No 184 News Spring 2013

NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL? From the Editor Index Village Hall Centenary 4 Hedgehogs in Spring 6 There is no question that the biggest current Bridge Club 8 issue for most of us is on the front cover – the future of Pioneer House. We have rightly allocated Sunshine Corner 11 space to a very thorough report by a working Threeways Surgery 12 ‘Star Quality’ group of the Parish Council’s Planning Committee Case Against HS2 13 which provides lots of helpful information HELLO! MAGAZINE about the decisions to be made regarding the Rainbow Pre-school 14 proposed school (see page 61). Carols on the Green 17 Stoke Poges Remembered 18 Before news of the secondary school reached us, I had been planning a feature on physical activity Hedgerley Historical Society 20 in time for the (hopefully) better weather. I was a Golf Pro Tips 21 member of a NICE committee which last year Friends of Stoke Common 22 published public health guidance on walking and cycling. I was shocked by some of the evidence The Laughing Group 25 presented – two thirds of adult men and three The Stoke Poges Society 27 quarters of women take less than the British Legion 27 recommended minimum weekly physical activity of 150 minutes. Yet, after smoking and drinking Photographic Club 28 alcohol, inactivity is the third largest cause of non- Tennis Club 29 communicable diseases – heart disease, stroke, The Stoke Poges School 31 type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Dates for Your Diary 32 A large and increasing body of research shows Vicar’s Letter 35 that regular, moderate physical activity, like Bowls Club 36 walking, swimming and cycling, significantly reduces the risk of contracting a wide range of Parish Chairman’s Letter 38 diseases. So when the sun comes out, why not Women’s Fellowship 39 consider walking those short journeys to the Women’s Institute 40 IS AWARDED 3 AA ROSETTES... shops or post office instead of taking the car? Celebrated Chef Chris Wheeler invites you to indulge your tastebuds A cycle ride to the gym is a great alternative Sky Ride Local 42 at Humphry’s, Stoke Park’s 3 AA Rosette award winning restaurant. warm-up. Many people have increased their Birds in Stoke Poges 44 activity levels by walking further as part of their Open to all, Humphry’s fine dining restaurant allows you to enjoy Stoke Poges Players 46 ‘an experience you want to relive again and again’ (At Home with Marco daily journey to work or school, perhaps by Pierre White). parking a few hundred metres further from their Stoke Poges Free Church 47 destination or getting off the bus or tube one stop Duke of Edinburgh Group 49 Named ‘ Top 5 Out of Town Restaurants’ by Square Mile Restaurant earlier. Remember that sitting down for long Guide 2012, Humphry’s innovative take on Modern British Cuisine South Bucks Sports Development 50 and enviable wine list provide an unforgettable treat, all set within the spells, including in the car, is bad for your health. sumptuous, romantic surroundings of Stoke Park’s Georgian mansion. Recreation Report 51 In celebration of Chris Wheeler’s 10th Anniversary at Stoke Park, an In the articles by our regular contributors there is a Social Club 52 strong thread of ideas for getting more active – exquisite 10 Course Taster Menu is on offer, showcasing a signature Stoke Green Rovers FC 55 dish from each of the past 10 years! whether singing in a choir, joining the backstage crew at the drama group or some gentle exercise Neighbourhood Policing 56 Open daily for lunch and dinner. To make a reservation please call 01753 717171 with the bowls club. All are better for you than Bucks Vision 59 sitting in a chair in front of the TV! Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG www.humphrysrestaurant.co.uk Horticultural Society 60 Ralph Bagge Khalsa School Briefing 61 Editor

2 3 Compered by the debonair Chris Birch, the one-off production took the Guests dance to audience on a journey through the last 100 years of popular entertainment, with the Cee Bee Band reminders of key global, national and local news stories. Various entertainments were linked to each decade, featuring comedy sketches, singers, dancers and a magician. The performers represented many of the organisations who use the hall regularly, including the Stoke Poges Players, the WI, the Ondine Academy of Dance and The Scouts. Piano accompaniment was by the incomparable John Orchard.

The Village Hall trustees invited Victoria Secretan, great-granddaughter of Walter Albert Judd (of Holly Hill House, now the site of Pioneer House) who was one of the founding donors who helped pay for the hall to be built. Also present were Victoria’s cousin, Julian Judd and Michael Mobbs and his daughter, Sandra. Michael Mobbs is the grandson of Sir Noel Mobbs (1878-1959), founder of Slough Diana le Estates and former Lord of the Manor of Stoke Poges. The Mobbs Memorial Trust Clercq reads made a large grant towards the building of the hall extension, completed in 1997 the poem and the Trust has regularly made grants to improve amenities in the hall. Ms written for Secretan and Mr Mobbs unveiled the 1913 a commemorative print of the opening Village Hall.

Following the stage show, the evening closed with dancing to music from the 60s and 70s, played by the highly Village Hall Centenary accomplished Cee Bee Band. Over 100 villagers marked the centenary of the Village Hall’s opening in fine style on Saturday 19 January. Hardy guests and performers braved the snowy roads and icy temperatures to enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Victoria Secretan and Michael Mobbs unveil the commemorative print

Dancers from the Ondine Academy of Dance

4 5 abundant in the springtime. Severe accidentally fall in. Keep weather sadly kills off that pond topped up When will the the underweight too so they are less To learn more about hedgehogs come out of hedgehogs that do likely to topple in hedgehogs visit the hibernation? This is like not have a regular when drinking. British Hedgehog     asking how long is a food supply. Preservation Society’s piece of string. When a Some of the smaller or (BHPS) website at %'((' hedgehog comes out of So it is possible there older hedgehogs will be www.britishhedgehog. hibernation is not based will be hedgehogs very weak when they org.uk – you will find just on the weather; around when you are wake so if you see any suggestions for feeding,       other factors like the reading this. If you see wobbling or out in the feeding stations and size of the hedgehog, them around, or signs day, they need to be much more. Do $)##$(&("$!%  whether it is its first of them, do give them a rescued. Put any remember that hibernation, whether it dish of water – they will needing rescuing in a hedgehogs are is a male or female, can not have drunk for high-sided box. Cover a nocturnal and usually all have a bearing. Mild some months – and a hot water bottle with a only come out in the weather probably helps dish of meat-based dog towel and place the day when they are in some of the smaller or cat food. Try to be hedgehog on this with serious trouble. If you hedgehogs to survive extra vigilant and ensure the cloth you used to find a hedgehog the winter because your pond has an pick it up covering it. It needing help or if you there is a little more escape ramp/scrambling can have some meat- need more advice, food around for them net that these extra based dog or cat food call the BHPS on and they are kept going thirsty hedgehogs can and a dish of water. 01584 890801. until the food is more use should they Don’t forget to keep changing the water in the bottle. If you don’t Photo: have a hot water Harry on a hot water bottle use a plastic milk bottle – rescued from Hedgehogs carton or drinks bottle the A412 near and wrap a towel George Green around the hedgehog and bottle to keep Credit: in Spring Viki Herbert-Coulson them together.

6 7 Stoke Poges Bridge Club

Stoke Poges Bridge Club continues to thrive and Not surprisingly, there was a bumper attendance. Council Tax we are now averaging six to seven tables each week. What better way to pass the time on a cold We have just had our fifth anniversary – a and/or wet afternoon! celebratory lunch was held at the Fox & Pheasant and Precept pub in mid-February. No one enjoys receiving bills and Duplicate bridge is played in a relaxed and friendly Council Tax is a major monthly atmosphere and there are prizes for the winners. For the past year we have organised a monthly outgoing for us all. For the next year, Computer-dealt hands are used which means draw amongst members: the winner who has to beginning in April, Bucks County paper copies of these are available immediately be present at the time of the draw can nominate Council, South Bucks District Council afterwards to work out what should have a charity to which the club will contribute an and Stoke Poges Parish Council have happened! The results of each session appear on agreed sum of money. all voted to freeze their rates. District our website later the same day. and County enjoy a one per cent grant The club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall, incentive from Government to keep The annual pairs cup competition was held in Rogers Lane, each Monday from 1.30 pm to their rates down (which is not November. The winners were Jeff Harvey and 5.00 pm. With or without a partner, players are available to parish councils). Audrey Reed (see the photo) with an excellent most welcome. score of 81 per cent. Runners up were Chris Payne That doesn’t mean that the bills won’t and Grahame Frith with 60 per cent. For more information, please visit our website: be going up, however. At the time of www.stokepogesbridgeclub.org.uk, ring 642438 writing, the Police precept is expected Jeff Harvey and Audrey Reed looking happy The Christmas party was held on 17 December or email [email protected] or just turn up. to rise by two per cent and the Fire having been presented with the Pairs Cup with some superb food provided by Audrey Reed. and Rescue service precept has yet to Roger Wright be agreed. The parish precept could be subject to variation, due to the way it is collected by the District Council. The DAIR HOUSE SCHOOL Parish Council requests a fixed sum of money; if the tax base changes then the sum collected from each FARNHAM ROYAL household may change. For example, Pavilion Planning homes being built or demolished and Council Tax Band reassessments will $"'%% 0)$" "'&"! Application Agreed all affect the bill for individual homes. !#!!&#$#$&"$)%""  The Parish Council reviewed drawings and plans for the new community pavilion at Bells Hill rec. at  its January meeting. It was agreed unanimously that the previous reservations about the LAPTOP & PC    appearance of the front wall of the design have been addressed with changes to the windows and REPAIRS     the choice of bricks. The plans also include a     multi-use games area, to be sited in the southeast corner of the rec., which will be available for    ad hoc games of football, hockey, basketball FIXED PRICE REPAIRS £39.99 + PARTS and netball. NO CALL OUT CHARGE

     !   The Council agreed to authorise the consultants ON SITE OR COLLECT & RETURN   ((($"'%"' to prepare a planning application to be submitted FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS CALL ANYTIME to South Bucks District Council. When the plans CONTACT MARK ON  "   !  !"# are approved, the Council will be able to apply for 01753 735706 grant funding from several sources. 07799 545550

8 9 SolicitorsSolicitors Sunshine Corner Pre-school

We all returned refreshed after the Christmas break Centre from 9.00 am to BuchanansBuchanans and ready for a new term. Just before the holidays 3.30 pm during term time. we held our annual nativity play which, as usual, was We are situated 100 a big success with around 40 children taking part. yards from The Stoke Parents, carers and relatives thoroughly enjoyed the Poges School and have play and stayed on afterwards for coffee and mince close links with the pies. A few days later the children enjoyed their school and its early Christmas party where they were entertained by years unit. We Kiddleydivey. Father Christmas also found time to welcome all children visit with presents for all the children. from the age of two until school age and receive government funding for ConveyancingConveyancing || CommercialCommercial || On 24 November Sunshine Corner held its Christmas three and four year olds. We have well-qualified staff Bazaar which was once again a big success and who undertake ongoing training. We have a wide EmploymentEmployment || WillsWills || ProbateProbate || raised over £1000 for our funds. We would like to experience of varying needs and offer a stimulating thank all the people who contributed to the raffle environment, taking the children on outings and LitigationLitigation || ElderlyElderly ClientClient and particularly Alpha Windows who sponsored the walks around the local neighbourhood. Much time is bazaar and provided the main raffle prize of a Kindle spent in our own garden where the children help Fire. Our thanks go to all who helped to organise and with the planting and other outside activities. run the bazaar. A friendly welcome is extended to all parents and In January and February we looked at classic stories carers. For information phone 644300 or 07973 BuchanansBuchanans SolicitorsSolicitors cancan assistassist with the children – children do not seem to be as 671558 and speak to a supervisor. familiar with stories such as ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’ withwith allall thethe aboveabove andand more.more. and ‘The Gingerbread Man’ as they used to be and we have enjoyed reacquainting the children with these. They have had the opportunity to act out the stories and watch puppets perform them in our own BuchanansBuchanans SolicitorsSolicitors isis aa puppet theatre. Our new children seemed to have     settled in well and are already making a lively friendly,modernfriendly,modern lawlaw firmfirm whichwhich contribution to the setting.

offersoffers aa broadbroad rangerange ofof servicesservices During the first part of the term we in Stoke Poges   andand aimsaims toto deliverdeliver clearclear adviceadvice experienced a heavy snowfall. Sunshine Corner remained open throughout this period thanks to staff   " ! promptlypromptly andand costcost effectively.effectively. making their way in through difficult conditions. The   snow was followed by a period of heavy rain which limited the time we could spend in the garden due to    the mud. CallCall usus forfor aa nono obligationsobligations chatchat !" ! However, more recently we have been able to spend onon 0162801628 810810 707707 many sessions in the garden getting it ready for summer. The children have helped by tidying it up 㾎    and planting seeds. Outdoor play is very important 㾎  for children’s development and we aim to give 4 Suffolk House, Wooburn Green, children plenty of outside time throughout the year. 㾎     Buckinghamshire HP10 0EU During this term we have celebrated the Chinese 㾎     44 SuffolkSuffolk House,House, Wooburn Wooburn Green,Green, New Year, Pancake Day and Mother’s Day and we        [email protected] HP10HP10 0EU0EU will finish at the end of March with an Easter egg 㾎 hunt and Easter bonnet parade. Hopefully the Easter 㾎    www.buchanansonline.com Bunny will be able to make time to visit the pre- [email protected]@buchanansonline.com school with eggs for all the children. www.buchanansonline.comRegulatedwww.buchanansonline.com by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ☎  We are a popular local committee-run pre-school which takes place every weekday in the Village

