THE March 2018 LEE For The Lee, Lee Common, Hunts Green, Kings Ash and Swan Bottom From the Editor BCC responds By Peter Archer inter time brings with it to library cold and wet weather but I W cannot help thinking that concerns we seem to have endured colder, wetter By Noel Brown, Cabinet Member of and windier weather than for many Bucks County Council years – or is it just my poor memory? Anyway, it is therefore a good time irstly, I would like to explain to to welcome what may become a new your readers that I wasn’t able feature in the Newsletter in which F to respond in time for the contributors can write about their previous edition of The Lee’s travels to unusual and interesting community newsletter; this was places. This month Phil Harrison tells because the mobile library consultation us of his recent visit to Vietnam which report wasn’t formally agreed until will have provided him with a welcome later in January. escape from winter in The Lee! (The Editorial team is always keen to come up with new and interesting themes for future articles in the Newsletter and if any of our readers have experiences or news of events which might be of interest to others, please let us know.) Readership of the Newsletter Sales & Lettings extends beyond the Parish boundaries and it is good to see growing 64 High Street Great Missenden contributions of articles from the Buckinghamshire HP16 0AN neighbouring villages of Ballinger and I know that the 511 people who have used Buckinghamshire’s mobile Tel: 01494 890990 South Heath. The editor for the April edition is library service in the past couple of email: [email protected] Jonathan Batten. Please send material to years and who have not visited a www.jeremyswan.co.uk [email protected] or branch library, really value the hard copy to Saddlers, Swan Bottom by enrichment of the library books, 12 th March. magazines and DVDs that our mobile 2 3 library vehicles quite literally deliver The cost of running the mobile books provided to an accessible to our local communities. service is also high and increasing, local building for you to However, it is an unfortunate truth with the average cost per item issued borrow from. that the mobile library service is an at a mobile library (£4.57) being And, although not suitable for expensive one to run, and the number substantially higher than items issued everyone, our online eLibrary of people who solely use the mobile at library buildings (£1.13). service offers a full range of service is dwindling – over the last We are proposing that from May downloadable books, audiobooks two years, three-quarters of the mobile 2018 the mobile library service is and magazines. service stops had an average of four or discontinued in its present form, and We’d like to provide a more fewer customers at a time, and over we have recently run a full and wide- flexible, community-based library one-third of the service stops had only ranging public consultation to gather service that is still easily accessible for one mobile customer. people’s views on these proposals. I our mobile library customers and The County Council’s budget has highly value all the feedback given. which can be adapted to suit the been steadily reducing in recent years; A decision on the future of the differing needs of local communities – there is now much less money mobile library service will be made in shaping a local library service that is available to us for funding all of the due course; but I want to make it clear better for customers. services that we have previously that we are not looking to stop the provided to our residents once funding service without having good, has been allocated to the critical front- affordable alternatives in place for line services we need to provide, such people who struggle to visit library Bridge too far? as social care for children and buildings, so that all our mobile library By Kathryn Dickinson et al vulnerable adults. The pressures on customers still have the opportunity to his recent hand presented us with
our budgets are also being intensified use library services. a competitive bidding challenge. by other factors, including meeting the We are hoping to put in place , T How would you see the bidding needs of a rapidly growing and where appropriate , a number of progress and the hand being played? The Lee changing population. alternative community-based ways With a challenging savings target which people can use to access library ♠ A K Q 10 5 2 based over the next two years of over services. These include: ♥ 9 £500,000 needed to be saved by the The home library service dog walker ♦ K 10 7 5 4 libraries service – on top of the £2.3 where a named volunteer visits ♣ 5 As from February 2018, I have million already saved by the service you at home each month at a 9 8 J 7 6 over the last eight