Hilltop News

October & November 2010 Bank Holiday celebrations! he weather changed for the better, just in time for the & TCholesbury Churches Fete on August Bank Holiday Monday. As always, it was well supported and a healthy fund was raised for the two churches. On the same day, our Cricket Club welcomed the Hockey Team to the glorious surroundings of the Hawridge & ground for a special cricket match as part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations. The Horticultural Society Annual Show, taking place the following Saturday, displayed another remarkable variety and quality of flowers, fruit and vegetables; arts and crafts and cookery. Ivor Cornish retired in September after serving the Hilltop Villages for many years. Church was full for a special Communion Service for Ivor. Full reports of these events are featured in this Hilltop News.

Front Cover Photo Autumn: a time What’s in there? Find out in the of plenty for fruit H&CCPS report and berries. Enjoy the wonderful In our regular feature, Chris Brown shares changing colours some interesting facts about the crab apple on the trees and shrubs that adorn and looks at other natural interest about our Hilltop Villages. during the autumn months. Plus, in this issue, all the news from our Churches, School, Clubs, Councils and Societies.

Hilltop News 3 and improvements to road junction triangles The Bucks Debate? Did you tell us what THE PARISH COUNCIL at Rays Hill and Gilberts Hill. This is always THE COUNTY COUNCIL local residents should do for themselves In the previous edition of Hilltop News I assuming that there will be a delegated The County Council has and what services the Council should be budget in 2011/12. providing – as the Government’s cuts start mentioned the new Chiltern Cycleway and been out to consultation the proliferation of additional route signs in Dave Clarke, Clerk to the Council 758567 to bite? on numerous issues and around St Leonards. The Parish Council I’m sure the improvements on many local asked me to raise the following points with throughout the summer roads have been welcomed. However, there St Leonards Parish Hall have been behind-the-scenes discussions Bucks County Council: and early autumn. Well t was with regret that the Hall about where the county’s priorities lie. I can 1. Why was the Cycleway introduced over 100 meetings took without reference to the Parish Council? Management Committee heard that Mick tell you that my head has been on the block 2. Why have signs been posted throughout IMariscotti will be unable to continue as place across the county to on a number of occasions as I championed the Parish without reference to the Parish Treasurer next year. Mick has seen us through discuss the future of day the needs of the rural community and several decisions have been reversed in our Council? all the trials and tribulations of building the centres. People with profound disabilities 3. Under what authority were the signs extension and has done a superb job. local interests! I hope you’ll call me if needs and the most elderly have been anxious to placed? We are therefore looking for someone arise and the contractors need to make Their reply was as follows: to take on this role. If you have a basic know that their services will be preserved, further repairs. “This scheme was fronted by The knowledge of accounting and can spare the whilst those with moderate or low During our recent holiday we saw a large flock of storks migrating south across the Chilterns’ Conservation Board (CCB) and occasional hour to do the books and attend disabilities no longer wish to sit in a day in partnership with a number of other the monthly committee meeting (usually Dardanelles. This reminds me of the subtle centre, preferring to be out and about in organisations including the Chiltern Society. quite short), we would love to hear from signs of autumn. I was sorry to miss the I am aware that there was much discussion you. This as a real opportunity for someone the community. Horticultural Show on 4 September, which to get involved in village life and help ensure is always the successful culmination of the centred on signing the route and the need ou may be interested to know that that this wonderful hall continues as a centre garden year and a display of many local to keep it as simple as possible. The various our prevention services now mean highway authorities were consulted about of recreation for us all. talents. Ythat people with eligible needs for Let’s hope winter is kinder this year: I this by the CCB.” If interested please contact Dave Clarke, social care generally reach us at 85+ years have asked for real-time information about It appears that, after all this consultation Chairman of the Management Committee on of age. Despite a 4% increase year-on- gritting routes both by email and on the with everyone (except us) they realised that 758567. year of older people needing care, we are County Council website, so that we all know the tall wooden post at Cholesbury Common managing to flat-line growth by helping was too high and it was reduced in height the best way onto the main road network. people to remain independent for longer, That said, last year was exceptional and this by Bucks County Council within days of its which is also beneficial for council tax first appearance. All tales of the phantom year all gritting lorries will have the use of payers. snow ploughs. axeman are therefore untrue. It made a Also of interest is the move to new Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 good story though. The Parish Council will be contracts in our ‘external’ home care reviewing this matter at its next meeting on provision. By the end of March 2011 the 27 September. Hopefully this is not the thin current 40 providers, many of which have end of a wedge to clutter our villages with done an excellent job, will be replaced by signs. one new provider in each district council Bucks County Council ‘Road Gangs’ are area. This has enabled the Council to still operating occasionally in the Parish. establish a single hourly rate and measure Recent requests from the Parish Council the time spent with clients on a minute-by- included clearing grips (drains) and improved minute basis. This is good news for service verge cutting. users as, using their personal budgets, Bucks County Council has agreed to they will have more choice. For example, provide two additional salt bins at Little they can arrange their own care or ask the Twye and Gilberts Hill under their ‘delegated Council to continue to do it for them, and budget’. For the 2011/12 delegated budget again good news for council tax payers. we have applied for three more salt bins

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 Hockey plays cricket. The England Hockey team enjoy a day at Cholesbury.

