FULMER NEWSLETTER December 2016 – Issue 60 www.fulmervillage.org
INTRODUCTION
This is the 60th edition of the Fulmer Newsletter – which was started by Edward Guinness 30 years ago and we are delighted that he has written another fascinating article for us about his life in Fulmer. We thank him for creating such a helpful and, we hope, much appreciated publication and hope that he continues to entertain us with his writing.
It is good to see that we have another layer of communication in the village, and thank you to David Kelly for spearheading ‘next door’ which after only a few weeks has been very helpful in reuniting lost pets and owners; helping villagers with assorted recommendations for tradespeople; etc. There are almost 100 people signed up and do take a look at this helpful initiative. The village, of course, has its own website – www.fulmervillage.org which will be having a ‘makeover’ soon – if anyone has ideas or would like to help with this please contact Francesca Hall-Drinkwater [email protected].
Our usual thanks go to our very loyal advertisers and contributors without whom the newsletter would not exist. Thank you also to the band of helpers who deliver the newsletter around the village.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and good wishes for 2017
Susie & Ronnie Simkins
LIST OF ADVERTISERS
Chiropody, Adriana Rozek 01753 652754
Hamptons Estate Agents, Gerrards Cross 01753 886464
Hibiscus beauty salon, Wexham 01753 664166
Physio – Jill Frew 01753 643238
South Bucks Physio, Wexham 01753 664114
Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens 01753 523744
We are very grateful to our advertisers, many of whom have been supporting the Newsletter for a number of years. Please remember to tell any of the advertisers that you have seen their advert here. The advertising income with a contribution from the Parish Council helps us fund the Newsletter and secure its future.
If anyone would like to advertise in a future issue, please contact
Susie Simkins on 662537 or by email to susiemsimkins@gmail.
PERSONALIA
Births/Christenings: We congratulate David and Katrina Martland of Thorney Lane North, Iver on the birth of their son Frederick Jack 22.11.15 and Christened 03.06.16
Christopher Davis and Jennifer Londsell of High Beeches Gerrards Cross, on the birth of their son Theo Thomas 12.01.16 and Christened 03.06.16
Nicholas and Emily Holloway of Cothill Abingdon on the birth of their son Douglas Edward 10.11.15 and Christened 04.09.16
Stuart and Catherine Mooney of Cherry Tree Lane, Fulmer on the birth of their son Max James 28.12.13 and their daughter Georgia May 08.05.15 both Christened 02.10.16
Peter and Jessica Whelan of North Row on the birth of their daughter, Beatrix (Bea) Olivia, born on 24 August
Death - Burials – Ashes – We send sympathy to the families of: Joyce Dye who died on 16 October 2016 and Ashes buried on 24 July. Joyce was the beloved Mother of Marion Dye one of our valued Choir Members.; she and her husband were regular members of Evensong for many years.
David Read whose funeral took place on 4 July David was the beloved husband of Dinah Read and beloved Father to Wendy Blinco.
Diana Richards who died on 24 September Diana was the widow of Gordon Richards. They both worshipped at St. James Oxford Road. Diana joined our congregation some years ago now. She was a Teaches at St. Mary’s Junior House from the 70’s to the 90’s and later a Supply Teacher at Moreland Drive and St. Josephs. She is survived by a son and 2 grandchildren.
Mary Molly Connelly whose funeral took place on 30 November. Molly recently died peacefully at the grand age of 105. She was a faithful member of St James’ and the Women’s Fellowship for many years before going to Windsor Lodge.
John McNally, in September, formerly of Fulmer Rise Manor where he lived with his wife Pam. John died at their home in Ireland.
Marriages – we congratulate: Stephen John Neil and Victoria Claire Spencer of Tuners Wood Drive Chalfont St Peter who were married on 9th September 2016.
Leavers/Newcomers: We welcome - Chris, Denise and their 15 year old son, Max West, plus Labrador Bruno, who moved to North Row from Cheddington in May.
Niall and Charlotte Dunne who with their 3 children have moved to Langley Cottage, Cherry Tree Lane.
FROM OUR MP
I find it hard to avoid concluding that 2016 will go down as a defining year in our country’s history. The outcome of the referendum on our membership of the EU has precipitated a political and constitutional crisis that remains entirely unresolved and is likely to take several years before the new political landscape domestic and international. In the meantime we must hope that the outcome of these changes will not be damaging for the economic wellbeing and quality of life of Britons and that the benefits that are expected by some are realised.
It is noteworthy that a number of the issues facing us locally, are an echo of some of the underlying causes of the national debate that has been occurring. The local plan now up for consultation is a radical departure from earlier ones and reflects the reality of housing and development pressures that are now so present in the South East - a reflection of population increase. Much of it is controversial as it involves the development of Green Belt land. I am hoping that there will be some strategic vision for South Bucks and that the choices made can help enhance the environment in the long term. Well-designed development can do this, as one can see in ground breaking examples such as Poundbury in Dorset. That however, had some inspirational leadership from the Prince of Wales. We must hope that some enlightened entrepreneur might do the same for us. But public pressure is crucial to getting the right outcomes and I hope that as many as possible will contribute to the process.
I am sorry that the continuing breaches of planning control from the Fadak Mosque remain a source of disturbance and distress for many residents. I will continue to support action to ensure planning regulations are observed here as elsewhere. There can be no possible justification for this type of conduct.
But my hope for 2017 is that Fulmer will continue to be a beacon of good neighbourliness. As I come up to my twenty years as your MP, I have nothing but good memories of the welcome you have all given me over many years. That is a reflection of how much you all put in to making Fulmer a place of welcome and I look forward to working with you to keep it that way.
Dominic Grieve QC MP
Saturday 2nd July 2016 Fulmer Day
A great day was had by all at our annual village fete! The sun shone for much of the day and we had a record number of stalls and activities for young and old alike. These included the ever popular petting zoo, amusement rides, junior grand prix and this year for the first time we had our own bungee trampolines which proved great fun!
Captain Jack from Pirates of the Caribbean fame came along to get proceedings underway accompanied by Disney’s Ariel from Little Mermaid. Ariel performed a sing- a-long, which the kids loved, whilst the Uxbridge Air Cadets marched through the village playing some well know tunes. There was also singing from the Accord Community Choir in the church.
In the evening the Black Horse held their annual garden party, which went on well into the night with live bands, DJ, BBQ and hog roast. It really was a fantastic day.
In total we raised circa £3,300 for local charities and good causes, we will be distributing the funds over the coming weeks. In addition, Fulmer Infant School raised a further £1,500 on the day, which will help them continue the outstanding work they are doing there. So a grand total of £4,800 was raised. This year we will be supporting Carers Bucks, Second Hope, MPS Society, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Dash, Contact the Elderly and Fulmer Village Hall.
Thanks once again to all that attended and if anyone wishes to join our 2017 committee please contact us via [email protected] or our face book page. https://www.facebook.com/fulmerfete/?fref=ts
See you in 2017!
LIST OF DUTIES IN FULMER PARISH
Michael Saxby Chairman - Report on County and District plans ([email protected]) 01753 662020
Parm Khanghura Deputy Chairman - Planning matters. [email protected] 01753 662179
Ronnie Lamb FSCA Executive Committee ([email protected]) 01753 662662
Susie Simkins Editor of Newsletter, Gazetteer, Family Fun Day ([email protected]) 01753 662537
Francesca Fulmer Village Website. St. James’ Church Fulmer. Hall-Drinkwater Fulmer Day ([email protected]) 01753 662295
Jo Beardsworth Communication issues ([email protected])
Christine Owen Pinewood Studios liaison, Fulmer Infant School ([email protected]) 01753 662803
Peter Kelly Parish Clerk, Finance Officer, Finance Group. Council Administration matters; FSCA; Notice Board; Allotments; ([email protected])
O T H E R S
Ken Peters Fulmer Parish Archiving
Richard Marshall BKV, FCV, Paths, etc. [email protected] Barbara Zoltowoska Fulmer Village Hall Chairman [email protected] District Councillor – Malcolm Bradford [email protected] County Councillor – Roger Reed – ([email protected]) Brian Weild Neighbourhood Watch; Police Liaison; Community Liaison - [email protected]
Karen Nelms Village Hall Lettings Secretary 01753 662928
Richard Marshall Fulmer Conservation Volunteers/BKV ([email protected])
FIFTY YEARS A FULMERITE – FINAL CHAPTER
In July 2010 I was honoured to be chosen for one of the 30 League of Mercy Awards, given annually, for my work with the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for Disabled People based at Leatherhead. The League was founded in 1899 by King Edward VII when Prince of Wales. It recognises Voluntary work in hospitals and the community. At the ceremony in the Mansion House, Lord Lingfield, the President made the very valid point that with greater life expectancy and the demands on the NHS and Education the need for voluntary work from members of the community has never been greater. In 2010 I was asked to be Patron of the International School of Creative Art, which shares accommodation with the Teikyo Japanese School at Fulmer Grange. It has enabled me to welcome Jimmy Choo, the President, to Huyton Fold. At a party to celebrate my 90th birthday in June 2014 we launched my autobiography, ‘A Brewer’s Tale’.
