THE March 2019 LEE

For The Lee, Lee Common, Hunts Green, Kings Ash and Swan Bottom trundling a laden wheelbarrow across the From the Editor lane to deposit its contents on our compost heap, as that was so much easier By Phil Harrison nd than trying to get it all in the green bin. uesday 22 January saw St John In the early years he would T the Baptist Church in The Lee welcome the boisterous and noisy full of the family and friends of ‘ankle-biters’ from Yellow Stocks and Leslie Robins, whose funeral service Lane End as they dashed over to show was taking place. It was a turnout that him and Margaret their latest discovery, clearly reflected the regard, esteem, be it bug, butterfly or bush. respect and fondness in which he was Leslie became part of the fabric of held. As one of the eulogists said, the community with his keen eye for normally when someone reaches their things numerical involving him in the late 90s the crowd is small, but not on accounts of the school, church and the this occasion as we came together to shop, being a driver for the hospital say goodbye, pay our respects but more patients’ service and generally helping importantly to celebrate his life and out wherever he could. He was a time in the community. character and will be missed. Leslie lived in Crocketts, Crocketts In this month’s edition Viv, his Lane. A house originally built around daughter, has written about her dad 1650 with all the modern conveniences (page 6) and we have also included an of the day, such as a well and an earth article Leslie wrote for the Newsletter a closet (aka outdoor loo/privy) and few years ago (page 10). His articles doorways upstairs that are 4’10” high; were always brilliantly written with a very des res. humorous slant on the world and a Leslie and Margaret moved in pithy point. Sales & Lettings during 1978 and lived there for the Martin the Milkman has written a remainder of their lives and were our moving and delightful follow up, 64 High Street Great Missenden neighbours for over 35 years. stimulated by Revd David Burgess’s Buckinghamshire HP16 0AN Leslie loved his garden, especially article last month. Two consultations his lawn; almost billiard like in its finish are also highlighted in this edition for Tel: 01494 890990 after hours and hours of tender loving your urgent attention. email: [email protected] care, lawn sand, fertiliser, scarifying, Next month’s editor is Colin Sully. rolling and cutting. Even in the weeks Please email material for the April www.jeremyswan.co.uk edition to [email protected] prior to his death he could be found in th the garden clearing up, weeding or by 12 March or hard copy to simply pottering about and even Fairleigh, Swan Bottom. 2 3 children at Lee Common School have Just think; The Lee could… Your Letters extremely fond memories of their time - save millions on taxes which we To the Editor at Leeside, which has played a could then spend on local priorities, - ban HS2 from passing through On behalf of my family can I just significant part in their childhood. the parish… or better still put an thank everyone in The Lee who gave We asked those children that had international railway station at Hunts us such strong support over the period attended Leeside what they Green, of my Dad’s illness. remembered about their time there - make Chesham Lane a toll road There was hardly a day when a and we thought it would be nice to from Kings Ash through to the visitor didn’t arrive with a lasagne or share some of these happy Chartridge border, an apple pie, or alternatively a recollections with you: - convert the village school to take readiness to join my Dad of an Reading the rainbow fish and big all 3 to 18 year old children resident in evening as he enjoyed the single glass blue whale book the parish and require the older of sherry we had managed to negotiate The forward running race at sports children to teach the younger ones as a with the doctors. day part of ‘national service’, There were also many people who Making mashed potatoes! - register The Lee cricket club with gave us lifts to hospital appointments, Writing a story about super woofy with Melissa the International Cricket Council and some of them found through The demand Test status, Leeway but more often friends who The chicken noodle soup and races at sports day - raise an import tax on all foods were helping out off their own bat. brought into the parish from Tesco, The same applied to giving me lifts Lots of fun activities like baking, playing games, dressing up, role Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, and use the down to Waitrose and ensuring that funds to expand the Shop at The Lee, other essential journeys got made. play and sports days - build a wall around the whole of It’s all been proof, if any were Making new friends there who then went to the same school as me the parish boundary, needed, that there is nothing quite like - recruit our own army to patrol the Local Lamb… a village community when it comes to I loved Penny and her hand puppet Nibbles. boundary… and also to root-out giving love and support to people in breaches of planning regulations. need in its midst. It was a happy day The Governors, Lee Common Church now available of England School Any other thoughts? indeed that my Dad came to The Lee Ann Archist over 40 years ago and happy for me To the Editor The Lee too that many of his friends have become my friends and extended that Hard Bexit for The Lee? same support to me. So thank you all! Reading about the battle raging Juxtaposition over the new Unitary Authority in Viv Robins By Philip Harrison Lee Common Buckinghamshire, pondering the our Chesham’s’ Jan/Feb debacle that is HS2, looking at the issue has just landed on To the Editor state of our roads and reflecting on the the doormat and I couldn’t It is with great sadness that we have steady erosion of local services in the ‘Y help but be amused by the heard about the closure of Leeside area (mobile libraries, waste disposal Free-range, grass-fed juxtaposition of an article from Dame Nursery. For many years we have sites, bus services, etc)… I’m Cheryl Gillan MP and the ad below it. in Lee Common enjoyed close links with the nursery beginning to think The Lee should The article is all about the demise and being able to share activities such apply for ‘Bexit’ – i.e. to leave the of the district councils; the ad is for as Maypole dancing and Christmas administrative area known as Contact: the Chesham Bois burial ground for nativity plays together. Many of the ‘Buckinghamshire’. T: 07966 035802 ‘formal and natural burials’. Sorted! 4 5 sound of children’s laughter. What a Snow trouble wonderful day to be a child, with the schools closed. It was a day to play Pilates outside, falling over without tears, only at all laughter. Some were sledding, there was By Zoe Berkeley @HOME ike most, I’m torn between the magic of snow and the chaos it ‘FLEXIBLE TO THE CORE’ can create – especially where we L all live, with winding icy roads full of 1 to 1 Pilates… in the comfort and potholes and a whole lot of hills to navigate to the safety of the gritted convenience of your own home roads. Whilst the snow personally inconvenienced me by very nearly making me miss an important exam and Mat Pilates for all abilities missing a day of work, I took a walk Improves posture, flexibility, around The Lee and tried to forget all of core strength, muscle tone that and just appreciate the magic. Bake on and sports performance snowball chasing and snow angel creating in the cold ground and the By The Lee Flower Show Cream Tea Individuals [or small groups of up to 4] laughter literally echoed through the Committee