knowing that the England Team Manager, AN EXCITING END TO Andy Halliday, played for the H&C Sunday THE SEASON side, Mick offered the challenge. The event was sponsored by local Estate Agents The awridge & Frost Partnership. Highlights of the match, Cholesbury including interviews with our President Cricket Club’s H Trafford Matthews and Sunday captain First XI beat League Andy Holdsworth, are featured on the Field leaders Taplow in Hockey website: www.fieldhockeytv.com. the final game of A full report on the cricket season will the season (Taplow’s appear in the next Hilltop News. only defeat). In so doing we did Graham Lincoln 758449 Wraysbury a great favour, allowing them to pip Taplow to the League title by just three points. After a sticky start to the season we recovered well to finish mid-table in the first division of the Chilterns League. Also on the last day, our Second XI beat Hill by a whisker (four runs), and thus avoided finishing bottom of the table. Things are looking up! H&CCC continued its 125th anniversary celebrations this summer with a unique cricket challenge against the England Hockey Team on Bank Holiday Monday. The match was the brainchild of social secretary, Mick Channer. After watching England finish fourth in the World Cup in Delhi and

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 Confectionery, so there will be sampling look at pictures and E-fits and view CCTV CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST and tasting to tempt you. The food theme NEIGHBOURHOOD footage of people wanted by police in the LEONARDS W.I. continues in November, this time because WATCH area. It is run by Crimestoppers and enables Jenny Sarton - who has connections with people to give information about crime by he July birthday meeting was a here have been reports Sulgrave Manor - is coming to tell us about telephone anonymously (0800 555 111) or splendid occasion, with entertainment of suspicious activity, ‘Food and Cures in Tudor Times’. via the Crimestoppers website. by ‘Delectable Selection’ and very break-ins and thefts T Please check the cholesbury.com website T Members of the public can find the good food, not least the cream horns - Iris’ from outbuildings. Please for more programme information and look gallery of Thames Valley’s Most Wanted speciality. continue to take note and out for the posters in advance of meetings, criminals at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ In August, a few members met for the contact the police - the more information or ring Carol on 758435 for more WI thamesvalley - click on ‘Most Wanted’. evening at The Full Moon and several went you can provide, the more helpful for them. information. to Stowe for the County 90th Anniversary This is a brief summary as supplied by the Shirley Blomfield 758314 Garden Party. Unfortunately, it was a wet police: day but the rain did not dampen the spirits The incident – time, date and place with and a good time was had by all. as much information as possible. September’s meeting will not have taken When describing a person, try to note place before going to press - Keith Jansz is the following – male/female, age, height, to talk about the history of mouth and foot hair style and colour, build, clothing and painting and his own career as a mouth any other distinctive features. artist. Description of a vehicle – make and On to future meetings – writing about model, colour and type of vehicle (saloon, October and November really brings home estate, van), registration number (or part of the fact that summer is behind us! October it), direction of travel. is the Annual Meeting but visitors would To report an incident ring 0845 8 505 505 still be welcome. The competition is Biscuits/ or dial 999 if the situation requires more urgent attention. Recently in a neighbour heard an alarm, went to investigate, noticed a vehicle in the road with a man sitting in the driver’s seat and called the police - a description of the vehicle and its registration number were given. The police checked out the driver and a passenger, who claimed they were distributing leaflets advertising gardening services such as tree surgery, fencing and patio cleaning. Checks revealed that both men had previous offending history and were not from the area. This stop check would have disrupted any potential opportunities and provided useful intelligence. Police rely on members of the public to keep them informed of anything suspicious: don’t think you are wasting their time, your information may seem insignificant but could be the final piece in a jigsaw. A ‘Most Wanted’ website was launched on 4 September for the Thames Valley region. It allows members of the public to

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12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 of the Trenchard Museum at Halton. LOCAL HISTORY Looking ahead we have invited Sarah GROUP Gray, curator of County Museum, to paint a broad canvas for us he new season about Buckinghamshire Artists on Friday 3 kicks off on December, 8:15pm at St Leonards Parish Hall. Friday 1st T Membership for the year is just £8 for October, 8:15pm at adults and, from this year, there’s free Cholesbury Village Hall membership for those 16 years and under. with The Verneys of With eight evening meetings - normally Buckinghamshire. The talk is to be given on the first Friday of the month - plus by one of our favourite speakers, Colin a newsletter, other member events and Oakes, whose unique presentation style is facilities; it guarantees to offer something guaranteed once again to entertain and of interest for everyone. If you are new educate his audience. The story of the to the area or just haven’t got round to County of Buckingham from the English coming along before now, why not come to Civil War to the start of the 20th Century a meeting: non-members are always made was largely forged by its aristocratic welcome, for just £3 on the night. families - one of the most influential of For further information please contact these was the Verney family. Chris Brown on 758890 or email us on On Friday 5 November, 8:15pm at St [email protected] Leonards Parish Hall we will hear about the PS. Look out for the yellow roadside First Landing at Halton. This was an historic notices and posters on notice boards to moment before the start of remind you a meeting is imminent! which led, soon after, to the birth of the RAF. We welcome Francis Hanford who is curator Chris Brown 758890