I retired as co-ordinator of the Best Kept Village Competition after 28 years. Fulmer has enjoyed many successes and from 1985 until 2008 won either the Gurney or Tindall Cups, twelve times. In 1999 Fulmer won the Gurney Cup for villages with a population of 500 or less, the Tindall Cup as best of the Cup Winners, in the other categories (based on population), the Sword of Excellence for Best in the County and was nominated to represent Buckinghamshire for the National Village of the Year Awards. With regard to the BKV I would pay tribute to the work of the Fulmer Conservation volunteers formed by Phil Elliot in 1996, followed by Dr Richard Marshall. The Volunteers play a vital role in our successes in the BKV Competition. At the end of the above, I retired as Editor of the Fulmer Newsletter and Co- ordinator of the Best Kept Village Competition.
In 1998 there was a threat to close our very successful Infant School in Alderbourne Lane due to a national change in age of entry. To keep it open would require raising £18,000 over two years – we initiated a vigorous campaign, which raised £23,571.13 and the day was saved!
Early in 2005 I had the opportunity to visit the County Archives in Aylesbury to examine what was held there in respect of Fulmer. I found it was very meagre and with some like-minded people I formed a team. We were fortunate enough to be lent the ground floor of a cottage attached to Fulmer Gardens House, which enabled us to finish each day’s work without having to tidy everything away. The Chief Archivist at Aylesbury came with a colleague to advise us. We invited contributions after notifying all residents of what we were about. The result was almost overwhelming as we received minutes from various Fulmer organisations, photographs, documents and financial accounts, house sales brochures, memorabilia and records (including weddings in Fulmer Church from 1688 and Rectors from 1198). In the main the team consisted of Ken & Jennifer Peters, Hilary Barrett, John Mundy and myself. We had completed the work of collating and cataloguing during 2008 and the whole was taken to the County Archives. It was fortunate as at the time Michael Saxby was compiling his excellent history of Fulmer we were able to exchange much information. ‘Featuring Fulmer’ published in 2008 has been updated and reprinted.
After reading the Bidding Prayer and names of those from Fulmer who lost their lives in two World Wars, I was struck by the thought that the end of the prayer, ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them’, would realistically come to have less and less meaning if we were unaware after well nigh 100 years, who they were and how they had lived their short lives. I mentioned this to my neighbour, Ken Peters, and we set about researching the lives of those 15 in World War I and 4 in World War II. We visited the County Archives in Aylesbury, the Imperial War Museum, the National Archives at Kew and Regimental records. It took three years, but we were able to trace them all and compiled ‘Fulmer’s Fallen’, which we launched in the Village Hall. It has since been reprinted.
In the Millennium Year of 2000 the Fulmer Newsletter sponsored a ‘Future of Fulmer Exhibition 2000’ in the Village Hall which asked the questions, ‘Do residents wish to continue as a living community (which requires much in the way of individual effort to achieve) or are they content that it should be a dormitory village and traffic thoroughfare? It stated that village life in Britain was changing so rapidly that residents needed to be positive in their answers and prepared to be active. We had four sessions in the afternoon and evening on a Wednesday and Friday in late March. There were opportunities for each of the 26 organisations (including schools, police, church and parish council) and a ‘Situations Vacant’ panel showing where there were gaps in our community. At each session there was an overwhelming vote for Fulmer to continue as a living community and the ‘Situations Vacant’ panel resulted in a number of residents accepting roles in which they have been of very significant value in the community.
In 2010 Fulmer suffered a sad loss with the death of Hector, Lord Laing of Dunphail. As well as being the very successful Chairman of United Biscuits and of the Food & Drink Industries Council, he was a Churchwarden in Fulmer Church, and with his wife Marian, host to many Parish Picnics at his home, High Meadows. In his 40 years of living in Fulmer his constant interest in our affairs, his generosity to local causes and his enthusiasm and encouragement endeared him and Marian to us all. In the same year I updated a paper I had written entitled ‘Random Thoughts on organising Fund- Raising campaigns’. It is based on 30 years experience and enjoyed some demand from Charity Appeal Committees throughout the country. It may be unique. 2011 saw the launch of the Civic Awards’ Scheme, which recognises those who have given outstanding to the Fulmer Community. In 2010 Pauline Hedley’s beautiful and well- researched booklet on the history of Fulmer Church was published, shortly before the Celebrations marking the 400th Anniversary of the Consecration of Fulmer Church, reported to be only the second church to be built after the Reformation. In late October members of the congregation performed a dramatization of the 400 year history. The Bishop of Buckingham preached at the Morning service on 31 October and on the following evening, the actual date of the Consecration by the Bishop of Lincoln, the sermon was preached by Paul Williams, who prior to becoming Bishop of Kensington had been Rector of Gerrards Cross with Fulmer. I felt privileged to be asked to read the Gospel passage of the wonderful story of the first Easter morning as told by St John in Chapter 20 of his Gospel.
My three articles under the heading ‘Fifty Years a Fulmerite’ have shown how the community has weathered the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ over the period and the beauties of our Village and Countryside have emerged relatively intact. If I were to be asked what has been the most important and sustaining factor in all this, I would unhesitatingly consider ‘the strength of the Parish Council with those organisations who make up Fulmer Life’. Until quite recently the inhabitants of our parish were people born and brought up locally and very interdependent. Latterly we have been able to welcome people from several nationalities into our midst and no longer do most of our people find their living within Fulmer Parish. But we remain very fortunate to live in Fulmer. The beauty of our countryside remains; the Parish with its institutions is still with us. As age compels me to fade somewhat into the background, I pray that the Millennium vote that Fulmer remains a living community will be upheld and those living here will find it possible to ensure that it does so. EDWARD GUINNESS
Edward Guinness, for over five decades, has inspired so many people in our village, and we are sure that we will all wish to carry on these good works, to ensure that our lovely village thrives - Editors
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Congratulations to the Editors on producing the 60th edition of the Newsletter. The Council continues to support the Infant School, Fulmer Sports & Community Association, Fulmer Conservation Volunteers and other activities, which are successful because of the dedication of all those concerned. Planning violations crop up all too often. Unfortunately, it only takes a few instances to cause major upsets. Usually, the Council will not oppose minor changes to existing buildings, but will not tolerate major infringements. Highways and footways play a significant part in our concerns. Budget cuts at County level restrict progress. Our Parish Clerk has the allotments under control. Rentals come from within and outside the Parish. We have been taking note of the District Council’s 15 options on the Green Belt. They would involve a 1.8% reduction for housing. Doesn’t sound much, but this follows on the takeover by Pinewood and there is concern that further erosion could happen in years ahead. Details on the District website - Consultation ends 12 December. District is looking at options for unitary authority. They favour three in Bucks. County prefer one. All in the melting pot at the moment. My thanks to all the Parish Councillors and the Parish Clerk - Michael Saxby
South Bucks District Council - Fulmer & Wexham Ward - Cllr Malcolm Bradford
The District Council works closely with partners including the County Council, The Police, Primary Care Trust, Fire Service, Chamber of Commerce and Voluntary and Community Services through the Chiltern and South Bucks Strategic Partnership. This partnership has consulted widely with residents, partners, community and voluntary groups and business representatives to gain a better understanding of the needs of people who live and work in the local area. This helped to shape the long- term aspirations and vision for the district to 2026 as set out in the Sustainable Community Strategy.
2016 has seen the appointment of a new Chief Executive Bob Smith. This role will be very challenging to deliver change into the Council and achieve its goals. South Bucks Council continues to work with Chiltern District Council to improve services and reduce cost by merging departments across both Councils.
This joint business plan covers the next four years, setting out the aims, priorities and objectives of the Councils. It replaces the Aims and Objectives formerly published by Chiltern District Council and the Corporate Plan formerly published by South Bucks District Council. It is reviewed annually and updated in line with priorities based on community and customer need, government strategies, targets and the results of improvement activity.
The Council is being faced with pressures to prepare up-to-date local plans. Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council agreed to work together, aiming to submit a robust and sound Joint Local Plan to government as soon as practicable while giving opportunities for engagement with residents, local groups and other interested parties.
This includes the proposal to build on Green Belt Land identified in the Local Plan. The next stage on Consultation with members of the public is in progress with presentations taking place across Parishes in South Bucks. This stage of consultation is intended to run from 31 October until 12 December 2016. The two councils received some 5,500 responses to a previous consultation earlier this year.
The next challenge for the Council is to look at options being proposed to change the way the Council works. Bucks County Council are promoting Unity Authority in Buckinghamshire. South Bucks have commissioned their own study to look at alternative options and joined ranks with three other district councils, Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe, and commissioned an independent analysis of the options for reforming the current structure.