white land. ith the winter months Qualified Mat Pilates instructor for I wander past a pair of snow- behind us (hopefully!) and Beginner, Intermediate and covered lost gloves on the ground and W the run up to the Cream Advanced Levels I’m thankful for mine as my freezing Tea season in the village (The Church Fête in June, The Flower Show in rosy cheeks lie exposed beneath my bobble hat, and snowflakes begin to July) we are introducing a monthly “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, settle on my eyelashes. The village shop ‘Top Tips for Caking Baking’ column in 20 you will see the difference and in 30 is open as usual, never letting us which we hope will appeal to all ages you will have a whole new body” and abilities. … Joseph Pilates villagers down and I cross paths with The snow crunched underfoot as I the milkman and his van full of clinking Cream Teas in the village would walked through a wintery wonderland glass bottles as he braves the snowy not exist without your baking If you are interested or require further and our little village covered in a roads to make sure our milk is contributions. Whether you are a information please contact: blanket of soft white. The winter’s novice or expert, please share your top delivered. Karen on 07790 081670 naked tree branches coated in snow Just a few days before I had been tips (or top frustrations!) with us each above the tyre marked winding roads. admiring snowdrops and purple crocuses month as we approach the cake-baking Snow flurries dropping from those peeping through and feeling excited for season. We are fortunate to have a branches as singing birds cautiously couple of ‘Star Bakers’ who will be spring, now all colour was hidden under settle on them to drink melting snow a thick coating of white snow. All colour sharing some (not all!) of their top tips water. I do wonder if they feel cold and was muted, yet there was still pure and secrets to baking in the coming if they are able to get enough food when beauty to be seen. I wander back home months. their world is frozen, but they sing and They will be happy to receive any following trails of footprints in all sizes chirrup just like they do on a summer’s and paw prints of all varieties and grab questions you may have. Please email day, so I assume they are doing okay. some hot chocolate from the shop Kelly at [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.karensabsolutepilates.co.uk My feet sink deep into the grass as I because hey that’s what you do on a and we will share your questions/ brave off the roads lured by the joyful snowy day, isn’t it? answers in the next edition. 6 7 would have been eminently well- more than 20 years, lo and behold he Leslie Robins: suited – was never on the cards. was persuaded by certain forceful With the outbreak of war in individuals to take on the self-same September 1939 he joined the RAF task for the newly created Parish Shop! a life well-lived and served in Egypt, Italy and By Viv Robins Late-flowering career Yugoslavia as a Squadron Adjutant. Alongside all this was of course y Dad had an inauspicious When he left he was presented with a his late-flowering literary career for start in life. He very nearly watch to which, he was told, every The Lee Newsletter. His gently M ended up in a Dr man on the squadron had contributed. humorous articles were widely Barnardo’s home after his mother died He often liked to describe this as the admired and a few years ago he shortly after childbirth and his father best day of his life, and the watch collected the best of them together for panicked at the prospect of bringing continues to keep perfect time on my a special booklet which he then sold in up a child on his own. Fortunately wrist today. the Shop in aid of Cancer Research, some distant cousins who lived in the Life after the War same tenement building in Paddington and raised more than £400. It even After the War he married my mum took him in and treated him as their went to a second print run! Muriel and I was born in 1947 and my own son, although they never formally When his efforts earned him the sister Chris in 1950. He had a good adopted him. award of Newsletter Person of the career in the old Chief Inspector’s Year he remarked that he had always branch of the Inland Revenue but hoped his literary efforts would lead to sadness entered his life when my mum his being buried alongside Geoffrey became ill with cancer then died in Chaucer – but that to win the 1974. He had some very lonely years and listening to Granddad’s readings living on his own in Pinner, a London of Sherlock Holmes. The rules of suburb where people showed none of Crocketts, such as no horseplay in the the empathy and support that you find bedroom, were applied but largely in a place like The Lee. My sister and ignored. I used to call him the “Boil in the Bag Dad retained his health and energy KINGSHILL King” as he lived entirely on that well into old age and played a big part CARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS pioneering brand of ready meal, which in village life, more especially perhaps came in a thick polythene pouch you after Margaret’s death in 1997. For boiled up in a saucepan. Fortunately over 20 years he drove for the this melancholy period came to an end Chesham Hospital Car Service and was CHILTERNS when he met Margaret through a given a special award for volunteering colleague in the Revenue, and after in 2007. He told me he once picked up their wedding in 1978 there came what a patient who said in a quavering voice AIRPORTS Newsletter readers may view as the as he got into the car: “I’m 83 you seminal moment of his life – they know!” to which my father replied moved to The Lee! “Well I’m 87!” In 1931 the family moved to the Happy days at Crocketts His facility with figures was turned LONDON wide open spaces (as they then were) Dad and Margaret had a wonderful to good account as Treasurer (and of South Harrow and my Dad took up life together in Crocketts, a cottage school governor) at Lee Common a place at a London grammar school, and garden they both adored. My School and later for the Parochial though lack of money meant that a sister’s three children loved