10 11 News from THREEWAYS SURGERY The Case Against HS2 Strengthens

Bucks County Council and the reality is that the Business needed. These would free up Based on current plans, 2013 will prove to With the latest version patients have the option, South Bucks District Council are Case for HS2 has collapsed, the capital to invest in regional if they wish, to view their medical records via be our busiest year ever. Patient list size members of 51m Alliance of 18 capacity argument has been road and rail infrastructure has now reached 5886 and is forecast to the internet. local authorities opposed to exposed in the High Court and projects that people actually continue to rise throughout 2013. HS2, the proposed high speed the economic benefits are not Only you can see this information by using your need and use around the whole own secure PIN, password and pass phrase but it rail line connecting London with supported by any serious country. This would bring We welcome two new permanent members of Birmingham, Manchester and economists. HS2 will cost staff to Threeways: Sister Cynthia Cruz as a practice will be available to you wherever you have growth and jobs now when internet access. Leeds. The route is controversial taxpayers an eye-watering they are needed. nurse, replacing Alison Sikora, and Lindsay Rendall because it passes through £33bn, equivalent to the as a member of the reception team. In February we unspoilt countryside, including country’s entire defence budget, For more information or to apply for access, please ‘At the same time HS2 will said goodbye to Dr Vikash Patel, who has been Areas of Outstanding Natural and yet has been shown replaced by Dr Saima Khalid who will be with us contact the surgery. blight the lives, property and Beauty and ancient woodlands. conclusively to be poor value until August 2013. businesses of tens of thousands What you will be able to see: 51m was one of five groups for money.’ challenging HS2 in a Judicial of people. Houses will be 2013 Service enhancements are: results, e.g. blood pressure, blood tests, records of X-rays Review lasting nine days Martin Tett, Leader of unsaleable and jobs lost across vaccinations and immunisations in December. Buckinghamshire County the Midlands and elsewhere. Summary Care Records (SCR) Only those directly on the route medications Council and Chairman of 51m, All patients should have received a letter from the will receive compensation. health authority explaining this new system. In To coincide with the said: ‘There are far better, letters to and from the doctor Those nearby will have to wait broad terms SCR is an electronic summary of key announcement of the routes quicker and cheaper ways of allergies, active problems north of Birmingham, 51m upgrading our existing rail until 2034 at the earliest to see elements of a patient’s medical record, held consultations centrally by the NHS and accessible only by announced: ‘Behind the “spin” network to provide the capacity if they get anything.’ examination dates, investigations and outcomes. authorised healthcare staff, whatever their location within England, in an urgent or emergency situation, i.e. A & E, Out of Hours providers. Electronic Prescription Service Beeches Road, This service went live on the 27 February 2013 and Farnham Common, Slough, An SCR is only accessed with the patient’s explicit enables repeat prescriptions to be managed Bucks, SL2 3PS permission, apart from in exceptional electronically. This means that if a patient requests T. 01753 644568 circumstances, for example, emergency access if their repeat prescription electronically (using patient the patient is unconscious. access online) or if they bring a repeat prescription or 01753 646748 into the surgery, we now have the ability to send Content of the SCR the authorised prescription directly to their & %% "  Every SCR is made up of the following core clinical designated chemist or supplier, anywhere in the patient information: & !     #   country, as long as the chemist or supplier has  ! # Medications (Acute, Repeat and Discontinued signed up for the service. This will greatly reduce Repeat), the amount of printing we have to do and the &! "!  ! Allergies number of visits the patient has to make to Adverse Reactions the surgery. &! ! !"! & ! ! !! In addition, the patient identifying information, Surgery Survey Patient Name, Address, Date of Birth and NHS Many thanks to all of those patients who took the & !   #  number will also be held. time to complete the Surgery’s questionnaire, the & ! results of which can be found on our website. # %  $  If you have not received this information through There is also a copy in reception if you wish to the post, please come to the surgery and ask for read it. & &% $ the SCR leaflets. PCT to CCCG & $ $!# %  # Patient Access – Online Records On 31 March our Primary Care Trust (PCT) ended as  !   Patient access has been used by our patients (2227 all responsibility has now been transferred to &'" ! % # to date) for some years now to inform us that they Chiltern Clinical Commissioning Group (CCCG). have changed address, to book appointments or The CCCG has run alongside the PCT for two years &!  $   order repeat prescriptions over the internet. and is managed by local GPs.

12 13 nature walks and visiting the lambs in our neighbouring fields.

In March we will be taking part in the National Red Rainbow Nose Day fundraising as well as our own infamous, sponsored ‘Welly Walk’ supported by friends and families to raise funds for multicultural accessories to Pre-School be used in our brand new village!

We would like to thank the members of the local community who give their time so freely in helping to support our pre-school. Your help is invaluable and Our unique Winter Wanderland proved to be a great appreciated by us all. success, being held on a Saturday enabling all FAFAMAMILLYY FFUNERAL DIRECIRECTORSRS members of our families the opportunity to attend. We offer government-funded places for three- and Father Christmas remembered to tell his elves of four-year-old children and non-funded for two-year- his newly refurbished grotto set in luxurious old children. Please contact us to arrange an informal surroundings so they could deliver the presents visit. Rainbow Pre-School, The Lair, Duffield Lane, for the children’s visits. The parents enjoyed the Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4AL; 647572; opportunity to take part in activities with their [email protected]; SerServing the children and socialise with other families whilst www.stokepogesrainbow.co.uk sampling a selection of freshly cooked seasonal refreshments. The Rainbow Playleaders local community The decision to change the format and location of our Christmas nativity proved to be a good one as for 3 generations the children were familiar in their surroundings and performed beautifully in their new costumes to a captivated and tearful audience. The children celebrated the end of term with a glittering County’s Local Priorities Under the personal supersupervision of Eric, Petula,etula, RobertR and Tina Christmas party, lots of dancing, laughter, lunch and another delivery from Father Christmas. Bucks County Council runs a local area Our family caring for yyourour family Our spring term started with the theme of ‘Winter’, forum (LAF) for the five parishes in the where we made our own artificial snow and southwestern corner of the county The prrooffeessional and investigated the texture and properties of ice. The (Taplow, Dorney, Burnham, Farnhams following week we had our first real snowfall of the and Stoke Poges). The forum brings personal service for whwhich year, which enabled the children to venture outside together elected members from county, we arere rerenowned is aavailable and explore the garden area under the fresh district and parishes to work together sprinkling of snow. The children had great fun taking on solutions to local problems. day and night part in some messy activities that now make up our stunning January display board. We also took delivery A priority-setting workshop held last of a superb extensive interchangeable role-play • Priivvate Chapels of Rest village which can transform from bijou to palatial in autumn identified road safety and the • Pre-Paidaid Funeral Plans the blink of an eye! Needless to say the children’s environment, young people and imaginative play has been endless. getting active as its top priorities. Three • Horse Drawnwn Funerals working groups are identifying • Facilities fofor the ddisabled We also celebrated the Chinese New Year – ‘Year of priorities for action and the forum will the Snake’ – focusing on the theme of ‘taste’. We allocate its budget (£45,000 in 2013-14) • If youy wish arrangements rangements had lots of exciting new tastes and oriental utensils to projects which are the best fit with can be made in the to use whilst dressed in traditional costumes. its agreed priorities. privacy of yourour home Valentine’s Day was our chance to express and explore our emotions and practise our fine motor Indications are that recommendations skills whilst creating a special card for the people we from the road safety study of Rogers ON OF FU TI NE IA R Lane (due at the end of March) and a A C love. We also used our mathematics skills to prepare L O

S D

S I

R

A

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the ingredients for baking our heart-shaped biscuits. similar activity in Stomp Road, N C

T T O

O O O

D D

R R R

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S S O O O L

Burnham, will be taken forward. L After a well-earned break we returned refreshed and began looking for signs of spring on our weekly

14 15 Green Belt Breach Costs Land Owner £46,000 December 2012 South Bucks District Council Mr Smith was issued with two further found guilty of benefitting Carols on the Green marked the third has won a lengthy battle Enforcement Notices, requiring from an illegal use and was year of our new against Mr Jimmy Smith, the him to cease the use of the car ordered to pay £33,600 under format ‘Carols on the owner of Green Belt land park; and to remove the hard the Proceeds of Crime Act. He Green’ in the car park situated opposite Wexham surfacing. He failed to comply, was also ordered to pay the of the Village Centre. leaving the Council with no Council’s legal costs of £9000. Park Hospital. The land in The evening option other than to prosecute. In total, Mr Smith will have to commenced with the question was being used as repay £46,210 plus his own an unauthorised car park, traditional Mr Smith pleaded guilty to non- legal fees as a result of his procession around contrary to national and local compliance with the Enforcement criminal activities. Green Belt policies. Notices. However, due to the the village, with nature of the offences and the South Bucks District Councillor carol singing at In March 2010, the Council was monetary gain made by Mr Smith Roger Reed, Portfolio Holder for Bold’s Court, the Six alerted to the fact that Mr Smith from the running of the illegal car Sustainable Development, said Bells and outside the of 1 The Warren, Rowley Lane, park, the Council also sought ‘South Bucks District Council Co-op. The Christmas Wexham, was operating an legal action under the Proceeds takes its role as Planning market was busier unauthorised car park on the of Crime Act 2002. Authority very seriously and has a than previous years land, charging motorists £3 per dedicated team protecting the and the People’s vehicle per day to park there. In This matter was heard at Green Belt. This case has involved Choir performed a order to create a more usable car Aylesbury Crown Court on 4 a lot of work and demonstrates park, Mr Smith formed a hard January 2013. Mr Smith was that the Council will not allow medley of carols and surface on the land, which was fined £3600 for three offences breaches of planning and is seasonal songs contrary to policies that protect relating to the breach of the prepared to take robust action whilst our younger Green Belt land. Enforcement Notices, he was where necessary’. villagers had the opportunity to give Father Christmas their wish list in plenty of time.

Spire Thames Valley Hospital, Wexham Street

Vivien Wood Katie Relf Jillian Frew Parishoners MCSP MCSP BSc(Hons) MCSP enjoying Christmas market Registered with HPC & all major insurance companies

Full range of physiotherapy treatments available

01753 664114 Carol singing www.southbucksphysio.co.uk at Bold’s Court

16 17 Stoke Poges 1955 to 1968 Remembered ~ Part Six ~

The village also produced a Geoff ‘Jaffa’ Orange concludes his reminiscences future champion cyclist, Eddie Adkins, son of the by recalling Jack Hearne’s cycle shop, where he village policeman. Eddie helped out in his youth. went on to win the National 25-mile Championship Triple of 1977, 1978 and 1979. Eddie rode a hand-built This shop was The ‘forge’ for welding was outside the shop in a established in one of Jack Hearne cycle for many Hollybush Hill looking towards Bells Hill. Jack Hearne’s cycle canvas covered metal-framed extension much like a shop is the stable block on the junction the old stable years – of which Jack was modern-day gazebo. Here too was an electric oven very proud. buildings between used for paint drying. Once the frame had been the Sefton Arms made and polished clean, it would be painted. Although the village did not public house and the have its own cycle club, it old Co-op store. The Jack had to learn how to get best results from paint virtually adopted the High owner, Jack Hearne, had lived in one of the cottages spraying by trial and error. Visits to other established Wycombe-based Chiltern adjoining the Sefton Arms as a boy. firms showed that ‘stove enamelling’ was best for Road Club. At first Jack was purpose. Later a larger gas-fired oven was installed club chairman and then later After World War II, a good way for a child to own a for the paint drying and hardening process. the life president. bike was by doing a newspaper delivery round which provided one, so Jack did that at the village paper Once the frame had been built, sprayed and transfers On Sundays Jack would take shop. Jack did his National Service in the Army at applied, the customer would want it built up into a several youngsters from Bicester Garrison. Whilst there his favoured sport was complete bike. The parts and fittings were becoming Stoke to cycle races as running. On leaving the Army, Jack was employed by more easily available after the war and the best helpers in his trusty old his uncle, Bert Burgess, at the village garage, so his components came from Italy (Campagnolo) along Dormobile van. They were introduction to oily rags and spanners began. He with some really good English-made items as well. told to bring a sandwich and drove the taxi supplied by the garage and did some Wheels were the next most important thing after the would be given a red flag to cycle repairs there, which seemed to whet his frame as free and true running, round, with no stand and marshal on a part appetite for more knowledge. buckle and strength were essential. A hand-built of the race course for several wheel was the answer for a racing cyclist. hours. The youngsters would Training courses in various specialist skilled jobs were hope to be picked up again held at the London Polytechnic, so Jack enrolled to Jack had to learn the best method to build wheels as after the race and be Jack Hearne (left) organisingBBC film a group in Burnham of cyclists Beeches for a learn cycle frame building. The aim was to build the returned to Stoke! type of frames which were an early equivalent of a there were many different combinations of spokes, modern-day Tour-de-France racing bicycle – very rims and fittings for different uses and different rider weights. His reputation as both a frame and wheel Stoke became the first in the light, strong and precise. This could be summed up UK to hold evening cycle as precision hand-made engineering . builder spread throughout the sport and led to his involvement with cycle racing. As a result, Stoke races on Wednesdays. At first became involved with the sport too. the races were on a course So the village cycle shop was not only offering new around the four sides of cycles for sale, but repairs and made-to-measure Stoke Common, then a racing cycle frames for the growing number of racers To gain extra knowledge Jack went as a team course to Beaconsfield, Penn of that time. Cycling and cycle racing became very mechanic on some of the larger cycle races, such as a and back to finish near the popular soon after World War II. trip to Sweden for the ‘Tour of Youth’ in 1960 with Yew Tree Pub. For a few years youngsters from Great Britain. He went with the the Six Bells pub sponsored Frame building in brief: building started off indoors in England teams on at least two ‘Tour of Britain’ two- cycle racing from Stoke to the loft area above the shop, after the sizes had been week stage races. One year he had the overall Farnham Common, then on discussed with the customer. A flat table-top board winner in his team, who gave Jack one of the yellow to Farnham Royal and finish with frame angles and sizes was used to prepare and leader’s jerseys as a thank you. at Stoke. cut the round tubes to length, also to file the delicate joining ‘lugs’ and tube ends prior to setting them to Jack also arranged for me at the age of 15 years to Yet again a village shop was the required angles. The tubes/lugs were then pinned go as a mechanic for the Southern Team on the Milk responsible for bringing before being brazed together, with brass heated and Race in 1962, which meant I had to get permission together so many people in run between them. This was the delicate part of the from the headmaster at school for an extra week off. such a different way. We Eddie Adkins’ yellow championship-winning road bike. work because the wrong temperature could result in That was my introduction to the sport and I did get really do miss those shops Jack had worked out that yellow looked best in black and a break at any time. some help on the race also. of yesteryear. white newspapers