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 the thousands of species of moths, there AGM are only three which eat your clothing. Why This year our AGM is to be held on Tuesday do I seem to have them all here? 7 December at Cholesbury Village Hall. Since it was rather late in the season This is an opportunity to discuss issues for moths, we all agreed that it would be about the management of the Commons. a good idea to have another session next All residents are invited to come to the summer, perhaps in June or July, when we meeting and we look forward to meeting could possibly have a bit of revelry as well. you. In the meantime, if you have any Watch this space! questions or concerns about the Commons, Working parties you can always contact me on 758750 or On 5 September, the first working party of [email protected] the season was devoted to the delivery of Subscriptions logs around the villages. Normally we try Please check whether you have paid your to do this after the last working party of subscription this year. For 2009-2010, the the season, but we were unable to do so subscription is still £7.50. It is payable to because we had no vehicle to tow a trailer. Mike Fletcher, Ivy Cottage, Cholesbury, As a result, the logs that we delivered were , Herts., HP23 6ND, or to any better seasoned than usual. committee member. We are always happy to welcome new Ready to study the night’s catch! Linden Bevan-Pritchard volunteers to help with the programme of HAWRIDGE AND set up a trap in his garden at Braziers End working parties that run from September which was able to run all night. Peter, to March. They are on Sunday mornings, CHOLESBURY Alan and David are very knowledgeable, starting at 9.30. Half way through the COMMONS enthusiastic and entertaining hosts and morning, hot drinks and home-made cakes David had thoughtfully provided three are provided by Lindsay. There is often a PRESERVATION litres of mulled wine, made by Lesley, which bonfire that needs to be tended. SOCIETY helped ward off the cold. The next working parties are set out The following morning, a number below. Bring strong work gloves and Looking at moths on the commons of other people came to see the night’s footwear. If you would like any further catch, to identify them and then to release information about the working parties, was unable to come to the moth night, them back on to the Common. It was please contact Isobel Clark on 758987. which was really disappointing for me. encouraging to have three youngsters, IHowever, here is Lindsay Griffin’s report Maddy and Scarlet Lewis and Felicity on the event: Kersting, who showed such a keen On the evening of 28 August, ten of us interest in identifying the species. David Date Location Activity joined moth experts Peter Bygate and Alan photographed a number of the moths, Oct 3 In glade opposite Bentonpotts, Clearing fallen trees and reopening path Bernard from Long Marston, and David though some were just too fast and got Hawridge (GR 937070) Dennis, to observe night-flying moths. We away. We hope to have these, together met on the woodland edge of Cholesbury with the list of the exotically named species, Oct 17 Same as 3rd Oct Common, opposite the Full Moon, where on the website soon: www.cholesbury.com/ Oct 31 Along bottom ride from Clearing up fallen and broken branches, a moth trap had been set up. Despite HCCPS. Cholesbury Bottom (GR 934074) cutting scrub back to widen paths earlier forecasts of good weather, the It is some time since we had a moth evening started with rain but fortunately, survey on the Commons. In 1995, 33 Nov 14 NW of Shepherds Cottage, Coppicing hazel stools the weather cleared up for the event. We species of micromoths and 95 species Hawridge (GR 944067) were able to see 26 different species which of macromoths were recorded on the Nov 28 Downhill from The Old Mission Removing birch re-growth from open and were attracted to the two strong lights and Commons at an earlier time of year. One Hall, Hawridge (GR 942068) gorse areas white sheets and subsequently trapped interesting fact we learned was that, of all in containers below the lamps. David also

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 Priests of , who loaned a new Ford Fiesta for the day and B-loony who supplied Fun at the the balloons. The barbeque was a sturdy apparatus from Debbie and Peter Bradfield, big enough to cook burgers and sausages in Fete separate areas. Sue and Guy Williams, who donated the meat, were busy cooking The weather changed and the strong winds throughout the afternoon. Caroline Coates subsided just before the Churches’ Fete brought ‘Betty the Butterfly’ who deposited on Bank Holiday Monday to give us sunny £58.72: close to Steve Clark’s winning guess. The Grand Draw receipts passed the £600 intervals and a comfortable temperature to mark for the first time due to the sustained sit outside on Cholesbury Common. efforts of Elizabeth Tomlin. nother piece of good fortune Many visitors come to enjoy the mellow was the anniversary cricket match sound of the Ellesborough Band and to Afurther down the commons. Cricket drink tea (still 50p) and eat sandwiches watchers took the opportunity to visit the and cake in the sun and surroundings of Fete and swell the crowds. The number Cholesbury Common. They are always of cars was also higher but, fortunately, welcome and we thank them for their Peter Green remembered the chaos two contributions. The takings were £3,763 but years ago and was able to marshal them. there are several expenses to be deducted. Stallholders parked on the common John Farmer opposite the Village Hall, which had been mowed by Peter Windus. All the usual stalls were open for business. On entering the site from the car park, many visitors headed for the brightly arranged toy stall staffed by the Hobbs Family and soon found Ducks-in-Water and Splat-the-Rat nearby. Others were attracted to the produce stall that was well stocked with a wide range of plants including Michaelmas Daisy and a lovely pink Echinaceous. Sue Fletcher and Maureen Newall were also busy with generous boxes of beans, plums and apples from Copas Farm. We welcomed some new stallholders this year including Steph Green and her brother Ed, who ran the bowling, and Ian Philips, who looked after the coconuts. Tasha Hathaway and Heidi Kapadia were busy on the Tombola while Fletcher Nicholson asked how many balloons were in a Ford Fiesta (the answer was 191!). This new feature was possible through the generosity of

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 Isn’t science wonderful? – Part 2

by the Reverend exclusively driven by science) that seeks David Burgess not only to promote its own cause but also actively to denigrate statements or You’ll remember, opinions offered from religion. Richard of course, that Dawkins is the scientist mainly in the public eye for espousing this view (sometimes six years ago called “militant atheism”); Philip Pullman the arrival of is a principal literary figure; and a very broadband at the contemporary discussion point is whether or not Stephen Hawking is now in the same Vicarage prompted camp. me to write on scientific and technical Christianity needs to get up to speed. progress and its impact on the Christian We need to separate the traditional from faith. the habitual. For example: do we do things a certain way because they form a core You do remember that article, don’t you…? part of our faith, or because that’s the way we’ve always done it? We need to work out e tend to think of technology in whose side we’re on. I’ve been part of too our society as relatively stable, many discussions where people seem intent but I think in the intervening W on arguing their way out of their declared years we’ve seen quite a change - putting position of faith because they thought it rather simplistically, everything is smaller, it was clever to do so. And we need to faster and cheaper than it was six years ago. take note of the here and now. Scientific Our lives have changed alongside that ignorance is by no means limited to the progress. Things that were in their infancy Christian community, but we’ve got to get or just taking off then are established to grips at least with the basics of what’s features of our way we do things now. going on in the world. Amazon is my bookshop of choice (about Christianity or science? Actually, you which I still feel slightly guilty: did I don’t have to choose - you can have, and indirectly play a part in closing down, enjoy, and benefit from, both. In spite of for example, Chapter One in Chesham?). what you might read or hear, there are All my banking is now done online. I men and women of faith in every part of generally make a pig’s ear of handling the scientific community. It’s just that most my mobile phone and my MP3 player, of them know (as should we) which comes much to the amusement of my children, first, and which serves the other. Priority is though I’m comfortable with computers - a everything. strange combination. I know what social networking sites are, but don’t touch them. Neither do I blog, though I know several clergy and at least two bishops who do. Another parallel feature on the rise in recent years is an intellectual one; an atheist standpoint (mainly but not

