HALLMARK

The Lacey Green and Loosley Row Magazine

NOVEMBER 2010 NUMBER 216 ESTABLISHED 1970 Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Hallmark

with any comments about the parts Looking forward, the History you do or do not like. Group are planning a major One piece of feedback I had was exhibition in March next year. If that the glossy paper was hard to you have any historical artefacts or read, so I am trying a less glossy would like to help, please see the finish in this issue, I hope it looks appeal on page 33. good. Looking even further ahead we will I have used a photograph for the have local elections here at the cover for this edition - my thanks to begining of May. I plan to include John Tyler for supplying it. In some articles on local politics into general I would like to continue the the February Hallmark. If you are tradition of having an artistic front politically active or belong to an cover rather than using topical organisation that is involved in local photos. If you or someone you issues, get in touch and we can discuss how you can contribute to I’m still experimenting with the new know, has an artistic talent, please the articles. format of the magazine and would do suggest a piece of your work for really like to get your feedback. use as a cover. It does not have to Mike Piercy Please drop me a letter or an email be paintings - items such as pictures Editor of sculptures would be welcome. Lacey Green Community Plan

This is very much a last minute shop manager. We would probably effort to produce something for have to forget about the extra your entertainment and education. meeting space and the affordable So, a bit about the Parish Plan. I housing, but you can’t have have to say that there has been very everything. little progress in implementing any We are also anxious to lessen the of the actions identified. impact of traffic – no pun intended. A main reason is that almost all our Despite the 30mph speed restriction, effort has been focussed on the there is still a handful of people that shop, and this is likely to continue. Included in the Parish Plan actions think that this limit doesn’t apply to Whilst the shop is proving to be an is the ‘Parish Project’, which would them. I had occasion a short while asset to the villlage, it is still only provide a facility incorporating a ago to speak to a driver who chose open on weekday mornings, and we shop, a meeting room and some to overtake me just past the Black want to extend the opening times, affordable housing in Lacey Green. Horse when I was travelling at initially to the weekday afternoons. This does depend on the availability about 28mph. He suggested that I However to do this we must have of a suitable piece of land in or near was travelling too slowly, and some more volunteers to run the to the centre of the village. certainly wasn’t prepared to admit shop. At the risk of serious repeti- to doing anything wrong. It’s not tion: This concept was always rather the first time it has happened, and it optimistic, and for a larger shop we is unlikely to be the last. With this may have to settle for a portacabin kind of attitude, it is difficult to or similar. This is not at all know how to remedy the situation. unreasonable, and the Hughenden Anyone got any new ideas? Valley shop is a successful example of what can be done. To start with, A plea on a more personal level. I all we need is a place to put it. We have been Chairman of the Parish would then need to raise sufficient Community Planning Group for funds to set up in business, and a eight years, and it is high time that larger team of volunteers, although someone else took over, not least to 2 it might be possible to have a paid provide new direction and ideas. What’s On DATE AND TIME EVENT LACEY GREEN

November 25th, 26th, and 27th LGP Dinner Theatre - Rumours see CHRISTMAS CONCERT page 11

Friday December 3 School Xmas Fayre SUNDAY 5th DECEMBER 2010 Sunday December 5 6pm Lacey Green Singers Christmas Carol Concert 6.00 PM

Monday December 6 7:30pm Parish Council meeting. Open to the public LACEY GREEN VILLAGE Sunday December 19 Astronomy vs Astrology HALL See below Wednesda January 19 Horticultural Society: Tickets £5.00 to include History of the British Garden refreshments First Tuesday of the month Pub lunch at the Black Horse Featuring December 7 & January 4 Bette Tyler 01844 344207 LACEY GREEN SINGERS All events will take place at the Millennium Hall except where stated. And See page 38 for the schedule of Christmas events at the Church ST JOHN’S CofE PRIMARY Astronomy vs Astrology SCHOOL This year’s Astro Talk by Chris Dignan covers two topics for the price of one! “Astronomy vs Astrology” and “The Big Bang Machine” Tickets from Fran Hall takes place on Sunday 19 December at Lacey Green Village Hall. Please 01494 562842 arrive 6.45pm for 7pm start. Tea, coffee and other drinks included in the £5 ticket price (U-18s: £3). To book your place, telephone Val or St John’s School Brookhouse on 01844 344207 / email: [email protected] Letters

This is the first opportunity I have Your support was amazing and so enormously in getting us through had to give a huge public “Thank welcome on such an unexpected this difficult time. you” to everybody who has written, occasion. Words cannot fully Again a sincere “Thank You” rung, attended and donated in express the appreciation of all the memory of my husband John. family. Suffice to say you all helped Joan West Arcadia, Stocken Farm

