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 Ligh ng 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
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