Welcome to the August edition of Hallmark Our two dominant themes this Letters month seem to be playgroups and history. Dear Editor, The playgroup topic is driven by Many thanks for including the the move of KinderGym from our Anti-Slavery Concert at Village Hall to Chipko on 24th June in the Hall. Hopefully the LG & LR May edition. mums will be able to stay with We managed to get an Jenny despite the move to new audience of about 75 into premises. We wish her good luck our house to hear the wind in the new hall. quintet, and raised £ 5,000. I was amused to receive Helen Members of the audience Cliff’s article looking at the and supporters who are history of LGP (see page 25). I the Inauguration of the Art Hallmark readers may like to remember many happy years House Pavilion at Grymsdyke know the result. helping out with the productions Farm (see page 22). When I in Stocken Farm barn with about visited the Pavilion the set up of Thanks for your help. 20 primary-school age kids the exhibits had not been In friendship, running around all over the finished so I did not get the full place. A modern Health and experience, but it will be Andrew Clarke Safety inspector would have a fit! interesting to see how the Pavilion evolves over the next On two beautiful Summer few months. Saturdays I very much enjoyed visiting the Open Garden at Mike Piercy Loosley Dene (see page 20) and Councillor Vacancy A vacancy has become available A desire and commitment to If you would like to serve as a at Parish Council contribute to the local Councillor please apply, in for a Councillor. community. writing or by email, to the Clerk To be eligible for this role you (details below), providing brief A willingness to stand up must be over 18 years and a background details and stating and be counted. qualifying citizen of the why you would like to join the Commonwealth, the European A good sense of humour Council. Community or the Republic of and a lot of patience. Contact Information: Ireland and an elector, occupy Jayne Mylchreest – Parish Clerk, as owner or tenant any land or Ability and willingness to Lacey Green Parish Council premises or have a principal attend meetings of the The Princes Centre, place of work within three miles council (or the meetings of Clifford Road, of the parish boundaries. other local authorities and For full terms and conditions of local bodies when required) Bucks HP27 0DP eligibility, please contact the in the evening and other T: 01844 275912 E: Town Council Office. You do occasional events in the [email protected] not need any formal evening and at weekends. Closing date for applications qualifications to be a councillor; 30th September 2017. however, these are the attributes the council looks for in a councillor:

2 What’s On Sat 2 Sept Macmillan Coffee Morning Sports Club Summer Event see p21 28 September 9.30am to 12 noon On Thursday 28th September we are again holding our coffee Sat 2 Sept morning in the Village Hall to raise money for the MacMillan Horts Club Annual Show Cancer Fund. Starting at 1.30pm Entrance will be by donation of £1.50 and we shall have coffee Wed 20 Sept 8pm and biscuits. Cakes will be on sale to have with your coffee. Horts Club Talk: We will have our usual stalls selling cakes, produce, crafts, cards, “Kew Gardens” books and jewellery. We will also have a raffle and a bottle/jar tombola. Items for the stalls are always gratefully received. 23 - 24 Sept Please come and spend an enjoyable morning meeting friends History Group Exhibition and supporting this very worthwhile charity. see this page Ann Bartlett – 01494 562455 Thurs 28 Sept 9.30 Macmillan Coffee Morning Sat 14 Oct THE WINDMILL WI JUMBLE SALE WI Jumble Sale AT LACEY GREEN VILLAGE HALL Wed 18 Oct WI Village Quiz ON SATURDAY, 14 OCTOBER AT 2pm Wed 15 Nov 7pm Bric-a-Brac, toys, books, cakes and good quality jumble! Horts Club Pumpkin Supper If you have any jumble that you wish to donate please bring it to the Village Hall after 10am on the day of the sale Sat 18 Nov Church Christmas Fayre

23-25 Nov LG & LR History Group Exhibition LGP Dinner Theatre see p13 THE BODGERS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED LOCAL CRAFTS Happy Wanderers We would welcome you to join us on one of our walks: Sat 23rd September from 10am to 4pm, and Sun 24th September from 2pm to 4pm in St. John's School Hall. Sun 27 Aug and Wed 13 Sept On Saturday only there will be live demonstrations and an both at 10.30. exhibition of furniture etc. made locally, and teas will be served. Phone Liz Lewin on 01844 Entrance fee £2.00, and £1.00 for schoolchildren, to be donated 274961 for more details. to school funds. Parish Council News I would like to start off with a mindful of the charges that We would ask residents to look thank you to the councillors on would have to be passed onto at the plans, and comment if the Parish Council. We all seem the residents of the parish should they wish. We need to remind to be attending meetings we replace like for like. both Princes Risborough and concerning matters surrounding Council that The Pond in Kiln Lane is in need and near to the parish, arranging we are interested, and our voice of some attention. We have for street furniture to be replaced should be heard to ensure that contacted The Chiltern Society and offering advice on clearance our concerns are considered. to ask for help and advice and of ponds in the village. they have suggested a clear out We are also still looking for a There are several wooden of some of the reeds and plants councillor to make up our benches in the village, and as and have asked for volunteers to numbers. Ideally we would like you will all appreciate, wooden help. So if you fancy going for a the candidate to represent the benches do not last forever, paddle in the pond, please ward of Lacey Green. especially exposed to the contact our clerk who will keep If you feel you could give up an elements. We have therefore you informed of dates, times etc. evening a month for Parish embarked on a programme of We have been attending Council and an occasional replacing all the benches with meetings concerning the housing evening to represent the parish, maintenance free, recycled developments of nearby Princes we would welcome your benches, all in brown. The Risborough. Whilst this does not contacting us. replacement benches will carry a have an immediate impact on plaque confirming the original our village, extra housing will Cathryn Davies reason of their placement. have an impact on the doctors, Chairman The new benches are dentists and supermarkets that maintenance free, they do not we all use, and possibly the use require painting, and they are of Main Road as an alternative vandal proof. As I am sure you route away from the congestion will all appreciate, maintenance of the A4010. is very expensive and we are