Recently I was invited to attend the themselves and having fun, as well and instruct our youth, and I would Loosley Row and Lacey Green as learning new things. They were like to say a big thank you to them. Youth Club at the Village Hall, to all so polite, and it was a real We are very lucky to live in a village show the young people some lace pleasure to be there with them. We where there is a Youth Group, and and let them try their hand at hear so many bad and negative I know that more volunteers are making lace. I felt I would like to reports on the young behaving always needed . report just how impressed I was, it badly and getting into trouble. We was so refreshing to see so many owe a lot to the leaders and Jill Baker youngsters really enjoying volunteers who turn up to organize 3 Chairman’s report have a fantastic amount to offer you Someone keeps moving the kettle here at the Hall. and trays and fiddling with the All of the activities that take place at heating controls – you know who the Village Hall are very well you are! supported and some even have I was saddened the other day when waiting lists. The hall remains I was told that someone had taken available to hire on a Tuesday the W.I. banner flagpole base. I do afternoon and Thursday morning. hope this was an oversight by Despite receiving many enquiries someone and that it will be returned there are currently no weekday to them as soon as possible. Petty evenings available and weekends pilfering has an impact on everyone until next year are pretty full. Our as these bases are not cheap, worries at the beginning of 2010 especially as it was made to order have thankfully not materialized and for them by Gommes Forge. 2011 is looking promising. Please continue to support and How is it possible that Mike Piercy The new storage area is now in full enjoy all of the village activities, has been editing Hallmark for a year use and has made a difference to especially during the forthcoming already? Time certainly flies by but the ease of use for so many. We will festive season. be rolling out our new chairs soon I’m sure that we will all agree that Wishing you all a very Merry so hopefully a more comfortable he’s doing a great job and changing Christmas and here’s to a future is in store. the printer and paper has made such prosperous and Happy New Year a difference to our wonderful Please remember that we are all for us all. magazine. volunteers at the Village Hall and as As I have mentioned many times, it is so busy we need to remain Clive Hodghton for such a small community we mindful of the other users of the hall and can you all please leave Millennium Hall Chairman things where we find them! From our local Police Marea Logon from our local Police luckily there is not much happening, like to speak to us they can just team has sent us a quick update on however I can report that 2 males approach us. We may be in uniform what the team has been doing in the were arrested recently for stealing and look scary but we are friendly. past month. scrap metal from a building site. It I cannot say the days we will be was due to the vigilance of the “ Let me start by introducing our there due to other schools and owner who called us promptly that local team: you have commitments. we were able get to site and arrested PC 4755 Andy Ralph them. Please can you all take extra care who is the NSO now the dark nights are in, locking We work closely with St. Johns (Neighbourhood tools away, locking outbuildings and School where we tag along on the Specialist Officer), making sure valuables are out of crocodile walk in the mornings, sight. stand outside the gate for school myself PC 6027 Marea patrol, attend travel plan meetings PC 6027 Marea Logan Logan NO and assemblies. PC Ralph attended Princes Risborough (Neighbourhood the school Wednesday as it is Neighbourhood Officer Officer) National Walk to School week with the school giving out stickers to say Longwick Road well done to those pupils who Princes Risborough and PCSO Lisa Roberts. walked. HP27 9HE Non emergencies 08458 505 505 With regards to Lacey This isn’t just for parents so if a Mobile 07815 555 990 member of the community would 4 Green and Loosley Row Obituary for John West accommodate officers and their families. Young John was not short of comrades. Also into the house moved his mother’s father (Grandad Crook) and Harry Floyd, who came temporarily to recuperate from bronchitis. Both were still with them thirty years later. John got friendly with the prisoners of war who worked on the farm. The bread they were given to bring for their lunch was often green with mould. They longed for crusty bread from the bakehouse. They begged worn out hessian sacks to make rope shoes to sell, for they were not given money. John secretly bought bread for them with the cash they made. Young Farmers He joined Princes Risborough Young Farmers Club at about eleven or soon after. He remained a member till obliged to leave at twenty five having been many years on the committee, acted as treasurer for years, and represented them in local and national competitions. He then became a vice president all his life. John was friendly with a number of girls in his teens. There was one he recognised but hadn’t really met when he came across her by the pig pens at Wycombe John was one of those now-rare farm and the animals in the fields Agricultural Show . He engaged people who lived at the same place nearby, for over four years before her in a friendly chat up. He was all his life. He was born at he died after a short unidentified on holiday from college eighteen Stocken Farm, lived in a collapse of his system. moths later, when she turned up at farmworker’s house for just over Born in 1937 Young Farmers. It has a nine years when we got married, reputation as a marriage bureau! where our three children, Trisha, His parents Dick and Hilda had We were married in 1961. Caroline and Richard, were born, taken Stocken Farm in September then moved back into the 1934. John was born in April 1937. Birth of the Partnership farmhouse when his parents moved Hilda had a weak heart after into a bungalow. After the Royal Grammar School at rheumatic fever and had been High Wycombe he went to Harper Thirty five years later we moved advised not to have children. This Adams Agricultural College in into another house on the farm and she ignored but John was to be an Shropshire from where he achieved our son Richard, his wife Maxine only child. one of the awards for best student. and their children moved into the 1939 saw the outbreak of the Back home it was not long before farmhouse. We had lived in the second world war. Every spare his parents made him a partner with new house, which he had grown to room at Stocken Farm was used by them in the farm business. love as there was a good view of the Bomber Command to So R.M.West and Son was 5 born. Over the years the watching the cricket at the Sports “I have always had the highest regard business grew out of all recognition. Club. He was an honorary local for John. His ability to navigate all Later Richard and Maxine joined insurance assessor for the National the difficulties faced by farming and the Partnership . John never retired Farmers’ Union for many years; on to take advantage of opportunities and went to the farm every day. committees of local farming was exceptional. His behaviour set In latter years he confined his input organisations including the liaison an example to us all and his to buying and selling and the cattle meetings with the District Council. character was a blend of kindness, passports and other requisite He somehow found time to visit commonsense and prudence, document filling. He enjoyed friends who were ill, which with the determination and consistency.” consultations with Richard They passing years became ever more “A long standing, valued and had a great respect for each other, frequent. He enjoyed reading respected committee member as he had also had with his father obituaries, amazed at other people’s raising money for the Royal before. achievements. He would not Agricultural Benevolent Institution. He was a ready volunteer with ideas Farm came first accept that the growth of his farm and close family was notable in any and suggestions” His personal life always had to way. “I have very fond memories of John-- consider the farm first. Before we fetching, carrying, washing up after were married, if I were to see him at Other people’s memories a fund raising event at the Sports all, I would join him wherever he Club - supporting whatever But I believe he will be most was working. Usually on some challenge he was given. What a remembered for his reputation. He machine or other. He would come zest for life” “Having become a would not agree so I take the to play tennis at my home but we much respected senior figure in the liberty of quoting from some of the never knew when. We had to fit farming community, his lovely letters I have received, the better our wedding in between harvest and sense of humour, companionship for you to know the man as others drilling. Later with the children we and good advice will be greatly knew him :--- would deliver picnic teas to the missed.” fields, having ours with John. “He offered so much I could go on, for I received over encouragement and advice in my The summers always seemed to be two hundred such letters and cards. early years of farming” sunny then. On rare days out and I beg forgiveness if I have put too “John was such a lovely man. His even rarer holidays with the family much but I was lost for words to visits to see Warren were always he relaxed and had fun for which sum up. Suffice to say he leaves appreciated by us both and I miss we all remember him so well. his wife, two daughters and a son my flowers” and seven grandchildren. The travel bug “I admired John as a businessman, a skilled farmer and horticulturist and Joan West His plan was to work really hard a kind friend” until he was forty and then to travel. “He has always been a great Actually he was nearer fifty when he encouragement to me in my job, really got the second ambition and also appreciative and under way, after which he always supportive to the Chiltern Arable had the next place lined up. And Group” as for the farm he was still going “He was a lovely man and a great there daily whenever we were at inspiration to Pete in Young home, right to the end. He had Farmers and a great support to me always grown superb vegetables, in Bucks’ Farmers’ Club” flowers for cutting and wallflower “We have lost such a dear man, a plants in the farm back garden, friend to us and our parents over so many of which he gave away. For many years. Happy memories of three years he belonged to the local cheerful smiles and greetings, all horticultural society enjoying those charity events, and of course showing in the competitions. the C.F.Group meetings, especially A summer Saturday the A.G.M. dinners so ably organised.” 6 afternoon would find him LGP LGP are on tour - well, Winslow nights we are able to serve you by Alan Plater and will be performed anyway. A dark Saturday evening in dinner and perform the play as well. at “Chipko”, Parslows Hillock in late October will see us performing a At the start of Neil Simon’s early April. Alan Plater CBE, whose new Murder Mystery with the title of “Rumours”, several affluent couples death was announced last June, has “Bound To Die” at Winslow Public gather in an out of town apartment written many plays and TV scripts, Hall. Written and performed by a to celebrate their host's wedding including Z Cars. “I Thought I small group of LGP members, anniversary. When they arrive, the Heard a Rustling” records what “Bound To Die” is sure to stretch the anticipated sophisticated scenario happens to ex-miner turned poet, little grey cells of the good citizens of determination and consistency.” definitely does not apply! You will Bill Robson, when he is appointed Winslow to their fullest extent. If you enjoy this. writer-in-residence at Eastwood know of any other organisation that branch library. would like to have an entertainment Some tickets are still available and It is the sixth production in LGP’s for a fund raising evening for charity, can be obtained by telephoning Theatre at Home series. Once again LGP will be happy to provide it with 01844 347518 or 01844 344207. we are indebted to Ann Noel and “Bound To Die”. As usual LGP will be giving the Andrew Clark for the loan of their Time for the LGP pre Christmas profits from this production to home for this play. Tickets will be production again. To be performed charity. Our total gifts to charities, on sale early in 2011 – watch this at the Village Hall on November 25th, since we started, have now topped space. 26th and 27th we are presenting Neil £40,000 and the charities for this production will be Iain Rennie As always, we are keen to attract new Simon’s farce “Rumours”. Once people to our group and would love again, on the Thursday night you will Hospice at Home and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. to hear if you are interested in taking be able to see a performance of the part in any capacity. Please phone play and be able to enjoy the licensed Our next production in early April 01844 344207. bar. On the Friday and Saturday 2011 is already decided upon. It will be “I Thought I Heard a Rustling” Peter Brookhouse Walk the Chalk Our team ‘Assured Life’ evolved as IRHH nurses, so we walked in his last year we enjoyed ourselves whilst Debbie and I walked the Chalk last honor. We wanted to raise money supporting an extremely worthwhile year. Four of us along with Debbie’s so that other local people can local charity. We plan to be there dog Bella walked the 9 miles. We receive the charity’s fantastic care again next year with our team plus my flowers” enjoyed the experience so much we and spend their final days at home any others who would like to join us. decided to get a team together to rather than in hospital. Taking part include friends, work colleagues and in the Chilterns Three Peaks Janey Goodearl clients. We managed to get a team Challenge is a great experience and of 14 people, 2 kids and 4 dogs together! There were 4 walkers from Lacey Green: Sara & Martin James who have just moved to the village, Debbie Tissot who runs Assured Future in Gt Missenden, Alli in Bucks’ Farmers’ Club” Gaffney, driving instructor AlliG and Janey Goodearl, local Alexander Technique teacher, the rest of our team were friends and work colleagues, we would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors who helped us to raise £1000. The father of one of our close friends was recently cared for by 7 Horticultural Society: Over The Garden Fence have is probably a winner. And to On 4 September, we held our round off, one of Adam’s “mark Annual Show. There were concerns your own” quizzes. The Supper is that the mixed summer weather NOT restricted to members, so if would limit the available produce, you would like see what an amiable but we had a near record entry, and and easy going bunch the gardeners a very colourful Show. Alison are, please join us. In fact, the same Shreeve won the Vegetable Section goes for the talks mentioned above. and the Hughenden Cup for the Tickets for the Supper from John highest total of points from the Burnett on 345750. Vegetable, Floral and Fruit Sections. I am writing this in the middle of Since the last edition, we had an Congratulations Alison, but this is October, and have just looked at illustrated talk in July, by Mr Keith the fifth year running, and some our Programme to see if you might Howkins about his Secret Garden. one must take up the challenge. receive Hallmark before our Unfortunately, it soon became Alison also found time to win the Pumpkin Supper. It is on 17 apparent to our longer standing Domestic Salver. The Marshall Cup November, so hopefully you will members that we had heard the talk for Fruit was won by Michael just do so. By then we will have put some years before, so to them it Hardy, as was the Bill Cleaver the clocks back, and the long dark was not much of a secret, especially Memorial Award for the Best nights will be upon us. But the as not a lot had changed! Anyway, Exhibit in Show, and Linda Taylor Horticultural Society’s Magic Carpet there was entertainment in the sheer won the Floral Cup. The Jubilee will whisk you through the winter. eccentricity. The September talk, Cup for the Best Entrant who has On Wednesday, 19 January, we which was very well received, was not previously won a trophy went have Mrs Barbara Askew giving the by Mr Edwin Rye who brought to a newish member, Patricia second half of her talk on the along some beautiful David Austin Johnstone, who did well with her History of British Gardens. She roses, and spoke very vegetables and fruit. We also gave was with us about 18 months ago, knowledgeably about them. vouchers to our youngest entrants and gave us a fascinating insight Fern and Ellie O’Shaughnessy for into the creation of some of the Between the talks, we had the their vegetables. Chris Boll entered country’s great gardens and the Hanging Basket Competition, at the an enormous Sunflower. families who owned them. On end of July. This followed a couple I will report on our B A H S Show Wednesday 16 March we have a talk of weeks of wet and windy weather, entry in the next edition. by Victor Scott about the Rare despite which we had 14 very good Flowers of Britain. Mr Scott is entries. The result was a dead heat Terry Fendom, Chairman renowned for his knowledge and between Sandra Moore and Linda presentation. The daffodils will be Taylor. out and a couple of weeks later we put the clocks forward. Not worth putting the barbeque away! Tickets for the Pumpkin Supper on 17 November are £5, and should be bought in advance, please, so that we know how many to cater for. The format will be much the same as previous years, a two course, hot, (or cold, if you prefer) knife and fork supper, with “seconds”, and a glass of wine. To be followed by the Judgment of the Pumpkins. Please bring along whatever you may have grown. We are looking for the biggest, smallest, heaviest, best looking and maybe the 8 ugliest, so what ever you Lacey Green and Loosley Row WI Our Autumn programme began obedience to many strict rules Two members were awarded with an illustrated talk by one of which included, as the title of her certificates for membership of 25 our most popular speakers: our very talk revealed, ‘NO PHONES ON years. own John Tyler speaking about SABBATH’! As we look forward to our AGM COUNTRYSIDE and to our great On going to press we are planning and Christmas Lunch we wish to relief the LOOP SYSTEM HAS to organise our annual VILLAGE invite past members who are now BEEN INSTALLED! QUIZ which is greatly enjoyed by very frail to attend our meetings In November we congratulated and all the village organisations which and our Christmas lunch thanked those members who have take part and which makes useful accompanied by their carers or a been meeting each week to repair funds for our Millennium Hall. relative (phone 01844 346469 to let the most comfortable upholstered Finally this month we will be us know). chairs purchased by Clive for us all hosting the Group Meeting on 26 I’m pleased to announce that the to enjoy. October. PUB LUNCH at the Black Horse is Our speaker was Mrs R.Wakeman This month we received the sad proving most popular. who had at one time been employed news of the death of Jean Munro by a family of orthodox Jews as Jean Gabbitas who had been a member for many their children’s nanny. She loved years. her role even though it involved The Phoenix Chairs All users of the Lacey Green Aylesbury Civic Hall. There was a and various other tools removing Millennium Hall will no doubt be small snag and that was that they the seats, turning them round and delighted to know that 141 are quite worn at the front - What replacing them with darned seats. upholstered chairs have been to do? After discussion it was Plastic buttons have also been purchased, so there will be no need decided that the seats could be purchased which fit on the chair to sit on the hard plastic chairs . turned round so that the worn side legs to prevent the chairs jamming is at the back and will not take so These new chairs are second hand, when they are stacked. These are at much wear. Ladies from the Lacey and have been purchased from the present being fitted. Green and Loosley Row Sewing Group have spent every Thursday The next step is to have the chairs morning darning the worn areas. thoroughly cleaned, and Clive has We have been supplied with coffee quotes and will be putting this in and biscuits from the Coffee hand shortly. Morning ladies, and as well as All we ask from you is that you do working there has been a great deal not fall asleep with this new found of chat. Three chaps have been comfort. working hard using screwdrivers Chris Baker