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 CHURCH SERVICES - October to November 2010

St. John the Baptist St.Leonard's St. Laurence St. Mary's DATE DAY NOTES THE LEE ST. LEONARDS CHOLESBURY HAWRIDGE

3 Oct Trinity 18 8.00 Holy Communion DB 11.00 Family Communion DB 9.30 Holy Communion DB 6.00pm Evensong PS/ 10.00 Matins Lay Sunday School VO DB Mid-week Holy Communion

10 Oct Trinity 19 10.00 Parish Communion DB 6.00pm Parish Communion JH 10.45 Matins 9.30 Parish Communion 10.00am at The Lee

Sunday School JuH First Wednesday of the month

17 Oct Trinity 20 11.00 Family Service Lay 9.30 Shared Service 9.30 Parish Communion JH 10.45 Parish Communion DB Holy Communion, Matins & Evensong at Cholesbury at Lee Common Book of Common Prayer Methodist Church

24 Oct Last after 10.00 Parish Communion JH 9.00 Breakfast 9.00 Giving Service DB 10.00 Family Service DB Parish / Family Communion and Trinity Parish Worship with Lay 9.30 Morning Service Music for All Ages

31 Oct 4 before Joint Service at Four Churches DB Joint Service at 10.00 Joint Service at 10.00 10.00 10.00 Common Worship Advent Cholesbury Parish Communion JW Cholesbury Cholesbury MW

7 Nov 3 before 8.00 Holy Communion DB 11.00 Family Communion DB 9.30 Holy Communion DB 3.00pm All Souls PS / DB= Rev. David Burgess Advent 10.00 Matins Lay Sunday School VO AC JH= Rev. John Hull

14 Nov Remembrance 10.00 Remembrance DB 10.45 Remembrance JH 10.45 Remembrance 9.30 Holy Communion Sunday Service Service Service & Remembrance

21 Nov Sunday before 10.00 Family Service Lay 11.00 Parish Communion DB 11.00 Shared Service 10.45 Parish Communion JH PS Peggy Sear Advent /DB at St. Leonard's AC Avril Clarke

28 Nov Advent 10.00 Parish Communion JH 9.00 Breakfast 9.00 Quiet Communion DB 10.00 Family Service DB JuH= Judy Hart Sunday Sunsday School JuH 9.30 Parish Worship with Lay VO= Virginia Oldham Music fort All Ages

Vicar Hon. Curate The Lee The Revd. David Burgess 01494 837315 The Revd. John Hull Janet Whittow 01296 624568 Hawridge The Vicarage, The Lee, 01296 624487 [email protected] Joan Walton 01494 758332 Gt. Missenden, BUCKS. HP23 9LZ Judy Hart 01494 837328 James Watson 01494 758914 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Parish Secretary St. Leonards Jane Reynolds 01494 757048 Anne Butterworth 01494 758700 Cholesbury Church Room [email protected] John Farmer 01494 758715 [email protected] Ann Horn 01494 758250 [email protected] [email protected]

