No 177 Summer 2011 STOKESTOKENews POGESPOGES Stoke Poges Village Fete

In 1911 the Titanic was launched, so let’s celebrate its centenary by turning up glamorous and leaving somewhat wrecked. Join the village at the school, Rogers Lane for the biggest and best, fun-filled, family day out on the Stoke Poges community calendar.

Come and enjoy the rides and displays, mix and mingle with members of village clubs and societies or just chill out and enjoy the weather and friendly company. Meet up with friends and neighbours you haven’t seen since last year’s fete.

Cold drinks will be flowing from the beer tent. Ice creams and kids’ cocktails, along with delicious, locally produced catering will be available from village groups and organisations.

With food and drink available, the party can continue into the evening with live music from PFJ. This year the entertainment will rock Stoke Poges.

Be there to help raise money for village-based groups and organisations.

Enquiries to Martin Wood: [email protected], 07963 627805 Saturday 11 June from 1 pm From the Editor Index Royal Wedding Celebrations 4 Villagers in the news 6 What a glorious spring we have had so far! Few New playgrounds 7 people can remember an April as sunny as this year’s and it was officially the warmest since records began. Villager’s 100th birthday 8 Tennis stars 8 But it’s not just the weather that has lifted the mood Villager in Boat Race 10 here in Stoke Poges - the addition of the new play and Bells Hill Update 12 fitness equipment has given our young people and Bowls Club 14 their families exciting new options for spending their leisure time. And with motoring costs rising so fast, it’s Bridge Club 14 great to have the choice of walking to the rec. and Social Club 15 having an inexpensive day out at the playground. Chairman’s Letter 16 Stoke Poges Players 17 The Royal Wedding too has been a cheery topic of conversation and The Stoke Poges School’s procession Duke of Edinburgh Group 18 through the village was enjoyed as much by the Bold’s Cycling in Stoke Poges 20 Court residents as the children themselves. St Good Neighbour scheme 21 Andrew’s entered into the spirit of the occasion by Memorial Gardens 22 putting up bunting along their frontage on Rogers Birds in Stoke Poges 22 Lane. Tennis Club 24 There are further opportunities over the next few Golf Pro Tips 25 months for the whole village to come out, get Rainbow Pre-school 26 together and demonstrate what a friendly community Stoke Poges Singers 27 we are: the village fete on 11 June; the playground opening and community picnic on 18 June, the Festival Vicar’s Letter 28 of Flowers and Poetry at St Giles’ on 9 July and the Horticultural Society 30 Horticultural Show on 30 July. Royal British Legion 31 Dates for your Diary 32 This edition of our village magazine also brings news of several parishioners who are doing well in their Scouts 34 chosen fields. Only the coldest of hearts would fail to Friends of Stoke Common 36 be cheered by the many good news stories in this Photographic Club 38 issue. Men’s Group 39 The Stoke Poges School 40 As we closed to go to press, there were encouraging indications that the Coop and Persimmon are Hedgerley Historical Society 42 gradually inching towards agreement - their target Stoke Poges FC 44 date for agreement is in our publication week. Women’s Institute 46 Guides and Brownies 48 There is much still to improve in our village. Our policing and crime prevention feature carries Ten Years Ago 49 information intended to help keep your home out of District Council Sports 50 the crime statistics. And we have a problem with a Sunshine Pre-school 51 minority of dog owners inconsiderately leaving their Crime prevention tips 54 animals’ mess in public places - read why this is such a dangerous health hazard on page 52. Annual Parish Meeting 56 Stoke Poges Society 58 Ralph Bagge Councillors’ Updates 60 Editor

2 3 Village Celebrates the Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding certainly caught the imagination of the village at the end of April and brought a feel-good factor to many parishioners.

The Stoke Poges Brownies held a wedding party and The Stoke Poges School brought its themed week celebrating the Royal Wedding to a colourful, spectacular conclusion on Thursday 28 April with a procession through the village.

The whole school, some 400 children, dressed up in patriotic colours or as kings, queens and wedding guests. Beaconsfield’s town crier announced (loudly) the start of the procession and led the way, ringing his bell.

A marching band of 20 children followed behind the town crier, leading the children in year order, with the youngest at the front. The procession marched along Rogers Lane to Bells Hill and headed for the rec. returning to the school via the back gate. Parents and residents were out in force waving flags and clapping as the children went past, getting ready to celebrate and enjoy William and Kate’s big day.

In Home Farm Way, Rhiannon Spelman, a year 5 student at The Stoke Poges School, was the prime mover in getting her family and neighbours to organise a street party on the Wedding Day. Photographer Jim Williams had his camera ready to capture the spirit of the day.

4 5 The Quite Remarkable David Coleman That was the title of a BBC TV documentary about the legendary television sports New Playgrounds completed commentator, presenter and Stoke Poges resident, broadcast on Wednesday 2 May. Mr Coleman presented BBC’s Saturday afternoon sports magazine programme Grandstand for many years as well as the midweek Sportsnight programme and more in time for Easter holidays recently A Question of Sport. The urgency and chivvying by the Parish that were visiting. It’s great for our kids to see us join Mr Coleman was instrumental in modernising television sports coverage and setting Council’s working party paid off with the in and have fun too.’ new standards for live television coverage. He reported for the BBC at the Olympic contractors completing all the play and fitness games from 1960 until 2000 and was the face of sports broadcasting for 25 years. equipment installations in time for the school As one might expect with such a big project there have Easter holidays. (Farnham Royal’s similar been a few teething problems. The dry weather hasn’t Mr Coleman celebrated his 85th birthday on 26 April and on behalf of the parish, we playground was still some way off completion at helped the turf knit to the landscaped mounds, we would like to send him our best wishes. the time of writing.) need to install more bins (they have already been ordered) and there have been problems with dog mess The young people of Stoke Poges have voted with (see p52). Also, with families spending the day at the their feet by returning day after day to use the new playground, we have had requests for introducing facilities. Resident and mum, Tara Rose said: ‘It’s some shaded areas. ARMED FORCES DAY brilliant. When I asked my children where they want to go in the holidays they said “the playground” every The large mound with the slide needed longer for the time.’ Caroline Snoch commented: ‘As soon as my turf to ‘take’ and was fenced off for an extra month. children got up in the morning they were asking if they The contractor was due to return in early May to install could go to the playground. We took a picnic and steps in the bank, re-tension the wire on the runway spent the day there.’ and remove the last of the safety fencing.

Youngsters patiently watched the installers apply The Parish Council has received thank you notes from finishing touches to the fitness equipment at Plough many children - we have selected two for publication. Lane and were so keen to use the new equipment that they wanted to help the workers remove the The chart topping band Blue will be the star safety fencing! attraction at Buckinghamshire’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on 28 June, to be held at Residents have also posted their appreciation on Aylesbury Rugby Club. Facebook. Marie Wood wrote: ‘Just dragged my two teenage sons away from the Xbox to the fantastic new Armed Forces Day, organised by Buckinghamshire outdoor gym on the rec. It was nearly dark when we County Council and the Buckinghamshire Lieutenancy, left. They had a great time trying to launch me off the [Tour poster] spinny flying dangling thing (the turnfly - Ed.). We all is a 12-hour celebration and fun day. It will be packed left, bonded with smiles and our knuckles dragging full of live music, including military bands, jazz bands, on the floor. So nice to be able to share the park again local bands, and will end with Blue as the headline act. Finally, the contractors who installed the equipment Brian Conley on tour at our age. Well done SPPC.’ commented on how enjoyable it had been working in Stoke Poges. The workers were impressed with Popular television entertainer and local This is the third Armed Forces Day in Buckinghamshire. Jennifer McEwan wrote: ‘Thank you for all that has the children who had been watching them - with how resident Brian Conley has been touring in The first, in 2009, attracted 4000 people and this been done at both parks. It is a fantastic idea having they took an interest, asked about the equipment and the lead role of Brother Love’s Travelling year’s target is 10,000. equipment that adults can use too. We had an were well behaved and polite. A real credit to Salvation Show throughout April and May. absolute blast this Easter weekend with some friends our village. The day will include an air display, including a Battle Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show is of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, live cookery an early Neil Diamond hit which has become demonstrations, and military vehicles, alongside an encore favourite. The show encapsulates exhibitions from service charities and Buckinghamshire Children the flamboyance, sincerity and sense of fun groups. enjoying the associated with singer Neil Diamond’s live Space Net and performances and the production is directed Tickets for Buckinghamshire’s armed forces personnel Balance Course. and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and their families are free, and for the public are just of BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing fame. The £4 for adults and £1 for children. They are available Credit: show was being performed in a specially from the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, from Keith Finan adapted circus big top. Ambassador Theatres on 0844 871 7607, or online at www.ambassadortickets.com/armedforcesday

6 7 Villager’s 100th Birthday A villager recently chalked up his 100th birthday. Reginald Arthur TemplewoodTemplewood SecuritySecurity Day was born in Stoke Poges on 9 May 1911, went to the school in School Lane and never moved away. He married his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis Betts in 1937, before his call-up to the Army. Reg fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944. Reg returned to his pre-war job of butcher at Neville’s in William SystemsSystems LTDLTD Street, Slough. He and Phyl rented a cottage in Uxbridge Road (now Hollybush Hill) which they subsequently bought. Reg was a well- known and popular figure in the village.

Sadly, Reg was admitted to Wexham Park Hospital towards the end of April, where he was surrounded by family and friends on his Established in Farnham Common since 1990. special day. We are sure all parishioners would want to join us in congratulating Reg on his century and wishing him all the best. A friendly LOCAL business with 20 years Reg Day with Charlie Dimmock at the opening of Oak House Care Home, Wexham, 2009 of experience.

Boodles Tennis Challenge Tennis stars present and future • Intruder alarms specialist The Boodles Tennis Challenge will be held between 14 Villager Angus Whittam, aged nine, has been and 18 June at Stoke Park for the 10th year running. ranked in the national top ten tennis players for The unique mix of an intimate English garden party his age. Following regional trials, Angus was and a select field of the world’s top tennis pros creates invited to the National Tennis Centre, • For all your installation requirements an unrivalled viewing and entertainment experience. Roehampton, in April, where he underwent rigorous testing and assessment. and local servicing Set within the tranquil gardens of Stoke Park’s 350 acre parkland estate, The Boodles allows the world’s There was a special bonus for Angus - British best players to compete on grass in the week leading men’s number one Andy Murray was in the • Insurance approved up to The Championships at Wimbledon. Roehampton canteen when the youngsters broke for lunch and he kindly agreed to be photographed with Angus. With David Ferrer (ranked no. 6), Australian Open • Red Care monitored systems finalist, Marcus Baghdatis, Wimbledon semi finalist, David Nalbandian and last year’s champion, Gael Congratulations to Angus for doing exceptionally Monfils (World no. 11) all set to return this year, the well to be one of the best British boys in his age Boodles promises first class entertainment. group - proof that many hours of hard practice • 24 hour call outs at Stoke Poges Lawn Tennis Club pays off. Let’s hope he is given all the support and funding his For further information and booking, visit potential deserves, www.theboodles.com. Tickets are priced from £38 for so that he can follow • Free estimates and advice NACOSS a reserved grandstand seat and play commences at in Andy Murray’s 2.30 pm each day. footsteps all the way GOLD to the Centre Court at Wimbledon. Good luck Angus!

Andy Murray and Call: 01753 648330 Angus Whittam. Credit: Web: www.templewood.co.uk Harvey Whittam The stadium at Stoke Park. Credit: Stoke Park E-mail: [email protected] 8 VILLAGE CENTRE TO Parishioner GENERATE ITS OWN Coxes Cambridge ELECTRICITY in Boat The trustees of the Village Hall charity have unanimously agreed Race to invest in an electricity microgeneration scheme. It is Liz Box was selected planned to install solar panels on to cox the Cambridge the south facing roof of the eight in the Boat Race extension (where they will be at the end of March. hidden from view from Rogers Lane) Unfortunately for Liz, subject to a structural survey and despite Cambridge planning permission. being the favourites, a strong Oxford eight The Village Hall will benefit from the government’s won the race. Liz was Feed In Tariff scheme, in which the electricity supply more successful last company will pay the Village Hall for every unit of year coxing Goldie electricity it generates, with additional payments for (the second crew) to units exported to the grid. victory over Isis (th e Oxford second crew). The installation will pay for itself in approximately six years (at current electricity prices) and will reduce Liz went to The Stoke the Village Hall’s operating costs by several thousand Poges School and Beaconsfield High School before pounds each year. The solar panels have an going up to study at Christ’s College, Cambridge. She expected life of thirty years, although panels took up rowing in 2006 and also plays lacrosse and installed in the earliest schemes (in the 70s) are still netball. She is currently studying for a Diploma of generating electricity. Theology at Hughes Hall, Cambridge.

The Village Hall is particularly suited to a solar power installation: its south facing roof is not shaded by trees or buildings and its air conditioning and refrigerated New Playground Opening storage (in the bar) use power when the sun is at its and Community Picnic brightest and is able to produce maximum power. Our Member of Parliament, Dominic Grieve Several homes in the village have solar panels installed QC, will be officially opening our newly - domestic installations do not normally require installed playground at Bells Hill on planning permission, except in conservation areas or Saturday 18 June. listed buildings. To celebrate the biggest investment for the benefit our community since the Village Hall was extended in 1996, we are organising a community picnic. The village fete committee will be running the bar - just bring your family and a picnic to enjoy the opening ceremony, from 12 noon on Saturday, 18 June. The new playground has already given the village a huge lift. Children are having a great time and parents are enjoying their children getting fresh air and exercise whilst playing with their friends. Grandparents too have told us how their grandchildren are really eager to visit, so that they can be taken to the playground.