9 District and County Council News around £90m over the next 3 to 4 4.Announcement of findings 2012 years. This has been assessed by a 5.Government legislation to put summation of the affects on HS2 into place 20012/13 funding such as: a Council Tax freeze, cost increases from energy 6.Contract procurement 2014 and other utilities, increased service 7.Works commence 2015. demand in child protection and other vulnerable client areas added Philip Hammond conceded that the to the RSG reductions. If this is the business case for the project needs case then Service levels will further work and with his inevitably be affected. An immediate announcement of the preferred Y action has been to consult with staff shape it does look if more emphasis on 195 redundancies drawn from will be being placed on regional across the Council. development. He ruled out any upgrade on the existing West Coast High Speed Rail (HSR) Spending Cuts Main Line on the grounds of is another issue which continues to disruption and capacity. He also are dominating the Council agenda dominate the agenda. Philip confirmed that a link to HS1 at this time and I am afraid they will Hammond, Secretary of state for through London was being for a while yet. In year adjustments Transportation, visited Aylesbury considered. Most significantly he of £9.2M have already had to be last month which gave me an remains firmly of the view that HS2 made to the 2010/2011 budget. opportunity to ask him some direct is in the National Interest. Some of these are caused by questions about the proposals. I am sure that all of this means that Government Area Based Grant From his answers it does look the project will be pursued and it is being withdrawn. Some result from increasing likely that the likely that the Chilterns AONB will external pressures such as the Government’s preferred option will remain in the front line. The time to National Centre for Epilepsy, based be Route 3 i.e. the Amersham / make your views known will be in Chalfont St Peter, placing adults Wendover corridor. I say this early next year when the into our care, and others result from because the Exceptional Hardship consultation is launched. higher than predicted costs for Scheme is only to apply to that Meanwhile the County Council is services such as Looked after route and the Government’s formal holding the second ‘Summit’ on Children and Swan Rider having to announcement is to come in about Friday 15 October, focusing on the be addressed. In addition to these 6 to 8 weeks time which leaves very environmental impact the proposed savings £3M has been committed little time to adjust. However no HS2 on the Chiltern AONB. For from reserves to protect some route is yet ruled out and should the more information, you can visit the services for this year. Obviously this consultation process go against BCC web site, is only a short term fix as reserves Route 3 then route 2.5 may come http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc, can only be spent once. back into the frame. and follow the HS2 link under Have These adjustments are in addition to The programme for HS2 was You Seen? those forecast cuts in Government confirmed as: Revenue Support (RSG) as 25% In the mean time if you are being over 4 years. The actual amounts 1.Announcement of the preferred affected by the 2.5 proposals and will not be known until the route November 2010; this causing problems with buying and selling property then please let Comprehensive Spending Revue is 2.Public Consultation on the David Lidington (01296 482102) announced on 20th October and proposals February March 2011 know so that he can bring the even then it will just be headline for 3 months figures, the detail will come later. matter to Philip Hammond’s One estimate suggests that the 3.Analysis of Consultation for 6 attention. County Council will need to save months ending 2011

10 District and County Council News

Winter Maintenance pavements without fear of District combining to fund another. litigation; It is anticipated that these will be in of our roads is another area where place by early November. Bids for a · concerns have been raised. The Access to key strategic sites is further five bins have been exceptional winter conditions last kept clear when emergency registered with the Local Area year prompted a review of the way gritting levels are in operation. Forum for consideration in the maintenance is carried out. A Task The County Council has also set up 2011/2012 budget. and Finish group was set up to look a new ‘Service Information Centre’. at the way the service was delivered This Centre will give information on Wycombe Baby Unit and to make recommendations for Winter Gritting which can be is to reopen on 1st November after change. Particular emphasis was viewed on line by accessing the web shortages of midwives lead to a 3 placed on the minor roads and to site; www.transportforbucks.net month closure for safety reasons. see if a more local responses could alternatively contact them on 0845 The Unit is now fully staffed but the be achieved. This group has now 2302882. reported to the Cabinet with several Hospital stressed they need the recommendations which were Winter Grit Bins public’s support to keep it open. If accepted in full. These included: you would like to know more the The supply of Grit Bins is also a Bucks Free Press site has a write up. · Community resilience plans to be concern particularly on roads which www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/8 established in conjunction with are not prime gritting routes. It is 446399.Date_set_for_Wycombe_H parish councils to ensure that County Council policy to supply ospital_birthing_unit_to_reopen/ those at most risk are identified grit to the existing bins but not to and helped; fund the bins themselves so I have If you have a concern about either been working with the Parish council services my email address is · Building up a list of farmers [email protected] and my willing to clear snow from rural Council firstly to identify where bins are needed and then to find telephone number 01494 488315. roads during prolonged periods So if you would like to contact me, of ice and snow; funding for the bin. So far funding has been found from District and I will do what I can to help. · Giving advice for residents on County Community allowances to Paul Rogerson how to clear snow from fund two bins with the Parish and

WE ARE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY

08.30 TO 13.00 IN THE MILLENNIUM HALL.

WE STOCK EVERYDAY FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD REQUIREMENTS milk, bread, local eggs, biscuits, tinned food, cleaning products, frozen food, newspapers, pharmaceuticals, stationery, etc.

COMPETITIVE PRICES

CONVENIENT Within walking distance from most local homes — so no transport costs or worries 11 Youth Club

Youth Club Leader

Hours – max 4 per fortnight (Meets every other Friday 7.30 – 9pm)

Workload – a little planning and organising. We have a thriving youth club of surprisingly well behaved 10 – 13 year olds that has just lost its leader to a full-time teaching job. There are several regular helpers each week to provide a tuck shop, craft activities and help with supervision. We have access to other County and village resources. The club practically runs itself but needs an organised game here and there to engage those not using the other resources. To find out more Email [email protected] or telephone 345216.