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 CHOLESBURY n 17 July, Lindsay Penn CHOLESBURY married Holy Matrimony O Jenny Casselton 17 July 2010 Jennifer Casselton and Lindsay Arthur Penn at St Lawrence ST LEONARDS church. Lindsay is Holy Matrimony a local man and Jenny is from . 29 August 2010 Rebecca Ann Fleckney and Nicholas Richard Williams Lindsay’s sister, Vanessa Stay, now living in Holy Baptism , witnessed her brother’s vows. 5 September 2010 Reece Samuel Young The marriage vows were accompanied by the singing of the hymn ‘Morning Has Broken’ and with the wonderful words of love in 1 Corinthians chap 13. The sun shone in the afternoon allowing lovely photographs in the churchyard with Jenny’s ivory dress set against the deep red of the bridesmaids. The new Mr and Mrs Penn were driven from the Church in a classic American 1951 Pontiac. There was only a short journey to the HAWRIDGE Special All Souls Service - Our usual reception at the Full Moon where guests service for remembering those who ugust Bank gathered in the marquee. The wedding have died recently or others we wish to Lindsay and Jenny Penn Holiday Fete breakfast was served in the cream and remember will be on Sunday 7 November A- Thank you crimson dining suite where sumptuous with Cholesbury’s needs but could also be at 3pm. If you would like a name to be read to everyone who sirloin of beef was served. Best man, Robin detached when appropriate. He worked out please let Joan, 758332 or Elizabeth, supported our fete Green, made an excellent speech while the in the Parishes for 13 years and at the PCC 758214 know. this year. It was a experienced master of ceremonies, Peter meeting on 15 September we cut a cake Avril Clarke has agreed to preach at this very successful and Alberto, ensured that the occasion ran with thirteen candles. Thank you, Ivor. service and candles will be available to light enjoyable occasion. A full report is given in smoothly. The local group, Kez, played live Worship in August – had to take account as an act of remembrance. We welcome you a separate item. music for the dancing that continued into of holidays and there were fewer services all. Ivor Cornish’s Retirement - We thank the night long after the bride and groom but this provided an opportunity to visit Christingle - The Christingle Service will Ivor very much indeed for the support he had departed. The honeymoon was spent each other’s churches. August continued be held on 5 December at 3pm when we has given to Hawridge during his time as in Argyll. We are delighted that Jenny to be busy for Cholesbury church as we will be supporting The Children’s Society. Curate in the Hilltop Villages. Our best and Lindsay are making their home in prepared for the Fete that was ‘our end’ Hawridge Church Walking Group - Our wishes are sent to him for his retirement – Cholesbury. this year. A full report appears elsewhere next walk will be on Tuesday 5 October and we hope that he will be able to visit us Ivor Cornish - There will be many in this Hilltop News but it is worth starting at 10am at the car park on The in the future. expressions of gratitude to Ivor on his recording that the Fete succeeds because Moor at Chesham (near the outdoor Family Service - Our Family Service needs retirement and tributes to his service a large number of villagers are active in pool). Coffee will be served as usual and to change to a different Sunday in order to the local churches. At Cholesbury we preparations. A huge effort in baking cakes a 50p donation to the church is always that David might fit in all services in the will remember particularly his sustained and preparing sandwiches maintains our appreciated. four parishes following Ivor’s retirement. and reliable commitment to our worship reputation for quality refreshments. Thank The November walk is on Tuesday 2nd Please note that this Service will now be on Sunday by Sunday. His teachings were well you to the helpers and the visitors from and the starting point will be advised. the fourth Sunday of the month at 10am prepared and wise as he drew on a lifetime other towns and villages. Please contact Joan and Margaret for (instead of the first Sunday). This means of Christian learning and practice. Ivor was In October we are holding our Giving information 758332. that the next Family Service will be on 24 patient and understanding of our mistakes Service and again supporting the Shoebox October. and was easy to work with. He was involved

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 Appeal. The service is on Sunday 24 had baptised three years ago. Reece who October at the earlier time of 9am. We was wearing a very smart cream waistcoat do hope busy families can manage to join and trousers, behaved beautifully and it us and perhaps bring a Christmas Gift for was lovely to see a number of happy babies children in Eastern Europe. Shoeboxes will playing in our new ‘space’ at the back of be available in the church which is open on the church. The church was full and the Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday School added to the number as they watched David gently introduce the little boy to the congregation. It was a happy ST LEONARDS and moving service. Ivor Cornish - Many of us celebrated ovi Most Communion with Ivor as we joined with International - the other Hilltop Parishes in a thanksgiving NBecoming a service for his contribution to Hilltop Christian in Bosnia Village life. We send our warmest good Herzegovina wishes to Ivor in his retirement and thank is no easy task even today and him for his many years of work among us it was truly inspiring to hear the stories here in St Leonards. We shall miss you Ivor! of four young people from Brankovac Tea Parties - The cakes and scones Church in East Mostar when a number of just get better and better! We would be us gathered together in St Mary’s Church delighted to have some newcomers - so Rooms, Chesham, on Friday 20 August. Gill if you’ve never joined us, do come along. Reece Young Baptism Rowell introduced the speakers together Becca and Nick Williams It’s a most friendly gathering and we’re with Claire Gingell, who helps lead the Novi always happy to arrange for you to be and country flowers provided a perfect by Wednesday 24 November. Please Most team on the ground in Mostar. As collected and taken home. The next Tea background when, undeterred by a heavy contact Anne Lake 01296 620169 or Anne well as having mastered the local language Party is Wednesday 27 October followed downpour, Becca came into the church on Butterworth 758700 for more details. – she acted as interpreter – it is exciting her father Clive’s arm, looking wonderfully Breakfast at St Leonards! - Sunday 24 to learn how Novi Most has thrived and happy (the father of the bride looked October at 9am. Yes, really! Can you smell progressed beyond Mostar and into two wonderfully happy too!) She was wearing the fresh coffee and bacon butties? We other towns, Capljina in the south and Jajce a beautiful deep cream dress and carried hope as many of you as possible will join us in the north. Klub Novi Most offers to many a bouquet of pink and white freesias and for breakfast in the Church Room followed young people, of all ethnic backgrounds, roses. Her sister Lizzie (to be married in St by a simple lay-led service at 9.30am with a solid and on-going centre full of fun, Leonards next April) and Chamika Hand lots of music. We know just how busy love and learning. They now run courses in were bridesmaids. Two young flower girls, everyone’s Sundays are, whether because computing, guitar, recorders, dance and of Nick’s nieces, added to the very pretty of sport or other family commitments, so course English lessons. For so many young group. people from this war-torn background It was a sincere and moving service and this is the first opportunity they’ve had to the young couple walked out into the glimpse a normal life and they are grasping sunshine to start their married life together. it with both hands. We send our love and good wishes to both Gill came the following day to speak to Becca and Nick. us in St Leonards and we were able to learn Baptism - It was with great pleasure we more of her work and plans for Novi Most. welcomed Reece Young into the church on It was great to have her back! Sunday 5 September. Surrounded by family On Sunday 29 August, with so many and many friends, Reece was brought to family and friends around them that many Baptism by his parents Graeme and Lauren had to stand, Becca Fleckney was married and his little sister, Bethany, whom David to Nick Williams. Sweet-smelling lilies