10 11 Poetry, Faith and Flowers BELLS HILL UPDATE Village fete – Saturday 11 June Open Day at St. Giles’ Church In case the front cover artwork didn’t catch your eye, Access Ramp Landscaping this year’s village fete will take place in the grounds of Saturday 9 July The Stoke Poges School, Rogers Lane, from 1 pm on 10.30 am to 6.00 pm Planning permission was granted by South Bucks The car park at the surgery has been resurfaced - an Saturday 11 June. District Council on 1 April. As the ramp would be built outstanding requirement enforced by South Bucks District Council. on land owned by Persimmon, the Parish Council The fete offers something for ever yone and plays a The church Open Day will celebrate the 400th require their permission. The Parish Clerk wrote to vital role in sustaining our community. First, it offers a Anniversary of the King James Bible, one of the first The landscaping around the pergola has now Persimmon’s Maidenhead-based director on 14 day for families to enjoy the entertainments on offer English translations, which has given us such rich and been completed to match the plan approved by February and after following up her email received the and secondly the proceeds are donated to good poetic language as well as the 260th Anniversary of South Bucks. following reply: causes within the village. Most of the village’s clubs the writing of Gray’s Elegy. South Bucks District Council has agreed to replace the and societies will have a stall, so come along and give Sent: 14 April 2011 19:05 beacon - the original was put into storage when the them your support. The theme ‘Poetry, Faith and Flowers’ will be reflected To: Stoke Poges Parish Council old shops were demolished, but has since been lost. in floral displays prepared by various Stoke Poges Subject: RE: Planning Application A position has been agreed for the beacon on the There will be a wide choice of food and drinks organisations and clubs. The programme for the day green, towards the north east corner of the site. available to purchase so it really is a day out for the offers a great day out for all ages and includes church In response to your email the Parish whole family. Remember to bring something warm to tours, storytelling for children, bell ringing and hand Contractors have finally installed a road sign on Bells Council does not have permission to wear when the sun goes down so that you can linger bell ringing, an exhibition, an organ recital at 1.15 pm Hill, opposite the entrance to the access road to the enter land owned by Persimmon for a little longer and enjoy the live music. and a special Choral Evensong at 5 pm. shops. Credit is due to Cllr Gary Matthews for progress construction of the ramp. chasing this with Persimmon, who were required to Why not cycle to the fete? The school has an excellent Refreshments will be available throughout the day and install a sign as a condition of the planning permission If Persimmon were to agree to this a for the development. covered bike shelter with stands for secure parking. a barbecue organised by SHOC (Slough Homeless) will legally binding agreement with round off the evening. appropriate warranties for the works would need to be entered into between For further information please contact Gaynor the parties. VILLAGE ROADS TO BE RESURFACED Houghton-Jones, 884220, [email protected] Any works undertaken without this Bucks County Council has published its summer Temporary speed limits will be in force for two to agreement will be removed and roads resurfacing schedule. Three roads in the four weeks until the excess chippings are swept up. appropriate legal action taken. parish will be resurfaced this year: Rogers Lane between West End Lane and Hastings Meadow, Residents in the roads to be resurfaced will be Regards Farthing Green Lane and Fir Tree Avenue. notified by letter of the proposed dates so that the KJ Electrical Jon Regent roads are clear of vehicles, enabling the surface Deputy Managing Director After repairing potholes, the road surface is treatment works to proceed. The process is sprayed with hot bitumen and is then coated with weather dependent and can only be done if the This matter will be discussed at a Parish Council Extra sockets meeting due to be held after this magazine closed for chippings, which are rolled into the bitumen. roads are dry. publication. However, it gives an insight into the Lighng developer’s position on access for people with mobility problems and parents/carers with young children in Immersion heaters pushchairs. Mr Regent is based at Persimmon’s Maidenhead office Telephone points and can be contacted at: Persimmon House, Vanwall Business Park, 2 Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berks, Replacement fuse boxes SL6 4UB, 01628 502800.

No job too small Ditch Clearance Scheduled Bucks County Council will shortly begin major No VAT ditch clearance works in the parish. The works will take place on Gerrards Cross Road, between Collum Green Road and Vine Road and on Grays Park Road, between South Lodge and Farthing Green Lane. Both sections 01753 663699 of road have been subject to flooding in ☎ heavy rain in recent times.

12 13 Mother and Toddler STOKE POGES at Rainbow Pre-School Stoke Poges Social Club Our mother and toddler group meets on Tuesday Dear villagers, just a short message to remind you that As if that wasn’t enough, our AGM threw up lots of afternoons between 1.00 pm and 2.30 pm, term time BBowlsowls Club we’re here and continuing to flourish! We’ve had good ideas for future activities, so keep your eyes only. We welcome all new parents and carers to join By the time you read this our season will be well under many events in the past few months, from the peeled for details of these. us for a slice of home-made cake with a cup of tea or way. During the winter we held our usual short mat coffee - no appointment required, just turn up. children’s Christmas party (which welcomed a special competitions which resulted in two very exciting finals. visit from Father Christmas!) to another hugely We believe in the community and that’s what we In the pairs, Judy Smelt and Bert Moss beat Newark successful ‘big quiz’. encourage at the club. Our regulars are aged from 9 It is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends Smelt and Len Stallwood by one shot in an extra end. whilst allowing your child to play safely with all our to 90 (and above!) and we want them all to enjoy the environment and be as involved as possible. equipment inside or in our large outside garden area. The triples too was a ver y close game, with Jean And the old favourites are still there too! Every Learning to ride bikes, scooters and coupé cars is fun, Saturday night is bingo night, the 1st and 3rd Seymour, Eddie Painter and Rose Stallwood beating If you’d like to get involved with any of our activities, plus they can experience the thrill of digging whilst Peter Carrod, Peggy Farley and Kay Harwood by Wednesday of each month see us hosting a mini quiz or suggest a new one you’d love to see us organise, sitting in our outside sand pit. If this is not enough one shot. and our crib team plays regularly throughout the they can access our two play houses or simply just come along to the club any evening and pick up a year. There will be another ‘big quiz’ on one Saturday have a good run around on the grass or patio areas. We have a very full fixture card for our friendly games membership form. Or e-mail stokepogessocial Children always settle much sooner when they have in June (date to be announced soon) and the pool [email protected]. Membership is £10 per year, plus throughout the season and also have some league table and dart board are available most evenings for attended mother and toddler as they are familiar with fixtures to look forward to. W e welcome new a one-off £1 joining fee. Under 18s are very welcome anyone to use. the staff who run it, and the setting. It is the parents members and coaching is available for those who and do not need to join. who get upset when it is time to leave their children would like to try the game. For further details phone with us so that we can do our job of teaching their Judy Smelt on 642341 As the weather improves, the golf season kicks in. The The club is open every evening from 7 pm until 11 pm child to be happy, independent and confident. social club has a very active group of golfers who head plus Sunday lunchtimes from midday until 3 pm. off to a different local golf course each month, then Please come along at any time and see if you like us! Places may be available in September for funded back to the club in the evening for prize-giving and a children age 3-5 and non-funded children age 2-3. Stoke Poges Bridge Club well-deserved pint. Bob Crocker, Chairman Please call 647572 or 07889 980570, or email [email protected]. See also our Stoke Poges Bridge Club continues to thrive and we are website www.stokepogesrainbow.co.uk now averaging six to seven tables each week. Beeches Road, Duplicate bridge is played in a relaxed and friendly Farnham Common, Slough, atmosphere and there are prizes for the winners. Bucks, SL2 3PS Computer-dealt hands are used which means paper T. 01753 644568 Personalised, one to one computer and copies of these are available immediately afterwards to internet coaching for the mature user work out what should have happened! The results of or 01753 646748 each session appear on our website later the same day. • Friendly family run garage Experienced and patient tutor will help you Our first foray into a league competition met with in your own home or office, on your own computer satisfactory results. The team won two and lost three • First class repairs and servicing for ALL MAKES and at your pace to: matches ending up in the middle of the league. Thanks of cars and light commercial vehicles to Audrey Reed for organising it. Start or revise any MS Office skills • Independent Renault specialists Email customers, contacts, friends and family We plan to celebrate summer with an après bridge soirée Create simple accounts or letters of (moderate) eating and drinking on Monday 1 August. • Latest diagnostic equipment Search the internet The venue is still to be decided. Shop online or learn ebay • MOT test station The annual Pairs Cup will be held on Monday 7 • Air conditioning repairs and re-gassing We work hard to understand what you want to November. Current holders are Roger Holden and Bill achieve and will build a personalised plan and Garnsey. A teams of four event is also planned. • Free local collection and budget for every user delivery from home or work The club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Rogers Lane, Contact us on: • Open 6 days a week t: 01753 642760 each Monday from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm. With or without m: 07768 573450 a partner, players of all standards are most welcome. • Free wash with every service e: [email protected] w: www.click-silver.com For more information, please visit our website http:// and selected repairs www.stokepogesbridgeclub.org.uk, ring 642438 or email • Courtesy cars available [email protected] or just turn up. • Accident repair work can be arranged Roger Wright

14 15 Chairman’s Letter

I would like to thank all of you who attended closing. The Parish Council extended their thanks to May I remind you that you can sign up for the Parish Council’s our recent Annual Parish Meeting where the dedicated group of volunteers and to Hazel Dier eNewsletter by subscribing via our website www.stokepogesparish I delivered the Parish Council’s review of for her part in organising the committee. council.gov.uk, where you will also find all Council meeting the past year and our plans for the agendas and minutes plus a diary covering Council and forthcoming 12 months. Following a detailed Also that evening I was delighted to present two village events. presentation, which is available to view on annual awards to the club/society and individual whom the Parish Council feels deserves recognition. the Parish Council website (www.stokepoges Finally, I have good news and bad news about our planned ramp The Jubilee Cup was awarded to the Stoke Poges at the Bells Hill shops: we have been granted planning permission parishcouncil.gov.uk/2011/04/parish-council- Table Tennis Club and the Caldecourt Cup, awarded chairmans-report/), I answered questions by South Bucks District Council; we have approval from RMG, this year in memory of both Babs and Tom Caldecourt the site managing agents, with whom we spoke and who from villagers and as is the Parish Council’s (formerly of Tom’s general store) was presented are enthusiastic about improving the access to the shops. We also policy, provided clear and transparent to Graham Donnet, for his long standing and now a full specification which will enable us to cost and manage clarification of our past decisions and future continued support to village and Parish Council the build. direction, setting out our objectives and events including the summer fete, Carols on the explaining our hopes for the village by taking Green and the 11/11 commemorations. However, Jon Regent, from Persimmon has written to the Parish decisions which make Stoke Poges a great Council stating that the Parish Council does not have permission As we outlined in the last edition of Stoke Poges place to live. to enter land owned by Persimmon for construction of the ramp News, the installation of the new play equipment at and that any works undertaken, without a legal agreement being The Parish Council has gone through a steep learning both Bells Hill and Plough Lane recreation grounds has been completed and the equipment along with in place, will be removed and appropriate legal action taken. Given curve in the last year. We are continuing to learn, some items designed for older teenagers and fitness the developer’s history of reaching agreement, turning around improving our understanding of local politics and equipment for adults has proved tremendously legal documents and simply acting in a positive and cooperative being honest about our plans and progress. The week popular over the Easter holidays. It is a genuine joy way, there is clearly still much work to be done. If you would like prior to the annual meeting we held our 2011 Parish for all of the Councillors to see so many villagers to write to Jon Regent in support of the Parish Council’s plans for Reception for some 100 villagers in a modest spending time in the recreation grounds with adults an access ramp to the shops, then his email address is celebration of our village and those whose and children enjoying the new facilities we have been [email protected]. contributions continue to make a difference. able to bring to the village. Please enjoy the outdoor amenities as we enter the summer and pass the word If there are any villagers with legal qualifications who would be During the reception we presented awards to Duke to friends and neighbours to join in with the fun. willing to assist the Parish Council in tackling some of the issues of Edinburgh participants and recognised the Forget There will be a formal opening by The Rt Hon. we face, then please contact either me or the Parish Clerk. Me Nots who are in their 65th year. However, times Dominic Grieve QC MP on 18 June with a community have changed and with dwindling numbers they are picnic from 12 noon. Mark Fletcher, Chairman, Stoke Poges Parish Council

After the fun of performing Inspector Drake’s Last Case in May we will be busy reading and auditioning for our Stoke Poges Players next production over the next few months. It’s going to be a pantomime, to be staged in December. Would you like to join in the fun? TEMPLEWOOD We are a friendly bunch, so if you are interested, whether it is in being on stage or helping out backstage, please come along any Monday at 8 pm to see what Established in 1973 your local amateur dramatic club get up to. Your local friendly builder Normally we put on two shows a year, in May and December, They are well supported by the local community. The club meets every week, except in All types of building works undertaken August, in the Harding Room at the Village Centre in Rogers Lane.

Telephone David Marriott on 01753 648332 For more information or any questions please ring Some of the cast members in our recent Linda Miles, Secretary on 677032 or production of Inspector Drake’s Last Case. [email protected].

16 17 Stoke Poges Duke of Edinburgh Award Group

Many thanks must go to all the Stoke Poges award Mandy Harrod participants who so kindly gave their time to support Vikki Ashton the Christmas market back in December. We were asked to help with the elderly residents of Bold’s Court and to bring them along to the evening. It was On Mothering Sunday, we could be found at the all a great success and everyone seemed to be Walter Davis campsite packing rucksacks, putting up enjoying themselves. tents and using trangia stoves to cook a basic meal. Other sessions have included working out routes using Another huge thank you must also go to the fete maps and then transferring the routes onto route committee who have very kindly given us a generous cards. From this we have now had a successful practice cheque to update some of our equipment. With so hike, starting from Black Park, using their route cards, many young people undertaking their expeditions, the camping in Stoke Poges and completing the walk in usual wear and tear occurs and we do like to keep Burnham Beeches, all carrying full kit. The real equipment up to date. assessment is in July and much further afield! We as leaders have every confidence that they will all succeed At our first meeting of 2011 Vikki and I were delighted in their Bronze venture. with how many completed awards were handed in. Also we once again find ourselves with many keen We had an enjoyable evening at the Parish Council and interested youngsters joining our group. The Reception. We were able to present three awards that planning programme for the expedition is in place and evening to those who were able to attend. These training for the expeditions started in February! We young people have successfully gained the following have 12 young people registered for their Bronze awards: Award and 10 registered for their Silver, all of whom Bronze Award: Tejpreet Kandola; Anna Karpinski; are about to embark on their challenge of the Fiona Coull; Charlotte Wells; Holly Holmes; Alice expedition element of the award. Simmonds; Rebecca Holiday; Charlie Hertel and Beatrice Thomas. The expedition training for our Bronze participants is Silver Award: Beth McCord; Chloe Jubainville; now well under way. We had a successful first aid Roxanna Poukarimi; Emily Eastwood and Kuran evening with bandages and slings being put on in all Kumar. manner of ways. Our resuscitation dolls were well used Gold Award: Pooja Verma and Marcus Johns. and our young people found that keeping a rhythm with chest compressions is extremely hard. Many congratulations to all of them. Bus number 53 Your local bus service serving Wexham Park Hospital – Stoke Poges – Farnham Royal – Burnham Grammar School – Maidenhead – Bracknell.