Youth Club - 1 Year on out and chat. We also have two were taken by surprise this year and ladies – Cathy and Margaret - who have had almost 70 turning up for It all started just over a year ago work very hard to get them the last few sessions. It has to be when Joan Smith co-opted several developing their craft skills from said that this is too many for the village members willing or painting to knitting and cooking to space we have, however we had otherwise to help her run a Youth origami. I think the kids like being some people coming as guests Club. able to choose what they do rather (friends of members) which we Last year 70 young members joined than being directed, but what do I have unfortunately had to stop and although the average attendance know. As a last resort we engage this has had some effect. was 30. Everyone always them in some fun games where they We had a super leader last year – comments on how polite they all can get a few bruises but these are Amy Stothard - who can’t get are and on the rare occasions we rare. Oh and there is a tuck shop. enough of kids as she has left for a have to calm them down there are Occasionally we have a themed full time teaching job. Thanks Amy no arguments, and that is quite evening such as James Bond or for all you did. Hopefully by the categorically down to the parents – Halloween where the kids, aided time you read this we will have a yes I know they don’t sound like I’m sure by very supportive parents, replacement. Finally a thank-you your kids. dress up for the occasion. Visit the too to all our other helpers on the There are a variety of things for website for pictures – night without whom it wouldn’t be them to do such as air hockey, www.laceygreen.com. the success it is. other table top games, a Wii, table Having not had to worry about too Leigh Axe tennis and pool or they can just chill many youngsters all last year we

12 On The Farm The last three months are always makes corn deteriorate so the be done next week. It is cut and exceptionally busy, but this year necessary gluten drops. Only at chopped and put in the silage clamp after a good start, getting in the the very end of the season did this for winter feed for the animals. harvest became very frustrating due happen to the last 400 tonnes This We have to hire a contractor for this to the intermittent rain which often has to go for cattle feed, but in view as it is very tough and needs a fell in the night. At the very peak of the damp conditions it could special forage harvester. Meanwhile three weeks the crops never had have been much worse. numerous calves have been born, time to dry out. It was only after The combine was closely followed which are a delight. More about the much deliberation that we had by baling, straw carting, cultivating calves and cows next time. invested in a new dryer to replace and drilling for next years crops. Time now to settle down to a ours which was very ancient and Luckily the oil seed rape crop had winter routine of milking, feeding, slow. It was to prove a godsend. been the first to harvest without any scraping yards and doing all those When we could grab a days storms to knock it about and when things that had cropped up but had combining in a dry window of time, we were enjoying what turned out had to wait for that proverbial rainy very long hours would be worked to be the summer. This gave a day which despite the miserable because the better weather rarely pleasing 43% oil which would weather never seemed to come and held. Such a day’s work bringing in produce about 730 litres of oil per no doubt there will be day to day corn of up to 24% moisture would acre. This has a variety of uses problems as they occur. High take five days to get it down to the such as biodiesel, industrial oil and priority must also be given to requisite 14%. We were always an extremely good quality vegetable maintenance of machinery, playing catchup. Luckily the crops oil similar to sunflower oil. Of the buildings and land. Plenty to keep did not go down. If standing, the five fields of maize, including the us busy till Christmas. It seems a quality holds better. We contract one in which the maze was held one bit early but have a good one. to sell ours for bread making. Too has been harvested to date (9th much wet, especially when laid, October) the others will hopefully Joan West

13 Photo: John Sherlock Windmill under 5s

The coming weeks will see the new personal note, you are an amazing birthday board go up with a brightly lady Jane and how you manage to coloured rainbow - look out for our keep juggling so many balls all the fun Key Group display in the foyer. time I really don’t know. Another The children are currently enjoying big ‘thank you’ to Sue for really the new resources that are being bringing Windmills so far in such a borrowed from the Bucks Play short time and to Paula for her total Association. Giant Jenga, Snakes & dedication. With such a strong Ladders and a big bowling set – committee behind me, these last huge amounts of fun is being had two years have been wonderful! with these outside games. Due to the popularity of Windmills and changes in the admissions This term has started very positively The children will also be having fun policy, we strongly recommend with the children returning to pre- with some cooking activities, ICT putting your child’s name on the school raring to go and are enjoying games and role play opportunities waiting list now for a place in 2012. being back with their friends once are also planned. The Autumn term For details see our advert on page 7! again. Staff have also loved being is always a fun one with lots of back and modelling their new exciting themes and events ahead. Michelle Whiting uniforms! The new children have settled very well too. Chair stepped down A Very Dedicated Person This is my last Hallmark article as I Lots of exciting things have been I would like to bring to your have stepped down as Chairperson planned for the coming weeks and attention a very special and from Windmills. The last two years the main theme this half term is “All dedicated member of Windmill have been hard work but enormous About Me”. Each child will make Under 5s Pre-school, Jane Oakford fun and so rewarding. books they can keep which will who has just stepped down from include photos and pictures they In this era where parent led pre- her post as Treasurer. As Chair of have painted or drawn of all their schools are expected to be run like a the pre-school for the last two years important and favourite things. blue chip company and with so I have been very fortunate to have The children will be talking about many rules, regulations and policies worked with Jane and also to have their bodies, comparing eye colour to adhere to, it is through team her as a true friend, but had no idea and measuring how tall they are. work and determination that we are just how much hard work she has Later in the term, they will be succeeding. With the combined put into the pre-school over the having fun with a shapes and knowledge, hard work and personal years. Jane worked for Windmills numbers theme then will finish this sacrifices as well as all the help that for 9 years. At the AGM she half term with a children’s choice is received from others, however described her experiences: small, Windmills is flying high. week. “This is the end of an era for me. The needs and interests of the I feel confident that together our When I first became associated with children are very important and they next committee and excellent team Windmills my eldest son, Sam, was are a very big part of the planning of staff led by Sue Lake, which only a year old and now he is in process. The staff always encourage includes Paula Cunningham who Year 6, taking his 11+ and will be the children to talk about what they does a tremendous job behind the leaving St John’s next year. scenes, will continue to move enjoy doing and endeavour to When I first knew Windmills it was forward and that Windmill Under 5s deliver play and learning led by Leander who had been the will remain a first class pre-school. opportunities which meet the leader for 15 years, with her 2 children’s individual interests. I would like to finish by saying a big members of staff Jo and Helen. After half term, there will be lots of ‘thank you’ to Jane Oakford for The pre-school at the time was in fun with Halloween, Autumn and everything she has done with Hampden Village Hall and was Christmas themes, leading up to the Windmills and for all her looking to come back to Lacey Christmas performance at the achievements over the past 9 years, Green which was when I first got Village Hall on Monday 13 sometimes single handedly! She will involved through the Sports Club. be missed by everyone. On a The Sports Club then was really run 14 December. and sports club members to raise pre-school we know today with the the money required to transform the introduction of policies and Sports Club to nearly what it is procedures (I remember our first today. We held coffee mornings, proper set in 2002) which seem ever the first Indoor Car Boot Sale and changing and more recently the the first infamous Ladies Night introduction of EYFS and of course among other events. We managed not forgetting Ofsted. Not many to secure a grant from the parish people appreciate how difficult it is to council to help with the heating and be a committee-led pre-school relying a substantial anonymous donation on volunteer parents to step forward. from an elderly sports club member. The turning point for me for Without the help of Robert Dell, the Windmills happened during April building work would never have 2008 when both Sue, our supervisor, been completed. We moved into and Paula joined Windmills. I have the Sports Club in April 2004 for met some very special people who I the Summer Term. will always be friends with and have I have worked for 9 years on the had some of the best and worst down and with no proper heating, committee in various positions with times of my life but I would not kitchen, toilets - I could go on! 6 different chairs, 7 different change a thing.” A plan was hatched between the supervisors and numerous members then chair Amanda Williams, myself of staff and committee members. Joan Oakford and a few other dedicated mums Windmills was slowly moved to the Lacey Green Singers Review Stainer’S Crucifixion The Choir had worked hard to true potential as a well-rounded ensure the performance was a community choir. This concert sadly Lacey Green Singers performed an resounding success and they pulled had to finish with the choir saying act of worship and outreach in St it of on the night with their own goodbye to their Musical Director John’s Church on Palm Sunday. unique interpretation of the music. Amy Stothard who left us to take up They performed John Stainer’s From the comments after the a teachers post in St Albans. The Passiontide classic of “The performance from the audience choir gave gifts of their appreciation Crucifixion”. their interpretation had made for a for all her hard work and wished her Due to problems encountered with highly enjoyable evening. One well in her new career. gentleman was reduced to tears by soloists, the Choir Director Amy Lacey Green Singers are to be the passion and musicality involved. Stothard took the unusual step of congratulated on yet another couple turning the Tenor soloist part into 2 Songs from the UK of stunning performances and the Soprano solos; namely one sang as village can look forward to their the Narrator and the other as the Following this successful concert Christmas Carol Concert with relish Tenor, singing the main solos of the the choir set about their summer on Sunday 5th December at 6.00 pm piece. This worked extremely well concert with gusto. They chose to in Lacey Green Village Hall. Please on the night and all the soloists sing songs from around the United come along and support your local were to be congratulated for a fine Kingdom. A number of venues choir and village at this forthcoming performance. were investigated and it was finally concert. On the night the Singers sang to a agreed to hold this year’s concert in PS. If there are any budding large audience of about 100 – 120 Great Hampden Village Hall with Pavarottis, Robbie Williams or people from all over the wine and canapés as usual for our Shirley Basseys out there who would Buckinghamshire area. The choral summer event. Songs ranged from like to come and join us please do work was performed exceptionally ones previously sung like “Where come along. We rehearse on a well under the baton of Amy the gentle Avon flows” to new folk Thursday evening at 8.00 pm in St Stoddard and accompanied by songs from around the country. John’s school hall. For further Graham Nash. This concert proved to be a success all round. The weather was good to details please contact David Cook sang expressively as the event and a sell-out audience [email protected] the Bass soloist. Tara Chapman listened to the wonderful singing. sang as the Tenor soloist with Fran Fran Hall Once again the choir showed their 15 Hall singing the part of the Narrator. Happy Wanderers Walking Club

Sunday 24th July 2010 The morning was sunny but rather humid. Twenty three Happy Wanderers came to Saunderton Lee for the regular end of month walk. Leaving the lay-by close to the Rose & Crown we took the road over the railway bridge to the corner by Pound farm where we crossed a style to take a footpath heading for Rout’s Green almost at the top of the ridge.