Fulmer Parish residents will need to consider all the proposals, which there are three options and decide what option is best for your Parish. You may wish to consider which Council to support to deliver the best service in South Bucks.
County Councillor’s Report
The most important issue for all residents currently is the proposal to reform local government in Buckinghamshire. The County Council endorsed a proposal, submitted to government at the end of September this year, to abolish the five existing local authorities (1 County, 4 Districts) and create a single Unitary authority for Buckinghamshire. The four District councils were invited at the beginning of this process in May to join with the County Council in developing a Unitary business case, but they declined, preferring instead to commission consultants (Deloittes) to produce a different submission to Government (which has not thus far been submitted). The present arrangement of a County and District Council, is unsustainable. There is a likely increase in population with 50,000 new homes required by 2033, together with an increase of over 65s. It is clear that local government funding will decrease. The County Council has already saved £145M. Included in the business case was a Strategic options appraisal. This identified the options as being: • one unitary council for the whole of Buckinghamshire • a north/south unitary • three unitaries • a combined authority with multiple unitaries.
The savings from a single unitary were calculated, and subsequently confirmed by Grant Thornton, as being in excess of £45M over five years. The next best savings were from a north/south unitary with savings of £17.3M over five years. Other options were significantly less. The clear non-financial savings from the one unitary model included clear accountability, simplified arrangements for partners and stakeholders, and a strategic focus to maximise opportunities for communities and businesses. Included in the business case submitted to the Secretary of State in September were proposals to empower communities through: • 19 community boards spread across all of Buckinghamshire, with executive powers and a delegated budget • 19 community hubs spread across all of Buckinghamshire • 5 Planning committees across Buckinghamshire
Towns and parishes would be offered the opportunity, should they wish, to undertake more devolved services, on a case-by-case basis. A single unitary has the greatest potential to cut bureaucracy and release efficiency savings. In addition, it would not only be able to maximise the resources available to local government but would release efficiencies across countywide partners such as housing associations and local charities. Government have indicated that they will make a decision on the submitted business case by the end of January 2017.
Councillor Roger Reed
Planning
Since picking up the mantle from Mark Dickson I have very much attempted to continue with the ethos that planning keeps to the principles of the Green Belt and discourages the building of large ‘mansions’ in the Ward of Fulmer giving the village the least amount of disruption and adhering to a fully participative village community.
Having joined the parish in April 2016 there have been somewhere in the region of 34 applications within the Ward of Fulmer. See the table below.
Misc. Refusals Withdrawn Permitted Pending 4 9 3 15 3 11.76% 26.47% 8.82% 44.12% 8.82%
PLANNING WARD FULMER SINCE APRIL 2016
Misc Refusuals Withdrawn Permitted Pending
9% 12%
26% 44%
9%
The Parish Council has also worked closely with Fulmer Residents’ Group to ensure that action is taken against breaches of planning regulations and enforcement action in response to breaches. Overall, the village continues to have an active planning agenda and the amount of planning applications for such a relatively small Parish positively reflects the desire of people to make their homes in the village and to invest in those homes.
PARM KHANGHURA
Fulmer Infant School
The school opened on Monday 5th September and all the children settled into their new classes very well indeed. Congratulations to Mrs Kirby and Mrs Walker for winning first prize in the Stoke Poges Horticultural Show with their ‘most original planted container’ which they designed with the children. Congratulations also to Mrs Bhatti for winning first prize for the Fuschia competition with last year’s Year 1 children. Harvest Festival - the children celebrated with an amazing concert and sang with absolute joy. Thank you to everyone for all the produce you so kindly donated. It has been taken to SHOC, a Slough based charity which supports homeless and deprived people. Thank you also to everyone who donated to the retirement collection, which raised £42.07 for our link school, AFE, in Honduras. Fundraising events -The school and the community had a wonderful coffee morning and raised an amazing £396.97 for this very worthwhile charity. Thank you to everyone who helped and especially the Year 2 children who organized the event with their teachers. We also raised £63.10 for Jeans for Genes day and, as I write this report, Year 2 is busy organising a sale of books, toys and cakes for Children in Need. Scarecrows - Year 2 children have been reading ‘The Scarecrows’ Wedding’ by Julia Donaldson and, to enhance their learning, they came to school dressed as scarecrows. Dressed in role inspired amazing, creative writing, which is displayed in the library. Black History Month -The children had a fascinating day in October celebrating Black History month. They had fun designing facemasks and learning African dances. Pizza Express - The children had a wonderful trip to Pizza Express in Gerrards Cross as they designed, cooked and then evaluated (ate) their pizzas. Thank you to Mrs Mardell and Mrs Walker for organising the trip and to all the staff who helped on the day. Thank you too to all the children who were very well behaved and excellent ambassadors for the school. Open Morning - The Open morning was very well attended and feedback was very positive. Thank you to all the staff for making the school look so attractive and for preparing the charming concert. Thank you also to Sue Kirby, Chair of Governors, and Gill Davey Community Governor and Charlotte Blake Parent Governor (Georgia in Year 2) for answering questions and helping with the tour of the school. Pumpkin Disco - We ended a very busy half term with a pumpkin disco. Thank you to Joe’s mother and Olivia’s mother in Year 1 for organising the party. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I had the very hard task of judging the best pumpkin and costumes. Christmas - We are now immersed in rehearsals for the Nativity production, which, as ever, promises to be a wonderful production. All that remains is for me to thank the wonderful parent volunteers and volunteers from the community for all their support and to all the staff for their hard work this term. I wish them and you all a happy, healthy and safe Christmas holiday. Best wishes, Mrs Cathy Hunt, Headteacher, Fulmer Infant School
“Coming Home for Christmas”
Looking back, 2016 has certainly been an eventful year for our nation and the world. There are some events of the past year that may have left us questioning what the future holds. As I write, the results of the US Presidential election have just been announced. This was not necessarily an outcome that people expected and here in the UK there is a sense of deja vu in the wake of the Brexit vote. The whole political landscape has shifted both at home and abroad - embraced joyfully by some, and deeply grieved by others. Notably, it’s also been a year of significant loss and Leonard Cohen, known to most for his song ‘Hallelujah’, was recently added to the long list of celebrities and public figures departing this life since the beginning of the year.
No doubt there will have been significant events in our own circles of family and friends too that may have left us feeling vulnerable, disconnected, downhearted and somewhat disillusioned. At times like this, a sense of coming home for Christmas and being with loved ones can be very important to us. It’s said that ‘home is where the heart is’ and this may be staying in one’s own home this Christmas, or visiting family members or friends elsewhere, remembering also those who will be away from home and working on Christmas Day in the emergency services or living or working abroad.
Over the Christmas season, at St James’, Gerrards Cross and Fulmer, we hope that you will discover a sense of coming home as you join with us at one of our services in the celebration of hope, light, peace and goodness in a world that can sometimes feel full of darkness. Christmas is the time above all others when we remember God’s presence among us – as John’s gospel says, “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it” (John 1:5). The message the angels bring is: “Peace on earth, and goodwill to all people!” and, at the two St James, we pray that you will find a sense of peace and a renewed hope as we take a fresh look at the first Christmas and the child in the manger, the light of the world, heralded by the angels who brought the good news of great joy for the whole of humankind.
And, there really is something for everyone at St James, Fulmer this Christmas: Sunday, 18th December, 6.30 pm A Traditional Carols by Candlelight service Saturday, 24 December, 4.00 pm ‘Christingle’ service for the whole family Saturday, 24th December, 9.30pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion Sunday, 25th December, 8.30 am Christmas Day Holy Communion Sunday, 25th December, 11.15 am Christmas Day Family Service For these and other services at St James, Gerrards Cross, check out our Christmas Services leaflet enclosed with this newsletter, or visit www.saintjames.org.uk for more information.
So, on behalf of St James, Gerrards Cross and Fulmer, I would like to wish you every blessing for this Christmas and the New Year. Revd Jill Roth, Associate Minister, St James, Fulmer
St. James’ Fulmer ~ next chapter Our last Warden’s update referenced that the Ministry Action Planning, MAP, team had made their recommendation to the PCC! Many of you will now know the Rev’d Jill Roth has been appointed as Associate Minister, part of the wider St. James’ team, with a special focus on Fulmer. We welcome Jill - many of us knowing her as she and Pete have lived in the Village for some years. Jill’s licensing service, well attended, was held on September 25th.
Since May we have been busy! On June 12th St. James and the Parish Council held a joint celebration in Church to raise a toast to the Queen to mark her 90th Birthday, following the Sunday service. We were pleased so many from the Village came.