staying Church Council. When at my 01494 868699 university education – for which he there, eating Margaret’s superb meals prompting he finally gave this up after Email: [email protected] 8 9 Newsletter award was beyond his inherited the crossword gene much needed as it costs over £40,000 wildest dreams! unfortunately but he loved time spent Bridge too far? annually to keep the church going. A After Margaret’s death I divided with his son-in-law Gordon and grand- By Rita Sully et al lot of money for a small congregation children wrestling over the clues. to raise. So many thanks are due to all my time pretty much equally between t our recent Bridge evening those who came to the bridge drive Crocketts and my flat in London, and this hand was interesting as and to the team of bakers for providing although my Dad and I got on very everyone got to make a bid. well there were a few areas of conflict. A such a good tea. For example he was an aficionado of ♠ K 5 2 what we might now describe as the ♥ A J 10 6 Duke of Edinburgh school of driving, ♦ A K 8 Rights of way careering round local lanes to a chorus ♣ J 7 2 By the Editorial team of irate hoots until he finally agreed to ♠ 10 ♠ A 7 6 3 ucks County Council have give up the car four months before he ♥ K 9 5 4 ♥ Q 8 7 25 announced that they are died. Well into his 90s he also had a ♦ J 10 9 5 2 ♦ Q 6 reviewing the rights of way in habit of taking an electric hedge- B ♣ ♣ Bucks with a view to producing a new trimmer to the very high hedge at the Q 6 4 A 8 3 ♠ rights of way improvement plan. front of Crocketts, although this Q J 9 8 4 ♥ 3 They are asking for views on how practice was supposedly banned when I public rights of way can be improved ♦ 7 4 3 was not in residence. Fortunately I had for everyone. To find out more and to a network of well-drilled neighbours to ♣ K 10 9 5 become involved visit inform on him. Dealer: East www.buckscc.gov.uk/rowip. The King of the crosswords Vulnerability: N-S consultation closes on 31 st March. There was also his love of classical But Dad was also a fan of more music and of opera in particular, Who do you think won the sedentary pursuits, in particular reading though sadly this was badly contract? See page 23. fiction – though nothing written after Pippa Hart compromised by the increasing 1900, obviously – and, most famously, deafness of his later years – one of his Photography doing the Times crossword. Although few abiding sorrows I would say. he grumbled if he couldn’t complete it Bridge drive But all in all as I think he would by coffee time we think he secretly By Judy Hart agree his was a good life, well-lived. enjoyed the ones that took him all day hat a wonderful way to Even his final illness was blessedly to finish – especially if that segued into spend a cold January short and the level of care he received the evening when it was time to crack afternoon: Bridge with from the doctors second to none, as W out the sherry. Neither my sister nor I friends and a marvellous tea provided they constantly proposed new by a hard working team of ladies. 56 treatments and procedures which people obviously thought so too on MARTIN THE MILKMAN helped keep hope alive. In his final 23 rd January at Ballinger Hall. days in hospital he was busy inviting 40 of the bridge players were local. Refrigerated delivery of fresh the nurses to his one hundredth milk, dairy produce, bread, Are there any more of you out there birthday party (causing one to exclaim who would like to join in next year? eggs, fruit juices and more. Natural & Informal that he “didn’t look a day over 80!”). Jane Neal and her team did an To place an order call Sadly that was not to be. But the family amazing job arranging everything and Black &White 01442 833944 have decided to celebrate it anyway -- the tea provided could definitely give Portraits so all are welcome to raise a glass with the Ritz a run for its money. PHONES M ANNED 4 PM – 6 PM th us on 16 September 2020, in memory £883 was raised for St John the 01494 837340 NSWERPHONE AT OTHER TIMES A of an exceptional Dad. Baptist Church, The Lee, which is www.pippahart.com 10 11 “What is your account number, “Forgive my curiosity, Naseem, but “Who are you kidding, Toby? How can I sir?” where exactly is ‘here’?” Anyway, can’t you just tell the “964694. All I want…” “New Delhi, Sir.” computer to stop doing it? Doesn’t it help you? “And the branch sort code?” “New Delhi? Good Lord! No understand English?” “71-64-72. All I want…” wonder Angela isn’t there. How come “It’s very irregular, sir, but I think if By Leslie Robins “And your post-code?” you know all about my affairs in New you were to swear an affidavit before a y name is spelt with one ‘b’, “HP16 9JR. All I want…” Delhi?” Commissioner for Oaths, saying that but most people seem to “Sorry, sir, but we don’t appear to “Bank has world-wide computer, you were Leslie Robins, also known as think it ought to have two. M have an account in that name. We do sir. Very infallible.” Leslie Robbins, and then made an I’ve got used to that, but when I started have an account for a Mr Leslie “I wouldn’t count on it, Naseem. appointment to show it to the Area to get cheque books and bank Robbins, with two ‘b’s, but you’ll Anyway, see if you can find Angela’s statements addressed to Mr Leslie Manager…” appreciate that we can’t discuss another Manager for me, there’s a good chap.” “Forget it, Toby. Don’t give it Robbins, I thought it was time to rebel. customer’s affairs with you.” “Please hold the line, sir.” I rang the bank up. another thought. You’ve made me see “But that IS me, Angela. There’s (Three verses of Smoke gets in Your how unreasonable I’m being. Thank “Thank you for calling the Imperial only me. I’m me. Honestly.” Eyes .) you, and please be sure to thank all Bank. Please listen carefully. You will “Please hold the line while I consult “Hello, Imperial Bank on-line your helpful colleagues for me. now be given six options. If you my manager.” banking service, Paul speaking. Please Goodbye.” want… press 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6.” (Several minutes of unidentifiable key in your security code.” I rang off and instructed my I listened hopefully, but not a word music, possibly part of a string quartet “But I haven’t got a security code.” about spelling mistakes. A reproachful by Janáček.) “You haven’t got – then why have solicitor to arrange to change my name silence, and then: “Hello, sir? My manager suggests you come through to me?” by Deed Poll to Leslie Robbins. It “Sorry, you do not appear to have you open a new account in the name of “I wish I knew the answer to that, seemed simpler. followed our instructions. Please hold R-O-B-I-N-S. I’ll send you a form for Paul, I really do. The thing is that the the line while we put you through to that but you’ll need two referees…” Bank keeps spelling my name TIM SIMMONS IS one of our advisers.” “Look, Angela, I don’t want a form, wrongly…” THE