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 we hope to encourage our younger families to join us – leaving the rest of the day free. This doesn’t mean you need to have High Flyers children to come, we welcome everyone – particularly if you like pain au chocolat….. Harvest Festival - As people came into church for our Harvest Service at 6pm, they in the described it as ‘glowing’ – so wonderfully strong were the oranges and reds of the flower decorations. To this was added the produce and the younger members of the Hilltops congregation who helped with the readings The glorious weeks of June and July have and the prayers as well as the organisation. Thank you all. brought at least two unusual visitors to When David said Grace, people were still our villages. The Commons are well-known arriving – we were over eighty this year. for the wide variety of butterflies that Supper was excellent – generously cooked and donated by so many people and the live there as a result of the sympathetic auction, in the expert hands of Messrs. management regime which the HCCPS and Joseph and Baddon (not forgetting their its worthy volunteers provide; but this year able young trainee, Callum) made a great the usual suspects have been augmented contribution to church funds. It was an evening of friendship and laughter! by one of the most spectacular butterflies in the UK - the purple emperor. o named because, in the sun, the some time. There is no doubt from her male flashes bright purple across its description that this was the same species - Sotherwise mainly dark wings, it was in all probability a male. a prized target of Victorian collectors. It is In good weather, purple emperors are also one of the most difficult butterflies to known to fly far from their usual woodland photograph because it spends most of its habitat - the nearest known colony is in life at the top of oak trees! Woods - but it is equally possible The first report came from John and Ann that our local woods contain colonies that Horn, who found a very large butterfly in have never been recorded, so elusive is this their St Leonards conservatory and called rare beast in spite of its size. Its rarity is such me to go and have a look. It proved to be that I am only aware of two previous local W.H.A Upholstery a female - no purple, but even larger, with visits in recent years - one in 2006, when a TSILAICEPS YRETSLOHPU-ER TSILAICEPS about a 9cm wingspan - much larger than very friendly male flew round our garden NI any ‘garden’ butterfly. This one was, sadly, pond before settling on my father-in-law’s ERUTINRUF NREDOM & EUQITNA EUQITNA & NREDOM ERUTINRUF at the end of its short life, but we managed shirt; and a more recent sighting by the SREVOC ESOOL OSLA ESOOL SREVOC to get a photo, which is shown here and Hilltop News editor, when a male settled on in glorious colour on the inside cover his window sill. noitagilbO oN setamitsE eerF setamitsE oN noitagilbO alongside a male for comparison. So next June and July we should keep a )yaD( 128268 49410 128268 )yaD( The very same day, Katharine Dallas lookout for these magnificent creatures - )sgninevE( 012125 82610 012125 )sgninevE( saw something that she first of all thought and, please let me know if you see one, or could be a bat - so much larger was it any other unusual butterflies, at any time enaL tehctaW ,pohskroW ercaelaH 12 ercaelaH ,pohskroW tehctaW enaL than a normal butterfly. This one was on 758379. RD0 61PH .nednessiM taerG ,llihsgniK elttiL ,llihsgniK taerG .nednessiM 61PH RD0 near the brickyard and flew above her for David Dennis

28 Hilltop News Hilltop News 29 HILLTOP NEWS NATURE NOTES make horse whips to scare off evil spirits. Elder was commonly used in hedgerows as it was seen as a cheap and quick growing “When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl” stock barrier. There is a heavy crop of ripened haw fruit already weighing down the slender Perhaps one of the scarcer trees we and author who used to live nearby in hawthorn boughs. This bounty of fruit is encounter along the hedgerow or in oak . He relates the story of a consequence of last winter’s extreme walking on Cholesbury and Hawridge harshness. In turn this will support the woodland is the crab apple. This autumn Commons and noticing the number of anticipated large flocks of redwings and we appear to have a bumper crop of fruit apple wildings which had sprung up. fieldfares we should see this winter. locally, with apples ranging in colour from Wildings result from those discarded apple I read the other day that the latest threat to our bumble bees comes from yellow through orange to crimson and cores. As nearly all apples are combinations of rootstock and cultivars, the resultant inbreeding due to the risk from population brightest pink. The name, ‘crab’ is said to fruit may be a throwback to an early After a wretched winter, and what some isolation, which makes them increasingly be derived either from the Norse word known variety more like a crab apple or would say an indifferent summer, we are susceptible to disease and pests such as the skrab, which means ‘scrubby’ or from maybe an unknown and tasty find. There is experiencing a few warm sunny, if showery, parasitic mite. There are several bumble one apple variety, first found in 1883 and late summer and early autumn days. Not bee species that particularly populate the Viking word scogs, meaning ‘fruit’. unique to this area, known as the Bazely ideal for most insects, but one of the more upland parts of Britain such as the Chiltern Because of their white blossom they were Apple - thought to be a corruption of By- or prominent late summer visitors to the Hills. I don’t suggest they are particularly distinctive long-living features in the Best-of-Lee, which can still be found in one garden, the dragonfly, does well in such in peril but we can do our little bit to humid conditions: and does a great job for landscape. In Anglo-Saxon charters they or two gardens locally. encourage them. Rather than throw out In October, over the past 21 years, there the gardener hunting down pests. those old bean bamboo canes, cut them are found frequently recorded as boundary has been a celebration of our heritage of From our back garden over the last into six inch lengths, bundle together and way marks. English apple varieties. This year ‘Apple three months there has been a near daily with some old twine, and lay on some old plaintive outcry of a juvenile buzzard bricks to provide a winter refuge - much s apples need to be cross-pollinated, Day’ is on 21 October and a number of pubs mewing and competing with a couple cheaper than those sold in garden centres! crab apples may also be found in the Chesham area are participating in of guffawing adolescent great-spotted Instead, use the money saved to buy some as the pollinator amongst more the celebration, including our own Rose A woodpeckers. At first the youngster was lavender bushes, hollyhocks and foxgloves recent varieties in old orchards. Through and Crown, by putting on real cider and atop a tall tree and the parents were to encourage more bees to your garden. cultivation, this tree is the precursor of apple dishes and raising a glass to celebrate spiralling above, encouraging their I have several books on mushrooms many of the 6,000 or so varieties of ‘eaters’ the apple! reluctant ward to fledge. More recently the and other fungi, and I studiously trailed and ‘cookers’, of which but a fraction * * * parents have not been seen so frequently around with Clive Carey pointing out survive for us to enjoy today. With their Swifts are one of only a very few birds and are probably travelling further afield. which are safe to eat and which to avoid distinctive tart flavour, crab apples also that never purposely alight on the ground. Buzzards favour wooded valleys and in the on his annual fungal forays across the make excellent pickle, jelly and jam; or in By now the swifts are on their migration to Chilterns their numbers have been steadily Commons. Despite this and the bumper an Elizabethan dish they can be roasted tropical Africa. On this journey they sleep increasing over the last 30 years. crop of fungi, I do not feel confident to try with meat until they sizzle. Historically, a and feed on the wing, collecting flying Aside from the odd crab apple there are any out with bacon and egg yet. However, most valued wine (or more correctly cider) insects in cheek pouches. Temperatures several other autumn fruits on show. The it’s still fun to play I-spy and see how many called verjuice was fermented from the above the Sahara overnight fall to well elderberries are almost ripe as I write and different colours and interesting shapes apple. Verjuice is from the Medieval French below zero. Whilst larger migrating birds each day the wood pigeons that keep noisy and distinctive odours there are around this - verjus - referring to the green colour such as geese can tuck their legs into their company with us dive bomb nearby bushes autumn. of both grape wine and raw cider and is down-filled rumps, swifts are built for to quality-check the produce. In medieval still referred to in modern-day recipes. speed and agility so there is no facility to The quote in the title above is from Love’s times elder was believed to have magical Medicinally, it has apparently long been insulate their legs. Instead, unlike their Labour’s Lost by the Bard. That’s all this powers. Grown near the house it acts as a used to treat scalds and sprains. cousins the swallows and martins, swifts time. As always, your observations and deterrent to vermin, the devil and warts. Some readers may be familiar with the have uniquely evolved legs with their own questions are welcome. chrisbrown@ The superstition continued well into the writings of Richard Mabey: a naturalist downy feathers for protecting their legs rayshill.com 758890. from the cold. nineteenth century as it was also used to