the hall committee have levied not afford all the staff necessary, in order to maintain the village and Karen and Clive Hodghton hall. for their personal help with helping me solve day to day We are continuing to work on a problems, and Mike Piercy for Friday, running Kindergym, his patience with my often late Melody Minors and Imagination Hi Everyone, we are sad to be Hallmark entries. Station in The Scout Hut, leaving Lacey Green Millennium Courtmoor Close, Monks I hope to see many of you over Hall at the end of this term. We Risborough, where we already the Summer. We are at Monks have been here for about 15 work on a Wednesday. I believe Risborough for our stay and play years and have loved every as many people as possible will sessions and at my house in minute. move with us ( It takes me 9 Lacey Green for the 3 days Kindergym measures its success minutes via the Pink & Lily). where they can be left on their in terms of happy parents and own. See the program for all our I would like to thank all the children, and fulfilled staff; not in activities and bring your friends! parents who have supported me terms of financial profit. Happy Holidays, over that time, all the volunteers Therefore, unfortunately we who have given their time for cannot afford the raised prices Jenny free to help me when we could District Council Update Much water has passed through for WDC to be built in the This is important as there are the metaphorical mill since my Vale District. many thousands of residents in last notes so here are a few Bucks with some form of There are no sites specified for updates. dementia. There will be follow development within our Ward, on work to encourage shops and All the activity regarding the however there is an allowance other retail businesses to make proposed Modernising Local termed as ‘windfall’ describing simple investments in time to Government reorganisation is on housing to be built on small sites make it easier for those with hold. The document produced that are anticipated to be built in dementia to visit their premises. jointly by the four District the villages. Councils in Bucks proposing two Taxi drivers who are trained will In April there was a mid-term Unitary Authorities and the wear the Forget Me Not badge shuffle of cabinet positions and I alternative proposal by Bucks to indicate being dementia have now moved on to assume County Council for a single friendly too. The the role of Cabinet Member for Unitary Authority were Leisure Centre is also working to Community Services. It is an independently presented to the become dementia friendly. honour for me to accept this Communities and Local more challenging role, working And finally, for the first time in Government Secretary, Sajid with a team of 25 people to many years, all three of the local Javid in January. The promised develop and deliver the strategy major open spaces, Higginson decision by the end of January, for a very diverse portfolio Park, The Rye and Hughenden then by the end of March, did including responsibility for the Park, have been awarded the not materialise. Then the surprise four leisure centres, open spaces, prestigious Green Flag Award. election intervened to further parks and woodlands, This scheme recognises and delay matters and as we have no community safety, community rewards well managed parks and decision and do not expect one well-being, tourism, the green spaces, setting the soon as the Government is busy cemetery, the crematorium, skills benchmark standard for the on other matters, your Council and employment support and management of recreational happily carries on with its work the new WDC Lotto that was outdoor spaces across the as before. launched a few weeks ago. and around the There appears to be a similar world. We are fortunate in I recently attended the opening outcome to the proposal to having these great open spaces of the Risborough Springs move the Lacey Green, Speen and I am looking for ideas for refurbished wet changing areas, and the Hampdens Ward into major events that could be held the opening of the brilliant the Chesham and Amersham in our parks, similar in scale to children’s play area in Parliamentary Constituency. That the innovative Pub in the Park Hughenden Park and the moving is also on hold. So regarding the food event held in Marlow last unveiling of the memorial at All proposed reorganisations, we May. Saints Church. The memorial is are as before. to Second Lieutenant Fred Have a great summer! However there is a lot of other Youens, born in Wycombe and activity within WDC. The Local one of only two First World War Graham Peart Plan for housing development is soldiers from Bucks to be Councillor for Lacey Green, on track to be delivered to the awarded the highest military Speen and the Hampdens Government for assessment this honour of the Victoria Cross. 01494 488327 year. All four local authorities Under the well-being role the [email protected] have co-operated to produce a WDC team of employees and plan that works for members are receiving training and an to enable the Council to qualify agreement is in place for some of as being Dementia Friendly. the required housing numbers On The Farm It is mid July and naturally our Reducing the concentrates being Renovations thoughts turn to the harvests fed (primarily grain which usually At this time of the year the grass ripening soon, but more of that has to be purchased) will reduce growth has slowed down and it later. yields, this also probably reduces can be a worry keeping enough fertility which effects production grass in front of the grazing Milk prices on the rise the following year. animals. First equally important at this When cows eat lush grass it time of the year is the dairy herd, While the cows are out in the tends to reduce fat levels. Diets which is the major enterprise summer we have been with more fibre would push up here on Stocken Farm. renovating the winter housing to the fat level but can at the same improve their comfort. Trying to We have had two disastrous time reduce yields. So the improve ventilation, repairing years, with our milk price down butterfat countrywide has floors and replacing some of to 18p litre last summer, when reduced, at the same time the their mattresses. Happy, our cost of production was cost of production will have comfortable cows are productive around 28p litre. There was a dropped somewhat. cows. steady price rise this spring and Our cows’ breed is Friesian we hope more in the autumn. Cereal harvests Recently Radio 5 interviewed the Holstein and these give an average of about 4% fat content. Neighbours have harvested UK managing director of Arla, winter barley, 10 days earlier one of the UK main processing Whole milk in the supermarkets is sold at 3.6% fat which is than usual, with reasonable dairies. He said he thought that yields and quality reported. butter and cream would be in interesting because if you buy a very tight supply by Christmas product, say a biscuit with less Our wheat harvest is imminent. and if that is so the price of these than 5% fat it would be Its price is creeping up on products will be rising. promoted over the packaging as reports of drought conditions in 95% fat free. So whole milk is part of the USA. Already the dairy commodities 96.4% free. Sounds a pretty market has risen from this time healthy drink to me, and there’s We still buy in concentrated last year. Butter from £3,050 a no added sugar or artificial feeds and cereals and their prices tonne to £6,000 a tonne, cheese sweetening. are also on the move. We have from £2,200 a tonne to £3,222 a bought most of our requirements When we select a bull for tonne and whole milk powder until April 2018. breeding with our herd, one of from £2,118 a tonne to £3,022 a the selection criteria is the The maize, grown for silage, has tonne. The supermarkets will percentage of butterfat that will had good growing conditions so currently all have contracts with be produced by its offspring. far. We like to think knee high the dairies, but as these run out by 4th July. This year by 14th July and need to be renegotiated The genetics of each cow within some of it is over head high. there will be pressure for prices the herd can affect her butterfat, to rise. some being higher than others. When I first wrote for Hallmark We test the milk from all the in 1976 there were many Butterfat cows once a month for this as thousands of dairy farmers in the Why specifically butter and well as protein and other health UK. Year after year they have cheese? Well, butterfat is in traits. given up. Latest figures for general short supply for several and Wales are: 10 years reasons. Dairy farmers have had However, some breeds are ago 15,000, a year ago 9,538, very bad years for some time, dramatically different. Jersey and today 9,390. And that is not just the last two. Unable to Guernsey cows for example definitely the one sure way to increase the price return, the probably produce 30% higher reduce your costs! thing to do is to cut costs if you butterfat than Friesian Holstein. want to try to keep going. Joan West

6 It’s Barbeque Summer up at the Pink The eagle-eyed among the Party all-nighter involving noticeboards for details of the esteemed readers of Hallmark paintbrushes and pizza! upcoming attractions. will have noticed some exciting – So come and check out the Remember, when the weather is although I guess that it depends changes – we hope you like hot we’re now serving our own on your definition of that word – them as much as we do! Pink & Lily ice-cream – the changes up at your fabulous, flavours change regularly – we’ve friendly local - The Pink & Lily! Whatever else there is to got way more than just one complain about with the state of The craters in the car park have cornetto for your delight and the world at the minute; at the vanished and have been replaced delectation! time of writing the weather is by a smoothly gleaming gravel behaving and at least we are And if the weather turns a little surface that’s kind to cars and having a decent summer. chillier in the evenings don’t people alike! No longer do our forget our heated patio – or for visitors risk stepping in puddles So in order to celebrate the real summer lovin’ you can right up to their middles like the season, every August Saturday always snuggle up under one of good Dr Foster of the nursery lunchtime will be a barbeque. our fine blankets! What’s more rhyme. Relax in our garden and let the you can now book in on chef take the strain! Our The inside of the pub has also Opentable (Opentable.co.uk) to playground is once again a thing had a facelift in order to match its make life just a little bit easier – of joy so there’s plenty to occupy newly beautified exterior. More we’ve always got your best the little ones while you relax than that we must be the only interests at heart! with a drink or two. And in the pub in Bucks to have had a evenings, “Movies Under The much-delayed staff Christmas The Pink & Lily Stars” returns so check the pub 01494 489857 Windmill WI At our meeting in May we speakers including Lindsay In July our speaker was Roy discussed the resolutions to be Boswell, Chief Executive of Collis talking about 'What does a voted on at the National Fareshare. The highlight of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant do'. This Federation of Women's Institutes day was Giles Brandreth who was really interesting as Roy is Annual General Meeting. The kept us entertained with his tales Deputy Lieutenant of two resolutions were 'Alleviating of meeting with royalty. Buckinghamshire. Also in July Loneliness' and 'Plastic Soup; three of us won a ballot to go to Later in May sixteen of us visited keep microplastic fibres out of Hall Barn Beaconsfield for a Chenies Manor in our oceans'. Sue Parslow Pimms and Ploughman's lunch. Rickmansworth. The Manor is a represented us at Liverpool. Hall Barn was a beautiful old beautiful Tudor House and we house with lovely grounds. We After this discussion Liz Elliott had an excellent guide to show were greeted with a Pimms then from the charity 'Work Aid' spoke around. Henry VIII had stayed sat down with 100 ladies for a to us. This is a charity based in here also Elizabeth. We had lovely Ploughmans lunch. We Chesham which collects lovely tea and homemade cakes then listened to a selection of unwanted tools from across the then wandered around the songs then had a lovely walk country, refurbishes them and beautiful gardens. around the grounds and lake. The then distributes them to vocation Our speaker in June was afternoon finished with tea and training projects in East Africa. Rosemary Hillyard. Rosemary cake on the terrace. In May ten of us went to the talked about Type 1 Diabetes We meet every first Wednesday Annual Council Meeting at and we all agreed that we learnt in the month at Lacey Green Aylesbury. This is an excellent a lot from her talk. Village Hall at 7.45 pm day out meeting up with all the WIs in Bucks. We had excellent Ann Bartlett