Fulmer weekend was a great success - the Flower Ladies had produced a wonderful display; some sprays in red white and blue for the Queen! Held on the Friday evening the show “Celebration for the Queen” was wonderful – music, poems, singing – children, young and old! Thank you to Fiona Gray, Katrina Porter and Ken Peters to name a few! On Fulmer Day the Church was open all afternoon. The Accord Choir came and sang soul and gospel songs; John Fagan came to demonstrate how the Bells are rung and Peter Dorling played the organ. Thanks to Debbie Henry and all singers, John and Peter. The Community Service and Christenings on the Sunday was well attended by local dignitaries, local children and Dominic Grieve. Michael Saxby spoke on behalf of the Parish Council. It was a wonderful community event with food and wine in the Village Hall afterwards. Thank you to the Black Horse and others who contributed food. On the Monday evening we welcomed “Reflections” and all Ladies of the two St. James for a contemplative service, titled “Psalms …praying in all circumstances”.
Harvest is a yearly celebration in Fulmer with both the Supper and the Festival. The Harvest Supper was held in the Village Hall on Friday September 30th. Noelle and Rebecca cooked a good meal. We sang traditional songs, accompanied on the piano by Rosanna; Susie Mathews reciting a poem! Thank you to Diana and Fiona for organising the evening. At the Sunday Harvest Festival and Christening we had a reading and a rendition of Mr. Scarecrow from Fulmer Infant School children followed by worship and later coffee.
At our recent Remembrance Service Edward Guinness read the names of the fallen. Please join us for any of our usual services 8.00am or 11.15 on a Sunday with coffee on a second and fourth Sunday and a Prayer gathering on the first Tuesday of each month and for our Christmas services. This year the theme is “Coming Home for Christmas.” You will have received a Christmas flyer with this Newsletter and Jill has also outlined the Christmas dates in her article. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Do bring friends and relatives!
Francesca Hall-Drinkwater – Church Warden
Iver Heath Health Centre, Trewarden Ave, Iver, SL0 0SB 07966 426627/01753 652754 And: Chiropody Clinic & Footcare,
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R N L I F U L M E R B R A N C H
Since I resurrected the Fulmer & District branch with Susie Simkins about 22 years ago we have raised around £130,000. We are a very small committee but have organised many fund-raising events from – shipwreck parties, Trafalgar Night celebrations, fashion shows, stencilling and interior design workshops besides our more regular annual events of Quiz Evenings, Tennis Tournaments, bridge drives and Clay Shooting Days. Events planned for 2017 are a Quiz Evening on Saturday, 11 March at Fulmer Village Hall from 7.30pm. If you would like to hear more – please contact Susie Simkins ([email protected]).
We are also holding another Clay Pigeon Shoot at Watersplash Farm on 2 April. Sue Fagan is organising that event and please contact her for details/bookings – ([email protected]).
We hope to see villagers at both events!
SUE FAGAN, Hon Secretary
FULMER VILLAGE HALL Well, it's been a busy few months at the Village Hall and, as some of you may know, more recently, a rather dramatic few weeks! Let me start by saying that we've been very busy with lots of superb evening classes ie: band practice, ballet and yoga etc. We have hosted wedding receptions and children's parties at weekends and are grateful to everyone who uses the hall for their events. Of course, the Beehive Nursery is a constant companion of ours and we have a very successful partnership with them - long may it continue. Work to improve the hall goes on and we have recently updated the Gents and the Disabled toilet to match the Ladies, which was refurbished last year, with very smart results. As I mentioned above, we've had a dramatic few weeks and some of you may have noticed some damage to the wall of the hall. Unfortunately, a car came careering through the village at speed and drove through the open gates, hitting the Vicar's parked car and sending it crashing through the wall causing considerable damage. Thankfully, no one was hurt, which is the main concern. However, we were very lucky as the Vicar had been sitting in his car only moments before! Divine intervention?
The Village Hall Committee sprang into action and within a couple of days we had the damage shored up and the insurance company on the case. We did lose a week of hall availability but it could have been so much worse if there had been serious structural damage. As it was, the damage, although extensive, was "fixable" so we look forward to the work being completed over the coming weeks with minimal disruption to our bookers. As a result of the damage, the hall will need to be re-decorated and the floor re-sanded and polished so every cloud.....As always, I would like to thank the Committee for all their hard work and, in particular, Karen Nelmes without whom we would not have a functioning Village Hall. Don't forget, if you have any special events coming up and you are looking for a lovely venue at a competitive price, we are always happy to welcome you. Please contact Karen Nelmes on 01753 662928 for further details. We look forward to seeing you at the Village Hall very soon!
Barbara Zoltowska - Chairman, Village Hall Committee
Fulmer Churchyard We had a small team of volunteers who would help twice a year with the tidying up and planting of the Churchyard. Unfortunately these volunteers have retired for various reasons so if anyone has a little time to spare to give me a hand it would be enormously appreciated. We scored well in the Best Kept Village Competition hope we can continue to do so. Sue Fagan – 01753 662193
fulmer.nextdoor.co.uk Nextdoor Fulmer is the private social network for Fulmer. We hope that villagers will use this to build a stronger and safer neighbourhood. It's the easiest way for us all to talk online and make our lives better in the real world. And it's free. Site privacy and crime prevention - The idea behind Nextdoor is that we trust our neighbours to interact with us in a responsible way. 'Real' names are a way of doing this, and if you prefer to be anonymous, this isn't the site for you! Nextdoor is a closed community; your information is only visible to others that are registered and verified. By providing real names, nobody can hide behind a username and antisocial comments will be dealt with quickly by the moderators (all are local volunteers). You can easily hide your house number in the privacy policy, shown when you sign up, and you can deactivate your account at any time. From a fraud prevention viewpoint, with no commercial element to Nextdoor, nearly 10 million users have no issues with scams and frauds. Local agencies and constabularies are invited to join and take an active role in making neighbourhoods safer, and the Nextdoor field team is in active discussion with the police and councils across the country. Early examples of how Nextdoor is being used:- Advertising community events - Warning drivers by SMS of road closures - Asking neighbours to look out for a lost Cat! - Matching a dog owner with a dog walker - Discussing fly tipping and advising who to report it to - Regular alerts from Gerrards Cross Constabulary - Sharing information about demolition, building and roadworks - Music and dog owner groups: Recommendations for gas fitter, chimney sweep, roofer, sewing classes. DAVID KELLY – [email protected] An old Colonial Buffer
I feel that I am privileged to be still alive and to remember the world before modern industrialisation, comunications and mass tourism and to bore you in these pages with a few recollections. Please do not contact me if some of my recollections are wrong. I am old and forgetful. I still remember vividly Belgium just after the second world war, and Dordogne in France as a young boy where French Aristocrats could not even give away their old crumbling Chateaux, but Belgium and France were not old colonies so I digress. I will start with a voyage on a troop ship, before air trooping, from Southampton via Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Suez, Aden, Colombo, Singapore to Hong Kong. All these locations were marked in red on the world map and either colonies or run by us and many of them are unrecognisable today except poor Aden, which has sunk back to the stone age again. The apes are still in Gibraltar, I have been back twice. Malta has flirted with Libya since but is still very British, less the huge Naval Base but many new hotels. The Egyptian gentleman who sold you leather goods (which had disintegrated by the time you reached HK) on long poles to the ship have long gone. The Suez Canal has been widened and Aden which was a dirty, dusty, major port, which had the cheapest cameras and watches in the world no longer has the same significance. Ceylon now Sri Lanka is little changed except the coastal tourist resorts and the roads and driving is still hair-raising. Singapore is totally unrecognisable for me today but more on that later. Steaming into Hong Kong past the large mansions of the Taipans on the island was always a magical experience. There were no skyscrapers, except the Hong Kong Bank and Bank of China buildings built in competition for height. The Peninsular Hotel at the Star Ferry terminal at Kowloon was the only decent hotel. There was far less property on the Peak and the Repulse Bay Hotel was the only building in the Bay and had wonderful tea dances with a superb Filipino band. The only way to cross from the island to the mainland was the Star Ferry, a favourite for suicides and you were greeted on arrival in Kowloon by a long line of rickshaws pulled by bare foot Chinese coolies. We used to race them on youthful nights out. At the end of the Kowloon Rd you were virtually in the country. The airport was a really frightening place to land until the new one was built. Wanchai was the centre of nightlife where many young sailors, soldiers and airmen learned about life. The naval base was huge and the sideladies could paint an entire Naval Cruisers side in 48hrs. Cruise ships were rare and the monthly President Line ship from America resulted in no one shopping in Hong Kong until it had left and the prices returned to normal. But prices in those days were rock bottom, tailors and shirt makers flourished and the antiques smuggled out of China, especially jade could be picked up very cheaply. The fishing port near Kowloon was very busy with the boat people and I was always so upset to know that girl babies were killed at birth, as they were not considered productive in the large families. Government House (now virtually hidden amongst the skyscapers and concrete on the island), was surrounded by a lovely park. The Hong Kong Cricket Club had a wonderful site and our Military HQ also occupied a large chunk of real estate. The ferry to Macao was pretty risky in those days as the Chinese Communists had a habit of stopping it and taking people off. It was the only time I have ever visited an opium den as opium and gambling was the mainstay of this Portuguese enclave. I remember visiting a large leper colony on an island nearby to entertain the lepers (who mostly remained hidden) with the Regimental Band. We lived up country on the Chinese border and our Officers’ Mess was surrounded by fields nourished by Chinaman carrying two buckets of human waste on long poles, across their shoulders. The smell in the hot summer was not attractive. The duck farms were fascinating with the Chinese seemingly able to communicate with the vast flocks of ducks. I have visited Hong Kong many times arriving by air, by civil liner, by aircraft carrier, by HMS Belfast (now in the Thames opposite the Tower of London) and by Frigate and I prefer the early days to the modern concrete jungle it now is.