18 19 Hedgerley Historical Society Golf Pro Tips Stuart Rank, Head of Instruction at Stoke Park, The 2013 Harry Kirby Memorial Lecture on Wednesday the escarpment of the Chiltern Hills, near Princes continues his top tips for golfers with the 20 March will be a presentation by Tony Russell on The Risborough. Since 1971 it has been restored back to moment of truth! World Garden at Lullingstone Castle in Kent, the home working order by members of The Chiltern Society. It of the Hart Dyke family for 20 generations. has been restored to preserve its unique wooden We all get tips on how to start our backswing machinery, which probably dates from around 1650, and where the club should be ‘at the top’ before Over the last few years Tony Russell has become a making this the oldest smock windmill in the country. you start the downswing, but do you ever think familiar face (and voice) on both TV and radio, about your impact position? presenting many horticultural and countryside On Saturday 27 April at 10 am (meeting place: Visitor programmes including the much-acclaimed major TV Centre, Billet Lane) John Watson, Chairman of the This is THE moment of truth. The club face, shaft series for ITV Britain’s Great Trees, and a six-part radio Friends of Langley Park will lead a guided walk along angle, the body position and your weight series for BBC Radio 4 entitled Plant Invaders. Since the History Trail (a 4.4 km/2.75 mile circular walk) distribution all influence the trajectory and around Langley Park’s historic features and to see the direction that the ball is propelled in. Take a look 2008 Tony has been a regular on BBC Radio 4 – at the images below and you’ll see what I mean. including Gardeners’ Question Time. spring flowers, in particular, the rhododendron gardens in the Temple Gardens that were originally planted in On the left you’ll see a common impact position the early 20th century by Sir Robert Grenville Harvey. where my pupil is leaning back with his hands During the walk we will also see the Mansion House behind the ball at impact. This will lead to built in 1756 and the lake which is thought to have increased loft on the club face and a good been created by the extraction of brick clay in 1610 Self-portrait by Stanley Spencer chance of a mis-hit. Now look at the improved to build a lodge for the Kederminster family. The walk position on the right, a very similar look to his is free. In his talk, Paul explores the whole world of railways, starting position, but with his body more open their history and their cultural and social impact, to and chest moving over his left leg. This On Saturday 4 May at 8 pm Paul Atterbury will present discover what has been lost along with the closed lines compresses the golf ball, transferring lots of his talk on ‘Exploring Britain’s Lost Railways’. and stations. It is a talk about history, memory and energy, squaring the club face, giving a crisp nostalgia for a railway network, and a way of life that contact and much straighter ball flight. today is very different. Post impact is now much more dynamic with Paul Atterbury is a long-time expert on BBC TV’s weight moving onto the left foot as the arms Antiques Roadshow, and has written on railways, extend and chest turns. Sometimes it’s good to Victorian culture and arts, as well as many other topics. think of how you finish your swing as this He is a lifelong railway enthusiast who has always influences your impact position. Feel that your appreciated the power of railway ephemera – such as chest has moved down and around as your weight finishes on your front foot. I’ve delivered postcards, timetables and tickets – to tell the story of a lot of lessons in this way. Tony Russell and Tom Hart Dyke at Britain’s railway past. Tickets for this special event are Lullingstone on sale now: adults £12, children £8. There are many different swings on Tour. Think how different Jim Furyk’s backswing is compared In 2006 he worked with the BBC on the TV to Ernie Els’s but they both get into a great documentary series Save Lullingstone Castle, which On Wednesday 15 May, Stephen Palmer will present a ‘moment of truth’ position. So think of impact was based around the creation of the World Garden talk on Stanley Spencer in Cookham and this will be and your finish position. It’s a positive thought at Lullingstone Castle in Kent. followed on Saturday 18 May with Stephen leading a and one that will help you commit to those guided walk around Cookham village to see where Sir important shots. The garden was created by Tom Hart Dyke, a modern Stanley Spencer RA lived and is buried and to visit some day plant hunter, who follows in the traditions of the of the locations in this Thames-side village that plant hunters of old who risked life and limb in pursuit influenced his paintings. Before the walk we will visit of fantastic blooms and plants. During one of his plant- the Stanley Spencer Gallery that celebrated its 50th finding expeditions to Colombia in 2000 he was anniversary in 2012. The walk is free and gallery kidnapped and during his nine-month captivity in the Paul Atterbury admission is £5. We will meet outside the Gallery in Colombian jungle, he began plans for a garden High Street, Cookham at 10.30 am. which would contain plants from around the world During the 1960s and early 1970s Britain was planted in their respective continents of origin. The devastated by railway closures and many parts of the plan would eventually become ‘The World Garden of country were left without any kind of railway service. Monthly meetings of Hedgerley Historical Society take Plants’ in 2005. The timetables of the 1950s and early 1960s are place at Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Kiln Lane, Hedgerley, therefore filled with journeys which are now either SL2 3UZ at 8 pm. Visitors are most welcome. Following our AGM on Wednesday 17 April, Michael impracticable or impossible and the landscape of Hardy will present an illustrated talk on the history and Britain is scattered with the remains of abandoned Further details from John Lovelock; 647187; restoration of Lacey Green windmill which stands on railway infrastructure. [email protected]

20 21 December at the crossroads Measures such as the manual removal of pine Saturday 4 May, 10 am. Let’s go fly a kite (again) and near the Pickeridge entrance. seedlings, birch and scrub to encourage the hope for the wind to whisk our kite aloft as it did last Was it the winter sun shining regeneration of heather, form an important part of year. Make your own kite to our unusual, but very on the birches, the aroma of the work undertaken by the Friends of Stoke effective, design and see how it flies. Lots of fun for bacon in the air or the plan to Common and the value of the hours contributed by all ages. Come along from 10 am until about 2.30 build the tree for Christmas volunteers was recognised. We do make a difference. pm, depending on the weather. Friends again? Whatever the attraction, 31 eager and Bernard who agreed to take on the secretary’s job We meet at the Pickeridge Gate on Stoke Common energetic volunteers turned last year wanted to step down and Lorraine Morton at 10 am and work until 3.30 pm but you need only up to assemble the tree and agreed to take on this role. Our thanks to both stay as long as you wish. If you arrive late we have a of Stoke clear birch growth. of them. map on the gate indicating our working position.

Perhaps you have wondered The new programme is out and activities during the Light refreshments, biscuits and hot drinks are Common why mounds of cut logs and next three months are: provided but please bring a packed lunch if you brush have been left around plan to stay all day. Wear suitable clothing and the work site. They are Saturday 2 March, Heathland restoration, sturdy footwear. hibernacula left to bed down Main Common, 10 am. and provide shelter for insects Clearance in areas where heather dominates. Have a look at our website: and encourage small reptiles One of our regular and very satisfying tasks. www.friendsofstokecommon.org.uk onto the Common. The resulting show of heather later in the year is a Or email: [email protected]; or call reward for our efforts. Marian: 644203. After a seasonal and well- deserved lunch of baked Saturday 6 April, 10 am. Reptile survey preparation – We always welcome newcomers to our group. We potatoes, bacon and mince a particularly interesting job under the guidance of are a sociable lot and we get a good workout and do pies, the party set off for the Head Ranger, a reptile specialist. As you help to a good job. How can you resist? Burnham Beeches and the lay reptile sheets in specific locations you will learn annual volunteers’ party more about the reptile population on the common. Marian Payne and barbecue.

An active beginning to 2013 in January was enjoyed by about 16 volunteers. We tackled some of the older gorse bushes, cutting them back to improve flowering in due course. If you enter the Common on to the broad path leading from the Gerrards Cross Road, look out for the lone silver birch in the middle of the path. It looks beautiful.

Two birthdays, with two cakes, were enjoyed without a trace of New Year guilt, so energetically did we work. Later in January we held our fourth annual general meeting. There was a presentation on the completion of the fourth year of the current Management Plan, which reminded us that all the work undertaken on Stoke Common in the Common is driven by the spring glory. legal requirement to maintain Credit: Terry Cork the Common as an open heathland, now a rare habitat in the UK.

22 23 (social cycling)

As the weather improves and the sun comes experience outside the formal Sky Ride out more frequently we look forward to programme. However, we need to adapt to more enjoyable weather for our cycling the introduction of Sky Ride locally and the group. Our original aim was to provide an evolving nature of British Cycling’s social opportunity for parishioners to enjoy the cycling network. benefits of cycling in a group starting from a meeting point in the village. Our aim has In previous years we have secured grant been to encourage families to ride together funding from Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports and people returning to cycling after a Partnership, to cover the club’s affiliation fee to lengthy time away. British Cycling – importantly providing third party insurance cover – which enabled us to This year sees British Cycling working in offer free membership and free participation partnership with Slough Borough Council and for all. the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to deliver its Sky Ride programme British Cycling now provides third party of led rides. So there will be a wide choice of insurance for its social rides programme to family rides on offer in the spring and summer riders who book through its website – of 2013. www.goskyride.com. So from this year on we are listing our group rides on The Laughing Group was one of the first social www.goskyride.com, and riders wishing to join cycling groups formed to offer a Sky Ride us should book online in advance of the rides.

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

24 25 The Stoke Poges Society Parishioners will be pleased to hear good news Tuesday 11 June AGM regarding the Thomas Gray Anniversary Fund; our St Andrew’s 8 pm application for a Heritage Lottery Grant has been Please put this date in your diary! The details and successful to the tune of £10,900 which is the speaker are to be arranged. maximum available. Together with other generous donations and our own fund-raising, we are now on target to achieve our goal. Work will start this spring on the Thomas Gray tomb in St Giles’ churchyard and on Gray’s Monument in the nearby field, British Legion including the area surrounding the monument. The Here we are, 2013, with another year application was submitted as a joint bid with St Giles’ ahead of us. All three churches had good Church and the National Trust who are supporting congregations for the memorial services the project. We shall be looking for volunteers on a glorious sunny Sunday. The Last Post to help. and Reveille were played at Farnham Royal and Hedgerley – the Scouts at Our last event of 2012 on 11 December was our Hedgerley were very smart, lining up Christmas event including a fascinating quiz written before and after the service. by Roger Askew and where many of us learnt a vast deal more than we would like to admit on various The annual general meeting was held subjects including Christmas and the history of Stoke with 18 members present; we were very Poges. This all was digested with copious amounts of sorry to hear that Mr Howard Gibb found mulled wine and delicious home-made mince pies. it necessary to resign from his post as The main raffle prize was a grand-looking Christmas standard bearer. He was already a cake baked by Jane Wall. member of the Legion Riders which often clashed with standard bearer’s duties but Please note we now have a new website for we thank Howard for his years with us. The good news is that Howard will The Stoke Poges Society, remain with us. http://www.bucksvoice.net/stoke-poges-society/ We were fortunate in obtaining the Friday 12 April services of Mr Frank Harper-Jones who Annual Celebration Dinner at Stoke Park has agreed to take on this work for 12 This will be our first Annual Dinner and we are months minimum. We wish him well. delighted to be holding it at the beautiful Stoke Park. We are honoured to have Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Keep the stamps coming in. I have Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, as our special received a letter from Meridian Stamps, guest. With numbers strictly limited, this very special who handle collections for the Legion, event must be pre-booked and the exceptional price who are pleased with our efforts. of just £25 for members and £30 for non-members offers splendid value at such a prestigious venue. We The counting has now been completed shall be having a two-course dinner with tea/coffee. for the fortnight poppy appeal and once Booking forms will be circulated in the village and again the branch amassed a total of will also be on the Society’s website. Please address £15,909.91. Very close to last year and we your bookings and remittances to Jane Wall, 143 shall be adding to this from branch funds Vine Road, Stoke Poges, SL2 4DH. in April/May. Well done to all concerned. We now look to obtain a few more Tuesday 14 May members, so don’t forget, ask them to Village Walk, start 7 pm ring Peter on 642677. He will provide This year our walk is planned to take place in the them with details on how to join this West End area of the village, which is a conservation worthy cause. area. We also plan to cover Park Road and another conservation area, Stoke Park. The starting point and John Cooper further details are to be decided nearer the time.