Operated by Thames Travel Please contact us if you need travel on bus line 53, your comments or suggestions are always warmly welcomed. www.thames-travel.co.uk or call 01491 – 837988

18 19 neighbour to help or you would like to volunteer to Cycling is on the up nationally - what’s required and help other parishioners, please complete a what’s the plan to generate cycling benefits locally? questionnaire and return it to us. When we receive sufficient response from volunteers Spurred on by the 2012 Olympics more This will enable Cycle-Wise to do the following free of we will organise briefing sessions. people are taking to cycle sport. However, charge: at grass roots level there has been an even From discussions I have had with several parishioners, • Train adults individually, or alongside their more substantial resurgence. More and it’s clear that getting to Wexham Park Hospital is a real more people are taking to riding a bike children, in Bikeability skills • Pilot a Home to School bike train with The Stoke concern - many people find the walk from where they simply for the purposes of getting around.       park to the hospital particularly difficult. The Good Poges School (rather like a walking bus). • Start exploring the improvements required in Neighbour scheme can assist by dropping you off at Cycling of course benefits people’s health, wealth local cycling infrastructure. the hospital’s front entrance and picking you up to (given spiralling petrol prices) and of course our bring you home again when you’re ready. environment. Social non-competitive cycling has the Why is it ‘critical’ that adults play a part in potential to help many of us buck trends towards helping this change to happen? We are grateful to our County Councillor, Trevor rising overweight and enjoy better mental health too. Establishing a ‘critical mass’ of competent and A questionnaire to recruit members and Egleton, for nominating the Stoke Poges Good So the greatest benefit is actually to ourselves and our assertive cyclists is all important to addressing the volunteers has now been printed and Neighbour scheme as the recipient of his community loved ones. bike/car balance on local roads. This helps ‘tame’ the distributed via the WI, the Women’s leaders’ grant. The £2000 donation will be used to traffic conditions so that more vulnerable and less Fellowship and the Men’s Fellowship and subsidise outings for our older residents over the What’s happening in Stoke Poges? experienced cyclists can get started too. The Stoke Poges School has been one of a number of can be picked up from the Parish Office and summer and the next 12 months. Older parishioners the doctor’s surgery. who are interested in taking part should register their schools in South Bucks to blaze the way, taking part How can you get involved and benefit from FREE in Bikeability Instruction. This is the modern form of interest by returning a questionnaire. training and fun rides too? The questionnaire outlines the areas of help and Cycling Proficiency that’s helpful to children and adults Families of adults with children (8 years old and above) alike. Bikeability Instruction, targeted at years 5, 6 and assistance available to older people and those with Ralph Bagge can sign up to Bikeability Instruction. This is due to take Chairman 7, has been funded by the Burnham School Sports place in the first week of August. Visit the Cycle-wise mobility challenges. If you would like to call on a good Partnership and delivered by Cycle-Wise. website http://www.cycle-wise.co.uk and ‘Book a place’ tab: A new forum called the Beeches Cycling Development Advertiser’s announcement group has been created to enable local cycling Adults, and children who have completed level 2 advocates and providers to jointly create a plan with Bikeability, can sign up to join in Bike! Burnham Social Do you need care?... Home Care from Caremark Bucks County Council for developing cycling in our Rides. Via the same link above. Caremark is a Home Care Provider, delivering the highest local area. This aims to generate ‘critical mass’ in the ... help and support in your own home standards of professional care to those in need and five parishes across the Beeches area. Stoke Poges support in our community, who choose to live in Adult beginners can benefit immensely from their own homes. Parish, due to ‘cycling proactive’ councillors, has Bikeability instruction. This is available on request via secured resources via the Local Area Forum. We are registered with the Care Quality the Cycle-wise website http://www.cycle-wise.co.uk Commission, who are the governing health ‘Contact Us’ tab. (Please type ‘Adult Starter training - regulator and are members of the United Stoke Poges’ within your request). Kingdom Home Care Association. All clients are individuals, with Adults, interested in developing ‘cycling leadership their own specific needs, our skills’, please use the ‘Contact Us’ link above. (‘Please care packages are then tailored to meet these type ‘Adult Leader training - Stoke Poges’ within your bespoke requirements. We request). encourage your independence • Personal Care, such as washing and dressing • Help with and respect your dignity, confidentiality and freedom For any other suggestions or questions, please contact household tasks • Companionship, such as assistance with shopping of choice. the Parish Council’s Highways and Transport or errands, travel to social events, or to simply share a cup of tea Our care and support workers are thoroughly trained, spokesperson, Cllr Ralph Bagge (contact details on • Bespoke personal support plan • Live-in care, Overnight care vetted and regularly assessed to ensure high standards page 63). are always met. • Care service available 365 days of the year • Support work for Whether you need 24 hour care, or just a short visit a variety of client groups, such as the elderly and learning a day, we will select a carer who has the appropriate Cycle-Wise are a Department for Transport registered disabilities • Supporting people in receipt of Direct Payments experience, qualifications to best meet your Cycle Training Provider and business based in requirements. Burnham. They are able to provide the above services “I am so grateful to Caremark who have given me such free of charge due to funding from the Beeches Local high quality of care whilst staying in my own home, Area Forum of Bucks County Council and Re-activate I can see all my neighbours and be in the home where Bucks. I raised all my children and I know my wife is even Caremark (Slough & South Buckinghamshire) happier that I am at home too”. Mr H S Law (Private Client) Steve Roberts Tel: 01753 610560 Email: [email protected] Bikeability level 1 trainees are coached in www.caremark.co.uk basic handling off road Cycle-Wise Thames Valley

20 21 Stoke Poges Birds In Stoke Poges Guaranteed savings Memorial Gardens Thanks for a good selection of sightings this Head gardener Graham Pattison has written a book month. Of most interest were: about the Grade I listed Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens. The 40 page, full colour A4 publication Waxwings seen in Vine Road and Penn Meadow, for your home! covers the history of the gardens and provides details very close to the main Gerrards Cross road. See the on the flora and fauna to be found in the gardens. photo. They are winter visitors - and there a greater number around this year than normal. They are Available from the Memorial Gardens, at £7.50, the most distinctive by their crest - and a red and Friends of the Gardens contributed one third of yellow patch down the flank. The Utility Warehouse ‘Double the Difference’ Price Promise the publication costs with the remainder being met Redpolls seen at a feeder just off Park Road and means you can benefi t from: by a grant from the Mobbs Memorial Trust. Income again in Vine Road. These are a small brown/grey from sales of the guide will contribute to the bird but with an obvious red patch on the head. gardens’ upkeep. Three buzzards with their young in attendance • The UK’s cheapest Home Phone over Church Lane. Forthcoming events: Egyptian geese in Langley Park - no doubt resident and not just escaping the troubles in their • The UK’s cheapest Home Phone and National Garden Scheme Open Day homeland. Wednesday 15 June, 2 pm - 5 pm. Guided walks on Broadband bundle the hour, entrance £3.50, refreshments available. • The UK’s cheapest Mobile tariffs Garden Walks Second Wednesday of each month. Meet at the office at 2 pm. • The UK’s cheapest standard Gas

Butterfly Walk and Electricity Saturday 30 July, 10 am with Paul Bowyer of the Butterfly Conservation Trust

Heritage Open Day Saturday 10 September, 9.30 am. A flock of waxwings near Vine Road - Tour of the following, subject to access availability: St with one enlarged. Credit: Colin Hurt Giles’ church; Manor House; Mansion and Memorial Plenty of sightings of red kites continue - and the Gardens. Meet at Memorial Gardens at 9.30 am. noisy parakeets. And herons sometimes fly low Programme subject to change, maximum 25 people, over the village - probably the biggest bird you will pre-booking essential. see in Stoke Poges. Swallows and swifts are already back for the summer. Let me know if you hear or (even see) a cuckoo. There were several reports last year. Further Ask for details! information No doubt you will see green woodpecker (searching for ants on the grass) and greater from Stoke Sherie Booth Poges spotted woodpecker (more likely to be heard Memorial drilling high up in the trees). But it’s the best time 07967 194925 Gardens, of year now to see the lesser spotted woodpecker 0800 990 3246 523744. in the RSPB Church Wood reserve at Hedgerley - but they take some finding! As I write, the www.msbsaveu.co.uk bluebells there look fantastic. [email protected]

Please keep your reports coming in - and I will try to help with any identification queries.

Roger Wright, 642438, [email protected]

Charges, terms and conditions apply. For full details of the Utility Warehouse Price Promise see www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk 22 23 Let me put it this way: your head needs to keep reasonably still, but definitely not down. Imagine throwing a ball and continuing looking at the ground Pro Tips as you try to gain distance. Golfers think that by keeping their heads down it will solve all of their problems, but all it actually does is compound them.

The next time you’re at your local club try this: stand by the side of the putting green, take your chipping stance without a golf club but with a golf ball in your throwing hand, pick out a hole as the target and make a throw. Make a note of what your head did. I’m sure your body turned as you threw the ball and your head moved as well as you watched the ball fly towards This is the busy time of year for the tennis club. After the target. Now try it again and keep your head down. the rigours of winter league matches, we are now I bet it won’t feel natural and the result definitely embarking on the summer matches with optimism Stuart Rank, Head of Instruction at Stoke Park won’t be as good. and, hopefully, good weather. continues his series of top tips for golfers. ‘Keep your head down!’ A Golfing Myth? Therefore, keeping your head down for too long stops The start of the new season was marked by the Joining the natural motion of your body, i.e. rotation and Day and an American Drive tournament with a good Every single golfer across the land has heard the weight transfer. All of the effort put in to keeping your Vinnie and Karen Perez number of people playing mixed doubles in rotation. common phrase ‘keep your head down’, right? Well head down prevents speed and synchronization - two It was good to see a few juniors joining in. There were make a musical racket! what if I told you that it’s a golfing myth? Bad shots key factors in long hitting and in the basic chip shot. prizes for the top girls and guys, these were awarded aren’t caused by lifting your head they’re due to So, when you play next, forget about keeping your to Karen Perez and Grace Whittam, and to Harvey coaching continues to be as popular as ever. An open something way before that. Your head lifts as head down and let your natural movement and Whittam and Harley Dyer, so very well done to them. tournament for juniors is being held on Thursday 2 a consequence of the movement and then your instincts take over. playing partner calls the old chestnut of ‘you lifted Junior tennis continues to flourish. Monday coaching June: under 12s in the morning and under 14s in the your head there!’. Stuart Rank, Stoke Park, [email protected] was due to start in May; Saturday morning free afternoon. See contact details below if you are interested in taking part. The junior finals day will be held on Monday 18 July DAIR HOUSE SCHOOL ORCHARD and the adults finals day on Saturday 6 August. ACADEMY OF DANCE & THEATRE ARTS Est. 1981 The draw for Wimbledon tickets took place on 10 May FARNHAM ROYAL Principal ~ Jean Orchard L.I.S.T.D - and the lucky ones should be looking forward to going to the tournament.

The annual pre-season dinner was held recently at Dair House is a 3 – 11 year old co-educational Richings Park Golf Club. All those attending enjoyed the tasty food and the company. Some good independent preparatory school. entertainment was provided by various members (see photo). We pride ourselves We now have available samples of the new club cap, on excellent teaching sweatshirt and polo shirt, sporting the new club logo Enrolling NOW for our 10th Spectacular Live Stage Show (see above). Advance orders are being taken - details and pastoral care, are displayed in the clubhouse. small classes and ‘THE TIME OF MY LIFE’ We are very keen to attract new members - all ages Beck Theatre, Hayes ~ Sat 26 Nov. and Sun 27 Nov. and all standards. Everyone will be made most individual attention. welcome. For further information, please ring 642438 Visit www.OrchardAcademy.com for more details on our classes in Acting, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Singing and Street Dance or visit our website http://www.stokepogestennis club.co.uk or just turn up at the courts adjoining Bells Prospective parents are welcome to visit at any time, please call [email protected] Hill recreation ground. Look out for the new sign along Rogers Lane to help you find us! 01753 643964 www.dairhouse.co.uk 01753 663484 Roger Wright Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Royal, Bucks, SL2 3BY Publicity Manager