7 LGP Lacey Green Productions have happened at the village hall. members have been exhibiting at This was the finale of our 3 fetes this summer. The first one recruitment drive where we was at a cold and blustery invited people to come along at the beginning of and chat to us about what we May. The second was at a warm did, how we did it and how we and calm Napfest in could fit them in as actors, back June. And the final one was at an stage crew, front of house, absolutely baking Princes publicity or indeed any role that Risborough Festival in July! would keep LGP’s show on the “What DOES she look like.” road. Appearing at these fetes was all part of our attempt to recruit And, finally, you may soon hear new members and to spread the LGP on “Wycombe Sound” word about LGP to a wider radio station. We have just been audience. The theme for the invited (not definite yet) to adapt Longwick fete was “May Day”, one of our Murder Mystery which, for us, meant the entertainments for a radio “emergency” word. performance. We’ll have to develop our sound effects of There was a common theme for rattling chains and spooky noises both Naphill and Princes but it could be an exciting Risborough which was “A Day at project for us all to work on. the Seaside”. For us this meant that we had to dress up as You can always contact us via pirates, with the full regalia of www.laceygreenproductions.co.uk “After a hard night's partying, parrots and swords. We also and you can see us on Facebook Jeremy Corbyn actually realises entertained the people at the and Twitter. that he has lost the election” fetes with free games of “Hook a Duck” and “Splat the Rat”. Peter Brookhouse Our “Oldest Member” also appeared at each of the fetes. No, this wasn’t Brian Panter, but a dummy with a model head on it. She was named April Day – May Day’s sister - and her photo is shown here. And, amazingly, LGP was the winner at Naphill Napfest of the “Best Dressed Adult” class – “Are you sure that you want to call don’t ask! ANOTHER election, Mrs May?” We also ran photo caption competitions. The photos are from past LGP productions and some of the captions that amused us the most are shown on the right of the page. By the time you read this, our “Open Sunday Showcase” will “April Day” “I only gave her a little push” 8 Black Horse The Summer season is now upon I had the great privilege to go Well done to Adrian Morris for us. It comes round so quickly. and support the girls and boys of getting his MBE for his services in Cricket teas are half way through, Princess Risborough school in the RAF. (I hope Tracy has got rugby breakfasts are finished, and the Young Enterprise of the Year. her hat for the Queen). we just have the beer festival to Ellie O'Shaughnessy and Ali do. Bands are booked, beer is Titmus who work for me were a booked, and I think we are ready big part of this. They did a to go. In the next Hallmark I will dragons egg made it all let you know how everything themselves and sold them to went. businesses and customers. They where called Solid Light. It was Some of my staff have finished amazingly well done, all the their school days and are now off to university or work; I shall miss Well done to the Black Horse A them. But I have told them they dom and crib team for coming have to be back for Christmas. runners up in the league; and an Lauren Whipp has now left me extra well done to Kim and Diane after working nearly full time on for the darts team and of course the bar for many months with a for all the team that won the travel time in the middle. A big Princes Risborough darts league. thank you to her for all the hard I am glad to say Monday nights work she put in putting up with are carrying on with dominoes my outbursts and grumpy chef. and crib in the winter; so if Good luck in your new job. business plan done, all the anyone fancies playing on a I feel so old as all my girls were dragons eggs made, totally by Monday night let me know. Next not even born when I started them. They went to the regional time in Hallmark I expect I will be here. Good luck to Amy when finals at Reading where I had the telling you my Xmas menu, how she finds her new employment, privilege to be a guest. They scary is that. Have a good Laura who is going to college, came runners up, so well summer everyone. and to Fern when she goes to deserved . A big well done to you university. Well done. all, so proud. Lynne

Happy Wanderers- May Walk On a dry, humid but slightly across fields then through cloudy morning we met at the woods,which was a welcome Red Lion Pub in Little Missenden relief as the sun had come out by for the start of our walk. Twelve then. happy wanderers and one dog set off through this picturesque We were too late to see a carpet village; crossing fields, we of bluebells at their best, but had stopped to take photos of a lovely view of the village from Alpaca and baby goats. the downward path back to the pub where some members We passed the lake which stayed for lunch, after an attracts Canada geese and ducks enjoyable walk. and had a lovely view of Shardeloes House high on the Phyl Bloomfield hill to our right. We continued

9 Garden Photography To capture wonderful nature Take a burst of photos (multiple there's also a better chance of photos, you really don't need to shot function) if your camera capturing the local wildlife. trek into the deepest darkest allows, to afford yourself more Bird photography is a genre that corners of the countryside. Great choice when it comes to early mornings lend themselves shots are easily achievable right processing them on your PC. to in particular. Patience (and the in your own garden with a bit of ability to sit still!) will reward you Watch the weather - keeping an thought, planning and creativity. with some lovely photos of the eye on the weather not only Here are a few pointers on local bird life. allows you to avoid a drenching, getting the most from garden If you're lucky enough to have but also affords you the photography. kites nesting in the trees within opportunity to properly plan for your garden then all the better! Equipment - A DSLR camera with a shoot. Cloudy weather is a macro capable lens (about perfect for practising black and Change perspective - take 105mm is ideal), a compact white photography. Rain adds a photos from different angles, camera with macro function (and shine and 'freshness' to a scene switch between landscape and changeable lenses if possible) or, as well as the smaller, but equally portrait orientation and if you haven't got a camera, your important, element of water remember to take 'establishing smartphone. droplets which offer added shots' (wide-angles), zoom in a interest to any shot especially if little (medium shots) and close- A tripod or steady platform to you use a macro lens or function. up (macro) photographs. place your camera on, a kneeling pad, notepad and pen. Take a walk - stroll around your Fill the frame – ‘frame’ refers to garden and look for potential the edges of your photograph. Tip: Get a piece of kitchen foil shots. Frame scenes in your Filling the frame with your (about A4 size is plenty) as you mind, look at things from subject not only includes as can use it to reflect light from different angles, examine much detail as possible but also behind or the side onto areas of textures, patterns and colours removes unnecessary your subject that would and study how different times of distractions. Including extra otherwise be shaded. day affect the light. Note down detail in the image often distracts Don't limit yourself to one details and observations of the viewer from the subject and season - all seasons offer different interest so you don't forget. You creates an image that is too opportunities. The first flowers of can even take some preliminary 'busy'. Spring (particularly bluebells in test photos with your Garden photography isn't limited the Chilterns), the full bloom of smartphone. to your own garden. Friends and Summer, the golden colours of Divide your garden into sections neighbour’s gardens, and even Autumn and the frost and snow - splitting your garden up into locations like Waterperry in Winter are just a few examples smaller, more manageable Gardens in Waterperry or The of the new and interesting sections enables you to focus on Lyde Gardens in offer subjects that each season brings. specific areas rather than trying further photography It's in the detail - getting close-up to cover everything at once. opportunities. to flowers, wildlife and plants You could split the garden up See more images at offers a different perspective and into the types of photography bscimages.com exposes details otherwise missed that you feel would best suit it. or ignored. Some areas may be more suited Barry Chignell to macro photos while others Use a macro lens or function to might be a haven for insects. enable you to achieve clear Thanks to Barry for providing this close-ups. A tripod and camera Get out early - early morning month’s gorgeous cover photo…. self-timer may be required to often offers the calmest time of Editor steady the shot and avoid day. Not only is the light softer blurring. and the world untouched but