VERMINATOR (Twelve minutes of Handel’s Water I don’t want a new account, I just want “You want Customer Services, sir. Music ). my old account, but with the name I’ll get you transferred.” Pest control services “Hello, Imperial Bank, Angela spelt properly. Who is this idiotic (Five minutes of the Adagietto from speaking. How can I help you?” manager of yours? Let me have a word Mahler’s Fifth Symphony , evidently “Hello, Angela. You take your time with him.” reserved for customers reaching the WASPS ALL answering the phone, if I may say so. (Twenty-four bars of end of their tether.) GLIS-GLIS INSECTS Never mind, nice to talk to you now Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture whilst “Hello, Imperial Bank, Toby SQUIRREL FOXES RATS RABBITS you’re there. My name is Robins, spelt the word goes round the Bank that speaking. How can I help you?” MICE AND R-O-B-I-N-S, and all I want…” there is a difficult and possibly “Listen, Toby, I’m going to give MOLES ANTS deranged customer on the line. Then a you an opportunity to make a friend for Mike Lake new voice cuts in:) life. I might even leave you something Friendly & Local “Sorry, there appears to be a fault in my will. My name is Robins, R-O- FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE Painter & Decorator on this line. Please hold while we re- B-I-N-S, but the Bank keeps spelling it LOW PRICES - HIGH QUALITY connect you.” with two ‘b’s. All I want you to do is to For that professional touch “Hello, Imperial Bank. Naseem find my account, get out your pen and 07734649305 Interior & Exterior speaking. How can I help you?” cross out that second ‘b’.” Also Property Maintenance “Naseem? Are you Angela’s “I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir. For a free quotation please call: Manager?” There’s nobody in the Bank now with a WE WILL ALSO PROOF YOUR 01494 866873 / 07723 017005 “No sir. There’s nobody here called pen. It’s all done on a computer – more HOUSE/PREMISES TO STOP THEM [email protected] Angela.” reliable.” COMING BACK 12 13 Once these investigations are If you have any questions about HS2 local complete the lights will be removed this notification of works, please get in for a period, with the widening work touch via: starting at the beginning of March Freephone 08081 434 434 (24/7) enabling work 2019. This will take approximately Minicom 08081 456 472 From Fusion JV on behalf of HS2 Ltd seven weeks to complete. Email: [email protected] Relocation of power lines (A) Widening of Link Road (C) Write to: FREEPOST K Power Networks will have The widening on Link Road at HS2 Community Engagement started work on the haul road Greta Missenden is now expected to Website: www.hs2.org.uk U site at Great Missenden in begin in late April / early May 2019 To keep up to date with what is February to relocate power lines which depending on the progress of the work happening in your local area, visit: currently cross the path of the planned on Frith Hill. We will not begin these www.hs2.commonplace.is haul road. These works should be works until the works on Frith Hill are completed by the end of February. completed. As with Frith Hill we will [Note: this is NOT the main 400kV need to carry out some further Flight paths Grid Pylons.] By the Editorial team preparatory investigations into buried Widening of Frith Hill (B) utilities before the construction works eathrow’s third runway will Our contractors BGCL begin. These are expected to start no impact us as new flight paths (Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd) sooner than the end of February and H are created to cope with the will be widening the Frith Hill exit will take approximately two weeks. extra flights. onto the A413 roundabout, creating The widening of Link Road and Heathrow has announced a public two lanes coming down the hill onto the section of the A413 heading consultation involving a number of the roundabout. In mid-February towards Wendover will take us options; The options range for example BGCL will carry out some approximately three months in total to from whether flight paths should operate in the same airspace everyday investigations into buried utilities like complete. during core hours to operating on electricity and cables below ground. We are currently working with the alternate days for longer periods. These investigations will take Highways team at Buckinghamshire The consultation offers you the approximately one week and will County Council regarding the require traffic light controls to protect preferred method to try to minimise opportunity to add your thoughts and views, but be quick; the consultation road users and the workforce between delays to road users while these works th 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. are being carried out. closes on 4 March 2019. The plans do affect us, particularly on take-offs as the altitude will be lower overhead and take-off engine noise is louder. Landing altitudes are approx. 2,000 ft higher and engine noise is quieter. As you may gather, the plan is no longer just having planes stacking overhead but also involves take-off and landing flight paths. Remember we are 600 ft above sea level so already closer to the planes and noise. Have your say at https:// feedback.heathrowconsultation.com/ step/topic/1 14 15 Our Coffee Morning s continue on I’m not sure how many of you are Services for Saturday 2 nd March 10:30 am to 12 familiar with the poem ‘ Footprints in noon. All are welcome. the Sand’ by Margaret Fishback Powers March when the person questions God because St Mary’s, Ballinger in the most troublesome times of trial St John the Baptist rd there is only one set of footprints in the 3 9:30am Informal Communion 3 rd 8:00 sand and God was asked “ Lord, you am HC Revd Ian Ogilvie followed by refreshments. Old Church said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed 10:00 am AA Joint Service at Lee Common The power of that during the saddest and most Methodist Church troublesome times of my life, there was th only one set of footprints. I don’t 6 10:00 am HC Ash Wednesday Revd Ivor Cornish prayer understand why, when I needed You the th most, You would leave me.” 10 10:00 am PC Revd Ivor Cornish By Martin the Milkman th rd The Lord whispered, “My precious 17 10:00 am Matins Lay-led t’s 5:30 am, Sunday 3 February th child, I love you and will never leave 24 10:00 am PC Revd Ivor Cornish and I’m sitting safe, sound and 31 st 10:00 warm reading the February edition you, never ever. am Mothering Sunday I of the Newsletter; in particular the piece During your trials and testings, at St Leonards when you saw only one set of footprints, by Revd David Burgess, about Prayer their special delivery. More often Revd David it was then that I carried you.” and how relevant the power of prayer is Morph acts as co-pilot but sometimes Burgess Thank you Lord for carrying me. in today’s world. he’s the Snow Patrol. HC Holy Communion (said) I write to endorse David’s answer Amen. PC Parish Communion (sung) that prayer is as important today as it AA All-age service has always been and that God still listens and acts when we seek his help. Martin and Contacts: Vicar : The Revd David On the Friday morning just gone (1 st Burgess (837315). Churchwardens : February) I looked out and was filled Morph with dread to see snow falling heavily Roderick Neal (837264) and Trevor By Giles Robertson adding to an already significant amount Pearce (837601). Verger : Bill Pearce artin and Morph, his trusted (785191). Treasurer : David of settled snow. I filled with fear as I thought of my day ahead and so I companion – man and dog Stephenson (867617). both bringing new meaning prayed to the Lord that he would keep M me safe and free of accident or injury to endurance. No conditions are too Methodist Church and let me complete my round, harsh or holidays too important for 3 rd 10:00 am AA Joint service with reaching those relying on me for their St John the milk. After 14 hours of slipping and Baptist at Lee sliding around I arrived home safely. Common Saturday morning saw laying snow, Methodist frozen roads and black ice. I once again prayed for God’s help and felt his th Church 10 3:00 pm HC presence throughout the day, guiding th 17 3:00 pm Gerald Tomkins me on my way. Once again, after 12 th 24 3:00 pm See notice-board hours I was home and safe, in time to st 31 10:00 am Mothering Sunday see England beat Ireland in the rugby at St Leonards (another prayer answered). 16 17 14 th April and anyone interested in Festival at St P and St P) and candles – New enrolling should complete an so that it really glowed. Christmas Eve application form available at the back 2018 was also the 200 th anniversary of church of the church or from me at my home the carol ‘Silent Night’ and it was address (Byways in Ballinger) or via especially moving to sing it that email: [email protected]. evening, in fact a wonderful start to electoral roll Applicants should be sixteen years the seasonal festivities. By Rod Neal of age, baptised and can declare However, a New Year brings new nder the Church themselves to be a member of the projects and as usual, we have several Representation Rules, a Church of England or of a Church in on the go, as you will read below… U completely new Electoral Roll communion with it and resident in the needs to be prepared this year for St parish, or if not resident, have Outside the church John the Baptist church. The Roll is a habitually attended worship in the Maggi and I have planted lots of means of recording all those lay parish during the last six months, or bulbs, tidied up the hedges and persons both resident and non-resident additionally been a member of a checked the environs and fabric of the in the parish of The Lee and adjoining Church which subscribes to the church. Stephen Crawley (our we are inviting people to gift a book parishes, who wish to be entitled to doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Anyone Quinquennial Inspector) has left us a with the option of having an take part and vote at the Annual who is currently on the Roll will need comprehensive list of items requiring inscription in the flyleaf. So far we Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). to re-apply for enrolment. our attention which we will tackle as have eight sponsors and if you would The APCM is concerned with the the weather improves. We also like to donate a book please contact appointment of members to the The APCM welcomed a young family from The me at [email protected] Parochial Church Council and The annual meeting will be held th Lee who have temporarily moved into representatives to the Deanery Synod; on Sunday 28 April at 11:30 am in Jess’s cottage. the election of churchwardens and the parish church, immediately sidesmen; receiving financial and following the 10:00 am service. Inside the church other reports and general discussion Back by popular request was our on matters concerning the church and January coffee morning and even parochial affairs. For anyone St Mary’s before the doors officially opened we interested in getting involved in the had customers. From then onwards local parish church, the APCM is an By Anne Ellis until early afternoon, the place was Great Missenden obvious opportunity. ife at St Mary’s moves on full of chatter, laughter, fun and Compilation of the new Electoral apace and our little church friendship. We managed to raise over Supported Living st Roll will start from 31 March until L continues to flourish; all our £260 and would like to thank Salon A warm, friendly, house for the ventures have been well supported 92, Origins, Roald Dahl and all others elderly, in the picturesque centre of THE L EE WAY – Y OUR and Christmas services were packed, who provided raffle prizes, Usborne the village. VILLAGE S UPPORT T EAM with squashing room only. Many Books, Lucy and Judy plus the many Come and take a look to see for commented on the comfortable new individuals who baked cakes and who yourself and have a chat with If you have difficulty getting to your chairs, which were first choice for doctor or the hospital, doing your supported this venture so generously. Carol Lauder-Ross (Manager) shopping or would like a home visit and those who arrived early. Given the greater numbers Tel: 01494 865026 a friendly chat, then please ring: Heartfelt thanks go to our band of attending services at St M. we are or email for a brochure 01494 837177 unsung heroes who ‘decked the hall’ going to increase our available [email protected] with an advent wreath, nativity, holly, Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm. Sat: 10 am - hymnbooks by twelve. They are Find out more on our website ivy, trees (courtesy of the Xmas Tree 12 noon. Please give us reasonable notice currently £11.50 each and to that end www.abbeyfield.com of your requirement to help us organise it. 18 19 This prompted, the current Chief - - - - ADVERTORIAL - - - - HS2: still OK? Executive, Mark Thurston, to also Money honey? By Colin Sully comment in February that “ We will From Groundwork UK (only) know what it costs to build HS2 Buckmoorend continue to share these HS2 wo more local projects have once we’ve got all our contractors national news stories with you, not been awarded funding as part hristmas orders were up 58% mobilised, all our supply team at Buckmoorend Farm Shop to depress you, but simply to of the HS2 Community, I mobilised.” i.e. when it’s too late to stop! T and Kitchen this year with one illustrate how difficult it is to get Environment and Business Funds. C of many happy customers saying the anyone senior enough in the Cabinet Birmingham only? [See also December 2018 Newsletter.] to pull the plug. After suggestions that Phase 2 of ‘Beef was out of this world’ and HS2 (to Leeds and Manchester) may Chilterns AONB another that the fillet steaks were Another man over-board! The