26 27 Rusty Racquets Our club coach, Geoff Higginson, runs a ‘rusty racquets’ session on Monday afternoons, from 2 to 3 pm, for people who have not played for some time. STOKE POGES It is immense fun, and a great way of meeting members and regaining some former fitness and PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB confidence. This is open to everyone and costs just £5 per session. If you are interested, please contact With the Christmas and New Year also the possibility of a workshop positive. Any club member who Geoff on 07835 958851. celebrations long past, it is time to by the sports photographer, Ady wishes to join the café should think about the end of the season Kerry, again on a non-club day. contact Kevin. We are very keen to attract new members – all competitions, including the finals. ages and all standards. Everyone will be made Up to now, the entries in the A further workshop held in The club is keen to encourage After a rather soggy 2012 we are looking forward to most welcome. competitions have been well up to February was ‘In camera new members, especially the the snow clearing and are hoping for some fine standard with a variety of subjects. techniques – panning, zooming younger residents of the area who spring weather! If you are at all interested in finding out more about Some of the set subjects’ titles and high contrast’. Another may be involved in the Duke of us, please do come down to the Open Day, (further Edinburgh awards. Anyone were a little limiting, which workshop is planned for camera The club has a strong presence in local leagues information will be posted around the village), ring restricted the range of entries. flash technique, an aspect of interested in this aspect of the 529646, see our website club should contact Jim Williams and has entered four teams in the adult winter Whilst others, such as sport, photography which many find leagues: Men’s, Ladies’, Mixed 1 and Mixed 2. www.stokepogestennisclub.co.uk, or just turn up at allowed for a wider range of difficult to master. A new event on 643604 for additional the courts adjoining Bells Hill recreation ground, off information. We’ve had mixed results, but some excellent play entries. The set subject of this year is an international and competition. Rogers Lane. Follow the sign down the footpath ‘Nature Abstraction’ proved competition to be held against next to St Andrew’s Church. We always welcome extremely challenging. clubs from other countries, which The AGM in May is not just a mechanism for electing We also have midweek morning play for adults, most new faces! will be judged by Micki Aston. committee members, but also an who don’t wish to play matches, and attendance is The New Year started with This should produce some opportunity for members to make very strong. Evening play makes use of the Triona Tierney audiovisual presentations by interesting shots together with an suggestions which can be floodlights till 9 pm, depending on demand, and is Publicity Manager members. In January, there were insight into what clubs in other incorporated into running the club available to all full members. Coaching for juniors two inter-club completions, the countries do. and the future programme. Whilst and adults will resume in the spring. first being the second round of many committee members are the Rose Bowl and the other All competition results can be willing to stand for a further year, If you are passing the club (often on a dog walk!) being the Three Clubs completion. found on the club’s website which the club’s constitution prevents and are interested, do drop by and speak to us – we Sunshine Corner Parent Whilst the standard of work also displays a range of members’ people from continually standing always welcome interested potential members, adult submitted by members for clubs work. For club members, there is for the same position, which or junior. and Toddler Group competitions has improved, so has also the online café which is means that this year a number of the standard of other clubs, so it is updated immediately after committee members may either Key activities for the spring are: This group meets every Thursday morning in the probably best to skim over the competitions. This provides a stand down or accept new main hall of the Village Centre. It runs from results from both competitions! forum for discussion and the positions. Without the work of Maintenance Day 9.30 to 11.30 am (term time only). All children, opportunity for members to seek the committee there would be no This is the annual opportunity for all members to get parents and carers are welcome – it is very The club is not just about help and advice on works which club, so the AGM is an involved in sprucing up the club house and courts. reasonably priced at £1.50 per family which competitions. There has been a have not yet been seen. Most of opportunity for members to put The date is to be confirmed – please look at the includes coffee/tea, juice, biscuits and fruit. practical workshop on studio the judges have received positive themselves forward to ensure the website/club notice board for further information, lighting, an event which may be comments, with a few mixed continued running of the club. and to sign up. It has been rumoured that beer may Maybe you are finding it lonely at home with a repeated on a non-club night if reviews. The comments about the be available on the day! there is sufficient interest. There is images shown have also been very Jim Williams toddler or a baby, or maybe you would like Annual Pre-season Dinner your child to meet other children. Whatever This will be held at the Ethorpe Hotel in Gerrards your reason, you will always find a welcome at DOMESTIC & Cross on Friday 15 March. All members, (associate our Toddler group. It is run by staff and parents COMMERCIAL ROOFING and full), friends, parents of juniors are welcome – from Sunshine Corner Pre-school which meets the more the merrier! next door in the Harding Room in the Village U.P.V.C FASCIA SOFFIT Centre. As a result, many of the children from Open/Joining day the Group go on to attend the Pre-school AND GUTTERING This will be held on 20 April. If you’ve been inspired with children they already know from the by Andy Murray, and his fantastic Grand Slam win, or Toddler group. are a current player new to the area, why not join us for an afternoon of friendly play? All existing For more information phone 644300 or 96 ROGERS LANE members are also encouraged to come down, join in 07973 671558. STOKE POGES play and pay their subs for the 2013/4 season. Players and those who have never picked up a tennis Kirsten Tarrier BUCKS SL2 4LL            racquet are equally welcome – we’ll have some spare racquets you can use – adult and junior.

28 29 News from Stoke Poges School

TemplewoodTemplewood SecuritySecurity We have now received the Ofsted report and his following our inspection in mid-October. It was determination no wonder the inspectors described our children to compete with as ‘delightful’ – the report rated our school as the best athletes ‘outstanding’ for behaviour and safety of pupils in the world. He SystemsSystems LTDLTD at the school, which is the first ‘outstanding’ told the children awarded to a Bucks school under the new that no matter Ofsted inspection framework. This was an what they excellent outcome as the new framework is do in their Established in Farnham Common since 1990. extremely rigorous. lives, if they work hard It goes without saying, but what wonderful and do their best, A friendly LOCAL business with 20 years Christmas celebrations we had at The Stoke they will be successful. He then put the children Poges School. through their paces, giving them a taste of what it of experience. is like to train as an athlete at the highest level! Parents and friends had much to enjoy, from the glittering performance of ‘Children of the World’ The children cheered one another on and it was • Intruder alarms specialist by Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, to the encouraging to see how enthusiastic they were to moving carol concert by Years 5 and 6 at St. Giles’ participate. They puffed and panted between Church. Years 3 and 4 sang carols to their parents events and circuits but it was evident at the end of • For all your installation requirements and the elderly residents of the village. Tithe Farm the day how much fun everyone had had, staff seemed to enjoy our festive visits too. and children alike. Some of the funds raised will and local servicing go towards supporting our fabulous Great Britain Many of us took part in the ‘Carols on the Green’ athletes and the rest to purchase some new PE procession and we all agreed that it was the best equipment for our school. • Insurance approved yet, with the children’s lanterns adding to the festive atmosphere. Coming up this term we have some great trips • Red Care monitored systems planned. The annual family ski trip sets off in We were very grateful to Pinewood Nurseries, in March. Year 5 are off to the Theatre Royal, Wexham Street, who donated a beautiful Windsor, to see ‘The Terrible Tudors’. • 24 hour call outs Christmas tree for our school hall. It made a lovely backdrop to the end of term celebrations, the The Friends of The Stoke Poges School were busy whole-school Christmas lunch, the magic show organising more fund-raising events, which kicked • Free estimates and advice and the Key Stage 1 entertainment. NACOSS off with a race night at the beginning of February. GOLD The team captains organised this year’s talent show. The school was buzzing with children At the beginning of February, the school’s perfecting their acts and after a week’s worth of gymnastics mixed team of Kaliska Nowers, Tom auditions, the finalists were selected. All McFarlane and Ella Jeffers won the South of Call: 01753 648330 performed brilliantly and after much deliberation England schools Trio Gymnastics Championship, the winners were Hasan and Kayinath from 2C held in Beaconsfield. The boys team finished with their version of Gangnam style. second in their competition and the girls team a Web: www.templewood.co.uk creditable fourth, missing a medal by just 0.5 In November, the school had an exciting visit from of a mark. E-mail: [email protected] Great Britain sprinter, Rion Pierre, as part of our Sports For Schools challenge. The children were You can read more about our school on the inspired and motivated by Mr Pierre’s life story website www.thestokepogesschool.ik.org

30 31 Dates for your Diary

March Fri 12 Annual Celebration Dinner, Wed 8 Ploughman’s Lunch, Women’s Thur 16 – Sat 18 The Stoke Poges Society, Institute, Village Centre, 1 pm ‘Out of Sight...Out of Murder’, Stoke Park Stoke Poges Players, Village Centre, Sat 2 Heathland restoration, Village Walk, The Stoke Poges 7.30 pm. Adults £8/over 60 and Friends of Stoke Common, Tues 14 Annual Council Meeting of the Society, 7 pm under 15s £6/family ticket £18 Stoke Common, 10 am Wed 17 Bucks WI, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury ‘Stanley Spencer’ - talk by Stephen Guided Walk Around Cookham, Wed 13 ‘Shackleton’s Antarctica’ – talk by Wed 15 Sat 18 Palmer, Hedgerley Historical Society, led by Stephen Palmer, meet: Margaret Deakin, Women’s AGM and talk on ‘The History and Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm Stanley Spencer Gallery, High Street, Institute, Village Centre, 2.15 pm Restoration of Lacey Green Cookham. Hedgerley Historical Windmill’ by Michael Hardy, Lecture (tba), Horticultural Society, Society, 10 am. Members evening and talk Hedgerley Historical Society, The Stoke Poges School, 8 pm Walk free/gallery £5 ‘The Flora of Jordan’, Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm Horticultural Society, The Stoke Poges School, 7.30 pm Sat 20 Joining Day, Tennis Club, Bells Hill rec. Fri 15 Pre-Season Dinner, Stoke Poges Tennis Club, Ethorpe Hotel, Annual Parish Meeting, 8 pm, main Gerrards Cross Thur 25 hall, Village Centre TThhe VViillage CCllub ((SStt)oke Pogg)es VViillage Centre 4-55pp m, 1st Sunday ooff everryy month ffrree Wed 20 ’The World Garden at Lullingstone ʹ Sat 27 Langley Park History Trail Walk, Castle’ - talk by Tony Russell, Visitor Centre, Langley Park, st Hedgerley Historical Society, 1 Sunday@4 -an inforyrmal, f-amil fgriendl y gatheringub ien the Village Cl wher organised by Hedgerley Historical Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm everryyone ies welcom to come along feeo r cake, coff , conversation and a short, Society (free) mnseaningful message, inspired by the Christian faith.

April Plant Sale, Horticultural Society, all people o f all aagges warmly welcome to come alonngg , jdjoin in,se an rraai questionnss ! Village Hall, 10 am – 12 noon Sat 6 Reptile survery preparation,

Friends of Stoke Common, Stoke

Common, 10 am May

Sat 4 Kite making day, Friends of Stoke ‘The Other End of a Tape Measure’ – Wed 10 Common, Stoke Common, 10 am talk by Phyllis Mitchell, Women’s Institute, Village Centre, 2.15 pm ‘Exploring Britain’s Lost Railways’ - Peace of mind ffoor parenttss: toys ffoor toddlerrss and a craa-fftt table ffoor kids included! ! talk by Paul Atterbury, Hedgerley fofor more inffoo visiitt www.stokepogesfrreeechu rr/ch.orrgg 14sttssunda y Joining Night, Stoke Poges Bowls Historical Society, Hedgerley Club, Polish Club, 7.30 pm Memorial Hall, 8 pm

32 33 THE VICAR’S LETTER

‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to know how God every purpose under the heaven.’ So we read in speaks and Ecclesiastes ch. 3. It is true that there is ‘a time to acts we find our be born, and a time to die’ and so we are to gold standard in Jesus. number our days and prepare ourselves. Above all, in his death on the cross we see Him bearing our sin and removing The poet and priest John Donne, who was every blockage between us and our appointed as Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1621, Heavenly Father. died aged 59 and when thinking on his own death he penned these words: ‘Since I am coming If we will let them, our hearts respond to Him with to thy holy room, where with thy saints for relief, with delight, with wonder, with gratitude evermore I shall be made thy music, as I come, I and with love. For God’s desire is that the story of tune the instrument here at the door and what I each one of us is one where our hearts do reach must do then think here before’. out to Him and trust in Him, so that because of Jesus we know the Father as Our Heavenly Father. The author of Ecclesiastes (King Solomon) says we should prepare in this way: ‘Remember your Let me leave you with a poem by an Irish student I Creator in the days of your youth …. Remember met 20 years ago, Sadhbh Boyle: him – before the silver cord is severed’. In other words, the big picture we hold on to in life will ‘If ever blood was shed in love it was then, influence the little things we do and the decisions When one man – an unspoilt beauty – we make that ultimately matter the most. You bore the hurt, pain, sin and death of this see, we are made to live with God in this world, world on his shoulders. In meekness and not just to live his way, yet often we fail to see majesty he hung on those wooden beams, Him as He really is – a loving heavenly Father, only rude nails wrenched into his outstretched good, who wants to bless us. arms. Those same outstretched arms reach out always – that we might return his grasp We live in a world that is rightly described as and receive him in all his glory.’ ‘fallen’ or ‘broken’ – it is no longer the perfect world that God created. So there is ‘a time to Happy Easter from the Revd Harry Latham weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance’. We are sometimes tempted to blame God for the hard bits but it is a world where there is still so much that is good and Rogers Lane Safety wonderful. All the best bits of this world point us, not away from God, but towards him. They speak Bucks Highways engineers were on site of another country. It is not looking back at on Rogers Lane between 7 am and 7 paradise lost, but looking forward to what the pm on Tuesday 5 February to observe Father has prepared for those who love Him. and measure the congestion and risks that occur, particularly around the start and end of the school day. A report There is also a part within us that speaks of this with recommendations is due to be greater reality. St Augustine spoke of a restlessness published by the end of March. within our hearts which cannot be satisfied until we find our rest in God. Perhaps because as King The initiative resulted from a request Solomon later tells us, God ‘has set eternity in the from Stoke Poges Parish Council, in hearts of men and women’. It is one of those tell- response to concerns expressed by tale signs that we are made in His image. parishioners who walk along Rogers Lane and feel endangered by impatient The Bible is His story and one in which the author drivers who mount the footway and enters as a character. If we want a clear vision of intimidate vulnerable road users. God, the Person to look to is Jesus. If we want to