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(near the station in Haddenham) Kindergym leaving Lacey Green It is with great sadness that local Kindergym has given a great sense Those of us with babies are parents learned that Kindergym of belonging to many new families saddened that they will not have has to leave Lacey Green. in the community moving here the same chance to be part of the Unfortunately it is no longer able over the years. Kindergym family in Lacey Green. to afford the recent rent rise in the It offers the opportunity for babies We’re grateful that we’ve been village hall and continue classes in and toddlers to develop self- able to stroll along Main Road to our community space. confidence, creativity and physical enjoy our time here, rather than It has been an amazing experience co-ordination through singing always needing to get in the car. on our doorstep for almost 30 classes, gym equipment and years and a number of us wanted imagination workshops. We will continue to support Kindergym in its new home in to express our heartfelt thanks to Jenny, Gabby and the Kindergym Jenny is so enthusiastic, positive, Monks Risborough on a Friday, team for all they have done over encouraging and caring that the and wholeheartedly encourage the years. children look forward to going others to do the same. each week. So much so that Jenny is the very epitome of several help out with classes they We’re all so sorry to see you go community spirit and has used to attend, even though they but delighted to have shared so many happy memories with you. fundraised enthusiastically in order are at school or university now. Your passion and dedication for to build our community and the It’s lovely to know that staff even what you do is heart-warming. facilities it has available to offer us all. Her ideas, teachings, discipline recognise their old Kindergym goers, when their paths cross later and influence, have been (Written and invaluable in our children's (and in life, such as in school science contributed to by your lessons! grandchildren's) development. Kindergym fans.)

11 Your Local Playgroup For a great many years now a mums in Princes Risborough, friendly little parent-led playgroup Loosely Row and Lacey Green. has met at the North Dean Village In the hope of bringing new Hall on Tuesday mornings during people to the group and school term times. It offers an continuing its presence across our opportunity for the grown-ups to villages in the years to come, make friends and catch up over a we’re moving home to the cuppa, whilst the little ones play beautifully renovated Chapel Hall together with a wide range of at Speen Church from the autumn toys and enjoy healthy (and term. We’re grateful to Rev. sometimes-not-so-healthy) snacks. Heather and her volunteers for Many of the local villagers in this wonderful opportunity, not Lacey Green and only to keep this much-loved have supported this ‘Speen & playgroup in existence, but to North Dean playgroup’ over the make the most of this fantastic years, and many children in our new community space in our villages have made friends there. neighbouring Speen. We bid a a wide range of toys and Recent years have proved tough very fond farewell to North Dean undertake crafts and messy play, for a small rural playgroup to Village Hall, and thank them for building their confidence, keep going – run largely on the their support in keeping our independence and generosity of parents setting up, playgroup in a beautiful (and communication skills. bringing snacks, entertaining the incredibly picturesque) home all little ones and, most importantly, these years. If you’d like to know more, please turning up! get in touch at We’d love to encourage anyone speennorthdeantoddlers@gmail. What started out as the Speen & to come and join us, be you a com We hope to see you in North Dean playgroup almost 20 mother, father, grandparent or September. years ago now serves a much carer. It’s a wonderful and very wider local community and in relaxed setting where the children Rachael McComish recent years has been led by have access to play together with

12 Open Gardens Sarah and Tim do the gardening themselves with the help of local gardener, Matt Pidington, 2 days a week. The garden was open on two occasions in June and July. They As she cleared up after hosting had 330 visitors and managed to her daughter’s wedding raise a total of just over £2,500 reception in the garden of her for the NGS charities. Loosley Row home, Sarah Halliday thought about how she Sarah is now planning for next could let more people enjoy her year and has further beautiful garden. improvements and new features in mind. She is planning which She set her sights high and aimed dates to open and we will have to join the National Open details in Hallmark. Perhaps we Gardens scheme and open up to can even persuade her to host visitors from across the country. the Strawberry Tea! 6 years of hard work later, she achieved her goal and opened Mike Piercy her gardens twice this Summer. Sarah,her husband Tim, and their family live at Loosley Dene in Lower Road. The property is on the hillside looking out over views towards Bledlow and Thame. The sloping garden is divided into a variety of different areas, with formal terraces, lawns, hedges, a parterre and a wooded area for children to roam. This is finished off with a large vegetable garden and areas for chickens, ducks and pigs.

13 Sports Club News and Info The Cricket Season is well Friday Night club underway at the sports club and After the success of last two weather permitting there is a years our Friday Night club is game played every Saturday. The running from 2nd June to 25th two teams alternate home games August – the bar is open from and they are usually very well 5.30pm, please pop down and attended. We would love to enjoy the sunshine (hopefully) in welcome any cricket fans down a beautiful setting and relax with to support our teams on a a drink at the bar while the Saturday from 1.30pm. children play. The Tennis section has made amazing improvements to the End of Season tennis courts and its members Summer Event Sept 2 are enjoying the benefits. Its back…. our end of year summer extravaganza - Music, Become a social This year Friday Night Club (our Marquee, and FISH AND CHIPS. family friendly social evening) is member Tickets and further info will be running alongside the Cricket If you are not a member of any available soon. Like our Facebook Club’s Cricket on the Green – of the sporting sections you can page to keep up-to-date. Youth Coaching initiative. Just- become a social member. Over for-fun cricket coaching for boys We have lots of other events in the summer months cricket is and girls age 7+. Look out for the the pipeline please follow us on played every Saturday from adverts or follow the Facebook Facebook (see Lacey Green and 1.30pm and the bar is open in page Loosley Row Sports Club) or the afternoon and on a Friday www.facebook.com/CricketOnTheGreen look out for posters at the club. evening from 5.30pm. The boys and girls have been Social membership is only £5 per really enjoying Friday night Join one of the person, per year and it’s a great training sessions, while their sporting sections place to meet, watch sport and parents have been enjoying the We are actively looking for new enjoy a drink in the sunshine (if beautiful outlook and a chat at members to play cricket and you are lucky). If you would like the bar. tennis. The cricket club 1st and to become a member or renew a reserves teams are LOOKING social membership please How can you support your local FOR PLAYERS – contact contact me on club? Attend our social events! Jonathan Dell – 07786 386912. [email protected] (07768 831196). Stephanie Dell