Chilterns Conservation Board ‘heavenly’. Kier Group are part of the Eiffage- not be built, Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary felt it necessary to has been awarded £240,000 to The new kitchen, open at Kier consortium, which is due to build conserve and enhance the natural weekends, has already become a firm the HS2 line from South Heath all the say that scrapping the northern sections of the HS2 rail line would be beauty of the Chilterns Area of favourite with walkers, guided groups way to Warwickshire. Outstanding Natural Beauty and and cycling circuits. Steph, Daniel and In January, the chief executive of a “huge betrayal of the people in the increase public understanding and Anna were proud to be a water and Kier was “…stood down with Midlands and the North”. enjoyment. banana drop off point for Gary King’s immediate effect”, just months after charity walk on 6th January for Youth the company launched a poorly The ‘Chalk, Cherries and Chairs’ project will create new opportunities Concern. They also provided free received £264m emergency rescue cakes to the some 200 who took part rights issue (see February Newsletter). for people to investigate and celebrate the cultural and natural and were pleased to donate a proportion of takings too. Land costs out of control? heritage of the area. In 2012, HS2 Limited estimated that land and property acquisitions Colne Valley ‘Open for would cost just £1.1 bn. In February, a Dispatching HS2? Business’ campaign forecast based on a Freedom of The Channel 4 programme on HS2 The Colne Valley Park CIC has Information Response from HS2 Ltd in mid-February made the case for been awarded £72,200 to deliver a predicted that the final total for the cancelling the project, pointing out promotional campaign to reinforce cost of land and property for Phase 1 that other transport projects the message that the Colne Valley is had now risen to around £5 bn, five represented a much better investment open for business during HS2 times more than the original budget of public money. construction. presented to Parliament. Andrea Leadsom MP, Leader of The campaign is aimed at What is the final cost? the House of Commons, was also retaining an estimated two million reported as “ratcheting up the pressure Appearing before a Select annual visitors and supporting rural on the Prime Minister to ditch HS2, Committee in January, the former boss businesses. expressing fears that the business case of HS2, Sir Terry Morgan, claimed The community and business for the rail link may no longer exist”. that “nobody knows” what the final funds are administered and managed cost of the high speed line, that was However, after the Channel 4 programme was broadcast, the Prime by the independent community approved by Parliament, will actually charity, Groundwork UK. be – not HS2 Ltd, not the DfT, not the Minister’s official spokesperson For more information on Government. There is a budget that said: “The PM remains fully committed Groundwork and the funds that might has not yet been spent, but no-one to HS2.” be available please visit: actually has a handle on the eventual Cancelling HS2 still looks as overall cost of the agreed scheme. difficult a job as it ever did. www.groundwork.org.uk 20 21 then please telephone Max on 07809  Some cause happiness - - - - ADVERTORIAL - - - - CAB @ 408195 or 01494 774748 or email wherever they go. Others, [email protected] whenever they go. home to arrange an appointment.  Change is inevitable, except You couldn’t from a vending machine. From the CAB  When tempted to fight fire with get more local! itizens Advice provides a fire, remember that the Fire valuable service to anyone You’re never e are blessed locally in that Brigade usually uses water. needing advice and guidance each of our villages and C  Two guys walked into a bar. through today’s jungles of too old to learn W hamlets is surrounded by The third one ducked. bureaucracy and funding. farmland. Sometimes it is all too easy  Citizens Advice Chiltern, based in something Do not argue with an idiot. He to take this patchwork of Chiltern Chesham, are now providing an advice will drag you down to his level beauty for granted. at home service for the over 65s. The and beat you with experience. stupid  service is free and can help with If I agreed with you, we'd both By The Editor information such as which social be wrong. araprosdokian is a figure of  groups are active, help you check if Always borrow money from a speech, which though little you are receiving the correct benefits pessimist. He won't expect it or even give you a little bit of help P known, is well understood by back. with looking at your energy bills. satirists. The key feature is that the  We never really grow up; we If you, a relative, neighbour or final words cause you to reinterpret only learn how to act in public. friend would like to access this service the first part of the sentence. Here are some examples that may make you smile and who knows, stimulate an Pet of the month The sheep and the cows, the barley article for future editions. and the corn that we see growing each Mervyn’s By Giles Robertson year all go to feed the nation’s Carpet & Upholstery  A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a Maggie and Alfie appetite. However, some of the Cleaning Services way that you will look forward produce stays really local. Take for example, the sheep belonging to Independent carpet cleaning to the trip.  How is it one careless match can Bassibones Farm that we see grazing specialist with over 30 years the fields around Lee Common. experience. start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? The Godden family have been CARPETS. UPHOLSTERY.  A fool and his money are soon farming at Bassibones Farm since RUGS. HARD FLOOR. elected. 1980. For over 60 years they have also CARPET PROTECTION.  Why does someone believe you run a butchers business from their FULLY INSURED. when you say there are four Chesham base. billion stars, but check when Every year, in conjunction with the Friendly and reliable service. his month, the lady dog is you say the paint is wet? Crawley-White Farm at Chartridge Most work by recommendation. Maggie who loves hanging out  Behind every successful man is with her friend Alfie. The ‘Pride End, they rear lambs in the fields Environmentally friendly T around Lee Common, which are his woman. Behind the fall of a cleaning materials. of The Lee’, Alfie has learnt some successful man is usually manners from Maggie although The Lee typically available to local customers For a no obligation quote ’phone from October to March. 01525 371724 or 07975 847027 another woman. would be less fun without them chasing  For more details, contact 07966 Email: [email protected] A clear conscience is usually the about. Look out for them on their ‘play- sign of a bad memory. date’ on Fridays. 035802. 