years – we need to convenient time with a selection ♠ ♠ availability for one more dog to continue to look critically and of books to match your interests. ♥ 8 6 5 4 3 ♥ Q J 7 be walked either separately or creatively at every aspect of the A library buddy , a scheme ♦ - ♦ A J 8 with others. I also offer home- service we provide. where your trusted friend, ♣ A K Q J 9 8 ♣ 10 4 3 2 visits to feed or let out your pets When we reviewed mobile library neighbour or family member ♠ 4 3 whilst at work or away. usage over the last two years we looked visits a library to borrow and ♥ A K 10 2 at the number of customers using our return items on your behalf. ♦ Q 9 6 3 2 Other services available. library services. We found that usage Click and collect , where you ♣ 7 6 References available on request. of the mobile service is declining with reserve books over the phone or 13,227 fewer visitors compared with online to be collected from a Dealer: North Contact: Vulnerability: N/S three years ago, and lends made from nearby venue. Adele: 07547 100312
mobile libraries accounting for only Local community book [email protected] 2% of total library lends. collections , a small selection of See page 11 for our result. 4 5 To the Editor conifer snapped under the weight of Your letters I moved just before Christmas, in the the snow; 21 Wood Pigeons & seven th To the Editor snow, from The Lee to Lee Common. Blackbirds on the lawn; 16 , a record I always knew that I was living in count of 15 Long-tailed Tits on the fat Count the birdies a very special village but I have been balls; 24 th , while cutting the holly I found the articles by Don Stone on particularly touched by the kindness boughs to decorate the house (a lack of the huge range of beautiful birds and shown to me since the move. butterflies we have in this area I just want to say thank you for the absolutely fascinating. They have cards, gifts and help that I have received. prompted me to open my eyes a little Mary Dovey wider as I go about my daily business. Lee Common Snow bunting One question baffles me however. going about their business in our front How does he get such a precise count hedge, so close I could nearly reach on the number of birds flying over? out and touch the little green sprites. For example, in the February edition: Notes from a They think they’re invisible being so “156 Fieldfares, 287 Starling and 369 small, it’s for moments like this that I Redwings over Sly Corner”. Natural Garden leave the hedge uncut until late winter; Does he have an App that you just rd point at the sky and it identifies and By Don Stone 3 , Male Sparrow Hawk (Sprawky) counts the birds? dropped in for breakfast at the feeders, Part 3 November-December but left with an empty belly; 4th , 54 Colin Sully , Blackbird & two Mistle Swan Bottom nd Greenfinch dropped into Laurel hedge Long-tailed tits Thrushes are the first to to roost at Great Hampden House, two 2 start feeding on the pairs of Mallards feeding on bird seed Pippa Hart Cotoneaster berries; 3rd , two on the lawn; 5th , Redwings start to Dartford Warblers at a site in the th th demolish the Cotoneaster berries; 8 , Photography county; 4 , along with Stewart Simon next door reports that Wrens Dennis, watched as 44 Hawfinch Cromar th have returned to their old habit of flew to roost at Great Hampden; 8 , roosting in the House Martin nests; Marsh Tit on feeders at Swan Carpets Ltd th Pied Wagtail at feeders, judging by the Bottom; 10 , Golden Plover flock Goldfinch feathers scattered below our has moved to fields behind ‘Annie gate Sprawky got lucky; 10 th , at 4 pm Baileys’; 13 th , Great Tit with a Kestrel seen perching on overhead ARPETS INYL AND extended lower mandible visiting telephone cable bracket under the C , V bird feeders at Swan Bottom, gave it eaves of a detached house on the edge WOOD F LOORING an appearance similar to a Humming of the village, then much squawking & th SUPPLIED AND F ITTED Bird; 16 , Golden Plover flock has squabbling as another tried to join it/ grown in numbers to 176; 19 th , Snow th remove it from its perch. They Natural & Informal Bunting at Tring Reservoirs; 26 , 50 eventually flew off in separate Black &White Linnets at Liberty’s Nature Reserve; directions. Another Kestrel or maybe 30 th , Marsh Tit has been visiting one of these seen to fly to farm 9-11 S TATION A PPROACH Portraits feeders throughout the month. st buildings to roost at 4:15 pm, up to GREAT M ISSENDEN 01494 837340 December 1 , Snow flurries early eight inches of snow fell overnight and nd 01494 862125 www.pippahart.com morning; 2 , two Goldcrest quietly during the day, a few branches on our 6 7 berries here this year), I came across a few small clusters of green berries, It is a quirky never seen these in previous years. Sheep attacked by loose dog in local world out