14 Grymsdyke Pavilion The Art House Pavilion was manufacturers. His interest in and specializes in window initially conceived by RCA prototyping and material treatments. architecture students Alex Dickie research led him to become a Karina is designing and and Christopher Kelly, as their resident at Grymsdyke Farm in fabricating a series of sliding final MA thesis project. 2015, where he has taught and panels for the Music Room, assisted students on a range of Funded through Community which will be installed behind innovative and experimental Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funding glass doors. As well as improving projects. Earlier this year, Jack from Wycombe Council, the acoustics, they will help keep the started his own business where exhibition space in a disused space warm in the winter, and he collaborates with other local barn at Grymsdyke Farm in cool in the summer when they makers on a diverse range of Lacey Green serves to celebrate can be used to shade the room commissions. and promote local craftspeople from direct sunlight. Additionally, living and working in the area. Jack and his team will be they can be integrated into producing the furniture and performances. This inaugural exhibition features storage for the Music Room, textile designer Karina Thomas, The sample piece on display is including an integrated bench and furniture designer Jack 100% lambswool with aluminum with faceted cupboard fronts Chivers, who are working on rods, and knitted with varying that reflect the geometry of the Phase Two of the St. John’s degrees of density to create a timber framed structure, and a School Music Room in Lacey play of light and shadow. series of pegs for storage. Green – an ongoing project led Both photographs were taken by by Clementine Blakemore. Their The turned ash sample pegs on Alex Dickie. work is displayed in two display explore a range of exhibition 'pods', which will different sizes and profiles. Clementine Blakemore remain in situ throughout the Karina Thomas challenges the summer. Visitors are welcome to way we see textiles through use view the space via appointment of scale and knitting techniques by emailing to produce sculptural one-off clem@clementineblakemore. and batch produced pieces. com. Trained at the Royal College of Jack Chivers is a furniture Art, and a tutor at designer currently working for Buckinghamshire New University Ercol – one of the area’s last in , she is remaining furniture currently based in Lacey Green

15 Tennis Club Despite the ever increasing competition, the march of the thirtysomethings goes on at major tournaments. 35-year- old Lopez won at Queen’s Club and Federer at Wimbledon played like an 18-year-old to lift the gold cup for an amazing 8th time. I could go on, but the point is that due to the superior training regimes, players are able to compete at the highest level for longer than ever. The same is true at club level. The Lawn Tennis Association is finding more people playing into their seventies and eighties, and there is even a 95-year-old in South Wales still regularly can upgrade their membership It is a busy time for tennis. The playing! So, it is never too late to to join in with rusty rackets and club has 3 teams in the start playing tennis, and we want hopefully some will eventually be Aylesbury Summer Leagues and to encourage more of you to encouraged to take up full internally members are start playing. membership. Full details of the competing in the singles Membership starts at different membership packages tournaments. Finals day is on are on our website: “Lacey Sunday 10th September. just £5! Green Tennis”. We recognise that there are a Looking forward, our main number of families in the village West Cup priority is to floodlight two courts so that we can play more tennis who do not want the full We have generally been over the winter months. In membership benefits, but just fortunate with the weather over particular, we want to expand want to play with their children. the summer and Sunday 11th junior tennis and for the first time We have listened, and have June was no exception. ever we are offering after school introduced parent membership Encouraged with the prospect of coaching to include the autumn and made junior tennis more coming away with a silver jug, term at St Johns. affordable than ever: under- we had a record 22 members sevens is just £5, 7-11 £15 and competing that afternoon. Exciting times lie ahead and I 12-17 £25. Parent membership Pairings were randomly chosen hope more of you will come starts at £20, so a parent and and in the end Philippa Lane and down and play. their 6 and 9 year old children Peter Morris came out can join the club for just £40 per victorious. It was a great Nigel Glenister annum. afternoon of tennis and was The membership is tiered too, so followed by a BBQ by the courts. that if parents enjoy playing, they

16 Lacey Green Productions - In the Beginning Early in 1983 the owner of complete with sunglasses all Mysteries are performed both in Stocken Farm, John West, was added to the atmosphere. Lacey Green and taken “on tour” approached by members of St. to other villages. From this initial success Lacey John’s Church Choir to see if they Green Productions was formed The first children have grown up, might stage a musical in a suitable and grew alongside its first cast of moved away and have children of barn. The choir mistress, Julia children. At the same time, their own, but Lacey Green Beaumont, accompanied by younger siblings and other local Productions continues. A lot of Lynda Longhurst hoped to talent joined and this led to the the group have been close friends produce a show. This was the next show; The Wizard of Oz. for twenty and, in some cases, birth of Lacey Green Productions. over thirty years. LGP’s shows in the barn The grain storage barn would be continued on alternate years with The profits from Joseph were empty in early July, but would “Village Day “. On Village Day given to the church guttering need a lot of extra sweeping for colourfully decorated floats fund, beginning the tradition of their purpose. It even had a representing all the village clubs donating to charity every catwalk from which lighting and and societies processed the length performance. At the present time sound could be worked and an of Main Road on tractors and the total raised for local, national adjoining barn for dressing rooms trailers. Bunting, waving flags and and international charities is and stage entrances. The setting stalls lined the road, as everyone, £62,456 - a magnificent was ideal. People packed the barn so it seemed, turned out to walk achievement. to listen to one of the world’s and talk. Then, the following year, most popular musicals —“Joseph There will be more news from the several performances were put on and his Amazing Technicolour archives in a future edition of by Lacey Green Productions, Dreamcoat “. Hallmark. If you have entertaining many people. These photographs or memories from This first show was a family affair events brought a great feeling of this time please send details to for the Beaumonts, with Julia and fellowship and community to me, Helen Cliff, Mike organising the singing and Lacey Green and Lossley Row. [email protected]. stage lighting whilst son Julian From its early beginnings the shared the part of Joseph with With thanks to Joan West, entertainment by LGP continued , Stephen Eastham. Three Rosemary Mortham, Michael moving first to the old village hall generations of Putnams were Putnam, Brian Panter and Pat and then to the new Millennium involved: Grandfather, Mother Syrett for providing material. Hall. Dinner Theatre was and daughters Sarah and Fiona. introduced, Theatre at Home Initially members of St John’s followed and now Murder Church Choir and congregation swelled the numbers, plus their neighbours and friends. There were about twenty children altogether and in consequence many parents discovered new skills as a lot of expertise was needed for stage sets, lighting technicians, musicians as well as aspiring actors. Nell Panter provided professional guidance as the show’s director. Joseph was a very popular musical at this time and the catchy songs led the story. Bikes, dreamcoats dipped in blood and a Pharaoh

17 Windmill Under 5s I write this as the end of another Our main fundraiser of the year Windmills for caring so well for successful academic year at was our family barbeque held a all of our children during their Windmills draws to a close, but couple of weeks ago. The time at the preschool. I am despite this the preschool children had a fabulous time certain that the children will remains as busy and lively as bouncing on the bouncy castle, leave with many happy ever. Topics over the last half lucky dipping, having their faces memories of their time there, term have included Life Cycles painted and generally running and a secure foundation for all and Growing, Under the Sea and amok and playing with their that lies ahead. Pirates. The children have also friends, whilst the adults enjoyed Unfortunately we will also say a been making the most of the a BBQ breakfast bap and glass of sad farewell to Louisa at the end better weather and have spent Bucks fizz (or three!). Thank you of term. After 9 years at plenty of time outside with Joel, to Laura Chapman for organizing Windmills Louisa is leaving to burning off their seemingly the event, Andy Kann and Gary take up a position at a local inexhaustible energy! Davies for cooking their hearts school. On behalf of all the out on the BBQ and everyone Our annual sports day was a parents, I would like to take this who came along to support the huge success and saw the return opportunity to say a huge thank preschool. of the Windmills version of the you to Louisa for all of her hard egg and spoon race (spud on a The term ends in a few days time, work and commitment to spoon). The children were all and the achievements of our Windmills over the years – you brilliant – even the youngest school leavers will be celebrated will both be sorely missed by the managed to collect plates, bowls at the end-of-term tropical beach children and parents a like. and cutlery onto a tea tray and party, which will be followed by The end of the academic year race for the finish line. After their the presentation of leavers gifts will be particularly poignant for exertion, the children were to those moving up to “big me as my time as Chair is rewarded for their efforts with a school”. coming to an end. Windmills trophy. I am sure that I speak on behalf truly is a special place, and it has Younger siblings, mums, dads of many parents when I say that been an honour and a privilege and even grandparents were also there won’t be many dry eyes in to have worked with the given the opportunity to the house, and that the day will fantastic staff and families at the demonstrate their sporting be one of mixed emotions – with preschool for the last three prowess, much to the delight of sadness that their children’s time years. the children! Following the races, at Windmills has come to an end, Thank you to everyone who has we all enjoyed a picnic and ice anticipation of what lies ahead at supported me during my time as creams on the playing field. school and an enormous sense of Chair – have a great summer gratitude to the wonderful staff at holiday and see you in September. If you would like your child to join Windmills, please contact Johanna ([email protected]) for the most up to date information about our waiting list. Victoria Geenes