22 23 this when 30 or more volunteers got Finally, our Annual Parish Meeting Shop @ The Lee together for a very informal meeting on The Lee Parish is on Tuesday 21 st May and will take By Symeon Economou how the shop is doing, celebrate the place in Parish Hall at 7:30 pm. The things we are doing well, and look at lady came to the shop this agenda will be published in due course. ways we could do it better. For just a Council news week to gather information for glass of wine and a few crisps everyone By Hayley Farrelly, Clerk an article she is writing about A gave up their time to get involved and arch sees the start of our us for a regional magazine. During this have a say in keeping this vital village long anticipated children’s Bridge too far? brief conversation I tried to convey resource fresh and relevant. fort rebuild. Behind the what I consider to be the essence of the M At our table the bidding went: scenes we have been working for shop and, looking back, I’m not sure I One of the facts which came out of W N E S did a good enough job. the meeting was that, although sales are many months with our supplier to 1 NT - I believe that all of us who are healthy and still on an upward trend, refine the design of the new fort so - Dbl - - the footfall has remained virtually the that it has the widest appeal to children involved with it do not see it so much 2 ♦ Dbl - 2 ♠ same for the last two or three years. We of all age groups. as on the outside serving the - - - are looking at ways to spread the word The contractors will start to move community but rather as an integral th West lead ♦ J part of the community and, as such, more widely, our recent foray into the onto the site on Monday 18 March th everyone, volunteers, customers, (to me) mysterious world of Facebook until Friday 29 March, when they N/S had the points and eventually suppliers, should take credit for making being just one example. will dismantle the old fort and won the contract although North’s it what it is. Saleswise, we will repeat the replace it with the new one. During A fly on the wall in the parish hall established events and we are already and immediately after the works have penalty double would have been a on Tuesday night would have got a planning the Greek Food event for the taken place the fort will be out-of- problem for East if West had not made good chance to observe one aspect of spring. We will continue to look for bounds and fencing will be installed a rescue bid of 2 ♦. new exciting deli style produce and we to prevent children using it. The new are refreshing our range of frozen ready mounds of earth need some time to meals. One or two volunteers rashly settle and new grass will be laid. We offered to give the shop a bit of a look forward to officially opening facelift and we will look at what we our new fort to the community as Cromar can do to improve the frontage of the soon as possible. shop as well. Any ideas on how we can Carpets Ltd achieve this would be very welcome. Road improvements On a more nitty gritty level we Oxford Street residents will be have been very lucky to attract the pleased to hear that repair works are attention of Don Baker – who used to due to take place to re-surface parts of CARPETS , V INYL AND live at Kings Ash Farm – to help us the road. In addition we have been in with the 2018 accounts and, more discussions, for some time now, with st WOOD F LOORING importantly, to bring us into the 21 Transport for Bucks (TfB) to introduce SUPPLIED AND F ITTED century with a computer-based white-line painting on the sides of the accounting system. We are never road that are parking-sensitive areas averse to free expert advice! near the school. We have not had the Finally, whilst we strive to dates of when these two projects will understand our customers’ needs, be done yet but have asked TfB, if at 9-11 S TATION A PPROACH please let us know if we can do better all possible, to fit this around school GREAT M ISSENDEN for you and, if you like what you see, holidays to reduce the impact of road 01494 862125 please tell your friend. After all, word closures or one-way systems during of mouth is the best advertisement. school pick-up and drop-off times. 24 25 Who’s in your household? several generations in comparison. being in the countryside. We were in the Personal-Lee My husband Graham and myself; People were so welcoming from the garden with the side gate open when a By Zoe Berkeley our son, Tommo, was born and grew beginning. We moved in just before bunch of Hell's Angels wandered in (this up here, but now lives in London. Christmas and within the first week we was when The Gate was still a bikers’ n this new feature, each month we Where did you grow up? Why had already been invited to two pub). After the initial shock of seeing a meet a different Lee resident to the move to The Lee and how long Christmas drinks parties by our group of hairy men in leathers at a answer our questions about their I have you lived here? neighbours. People really made an sedate afternoon tea, it turned out that own personal experience of The Lee. I grew up in North West London effort to introduce themselves. As our they had joined us to inform us that one We would love to hear your and moved here with Graham in 1987. son went to the local school, we met of their Harley's had broken down experiences: if you would like to be our We were vaguely familiar with the area lots of people that way and got outside and was awaiting recovery. No next subject for ‘Personal-Lee’, contact and were looking for a property in a involved in school events. We won the sooner had they left than the party [email protected]. hilltop village between Chesham, Great cup in the walking treasure hunt one divided into two clear sections: those Ruth Fowler, who has kindly agreed Missenden, Tring and Wendover. year too. who just needed a quiet cup of tea to to be our first willing volunteer, has lived We ended up here and have lived in In terms of what I have bought to recover from the shock and those who in The Lee since the 1980’s. She is a our house ever since. One of the selling The Lee, I hope people would say went to drool over the bike. parish councillor and part of the HS2 points of our house was the old forge, “participation. “ What tips would you give to liaison group on behalf of the council. giving me a separate workspace. I was What’s missing? people moving to the area? Ruth is on The Shop committee, as well working at home at the time in Powerful broadband - when we Get involved in village life as you as being a volunteer and is responsible software development and it was nice moved in there wasn’t internet and are missing out on so much if you for setting up The Shop’s Facebook to have some separation between home there weren’t mobile phones, but I feel don’t. Sign up to The Lee Forum, as page! She has also recently joined the and work even though the office was our communication infrastructure still it’s a great way to exchange Newsletter