24 25 About us: Rainbow Pre-School News - Summer Term 2011 Stoke Poges Singers We are a friendly four-part choir and usually perform three concerts a year, one of which is normally a The spring term ended with a very successful Easter egg hunt attended by friends and families of the Barn Dance religious work. children who attend Rainbow. We were also visited by lots of new prospective parents and their On 19 March the Singers, together with Kingsmead Proceeds from concerts are given to charity. children. The weather was glorious, in fact, a little hot for the Easter bunny and all the chocolate he Sailing Club, hosted a barn dance with supper in St Our repertoire ranges from Haydn, Karl Jenkins and was carrying for the children to eat. The Easter bonnet parade was spectacular with fantastic displays Andrew’s Hall. Music was provided by the Hogs Handel to Gilbert and Sullivan and songs from of the children’s artistic talents, perhaps with a little assistance from their parents! Back Band. musicals and films. The summer term started with the theme of the This term we will also be exploring the lives of various May Concerts New members are always welcome and there are no garden centre, planting flower and vegetable seeds in mini beasts e.g. ladybirds, beetles, worms, spiders, On 14 and 15 May the singers gave performances of auditions. The ability to read music, although an asset, mini cloches made from lemonade bottles. The ants, caterpillars and butterflies. Handel’s Messiah - on 14th at St Giles’ in Stoke is not essential. There are opportunities for solo work children were taught how to care for plants and Poges and on 15th at the Church of St Teresa for more accomplished singers. seedlings ready for when we plant them into our After half term the parents will be invited to parent in Beaconsfield. garden later in the term. Due to the early hot weather consultations regarding their children’s progress in the All interested singers were invited to come along and Rehearsals are held every Thursday between 8 pm and conditions we have been able to spend more time foundation stage. The staff are all key workers to join the choir for the Sunday rehearsal and 10 pm at St Andrew’s Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke outside and enjoy nature walks to observe blossoms, individual children and observe and collect evidence of performance at St Teresa. Both concerts were in aid of Poges. If you are interested in joining come along on any rehearsal night or contact Naomi or Cheryl at the daffodils, bluebells and new sprouting leaves on progress throughout the child’s time with us to pass the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. numbers given below. trees and plants. on to their respective schools when leaving Rainbow. Future Events Naomi: 07831 217575 During the spring term we made a lot of changes to Rainbow is to host our annual open day/fun day on 40th Anniversary celebrations - 2 July Cheryl: 655682 our outside play area and were very fortunate to be Tuesday 14 June between 11 am and 2 pm. New and This year the choir celebrates both its 40th anniversary www.stoke-poges-singers.org.uk, donated some new play equipment for the children to prospective children and parents are welcome, or and the 10th anniversary of Graham Roitt as its [email protected] enjoy. The fencing has been renewed and painted anyone just wishing to come for a fun day out, bouncy musical director. To recognise the occasion we have making the whole area look very fresh and inviting. castle, tombolas, raffle, home-made cakes, treasure organised a river boat shuffle for the choir and their We now also have a sensory area and saucepans with map, plants and many more. Refreshments will be friends and families to take place on 2 July leaving Stoke Poges Free Church Holiday Club 2011 utensils hanging from the trees for the children available to buy throughout the day. This year we will from Windsor (near Browns Restaurant) at 7 pm and to make sounds with. Sand and water play have The annual children’s Holiday Club will be be having an entertainer for the children towards the returning at 11 pm. The trip will include a disco and been particularly popular with the younger children taking place from Tuesday 26 July to Friday end of the event and we have also been promised a chicken barbecue meal and tickets are £34. We would and new starters. like to invite all former members of the choir and 29 July and will be four full days (instead of real police car to have a look round, if no emergencies the usual five mornings). This year, it will be occur that day. The play leaders will be available to would ask them to contact Naomi or Cheryl (numbers below) if they are interested. held at Farnham Common Infants School. answer any questions or queries you may have, also to give a guided tour of our setting. Look out for the 7 July – Rehearsals end For more details, please contact WATER posters advertising this event. 9 July – Choir Away Day to Selsey Mavis Shortman, 644691 or 8 September – Rehearsals recommence [email protected] July is when we get our trainers on ready for the sports SOFTENERS day. We always pray that the weather will be kind to us on this day as it is such fun for all the children to show off their skills to parents, grannies, aunts, uncles, DO YOU HAVE AN ANNOYING DRIP Supply & Installation brothers and sisters. We have also been assured that training is well under way for our parent races too. Drinking Filters & Faucets IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD? Summer term will draw to a close with a teddy bears’ picnic. The children can bring in their favourite teddy Next day delivery service bear to enjoy the baking and preparation of picnic Dr Tap Plumbing & Heating Services food to eat and share with their bear. This will be for Block, Granular closely followed by our end of term barbecue, where Fully qualified and insured Boilers installed, serviced and Tablet Salt we sadly have to say goodbye to over 30 children who plumber available to remove drips, & repaired, will be leaving us to begin their school lives. Good luck drops and other annoyances Landlord’s certificates issued to them all, and finally we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer and maybe we will see around your house. Gas leaks fixed. 01753 643554 some of you in September. NO JOB All enquiries welcome - 647572, 07889 980570, TOO SMALL www.stokepogesrainbow.co.uk, NSR Limited [email protected] Cheryl Fleetwood Call Paul Webster on 07814 747221 E-mail [email protected] Manager

26 27 Vicar’s Letter It’s not currently as big an event as Mothering Sunday as father, and yet even the most damaged I have met or Mother’s Day, but Father’s Day (19 June) is very seem to have an inbuilt image of what a really good important. Children without a good father figure often father would be like. Maybe you had (or have) a find many things about life extra hard. wonderful father. However, even a really good father will still not be perfect. Very early on as a father myself, As human beings we are designed to know God as the enormity of the task hit me and I realised that I our good loving heavenly Father. The trouble is we do was (and always will be) far from perfect. I pray that not see Him clearly. This is partly because the God improves me, but also that somehow my children spectacles we wear to look at Him are provided by the will be helped to know God as Father through me. experiences of our earthly fathers (and other male authority figures). In Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son (Luke ch.15) it is God’s heart we see opened up as we look at the boy’s If we have had a physically absent or emotionally father. He let the prodigal go (and how hard that must absent father, then at a heart level we may well fear have been) but he never gave up hoping for his return. that God will not be close to us, and therefore we God wants us to understand that He is for us, that He find it hard to believe that He wants to draw near and is good, that He loves us and wants to bless us. He is near! If we have had a harsh or unreasonably angry wants us to understand so that we will draw near to father, then at a heart level we may well fear that Him and let Him draw near to us. God will be like that to us, therefore we may find it hard to allow Him to draw near and come close! If we God does not like us to be distant from Him physically have had a weak or indecisive father, then at a heart like the prodigal son or distant from Him emotionally level we may well fear that God is weak and unable like the prodigal’s older brother. The action He longs to help us, therefore we may find it hard to trust our for us to take is that turning again towards Him, that lives to Him. drawing near - no matter how far away we may feel ourselves to be. There is good news for both brothers, A really bad experience of being fathered means that news of the father’s love. There is good news for us some people find it nearly impossible to talk of God as well - news of God’s perfect Father love. As we come to Pentecost or Whitsun (12 June), let me Parish of Stoke Poges encourage you to see with fresh eyes the Father’s love St Giles’ and St Andrew’s Church so that you may receive it and be filled anew. All of us, myself certainly, need the ongoing filling of the Holy The service details below give our usual pattern but may Spirit in order that God’s love may be poured into our be changed by seasonal specials. For further information hearts and lives and we may be enabled to live and please refer to our website: www.stokepogeschurch.org love His way. 1st Sunday Encourage the fathers around you and have a St Giles’ 9.00 am Communion Service great summer. St Andrew’s 10.30 am All age Service 2nd Sunday Revd Harry Latham St Giles’ 9.00 am Communion Service St Andrew’s 10.30 am Family Service* St Giles’ 6.30 pm Evensong Cycle rack installed 3rd Sunday St Giles’ 9.00 am Morning Prayer at St Andrew’s St Andrew’s 10.30 am Family Communion Service* St Giles’ 6.30 pm Evening Prayer A new six-bay cycle rack has now been installed outside the entrance to St Andrew’s, increasing 4th Sunday St Giles’ 9.00 am Morning Prayer the number of destinations in the village with St Andrew’s 10.30 am Family Service* cycle racks. Others include: the Village Centre; St Giles’ 6.30 pm Evensong Communion both recs; Threeways Surgery; The Stoke Poges School; Stoke Park 5th Sunday (as 2nd Sunday) and Wexham Park *with Crèche and Junior Church Hospital. There is also a commitment “Taste and see that the Lord is good” from Persimmon (Ps 34:8) to install cycle stands outside the Do contact the Vicar, Revd Harry Latham, 642261, vacant shop units or the Parish Administrator, Kate Holliday, 642331 at Bells Hill.

28 29 fish and chip supper was provided by the local Farnham Common chippy and the evening was Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Society Royal British Legion enjoyed by all. It now seems a long time ago when we held our When you read this our plant sale will be over and we Members and non-members are welcome to attend Remembrance Day services but all three churches did very well with their services, etc. hope for a nice day with many customers. We shall be all the Society events held in Stoke Poges. For £6, or in need of donations of plants and hope a few £8 for two members from the same household, you members arrived with a few to fill our tables. A late can become a member of the Society. This entitles you Although well known in Farnham Common, we were all sad to hear of the death of the Revd Stanley Easter this year and I hope you enjoyed the break and to free admission to the Annual Flower Show and to the kind weather. a copy of the schedule. Apply for membership by Bedwell in February. I am sure many people in Stoke Poges also knew him and I can recall him being the contacting the Membership Secretary, Peter John Cooper local chemist, owner of Troys in The Broadway. A Montgomery, 643384 or Montgomery@bells- service of thanksgiving was held in St John’s church hill.co.uk on 11 March and, as forecast, a full church was evidence of his popularity. A Novice Gardeners Evening Calling all adults Wednesday 22 June, 8 pm The first of our social evenings was on 9 May at the If you are an adult interested in getting at St Andrew’s Hall, Rogers Lane Victoria. The next is on 4 July and it would be nice to involved in the Girl Guides we would be see a few from Stoke Poges make the short trip. pleased to hear from you. Our Guider has Non-members are particularly welcome. Tips and recently moved away and we are seeking advice from experienced gardeners for growing your The Legion Dinner in March was very good. One another pair of hands. Your commitment can own produce and a demonstration of how to display hundred people attended and the raffle raised £540, be as little or as much as you're prepared to vegetables and flowers for the Annual Flower Show. a stupendous effort by all concerned. The guest of give and will be a very rewarding experience Last year’s Flower Show was enjoyed by about 1000 honour was the County High Sheriff of – as any Guider will tell you. Please get in An increasing number of people are interested in people. As before, there will be competition classes Buckinghamshire. touch with Rosie Wicks-Farr for information. growing and eating their own fruit and vegetables. open to all for adults and children in fruit, flowers, [email protected] or 07917 725933 (6.30 We hope to encourage many more, so please come vegetables, photography, home economics, craft and Our annual beetle drive at Warren Court went well pm - 9.30 pm). along to this interactive evening and, if you have not art, plant sales, stalls and sideshows, refreshments, and a further £87 was raised with the raffle. A good exhibited in the Flower Show before, there are novice brass band, classic car display, beer tent and barbecue. classes, especially for beginners. Show Schedule and entry forms available from Helen Annual Flower Show Barnard, 643599. Saturday 30 July, 12.30 pm Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens at The Stoke Poges School, Rogers Lane. Admission: adults £2.00, seniors: £1.50, children 50p. Grade I listed gardens of unique design and beauty Nondenominational Plots and gardens available in a variety of settings Registered Plumber

PLUMBING & HEATING Stoke Poges BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT Memorial Gardens Church Lane BOILER INSTALLATIONS Stoke Poges SL2 4NZ UNDERFLOOR HEATING CENTRAL HEATING POWERFLUSH 01753 643554 Telephone: 01753 523744

30 31 Dates for your Diary Feeling the Tues 28 Stoke Poges WI, Literary Lunch with Tues 26 – Fri 29 June Katherine McMahon, Aylesbury Holiday Inn Stoke Poges Free Church Holiday Club, Pinch ? Wed 1 ‘Amazing Frauds and Swindles’ talk by Farnham Common Infants School Hugh Grainger, Gerrards Cross Probus Club, Memorial Centre, East Common, July Sat 30 Butterfly Walk, Memorial Gardens, 10 am ££££££ 10 am Sat 2 Friends of Stoke Common path Annual Flower Show, The Stoke Poges Thur 2 Stoke Poges Lawn Tennis Club, junior maintenance, 10 am School, 12.30 pm ££££££ open tournament Stoke Poges Singers river boat shuffle, oney is available from local Mon 6 St Giles’ Women’s Fellowship, talk Windsor, 7 pm August ‘Talking Pictures’ by Bernie Pierce, St Morganisations for villagers who Andrew’s, 2 pm Mon 1 St Giles’ Women’s Fellowship Garden require financial help due to hardship Sat 2 – Sun 3 Party, 3 pm and are unable to obtain statutory Stoke Poges WI. ‘Sign Language’ by Dr Sharpe’s Rifles, Chiltern Open Air Wed 8 Friends of Stoke Common joint task with Kirsty Crombie-Smith, VillageCentre, Museum Sat 6 benefits or help from health and social 2.15 pm Burnham Beeches volunteers, 10 am services St Giles’ Women’s Fellowship, talk Friends of Stoke Common bracken Mon 4 Stoke Poges Lawn Tennis Club adults Sat 4 ‘Stories of Japan’ by Mrs Joan Lilwall- finals bashing, main common, 10 am Smith, St Andrew’s, 2 pm Subject to a clear need in each case Village fete, The Stoke Poges School, Stoke Poges WI, ‘Flowers for your grants can be given to families and Sat 11 British Legion social evening, the Wed 10 1pm Home’ by Mrs Pat Trunkfield, Village individuals for such purposes as: Victoria, Farnham Common Centre, 2.15 pm Sun 12 Dig for Victory – Gardening in the 1940s, Chiltern Open Air Museum Tues 5 Stoke Poges WI visit to Blenheim Palace Wed 10 Stoke Poges WI visit to Gloucester  Providing equipment and facilities Cathedral for disabled, handicapped or infirm Rainbow Open Day/Fun Day, Walter Wed 6 Hedgerley Historical Society evening visit Tues 14 Davis Scout Centre, Duffield Lane, 11 to Cliveden Sat 13 – Sun 14 people, including respite care am – 2 pm  Sat 9 Poetry, Faith and Flowers, Open Day at Meet the Tudors – The Hungerford Providing essential household ‘City of London Corporation – Stoke St Giles’ church, 10.30 am Household, Chiltern Open Air Museum appliances, furniture and equipment Wed 15 Common and Burnham Beeches’ – talk by Chris Morris, Gerrards Cross Probus Wed 13 Stoke Poges WI, ‘Mercy Ships’ by Ken Sat 20 – Sun 21  Limited assistance with gas and Club, Memorial Centre, East Common, and June Brazier, Village Centre, 2.15 electricity bills may be available in 10 am pm The Roman Army – Roman Military Research Society, Chiltern Open Air some cases Museum National Garden Scheme Open day, Friends of Stoke Common, Moths and  Memorial Gardens, 2 pm – 5 pm Fri 15 Bat evening walk Paying for essential house repairs September  Providing essential supplies for The Stoke Poges Society, AGM with talk Sat 16 Stoke Poges Men’s Group visit to by Simon Barton about his experience of Brooklands, 9.15 am school (including school uniform), working for Mars, St Andrew’s, 7.45 pm Sat 10 Heritage Open Day, Memorial Gardens, 9.30 am. Pre-booking essential. further education, and apprenticeships Mon 18 Stoke Poges Lawn Tennis Club junior Hedgerley Historical Society, ‘Dating finals  Hedgerley’s old buildings’ by Michael Providing financial relief in cases of Rice, Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm Stoke Poges WI. Willow weaving sudden distress such as illness, Fri 22 Parish Council Meetings including travelling expenses to and Sat 18 Playground Opening and community workshop, Coleshill Cricket Club The Parish Council meets at 7.30 pm on the second picnic, Bells Hill Rec., 12 noon Pavilion Monday of the month, except August, in the Lionel from hospital Rigby Room of the Village Centre. In December and Heavy Horse Show, Chiltern Open Air Sat 23 – Sun 24 January, the meeting is held on the first Monday. Sun 19 Museum For help contact: Classic Vehicle Show, Chiltern Open Air There is a 15-minute public session at the start of the meeting in which questions and comments from Mike Dier 01753 642886 Wed 22 A Novice Gardeners Evening, St Museum parishioners are welcomed. Meeting agendas and Andrew’s Hall, 8 pm minutes are posted on parish noticeboards and may Trevor Egleton 01753 643330 Sun 24 Free talk ‘Which alternative therapy for be downloaded from the Parish Council’s website Thur 23 Stoke Poges WI visit to Beth Chatto you?’ at Lanes Medical Practice, Plough (see page 63 for the web address). Susan Lynch 01753 646582 Gardens, near Braintree Lane, 2.30 pm

32 33 Please support the children by contributing in some small way. The week after the fete the Scouts will be 1st Stoke Poges helping with the Bells Hill community picnic by again running a BBQ.