18 Lacey Green Farm - Have You Heard Of It? In 2000 Dennis Claydon late tenancy and according to at that time. Thomas had first received a letter from Stuart the rules of good husbandry and come here when he bought Vine Martin of New Zealand the custom of the County. Cottage in 1775 and set up shop. enclosing a letter dated 11th He then rented Stocken Farm With respect however to the November 1845, referring to from the Manor, farming it, his vendors themselves entering Lacey Green Farm. His curiosity own Lacey Green Farm and upon the cultivation and had been raised. It came from Speen Farm (also purchased). management of the estate, we his Indian born grandfather who He took out loans for everything, would suggest that Mr. Brown be later emigrated to New Zealand. all of which he paid off. at liberty immediately to enter There appeared no British ties. thereon for that purpose. And if All Thomas Dell’s property was It reads - eventually the contract be put an left to his widow and eventually “On the 6th September last we end to, that in such case the inherited by his son Thomas, wrote to you, to say that unless vendors should repay to Mr. living at Speen Farm. Things got the business was forthwith Brown all monies which he shall bad for Thomas, jnr. He took out brought to a close Mr Brown have spent on it. mortgages in 1828, 30, 31, and would lose the season for 34. In 1837 the mortgagees We shall be glad to hear from sowing, etc. and if such were the foreclosed and everything was you in reply to this letter, and to case it would be owing to the auctioned off including the the suggestion with the least vendors delay and they would farming contents of Speen Farm. possible delay, and remain Sir, have to make Mr. Brown Was Charles Brown the your obedient servant, Parker compensation for the loss he purchaser of Lacey Green Farm and Sons, High Wycombe”. might sustain. at this auction? Unfortunately The History Group Mr Brown has just been with us For more on the Manor of PR, could throw no light on how Mr. and informed us that since the various farms, properties and Martin came to have this letter, Michaelmas last the lands and people mentioned go to our but it is interesting from how far premises have been wholly website our enquiries and information neglected and unproductive, and laceygreen.com/Sections/Hist comes. that the late tenant Mr Douglas is ory carrying away the wheat, straw Had you heard of Lacey Green and chaff therefrom and not Farm? For those who have not, The History Group bringing back manure in return, do not imagine you can find it, which is contrary to the rules of for it has disappeared. Of good husbandry and that the course the land is still there. It gates, fences, etc. are being lies on the left hand side of the destroyed and taken away road as you go to , without check or hindrance on between Slad Lane and the next the part of the vendors. crossroads. There were 4 cottages and a barn, never a Now if the vendors contemplate farmhouse. All that remains are Mr Brown paying interest under a few trees. his contract they must of course in discharge of their duty so long In 1796 it was purchased by as he is out of possession, Thomas Dell (1736-1811). This properly cultivate and manage was unusual because most of the the estate themselves so as to land here belonged to the Manor promote and secure to him the of Princes Risborough. Loosley due and proper benefit thereof. Row, Lacey Green and Speen And it is also their duty to see were the three Upper Hamlets of that their tenant does what he the parish of Princes Risborough ought to do in reference to his

19 Lacey Green Windmill Two years ago I wrote about the feather-edged work done to the windmill in tanalised May 2015, when we made weatherboarding extensive repairs to many of the had been supplied windows and painted all the by the Crown windows and doors. At the Estate at Windsor same time we also painted the Park. Incidentally, sails which is quite a daunting our records show task, especially as they had not that it cost 6.5p been done since 2009. per foot. The boards were fitted The other main task in the to the windmill in ‘decorating’ category for a 1980, since when they had been metres) above the ground. smock windmill, is the painting of treated with a variety of different Access was made possible by the smock, or body of the mill, as coatings. In May this year it was hiring a Boom Lift, commonly well as the cap including its roof. decided that the residual mix of known as a Cherry Picker. This had not been done since paints that had partly survived on 2008, so after 9 years the 5 walls should be scraped off as Whilst we had this machine windmill’s weatherboarding was much as possible, which was a some other work was also done, looking in need of attention. very dusty operation taking with various repairs to the fantail Traditionally, weatherboarded considerable time and effort. mechanism, some done by our buildings would have been The other 3 walls face North and millwrights, and others done by tarred, but for some years tar has the previous paints had stayed our volunteers. All the windows been classified as a toxic on far better, as that paint does were painted outside and inside, substance, so other products not get baked and cracked by as well as the exterior of all the have been developed for historic the sun. doors. weatherboarded buildings. They mainly have a very limited life, After scraping and brushing, the I am very grateful to all of our requiring repainting every year 8 walls of the smock and the cap volunteers who helped us over a or two. We decided to use a roof (which is coated in metal) total period of nearly three bitumen based product, which were then given two coats of weeks. 14 people helped us in should give a more traditional paint. All the woodwork on the total, of which 9 were from our look, although it still has to be cap was given three coats of village. Naturally, some can do used with extreme care. paint. Most parts of the cap are more time than others, and some difficult to access, with the ridge prefer different tasks and During the 1970s restoration of of the cap being 40 feet (or 12.2 working at different heights. the windmill 4,500 feet of 6 inch

20 Lacey Green Singers Widen Their Repertoire and the Beach Boys alongside concentrate on what meant the Adiemus and Howard Goodall’s most to her – her family and Psalm 23. What’s more, in singing with the choir. She also addition to the choral numbers enjoyed walking with the Happy there were some solos, a duet Wanderers and was an and altos-only numbers. enthusiastic member of Coincidentally perhaps, we have NADFAS. been delighted to welcome For 35 years, Sue put her heart several new and enthusiastic and voice into all the choir did members this year to our ranks and is already very much missed and continue to do so, though of by all her friends. course as always we are short of A few weeks after her funeral, a men. This year has seen LGS widen moving ‘Service of Remembering their repertoire to include more Unhappily, we have recently had and Thanksgiving’ was held at St contemporary pieces. For to say our sad goodbyes to Sue John’s at which LGS, led by her example, the very well-received Putnam who passed away at the daughter Fiona, beautifully sang Spring Concert on 18 March in end of May. In 1982, Sue was a a short programme of Sue’s St John’s church included a co-founder member of LGS favourite melodies, including two Mamma Mia selection, a Bob along with her daughters Sarah songs from Zimbe by Alexander Dylan song and an interlude by a and Fiona, both of whom began L’Estrange and Ev’ry time I feel young jazz quartet. their education at St John’s. Her the spirit by John Rutter. husband Mike also helped with Fittingly, her daughter, Sarah, A similar variety applied to the the choir and just six months Summer Medley on 16 July at St granddaughter Elizabeth and before she passed away they son-in-law, Matt, sang with the John’s school. The concert, celebrated their golden wedding. which began at 3pm, again choir, and two of her grandsons, received a rousing reception Throughout her life Sue was very Jack and Toby, played in the jazz from the audience who were active in the village and was, for quartet that together provided a then treated to tea and cakes example, a founder member of perfect closure to the uplifting afterwards. Lacey Green Productions. In and memorable service. 2010, she retired from her This time the programme position at Bradenham Manor to Alan Lewis featured songs from Coldplay