34 35 Stoke Poges Stoke Poges Online Couch to 5K The Parish Council’s website is our online An increasing number of adults are enjoying a noticeboard and archive. We post all the Bowls Club series of free podcasts which provide coaching on Parish Council’s official business (meeting how to go from completely unfit to running five Another season will be shortly starting, so if you agendas and minutes) as soon as they are kilometres over a period of nine weeks. Available are interested in trying bowls, please give us a ring published and we also upload news from the NHS Choices website and iTunes, a series and we will be more than happy to arrange a stories and documents from official of audio programmes guides the listener through mutually convenient time to meet you at our sources (e.g. district and county councils green to ‘have a go’. a gradual progression from walking, to short jogs and their partner organisations). and runs of up to 5K or for half an hour, with encouragement and motivating music. We welcome people of all ages and new bowlers Every news item posted on the website will be offered coaching. We are situated opposite also creates a link on the Parish Council’s St Giles’ Church in the grounds of the Polish Club. Regular physical activity, including running, Facebook page. In the weeks since the swimming and cycling can help reduce the risk of We have both midweek and weekend friendly secondary school proposals were games and, for those of a more competitive chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 announced, the Facebook page has been a nature, we enter leagues and various county diabetes and stroke, boost your mood and keep competitions. Our joining night is on Wednesday useful way of communicating what your weight under control. 10 April at 7.30 pm in the main building at the councillors have been working on, Polish Club, so if you wish, you could come along allowing more interactive updates. To ‘Couch to 5K’ works because it starts with a mix and meet us all and have a chat. receive updates in your Facebook news of running and walking, to gradually build up your feed, visit the Stoke Poges Parish Council fitness and stamina. Week one involves running Judy Smelt; 642341 Facebook page and click ‘like’. for just a minute at a time, creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable right from the start. The podcasts are designed to take you on three runs each week, leaving at least one day of rest in between    each run.

If you have any health  '" ()'$(%0$ &0( $$0)2 concerns about beginning an %$$%# $) %$" exercise regime such as ‘Couch to 5K’, make an appointment  "%)($'$(1 "" $1' )2%()) $( to see your GP and discuss it with them first. To get started, do an online Q search for ‘couch to 5K’. )%!%( #%' "'$( 0' $ )%!%( ! Stan Best

At the end of January the sad news arrived that Stan Best, of Freemans Close, who was a Parish Councillor between 2005 and 2010, passed away following a short illness. Our  sympathies are with his family.

36 37 PARISH CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

As you may have witnessed, I had the I was alarmed by suggestions from outside the Council’s Women’s challenging role of chairing the public village about security concerns over a rumoured website. If meeting on 6 February to provide protest march on Pioneer House and anyone who is Fellowship information about the proposed suggestions that opposition to the school was familiar with WordPress racially motivated. Anybody who spends time in would be willing to provide We started the year with a French secondary school. our parish knows that we are a friendly, occasional advice on technical issues, flavour. The talk at our meeting on 4 mature, law-abiding community and that please contact our clerk. February was by Geoff Burnett. His As a District Councillor and member of the subject was ‘William’s Normandy’ discrimination is just not an issue here. I was accompanied by a slide show. Planning Committee, I am required to keep an pleased that our neighbourhood police team, Finally, we are required by law to hold an open mind on any application until all the PC Iain Torbet and PCSO Kam Benawra had, Annual Parish Meeting. This year’s will be on The Women’s World Day of Prayer will evidence is presented and debated by members unprompted, given the same view when they Thursday 25 April, at 8 pm in the main hall of be held on Friday 1 March at 2 pm in at the committee. I spoke with the Head of were contacted by the school’s trustees. the Village Centre. the Hastings Chapel at St Andrew’s. Legal at South Bucks, whose advice was that This service has been prepared by chairing a meeting and providing factual I would like to thank the Councillors and Open to all registered electors, the meeting Christian women of France and is entitled ‘I Was a Stranger and you information would not prejudice my volunteers who reacted so quickly by making may discuss any parish matter and pass involvement in any subsequent the time in their already busy lives to research Welcomed me’. This service is open to resolutions on the public activities or policies of all and we hope as many members and planning decision. and share information about the school proposal. There was a major change in the the parish or any other public body, provided friends as possible will support it. membership of the Parish Council in 2010 and they affect the parish especially. I opened the public meeting by stressing the since then our watchwords have been On 4 March our guest speaker will be point that opening a Free School and gaining openness and transparency. The Council’s work It is customary for the Chairman to provide a our curate, Charlie Styles, who I’m sure will give us an interesting afternoon. planning permission are legal processes, where in responding to the secondary school presentation of the Parish Council’s work over fact, evidence and due process are really the previous 12 months and its plans for the proposals has been an opportunity for its We look forward to welcoming you to important so being clear and unemotional is members to ‘walk the talk’. next year. I hope you attend and I look forward these events. really essential. I was pleased with the calm, to seeing you there. factual and dignified way in which everyone Our webmaster has relocated to Kent and is Sybil Hastings who took part conducted themselves. unable to continue to support the Parish Ralph Bagge

     

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38 39 Stoke Poges and Wexham Women’s Institute

At our resolutions meeting we discussed the two safer internet, with all sectors in partnership working Cheddington Village Hall. Our craft group is 2013 subjects and decided which resolution we to keep young people safe. thrilled at the prospect of visiting the stalls to would support to go forward to the National Annual purchase quilting fabrics and materials General Meeting in Cardiff on 1 June and hence to Stoke Poges WI elected to support resolution associated with the craft. Her Majesty’s Government. number two. We close on a happy note with news that two Resolution number one, ‘The decline of our high A group of us are planning to visit Cheddington of our members, Gill Opie and Jean Porter, have streets and town centres’. An increase in out-of-town Village Hall for a craft workshop on Monday 18 been successful in the 2014 Calendar shopping centres and buying online have meant a March. There will be classes on food preparation, Competition. Gill’s photograph has been steady decline in footfall in town centres. Boarded-up plant propagation, cushion making and toilet soap awarded the coveted Judge’s Calendar Cup stores, high streets lined with charity shops and once- making, among others. There will be four which will be presented to her on 17 April at thriving town centres abandoned. In 2000, 49.4 per demonstrations, two in the morning and two in the the Council Meeting. The photographs are cent of retail spending took place on the high street, afternoon, punctuated by a light lunch, all included entitled ‘My Back Garden’. compared to 42.2 per cent in 2011, leading to a in the cost of a £15 ticket. vicious cycle of jeopardised amenities such as banks In March our speaker, Margaret Deakin, will and libraries. The WI wants members to support their On Tuesday 19 March the Bucks Federation has take us into the bleak midwinter with her talk local shops and make the high street their choice for arranged a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, on ‘Shackleton’s Antarctica’. In April, as we goods and services. London, to view the Manet Exhibition. Over 50 of squeeze into our spring outfits, remembering Manet’s portraiture paintings from both public and our Shrove Tuesday pancakes and warm Resolution number two, ‘To keep young people private collections around the world, along with a stews, speaker Phyllis Mitchell will rub salt into suicide-safe online’. There has recently been a selection of pastels and photographs, will be on the wound with her talk ’The other end of a proliferation of internet sites encouraging suicide and display. Knowing how popular these gallery trips tape measure’. self-harm among young people. Nine out of ten are, the WI has arranged numerous coach pick-up children aged between five and 15 have access to points, including one in Farnham Common for Stoke In May we celebrate the coming of summer internet at home. The question of how we can Poges members. with our annual ploughman’s lunch. This is a prevent harm coming to children on the internet wonderful opportunity for us to reciprocate the does not have an easy answer. On Wednesday 17 April, we will visit the Waterside hospitality afforded to us by the other four Theatre, Aylesbury, for the Annual Council Meeting members of the Beeches Group. We invite An independent Parliamentary Inquiry into online of the Bucks Federation. After reviewing events of George Green, Hedgerley, Taplow and child protection has made recommendations to the past year and outlining our forthcoming Templewood WIs to join us in our festivities in Government, internet service providers, retailers, programme, we have a rare treat in store with our the summer-bedecked Village Hall. regulators and parents. More research is needed to speaker, radio, television and political personality, assess how vulnerable children obtain and are Michael Portillo. If you would like to join us at any of these affected by information about suicide and what is events, pop into the Village Hall at 2.15 pm on the best way to help them. The number of sites In April also, we will have the opportunity to meet an the second Wednesday of the month. You can encouraging suicide are increasing and six out of ten internationally known quilter. After starting out as a be sure of a warm welcome. children access the internet without any filters physicist specialising in rocket science, our quilter, applied. Parents have trouble understanding internet known as Miss Ferret, will tell us her interesting story, Gwyn Alcock, safety controls. The WI sees education and whilst showing us her lovely quilts. The event takes WI Secretary awareness as the most effective way of building a place in the afternoon of Friday 19 April at

Stoke Poges Post Office and Shop Post Office hours: Shop hours: Mon to Fri, 9 am - 5.30 pm Mon to Fri, 7 am - 6 pm Sat, 9 am to 12.30 pm Sat, 7 am - 1 pm Sun, 8 am - 1 pm For most of your everyday needs ● Newspapers ● Milk ● Bread ● Tea ● Coffee Unit 1, Giles House, Bells Hill Green ☎ 01753 648328 One of Manet’s portraits in the exhibition

40 41 Sky Ride Local rides are fun and free community bike rides that offer a great way of getting out and exploring your local area and meeting like-minded people. British Cycling trained ride leaders – friendly local Ride Steady rides are suitable for all ages, with the volunteers who love bike riding and want to share same requirements as Ride Easy. They venture slightly that enthusiasm – guide groups of around 16-24 further, mostly on traffic-free routes (e.g. the Jubilee people along a variety of fascinating rural and urban River and Eton College) maybe covering six to eight routes. They’re on hand to provide friendly miles, lasting around one and a half hours at a slow encouragement and guidance, whatever your age to leisurely pace. or ability. Ride Well rides are open to ages 16+ (11-15 if Rides are offered at four levels: accompanied by an adult aged 18+). Routes are on quieter roads, take in modest hills, at a slightly higher Ride Easy rides are suitable for all ages, although pace for up to two hours, covering around 15 miles. under-fives should be in a British Standard child seat or trailer, or on a tagalong bike. All children must be Ride Strong rides are open to ages 13+ accompanied by an adult aged 18+. A Ride Easy is (accompanied by an adult) and represent a step up in typically on tracks inside a park, is completely traffic challenge from a Ride Well. Lasting up to two and a free, (e.g. Salt Hill Park and Baylis Memorial half hours, the average speed is around 12 mph, Gardens) at a very relaxed pace and lasts no more covering 20 to 30 miles, with a strong likelihood of than an hour. hills thrown in. For details of the Slough and Maidenhead Sky Ride programmes and to book your place, visit www.goskyride.com

  "!     "$  # # !#  $  $"    "   

42 43 flock along the Gerrards Cross Road. I have seen them along the Jubilee River and a local paper A sparrowhawk refers to their presence at the M40 Beaconsfield photographed at Service Station – not to mention their being George Green featured on the BBC2 Winterwatch programme. Credit: Viki Herbert-Coulson Other interesting sightings to report are: firecrests, goldcrests, treecreepers and siskins in Larchmoor Park; goldcrests have also been spotted in the Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens; a couple of sparrowhawks terrorising the smaller birds in the Duffield Lane/Hazell Way area; a male bullfinch looking resplendent in Rogers Lane; and a couple of Miniature Appleyard ducks in a lake near Stoke Court Drive. In case you have never heard of these before, neither had I! The observer checked this out with the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) and established they are hybrid ducks, probably white domestic ducks crossed with mallards to make a strange mixture. Keep a watch out for redwing and fieldfare which are normally around this time of year. It seems as Birds In Stoke Poges if they will have some competition finding berries. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch took place at the   8@7D2'(A $ 47&$4 )@2(6'4F 8@7)(AA276$4 A(@D2&( E2B1   &1(&3(' Thanks for your replies to my last article and end of January. This helps to identify which birds various bird sightings. are increasing or decreasing in numbers. I hope '@2D(@A 78(@$B260  A($B A8(&2$42AB D(12&4(A '(A206(' B7 $&&7557'$B( some of you took part. The main excitement of late has been the huge number of waxwings visiting this country from Please let me know what you see at any time. If  2@87@B "@$6A)(@A  !32 "@28A Scandinavia and other northern regions in search you struggle to recognise a bird, I will try to help. of berries, their main food. I haven’t received any  @C2A( "@$6A)(@A  #(''260A reports of them in Stoke Poges itself although a Roger Wright; 642438;  7@87@$B( D(6BA  !8(&2$4 D(6BA couple of winters ago I reproduced a photo of a [email protected]  (A873( !(@D2&(A  74) "@28A

Proposed Secondary School !8(&2$4 !32 $&3$0( 26&4C'(A 744(&B276 !32 !(@D2&( $6' "@$6A)(@ B7 $2@87@B You have probably already heard about the The Khalsa Secondary School’s trustees have proposals to convert Pioneer House on written an open letter to residents, which is Hollybush Hill into a secondary Free School available on the Parish Council’s website. 7@ 57@( 26)7@5$B276 76 7C@ E2'( @$60( 7) A(@D2&(A 7%B$26 $ 9C7B(  7@ %773 76426( D2A2B accommodating up to 840 children. Representatives of the Parish Council met A public meeting was held in the Village Dominic Grieve QC MP on Friday 8 February Centre on Wednesday 6 February. We have to present a summary of concerns raised at     included the information gathered by the public meeting. Mr Grieve was scheduled members of the Parish Council’s Planning to attend a public meeting on Friday 15 "(4 ())* ,,--- Committee for that meeting. February. (5$24 26)78@7/A1CBB4(0&70C3

44 Stoke Poges Players Stoke Poges Free Church From this month, Stoke Poges Free Church (SPFC) are going to be hosting a new, monthly gathering in the club room at the Village Centre where everyone is welcome to come along for coffee, cake, conversation and a short, meaningful message (followed by the opportunity to ask questions). We’re calling it 1stSunday@4 and we’d love you to feel welcome to come along - even if it’s just for the cake!