Air Scouts On 5 July at 7 pm we will be having our AGM at the Walter Davies site in Duffield Lane. All parents and After the Easter break all sections are back in full swing children are welcome and we will be providing and planning to take full advantage of the better refreshments. If you are interested in your child joining weather and longer evenings by doing lots of outdoor please feel free to come along and meet us. activities. We have 13 new starters between Beavers and Cubs. Lack of accommodation since losing our headquarters is still a work in progress. In looking to book the hall Beavers will be playing outdoor games as well as at St Andrew’s we were only allowed two evenings, learning origami. Looking at wildlife, they will be which displaced the Scouts. However, an approach to learning about bees and making solitary bee shelters. the Orchard Dance Academy, who use the hall on They will also be making fishing nets and then pond Thursday evenings, has provided a solution. Mrs dipping at Denham Country Park, as well as going on Orchard has generously agreed to move her finishing nature trails, insect hunts and cooking on camp fires. time forward so that the Scouts can also use the hall and we would like to acknowledge the time that the Cubs will be learning about all things nautical and Parochial Church Council members have put into learning to map read and use a compass. Weather reaching this outcome. permitting, they will also be looking at the history of Stoke Poges by going on various walks as well as All three sections are now meeting at St Andrew’s; the learning about Thomas Gray and his elegy. facility is not ideal for Scouting activities and the Scouting programme has been shortened to fit the Continuing from last term, Scouts are planning to available time. For now this is the best solution for all. build on their survival skills by camping at Rowley After over 100 years of Scouting in Stoke Poges we Farm. They will also be enjoying water facilities at would like to thank the Orchard Dance Academy for Longridge in Marlow for a weekend. working with us to find solutions.

Being part of the community is a very important part If you would like more information on Scouting in of Scouting. As in previous years we will be running Stoke Poges please call: the tombola stall and BBQ at this year’s village fete. In Group Scout Leader Mark Relf 643729 June the children will be leaflet dropping around the Secretary Saera Carter 647525 village requesting suitable tombola items to collect. Membership Colin Barr 647542 Nick Milne Garden Services www.nmgs.co.uk - 01753 643612 - 07832 144935 ❁ Stoke Poges-based small family business ❁ High quality maintenance gardening and small landscaping projects undertaken ❁ Approved by Slough Trading Standards and featured on Stoke Poges Trustworthy Tradespersons list ❁ References and portfolio available

34 Friends of Stoke Common BuchanansBuchanansSolicitorsSolicitors Our March event saw us do our last cutting and burning of birch until the autumn as the birds will be nesting. The ground was very wet but we still had a great turnout and an enjoyable day cutting, bundling pea sticks and burning the rest. The high turnout may be due to the cooking of jacket potatoes using the ash from the fire - we will have to see how many people continue to help over the summer.

April gave us a chance to walk through the small it slightly earlier in the year to see what other moths triangular part of the common north of the main are around. You will need to book for this session as common and opposite the Fox and Pheasant and pick numbers are limited. up litter. We had a good turnout and picked up a lot ConveyancingConveyancing || CommercialCommercial || of old litter that was hidden in the undergrowth. We Saturday 6 August. finished up on the main common. We did a general We will combining with the Burnham Beeches EmploymentEmployment || WillsWills || ProbateProbate || sort of the rubbish so that the team from Burnham volunteers on a joint task. Beeches can recycle as much as possible. Although we have a serious purpose to our work, our LitigationLitigation || ElderlyElderly ClientClient Our next events are: group is fun and sociable, we drink lots of tea, so why not come along and meet us? Saturday 4 June. Flexing our backs by picking the small pine seedlings We meet at the Pickeridge entrance on Stoke and also bashing the bracken on the main common. Common Road at 10 am and continue till 3.30 pm but there is no problem if you want to leave earlier. BuchanansBuchanans SolicitorsSolicitors cancan assistassist Saturday 11 June. Bring a packed lunch if you intend to stay for the We will be at the Stoke Poges Village Fete, so if you whole session. Hot drinks and biscuits are available. withwith allall thethe aboveabove andand more.more. want to know more or are thinking of volunteering Please wear suitable outdoor clothing. then call in and see us. For more information or to check details of an event BuchanansBuchanans SolicitorsSolicitors isis aa Saturday 2 July. contact: Path maintenance friendly,modernfriendly,modern lawlaw firmfirm whichwhich Debbie, 07912 731500 or Friday 15 July. [email protected], offersoffers aa broadbroad rangerange ofof servicesservices Moths and Bat evening walk. We are repeating what or Marian, 644203 or [email protected] has been an enjoyable session in the past but making www.friendsofstokecommon.co.uk andand aimsaims toto deliverdeliver clearclear adviceadvice promptlypromptly andand costcost effectively.effectively.       CallCall usus forfor aa nono obligationsobligations chatchat Craniosacral therapy Shiatsu Massage Acupuncture onon 0162801628 810810 707707 ❃ Blissfully relaxing ❃ Safe, effective, gentle ❃ Eases pain, stress, anxiety, stiffness, low vitality ❃ Many cases improve even from the first session 4 Suffolk House, Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire HP10 0EU WWW.GET-U-WELL.CO.UK 44 SuffolkSuffolk House,House, Wooburn Wooburn Green,Green, [email protected] HP10HP10 0EU0EU www.buchanansonline.com Lip Ong MRCST MBAcC MRSS BSc PhD [email protected]@buchanansonline.com The Lanes Medical Practice www.buchanansonline.comRegulatedwww.buchanansonline.com by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Plough Lane, Stoke Poges, 01753 662244

36 37 STOKE POGES MEN’S GROUP STOKE POGES Our next event, scheduled for Saturday 16 July, is Tony Shortman, 644691, a full-day visit to two superb venues located on [email protected] the historic Brooklands site in Surrey, the Mercedes- Nigel Lowe, 07973 349721, PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB Benz World and the Brooklands Motorsport and [email protected] At the time of writing our 2010/11 season is coming to a conclusion, so it is an Aviation Museum. opportunity to reflect on the changes that have occurred during the year and those Creative Music Making Open To All that may be in store for next year. At Mercedes-Benz World we will be given a 90-minute guided tour of their amazing collection of cars. These If you are interested in making music with other The main change has been a move into the main hall prints of any picture they like. This always produces include their Formula 1 cars, motorsport cars, people in a friendly supportive atmosphere, you prestigious AMG cars and some automotive legends. may be interested in local resident, Mr Lip Ong’s at the Village Centre and meeting on a Tuesday some excellent pictures and enables members to show plans to start a group in the summer at a local evening. These changes have enabled the club to run special skills and competence. These skills have paid We will see demonstrations by their Silver Arrows display team and have the option of riding in a venue. The group will be open to all levels, from a dynamic and varied programme which has injected dividends in external competitions against other clubs 500bhp V8 powered AMG Mercedes. beginners to experienced players, and to all a new vitality. This trend will continue next year with in the area where we have been able to hold our instruments. speakers including Arthur Edwards the Sun heads high. Whist this year we did not make it into The Brooklands Museum is on a 30-acre site with an photographer, a Fleet Street legend who brought the prestigious Rosebowl final we were again extensive range of motorsport and aviation exhibits. The aim is to help people expand their musical the world some of the most famous images of successful in a number of local competitions, including We will take a 30-minute ‘flight’ on Concorde, ride in expression through creating spontaneous, free- form music without the constraint of thinking Princess Diana and other members of the Royal Family, winning the five club championship. a Formula 1 simulator and see many iconic and historic about technique or following printed music. giving an illustrated talk which, for a modest fee, cars, bikes and aircraft. residents of Stoke Poges will be able to attend on a The manipulated image event which was ongoing No ability to read music is needed, just curiosity and first come basis. through the season, took the form of a ‘round robin’ We will depart by minibus from Stoke Poges at 9.15 willingness to explore and learn with other people. that started with a picture which was metamorphosed am and return around 6.15 pm. For further For more information contact Lip Ong, on 663617 Events in this year’s calendar have been varied, and progressively changed by individual members to information about our events, or to book a place, or email [email protected] interesting, helpful and much enjoyed by members. the point where the finished product had no contact Tony Shortman or Nigel Lowe. The internal competitions have been well supported resemblance to the original. Other events have and reflect an improvement in both the standard of involved members bringing in cameras and actually picture shown and the range of subjects tackled. As using them on the evening, which, surprisingly for a well as the more conventional titles of Coast and photography club, is rather unique! We offer an all round countryside management service Flowers, next year’s competition set subjects include including: the Seven Deadly Sins, Music, Derelictions, Unusual The season culminates with the Village Fete and ✮ Angles and Shadows, all of which should test the Flower Show. As in previous years, we will have a Hedgelaying creative imagination of both members and the judge stand at both events. A selection of members’ work, ✮ Tree and shrub management on the evenings. many of which will be on sale, will be on display. This ✮ also gives anyone who is thinking about joining next Land clearance For the less ambitious, we always have an open section year the opportunity to come along and meet ✮ Fence construction, etc. where members can put in projected images and members. In all this we are determined not to become elitist and are still keen to attract new members who FARNHAM wish to both improve their photographic skills and at All works are undertaken by a fully qualified and efficient the same time join a friendly local club. We have a team, who are dedicated to caring for the environment. HOME SERVICES wide age range together with a range of photographic Chatterings. Christmas Lane. skills from beginners and novices to the experienced, Farnham Common. Buckinghamshire SL2 3JF. with a fairly equal number of men and women. Contact Deborah for further information. Telephone: (01753) 644992 For anyone interested in joining additional information HOME AND PET SITTING SERVICE about the club can be found at our website Out of Town Are you going away on holiday? www.stokepogesphotoclub.co.uk. The programme for next season is currently being finalised and should Or just a weekend, or even a day, and worried Countryside Services be on the website by mid-August in time for the first about the security of your home, and the care meeting which will be held on 6 September. of your pets in your absence? 07912 731 500 Additional information can also be obtained from Jim [email protected] Contact us • Impeccable References Williams, 07759 300747 or Sue Avey, 07884 173214.

38 39 News from The Stoke Poges School

We celebrated the Royal Wedding in style decorating, card making and even helping one with three days of activities, culminating in resident set up her Nintendo DS! The children have a parade on the day before the real thing, developed a wonderful link between our school and and at lunchtime we had our own street the residents of Bold’s Court and it has been a great party laid out in the playground. success so far. The Late, Late Panto Company, a dedicated bunch of Sporting News staff, parents and ex-parents got together to put on a spectacular production of Peter Pan at the beginning The Year 6 boys football team won the Chiltern and of May. This sell-out show was the latest effort from South Bucks District Cup to top off their fantastic the team, ably directed by Stoke Poges resident and season as league champions. The last time the school Year 1 teacher, Maureen Barton. won this trophy was in 1982! An excellent performance all round! Just before the Easter break, Year 3, 4 and 5 parents Years 3, 4 and 5 in Songs were treated to a singing extravaganza entitled Songs Our netball team competed along with 26 other from the Shows. from the Shows. It was an impressive sight, hearing teams, in the Chiltern and South Bucks Tournament 180 children on stage singing their hearts out. in High Wycombe in March. The girls played extremely Credit: Ralph Bagge well, reaching the semi-finals, only to be beaten by The residents at Bold’s Court had a sneak preview of Highmarch Independent School, the eventual winners! the show in the ‘Tea and Chat Club’, when a group of children from years 5 and 6 visit on Wednesday The skiers returned from the warm and sunny French Fundraising afternoons. Alps after another very successful ski trip in March. We would like to report it was injury free but alas, Mr The School Council members During the spring term, we enjoyed a selection of Bridges, headteacher, dislocated his clavicle. The have been working hard. They different activities at Bold’s Court, including cake children were a credit to the school and their parents. were the first to have a go on the new slide installed last term in the playground. The slide Peter Pan cast performing was funded jointly by The ‘Wigwam Bam’ in the finale Friends and the School Council. It is proving a very popular addition to our play equipment. Key Stage 2 children were fortunate to experience the They also played a big part in Comic Relief, by running Bloodhound SSC Project first hand. This project aims a cake sale, with enough cake for every child to buy to break the land speed record with a pencil-shaped one for 50p. On the day, children and staff arrived for car powered by a jet engine and a rocket. Our children New Year's resolutions difficult to keep? were challenged to make a Bloodhound SSC using a school dressed in red clothes with a funny twist to balloon to power the car. We didn’t quite reach the Finding it hard to lose that weight, exercise, quit smoking, them! All in all it was a great success and we have 1000 mph mark, but some impressive distances were or do things you really want to do? raised an amazing £1110 for a very worthy cause. achieved! National Science and Engineering Week Finally, Year 5 children competed in an inter-school science quiz involving eight teams and four schools. Stressed, anxious, finding things difficult to deal with? On Monday 14 March the school embarked on a Stoke Poges managed to take second and fourth scientific journey to commemorate National Science place, narrowly missing out on the winning place at and Engineering Week. It was an action-packed week the very last question! Or is life just not quite what you imagined it could be? with the theme ‘Communication’. Each morning before the start of the school day, a year group was So, with the cricket season upon us, the athletics track challenged to carry out a semaphore demonstration marked out and assessment week to look forward to, Life coaching may be your answer! to disclose a secret message! we’re hoping for another successful summer term. You can read about all the things that are going on During the week, the hunt was on to find the quickest here and see photos on our website. Talk to Chris at Rainbow Inspirations: person to send a text message. The children www.rainbowinspirations.co.uk thoroughly enjoyed the competitive element of this See you at the fete! competition and of course were given licence to bring 07990 570 740 in their mobile phones to school! www.thestokepogesschool.ik.org