editorial team. only across the drive. needs some improvement. information and ask questions. What do you like most about the What is your favourite local SHORT-TERM area? building or house? The fact that it is still a rural My own house, because it’s home! J Brown Funeral Services 67 Woodside Road, Amersham, HP6 6AA agricultural village and I can look out Whilst there are lots of lovely houses RENTALS 01494 727474 (24 hours) of my window and have the view that I around, there isn’t one I’d rather live in. From £295 per week (all inclusive) do. There is a great sense of How would you spend your community and everybody knows perfect day in The Lee and A truly independent family funeral directors Self-catering holiday everybody here. Many years ago, a surrounding areas? Bespoke and traditional services or temporary accommodation lady called Bessie Austin used to live A perfect day would involve it Private chapels of rest at Lee Common in our house. When we first moved being summer and a walk in the Pre-paid funeral plans here and people asked where we lived, sunshine, followed by a pub lunch. Off street client parking Moving house? they didn’t recognise the name of the What is your favourite village Home visits Completion dates don’t coincide? cottage but once we said we lived in event? House sale falls through? her home, everybody instantly knew The Fayrfax Consort Christmas Builders outstaying their welcome? our house. We lived in ‘Bessie Austin’s concert in the Old Church is really

Expecting Visitors? house’ for the first few years. special. Need extra accommodation? What has the village given you Do you have a favourite locally and what have you brought to it? based anecdote or story? Contact Jason Brown on: 01494 727474 Self-contained Period Property: The village has given me a sense of We had held a party here for my [email protected] sleeps four guests community and belonging. When we parents’ ruby wedding anniversary, back Tel: 01494 837798 first moved here, we were definitely in the early 90s. Many of the guests Recommended by e-mail: [email protected] newcomers for many years as there are were from London, predominantly The Good Funeral Guide many people who’ve been here for elderly and already slightly bemused by 26 27 Tuesday 9 th April. Ballinger Evening Lee Common C of E School WI. ‘ Volunteering in Cambodia’: School office, 837267 The Newsletter [email protected] Carol McCutheon. 8:00 pm he Lee Newsletter is published 10 th Lee Common Methodist Church Sunday 14 April. The Lee Od times a year and distributed free to The fastest way to let everyone in the Marian Tomkins, 837479 Church AGM. all households in the parish… and Parish know about an event you are th Lee Common Scouts T Sunday 28 April. Annual Parochial a little beyond. The views expressed in it arranging is to publish it right here in Church Meeting. 11:30 am in the Scout Leader Thomas Brockett: are not necessarily those of the Editor. the Newsletter. Contact the editor by parish church (see page 16). 837294 or [email protected] th th We welcome letters and articles of the 12 of the previous month (see Tuesday 14 May. Ballinger Evening Leeside Nursery interest and relevance to The Lee. Copy contact details on page 1). WI. The Thames Path: Jo Laurie. Nancy Stephens, 837719 should be sent to the Editor of the month st Tuesday 21 May. Annual Parish www.leesidenurseryschool.co.uk (see page 1) by the 12 th of the month Meeting . 7:30 pm - agenda later. Shop @ The Lee before publication. March Saturday 1 st to Sunday 2 nd June. Art Symeon Economou, 837195 Letters should ideally run to no more nd Exhibition at St Mary’s, Ballinger [email protected] than 200 words and articles to no more Saturday 2 . Coffee Morning at the St John the Baptist Church featuring work by Jo Laurie’s painters. than 700 words; material may be edited Methodist Church. th See centre pages. th Tuesday 11 June. Ballinger Evening and may appear on the village website Thursday 7 . The Lee Walking St Mary’s Ballinger WI. ‘ Seated Flexibility Exercises’: www.thelee.org.uk unless consent is Group. Meet at 9:30 am. Contact: Anne Ellis, 837247 Saturday 9 th . 50s and 60s Legends Joan Cooper. 8:00 pm. specifically withheld. Anonymous th [email protected] contributions are not accepted. Night at Ballinger Hall. Live golden Saturday 15 June. The Lee Church The Art Society Ballinger Fête. Save the date! To advertise or place an insert, please oldies music with dinner and dancing. th Chair, Lesley Wickham, 865480 th Tuesday 9 July. Ballinger Evening contact Paul Apicella on 837377 by the Tuesday 12 . The Lee Parish Council [email protected] 12 th of the previous month. Meeting. Parish Hall 7:30 pm. WI. Bagels and Bacon: Jeff Rozelaar. th The Lee Cricket Club If you have photographs for th Saturday 20 July. The Lee Flower Tuesday 12 . Ballinger Evening WI. www.theleecc.org.uk publication please contact Jonathan Show and Dance. Save the date! ‘Building Georgian Towns’: Adam th Secretary, Mike Harris Batten on 837450 or email Smith. 8:00 pm. Tuesday 10 September. Ballinger 07788 345555 th [email protected]. Monday 18 . Children’s playground. Evening WI. ‘ The Disappearance of The Lee Flower Show For queries regarding distribution Major Glenn Miller’: Tony Eaton. Scheduled start of fort replacement th Chairman, Jonathan Batten, contact Barnaby Usborne on 837382. work (see page 23). Tuesday 5 November. Bonfire night! 837450 Other members of the Editorial rd Save the date! The Lee Newsletter Saturday 23 . Gregorian Chance at th team: Peter Archer, Zoe Berkeley, The Lee Old Church . See February. Saturday 16 November. Roving [email protected] Ruth Fowler, Phil Harrison, Liz th Sunday 24 . Litter pick-up . See Supper. Save the date! The Lee Old Church Trust Macann, Jen Ogley, Adam Speller and February Newsletter. Secretary: Pam Garner 837501 Colin Sully. Thursday 28 th . The Arts Society The Lee Parish Council Printed by Strongs: 01442 878592. Ballinger. ‘ From Bronzes to Banksy - Directory of Clerk: Hayley Farrelly, 837068 an armchair tour of public and street [email protected] To book the Parish Hall art.’ 8:00 pm. Guests £8. local contacts www.thelee-pc.org.uk or Scout Hut Allotments: Alison Weir, 837529 Ballinger Horticultural Society ’phone Anne Barnett on 837796 The Lee Parish Hall Committee Chairperson: Brenda Gover Bookings: Anne Barnett, 837796 9 am - 1 pm 6 pm - [email protected] Rates Coming soon Chairman: Tony Lea, 837237 2 pm - 6 pm midnight th Ballinger War Memorial Hall Mon - Fri £30 or £10/hr £45 or £10/hr Thursday 4 April. The Lee Walking Bookings: Jane Ogden, 837379 The Leeway Group . Meet at The Lee Green at 9:30 am. Contact, 837177 Sat/Sun £12/hr £70 th Ballinger Evening W.I. Bank Holiday £12/hr £70 Saturday 6 April. Coffee Morning. Contact: Frankie Little, 837659 Vocal Lees Methodist Church 10:30 am to 12 noon. Jeannette Batten, 837450 Car park only £10 [email protected] Crockery/cutlery £15 (hire outside the hall)