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 A Grand TOWN FARM OPEN STUDIO Open for one weekend only: Friday 26 - Farewell to Sunday 28 November 10am-5pm An art show to get you in the mood for the festive season! Enjoy mulled wine Ivor! and mince pies whilst browsing the unique, handcrafted gifts, Christmas More than 120 people gathered to fill the decorations and cards on display. Church at The Lee on Tuesday September Join Sue Richardson and other local artists showing paintings, prints, 7 for the Revd. Ivor Cornish’s Farewell sculpture, ironwork, textile art and Communion Service, followed by a ‘Bring jewellery. and Share’ supper. Find us at 6,Town Farm, Cheddington, he Service began with a procession Nr Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 OTT of Clergy, Choir and Churchwardens (Please park in the High Street not in Tand was introduced by the Revd. Town Farm). David Burgess. The Lesson was read by the To see examples of our work go to: Revd. John Hull and Ivor led the Service, www.townfarmopenstudio.blogspot.com during his Ministry with us. He thanked giving communion to everyone partaking David Burgess for allowing him, as a Curate, Supporting Iain Rennie Hospice at by name. to “do his own thing” - something, he said, Home, Tring. (Reg. Charity: 297847). The Sermon was listened to with that is not always the case in a Parish! fascination as Ivor interspersed his helpful We know that, apart from dealing interpretation of John’s reading, 1 with official duties, his time given visiting Corinthians 6:1-11, with his most interesting and helping the needy has been greatly and at times very humorous stories and appreciated. The full Church spoke for itself statistics of his Ministry, including the with so many friends and representatives of Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals he had, most of the Wendover Deanery Churches, in his own words, been privileged to take. along with the Area Dean himself. Ivor also thanked everyone for coming When the Service had concluded David along and for the support he had enjoyed thanked Ivor for his dedicated work during his time with us and presented him with a very generous cheque, made up of donations from the four Hilltop Parishes, to be enjoyed in his retirement. David said it was for Ivor to do with as he wished and Ivor, whilst thanking everyone, said in his usual quick way, “I like this idea of retirement – being able to do what I like!” Enjoy it all Ivor. Have a very happy, long and healthy retirement – we shall miss you in the Hilltops! Ann Horn

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 swift establishment. October is an ideal time to plant most trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. • Cut lawns on a high setting in late October for a final cut. • In November clear any remaining debris from the vegetable plot or allotment. • Tulips are best planted in November to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. • There is still time to order summer flowering bulbs. • Acers, vines and other plants that ‘bleed’ badly in spring can be pruned now.