40 41        

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❋ Hedgerley Historical Society On Wednesday 15 June at 8 pm our Chairman Pleasure and Leisure: The development of the ❋ Michael Rice will present a talk on ‘Dating modern poster Hedgerley’s old buildings’. Hedgerley Historical Protest and Propaganda: The poster in war-time ❋ Society, in conjunction with the Bucks Transports of Delight: The travel poster and the Archaeological Society Buildings Group, have commercial poster. commissioned some dendrochronology work ❋ (tree ring dating) and have assessed a number of The modern poster began to appear towards the buildings in Hedgerley village over the past two end of the nineteenth century. Since then posters ❋ years, including The Old Quaker House, which have provided a visual record of cultural change produced a precise construction date. Michael - never ceasing to inform, entertain and ❋ Rice will reveal the results of this two-year occasionally outrage. This study day charts their project together with details of a recent evolution as agents of propaganda and key archaeological survey in the village. elements in the development of commerce,   transport and leisure. Our final event before our summer break is an evening visit to Cliveden on Wednesday 6 July Professor William Prescott studied history at for a walk around the Grade 1 listed garden led Oxford followed by postgraduate work in    by the Head Gardener Andrew Mudge. We will Applied Linguistics. He has worked at a number see the celebrated parterre, seasonal floral of universities in England and abroad, and     displays, distinctive topiary and sculptures and especially at the Open University where he was the restored Maze. Admission free for National Director of the Postgraduate Programme in Trust members, non-members £7.65. Further Education and Professor of Educational     details: Tel 647187. Development. Since retirement he has lectured widely in the field of Art and Cultural History. Our meetings resume on Wednesday 21   September at 8 pm when Claire Forrest from the Monthly Meetings of Hedgerley Historical Chilterns Conservation Board will give a Society take place at Hedgerley Memorial Hall,    presentation on ‘Famous People and Places in Kiln Lane, Hedgerley at 8 pm and visitors are the Chilterns’. most welcome. Further details from John Lovelock, 647187. Bookings have now opened for the first Hedgerley Study Day on Saturday 1 October when Professor William Prescott will present Photo: The parterre at Cliveden in summer. !)#$ three lectures on ‘The History of Poster Art’. Credit: National Trust #% '( *(% % '( (* +++++* 43 Last week I was contacted by one of the other Saturday Stoke Poges Football Club football clubs in Stoke Poges village, Stoke Green. Over the years, both clubs have been extremely well run and The horrible weather at the beginning of the season have had some very close battles along the way. Recently slowly started to ease and Stoke Poges FC started the hard Stoke Green took on some extremely good players and work of catching up with the seven weeks worth of moved into the Premier League in the East Berkshire backlogged fixtures. Football Association. For many years, the management of THE GARDEN ROOM Stoke Green FC and Stoke Poges FC have said how nice Stoke Place In our last report Stoke Poges FC were still in a very it would be to amalgamate both clubs to form a single at competitive position, lying in fourth place at the start entity for our village and to strengthen both clubs. of the year. I am glad to confirm that both clubs have agreed terms With changes to the economy, many clubs are now to amalgamate and the new club will take the name of finding that Saturday teams are being affected by players Stoke Rovers FC or Stoke Green Rovers. Unfortunately I having to work on Saturdays. This makes it difficult to field can’t confirm the name at the moment as the final a regular 15 players every week. After many years in meeting will not take place until after this newsletter has football I would suggest that consistency is probably one gone to press. of the main factors in a football club/team’s success. Unfortunately, this year we have had many players who I have been associated with the club for over ten years have had to work every other Saturday and this has now and our aim was always to regain the historical name impacted on the consistency of our performances and of Stoke Rovers. Unfortunately this name was banned subsequently our results. from use due to a fine the club had back in the 80s, but we are hopeful that we can now recover the name and As an example, we have this season been beaten by return to playing under the historic club colours and name. the club at the bottom of our division but have beaten the second and third placed clubs and drawn with the Stoke Poges are always very interested in enrolling players league winners. With this amount of inconsistency our from within our village and we therefore invite players mid-table finish will be fair reward for the players and club who are interested to contact us and get involved. ensuring that Stoke Poges FC will continue in Division 2 next season. Due to the changes planned over the forthcoming weeks, we are not yet sure when pre-season training will start so The young players from within our own village who joined if you are interested in getting fit and playing for what will AA GUIDE: 4 STARS & 2 FINE us this season struggled to adapt to this standard of be a very good side in the 2011-2012 season, please football initially, but towards the end of the season all have get in touch. DINING ROSETTES settled down and responded positively to the coaching. We now have a very young side, one of the youngest in For anyone interested in supporting the club from the side the East Berks Football League and all is looking very line, please feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] GOOD FOOD GUIDE: 4/10 positive for the future. for fixtures information.

Many years ago and as many in the village will remember, Sponsorship the village football team was called Stoke Rovers. Many The Garden Room, with beautiful people in our village remember this club fondly and A huge thank you again to our sponsors: Stoke Park Club, views across the Stoke Place still tell me about the happy days that they spent playing Chiltern Asset Finance, GPM Freight Systems and for the club. Complete Studio Graphics who have all played their part lawns, offers delicious, seasonal in securing football in our village for seasons to come. contemporary British food. Open Stoke Poges FC (or Stoke Green Rovers or Stoke Rovers - to be confirmed) are always looking for sponsors to assist for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea us and we welcome support from any businesses in our local community. Our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors and dinner. for their generosity and we look forward to them working with us as we aim to achieve our maximum as club and players. STOKE PLACE Our sponsors board has now been installed. If there are Stoke Poges , Bucks, SL2 4HT any business owners who are looking to support a good cause in their own village, please contact me directly. +44(0) 1753 534 790 www.stokeplace.co.uk Vic Bunby, Chairman Stoke Poges FC 2010-11. Credit: Ralph Bagge Stoke Poges Football Club [email protected]

44 45 Stoke Poges and Wexham Women’s Institute

WI Life, the national magazine of the WI, is an interesting indicator of matters of concern to our members. A recent issue published a double page spread about the proposal to phase out the cheque by 2018. Members fear that any alternatives will be based on technology; many are worried about the security of the telephone and internet systems. The proposed closure of 600 libraries and the weaving’ workshop. We will eagerly await their return unacceptable impact mega farms would have on the home, clutching the fruits of their endeavours, a tall environment are other worrying issues. plant support for sweet peas or beans and a smaller support for floppy border plants. On a happier note, the magazine published a delightful interview On Wednesday 10 August our federation has with Deborah, Dowager Duchess organised a visit to Gloucester Cathedral and also a of Devonshire, a WI member of nearby house and grounds for an exhibition of 77 years standing. decorative art and sculpture.

Four of our members attended Our summer outing in August will take us to the Annual Council Meeting of Kenwood, an English Heritage property close to the the Buckinghamshire Federation popular villages of Hampstead and Highgate. The of WIs. Held in a new venue, the Duchess of house was remodelled in the 1760s by Robert Adam. Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, we Devonshire The breathtaking library is one of the most important were more than pleased with the neoclassical rooms in England. Kenwood is famous for facilities on offer. the collection of paintings bequeathed to the nation by a previous owner, Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of I was particularly pleased to find that the Bucks Ivegh. Kenwood stands in 112 acres of landscaped Federation has organised a visit to the Beth Chatto grounds of meadow walks and an ornamental lake. Gardens near Braintree on Thursday 23 June. We visited the Gardens on the occasion of Beth Chatto’s We have some interesting speakers to see us through 80th birthday. the summer months. In June Dr Kirsty Crombie-Smith will introduce us to ‘Sign Language’, in July Ken and Dedicated to the cultivation of drought resistant June Brazier will unfold the secrets of ‘Mercy Ships’ plants, we purchased a number of plants, and yes, and in August, Mrs Pat Trunkfield will advise us on they are drought resistant, and have thrived and ‘Flowers for the Home’. If you would like to hear any proliferated in the most hostile spots in the garden. of these talks, pop into the Village Hall at 2.15 pm on the second Wednesday of the month. You can be sure On Tuesday 28 June a group of our dedicated readers of a warm welcome. will visit Aylesbury Holiday Inn for a literary lunch with best-selling author Katherine McMahon. After her talk Gwyn Alcock there will be an opportunity to buy signed copies of WI Secretary her best sellers, The Alchemist’s Daughter, The Rise of Sebastopol and The Crimson Rooms.

Blenheim Palace is our destination on Tuesday 5 July. Home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace was a gift to the first Duke in recognition of his victory at the battle of Blenheim. Designed by Vanbrugh with gardens by Wise, the palace and its magnificent collections combined with the maze, train, butterfly house, shops and restaurants are set in acres of Capability Brown parkland. This will be a full-day coach visit. Blenheim Palace. On Friday 22 July our craft ladies will visit Coleshill Credit: Blenheim Palace Cricket Club pavilion to take part in an outdoor ‘willow

46 47 Stoke Poges Guides and Brownies

This term Stoke Poges Brownies and Guides have been very busy! Brownies have been focusing on the TenYearsAgo royal wedding this term, which included learning about the history of our monarchy, sending cards to Looking back at the 16 pages of the summer 2001 Prince William and Catherine (to which we received edition of Stoke Poges News makes an interesting replies!) and even celebrating with a wedding party, comparison. Brian Conley opened the summer fete, complete with a bride and groom, wedding cake, favours and flowers! which featured John Orchard’s human juke box. Everyone who was there will remember well Mr Outside of our normal meeting times we’ve been Conley’s fantastic impromptu performance with active too, attending St Giles’ Mothering Sunday John Orchard. service where we read some thoughts to the congregation and handed out beautiful flowers. We In July 2001 there was an evening of music and also went on a joint trip with our district to Cadbury poetry commemorating Thomas Gray, held at St World in Birmingham. We had loads of fun, ate far Giles’ followed by a drinks reception at Stoke Park. too much chocolate, ran some of those extra calories off in the playground and learnt about how The Duke of Edinburgh group’s report looked chocolate is made and how Cadbury was founded. forward to the lifting of the footpath ban, imposed This was a very special day for two of our leaders, as due to the BSE outbreak, so that expedition training Brown Owl (Rosie) and Fluffy Owl (our young leader could resume. Hannah) both renewed their promises in the gift shop with lots of onlookers! The Neighbourhood Watch report mentioned a Your ideal party venue! crime wave of ten burglaries in eight days; recorded Girlguiding and Scouts worldwide celebrated World crime was up 100% in the three years since 1998. Thinking Day on 22 February which is our founders’ (Lord and Lady Baden-Powell) birthdays. This is a day when we think about our ‘sisters’ in all the countries he Village Centre in the heart of the world, the meaning of Guiding and Scouting, T and its global impact. This year Brownies set up a swap of Stoke Poges is the ideal with our sisters in a girl scout group in New York and we sent them photographs, letters, badges and venue for your party, get-together or friendship bracelets to extend the hand of friendship and learn about girl scouting in the USA. We all wedding reception. received letters and badges back, with pins for our ❋ Fully licensed bars uniform too! ❋ Air conditioning Guides had a very chocolate-orientated term to tie in Spire Thames Valley Hospital, Wexham Street with the Cadbury world trip, which we rounded off in ❋ Choice of rooms and layouts style with a chocolate fondue and lots of sweets! We held a ‘bring a friend’ evening where we played lots ❋ Ample parking of games involving chocolate, and eating as much of Vivien Wood Katie Relf Jillian Frew it as we could! Sadly we had no takers and are still ❋ Friendly welcome looking for more girls to join our unit. MCSP MCSP BSc(Hons) MCSP ❋ Main hall with stage and kitchen Registered with HPC & all major insurance companies ❋ Competitive hire rates Full range of physiotherapy treatments available

01753 664114 Call: Roger le Clercq 01753 642250 www.stoke-poges-centre-org.uk www.southbucksphysio.co.uk

48 49  !" South Bucks District Council Sports Development News Sunshine Corner Pre-school Youth to visit! Sonia from South Bucks did just that and This term began with celebrations for the Royal     joined a jogging group; ‘I was quite nervous to start Wedding and continues with a mathematical Bucks Youth Games with. But I soon realised that I needn’t have worried!’ theme – activities based around numbers, Saturday 25 June sees the county’s largest one-day and Sonia has seen some great results: ‘I have dropped shapes and colours. The new canopy (provided annual junior multi-sport event, this year held in two dress sizes and my blood pressure is down. by the County Council and funds from parents) Aylesbury, with close to 100 young people Jogging makes me feel great. The only thing is I have will give shelter from sun and rain, enabling representing South Bucks at the Games. Details of the to buy a whole new wardrobe now!’ us to use the garden whatever the weather. district results will appear on the Council website Last term we looked at ‘farms’ – the children  http://www.southbucks.gov.uk If you are interested visit the http://www.reactivate enjoyed talking about the animals and bucks.org website or alternatively call the Sports machines and tasting vegetables, cheeses and Summer Holiday Activities - Olympic Sports Development Team directly. milks. The term finished with a spell of good    Themed weather, so our Easter Egg hunt took place This summer, South Bucks District Council will be London 2012 Olympics in the garden.   offering children and young people the chance to try Look out for the Bucks Olympic Legacy booklets that some of the sports that will feature in next year’s will be coming out around July that will feature open The Easter Bunny visited to give the children Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a host council, we days, of which the majority will be free, for sports clubs their easter baskets, followed by an Easter  want to get as many of our young local residents across the county for each of the Olympic and bonnet parade. We will be running the tea tent inspired to be active and try their hand at different Paralympic sports! at the village fete, stocked by generous sports. contributions from parents and carers. Henna tattoos will be available from our parents and       Disability Sport * Activities will take place in local parks, with more The Sports Development Team have recently been we hope the weather will be good. A friendly * our standard single will information to come nearer the time. Look out for working on broadening the work they do for young welcome is extended to all parents and carers. the latest information on the website or contact for people with disabilities and this has resulted in a more details. pathway providing multi-sport for ages 7-17 years. Kirsten Tarrier, 644300     The two clubs detailed below cater for young people Expected timings: 10 am - 2 pm with both learning and/or physical disabilities:   10.00 am - 10.30 am arrival, play casual games and arrange into groups Junior Multi-Sport Disability Club   10.30 am -12.00 pm Olympic Sports-themed Activity Ages: 7-11 years St. Andrew’s Coee Shop 12.00 pm - 12.30 pm Lunch and casual games Day: Friday 5 pm - 6 pm (term time) 12.30 pm - 2.00 pm Olympic Sports-themed Activity Venue: The Beacon Centre, Holtspur Way, Holtspur, ‘Come and support your Lasting Power of Attorney:   BeaconsfieldHP9 1RJ local Coee Shop!’ MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) Price: £2 per week Children’s Trusts:   The Sports Development Team run regular FREE Take a lile me out and pop into The Coee Shop, Help Protect Your Home From Care Fees! programmes for children aged 7 - 13 years who are Burnham Multi-Sport Disability Club over their ideal weight. Sessions are provided by a situated at the lower end of St. Andrew’s Church Ages: 12-17 years Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4LN. nutritionist (selected by the NHS) and a qualified Day: Wednesday 4.30 pm - 6.00 pm (term time) physical exercise provider. Children attend with a Contact us TODAY for free INFO PACK Venue: Burnham Upper School, Hogfair Lane, Tuesdays – Fridays parent or guardian and the sessions are twice weekly Burnham, Bucks SL1 7LZ (usually Tuesday 5 pm - 7 pm and Thursday 5 pm - 6 Price: £2 per week (During Term Time) pm). For further details about this innovative course contact Joe Sammon on 01895 837348 or 10am – 12.30pm     Adult Club 2.30pm – 5pm [email protected] Ages: 18+    Day: Wednesdays, 11.15 am - 12.15 pm, Fridays from 9am Adults Venue: Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver As well as a selecon of beverages and Price: £2 per session snacks we also have a range of Back to Netball greengs card and small gi items.    Back to Netball will re-launch at Evreham Sports Centre in September. Aimed at adults wanting to get Please call before attending the clubs in order to    ! more active, get back into netball or just wanting to discuss the level of care required. try something new, see contact details below if you SPECIAL OFFER            wish to show your interest and receive further details For further information regarding any of the activities nearer the time. and events organised by the Sports Development Bring this advert with you to Team, please call Joe Sammon, Sports Development claim your Reactivate South Bucks Officer, on 01895 837348 or Claire Wright, Assistant         For those wishing to get back into sport or try Sports Development Officer, on 01895 837233 or e- Free Cup of Coee or Tea. something different the Reactivate website is the site mail [email protected]