If you’d like some food for thought, March’s mini-message is on the theme ‘Can People Change?’ – which (in view of all the New Year’s resolutions we’ve probably already broken) may be quite relevant!

All ages are welcome, it’s completely free and, as the should; a man whose life was so punctuated by name implies, it’s held on the first Sunday of every miracles that even his enemies didn’t deny them; a month, from 4 to 5 pm (at the club room, Stoke man who died a shocking, shameful, terrible death Poges Village Centre, Rogers Lane). yet was seen (according to people who believed it so sincerely they would risk everything to share the A scene from On a completely different note, we are of course into story) very much alive after his death. Now that’s a King Arthur the Easter season when hungry supermarkets try to story worth telling – especially if, as I believe, it’s part persuade us to buy large quantities of chocolate (it and parcel of some very good news! doesn’t require too much persuasion) and Christians Following on from our brilliantly successful pantomime, King Arthur in November, some everywhere celebrate the story that lies smack bang If you’d like to find out more, all the churches in members of Stoke Poges Players joined in the celebrations at the Village Centenary Show in the middle of the very heart of the Christian faith. Stoke Poges will be more than happy to see you at where they appeared in three short sketches. The sketches were based on Mastermind, It is, without the shadow of a doubt, the greatest their Easter services. For details of our own services Joyce Grenfell and Cinderella with her Fairy Godmother. The group then started rehearsing story ever told – especially as there are exceptionally you can visit www.stokepogesfreechurch.org or get for the next production, a comedy murder mystery, Out of Sight…Out of Murder written good reasons to believe it’s actually true! in touch with me personally on 315692. by Fred Carmichael. It’s the story of a man so humble and so loving that Thanks for reading this and I hope you have a great The play is about Peter, a is Peter. Other murders then put a production on. We will he would think nothing of being ridiculed for Easter, failing writer, whose agent follow. The murderer is always welcome someone spending time in the company of hated and despised decides it could be a good among these characters who wants to act but the people; a man so remarkable that his claim to be the Lewis Fry publicity ploy for him to and, as he/she has also group would really benefit very Son of God doesn’t sound as ridiculous as it (on behalf of everyone at SPFC) write a book, a murder worked for other authors, from a dedicated back stage mystery, in the country knows a great deal about crew. So whatever your mansion of a writer who the subject. Can Peter find interests, if you are looking was murdered there several the killer before the killer for something to do in your years before. There is a gets him? spare time, please consider clap of thunder and a bolt joining your local drama of lightning as he starts Show dates are Thursday group. Come down to the his novel which brings 16, Friday 17 and Saturday Harding Room at the Village the characters in his mind 18 May at 7.30 pm at the Centre any Monday at 8 pm to life! Village Centre in Rogers to find out what we do. Lane. Tickets are priced at The characters he imagines £8 for adults, £6 for 60+ and For more information or to are based on those writers under 15s and £18 for a reserve tickets, call Linda on often use. Amongst them is family ticket (maximum of 677032 or email: a butler, a young dashing two adults). stokepogesplayers@ hero, a pretty heiress, a hotmail.co.uk servant girl and a lawyer Although the cast has been or visit our website: who comes to read a will. selected for this play, we are www.wix.com/ Peter loses control of his always looking for new stokepogesplayers/home characters and there is a members as we could never murder; the intended victim have too many people to Linda Miles

46 47 Stoke Poges boy wins Beeches Competition Duke of Edinburgh A pupil in Year 3 of The Stoke Poges School had children to design a cow to be installed on the the honour of meeting the Lord Mayor of London cafe roof. The Lord Mayor pulled a string to recently to receive a competition prize. Kieran release dozens of helium balloons, which unveiled Award Group Coyne won a competition for local primary school Kieran’s cow to an appreciative audience. Having just With expeditions we are able to train the The Lord Mayor then led a walk around the returned from participants with map skills, first aid, camp craft Beeches before pollarding a young beech tree – an our first and team building. However, we do find that annual ceremony which symbolises the City of meeting of some participants are not regular walkers and London’s commitment to preserving the natural 2013, Vikki and think that carrying a full rucksack over 15 miles beauty of Burnham Beeches. I were is a walk in the park! Many have been proved delighted with so wrong. how many awards have We suggest all participants go for regular been completed at Bronze and Silver. Our walks, look at maps and a do a bit of hill walking too! Take your parents with you so congratulations go to Amy Benton, Megan they can experience a little of what we will be Picot, Rebecca Weatherill, Jay Sherring, putting you through! Though this may sound Emmanuelle Wiseman, Simran Phal, Phoebe daunting, we do want you to enjoy the Hill and Simran Dhillon for their Bronze and at Balloons were challenge, so start getting a little fitter now. released to unveil Silver Charlotte Wells, Hannah Foulkes, Anna Kieran’s design Karpinski and Megan Millwater. Our group is going from strength to strength and our numbers continue to rise. Much of this Last October half term, for the first time, we would not be possible if we didn’t have the had to cancel the expedition for Silver due to fantastic support from Anne, Richard, Dave, low numbers. However, this year’s Bronze Vikki, Julia, Mandy, Peter and Steve. All are Kieran Coyne is expedition is fully booked and we have a volunteers and give their time willingly. To you presented with waiting list! At our first group meeting we have all a huge ‘thank you’. his prize by the Lord Mayor 25 young people registered with the award and of London ready to start! Mandy Harrod / Vikki Ashton

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48 49 South Bucks District Council 2013 Sports Development Activity Diary

Run England Beginners Course only beginners netball sessions in Iver and website www.southbucks.gov.uk nearer the time. Bucks are now run by Better who operate both Better (formerly Nexus Community) is working Beaconsfield. These sessions are aimed at those who Throughout the days, multi-sport games (10 am – leisure centres in South Bucks. They provide trained together with England Athletics to provide the wish to meet people and play netball in a casual and 3 pm) and arts activities (11 am – 2 pm) for 8 – 16 staff to deliver the course with a background in opportunity for adults to take up running. Each sociable setting. There will also be a friendly coach to year olds are provided. There is no need to book and nutrition and physical fitness. session will be led a fully qualified Run England explain the rules and teach you new skills. you can stay for as little, or as long, as you like! instructor and will be tailored to suit those who have Although under 8s are welcome, parents/guardians Children attend with a parent or guardian and the never run before or would like to return to running. Return to Netball - Iver are required to stay at the sessions. sessions are twice weekly. For further details about Location: Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, this innovative course, contact Elayne Hughes on Beacon Sports Centre and Theatre, Holtspur Way, Iver, Bucks SL0 0HS. 672610 Golf 07970 214760 or email [email protected] Beaconsfield, HP9 1RJ Date: Every Monday The team also run regular low-cost group coaching Time: 7 pm - 8 pm courses for budding golfers at the South Date: Running every Tuesday Price: Member £3, Non-member £3.50 Buckinghamshire Academy (formerly The Lanes). Golf Disability Sport Time: 9.30 am – 10.30 am clubs are provided and the sessions involve tutored The Sports Development Team provides multi-skills Price: Member £3, Non-member £3.50 Return to Netball – Beaconsfield driving range practice and experience on the golf sports clubs for young people and adults with both Location: Beacon Sports Centre and Theatre, course. physical and learning disabilities: To book a space, please call the team at the Beacon Holtspur Way, Beaconsfield, Bucks, 01494 677764 For further details please email Sports Centre and Theatre on: 01494 677764. Date: Every Friday [email protected] ‘Rockets Club’ Time: 9 am - 10 am Ages: 7 - 12 years Return to Netball (Females 16 years and over) Junior Mountain Bike Sessions at Black Park Day: Fridays 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm (term time) Have you always wished you had carried on playing Evreham Sport Centre Plans are underway to establish a junior mountain Venue: The Curzon Centre, Maxwell Road, netball after leaving school but never found the Mondays bike club at Black Park. If this is something that your Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG opportunity to do so? South Bucks District Council 9.30 am - 11.00 am Parent and Baby Morning child (initially ages are restricted to 10 – 14 years) Price: £2 per week and Better (formerly Nexus Community) have teamed 5 pm – 6 pm Supervised Fitness 11 years + would be interested in, please email us at up with England Netball, to provide two new adult- Wednesdays [email protected] Burnham Multi-Sport Disability Club 4.15 pm – 5.15 pm Junior Trampoline Ages: 13 -17 years Thursdays Simply Walks Day: Wednesdays 4.30 pm – 6 pm (term time) 9 am-10 am Toddler Trampoline Walking is a fantastic way to get out and about, Venue: Burnham Upper School, Opendale Road, ARNOLD Fridays meet new people, improve your health and Burnham, Bucks, SL1 7LZ 5 pm – 6 pm Supervised Fitness 11 years + wellbeing and help the environment. Price: £2 per week FUNERAL SERVICE Independent family business Please contact Evreham Sports Centre for more In Buckinghamshire there is a lot of stunning Get ACTIVE (Adult Club) details. Address: Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow countryside waiting for you to enjoy. Take your first Ages: 18+ Traditional and Alternative Funerals Street, Iver, Bucks SL0 0HS. Tel: 672610 step to getting and staying active. Volunteer-led Day: Wednesdays, 11.15 am – 12.15 pm (term time) Home Visits by appointment walks run throughout the year with over 500 walkers Venue: Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver Pre-payment plans available No Strings Badminton at Evreham joining us every week on more than 50 walks across Price: £2 per week the county. Our volunteer leaders are there to help 273 Farnham Road, Whether you’re a complete beginner or would like to you walk at your own pace – so don’t worry about Please call before attending the clubs to discuss the return to the sport, ‘No Strings’ is for all ages and getting left behind. level of care required. Slough abilities. All sessions are £3.50 on a ‘Pay and Play’ basis making it convenient and cost effective. All new walkers are welcome to the scheme whether For further information regarding any of the activities 01753 535556 you are currently fit and active, or haven’t exercised and events organised by the Sports Development No Strings Badminton Adult 16+ yrs for a long time, it couldn’t be easier to get started. Team, please call Sports Development Team on 38 Oak End Way Wednesday 8 pm – 10 pm No need to book, just choose your walk and on your 01895 837348 or email No Strings Badminton Adult 16+ yrs first walk arrive 15 minutes early to register with the [email protected] Gerrards Cross Wednesday 9 pm – 10 pm walk leader. No Strings Badminton Adult 16+ yrs 01753 891892 Monday 10.30 am – 12 noon Please contact the Sports Development Team for also at No Strings Badminton aged 16 yrs and under details on Simply Walks near you or visit Saturday 2 pm – 3 pm www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/row/simply_walk.page to Marlow High Wycombe download a copy of the latest programme. PORTS AND 01628 898866 01494 472572 S For more information please contact the Better team OLISTIC ASSAGE HERAPIST Beaconsfield at the Evreham Sports Centre on 672610 or visit H M T 01494 685000 www.better.org.uk MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) Massages to promote relaxation and wellbeing Next course: dates tbc (call Elayne Hughes 07970 Melinda Swallow ITEC Diploma/Embody/CThA www.arnold-funerals.co.uk Easter Holiday Games in the Park 214760 for details) Tel. 01753 642748 The Sports Development Team will be running its The Sports Development Team are supporting this Mobile Manicures/Pedicures and OPI Gels Nails regular free Games in the Park sessions during Easter. FREE programme for children aged 7 – 13 years who 24 HOUR SERVICE For dates, times and venues please see the Council’s are over their ideal weight. The MEND courses in