My recollections of other colonies will have to wait until a later edition.
JOHN SANDERS Thank you John for sharing such fascinating memories of bygone times and please continue to entertain us with more memories! - Editors
Gerrards Cross & Fulmer FC is now quite a large grass roots football club. We have some 220+ young people in 11 age groups and 14 teams from U6 to U18; the early years play in the South Bucks Mini Soccer Conference, U12’s to U16’s play in the Wycombe & South Bucks Minor Football League and the senior lads play in the South Bucks Youth League (U18). As ever I would like to state the club’s Vision Statement; • GX & Fulmer FC provide quality, safe, fun and good value-for-money opportunities for as many local young people from 5 to 18 years of age as possible to learn and enjoy playing football • To help these young people to use football to realise their individual potential, develop their fitness, personal skills and self-confidence • To do this regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic background • To improve the performance of players, coaches and their assistants, within the club • To ensure that our club is regarded as a well-run organisation, that champions sporting behaviour on the pitch and excellent community relationships away from the game. I mentioned in the May newsletter our ambition to move to the next level of FA Charter Standard to become a FA Charter Standard Development Club, and our intention to start a girl’s section. I am now pleased to report that we have a successful U12 girls team playing on Saturday mornings in a league format and doing very well. While this is indeed satisfying, we hope to be able to expand the girl’s section in other age groups. This season for the first time in our history we have three teams (50+ players) competing in the U18 age group leagues, and it is gratifying to see these older lads continuing with their football despite all the pressures of year 12 and 13 Sixth Form life. The Club continues to invest in improving the general quality of King George’s Field and we have applied for a capital grant from The Football Foundation - the largest sports charity in the UK funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government (via Sport England) to purchase a new tractor and ground maintenance equipment. We are hopeful of a positive outcome from this application and expect to hear before the end of the year. We continue enjoy good relationships with our ‘landlords’ the Fulmer Sports and Community Association (FSCA) - the custodians of King George Field (KGF), as well as Fulmer Parish Council, Fulmer Cricket Club and Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Netball Club with whom we share KGF and to Gerrards Cross Parish Council who allow us to use GX Common for playing matches and training. Pease visit our website for more information (www.GXFFC.co.uk) and you are most welcome to come to KGF on a Sunday morning and catch some of the action, and there is always a coffee or a tea and a bacon roll to be had as well.
Keith Gupwell, Chairman
BLACK PARK NEWS
During October and November 2016, we have been working hard to commence the final stage of the lowland heath restoration at Fulmershe Heath, Black Park.
Open heathland is a particularly scarce landscape both in the United Kingdom and internationally. As such, it is important to not only maintain existing heathland but to try to re-create lost heathland landscapes.
We have been working extensively with both Natural England and the Forestry Commission to carefully plan and manage the restoration of the heathland and the removal of the existing Scots Pine at Fulmershe Heath.
Over the last fifty years, Fulmershe landscape has been dominated by Scots Pine which has led to the loss of the traditional lowland heath habitat. Scots Pine trees were originally planted as a commercial crop to obtain income from the land when the trees were felled. Whilst the pines on Fulmershe were very impressive trees, they provide very limited habitat for wildlife.
The visual changes that have been made to Fulmershe Heath during the first phase of the restoration have been very dramatic. Around 700 trees have been removed from the landscape, opening up the heath to the light and making the ponds more accessible. Areas of native trees have also been left to provide cover for wildlife alongside several large habitat piles of vegetation.
Natural England visited Fulmershe Heath on 21st November 2016 to review the heathland restoration. The restoration of the heathland will take decades to complete but Natural England are pleased with the progress that has been made and will be visiting the site throughout its development.
The next phase of the heathland restoration will be the reinstatement of the main path at Fulmershe Heath and the improvement of the ditch structures alongside the path to help manage surface water following the removal of the trees.
As we move into Spring 2017, we hope to see initial signs of both heathland plants and wildlife starting to reclaim Fulmershe Heath. The spring weather will also provide us with the opportunity to lead Ranger guided walks around the Fulmershe Heath to talk about this exciting restoration.
Dawn Morland, Country Parks Head Ranger, Buckinghamshire County Council. The Countryside Centre, Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6DS
PINEWOOD AT 80 - Helping Create Magic for 80 Years…
For eighty years, Pinewood Studios has made dreams a reality. Billions of people across the globe, of all ages, from all walks of life have read six words on cinema or television screens: “Made at Pinewood Studios, London, England”. From hosting super spies and superheroes, Pinewood has been home to a galaxy far, far away, helping create the movies that have made audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Some of the most glittering careers on both sides of the camera, have been launched behind the iconic gates of Pinewood. One of the key reasons for its enduring success, was a decision taken at the turn of the new millennium by its new studio runners Michael Grade and Ivan Dunleavy to merge Pinewood with Shepperton, which was Pinewood’s largest and longest standing studio competitor, headed by a team that included filmmaking brothers Ridley and Tony Scott. It was a historic move, and by 2001, the merger was a reality, and the face of the British Film Industry changed forever. The Victorian estate of Heatherden Hall in Buckinghamshire was owned by Doctor Drury Lavin in the late 19th Century. The next incumbent world-famous cricketer K.S. Ranjitsinhji sold it to Canadian financer Lt Colonel Grant Morden, a political high flier who lavished over £300,000 (in excess of £5 million in today’s money) transforming the mansion by adding a huge ballroom and Turkish bath amongst other features. During the 1930s it became a retreat and private meeting place for politicians and diplomats. The agreement to form the Anglo-Irish agreement was signed at Heatherden Hall. When Morden died in 1934, the estate was purchased by building tycoon Charles Boot who turned the mansion into a country club for the rich and famous however, his main aim was to turn the land into a film studio. Boot officially renamed Heatherden Hall, Pinewood, in his own words, because: “…of the number of trees which grow there and because it seemed to suggest something of the American film centre in its second syllable.” Charles Boot teamed up with J. Arthur Rank, the Methodist miller and millionaire to joint-finance the project in a move that ultimately led to the development of the Rank Organisation which embraced not only film production and film distribution at home and abroad, but also catering, leisure time activities and a wide field of manufacturing interests which would, at its height, employ more than 30,000 people. The completion of building at Pinewood was fast and the Studios were opened officially on 30 September 1936 followed by frenzied production activity until the depression hit the British film industry. The Second World War saw the Studios requisitioned by the Government for storage – its sound stages becoming home to mountains of sugar, flour and other much-needed wartime supplies. Already occupied by the Royal Mint, other important industries were soon evacuated to Pinewood, particularly Lloyd’s of London who moved into the Studios just days before hostilities broke out in September 1939. After the war, the British film industry witnessed a resurgence in fortunes and a revitalised Pinewood in particular. American production companies soon started to flock to the Studios, attracted by lower production costs, its unique feel of being typically British yet untypically like a film studio, as well as the superior skills and facilities compared to US counterparts. Early postwar classics made at Pinewood included Great Expectations, Black Narcissus, Oliver Twist and Genevieve. Under the burden of the heavy financial pressures facing the organisation in the 1950s and the introduction of television, cheaper (to make), populist entertainment became the order of the day at Pinewood which gave rise to some of the most renowned film series in British cinema history: The Doctor series, the Carry On films as well as the antics of Norman Wisdom. The 1960s became a boom period for the Studios, with the Americans back in town making large-scale productions. It also saw the emergence of the iconic James Bond with which Pinewood has become synonymous over the past half century. Stars who filmed at Pinewood during this time include Diana Dors, Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Simmons, Sophia Loren, Michael Caine and Elizabeth Taylor amongst others. Lord Rank’s death in 1972 coincided with a downturn for the British film industry although it continued to host big productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, Francis Ford Coppola’s version of The Great Gatsby and Alan Parker’s musical gangster spoof Bugsy Malone. The Studios was near a financial crisis during this decade, only to be saved by the Superman franchise. During the Eighties, it was decided the studio would cease to be fully serviced and become a facility where filmmakers bring in their own labour and staff. The early 1990s witnessed an all-time low in British film production due to unfavourable UK tax laws but as the decade progressed, Pinewood achieved a remarkable resurgence as the Studios were acquired from The Rank Group PLC by a team led by Michael Grade and Ivan Dunleavy. Lord Grade and Mr Dunleavy remain at the helm and have spearheaded the growth and global expansion of the Pinewood Group plc. In 2016 as Pinewood celebrates its 80th anniversary, it boasts a total of 78 stages globally and a track record for hosting some of the biggest international blockbusters in recent years, including the Star Wars and James Bond franchises. Pinewood operates across five territories offering international sales, marketing, studio development and consultancy, as well as providing stages and water facilities, post production and creative services and funding to the film, TV and games industries, in the UK, Canada via Pinewood Toronto Studios, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios and Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, and has a joint venture in the US with Pinewood Atlanta Studios which will soon become the largest studio facility and media hub outside of Los Angeles. After providing consultancy services to the burgeoning film industry in China, Pinewood recently opened a representative office in Beijing.