Happy Wanderers 27.09.2010 Weekend Away counties! The visibility for the whole six mile walk was never more Our weekend away this year was than 150 yards, but amazingly spirits again in the Cotswolds, but to a were high with the thought that different area. Forty three most of us would survive to the pre- enthusiastic members were led by planned rendezvous for lunch. Ron and Beryl Goodearl on a fitness course in the Chipping Our route took us through Campden region. picturesque Broadway, where we spotted one coach and a party of Arriving on Sunday 26th September bedraggled Japanese tourists – we settled into the Three Ways definitely the end of the season! Hotel in Mickleton, the home of the Safely back at the hotel, showers famous Pudding Club. Almost and baths were never more immediately we set out on an welcome and we had those overcast afternoon to explore part puddings to look forward to. of the Cotswold Way north of Broadway, divided as always into Thank you Ron and Beryl for all the the ‘short walkers’ and the ‘long planning you put into making such a walkers’. This has nothing to do success of our annual weekend away. with stature but alleged stamina. It It was greatly appreciated. is what our previous Chairman, Ronnie Lewin, describes as ‘the Roger Brudenell ramblers and the amblers’. That evening the meal at the hotel was greatly enjoyed and particularly the traditional puddings. Little did we know of the extent of the adverse weather conditions we would face the next morning. We set off for Fish Hill car park in fine rain and dense mist. After members had been persuaded to get out of their cars, we battled through dense woodland and steep valleys to a viewing point where we were 16 assured that on a fine day, it was possible to see ten Happy Wanderers Walking Club

Quite a climb on a warm morning, but we were rewarded with great views over ripe corn fields to Lacey Green. Then we turned due north down a leafy path past Gallows Down farm and round behind Lodge Hill joining the path taking us back past the small herd of Red deer to the end of the walk. Our thanks to Marion and Les Hazell for leading the walk. R.G.

Sunday August 29th before descending back to the Risborough Road and West We were delighted when 26 Wycombe village. Our walk was members met at West Wycombe slightly longer than expected - Garden Centre including Andy approximately six miles so we who is totally blind, and who was arrived back at the car park a good an absolute inspiration on the walk. thirty minutes later than We hope we see him on a regular anticipated – leaving some basis. members late for their booked We made our way uphill to the lunch!! However, it was well West Wycombe ball along the worth it as it was a good walk, ridge to Bradenham. From there good weather, and good company. we climbed up to Naphill woods What more could you ask for! and then along to Cookshall Farm Helen and Ron Collins

17 Sports Club - Football Section that we now face in defence has not and are consistently taking 3 points rattled the side, but has given home. The atmosphere in the camp opportunities to other members to could not be better, and is fantastic prove their mettle. Solid to see such a vibrant mood amongst performances from newly signed the players. Tom Messenger to cover the Over the next couple of months, we absence of captain Nick Fisher has can expect the weather to become been heartwarming to watch. Also more rough and rugged, the innovative at the club is young greenest of pitches turning into Mark Johnson, a speedy winger mud baths and Ali Gayler tearing with lots of skill at hand. her hair out trying to keep the kit The season begins spotless. Asides from the football itself, we hope to be taking part in And so the league began on a the Lacey Green 5K Fun Run, and drizzly September morning. Apart to be holding a mid-season get from a 2-2 draw against AFC together at The Sports Club before Wellesbourne on the first day, we Christmas. have accomplished a seven game We shall also be attending our Welcome unbeaten run in all competitions, festive celebrations at The Pink and one and all to this November article progressing into the second rounds Lily this year, and shall be hopefully from your local village football team. of both the cup fixtures. A tough tie arranging our traditional Boxing at the hands of Aylesbury Cosmos The second season for Lacey Green Day friendly against The Lacey in ‘The Three Counties Cup’ will FC has not come too soon. The Green Cricket Team, when I hope determine whether we can be team are already in full flow and as the village will turn out to watch among the top sides pushing to win the table shows, in complete control. their local sportsmen play. this prestigious award. We knew after a successful first campaign, it was vital that the An impressive partnership in attack Thanks to sponsors has seen Mark Johnson and Ryan winning streak must continue. Our continued thanks to our team Maguire notch up twenty goals sponsors for next year. Duncan and Pre-season friendlies already this season, serviced by Shakira at The Pink and Lily, and valiant workmanship from our Our friendly games against ‘Main Lynne, Ian and Tony at The Black central midfielders Dan Lay and Road Rivals’ Naphill FC and Horse in Lacey Green have been James Taylor. Goalkeeper James Wantage FC finished 0-0 and 2-2 phenomenal in their support for Bartington has also gone from respectively, and although stalemate Lacey Green FC. We cannot be strength to strength, making some on both occasions, impressive more appreciative of their financial miraculous saves to keep us in the performances were displayed all kind will and gestures for last tightest of games. round. Our friendly against season, and am delighted of their Hazlemere always proves to be a Dreams of promotion sustained support for our second close one; a 1-0 win was achieved. season. Although a 2-0 loss was met at the By the way the league has set itself We would also like to forward our hands of Wye Rangers, it was some up in the early phase of the season; best wishes to the Cricket and of the most inspiring football I have it is obvious to see that we are not Tennis teams who I hear had a good ever seen at the club. The the only team with promotion summer which was all well attended. integration of new players and trial dreams. Last years’ promotion rivals The Black Horse will always be formations into the squad has The Stag FC and Beech Tree FC are entertaining their winter darts team worked positively, and has provided marking their territory in the race, and Aunt Sally squad during the ourselves with ideas to present to whilst Sunters Wood United FC year. Come up and rally your locals our opponents over the next year. also look like they’ll be a hard force on, it will always be a good pint and to crack. Injury crisis a giggle. Like I have always said, these are Without sounding too the games that test a real character, 18 dramatic, the injury crisis and the lads have risen to the task .....continued on next page Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Anyone who visits Aylesbury will have noticed the construction of the new Waterside Theatre with the exterior clad with 112 ‘timber fins’. The architect said that he was inspired by the sleek pines which cover the horizons of Aylesbury Vale. The theatre is large by provincial standards, seating 1,200 comfortably and rising to 1,800 people when converted for standing-room only. The theatre will be run by a management company who manage a dozen opportunities for the area, it seemed Unfortunately the provision of easy other big regional theatres - so they too significant an offer to refuse. access for the less sprightly should be well placed to book good But who to send? We needed a members of the audience was not touring acts. seasoned Thespian, steeped in replicated back stage and multiple theatrical tradition who would sets of steps took their toll on our I was sent a press invitation to tour know what to look for. intrepid reporter. Anyway, he the theatre before it opened (the So into the breach stepped noble survived the experience in good first perk I have seen for being enough humour (retrospectively) to editor) but was unable to go at the Brian Panter, whose theatrical background probably goes back to recount the tale, so I offer you his time allotted. As this will mean a first thoughts: doubling of the entertainment the era of gas lights.

architectural gem, but then hardly in, and the dressing rooms are any modern building is in better than the Swan’s. Alas 86 “ By the time this is read, Aylesbury, stating with Pooley’s years and an arthritic knee cut the everybody will have seen the Folly (the Council offices . Ed) tour short for me on a flight of Grand Opening on TV of the backstage stairs, but I had seen long awaited new theatre . Inside it is a gem. The foyer is spacious and tall, designed as a enough to know that this is a I was invited by the Editor to take place to socialise outside theatre we are lucky to have and his place on a tour of the theatre. It performance hours. Technically it can all enjoy. is an impressive place. From the is a universe away from the Brian Panter outside it is not, in my opinion, an theatres server my apprenticeship

Football continued

If you require information regarding More results and league tables can supporters, and would like to wish Lacey Green FC, please email us at be found at everyone a Merry Christmas and a [email protected]. www.football.mitoo.co.uk. We are Happy New Year. also in The Bucks Free Press every We need trainers, coaches; whatever Ben Foster you can bring to the team will be Friday under the sports section, more than appreciated. which gives a round up of all the action in the High Wycombe We are also on Facebook under Sunday Combination. Lacey Green FC, so you can have regular updates on the scores and Lacey Green FC would like to send news surrounding the clubs players. their utmost thanks to all their 19 Hampton Palace prizes

was deemed too young to be allowed on site and had to view and direct progress through an Internet webcam. Alex was delighted when the garden won the Silver Gilt medal for small gardens. Ed