50 51 Recreation report... Recreation report... Recreation report... Rec Stoke Poges Social Club Work Starts on the new Some Sad News And Some Good News South Buckinghamshire An update from Saera Carter, who chairs the Dog Fouling Clubhouse Parish Council’s Recreation and Environment Although we comment on this problem in almost Sad news first. You may have noticed that the diggers are Committee. every edition, it is still a village-wide problem. The After many years of loyal service to the club, Big now on site at Farnham Park playing fields Parish Council have recently received concerned Jim, our steward is stepping down from the role Carols emails from villagers who are appalled at the dog and work has started towards the project to and taking a well-earned rest. I’m sure all our build a new clubhouse at The South Although Christmas seems like a distant memory, mess left behind by dog owners. members are appreciative of his contribution and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in Buckinghamshire 18-hole course. will wish him well for the future. making the ‘Carols on the Green’ another success for The Parish Council installed additional dog waste bins our village. A lot of work goes into it and without the The new clubhouse will be built on the site around the village. In some instances I have seen that Now the good news. dedication of some of our villagers, we would not be dogs have fouled next to the bin and still it has not of the current green keepers’ facility, so the able to pull this event off. The Club committee will be assuming all the first work is to construct a new building at been placed in the bin. There is also dog waste responsibilities of the steward and are determined regularly by the children’s play equipment in both Farnham Park playing fields for the green to ensure that the Club remains a vibrant social Special thanks to: Graham and Kevin Donnet of Terra recreation grounds. Please, please consider the keepers. Works are going to plan and as Firma Sounds for providing the lighting, electrics and impact of not picking up dog waste. As a dog owner centre for the village offering a warm, friendly soon as that building is up, the current green sound; Liz and Tom Robinson from Pinewood surely you don’t want to step in it yourself. welcome to both members and visitors. keepers’ building will be demolished and Nurseries for sponsoring and supplying this year’s works on the new clubhouse will start. Christmas tree; Vic Bunby, our compere, who To the small minority of irresponsible dog owners: YOU ARE SPOILING IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE!!! We endeavour to offer a wide variety of events incidentally was going down with the flu on the day; in order to appeal to as many villagers as Designed by HLN Architects, who also Barbara Rigby for switching on the lights; John possible. Our regular mini quiz on Wednesday designed the Twenty-Ten clubhouse at the Orchard for arranging, rehearsing and accompanying Recreation Grounds We have been very fortunate to be awarded a grant evenings is well attended, as is bingo on Celtic Manor which played host to the Ryder the carol singing; The Stoke Poges School and Anne Cup in 2010, the clubhouse at The South Frank for making spectacular lanterns and leading that we applied for by South Bucks District Council. Saturdays. Our Crib Team is very successful and This grant of £8200 plus the money that we have there is a popular golf society. The traditional Buckinghamshire will be on a smaller scale the procession whilst singing carols; South Bucks but will feature many of the stunning District Council for the lantern-making workshops at budgeted for 2013/14 means that we can bring pub games of pool and darts can be enjoyed in forward the installation of much-needed toddler one area of our large club room. designs found at Celtic Manor. The extensive The Stoke Poges School; Bob Crocker for providing new clubhouse will offer a great social unique transport for Santa and making sure that he equipment in both recs. The committee’s plans for the coming months dining experience as well as function rooms had a first class sleigh whilst visiting Stoke Poges; for private hire whilst the pro shop will be Martin Wood and Mark Relf and many other Work will start in March to install two pieces of include a race night, a play your cards right stocked with the latest golfing brands and volunteers for providing and erecting marquees on equipment in Bells Hill recreation ground and one evening, Tony and Allison’s ever popular big have an on-site club repair workshop. the day. Lastly to all the villagers for attending and piece in Plough Lane. A second piece will be installed quiz, and a skittles competition. Additional contributing to a very Christmassy atmosphere. in Plough Lane in 2014. entertainments will be advertised later in It’s great news for golfers, as the existing the year. clubhouse and the course will remain open throughout the construction, so there is no On other evenings members can enjoy a need to miss out on your game. quiet drink and a chat with friends. Our prices Membership offers are still available and VILLAGE ELECTRICAL compare favourably and we offer a good with groups of five or more signing up for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR selection of beers, (including non-alcoholic membership getting 15 per cent off and brands) also wines, spirits, soft drinks and a groups of 10 or more get a 20 per cent Domestic • Industrial • Commercial Installations variety of bar snacks. We are also fortunate discount, now’s the time to get your friends that as a club we are permitted to welcome together and start saving. Terms and House Rewires • Fuseboard Upgrades • Security Lighting families including children. conditions apply. For further details visit: Fire Alarms • Emergency Lighting • Test and Inspection reports www.thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk or Work carried out to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671 A gentle reminder that membership is now call 643332. due and can be paid for at the bar. New Part P Registered for Building Control members are always very welcome, so The South Buckinghamshire’s two golf please do visit us any evening to see what’s courses and floodlit driving range are open all year round and the only day they close is Contact John Croly on offer – we are open between 7 pm and 11 pm, seven days a week plus Christmas Day. Golfers can continue to use 2 Broom Hill, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL2 4PU Sunday lunch. on- and off-course facilities as normal but with the added attraction of being able to Tel: 01753 662595 Mobile: 07788 742163 watch this exciting project come to life. Nigel Lowe Email: [email protected] Chairman

52 53 Property Developer Stoke Green Rovers Football Club The Ordered to Pay Children’s £25,000 for With Christmas and New Year behind us Spectators Society Boxes the tension will build up over the next Stoke Green Rovers welcomes spectators to Breaches of Tree ten weeks. Clubs in the top three have come to our home ground on Saturday The Children’s Society boxes were being everything to play for as do the mid- afternoons. Games generally kick off at 2 collected in during January, and the amount raised Preservation table clubs with aspirations of getting pm. If you text us on 07976 371802 we will in 2012 will be published in the next edition of this into a promotion spot. be happy to send you our fixtures for the magazine. Sadly, five box holders died during the Order following weeks. All of our players have been past year and another has relocated, so we may In what is an exceptionally competitive trained to respect referees and supporters collect less money to send to the Society. We are South Bucks District Council has and to express themselves appropriately to very grateful to those who continue to support us successfully prosecuted property Premier Division, Stoke Green Rovers first team seem to have found consistency and the officials rather than using foul or abusive and would gladly welcome anyone who would developer Mr Mohinder Singh, of 81 language. Our disciplinary record is superb like to have a box to collect small change Camp Road, Gerrards Cross for 11 are coming up with some very good results and losing very few games. Currently in third every year and we look forward to the club throughout the year. Please contact me if breaches of a Tree Preservation Order being shortlisted for the East Berks Football you are interested or wish to know more. place in the Premier Division and having (TPO). Mr Singh is a former Stoke League sportsmanship award. Thank you. Poges resident. played all of the top teams twice, they are looking good for one of the best finishes in Sybil Hastings; 662563 The offences were reported to the Council on the recent times and an ideal season on which to We promote the East Berkshire FA’s respect 25 July 2011 by a local resident. Officers then build. New players are constantly coming to initiative and will continue to do so. made a site visit to 81 Camp Road, Gerrards the club with a recent January signing being Cross, where they cautioned Mr Singh after important for us over the coming months. Training finding evidence of felled trees covered by a TPO. Our training sessions are held every After some impressive cup runs that saw the Wednesday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm. The TPO was made in 2002 and covers 103 reserves through to quarter finals in two cups Newcomers (over the age of 16) are individual trees, seven groups of trees and one competitions, it seems that injuries are welcome. Please call any of the numbers woodland. A TPO is made to protect trees which above before attending over the next few are considered to have a significant beneficial making things more difficult than they should be. Although the reserves are putting weeks as training schedules have been impact on the amenity of the local environment disrupted due to waterlogged training areas and the public’s enjoyment of it. in good performances they are struggling to find consistency at the moment. and our need to protect our facilities from further damage. Singh pleaded guilty to five counts of breaches of Nevertheless, they are currently holding onto the TPO at Aylesbury Magistrates and was found their mid-table place. guilty of six further counts on 12 December 2012. Gary Matthews Weather conditions have been difficult this Chairman, Stoke Poges Football Club Magistrates felt that his actions were intentional season with breaks in the schedule for rain, and have caused harm to the environment. Singh snow, Christmas and New Year. Hopefully was given 11 fines ranging from £800 to £1,650 when regular football returns the reserves totalling £13,450. He was also ordered to pay a can rally and bounce back from their current victim surcharge of £15 plus all of the prosecution position to finish the season positively. costs of £11,483.54. The total payable by Singh is £24,948.54. Replacements have been planted for the lost trees and these are protected by the TPO. Player Recruitment Our club is continually looking for players in South Bucks District Councillor Roger Reed, the Stoke Poges and surrounding areas to Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, said increase and strengthen our squad. Any ‘The message here is very clear, trees are protected senior players in search of a well-run, for a reason and householders and developers progressive club should contact: must always check the status of trees before Alan Fox on 07811 137762 or Gary !1$ carrying out any works on them.’ Matthews on 644225.

54 55 NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING

The recent, unfortunate break-ins at the shops at virtually impossible to remove completely and links Bells Hill are a lesson we can all learn about how marked items back to their owner. At £30 for a professional criminals operate. Firstly, the crimes marking kit it’s a great value deterrent. took place in the early hours when the shop was unoccupied and no witnesses were around. Community Messaging To keep up with up-to-the-minute Police Secondly, they chose the easiest way to break in – community messaging, the modern successor to smashing the window. They chose the highest Ringmaster, sign up for Thames Valley Alert at value, lightest goods available – cigarettes – and www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk. You will receive the made their getaway within seconds of setting off news direct by email. Also, follow @ThamesVP the alarm. and your local neighbourhood police team, @TVP_SouthBucks on Twitter. To make your home as unattractive to thieves as possible, don’t make it obvious when your home is unoccupied. Use time switches to switch on lights at dusk, leave a radio on (talk stations are better because, from outside, it can sound like people in conversation) and think about buying a Stoke Poges TV simulator (a small electronic device with light emitting diodes that creates random light patterns Motor Cycle Club similar to a TV). Homes with a burglar alarm installed are three times less likely to experience Reflecting on the past few months, there break-ins. Wireless, battery-operated alarm seems very little to write about due to the systems are available from do-it-yourself stores and weather. With winter well and truly upon us, can be installed by anyone with basic skills. all of the club members seem to have sensibly plugged in the trickle chargers, Safeguard Your Car polished and oiled everything and tucked Now that car security is so good, car thieves have their bikes away in a warm garage to await found ingenious ways of ‘fishing’ for car keys the first signs of spring. through letter boxes. Never leave your car keys within ‘fishing’ distance of an outside door. As the weather has been so foul since December, we postponed any pre-Christmas Remember to hide portable electronic devices like ride-outs on safety grounds. However, we laptop and tablet computers. Always take your car will shortly be getting together and no GPS with you, remove the cradle and the mark doubt will make up for lost time by having a made by the suction cup on your windscreen. nice meal and a few beverages. We are always looking for new members to increase Spring and Summer Risks the numbers, so if you want to join a friendly As the weather warms up and we spend more group of like-minded individuals, and I know time outside, beware of leaving doors open when that we have a few in the village, please feel you are outside. Remember to close windows free to drop me a line or give me a call. when you go out. Also, improve the security of your garage or garden shed. Alarm padlocks are a We now have our embroidered club badges deterrent and the safest way of storing mowers and bike patches available and will shortly and bikes is to chain and padlock them to a secure be announcing the 2013 meeting dates, ground anchor. Remember that any measures that venues and ride-outs. Should anyone wish to increase the time it will take a criminal to help join the club, please feel free to call me on himself to your possessions will persuade him to 07976 371802 or email me at: move on to find easier pickings. [email protected] Looking forward to spring, summer and Finally, a forensic marking kit like SelectaDNA autumn. Anything but winter! (available from Stoke Poges Parish Council office) is a big deterrent because the coded marking is Gary Matthews

56 BucksVision Working Age Activity Group in the South East Helping Visually Impaired people access their local countryside.

Our group was formed in 2010 in the South East Division by a team of volunteers from Stoke Poges and Burnham. Specifically the group aims to assist visually impaired people to get out and about and join in local community events. Most of the activities take place in South Bucks.