Some Interesting Facts about Pinewood… One of the largest sound stages in the world and the biggest in Europe at 59,000 sq ft, the Albert R Broccoli 007 Stage named after the James Bond film producer was originally conceived in 1976 to house a set of a supertanker for Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. Christened the ‘007 Stage’ on 5 December 1976 by the then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, it has since staged sets for some of the world’s biggest blockbusters including the Channel Tunnel for Mission Impossible, The Louvre Gallery for The Da Vinci Code, the chocolate river for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory amongst many other Bond sets. The stage burnt to the ground in 1984 after gasoline canisters left over from the filming of Ridley Scott’s Legend exploded and was rebuilt 4 months later. Another fire occurred during the dismantling of a Venetian piazza set from the latest James Bond film Casino Royale in July 2006 and was rebuilt including a redesign in just 6 months. Pinewood’s purpose-built stand-alone Underwater Stage is the only studio-based underwater filming facility of its kind in Europe. Completed in 2005 and officially opened by Gordon Brown in 2006, this globally unique filming facility is managed by a team of highly experienced underwater filming specialists Diving Services UK. The tank is 20m (65.6ft) long x 10m (32.8ft) wide x 6m (19.7ft) deep and has been used to stage underwater sets for film, TV and commercial productions including The Da Vinci Code, Little Britain and Eastenders. The water is continuously heated to a minimum temperature of 22°C and the ultraviolet filtration system produces crystal clear water, creating a comfortable environment for cast and crew. Pinewood Studios has become popular with television producers in recent years, utilising its stage and location sets to host popular dramas and sitcoms including Midsomer Murders, Last of the Summer Wine and Extras. Originally film stages built in 1963, the two dedicated TV studios converted in 2000 has been home to worldwide BBC hit gameshow, The Weakest Link and long-running sitcom My Family. As part of its 10-year expansion scheme, June 2016 saw the completion of 5 new stages and 10 new workshops at Pinewood Studios. One of the first productions to make use of the new state-of-the-art sound stages was Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool produced by Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, directed by Paul McGuigan and starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters. All five of the new stages are 50 feet high, stage one is 24,742 square feet, stage two is 24,742 square feet, stage three is 34,444 square feet, stage 4 is 27,864 square feet and stage five is 38,804 square feet. All of the new stages came complete with roof gardens which, having been planted for the past 5 months, are home to an array of wild flowers and grasses including Yorkshire Fog, Slender Creeping Red Fescue, Lady’s Bedstraw and Oxeye Daisy. The roofs also house hibernaculars, natural habitats to encourage wildlife able to access them to use the roofs as they would any other green land.
Kathryn Donovan - Group Community Liaison
Congratulation to the Studios on their 80th birthday and to continued future success. As neighbours to the Studios we really enjoy having their wonderful cinema on our doorstep – long may that continue to operate – Editors
1st Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Scout Group
This past year has been very encouraging as our total number of children is currently 83 and our Beaver and Cub sections based at Thorpe House School are continuing their success. At the lower level of scouting (Beavers) we have recently recruited 7 new Leaders who, by following their children through the group, will provide continuous leadership and ensure the strength of the group. Our Fundraising centred on the Gerrards Cross Christmas Lights Festival last December, where the girls and boys had great fun selling a vast amount of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Station Road in a very short period of time. Later in December we bag packed at Tesco GX, which, again most of the children came to, and this helped our funds considerably. We will be at Gerrards Cross again this year for the Lights Festival and Bag Packing. We also celebrate Remembrance Day every year at the GX Memorial Centre Sunday Service and last year and this year over 30 of our children attended which is a great effort.
Although our maintenance costs are normally fairly low this year we did have to spend a four-figure sum at our HQ to stop the massive ingress of surface rain water draining into our Septic Tank. The Tank is normally emptied 2/3 times a year but if there is some heavy rain then it has been at least once a month!
As usual all the children have enjoyed a large range of activities in all sections with the emphasis on camping skills and using the outdoor facilities we have at our Fulmer HQ. Even in the winter we do try and run evening activities outside as much as possible.
One of the most popular activities through all sections is a ‘Chippie’ Hike where the evening ends at a Fish and Chip shop in the area after the hike! During the summer both our Cub sections and the Scout section were camping at the PACCAR camping site at Chalfont St Peter.
In conclusion another good year for our group with the new sections consolidating, higher numbers throughout the group and improved adult support.
Please don’t forget we still need adult help from 18 - 80 years old and you don’t need any scouting experience just some enthusiasm, so get out of your chair and join us as we are only ‘up the hill’ from the centre of the village!
Or, if you prefer we need help with admin jobs (no uniform) for a few hours a week so please contact me!
Mark Shaw – Group Scout Leader
(07788 891 232) / [email protected] / www.gxscouts.co.uk
FULMER SPORTS’ & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
The facilities at King George's Field continue to be used fully by its individual clubs. Fulmer Cricket Club has had a successful summer. Please feel free to come and join the club next year, you will be very warmly welcomed. The Gerrards Cross and Fulmer Football Club are now in the middle of their season and have a fully fledged youth programme from 6 years old to 18 years old in the boys section. Girls’ football was introduced in September, which has been very exciting and an U12s team is now playing on Saturdays. The club is looking for new players.
The Gerrards Cross and Fulmer Netball Club continues to flourish. They had a one week camp in the summer when top coaches from New Zealand came over to give their wise instruction. The netball club also trains on Saturday mornings except for the winter term when they go indoors.
Fulmer Tennis Club is going to offer a new mini tennis course for children after Easter. This is being developed in conjunction with the LTA who are trying to inspire a new generation of players. There will be many goodies on offer. Also a new course called Cardio Tennis will be introduced and available for adults. This will be a fun one hour tennis and fitness session.
Kettle Bells has continued to meet 3 times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school term times, between 9.15am and 10.15am in the pavilion. Spaces are available.
The facilities continue to be maintained and updated. A new decking area in front of the pavilion has recently been laid and looks fantastic. Cleaning and maintenance is currently being carried out on the playground. As the playground is more than 20 years old funding is being sought for a new and inspiring playground. Any generous donations will be very gratefully received. We are sorry that there wasn't a Fulmer Bonfire Night this year. Unfortunately, like last year there was a serious lack of volunteers. If you would like to see the Bonfire Night happen in 2017 then please come forward and volunteer. We need representatives on the Bonfire committee to prepare and organise the event and volunteers to help during the day to set up and during the evening itself.
Finally, the pavilion has seen a number of bookings for adult and children's parties. In particular, for example, as the pavilion houses a bar, it is the ideal location if you want to hold a 40th, 50th or 60th birthday party. You can bring your own food, your own DJ and up to 65 seated guests or 99 standing. It has also been used for quiz nights and christenings.
For more information on hiring the pavilion or joining any of the clubs above please e- mail me, at [email protected] telephone 01753 663586 or 07879 404745. ANDREW NEALON
Fulmer Cricket Club www.fulmercricketclub.com The cricket square has been put to bed for the winter so it is timely to reflect on the 2016 season and look forward to 2017. Playing performance in 2016 It is the second year in a row that we have been on the negative side of the win/loss ratio but we had some great matches in a friendly environment. We won 9, lost 18 and a number of games were cancelled through the inability of our opposition or us to raise a team and one match was abandoned due to the weather. A number of our regular opponents were not able to field a side which meant we played a lot of “fixture list” sides. We had a couple of very close matches, for example, against Yarl we lost by 12 runs, Golden Age, where we won by 5 runs, Rivets, where we won by 6 runs and Little Marlow, who we lost to by 2 wickets. These matches tend be very exciting, not just for the players, but also for the spectators who are on hand to see the action. The President’s match saw a loss for the club again despite fielding a pretty strong side. A traditional sunny day returned this year compared to the rain and drizzle of last year. Our thanks once again to Edward Guinness and Peter and Kiki Greig for the wonderful food they brought from Pipers Farm. Ground - We owe a great debt to Paul Colloff for all the work he puts into the square and field. Our playing conditions are the envy of many league sides. We had a number of approaches from Clubs wanting to share our ground. So far we have resisted and I think the players all benefit from having a first rate ground. Awards for 2016 - We had a very successful awards night on 14 October with the winners receiving their well-deserved cups. The award winners were: Batting Most runs – Nigel Field, 460 Highest innings – Nigel Field, 104 not out Best average – Nigel Field, 115 Bowling Most wickets – Mark Denness, 15 Best in a match – Mark Denness, 23-6 Best bowling average – Mark Denness, 14.40 Qualitative Manu Kapila Award for Best Young Player – Harry Field Most improved – George Field Best fielder – James King Most valuable player – Simon Ward Players’ player – Mark Denness Duck Cup – Paul Colloff Outstanding contribution – James King Chairman’s award – Paul Colloff As you can see the Field family had a great year and Mark Denness, who is a very popular player and an excellent clubman, had a fantastic year with the ball. Players wanted - We have excellent playing facilities and are a very friendly Club. New players, of whatever standard, are always welcome. Please refer to our website for contact details www.fulmercricketclub.com 2017 Season The season will kick off with indoor cricket nets in March and early April with the first match away to Little Marlow on 22 April. Please refer to our website for updates on fixtures and other useful information.