James Callicott is a keen young painted. An easel in the middle of gardener who is one of the the garden has a replica of the youngest designers to have entered garden but in reverse. a show garden at the Hampton When it came to constructing the Court Palace flower show. James garden, James’ mentor designed a garden called “The recommended Alex Stallwood who Artist’s Garden” based on the idea lives in Lacey Green (see his advert of “why do painters paint plants”. on page 31). Alex and a colleague Half of the garden is planted while built the exhibit. Due to the the other half of the garden is wonders of health and Safety, James 5KM Fun Run

Gets under way on October 3rd at the School. Not so many entrants as previous years and poor weather. But I’m sure the runners had fun

20 On holiday in Vancouver Pat and Dennis spent their summer With these facts well to the back of fine sightings, accompanied by hefty holidays in Vancouver, guests of our minds (!) we concentrated on snorting and blowing as the whales Pat’s younger sister Sheila. They the showcases of First Nation broke the surface, followed with an looked forward to a wonderful trip, artefacts; many hundreds of pieces almighty splashing and thrashing as including meeting up with their new boldly carved from pine and they arched up and over and back great niece Kensie van de Velde. painted brightly in traditional and again into the heaving water. significant patterns. In the end we They write “A fortnight was far too Famous market short a time to ‘do’ everything in this simply tired of trying to read the imposing, exciting city of skyscrapers, accompanying information and just To be at your best on a hectic trip, still glistening and sparkling after its focussed on absorbing the sights. as ours proved to be, you need to pre-Olympic ‘wash and brush up’. We did learn much of the eat well - and so we did. A ten- subjugation of the native peoples minute walk from Sheila’s Vancouver Art Gallery however and are newly aware of apartment is the justly famed and their twenty-first century concerns. A visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery incredible Granville Island Market. with its highly acclaimed collection Meat, poultry, bread, confectionery, of national and international art was fish, cheese – it’s all there and if an obvious ‘must’. We went on a we’ve not mentioned ‘fruit and veg’ ‘donation’ evening, no entrance fee it’s because the displays of these are but a donation as one’s bag was an art form in themselves. Banks of security checked. The queue for pineapples, carefully stacked entry seemed to stretch for ever pyramids of apricots and black through the city streets; a powerful cherries – custard-yellow gourds reflection of the general public’s tastefully surrounded by dense interest. clumps of broccoli – an endless list to make the mouth water! The current exhibition ‘The Impressionists’ includes many Day trips to mountains sketches of ladies stepping into Each day, accompanied by Sheila, baths. Chilly! We decided this was an excellent and experienced city not for us, so moved upstairs to an guide, we visited yet another interesting display of works by, and interesting venue: Stanley Park, with inspired by, Emily Carr, a well its spectacular totems and fearless known British Columbian artist Totem - Stanley Park racoons running wild amongst the whose works span much of the 20th visitors, Cypress Mountain with its century. Maritime history incomparable views, and on our last Her earlier works, simple paintings complete day, the two hour drive to of North West Coast Indians, their Vancouver is a city with a fine Whistler, major venue of the Winter wooden houses and their totem maritime history, a city of bridges Olympics. This was the highlight of poles, were a fascinating way to learn and waterways which teem with our holiday, with a twenty five more about these people. This was shipping of all kinds, from the tiny minute cable car journey, almost to nothing to do with the Great Plains waterbuses, to the vast ocean-going the top of the mountain, and a Indians with their feathers and liners and loaded container ships, a second ride for ten minutes on the wigwams as depicted by Hollywood far cry from the Indian braves of amazing ‘Peak to Peak’ stretch, and absorbed by us in our youth! the past who would paddle their considered a great engineering canoes thousands of miles south achievement. The only really wet day of our through the Pacific as far as holiday saw us in the Vancouver present-day California to trade. We were happy to celebrate our 56th Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Wedding Anniversary at the By now we had become more PC For his maritime experience, Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park. aware and understood that the Dennis signed on for a ‘whale Perhaps we’ll go back there for our aboriginal people of the country are watch’ a six-hour adventure in a Diamond bash!” known as the First Nations; the small boat tracking a pod of Orcas word tribe is replaced by band. to the mouth of the Fraser River. Pat Syrett Patience was rewarded with some 21 Black Horse

for this has been tremendous, I would like to wish my customers people who have lived in the village and staff a really happy Christmas for a long time who never knew and a happy New Year. each other have met over lunch, Well done Lisa, Ian, Jo, John and long may it continue. If you are Charlie and of course not forgetting interested ring the pub and I will Rubble for doing the charity walk pass you on to the organisers to for Iain Rennie Hospice, I am very book you into the next one. proud of you all and especially of We are proud to say we are in the Rubble. Also well done to Ian Good Beer Guide 2011 and the Smart and his brother for the Good Pub Guide 2011, this is such tandem ride they did for charity. good news, we have worked hard in the last few years to get into these Lynne and Ian publications, especially the good beer guide, both of these are now on sale. It just does not seem possible that Breakfasts are still doing okay, if CHIMNEY SWEEP we are taking bookings for our you haven’t poped in and tried one, Christmas dinners, time just seems come in and have a go you will not to fly by these days, the older you leave hungry. The new season of NO MESS get the quicker time rolls by. Our dominos and crib have started and Christmas menu is now out: we are darts start next month. We need PROFESSIONAL SERVICE doing a two course plus coffee and some new darts players, are you mince pies for £18.99 per head and interested? Good luck to all my a three course plus mince pies and teams.We also now do a poker coffee for £21.99 per head. If you night 2nd Sunday of the month. Call SIMON are interested look on our web site This seems to be going well, if you or call in to the Black Horse and get are interested in this please ring me 01844 343726 a menu. We are doing the and I will let you no when the next Christmas menu through one is and put your name down. Or Once again we still need new teams November to the end of January, 07936 791833 bookings only. for our quiz night, last Sunday of the month. Community spirit is alive and kicking in Lacey Green. With the Congratulations to the Lacey Green support of the local council we now Football team on their promotion. I hold an over fifty's club on the 1st hope this year they will have the Tuesday of the month. The support same success in their new league.

22 The History Group presents:

On Saturday 5th March 2011 from 2.00.p.m. to 5.00.p.m.

AT ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL - LACEY GREEN There will be a display of documents, maps, photographs and family trees, together with an interactive slide show `A WALK AROUND THE VILLAGE IN 1900'.

There will be be many items of daily use from the last two centuries, including domestic, agricultural and other forms of employment and social life.

There will also be performances of traditional songs and dancing, and a show of bygone clothes, together with demonstrations of traditional crafts.

There should be something here to interest everyone. Please put the dates in your diary and let other people know of this unique opportunity to discover our Village History.

23 AN EXHIBITION OF VILLAGE HISTORY and Sunday 6th March 2011 from 10.00.am to 3.00.p.m

"A" Company, 4th Bucks Battalion Home Guard

ADMISSION £2.00. (children under 12 FREE). CAN YOU HELP? If you can help us to staff this event, either with Tea and coffee will be served.A the displays, catering or demonstrations, traditional lunch of bacon badger please get in touch. and other local foods will be Also if you have any items of interest which served on Sunday lunchtime. could be put on show on the Sunday, especially old clothes. (We will take great care of them) Advance booking will be needed. Full details will appear in the next Please contact Rosemary Mortham edition of Hallmark. 01844 345863

A book by MOSH SAUNDERS, entitled CHILDREN IN A BODGER'S WORLD

Illustrated by many of Mosh's paintings will be on sale from November or at the Exhibition. Price £10.00 per copy. If you would like to reserve a copy in advance, please contact Norman Tyler 24 on 01844 344606. AN EXHIBITION OF VILLAGE HISTORY