Lacey Green Windmill continued I will not list all the names here, We are also very grateful to In the first 3 months of our 2017 but I do have to express my “Amersham Decorating open season, we have had over special gratitude to Mark Jeffery Supplies” 600 visitors. We will be open who used many of his holiday www.amershamdec.co.uk who until 27th September, on days to be on site for about 10 supplied the 100 litres of black Sundays, and Bank Holiday days throughout the work. He paint that we used on the Monday 28th August from 2pm had volunteered to lead the windmill. Also, we hired the to 5pm. Bring your Chiltern proceedings for some days, Boom Lift from “Helpful Hirings” Society Membership cards for which meant I could have the www.helpfulhirings.co.uk of free entry. For further details, occasional day off, for which I Towersey, who are always very please see our website, or was very grateful. Organising obliging and seem completely contact Michael or Betty Hardy such a project involves a lot unworried about putting their 10 by telephone or email.(See p42) more than the work days ton machinery in the hands of a themselves, probably involving complete amateur such as Michael Hardy me for about 2 months in total. myself.

21 St John’s Church We have just had a very busy REGULAR SERVICES time preparing for the annual Summer Fete in the Vicarage Sunday Garden which took place on the 8.00am Holy Communion 15th July. (1662) every Sunday Sadly the weather was rather wet 10 am All age Worship in the morning but it brightened Communion up by lunchtime and everyone 1st Sunday of the month. enjoyed an excellent barbeque, handicraft, bric-a-brac and book 10.00am Parish Communion stalls. A raffle, a tombola and a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, (&5th) Sundays Silent Auction were well Junior Church at 10.00am – all supported. services other than 1st, held in Teas, cakes, scones and upper room. strawberries revived the visitors later in the afternoon and the Tuesday children were well looked after 9.30am Communion in Lady with games and a Bouncy Castle! Chapel at St. John’s. In addition The Black Dog band provided continuous Wednesday entertainment throughout the 10.30.am Team Communion afternoon. Service at Chapter House, St. Mary’s Church, Princes Risboro’. After a few weeks break during August, we will be planning the School Assemblies during term next events. We will be hosting time are held on Friday mornings the Deanery Confirmation 9.15 am at St.John’s and 10.00 Service on the 24th September am at Speen. in St John’s Church at 6:00pm. We will celebrate Harvest on the weekend of 30th September/1st October and the Harvest Lunch will take place in the School Hall on the 1st October, following the 10:00am Harvest Service. Everyone is very welcome to join in! Date to note: November 18th:Christmas Fayre in the Village Hall. Look out for further advertising!

Pat Rushmere Churchwarden

22 Heavenly Bodies It’s the holiday season, and the The bright orange star Antares in But even so far away, they can perfect time to enjoy the night Scorpius is nearby and highlights still be seen from Earth – even sky in warmer temperatures, an attractive colour comparison with the naked eye for those whether in the UK or abroad. For between it and the pale yellow with perfect vision in dark those who’ll be in the USA on Saturn. locations. They can certainly be 21st August, do enjoy the jaw- seen with telescopes, as shown The annual Perseid meteor dropping spectacle of the total by the image of the spiral shower is due on 12th August, solar eclipse! Triangulum galaxy I took last but the Moon will take the shine year. The reddish-pink speckles Back here, we are being treated off the display. So watch out for within it are regions where new to the exclusive summer view of the Orionids meteor shower stars are being born. Our Milky the Milky Way flowing over our instead on and around 21st Way and the Andromeda galaxy heads. The night-time Earth October. The autumn equinox will merge in the distant future, points to the brightest part of our arrives on 22nd September, and and scientists have discovered Galaxy at this time of year, but on that night the bright ‘star’ to recently that their outer-most gradually shifts its gaze away so the right of the Moon will be regions have already started to the famous river of stars Jupiter. interact with one another. disappears from sight by the end As it gets dark earlier over the of autumn. So make the most of I am obliged to point out that the next few months, it’s easier to it, and point any pair of clocks go back an hour on 29th see the Universe in the evening. binoculars at the Milky Way and October (sorry!). So here’s a Zooming out of our Galaxy, two see countless stars burst into distracting fact – your head ages of our neighbouring galaxies view. faster than your feet. It’s because glide into view during October. of Relativity Theory which states As mentioned in the last issue, The Andromeda and Triangulum that time moves slower as gravity Saturn appears ‘in’ the Milky galaxies are part of our Local increases – and has been proved Way during the coming weeks. Group, at about one and three correct. Since your head is It’s low in the southern sky after million light-years from us slightly further away from Earth’s sunset, and the Moon will be respectively. Or put another gravity than your feet (when close by on 29th August (see way, if you could travel at the standing), time passes relatively graphic), 26th September and speed of light – 670 million mph more quickly at head-level. To 24th October to help you spot – it would take you three million age at the same rate for both the ringed planet. years to reach the Triangulum, or ends, lie down! So now you ‘Pinwheel’, galaxy. know. Chris Dignan

23 New Orleans and the Birth of the Blues No-one can say beyond doubt some say arose from a “blurring” where and when Jazz and Blues of European music scales and music began, but it is plainly the the African pentatonic scale; an case that this indigenous African- oral rather than written tradition, American folk art is deeply male singing in the falsetto imbedded into the DNA of so range; the blurring of sacred and much of today’s popular music. secular in African dance with “holy dance” seemingly a blend It is a tragic irony of history that of African spiritual traditions and the music owes its origins to the 19th century charismatic scandal of the slave trade by In May of last year, my wife Pat outpourings; and adapted which many millions of African and I were able to go on our instrumentation especially drum, people were forcibly transported “trip of a lifetime” by way of a banjo, mandolin and steel guitar from Africa to the “New World”. Saga holiday tour of New (the latter possibly inspired by Estimates of the total numbers of Orleans and the Deep South of the Hawaiian musicians of the those captured and transported the United States of America. Vaudeville circuit). to the Americas range from 9.4 Our visit to New Orleans million to over 14 million. On the matter of musical coincided with the city’s annual instruments, it appears to be key Slavery in the USA was ended Jazz Festival which takes place in to the development of jazz by the American Civil War which the open air at the “Fair music that a plethora of military lasted from 1861 to 1865. Grounds” horse racing track brass band instruments Tragically, it is the case that located in the area known as discarded after the Battle of New more Americans died in the mid-city. According to the Orleans and the Civil War was course of the Civil War than lost official “Jazz Fest” website, "the available to the jazz musicians of their lives in the First and Second Festival celebrates the New Orleans and some other World Wars combined. indigenous music and culture of parts of the Deep South. New Orleans and Louisiana, so It is another sad and tragic irony Intriguingly, many people the music encompasses every of the history of the African- consider that the essential style associated with the city and American enforced diaspora quality of Jazz and Blues music is the state: blues, R&B, gospel that, rather than the anticipated best described by a Spanish music, Cajun music, zydeco, “Jubilee” of freedom and release term associated with flamenco, Afro-Caribbean, folk music, latin, of the captives, the ending of “Duende” and is loosely rock, rap music, country music, slavery marked the beginning of translated as “having soul”; that bluegrass, and everything in even greater black exclusion is to say being gripped by a between. And of course there is and, for many people, even “heightened state of emotion, lots of jazz, both contemporary deeper levels of severe poverty expression and authenticity”. and traditional!” and violent abuse. It is primarily Some would go so far as to say out of this experience of acute Throughout the history of New that this is in the end a matter of human suffering that the Orleans, it has been truly a divine inspiration! essential ingredients of Gospel multi-cultural city in which the Music and Spirituals, Jazz and I end (for now) with a quote music and art of various Blues, came into being. from an African-American European and African sources Christian theologian, James H. have come together to create a Elements of African music which Cone: cultural stewpot, or “gumbo” to survive into music of African- use the local term, and a social American origin include “I am the blues and my life is a ethos in which sacred and rhythmic complexity and spiritual. Without them, I cannot secular sit happily alongside syncopation; free improvisation be”! each other. around traditional forms ; the so-called “blue notes” which Tony Bundock