50 51 Dog Fouling - a major health hazard ACCESS PROTECTION MARKINGS Several residents have recently raised concerns The new play and fitness equipment installed in both cause of a child’s blindness resulting from their failure to about parked cars making it difficult for recs has brought crowds of young people, parents and remove their dog’s mess? them to get their cars off their driveways. carers to both recs during our sunny, dry spring. Sadly it has brought to a head a problem with dog fouling It is a legal requirement, under the Dog (Fouling of Land) Bucks County Council can paint white lines in our recs. Act of 1996 for dog owners to remove any dog mess on the road next to dropped kerbs, to make from a public place, including parks and playgrounds. the access more obvious for parking motorists Dog poo is a major public health hazard because it Both Stoke Poges recs are covered by this legislation. to respect. spreads toxocariasis, a nasty infection of the round worm Toxocara canis. It is a disease that is spread via dog poo. Not having a poop scoop or bag is not a valid defence The service costs £80, takes four to six weeks Young children in particular are at risk due to their in law. Neither is being unaware of the dog defecating. following receipt of an application form, weaker immune systems and because they are more Offenders are punishable by a fine of not less than £40 which can be downloaded from:http:// likely to expose themselves by ingesting the eggs. A and up to a maximum of £1000. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/private_ puppy can pass as many as 15,000 eggs per gram of access_markings.page faeces. The eggs can survive for up to three years in soil. Leaving dog mess in the playgrounds After two to three weeks of warm weather the eggs represents a health risk to our children and develop into an embryo state, containing larva - this is other dogs. It isn’t macho or tough to leave when they become infective to dogs and people. your dog’s mess in the park - it is selfish. lazy SPORTS AND and anti-social. High Speed Rail There are two types of toxocariasis: visceral larva migrans HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPIST (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM). Remember, that if you leave dog mess you Massages to promote relaxation and wellbeing are leaving evidence which may be used to (HS2) Consultation Melinda Swallow ITEC Diploma/Embody/CThA In VLM, the larvae reach the liver, causing inflammation identify your dog. Most mobile phones have The Department for Transport is seeking views on the Tel. 01753 642748 and symptoms such as abdominal pain and pyrexia. cameras so you risk being caught on camera Mobile Manicures/Pedicures and OPI Gels Nails Most people recover spontaneously. - photographic evidence may be used as proposed high speed rail link (HS2) between London evidence in a prosecution. and Birmingham. The proposed route passes near OLM occurs when a migrating larva reaches the eye. Chalfont St Peter and through the Chilterns Area of It causes a granuloma to form on the retina, causing Considerate dog owners will keep their dogs well away Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). significant visual impairment and in severe cases from the play and fitness equipment, will always have even blindness. an appropriate bag/nappy sack with them and will The rail link will be designed for up to 18 trains per deposit the bags in the dog bins or take them home hour in each direction, travelling at speeds up to 250 There are about 12 new cases of OLM diagnosed for disposal. mph (maximum 225 mph at opening). annually in the UK. Don’t be surprised if parents/carers challenge dog Whilst the rail line passes through a tunnel a few miles It is recognised best practice to ban dogs from parks with walkers about dog mess - it’s a risk to their children’s to the north of Gerrards Cross, the subsequent children’s playgrounds. However, Stoke Poges has a health and well-being. Heathrow Super Hub would undoubtedly increase reputation for tolerance, respect and common sense - traffic and congestion on minor roads locally. Graham Williams and such drastic measures should not be necessary, The recs are there for everyone to enjoy - let’s respect Chauffeur Service because surely no parishioner would want to be the other users, be responsible and think of others. The consultation can be completed online at http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/ and closes at midnight on Friday 29 July. Stoke Poges Post Office and Shop Postbox Cottage Post Office hours: Shop hours: Bonfires Vine Road Mon to Fri, 7 am - 6 pm With summer here, many Stoke Poges Mon to Fri, 9 am - 5.30 pm parishioners will be Slough Sat, 7 am - 1 pm spending time relaxing and Sat, 9 am to 12.30 pm entertaining in the garden. Bucks SL2 4DW Sun, 8 am - 1 pm Please be considerate and respectful to your For most of your everyday needs neighbours by not ● ● ● ● ● lighting bonfires. Most Newspapers Milk Bread Tea Coffee garden waste, like grass Tel: 01753 663885 Unit 1, Giles House, Bells Hill Green 01753 648328 cuttings and leaves, can be Mobile: 07889 455994 ☎ recycled by composting.

52 53 Key points from recent police reports to the Parish Council

A neighbourhood police representative attends each Parish Council meeting and provides a report. markings are virtually impossible to remove completely will take a chance on entering a house, helping Councillors often explore the issues with further questions and research. The following is a summary and make it more trouble than it’s worth for a thief to themselves to something of value and running off. of the key points from those sessions this year. Hopefully you will find the information a useful guide steal (and sell on) forensically marked items. Even if you are in your garden you may not notice a to the actions you can take to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime. villain sneak in through an open door or window. So keep your doors locked and don’t leave ground floor Winter burglaries If you are tech savvy there are low-cost monitoring Most thefts from cars took place around Stoke Green systems available that you can install on your home windows or those near flat roofs open. and Wexham Street. It appears that thieves are The December/January crime wave took place when computer. iCamSource (download from skjm.com) is targeting cars parked near the hospital. Think twice a background application (Windows or Mac) which In summer, sheds are often targeted by thieves. There about parking in this area and ensure that no attractive the days were at their shortest. There is a time period uses a computer webcam to detect motion. It then are a few precautions you can take that reduce the articles (bags, briefcases, satnavs, etc.) are left visible between 3 pm and 6 pm when it is very obvious sends an alert to a paired iPhone or Android phone risk of burglary: forensic marking of tools, mowers, in your car when you park. whether homes are occupied - curtains drawn and streams real-time video from the webcam to the strimmers, etc.; chaining mowers, strimmers and and lights on. phone. The software developer has testimonials from ladders, etc. to a strong anchor point; fit a motion Also, remember to remove marks left by suction cups users who have been alerted of an intruder, have sensing security light; use coach bolts on hinges and from your windscreen as thieves look for these as a To reduce the risk of your home being burgled during called the police and the intruder has been caught still security fixings and use an alarm padlock - these are sign that there is a satnav. unit in the car, probably in the next winter burglary season, consider using the on the premises. very loud (110 dB) and sense motion and shock. the glovebox. following deterrents: If you are going away and your house is going to be Remember, people steal because it’s an easier income Thefts of wheels - there has been a high incidence of Install a DIY burglar alarm. The latest kits are battery unoccupied, arrange with a friend or neighbour to than going out to do a day’s work. The more wheels stolen from BMW cars. Take security powered and use wireless communication between move your post (a pile of letters on the mat is visible deterrents, obstacles and challenges you put in their precautions (locking wheel nuts) and if possible the sensors and the alarm unit so can be installed fairly through modern glazed doors) and to draw the way, the more likely they are to pass your house by keep your car out of sight in the garage when your curtains, turn on the lights and switch a radio on each and try somewhere else. The more of us who invest in car is at home. easily by anyone. Research shows that homes with burglar alarms are three times less likely to be burgled evening. Radio 4 is a good suggestion as it is speech deterrents, the safer, and less interesting for criminals, only, so can give the impression of people having a our whole village will become. The most common method of stealing desirable cars than homes with no alarm. A major DIY chain was advertising alarm kits recently for under £100. conversation, or if used with a Fake TV, can simulate a is by first getting the keys. Don’t leave your car keys television. Alternatively, arrange to have a family Over the past few weeks, I have walked or cycled the near your front door as thieves literally fish them member house-sit for you. length of almost every residential road in the parish. through your letter-box and then drive off in your car. Buy an ‘occupation simulator’. Burglars know that it’s impossible to switch a television on using a time In every road I visited there was at least one house with switch, so a television simulator Summer crime threats a door left open, or an unattended garage with items is a clever deterrent. The Fake of value and large tools which could be used to make a forced entry. Please think defensively to protect your ARNOLD TV device (approximately For the next few months the challenge is going to be (hopefully) the warmer weather. With higher property and possessions. Never leave garden £25) is a small unit which implements out in your garden as they might be used FUNERAL SERVICE uses colour light emitting temperatures, it’s inevitable that we have our windows and doors open to keep our homes cooler. Open by someone to force a door or window. Independent family business diodes (LEDs) to create Traditional and Alternative Funerals doors and windows are very tempting for an random light patterns opportunist thief. Thieves are often young and fit and Ralph Bagge Home Visits by appointment which, from outside the Pre-payment plans available house, look like a television set is in use. The 273 Farnham Road, Fake TV uses a light sensor to switch itself on at dusk and can be set Slough to be on for seven hours (winter) or Fake TV VILLAGE ELECTRICAL four hours (summer). The manufacturer 01753 535556 recommends using it in an upstairs room with the ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR curtains open so that a potential thief can see what 38 Oak End Way appears to be a television in use, but has no way of Domestic • Industrial • Commercial Installations knowing it is not a real TV. Gerrards Cross House Rewires • Fuseboard Upgrades • Security Lighting 01753 891892 Invest in a forensic marking kit, like Smartwater or SelectaDNA. The Parish Council office can supply Fire Alarms • Emergency Lighting • Test and Inspection reports also at SelectaDNA kits at cost price (£30, RRP £50). Use Work carried out to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671 Marlow High Wycombe SelectaDNA to mark all your portable electrical and Part P Registered for Building Control 01628 898866 01494 472572 electronic devices, bikes and other valuables and Beaconsfield attach the warning stickers prominently to each item 01494 685000 marked. Research shows that areas that have taken Contact John Croly up forensic marking see a burglary reduction of 85%. www.arnold-funerals.co.uk 2 Broom Hill, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL2 4PU Forensic marking fluid carries a unique serial number and an ultraviolet indicator which enables the police Tel: 01753 662595 Mobile: 07788 742163 24 HOUR SERVICE to trace recovered items back to their owner. The Email: [email protected]

54 55 He articulated the overwhelming desire of residents to Annual Parish Meeting make good the damage to the community caused by the Bells Hill redevelopment, which has forced parishioners to The Stoke Poges Annual Parish Meeting on shop outside the village, and has denied the community Thursday 7 April backed the Parish Council’s a social hub. declared aim to ‘make Stoke Poges a great place to live’. The Parish Council’s way forward is to make the village more family friendly. By providing more amenity in the two Chairman Cllr Mark Fletcher presented the Council’s recs, the Council hopes to create new destinations where report to an attentive audience of 125 parishioners in the Village Centre. He outlined the Council’s approach - parishioners can spend time and socialise together. listening and engaging with parishioners and responding Cllr Fletcher explained how, compared to neighbouring to the needs expressed. parishes, our sports and recreation facilities are poor: Farnham Royal parish is particularly well provided for Successes last year were: building a new bus shelter and Fulmer, whose population is one tenth that of opposite the Village Centre in response to the needs of Stoke Poges, has an excellent pavilion and an all-weather the Bold’s Court residents on Rogers Lane, installing cycle games court. stands in both recs, installing new wider kissing gates at Bells Hill rec. to enable buggy and wheelchair access, From a consultation carried out in July 2010, the Parish provision of target shooting walls in both recs and new Council is half way through a four-stage plan to upgrade goalposts at Plough Lane. the recs. Phase one was basic provision - new gates, cycle stands and target shooting walls. Phase two was the Cllr Fletcher went on to outline how Parish Councillors installation of the Playbuilder park in Bells Hill, the runway had lobbied to save the Playbuilder funding, which was in Plough Lane and the outdoor fitness gyms in both recs. at risk when the new government were looking to make Phase three will be the installation of a multi games court early cuts last summer. on the boggy area in the south east corner of Bells Hill rec. and phase four will be the construction of a pavilion that He then talked about how the parish’s involvement in will have a robust indoor activities hall, a kitchen and Bucks County Council’s Beeches Local Area Forum (LAF) changing rooms. is bearing fruit. The LAF has funded a project to develop a ‘Home to Hub’ cycle scheme for The Stoke Poges Cllr Fletcher concluded by declaring the Council’s priorities: School, has funded four new grit bins for critical icy road to develop Bells Hill as a community hub by creating a junctions, will provide a scheme to reduce nuisance parking at Stoke Green and is developing a package of community library; protecting our precious Green Belt; physical highway improvements that will make our roads resolving the parking problems on Stoke Green and safer for active travel - pedestrians and cyclists. enhancing the recs.

Cllr Fletcher went on to describe the challenges faced by Reflecting what parishioners have told Parish Councillors, the Parish Council - the lack of support from South Bucks Cllr Fletcher asked how ambitious the village wants to be: District Council for provision of a disabled access ramp at should we enter the Best Kept Village competition?; Bells Hill; their disinterest in providing lighting for the steps should we do more to enhance the appearance of the by the shops and their suggestion that they would clear older, original parts of our village?; should we promote Furze Field if the Parish Council paid for the contractors to the village’s Domesday heritage and Tudor history? and do the work. should we make more of our Thomas Gray connections?