Speeding countryside with fantastic views on our website, (the map was hand our doorstep and so many coloured by Cllr Claydon, I think) Residents of Lacey Green continue footpaths to explore. There are you might not want to walk all of to be very concerned about drivers forty nine, actually, and when I first them but it is useful to know what speeding on Main Road. Recently came to the village I set myself the the numbers are when you need to there was an accident near the challenge to walk all of them. I report a broken stile. Village Hall involving a cyclist who, think that my favourite is L16. I The Government’s spending cuts fortunately, was not seriously start with a pint in the Pink & Lilley are going to affect everyone. The injured. The Parish Council have then stroll through the magical forthcoming Decentralisation and been told by the local police that Hillock Wood down a flight of Localism Bill, which is going to put they have only limited resources to steps to a stile where a wonderful “more power into people’s hands”, deal with these problems and that view opens out towards Kop Hill and the Community Right to Build those resources are allocated to and over Brimmers Farm to Princes which will enable developers to areas of higher priority. Risborough beyond. bypass the planning system, are There is one way that local people Footpath checks going to present challenges as well can help to reduce the incidence of as opportunities for the council. road traffic accidents and that is to My fellow Councillors and I The future is going to be very volunteer to join the Community recently had the opportunity to different but there is no detail at Speedwatch team. The scheme is carry out the Parish Footpath present; we will know more when co-ordinated by the Police and Survey where we checked the the bill is published in November. Buckinghamshire County Council condition of every signpost, kissing In the meantime I am going to but run by local volunteers. The gate and stile in the Parish. volunteers are trained to use a check the stiles on L29 and enjoy detection device to monitor the This was a box ticking exercise of the view from Turnip End. speeds of vehicles travelling which they all approved! You can through the village. The find a link to the footpath map on John Sherlock registration number of speeding vehicles is recorded. Warning letters are then sent out by the Police to the registered keepers stating that their vehicle has been reported as speeding. Volunteers will be given training in the use of the Speed Detection Radar equipment and how to record the required data. If you would like to volunteer you can contact the Parish Council through our web site www.laceygreenparishcouncil.org. uk Forty nine paths Living in the parish of Lacey Green we are very lucky to have beautiful 25 Windmill WI It doesn’t seem possible that we are again heading towards another winter. However, we at The Windmill WI have had a good summer and autumn. At our monthly meeting in August the speaker, Edwin Rye talked about David Austin roses. Mr Rye has become a firm favourite with us and we really do enjoy his talks and gardening tips. Also in August a number of our members attended the BFWI 90th anniversary celebrations at Stow House. This should have been a really lovely day if the weather had played ball! It was most disappointing for the BFWI committee who had put in hours of their time in organising the cheese and wine supper with followed by a quiz, coffee and event. However, as true Brits we birthday cake made by our president, cakes. Mrs Pat Richards and iced by Mrs wouldn’t be beaten and we A week later 24 members and Doreen Lett. enjoyed our packed lunches friends enjoyed a good day out in underneath our brollies! At the beginning of October we London. They visited the Victoria Our meeting in September was our held our Annual General Meeting and Albert Exhibition at the 23rd Birthday meeting, when we when our President, Secretary and Queens Gallery, Buckingham invited 2 members from each of the Treasurer all reported on a very Palace, followed by lunch in the Institutes in our Group to join us for successful and entertaining year. restaurant at The Royal Albert Hall. the evening. We were entertained by The Committee and President, Mrs This was then followed by a tour of Mr Arthur Evans who gave us a talk Pat Richards, were all elected back the Albert Hall which proved to be entitled ‘Most Teachers are Human – in office for another term. The really interesting and informative. Just’. The talk was followed by a business side of the evening was Once again it was a great day out – thank you Pat for making all the arrangements, Also in October we held our autumn Jumble Sale which once again was well attended and proved to be our best ever! Our grateful thanks goes to everyone who supported us by donating jumble or by coming in the afternoon to buy and of course to all our members (and husbands) who helped on the day. Don’t forget – we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.45pm in the Village Hall - do come and join us – we are a friendly bunch! Daphne Williams 26 St John’s Church Rector – the Reverend Denise Critchell. Tel. 347741. Serving the village communities of Lacey Green, Loosley Row, and Speen.

Saturday 30th October Jumble Sale in the Millenium Village Hall at 2.00pm Fun Quiz with Supper in St John’s Friday 12th November School Hall at 7.00pm. Make up a Table of 6 – Bring Your Friends along. £10.00 per Ticket Sunday 28th November at 6pm Advent Carols A HAPPY HEALTHY Friday 3rd December and Christmas Craft Coffee Mornings. CHRISTMAS to Saturday 4th December In St. John’s Church from 9am to one and all !! 1 Pm. Friday 3rd December Lighting Up Ceremony with Carols YOUNG PEOPLES BIBLE in Princes Risborough STUDY GROUP.: Young people 8am Holy Communion. from age 11+ will meet to have Sunday 5th December 10.00am.No Service Because….. their own study group during main worship in our church. 3.30pm. Christingle Service and the lighting of our tree BEREAVEMENT GROUP - the first Monday in each month from Sunday 19th December at 6pm Candlelit Carol Service. 2pm till 4pm. Arrive early to find a pew, or chair. SPLASH after school Club. Every Friday 24th December at 3.Pm Crib Service Monday at 3.15 with Melissa Stone at 11.15pm Midnight Communion and Rev. James Tomkins. Saturday 25th December at 10am Christmas Day Family RETREAT - To find more time Communion. with God, to rediscover His Peace…. Sunday 26th December at 10am Holy Communion Offa House have retreats for individuals, www.offahouseretreat.co.uk Full details of services and more CHURCH SERVICES information about St.John’s church are published in the 8.00 am: Holy Communion (1662)1st, 2nd, & 4th. Sundays monthly Parish Magazine 10.00 am: All age Worship - Communion 1st Sun of month ‘Viewpoint’ and displayed on the notice board outside church. 10.00 am: Parish Communion All Sundays except 1st Please check those reference 6.00 pm: Choral Evensong 1st Sunday in the month points for any further details. st If you know of anyone who 6.00pm: Junior Church at 10.00am – all services other than 1 , held in would also like to receive Holy upper room. Communion at home, or would Tues 9.30am: Communion Service -St Johns Lady Chapel like a home visit, please contact Tues 2.00 pm in term time: Toddler Praise – 21 toddlers meet Tuesday Rev. Denise on 347741 afternoons during term time. Dads & Grandparents also very June Brazier welcome. 27 Sports Club - Cricket Section It has not been the greatest Season 1st XI he struggled but now he has straight - but I see no reason why six we have ever known. The 1st XI, by developed good foot work to take him balls shouldn't be bowled straight at dint of winning four out of their last to the pitch of the ball and gets the wickets. It could have surprising five matches (one was rained off) nicely into line when forced to results!' managed to finish fourth in Division play a defensive shot. The best thing I still think there needs to be a time One. The 2nd XI, I'm afraid, about James's batting is that he takes limit on matches. There needs to be finished bottom of Division the bat to the ball - unlike too many more urgency about the games. Two. who wait for the ball to hit the bat. Nothing is worse if you are a That's why I believe that if he wants That was inevitable considering the spectator - or even a fielder - of to he can go on to play a higher class difficulty of fielding a full eleven. watching batsmen 'sitting on the of cricket. Hopefully, next season, Simon splice' or fielders out for a Saturday Williams, Joe Stevens, Robbie Brown If you look at the batting averages, in afternoon stroll. Knowing they were will be available again. And I would general they look quite good - some playing to a set time would keep the like to see Jake Dell and Raj, both very good. players focused. I'm not advocating superb fielders and with potential with But now look at the bowling. Runs the biff-bang of some of the Twenty- bat and ball reconsider their decision per over and runs per wicket are far Twenty matches, but in two and a half to drop out. too high. That, I think is where our hours forty overs could be bowled or The highlight of the past season team’s weakness lies. I know it's a good score posted. Think about it, had to be the batting of James unfashionable these days - even lads. Shrimpton. When first taken into the among some professionals - to bowl Just quickly, I must mention again I've scanned the Bucks Free Press weekly 1st Team batting averages for any mention of our local cricket. Innings Not Out Runs Average J Shrimpton 14 3 546 49.6 Not a word. I can only assume the S Walker 6 4 92 46.0 L Craker 3 117 39.0 Sports Editor doesn't like cricket or is D Highgate 16 3 440 33.9 not competent to comment on the J Whipp 1 31 31.0 R Dell 8 198 24.8 game. M Exley 9 4 109 21.8 D Palmer 10 3 150 21.4 At this point I must thank our scorers, D Sanders 9 4 81 16.2 D Marshall 31 15.5 Maureen and Christine, our umpires Derek and Les and all the lads who 1st Team bowling averages keep the ground in such good Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average J.Dell 7 0 19 2 9.5 condition. Well done. J.Hedgeland 43 11 148 10 14.8 K.Woodward 62 15 205 13 15.8 I have to end on a sad note I'm afraid. L.Weston 134 19 528 33 16.0 D.Sanders 90 21 25 14 18.1 This year we lost two good friends. M.Exley 103 14 431 20 21.6 John West was well known to most L.Craker 5 1 23 1 23.0 S.Walker 74 13 26 11 24.2 people locally. John, together with J.Shrimpton 46 3 199 8 24.9 Joan, have given to and worked for 2nd Team batting averages this club over many years. John was Innings Not Out Runs Average well-liked by everyone and I've heard J.Jones 9 1 289 36.1 of many kind acts never publicised. O.Murphy 5 0 138 27.6 T.Page 12 0 301 25.1 He will be missed. A.Khan 2 0 48 24.0 D.Marshall 12 0 224 18.7 Not so many knew our friend Roger Naib 11 0 153 13.9 P.Smith 12 2 106 10.6 Dell of Hampden. He gained respect Janid 7 0 74 10.6 from all who played with him or K.Exley 8 1 70 10.0 J.Dell 14 0 138 9.9 against him for his sheer love of cricket, his dedication to the game 2nd Team bowling averages and for the hours he spent keeping Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average W.Carter 2 0 7 1 7.0 the Common in excellent condition. J.Hedgeland 12 2 40 4 10.0 Play on, Roger. C.Williams 7 0 43 3 14.3 O.Murphy 34 8 92 6 15.3 M.Janes 2 0 16 1 16.0 N.Khan 77 9 249 15 16.6 Geoff Gomme Abid 73 10 324 13 24.9 D.Sanders 12 0 58 2 29.0 D.Marshall28 63 1 390 13 30.0 Sports Club - Tennis Section

The tennis club membership has been on the increase throughout 2010 with a group of very capable junior players making good use of the courts during the school holidays and demonstrating their tennis skills at the club tournament on 13th September. The junior section tournament was as ever popular and from a combination of doubles and singles matches was won by Sam King and Georgia Morris. The ‘grown-ups’ tournament had partners drawn from the hat. Matches were played as a round robin with each team playing a short set of four games against each of the five other teams. After a hard fought competition, the winners were Sam Johnston and Ian Ward. The tennis club fielded three teams in the Aylesbury and District Tennis with mixed results. Club honours go to the Mixed Doubles team captained by Trisha Johnston. After having been promoted only last season, they won their division again earning promotion to Division 5. The Men’s team, captained by Gautom Biswas, performed better this season finishing mid-table in Division 6. The team augmented by players both young and old did quite well despite fielding different players in every match. The Ladies team had some hard fought and close matches finishing only marginally behind their closest rivals. Better luck next year!

