. One can only village and want to change the name are still in the box waiting to be local group to pick-up at the places imagine that it would cost more than of my house. I fancy having a collected. If your frustration boils you love to go visit... and walk the the predicted £57 billion at today's combination of two or more of the over, then a drastic alternative would roads getting there and pick-up those reckoning. The County Council is following words: ‘Manor’; ‘Lee’; be to push a lighted match into the as you go. currently working with the parishes to ‘House’; ‘The’. What would you box. The amount of smoke and flame Pat Chinnery on 837564 and Ann ensure the safety of local roads during advise? will give you your answer. Ash on 837550 are coordinating the the construction period. A.L. The Lee ------event and would be very pleased to As I write, the Council budget for discuss your plans. Dear A.L., Dear Juno, 2018/19 is being finalised with the cost I understand that a youth in of social care rapidly Forget it. Every possible combination of the words you have in Manchester has been banned from increasing. Along with other council mind has already been used – several wearing a golf glove because it is the leaders, Martin Tett has written to times. sign of a notorious gang. I am about Government asking for more money to ------to take up golf and have noticed that a care for our most needy residents. BCC lot of people wear golf gloves at the Dear Juno, has always worked closely with local local Club. hospitals to reduce bed-blocking and I am worried about the latest E.U. edict which requires me to put a toy in Should I be concerned? our teams provide intensive after-care G.K. Lee Common at home, with social care accounting each of my pig pens or face three months’ imprisonment. What kind of for nearly 70% of our gross spend. Dear G.K., Please get in touch if I can help raise toys would be most suitable? J.R. Lee Common You certainly should. It is well- your concerns with officers at County known that people wearing golf Hall: email: [email protected] Dear J.R., gloves will stop at nothing to take I suggest a Rubic Cube and/or a your money. You have fallen in with hula-hoop. And don’t worry about the the local mafia and should abandon Bridge too far? prison sentence – there will be a fluffy the idea of golf immediately. Fore! espite the bad break in toy in your cell. trumps, East still needs to ------[If you have an interesting story, photo or article about village history, D take out trumps early, in order Dear Juno, do let us know and we will be happy to cash in the diamond winners. This I have a problem with the post-box to share it with our readers. Ed.] makes nine tricks possible. outside the Guild Room. It permanently 26 27 st Thursday 1 March. Ballinger Lee Common Methodist Church Horticultural Society. ‘ The Back Marian Tomkins, 837479 The Newsletter Gardens of England’ with Matthew Lee Common Scouts he Lee Newsletter is published 10 Biggs: 8:00 pm. rd Scout Leader Thomas Brockett: times a year and distributed free to The fastest way to let everyone in the Saturday 3 March. Coffee Morning 837294 or [email protected] all households in the parish… and Parish know about an event you are at Lee Common Methodist Church. T th Leeside Nursery a little beyond. The views expressed in it Tuesday 13 March. Ballinger arranging is to publish it right here in Melissa Reading, 837719 are not necessarily those of the Editor. the Newsletter. Contact the editor by Evening WI. Spring Supper. th th www.leesidenurseryschool.co.uk We welcome original letters and the 12 of the previous month (see Tuesday 13 March. The Lee Parish Shop @ The Lee articles of general interest and relevance contact details on page 1). Council Meeting at the Parish Hall to The Lee. Copy should be sent to 7:30 pm. Symeon Economou, 837195 th [email protected] [email protected] or, if Sunday 18 March. Annual Litter- on paper, to the Editor of the month (see St John the Baptist Church th February picking morning. Please contact Pat page 1) by the 12 of each month. st Chinnery 837564 or Ann Ash 837550 if See centre pages. Thursday 1 . The Lee Walking Group. Letters should ideally run to no more you can help on the day. See page 25. St Mary’s Ballinger Meet on The Lee Green: 9:30 am. th than 200 words and articles to no more rd Thursday 29 March. The Arts Contact: Anne Ellis, 837247 Saturday 3 . Coffee Morning at Lee than 700 words; material may be edited Society Ballinger. ‘Judas: The [email protected] Common Methodist Church. and may appear on the village website rd Wickedest Man Who Ever Lived?’ Saturday 3 . Parish Council Drop-in. The Art Society Ballinger www.thelee.org.uk unless consent is with Janet Robson: 8:00 pm. Guests £8. Chairman, Peter Archer, 837933 specifically withheld. Anonymous 10:00 am to 12 noon. See page 20. Thursday 5 th April. Ballinger Tuesday 13 th . Ballinger Evening WI. [email protected] contributions are not accepted. Horticultural Society. Spring Show. The Lee Cricket Club To advertise or place an insert, please ‘Film and TV’ with Peter Hague: 8:00 pm. Tuesday 10 th April. Ballinger Evening th www.theleecc.org.uk contact Paul Apicella on 837377 by the Tuesday 13 . The Lee Cricket Club WI. ‘ Wild Flowers’ with Brenda th AGM. See page 9. Secretary, Mike Harris, 12 of the previous month. nd Harold: 8:00 pm. If you have photographs for Thursday 22 February. The Arts Thursday 26 th April. The Arts Society 07788 345555 Society Ballinger. ‘ Foreigners in The Lee Flower Show publication please contact Jonathan Ballinger. ‘The Amadeus Myth: Mozart Batten on 837450 or email London 1520-1677’ with Leslie Primo: (1756-91) and his world culture’ with Chairman, Jonathan Batten, 8:00 pm. Guests £8. [email protected]. Sandy Burnett: 8:00 pm. Guests £8. 837450 For queries regarding distribution The Lee Newsletter contact Barnaby Usborne on 837382. [email protected] Other members of the Editorial team: Coming soon Directory of The Lee Old Church Trust Peter Archer, Richard Dickinson, st Thursday 1 March. The Lee Secretary: Pam Garner 837501 Phil Harrison, Jen Ogley, Adam Speller Walking Group . Meet on The Lee local contacts The Lee Parish Council and Colin Sully. Green at 9:30 am. Printed by Strongs: 01442 878592. Ballinger Horticultural Society Clerk: Liz van Hullen, 758800 [email protected] THE L EE WAY – Y OUR Chairperson: Brenda Gover To book the Parish Hall [email protected] www.thelee-pc.org.uk VILLAGE S UPPORT T EAM Allotments: Alison Weir, 837529 or Scout Hut Ballinger War Memorial Hall The Lee Parish Hall Committee ’phone Anne Barnett on 837796 If you have difficulty getting to your Bookings: Jane Ogden, 837379 doctor or the hospital, doing your Bookings: Anne Barnett, 837796 Ballinger Evening WI Rates 9 am - 1 pm 6 pm - shopping or would like a home visit and Chairman: Tony Lea, 837237 2 pm - 6 pm midnight a friendly chat, then please ring: Contact: Frankie Little, 837659 [email protected] The Leeway Mon - Fri £30 or £10/hr £45 or £10/hr 01494 837177 Contact, 837177 Sat/Sun £12/hr £70 Lee Common C of E School Bank Holiday £12/hr £70 Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm. Sat: 10 am - School office, 837267 Vocal Lees 12 noon. Please give us reasonable notice Jeannette Batten, 837450 Car park only £10 of your requirement to help us organise it. [email protected] Crockery/cutlery £15 (hire outside the hall)