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ROOFING U.P.V.C FASCIA SOFFIT AND GUTTERING 

96 ROGERS LANE   STOKE POGES BUCKS SL2 4LL HOME: 01753 644054 MOBILE: 07768 475467

56 The Stoke Poges Society Since the last Stoke Poges News the Society has enjoyed two excellent evenings. On 15 February we One can imagine he had the bell cast to celebrate the actions were to stem the encroachment of urban were privileged to be hosted by Stoke Park for a social evening. With refreshments generously provided Restoration, and no doubt it rang out his fulsome delight development that has steadily been taking away our by Hertford King in the old dining room, some 70 members and guests were given a guided tour of that the monarchy was finally restored, after the dark days historical and natural heritage. We must preserve these the ground floor, during which Hertford explained the history of the house, and described some of of the Parliament. unique features of our village. the recent developments as they restore the house to John Penn’s original conception. Finishing up in the ballroom we were also given some personal recollections by Michael Mobbs, of his time spent in As is well documented, Thomas Penn, William Penn’s son, the house when it was owned by his grandfather, Sir Noel Mobbs. All present agreed that it was a who purchased the property in 1760, did not maintain it, splendid evening, and our warm thanks go to Hertford King for his hospitality. and his son, John, finding it so dilapidated decided to demolish three-quarters of it, leaving just the one wing Stoke Poges Charities – Featured historic building – we see today. A History of Village Philanthropy The Manor House

On Wednesday 20 April members of the Society and their guests were given a fascinating account by Diana and Roger le Clercq of the several charities that have been such an important part of village life since the 16th century, when Lord Edward Hastings provided almshouses and New extension to the Manor House built the Hastings Chapel at St Giles’.

Then Michael Mobbs, as Chair of the Mobbs Memorial The Stoke Poges Society AGM Trust, gave a personal insight into charitable giving which This will take place on Wednesday 15 June in St Andrew’s has made a huge contribution to Stoke Poges’ projects Hall. As well as being the opportunity to elect the such as the Memorial Gardens and the school since the Manor House Manor House committee, there will be a talk given by Simon Barton, of trust was founded in 1956. We heard how gravel Mars, Slough, who will share his experiences of working extraction in the area supports many a philanthropic It is hoped that each issue of Stoke Poges News will We can get some idea of what it might have looked like for one of the most famous confectionery manufacturers activity, as well as the personal generosity of individuals. featured a short article about one of the many interesting from this print – a copy is in The Penn-Gray Museum – in the world. Will there be free samples? Come along and An interesting evening which demonstrated that village buildings that we are lucky to have in and around our which clearly shows a belfry which we should like to think see! philanthropy flourishes in the 21st century. Village. We start our series with The Manor House. Of was where the Gayer Bell was hung. course, its history is well documented in Lionel Rigby’s Roger Askew The Manor House features in one of Thomas Gray’s The evening was given further financial interest when portrait of Stoke Poges, and an excellent summary is Chairman celebrated comic poems, A Long Story. He wrote it after Naomi Arnold presented the Society with a cheque for posted on the Parish website www.stokepogesparish a visit in 1750 from Lady Cobham and her niece, Henrietta £1000 from South Bucks District Council. Naomi and council.gov.uk/stoke-poges-history/historic-buildings/the- Speed, who were living there. Her husband, Viscount Kathie Webber, as retiring District Councillors, were able manor-house to allocate £500 each to a charitable cause. We are most Cobham, had bought it from the Gayer Family in 1720. There was possibly a romantic attachment between Gray grateful to them for this boost to our project of raising One or two snippets of interest stand out. In 1688 after £15,000 towards the restoration of Thomas Gray’s tomb. and Henrietta – this however came to nothing. Gray the Restoration of Charles II, the then owner, Robert obviously found the Manor House dark and forbidding as Gayer, a staunch Jacobite and supporter of the Stuart he refers to ‘Rich windows that exclude the light, And dynasty, famously slammed the door, much to the horror passages, that lead to nothing’. LAPTOP & PC of his much less fervent wife, in the face of William the REPAIRS Third of Orange, a zealous Protestant, saying ‘he has got It is sad that further changes are now being made to it in possession of one man’s house; he shall not have mine!’ the hands of Comer Homes who have acquired it from South Bucks District Council on a long lease and may well Robert Gayer was also the purchase the freehold. It is now being converted into person who commissioned apartments. So one of the jewels of our village, so rich in the casting of the bell now history, is departing from public ownership under which FIXED PRICE REPAIRS £39.99 + PARTS to be seen in the Penn-Gray NO CALL OUT CHARGE we could have enjoyed it, and is becoming another Museum in the Memorial development in private hands. Gardens Cottage, on which ON SITE OR COLLECT & RETURN is inscribed his name and FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS CALL ANYTIME As we see here an inappropriate glass penthouse has ‘1660’. been erected on an extension. We must acknowledge the CONTACT MARK ON foresight of Sir Noel Mobbs in purchasing the land around 01753 735706 The Gayer Bell in the 07799 545550 the church to create the Memorial Gardens; and that of Penn-Gray Museum the National Trust in acquiring Gray’s Field in 1924. Both

58 59 March and April were full of challenges for me in responding Parish Council Election Results to villagers’ questions and enquiries about Parish Council Twelve nominations were received, so the following matters, not least of all, the budget for 2011/12 and the candidates were elected unopposed: effects on the neighbours to the recreation grounds of the play equipment installations. It has been a period when I Ray Aldridge Felicity Hawkins personally and the Council collectively have taken a big Ralph Bagge Heather Huntley step forward. Saera Carter Sue Lynch Jake Field Gary Matthews I remain focused on Bells Hill, and frustratingly, the developers Mark Fletcher Chris Taylor and South Bucks District Council continue to prevaricate and Alan Fox Cathy Thornton delay getting the simplest of things completed. I will be working hard to overcome these road blocks in the next District Council Election Results couple of months. beauty salon offering Naomi Arnold Independent 687 Saera Carter Ralph Bagge Conservatives 1052 Since the spring edition of Stoke Poges News much hairdressing, laser hair removal, Trevor Egleton Conservatives 1015 has happened to change the look of both of our Lin Gillan Labour 463 recreational areas. Clifford McCorry UKIP 262 thread veins & pigmentation, Duncan Smith Conservatives 864 Looking back at the records it appears that there has been (Elected candidates shown in bold) no real investment in our recs for approximately 30 years. semi-permanent make-up, I am sure you agree that the installation of the new Councillors’ Updates equipment was long overdue. Mary Cohr facials & products, Both Ralph and I had aimed to get the installation done so Mark Fletcher that the equipment was ready to use in time for the Easter electrolysis, waxing, Thank you to all my fellow Councillors for their contributions holidays. Working with two teams of very professional and to the Chairman’s report, which was delivered on their behalf, helpful contractors we managed to make this happen. at the Annual Parish Meeting in April. osteopathic treatment, There has been much excitement within the village at the arrival of the Playbuilder scheme at Bells Hill rec. Many of you manicure & pedicure, chiropody, have given very positive feedback about how both recs are exceptionally busy not just with children playing but friends and families socialising together, having picnics and generally holistic therapies plus a full range of having lots of fun. and Both Bells Hill and Plough Lane have had several pieces of beauty treatments aloe vera products. outdoor gym equipment installed. It has been a pleasure to see families taking advantage of this equipment by socialising together whilst enjoying the lovely weather as well as keeping fit.

I am sure that as a village we will not only enjoy the facilities that we have but take pride in looking after them. To help keep both areas clean and tidy more litter bins and dog bins have been ordered and we await installation. As you will have read in the news section, we are holding a beauty salon community picnic to celebrate the installation of our new play and fitness equipment on 18 June. This is a great opportunity after the success of ‘Carols on the Green’ to again bring our community together. It would be fantastic to see a more beautiful you grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren come together for an afternoon to socialise and catch up with friends and neighbours. Bring your own tables, chairs, rugs and picnics. The fete committee will be providing a marquee 1A Winterbourne, Wexham Street, that will provide local beers and Pimms and lemonade. All proceeds will go towards the community grants they share with many of the groups in the village, a great cause. Stoke Poges, Bucks SL3 6NT The Scouts will also be running a barbecue to supplement your picnics. T: 01753 664166 E: [email protected] We are making plans to help our elderly or disabled parishioners to join us. If you would like some help please let www.hibiscus.me

60 61 me know and if you are able to help at all I would be The Parish Council is actually improving the efficiency of its interested in hearing from you. spending on the services it has always provided. If you read the small print on page 63 you will see that we have changed Stoke Poges Parish Council Some of you may have noticed that we are starting to printers this issue. This will yield a significant saving - I have distribute a questionnaire relating to the Good Neighbour learnt not to be specific on these matters, because suppliers Chairman: Mark Fletcher Susan Lynch Ralph Bagge, Sue Lynch scheme. We are looking for both clients and volunteers. If this tend to use the information to increase their prices! Myrtle Cottage, 12 Duffield Lane, Stoke Poges, Flagmaster is something that you may be interested in please contact me. 128 Rogers Lane, SL2 4LN Bucks, SL2 4AB Tony Thomas, We are keen to get this project moving. And get the much As you can see, Stoke Poges News continues to flourish. 07802 889651; 646582; [email protected] Glengower, Hollybush Hill, Stoke needed support out to those who need it. Compared with the same edition last year (before I became [email protected] Poges, SL2 4EJ editor) our advertising income has more than doubled - up Gary Matthews, 663418 I look forward to another busy few months and to seeing you by 116%, whilst the move from 48 to 64 pages, with 32 in Vice Chairman: Ralph Bagge 40a Rogers Lane, SL2 4LF at the Community Picnic on 18 June from midday onwards. 07976 371802; Elected representatives full colour, has increased our costs by only 25%. This results Wavertree House, [email protected] South Bucks District Councillors in a net benefit to Parish Council funds. The parish magazine Duffield Park, SL2 4HY Ralph Bagge 693600; [email protected] is symbolic of the ambition the newer Parish Councillors have Christine Taylor Ralph Bagge I have been working on provision for cyclists and pedestrians for Stoke Poges as a community. 32 Bunby Road, Stoke Poges, Wavertree House, in our parish. Wexham Park Hospital requires its staff living Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Bucks, SL2 4BP Duffied Park, SL2 4HY within 1.5 miles to walk or cycle to work. However, Wexham In the run up to the elections I have talked with a lot of people. Recreation and Environment, Planning and the Finance and 644386; 693600; [email protected] Street and Stoke Green are two of the most hazardous roads I was taken aback by the strength of feeling in Wakefield General Purposes Committees will [email protected] for cyclists and pedestrians in the area. Crescent about the road surface there. A layer of asphalt had be elected by members as the first Trevor Egleton been laid over the original concrete road and is wearing badly. Cathy Thornton Knoll Cottage, Duffield Lane, I have sent a report to Bucks County Council’s head of item of business at their next I emailed our local highways technician about the problem 98 Rogers Lane, SL2 4LL SL2 4AH transport outlining a number of physical improvements meeting. and met her two days later. She agreed to get some repairs 645158; 646090; [email protected] required to make our roads and footways safer for cycling done, marked up the eight worst holes in the road surface [email protected] and walking - especially on routes to the school and hospital, Ray Aldridge immediately after our meeting and had them repaired the Duncan Smith which are used by our most vulnerable road users. 3 Old Post Office Cottages, next day. No one is going to claim that the road is now Hollybush Hill, SL2 4PP Elegy House, Park Road, SL2 4PE perfect, however, it’s better and illustrates the value of 644976; [email protected] All the published research on cycling safety indicates that the 663102; building good working relationships with key council officers. Parish Council spokespersons biggest risk to vulnerable road users is the speed difference [email protected] Constitutional Matters – Mark Buckinghamshire County between different users. Stoke Poges has many junctions Fletcher Councillor where the corners are generously radiussed - great for cars It has also become very clear to me, from recent Saera Carter Crime and Disorder – Mark Fletcher Trevor Egleton not having to slow down but a major risk when pedestrians conversations, that a number of non-car owning households 24 Elizabeth Way, SL2 4LQ Environment – Ray Aldridge Knoll Cottage, Duffield Lane, or cyclists are crossing. have been sadly ignored over the last decade by having 647525; [email protected] nowhere local to shop. Relying on the bus service is very Finance and Grants – Mark Fletcher SL2 4AH Footpaths – Gary Matthews 646090; [email protected] Mark Fletcher has mentioned the Annual Parish Meeting and inconvenient. I am going to explore the feasibility of a Jake Field Health and Safety – Cathy the questions raised about the Parish Council’s budget. Whilst community transport scheme which could be part of the 43 Larkings Lane, Stoke Poges, Thornton Member of Parliament the budget has been increased significantly, the extra money solution for those who have difficulty getting to the shops Bucks, SL2 4JU Memorial Gardens – Heather Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, raised will all be invested in new facilities for the village that and also for anyone living in our parish who has difficulty 663290 Huntley House of Commons, Westminster, will match the best available locally and provide more options getting to Wexham Park Hospital - whether as an employee, Highways and Transport – Ralph London, SW1A 0AA; for recreational and leisure activities. patient or visitor. Alan Fox Bagge 020 7219 6220; 48 Hazell Way, Planning – Cathy Thornton [email protected] Stoke Poges, SL2 4DD Recreation – Ray Aldridge Dominic Grieve holds regular 642197; Youth – Saera Carter surgeries in Beaconsfield, at alan@chilternassetfinance.co.uk Older People – Saera Carter which electors can meet him, by prior appointment. Felicity Hawkins Appointed representatives 43 Larkings Lane, Stoke Poges, Stoke Poges News Editor Member of European Bucks, SL2 4JU Ralph Bagge Parliament 663290 Webmaster James Elles MEP, European Daniel Lennox Parliament, Rue Wiertz, Heather Huntley Stoke Poges Village Centre B-1047 Brussels, Belgium; 26 Broom Hill, SL2 4PU Ralph Bagge, Saera Carter 00 32 2284 7951; 663144; [email protected] Beeches LAF [email protected]

Parish Office: Parish Clerk, Julie Simmonds, Stoke Poges Parish Council, The Village Centre, Rogers Lane, SL2 4LP 644803; [email protected] Stoke Poges Website: http://www.stokepogesparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Designed by When-D Ltd; 01243 267645. Thanks to Roger Wright for proofreading; 642438. Printed by PK InPrint Ltd; 01494 452266. Autumn Newsletter No 178 – All material to the Editor please, no later than Friday 29 July. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council. For further information about advertising in this magazine please contact the Editor. Editor: Ralph Bagge; 693600; [email protected]

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