Last year the group organised 15 events ranging from day trips to evenings out. We also try to include some physical exercise events in our Sensory walk in Burnham Beeches programme although it’s very difficult to find ‘sporty’ type events that are appealing to our members who are registered blind or partially sighted. Local guided walks have been a successful feature in our 2012 calendar. We did a marvellous autumn walk along the sensory trail in Burnham Beeches where our members could stop at the frequently placed wooden A6U86I carvings and feel their contours. )( In our third year we are hoping to include twice (9QHI52TFH@B2FC as many walks – it’s a great activity for our (960@BB2866DH6 members and volunteers to enjoy in small groups, it’s healthy for us all and it hardly costs TB2S2DDDQ2B2H@I966@D8CQI36 anything to organise and do. 96B5(96C66@D842D5@I4QII2DTF2H@I9 C26H2D542DF2IIH6IBQ@DID96FQ3B@4 All our volunteers are CRB checked and trained 24@R@@6IHFB@4@6I796F2H@I9H2DT96H to provide the guiding necessary for such FQ3B@435TFHR@56596T2776496F2H@I9 activities. Volunteer to member ratios depend on 6IF64@2BBTBBH68@I6H656B64HI2H66D@B65 the mix of members but for walks it is usually 26D5 one to one. (962H@I9QD4@BS@BBFH6I6D2H6R@6S7@I 24@R@@6IR6H96F2ICD9I2D5QB@D6 If you would like to join us and help people with @IFB2DI7H967QQH6S@9F2H@4QB2H6CF92I@I visual impairments access local walks or help us D@CFHR@D896GQ2B@T7B@767HH6I@56DI7 with volunteer driving, please give Pam Warren a 96F2H@I9 ring to find out more: 646769 or 07774 660606. All enquiries are very welcome. 7TQS@I92IA2GQ6I@DFB62I6B6QB@6 QH2H@I9B6HA92R6@@DSH@@D86C2@B@I 7@D63T(9QHI52TFH@B Pam Warren

58 59 Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Society COUNCILBusiness Stoke Poges Parish Council Other sites were identified by SSET, but for various reasons they have not been pursued. They told us that This year’s show is being prepared and will be available in the Khalsa Free School Briefing Note the site next to the existing primary school was programme starts near future and also from the society’s website. identified as a preferred location but was ruled out by with our Background Slough Council because it was allocated for a members evening For more information about the Horticultural Society community stadium and affordable housing. on Wednesday 13 visit our website: http://www.hortsoc.org or In July 2012 the Department for Education (DfE) March at The contact Peter Montgomery by email: approved an application from the Slough Sikh A further site was identified on the former Slough Stoke Poges [email protected] or on 643384. Education Trust (SSET) to open a Free School. Town football ground. SBDC were not supportive of School from 7.30 this option as it is a greenfield site located within the pm, if you wish to How the Horticultural Society is encouraging A need for three new secondary schools has been Green Belt and indicated that the Pioneer site was enter for the table young gardeners established for Slough; there is no requirement for new more suitable. The DfE dismissed the Slough Town site show. At 8 pm secondary schools in South Bucks. on the grounds that it would be more expensive; the there will be an The Schools Cup Pioneer site was preferred as it already had offices illustrated talk During the Society’s 125th anniversary year we The DfE website lists the Khalsa Secondary School as a which could easily be converted. followed by a reinvigorated links with the three primary schools in Free School opening in 2013 and beyond; the local buffet supper. the parishes which the society encompasses: Stoke authority is shown as Slough. SSET have stated that the sports facilities will potentially Martin Sands will Poges, Wexham and Fulmer. All three schools have be available for lettings by the local community. take us on a excellent gardens which provide pupils with the SSET is a registered charity, which already operates journey through opportunity to grow and eat their own fresh the Khalsa Primary School in Wexham, which The school will also have a religious area for use by received planning permission in 2005 and opened in Jordan to Amman vegetables and fruit. the school but has said that it will not be made via Petra in a September 2007. available for functions such as weddings outside of presentation Each year, the judging criteria for the Cup are agreed school hours. The group has been campaigning for a new Secondary entitled ‘The Flora by representatives of the society and the schools. In School for Slough since 2009. of Jordan’. Non- brief, all the schools grow vegetables, fruit and SSET have stated that the traffic will be no worse than members are at present. They have had a traffic plan undertaken by flowers with the active participation of the pupils. The school will cater for students from all backgrounds welcome if they Each school has grown sunflowers to see who can consultants appointed by the DfE who have used as and 50 per cent of places are prioritised for non-Sikh the traffic base the number of vehicles that could have contribute to the cost of the buffet or join the society grow the tallest ones. The schools have also been on the evening. students. It is planned that approximately 850 students used the Pioneer facility (400 cars) rather than the 150 challenged to plant a recycled container. A will attend the school together with over 100 staff. employees (some of whom walked from Stoke Poges) suggestion for this year is to give schools special Annual Plant Sale, Saturday 27 April, 10 am to 12 who actually worked at the premises. runner bean seeds for growing giant beans and see A Funding Agreement has yet to be agreed with the noon at Stoke Poges Village Centre. which school grows the longest bean and tallest Secretary of State for Education; a prerequisite is the SSET have stated that initially approximately 70 per beanstalk, just like Jack and the Beanstalk. need to carry out a consultation (with appropriate cent of the pupils at the school will come from the Put this date in your diary if you wish to buy excellent persons). The consultation began on 7 January with quality plants for your garden, patio or window box, Slough area, some will come from South Bucks and Gladioli Project the Public Consultation Report due to be published on others will travel from further afield. at very reasonable prices. There will also be home- This project was initiated in 2012. The aim was to 18 January. The Khalsa Secondary School website made cakes on sale and an opportunity to meet encourage children to take responsibility for planting called for questionnaires to be completed and returned Planning and Other Legislation friends and neighbours for a cup of coffee or tea. and growing a plant and then bringing it to the by 13 February. show. Pupils who chose to take part were given a The change of use for the Pioneer building, the Lecture Evenings flower pot with three gladioli corms and instructions At the exhibition on 1 and 2 February, it emerged that extensions and installation of sports facilities would for growing them. Pupils who grew gladioli are ‘residents’ and ‘parents’ were asked to complete ordinarily require planning permission. An application A speaker and topic are still being arranged for our invited to enter their gladioli in the show again this different questionnaires. The important questionnaire has not yet been submitted. meeting on Wednesday 15 May. On Wednesday 11 year, with a prize for the best grown from the required for the consultation is the one given to September Brian Fisher will give an illustrated talk on original corms. ‘parents’ asking: whether the school is supported; The site is Green Belt and adjacent to the Framewood ‘A practical guide to bulbs, corms, tubers and whether the agreement with the Secretary of State Road Conservation Area. rhizomes’. Both events will be held at The Stoke Growing Nasturtiums should be signed and for agreement with the school’s Poges School, Rogers Lane at 8 pm. This year we will be suggesting that the schools be admissions policy. South Bucks District Council decides applications by given dwarf nasturtium seeds for pupils to take assessing them against its ‘Core Strategy’, adopted in Annual Flower Show, Saturday 27 July home and grow in pots. As for the gladioli project, The SSET has ‘secured’ the Pioneer site on Hollybush February 2011. Core Policy 10, Employment, requires pupils will enter these in the show with prizes for Hill, Stoke Poges, and plans to refurbish and extend employment sites to be retained in employment use. As in previous years the show will be held on the last the best exhibits. In 2012 it was very gratifying the building and to use the site for a traditional sports Saturday in July in the grounds of The Stoke Poges that the prize winners came from all three schools; curriculum including equestrian, archery, martial arts Green Belt policies in the South Bucks Saved Local Plan School, Rogers Lane, with gates opening at 12.30 so hopefully, there will be a similar representation and athletics. SSET have told us that the new buildings are very robust, however, (Policy GB1(b) of the Saved pm. So put this date in your diary. This is a unique in 2013. indicated on current plans are all sports facilities. SSET Local Plan states: ‘Planning permission will not be and popular event for all the family. People from a have also said that floodlights will not be installed granted for development other than…. Essential wide area attend each year. The schedule for the Ruth Rooley although this would remain a concern to residents. facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation, etc.’).

60 61 COUNCILBusiness Stoke Poges Parish Council

This could be why there is so much emphasis on sport introduced secretively. A public meeting held by the Chairman: Ralph Bagge Philip Kidby Elected representatives facilities in the school proposal. SSET in September 2012, was not notified to the Wavertree House, Duffield Park, 72 Rogers Lane, SL2 4JU South Bucks District Councillors people of the village. A Facebook group opposed to SL2 4HY 642935; [email protected] Ralph Bagge The introduction of Free Schools was a key element of the proposal has over 1000 members. 693600; [email protected] Wavertree House, Duffied Park, the Conservative party manifesto prior to the last Twitter: @ralphbagge Susan Lynch SL2 4HY 12 Duffield Lane, SL2 4AB election; the Government is firmly committed to Local opinion is sceptical about the 50 per cent of 693600; Vice Chairman: Saera Carter 646582; [email protected] [email protected] ensuring that there is sufficient provision to meet the places available to non-Sikhs as SSET did not 24 Elizabeth Way, SL2 4LQ growing demand for state-funded school places. Vice Chairman of Planning communicate its intention to open a school in 647525; [email protected] Gary Matthews, Committee and member September 2013 to parents of current Year 6 children 40a Rogers Lane, SL2 4LF Currently, Free Schools are subject to the same Sustainable Development Policy in South Bucks primary schools. However, it has Chairman of Planning Committee: 07976 371802; Advisory Group planning regulations as any other development promoted the school widely in Slough and Cathy Thornton [email protected] although this is currently seen by Government as an Vice Chairman of Planning obstacle to one of its flagship policies. neighbouring London boroughs. Trevor Egleton, Committee: Saera Carter Christine Taylor Knoll Cottage, Duffield Lane, 32 Bunby Road, SL2 4BP There is huge concern about the increase in traffic. SL2 4AH In a Policy Statement issued in August 2011 (planning Chairman of Recreation and 644386; for schools development), the Department for Hollybush Hill is a country lane with pavements Environment Committee: [email protected] 646090; Communities and Local Government (DCLG) approaching the site from the west only. SSET claim Saera Carter cllr.trevor.egleton@southbucks. encourages local authorities to collaborate in the that most pupils will be coached to the school generally Vice Chairman of Recreation and Cathy Thornton gov.uk proposals for new schools and to ‘presume in favour’ from the Slough area and that all traffic will use Environment Committee: 98 Rogers Lane, SL2 4LL Member of Licensing Committee of the development of state-funded schools. It goes on Wexham Road rather than coming through the village. Gary Matthews 645158; and Sustainable Development Policy to state that refusals will have to be fully justified and SSET stated that five or six large coaches would be [email protected] Advisory Group that appeals will be fast-tracked. needed plus a smaller local coach. It is inconceivable Chairman of Finance and Resources that the traffic situation in Stoke Poges will not Committee: Ray Aldridge Duncan Smith, Also in August 2011, the DCLG published the deteriorate and the current assertions seem, at best, to Vice Chairman of Finance and Elegy House, Park Road, SL2 4PE summary of its consultation on the planning for Resources Committee: Alan Fox 644976; be naïve ignoring the staff who would be travelling cllr.duncan.smith@southbucks. schools development, which was a proposal to explore from all directions and the probability that parents will Parish Council spokespersons Ray Aldridge Constitutional Matters – Keith Finan gov.uk ways of supporting the schools policy through also wish to drive their children to and from school. changes to the planning legislation. The majority of 3 Old Post Office Cottages, Crime and Disorder – Gary Matthews Cabinet Member for Resources and Schools have no way of ensuring that parents and Hollybush Hill, SL2 4PP Environment – Ray Aldridge member of Licensing Committee respondents did not support change to the existing students comply with any proposed travel plan or that planning framework. 663102; Finance and Grants – Ralph Bagge students use the transport service offered. [email protected] Footpaths – Gary Matthews Buckinghamshire County Health and Safety – Cathy Thornton Councillor On 25 January 2013 the Government announced Mary Crocker changes to the Growth and Infrastructure Bill, currently Whilst no one wants to dispute the need for a new Memorial Gardens – Heather Huntley Trevor Egleton secondary school to serve the Slough area, it is felt that Clifton Cottage, Duffield Lane, Highways and Transport – going through Parliament (due in June 2013). The SL2 4AD news release indicated that schools will be able to open the school should be located within that education Ralph Bagge Member of Parliament authority and not imposed upon a quiet tranquil village 646323; Planning – Cathy Thornton Dominic Grieve, MP, House of in almost any building for a year without needing to [email protected] apply for planning permission for changing the use of of 5000 people with an equivalent of 20 per cent of Recreation – Ray Aldridge Commons, Westminster, Youth – Saera Carter London, SW1A 0AA; 020 7219 the building. New permitted development rights will the entire population of the village being bussed and Keith Finan also give Free Schools extra time to win the permanent driven in on a daily basis. This seems entirely Older People – Saera Carter 6220 31 Sefton Close, SL2 4LH Dominic Grieve holds regular planning permission required. Additionally, ‘local unreasonable and is not sustainable development. 645454; [email protected] planning authorities will have to carry out only a limited Appointed representatives surgeries in Beaconsfield, at which electors can meet him, by assessment that will consider noise and traffic’. The Pioneer site is on Green Belt land. When planning Alan Fox Stoke Poges News Editor prior appointment. permission was given for the site in the early 90s, the 48 Hazell Way, SL2 4DD Ralph Bagge The draft Growth and Infrastructure Bill does not at this area of building constructed was at the maximum limit 642197; Stoke Poges Village Centre stage contain any references to schools. alan@chilternassetfinance.co.uk Ralph Bagge, Saera Carter Member of European Parliament permitted by the planners; every existing building on Beeches Local Area Forum James Elles, MEP, European the site was used in calculating the new facility Heather Huntley Ralph Bagge, Susan Lynch Parliament, Rue Wiertz, The National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) including buildings that did not have full planning B-1047 Brussels, Belgium; 00 32 published in March 2012 places great emphasis on the 26 Broom Hill, SL2 4PU Flagmaster permission. Further development is proposed on this 663144; [email protected] Jim Budd 2284 7951 protection of Green Belt land and states the site including the construction of a running track, fundamental purpose as preventing urban sprawl playing fields, sports and equestrian facilities. and to keep the openness and permanence of the Parish Office: Parish Clerk, Julie Simmonds, The Village Centre, Rogers Lane, SL2 4LP – 644803; Green Belt. The Policy also (section 4) promotes The site is also adjacent to the Framewood Road [email protected] sustainable transportation. Stoke Poges Website: http://www.stokepogesparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Conservation Area which is a particularly peaceful and Designed by When-D Ltd. 01243 267645 Thanks to Roger Wright for proofreading; 642438. Planning Considerations and the Perspective of attractive part of the village. This development would Printed by PK InPrint Limited, 01494 452266. the People of Stoke Poges be substantially harmful to the character and Summer magazine No 185 – All material to the Editor please, no later than Friday 26 April. appearance of the Conservation Area and the general Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council. The village has only been aware of these proposals amenities of the local residents who would suffer in For further information about advertising in this magazine please contact the Editor. since mid-January and feels this proposal has been terms of noise, traffic congestion and light pollution. Editor: Ralph Bagge; 693600; [email protected]

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