PETER BOX - [email protected]
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MESSAGING SERVICE
Help yourself and your neighbours by joining the Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch and Event Notification Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to alert Fulmer residents to crime in the village in order to raise the level of awareness so measures can be instigated to reduce the possibility of attack. This is a two-way communication system, if members have any information that they think would be of interest to their neighbours or other E-Watch members, they e-mail the information to me and I circulate it.
Additionally, I circulate notice of any celebrations or events, or any other information that I consider may be of interest to the residents of Fulmer. I do not name the persons or exact addresses (unless asked to) from whom information is received, I merely refer to them as 'watch' members. Neither do I identify exact addresses relating to incidents unless specifically asked to do so. To ensure members privacy I circulate all messages as ‘blind copies’ so that members’ e-mail addresses are not visible to others.
Some of the messages that I circulate are 'Ringmaster' messages, received from the police at Amersham. They are of a general nature and include crime prevention advice. I also circulate specific warnings, reports and requests sent to me by the police and local authorities. Following requests from Watch Members, I also circulate messages alerting Fulmer residents to other matters that may be of interest or concern. Some of these are circulated by myself, others are messages that I forward on behalf of the Parish Council or other village groups. In these cases it will be evident as to who has requested the circulation. I will also be posting on Fulmer Next Door our community contact forum.
To join E-Watch please send an e-mail with your contact details to: [email protected]
Brian Weild, Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Jo Beardsworth Deputy Co-ordinator
Stoke Poges , Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society www.hortsoc.org Annual Show The Horticultural Society’s first Show was held in 1884 in the grounds of Stoke Place. More recently, it has been held in Fulmer at what was Cement and Concrete and then at Teikyo School. It is still a major local event, with unique attractions for all ages. This year the Show was bigger and better than ever before! On Saturday 30 July, well over 1000 people, more than 200 more than last year came to the grounds of The Stoke Poges School, where they viewed an excellent display of vegetables, fruit and flowers exhibited in the huge marquee. The number of entries was up 50% on last year. In addition, at one end there were the photographic exhibits and at the other end home baking, jams and jellies, floral arts, and a variety of crafts and art. There were a high number of entries in the Junior Section. Gardening is flourishing in the three local primary schools, as could be seen in a display of produce the pupils had grown, and by looking at The Stoke Poges School garden, which was open to view. The cream teas, Pimms and beer tent, barbecue, and ice cream van were very popular. People enjoyed sitting in the sunshine listening to the Reading Spring Gardens band. There were a variety of stalls with something of interest for everyone with the opportunity to purchase garden plants or machinery, cakes or crafts. There was a bouncy castle, lent and manned by Stoke Poges Church, and also other games for young visitors. Everyone admired the magnificent vehicles proudly shown off by their owners, the members of the Uxbridge and District Classic Vehicle Society. Mr Ralph Bagge, Chairman of Stoke Poges Parish Council presented the Cups and Trophies to the proud winners. Mrs Sandra Greenslade presented the Michael Mobbs Trophy, given in memory of her father, “to be awarded to the individual, or group, that has made a significant difference to the Show, or the Society, in the past year”, to Gaby Battrick, a popular and worthy winner.
Co-op Local Community Fund We are delighted that the Horticultural Society has been chosen as one of the causes supported by the Co-Op local Community Fund How it works Every time members choose Co-op branded products and services and use their Co-op Membership card (subject to the Co-Op Membership T&Cs), 1% of what they spend will go to their chosen cause. Members can change their choice at any time until the end of the giving period on March 2017. If members don’t pick a cause then their 1% is shared out equally between all the local causes in their community. Any funds raised for your chosen charity will be distributed shortly after the end of the giving period. Getting started We want the Society’s time with the Co-op Local Community Fund to be a huge success. Please visit their website coop.co.uk/membership and indicate that the Horticultural Society is your chosen charity. This is a quiet time of year for the Society but it is surprising how quickly Winter turns into Spring. Below are some dates for your 2017 diary. Members’ Spring Social Evening Wednesday 15 March 8 pm at Stoke Poges School, Rogers Lane There will be an illustrated talk, a buffet and a table show, where members exhibit whatever is growing in their garden. Visitors are welcome, non-members £3.50, prospective members admission free. Annual Plant Sale Saturday 22 April 10 – 12 noon Stoke Poges Village Centre Don’t miss this great opportunity to buy good quality plants at reasonable prices. All the proceeds go towards paying for the cost of the huge marquee for the Annual Show Annual Show 2017 Saturday 29 July in the grounds of Stoke Poges School. Membership of the Society We would be delighted if more people were to join as members; at £7 for an individual or £10 for two people living at the same address it is a bargin; particularly as members have free entry to the Show, Lecture Evenings and other events. You can apply for membership via our website www.hortsoc.org RUTH ROOLEY
Fulmer Brownies celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th Birthday
This term, 1st Fulmer Brownies have enjoyed activities to celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th year. The Brownies made edible witches hats, Matilda dream catchers and made their own James and the Giant Peach mini beasts. They also made their own Roald Dahl character jigsaw puzzles, and enjoyed a cookery evening, where they made Willy Wonka sweets and fantastic Mr Fox apple crumble. The girls had a fun girls’ night in, when they dressed as characters from Dahl books, and watched the film the BFG, enjoying ice cream and popcorn while they watched. In November, the Brownies had a wonderful day out, when they visited the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden. One of our newest Brownies, Matilda Dickson, made her Brownie Promise whilst sitting in the famous Roald Dahl writing chair. After a fun filled day of activities at the Museum, the Brownies walked to the local church and followed in the footsteps of the BFG to find the grave Roald Dahl, where they placed a few small gifts as tokens of their appreciation.
ANGELA HURLSTONE
FULMER CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
Last month I walked the length of Fulmer's small section of Beeches Way that extends from Fulmer Rise Estate through Fulmer village up to Windsor Road, the path branching from it up to Pickeridge Farm, then on to Stoke Common Road, before doubling back and up to Windsor Road on the path towards Hedgerley. I walked the short path up to St. George's Field from the village on the following day in order to avoid the football traffic at the Recreation Ground on the Sunday.
Just a few days ago I received an email from Michael Saxby to say that Fulmer Parish Council had received a report that the Beeches Way path was blocked somewhere in the parish, but not indicating where. This report about the path being blocked turned out to be an exaggeration. The fact of the matter is that the pathway has always been closely overhung by rhododendrons growing in the garden of West Hill, where the path runs between this property and the neighbouring property Penn Wood in Fulmer Rise Estate. Just at present there are some branches at chest to head height that could do with being removed. Time permitting, I may do some trimming myself or with a few of the Volunteers, but will in any case make contact with Rights of Way to point out the need for some trimming to be done. It would appear also that grass clippings are being disposed of on the pathway, the most likely source being over the fence from Penn Wood. I have taken pictures of the overhanging branches and may send these to Rights of Way. I emphasise that these branches can be easily negotiated by walkers, and therefore do not constitute a blockage as such.
I'm pleased to say that the rest of the Beeches Way in Fulmer parish is completely accessible, from the open fields after Fulmer Rise Estate up to and through our village, along Hay Lane and along to Windsor Road.
The combined footpath/bridleway branching left off Beeches Way about a quarter mile from the end of Hay Lane and running up to Pickeridge Farm is certainly clear for ramblers and cyclists, and as far as I can see also not obstructed at rider head height for horse riders. No doubt local riders will let us know if this assumption is incorrect.
Just before where this path branches left towards Stoke Common Road and right towards Windsor Road, there is what appears to be a shelter constructed of rubbish. It has been there for quite a while and might or might not be being used by homeless people. A man and a woman were in the vicinity, but I decided not to approach them.