For more information and membership forms, please contact: Ian Ward PR 345567 or Linda Malden PR 275296

The Lacey Green and Loosley Row tennis and especially to encourage Lawn Tennis Club is registering with young people to have a go. the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). Inevitably, the best players start This will benefit the Club young and the younger one starts membership in many ways, not least playing then the better the prospects of which will be the opportunity for for future success. each member to become a British With this in mind, the club will be Tennis Member (BTM). This will looking at ways to expand youth enable the club to obtain an membership during 2011 and allocation of Wimbledon tickets develop tennis opportunities for based upon the number of BTMs school children in the village. Who registered through the club. knows – perhaps there is a future The LTA is also very keen to help Wimbledon champion living out clubs such as ours to develop its there right now in HP27! facilities to help anyone in the community to become involved in Ian Ward 29 Heavenly Bodies Over the next few weeks, you can casting shadows on the Earth at a tricky one this year, taking place get to grips with some of the night. At about 600 light years away very near the north-western horizon Galaxy’s most deadly stars; as well and its axis pointing away from us, early in the morning. The Moon’s as spot Venus and Saturn, and it poses no danger and will push disc will start to darken from its left witness a total eclipse of the Moon. less radiation towards us than our side at 6.32am until it becomes During late autumn and winter, the Sun does. However, no-one is completely immersed in Earth’s night sky becomes dominated by certain when it will go bang – the shadow at 7.40am. Make sure you the fabulous constellation of Orion best guess is anytime within the have a clear view of the north- ‘the Hunter’. Look out for it when it next 1,000 years… western horizon to see how orange rises from the east at about 9pm at In stark colour contrast is the blue- or deep-red the Moon glows before the start of November, appearing white supergiant star Rigel – about it falls below the horizon. earlier and earlier as the weeks pass. the same size as Betelgeuse and During the hour between partial It is highest in the sky when due 85,000 times more luminous than and full eclipse, turn around 180 south (11pm in late December). the Sun. It’s comparatively young, degrees and you’ll see an extremely The image of Orion (below) which I so has no surprises in store for a bright Venus rising from the east, took using a DSLR camera on a long, long time! Below Orion’s Belt with Saturn to its upper right (and motor-driven tripod, shows the and within the Sword is the famous the star Spica in between them). main stars and the Orion nebula. Orion Nebula. This immense cloud Later that night will be the highest Top-left of the rectangle is the of gas and dust is making new stars, Full Moon of 2010. All in all, not a orange-coloured star Betelgeuse, a which light up the nebula and make bad day’s sky-watching! it visible. If you use binoculars, the red supergiant 500 times the This year’s Astro Talk covers two stellar nursery looks like an eerie, volume of our Sun which would topics for the price of one! misty cloud. Remember that what extend as far as Jupiter if it was at “Astronomy vs Astrology” and “The you are seeing is 20 light years wide the centre of our Solar System. But Big Bang Machine” takes place on and 1,600 light years away! the star is dying because its Sunday 19 December at Lacey hydrogen fuel is running out. It will Once you’ve mastered a bit of star- Green Village Hall. See page 2 for eventually explode in a supernova naming, you’ll be rewarded on details. which will be the brightest ever December 21 (the day of the Winter recorded and should out-shine the Solstice which occurs at 11.38pm) Chris Dignan Moon for up to three months, while with a total eclipse of the Moon. It’s

30 Village Organisation meeting schedule and contacts sheet - all meetings in the MilleniumHall unless specified

Organisation Meetings Contact Phone Email address Associations Happy Wanderers Walking Club Short walk (2-3 miles) 2nd Wed 10.30 Ronnie Lewin 274961 [email protected] Full walk last Sun of the month 10.30 Horticultural Society 3rd Wed of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov. Terry Fendom 342636 [email protected] 8pm Jingle Tots & Kinder Gym Baby to 5 years. Music, play & gym. Jenny Stothard 344441 [email protected] Fridays during term LR&LG WI (afternoon) 2nd Thursday except August. 2pm Jean Gabbitas 346469

LG Singers Thursday evenings in term time Fran Hall 01494 562842 [email protected]

Lacey Green Productions Theatre, drama, and sometimes food Val Brookhouse 344207 [email protected]

Windmill Under 5s Mon-Fri 9.00-12.00 or 1.30 if your child Paula Cunningham 07502 198405 [email protected] stays for lunch Windmill WI (evenings) 1st Wed of month except Jan. 7.45pm Stella Boll 347268 [email protected]

High Wycombe & District U3A 4th Wed afternoon of the month Roger Smith 01494 562554

Youth Club Alternate Fridays: Nov 12, Dec 16 Joan Smith 342322 [email protected] see laceygreen.com web site for times Pub Lunch Club Black Horse. First Tuesday of the month Betty Tyler 344606 [email protected]

Short Mat Bowls Club Monday 2pm Leigh Axe 345216 [email protected]

Sports LG Sports Club Secretary Stephanie Dell 07768 831196 [email protected]

LG Sports Club - Cricket Jonathan Dell 07786 386912

LG Sports Club - Tennis Ian Ward 345567 [email protected]

LG Sports Club - Football Ben Foster 344906 [email protected]

Jazzercise Tuesday evenings Sue Morris 01494 813968 [email protected]

Karate Monday evenings Richard Peace 07768 896078

Whiteleaf Bowmen Wed, Thu & Fri evenings, Apr to Sep Brenda Cordwell, Sec01494 485037 www.whiteleafbowmen.org.uk

DART Self Defence Tues 7-9pm in Hall. John Titchen 07810 568656 [email protected] Sat 10am-12 in the School Pilates Classes Tuesday mornings Sue Croxford 346656 [email protected]

Yoga Group Mon mornings during term time Annie Silverman 343643 [email protected]

Others Bucks CC & WDC Paul Rogerson 01494 488315 [email protected]

St John's Church Denise Critchell 347741

LG Community Planning Group Tony Molesworth 344975 [email protected]

Police Andy Ralph 0845 505 505

Parish Council Susanne Griffiths 342685 [email protected]

LG Post Office 9am - 12 noon Mondays and Thursdays George Crombie [email protected]

LG Windmill Sundays & Bank holidays 2 to 5 Michael Hardy 275871 [email protected] May to September Millennium Hall Clive Hodghton 343113 [email protected] 31 Millenium Hall bookings Karen Hodghton 274254 [email protected]

The Black Horse Quiz night last Sunday of every month at Lynne Comley 345195 [email protected] 8pm Local Information Hallmark is published Our aim is to mirror the mark that Diary are always welcome. In quarterly by the Lacey Green the Village Hall makes upon our addition, any suggestions for & Loosley Row Millennium community, to publish the activities improving Hallmark. Hall Management Committee, of all Village organisations, and to provide a forum so that the rights, A version of this printed Hallmark although opinions expressed the wrongs, the well-being of may be found on our website in comment or contribution do village life can be aired. News from www.laceygreen.com, which also not necessarily represent the all the Village clubs, societies, has breaking news and many collective view of that church and school, stories of local additional articles & photos of local committee. interest and entries for the Village interest. HALLMARK EDITOR Mike Piercy, Malmsmead, Kiln Lane, Lacey Green, Bucks HP27 0PU ( just before the pond on the right) 01844 344021 Email [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER Chris Baker, "Woodpeckers", Kiln Lane, Lacey Green, Bucks HP27 OPT (past the pond on the left) 01844 275442 VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Clive or Karen on 01844 274254 (answering service)

LACEY GREEN POST OFFICE VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE is open in Village Hall 9 am-12 noon Mondays & Thursdays for all services except Vehicle Road Fund Clive Hodghton (Chair) Licences.

LACEY GREEN STORES Rachel Panter (Vice-Chair), Sue D’Arcy (Secretary), open in Village Hall 8.30 am-1 pm every week day Yvonne Axe (Treasurer), COFFEE MORNINGS Karen Hodghton (Booking Sec.), Chris Baker, Held in Village Hall 10am-12 noon Thursdays. Jill Baker, Friendly chatting with tea or coffee & biscuit Stella Boll, Jane Brown, THE FOOT CLINIC Ginnie Brudenell, Chiropody services with Cathy Maynard. Tel 274521 Cathryn Davies, . Tuesdays at the Village Hall by appointment Bette Tyler & Norman Tyler MOBILE LIBRARY will be at the Village Hall alternate Wednesdays from 12 noon to 1 pm. LACEY GREEN WINDMILL In 2011 the windmill will be open from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Sunday 1st May to Sunday 25th September. Admission is £2 per adult, and £1 per chid aged from 5 to 15. Since 1971 it has been restored to working order by members of The Chiltern Society. Please park in Pink Road and walk up path to the mill. For further details see www.laceygreenwindmill.org.uk Printed by PKInprint Ltd 01494 452266

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