24 Community Planning Group Welcome pack roundabouts, at least one 20 The potential effect of other local Five Welcome Packs have been mph zone, and an extension of plans, notably in the Aylesbury delivered so far this year, but the existing 30 mph zone to the Vale area, could force changes there should be several more, North. to the Wycombe Plan, as could actions by the County Council once the new occupants have Other infrastructure and the Government. actually moved in. There seem developments include new to be quite a few properties that schools, a new local shopping Lacey Green Stores have been sold, although the centre but not a large Our team of volunteers new owners have still last minute supermarket. The Local Health continues to keep the stores hurdles to overcome. Please let Commissioning Group has running, but we are all getting me know when you find that you suggested that no additional GP older. If you are not already suddenly have a new neighbour. accommodation is required, doing anything for your village which by implication means that community (and even if you are) Princes Risborough one or both of the existing GP please consider joining the team. future development services must expand, possibly There was a meeting on 13 July also involving a relocation. One morning a month would be at which the proposed Princes very helpful, and will have It is a major construction project Risborough Town Plan was minimal impact on your existing and it is by no means clear just presented, as part of the routines. You receive a Time how it is going to be funded. Wycombe District Local Plan. It Credit for every hour of This point was not covered includes the provision of 3200 volunteering, which can be spent during the meeting. new houses to be located mostly in a variety of outlets. between the railway line to One of the objections raised by We seem on a steady move Aylesbury and Lower Icknield members of the audience was towards a cashless society, but Way. These are to be built by that there were no new jobs in as true Luddites, we only take 2033, and therefore make a the area and therefore new cash in the Stores. I noticed the substantial increase in the size of residents would be working other day that to use a London the town. elsewhere, thus creating bus you cannot now use cash. I increased traffic flows. It is likely There will be a new relief road, have no experience of this that this would have an impact although this is not a true by-pass myself, but what do other people on Lacey Green. since it is likely to run though the think? middle of the new housing There was some criticism from development, and will not be the audience at the Town Tony Molesworth dual carriageway. The existing Council for not adequately 01844 344975 A4010 will be improved but representing the views of the appears to include nine electorate.

25 Organisation Meetings Contact Phone Email address

Happy Wanderers Walking Club Full walk last Sun of the month 10.30 Ronnie Lewin 274961 [email protected]

Happy Wanderers Walking Club Short walk (2-3 miles) 2nd Wed 10.30 Linda Taylor 345261

Horticultural Society 3rd Wed of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Alison Shreeve [email protected] Nov. 8 pm

LG Singers Thursday evenings in term time Denise Kinnard laceygreensingers@hotmail. com Lacey Green Productions Theatre, drama, and sometimes food [email protected]

Windmill Under 5s Mon-Fri 9.00-12.00 or 1.30 if your child Paula Cunningham 07502 198405 [email protected] stays for lunch Windmill WI (evenings) 1st Wed of month except Jan. 7.45 pm Daphne Willash 01494 562455 [email protected]

High Wycombe & District U3A 4th Wed afternoon of the month Theresa Hehir 01494 881170 [email protected]

Youth Club Alternate Fridays - see laceygreen.com Leigh Axe 345216 [email protected] web site for details 7.30 pm Over 50s Pub Lunch Club Black Horse. First Tuesday of the Betty Tyler 344606 month Yvonne Axe 345216 Short Mat Bowls Club Monday 2 pm Leigh Axe 345216 [email protected]

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

LG Sports Club - Cricket Jonathan Dell 07786 386912

LG Sports Club - Tennis Nigel Glenister 342771 [email protected]

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

Karate Monday evenings Stephen Fincham 07540 531034 [email protected]

Whiteleaf Bowmen Wed, Thu & Fri evenings, Apr to Sep Brenda Cordwell, Sec 01494 485037 www.whiteleafbowmen.org.uk

Pilates Classes Tuesday mornings and evenings Sue Croxford 346656 [email protected]

Wycombe District Council Graham Peart 01494 488327 [email protected] v.uk Bucks County Council Carl Etholen 01494 564771 [email protected]

St John's Church Pat Richards 345452 [email protected]

LG Community Planning Group Tony Molesworth 344975 [email protected]

Scouts (Naphill & Hughenden) Peter Byerley 01494 565955 [email protected]

Parish Council Jayne Mylchreest [email protected]

LG Post Office Monday and Thursday 9 am to 12 noon

LG Windmill Sundays & Bank holidays 2 to 5 pm Michael Hardy 275871 [email protected] April to September g.uk Millennium Hall Clive Hodghton 343113 [email protected]

Millennium Hall bookings Karen Hodghton 274254 [email protected]

The Black Horse Quiz night last Sunday of every month Lynne Comley 345195 [email protected] at 8pm Police Andy Ralph 101

26 Hallmark is published quarterly by Our aim is to mirror the mark that We welcome news from all the the Lacey Green & Loosley Row the Village Hall makes upon our Village clubs, societies, church and Millennium Hall Management community, to publish the school, stories of local interest and Committee, although opinions activities of all Village entries for the Village Diary. expressed in comment or organisations, and to provide a A version of this printed Hallmark contribution do not necessarily forum so that the rights, the may be found on our website represent the collective view of wrongs, the well-being of village www.laceygreen.com, which also that committee. life can be aired. has breaking news and many additional articles & photos. HALLMARK EDITOR Mike Piercy, Malmsmead, Kiln Lane, Lacey Green, Bucks HP27 0PU ( just before the pond on the right) 01844 344021 Email [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER Karen O’Shaughnessy, Jacaranda, Main Road Lacey Green, HP27 0QH (near old Baptist Chapel) 01844 275908 Email [email protected] VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Clive or Karen on 01844 274254 (answering service)

LACEY GREEN POST OFFICE VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Open Thursday 9.00 to 12.00 Clive Hodghton (Chair) LACEY GREEN STORES Sue D’Arcy (Secretary), Village Hall 9.00 am - 12 Noon every week day Leigh Axe (Treasurer), Freshly brewed coffee for sale (not Thursdays) Karen Hodghton (Booking Sec.), COFFEE MORNINGS Yvonne Axe, Cathryn Davies, Held in Village Hall 10am-12 noon Thursdays. Stella Boll, Jane Brown, Friendly chatting with tea or coffee & biscuit Karen O’Shaughnessy Gill Mortimer-Biggs Jill Gosling, Mike Piercy

LACEY GREEN WINDMILL In 2017 the windmill will be open from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sundays & Bank Holidays from 2nd April until 24th September. Admission is £2.50 per adult, and £1 per child (aged 5-15).

For National Mills Weekend we will be open on from 2-5 on Saturday 13th May and 11-5 on Sunday

14th May. For further details about visiting the mill, such as access, facilities, location, and travelling. See www.laceygreenwindmill.org.uk or telephone Michael or Betty Hardy on 01844 275871.

Printed by PK Inprint Ltd 01494 452266 CLOSING DATE FOR COPY FOR THE NOVEMBER EDITION October 17th 2017

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