I walked along to Stoke Common Road and then doubled back to head towards Windsor Road. At Stoke Common Road, I could see that as usual there were what appeared to be waste building materials fly-tipped at the roadside. Having doubled back, I can confirm that the way to Windsor Road was essentially clear except for being rerouted away from its straight course to avoid some blackthorn bushes. This could easily be rectified by removal of the bushes. Whether the Rights of Way contractors consider this to be necessary is up to them.
I completed my walk around our footpaths on the morning of the 14th November and am happy to report that the path from Windmill Hill to King George's Field is as clear as it needs to be and as enjoyable as ever.
For the benefit of new readers, I confirm that FCV no longer work routinely on the footpaths unless we feel there is something that the contractors have missed or something that we feel should be done as a sort of emergency, like for example clearing a fallen tree, subject to our capability and insurance cover.
Generally speaking I am happy that with the exception of the rhododendron branches causing the partial obstruction in Fulmer Rise Estate, that the paths are free and clear and tidy at least for the time being and as mentioned I am considering whether to ask the volunteers to do some cutting back of the shrubs in Fulmer Rise, pending action by Rights of Way.
Best Kept Village Each year Fulmer is entered for the Gurney Cup awarded to small communities of up to 600 residents. The village appearance and it's community as apparent to the judges on the inspection day or days is assessed and marked. This year the summary of the points awarded to Fulmer was dated 10th June 2016, whilst the covering letter giving their overall impressions was dated 29th July 2016. This year Fulmer scored 83 out of the possible 100. Fulmer has won the cup on many occasions and our record over the years can be seen displayed on the pole situated at the entrance to the grounds of the village hall. This year we were not the winners, but our community was recognised by the judges as deserving of a certificate of merit, so thanks to the community for making that possible. The two documents mentioned above are available if anybody would like to see them.
Fulmer Conservation Volunteers Fulmer Conservation Volunteers was established in the late 1980s/early 1990s at a time when public funding was available to volunteer groups to maintain public footpaths through an organisation called Parish Paths Partnership (P3). That enabled the then FCV to install many of the existing gates and to generally maintain the footpaths. I became involved as one of a number of volunteers sometime in the mid 1990s and according to my records we were still able to access P3 funding until around 2010. This at least covered our insurance premiums and would re-imburse us for the cost of gates or other materials purchased. For us P3 funding is discontinued in Buckinghamshire, though I understand that funding from P3 remains available elsewhere as I have a friend in Worcestershire who works as a lengthsman for several small villages and he mentioned that he is paid from P3. Following the demise of P3 in Buckinghamshire, FCV largely stopped working on Fulmer rights of way, though we will turn out to do some one-off clearances if required.
The more recent 'Parish Devolution Scheme' asked the Parish Council to consider taking on a number of Bucks County Council (BCC) functions including the routine maintenance of our footpaths. For that Fulmer would receive an annual payment per metre of footpath maintained, which incidentally would not have covered our personal accident and public liability insurance. To cut a long story short, Fulmer has opted not to become a party to the devolution scheme in general and the footpaths continue to be maintained by a contractor working on behalf of BCC Rights of Way.
This brings me on to explain why I have indicated within Nextdoor Fulmer that the cutting of the hedges/maintaining of the boundaries of Fulmer Hall should not be undertaken by FCV or other community volunteers (at least not until responsibility for costs of cutting and debris disposal is determined). The hedge along the main road down to the village hall needs cutting back by around a metre or more for almost its entire length and already during some trimming for BKV in June, FCV found that clearance of some substantial broken boughs of trees would be required. Also I am of the opinion that safe working would require traffic control with traffic lights.
So that's a bit of FCV history, plus some current comments. Now it's back to what FCV did to date in 2016. Already in the June newsletter, I reported that we had started regular work quite a lot later in the year on 2nd April, but had worked every Saturday up to the 7th May (notching up a total of 85 man- hours). We were working towards the judging period which was due to start on 6th June by which time we had worked a further three consecutive weekends adding 48 man hours. Then during the judging period we felt we had to meet each weekend until 25 June, another 41 man-hours.
Every year is different and the outcomes are never predictable. All those man- hours were given without question, but were not enough to help to put Fulmer at the top of the heap. The contribution from Fulmer Conservation Volunteers is only a part of the overall Fulmer community effort and input that is made each and every year. Competition is fierce and gets more each year. Many times our community has succeeded but it was not to be in 2016.
I need to say that for us volunteers working next to the roads in Fulmer it has become increasingly dangerous and even just crossing the road outside my house on Fulmer Road can be pretty scary. There are vehicles that totally ignore the speed limits on both sides of the village, seemingly keen to demonstrate on my side, who can go the fastest before reaching the M40 bridge. These include vehicles whose drivers have children at our village school, but there are other regular speeders in the summer evening rush hour.
Getting back to FCV, I always regret to have to mention that the numbers of volunteers remains low at a maximum of 5 on our best days in 2016. I'll refrain from mention of our total ages, as I'm sure we all feel lucky to be fit enough to do what we have done and have continued to do this year. On that note I would like to thank the small core of volunteers who turned out so regularly in 2016-they know who they are; and thanks to Peter Kelly (Clerk to Fulmer Parish Council) for handling our entry to the Kept Village competition.
Dr. Richard Marshall
Richard and his helpers carry out a very important and essential role in keeping our lovely footpaths and village tidy and accessible. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for all the hours they work - Editors
News from South Bucks RDA. Hello, this is Forrester with news about this summer at South Bucks RDA. I have had a great summer. Two of my riders at the National Championships won their classes and Joe came home with a trophy almost as big as me.
Our manager Helen Burt, who looks after all of us had a very busy summer, she made sure that both of Sophie Christiansen’s horses were in tip top condition and accompanied Sophie and her mount Athene to Rio to take part in the Paralympic Games. Helen ensured that Sophie and Athene dazzled the judges with their dressage resulting in 3 more Gold medals to add to the successes of London on Janerio and Beijing with Lambrusco. We have to thank Di Redfern, chairman of South Bucks RDA for finding Athene for Sophie.
While they were at Rio, I was busy with my pony friends in Fulmer, giving pony experience rides to young disabled children who live specifically in Buckinghamshire. These taster sessions are great for those who cannot join us on a regular basis as they are in school. We also had the opportunity to take some of our riders around our own ‘Woodland Challenge’, to raise funds for the group. We are busy raising funds to repair fences, as I do not want the mares, or the bigger horses getting into my field to eat my grass. We will also need to renew the surface in our outdoor arena soon.
There are 13 equines in our amazing RDA team, We are well looked after by the centre staff and volunteers. I am keen to find new volunteers, if you are interested contact Gina, the administrator or Helen, the Stable Manager on 01753 662796 or email [email protected] , I would love to see you.
I, and my horse friends, rely on the community to help us provide affordable riding for disabled children and adults. Please can you help us raise more funds to enable us to carry on with this amazing job we do. One easy way you can help is by joining up to: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/southbucksridingfordisabled every time you go shopping on line you can raise funds for the group with no extra cost to you… it is amazing you buy your shopping, train tickets, Christmas presents, or even your holiday online and at the same time know you are helping South Bucks RDA continue with its great work.
It’s time for me to give another little child an exciting ride, so bye for now I will write again in the New Year.
Happy Christmas from Forrester and my equine friends at South Bucks RDA
Stoke Common news update – [email protected] We are now well into the ninth year of the ten year plan for Stoke Common and surveys are demonstrating that the on-going restoration work is already showing signs of being a great success. Very soon after the clearance of young woodland started we could see areas of heather regeneration and after a few years this was followed by records of thriving colonies of petty whin, creeping willow and even the parasitic common dodder, which had not been recorded since 1972. More recently specialists looking at fungi, moths, butterflies and beetles have found specimens of some less common invertebrates including the potter wasp and a rare bee, Nomada guttulata. Added to this are some brilliant results from bird surveys showing some typical heathland species returning to the common, including the Dartford warbler, stone chat and wood lark. This is really encouraging news and evidence that this historic remnant of ancient heathland habitat is heading in the right direction. Having grazing livestock on the common is key to continuing with the progress already made. To that end, as soon as the grazing season was complete and the livestock safely returned to Rowley Farm, City of London staff cleared overgrown vegetation from the fence lines so contractors could replace around 550 meters of stock fence. Towards the end of the summer, contractors used a flail to remove stumps left after clearance work. We have also continued with clearance of the young silver birch woodland, using contractors and volunteers to open up a further 0.3 hectares on both the northern and western parts of the common. Volunteers also continue to tackle the smaller areas of birch scrub. During the summer when scrub clearance is not possible, the volunteers concentrated on repairing worn paths and replacing benches to make sure that visitors can continue to enjoy this fantastic site. The Friends of Stoke Common volunteers have made a huge difference to the common. They are always looking for new recruits to join. Look at the website for more information; http://www.friendsofstokecommon.org.uk. Their programme for next year has just been finalised, kicking off with tasks on 7 January and 4 Feb, meeting at the Pickeridge at 10 am. They’d love to see you there!