Finally, please don’t forget subscriptions are due now and are still only £2 for the year! Please contact Diana Garner on 758347 to either join or renew your subscription. We hope to see as many of you as possible at our final event of the year: our AGM, Quiz and Supper on Friday 19 CHOLESBURY cum horticultural classes as well as super craft, November at Cholesbury village hall. ST LEONARDS preserves, bread and cake making. • Order fruit trees and bushes early as the Barbara Baddon We also had very good numbers entering most desirable cultivators often sell out Horticultural Society Committee HORTICULTURAL the photography classes, again with some quickly. SOCIETY fantastic quality photographs. It was also • Net brassicas to protect against damage lovely to see some great junior entries in from pigeons. the children’s classes too. Thank you to all After a hot and dry early summer, the wet • Plant bare rooted fruit and ornamental those who took part in the show or came to August came as quite a shock and by early trees as soon as they arrive. look around and join us for tea and cakes. • Rake up leaves from the lawn and stack September autumn seems to be firmly Our congratulations go to all the prize them to make leaf mould. upon us. winners and to Carys Gadsden who took • Raise containers on to pot feet to prevent ‘Best in Show’ with her super cacti. damaging water logging. any of you supported the Garners’ • Prune roses on exposed sites to prevent Open Garden in the summer in Jobs to be getting on with in October and wind rock. aid of the NGS: in total about M November • Lift potatoes, beetroot and carrots and 500 people visited and enjoyed their lovely • Harvest any remaining squashes, store in frost-free, dry conditions. gardens. A great deal of hard work was pumpkins and marrows before the first • Plant strawberry plants or rooted runners needed especially as Diana and John had to frosts of the season. into well prepared soil or pots. contend with a very dry June and July. • October is an ideal time to lay turf on to • Lift and divide rhubarb crowns. Early September saw our Annual well prepared soil. • Lift cannas and dahlias once the foliage Horticultural and Craft Show move to St • Cut out fruited canes of hybrid berries has been blackened by frost. Leonards and luckily we had a dry day. and tie in the new growth. • Shred and compost woody material. We had increased numbers of people • Pick any remaining apples and pears • Divide herbaceous perennials. competing which was fantastic and the before they become frosted. • To propagate evergreen shrubs, take judges were very complimentary about • Finish planting spring flowering bulbs semi-ripe cuttings now. the standard of entry across the show. such as narcissus and crocus. • Plant hedging plants 18-24in apart for These high standards were seen in the

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 HAWRIDGE & CHOLESBURY SCHOOL

Charity and competition… he new school year kicked off in style with our annual ‘Good to be Us’ Tfortnight, easing the children into the curriculum and giving them a chance to get to know their new teachers and reconnect with the learning process. Then Year 6 (our oldest class) got straight down to work running a charity coffee morning in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Fund. The pupils took on all aspects of running the event, liaising with the charity’s offices and sorting out advertising, sending out invitations, decorating the venue, setting up and serving refreshments. They also arranged that, as the guests sipped tea, (and feasted on the delicious cakes on sale) took place alongside the rather more there was entertainment in place too! traditional piano and violin pieces, all This took the form of music and dance receiving tumultuous applause from a performances by many of the students. most appreciative audience. A grand raffle Street dancing and electric guitar renditions with prizes including a most beautiful ‘Macmillan’ cake, made by parent Mrs Sue George, raised much excitement and further money for this marvellous cause. Well done Year 6! Further fundraising (this time in aid of the school itself) took place as we asked for donations of apples and pears (windfalls) to be deposited into a trailer in the school car park. The contents were used to make this year’s ‘Hawridge & Cholesbury School Juice’. Sales of this ‘fine beverage’ have always been a great boost to our school funds and hopefully this year will be no exception. Finally, we need to warn the staff of Hilltop News that there will soon be stiff journalistic competition in the form of our new school magazine, written and distributed by Class 5. Watch this space ! So, the school is looking spick and span and everyone is definitely “back in the groove”. Roll on Christmas... Kay Bass 786016

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 SHORT TERM EXPERT HELP FOR CHARITIES Are you a senior executive, senior manager or skilled professional who is job-seeking or facing redundancy? Would you be interested in joining an Interim Expert Panel where you could use your experience, knowledge and skills in short-term assignments to support voluntary and community organisations? Induction into the panel will be covered at two executive workshops developed in partnership with Aylesbury College. The workshops, at venues across the county, deliver an induction into volunteering and the not-for-profit sector, increase understanding about work as an interim manager or consultant and much more. Future workshops are planned for 13 and 20 October in Aylesbury and 9 and 16 November, venue to be confirmed. To book a place contact: Chris Hodgetts 01296 337542 chris@ communityimpact.org.uk

38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 THE THURSDAY CLUB 100 CLUB

he Club’s 2010–2011 programme The need to go to press earlier than usual starts on 21 October at 7.45pm with a this time has meant that the results of the Ttalk by Dr. Tony Maisey – ‘Spare Part Surgery’. September draw have not been included in This is a humorous look at the history this issue. All will be revealed in the next of the subject followed by a thoughtful Hilltop News. approach to solving the problems that the new technology creates. It will be presented in a way that will not shock or worry the squeamish but will leave you with some interesting thoughts to talk about over coffee or tea. Admission: members £2; non-members £3 - refreshments will be served. The £4 members’ annual subscription is due at this meeting (no increase from last year!!). 18 November at 2.30pm will be the usual afternoon meeting for games, chat, tea and coffee. 21 December at 7.30pm is the social evening with entertainment by Dave Clarke and Friends, including raffle and shared supper (BYOB). Admission: members £2; non-members £3. Anne Lake

40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 Hilltop News We welcome all news, letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Material for inclusion in the December/January edition should be sent to Graham Lincoln, Imogen Vallance (Societies), or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by 9 November latest. Please note that photos sent online must be at least 2,500 x 1,750 pixels in size. Editor Graham Lincoln 758449 [email protected] Societies, Diaries Imogen Vallance 758552 [email protected] Co-ordinator/Church Matters Anne Butterworth 758700 [email protected] Advertising Ann Horn 758250 [email protected] Design & Production Michael Spark 758882 [email protected] Photography Oliver Parsons 758694 [email protected] Distribution Rosemary Pearce 758334 Printer Strongs, 01442 878592 [email protected] Hilltop News is entirely non-profit making and is funded by advertising. Supported by Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Parish Council.

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