there field, a month later and the animal is By Philip Harrison still receiving treatment; 26 th , three here is an increasing amount male and one female Bullfinch of concern and press feasting on dried-up blackberries in coverage in the UK regarding front hedge. After the recent snow T the use of plastics. For example The melt and yesterday’s rain the natural Shop @ The Lee is working to pond is beginning to refill, Sprawky reduce the amount of plastic used to Living like a local spent 18 minutes sitting in the pond, package the goods we buy. On a We hired an apartment in mainly nosing about, but did have a recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City th Great Spotted Woodpecker downtown HCMC, 45 minutes by taxi quick bathe; 27 , 40 Golden Plovers (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam I th from airport and all the fun of the fair at Hyde Heath, Great Spotted 30 , whilst cutting up the branches could not help but notice that there is to find our apartment on the 18th floor Woodpecker on sunflower heart brought down by the snow for fire a completely opposite approach. with views between the other blocks in feeder, cock Pheasant spent two and a wood, thinking about how long the They simply throw everything and a massive high rise development half hours feeding on scattered seed, tree had stood, my mind went back to anything wherever they are. Plastic consisting of six or so tower blocks. the first for many years, one inch of the programme presented by Judi is a primary form of packaging and th snow fell during the morning. 29 , Dench on trees (the cynic in me it is scattered everywhere; the Female Stonechat at Herbert’s Hole; thought she was only presenting it for Saigon River is a slow meandering the money, but she has a real affinity waterway full of plastic bags, for trees and nature) and the rule of bottles, thermacol blocks and Mervyn’s thumb for aging them, one inch equals detritus that had no home. Makes Carpet & Upholstery one year, measured at chest height you wonder how we can make an Cleaning Services around the tree. Trying it on two trees impact on this damage if there are I knew the age of, as I’d planted them parts of the world that simply have a Independent carpet cleaning in my younger days, the method was polar opposite approach. specialist with over 30 years only a couple of years out, which aged Whilst in this ancient land we experience. the conifer at 96 years and our largest also discovered a number of other Oak at 112 years, now they’ve seen a strange and quirky things. Things CARPETS. UPHOLSTERY. few changes, and not always for the that bring a smile to the face and it RUGS. HARD FLOOR. better; 31 st , as New Year approaches, a made me wonder how many of the CARPET PROTECTION. few words of wisdom from the pen of numerous travellers from this part of FULLY INSURED. Joe Strummer: world notice such things: if you do then why not share them with us? Friendly and reliable service. “If you’re after getting the honey, Most work by recommendation. hey Currency Environmentally friendly Then you don’t go killing all the Great fun to get some money out of cleaning materials. bees; a cash machine, as suddenly you are a Vietnamese homes don’t have For a no obligation quote ’phone What the people are saying, millionaire, albeit briefly as ovens or toasters. Bit of a challenge 01525 371724 or 07975 847027 There ain’t no berries on the trees.” denominations are bonkers. 32,000 dong for the Sunday roast. Email: [email protected] The Clash imploded; the world’s to the £ so 1 million dong = £32!! Even Interesting things we found that are eroded. better when you check your balance. unusual are such things as no flat 8 9 plates in the apartment only bowls of a little slimy. A glance at my wife and various shapes, sizes and depths. No daughter’s faces told me that it was time knives other than sharp kitchen knives, to take one for the family. I gulped down just spoons, forks and chopsticks. No the contents, trying to keep a straight potatoes in the supermarkets. People face and not gag. The girls bite their don’t like to look you in the eye and tongues or inside cheeks to avoid a fit of are gently polite. giggles and we hastily conclude the visit We were invited to visit a local just in case the slime decides to reappear family at home. We ended up in a in true Alien style. What it was that I warren of streets receiving very drank I cannot even begin to identify and strange looks from locals who were I just hope it was meant to be drunk. probably not used to seeing white Traffic merry-go-round Silly fact but there are more motorbikes than cars in Vietnam Anglo Saxons walking through their As it was Sunday when we arrived, with the average bike ownership per neighbourhood. They were bemused, the traffic was light but manic as smiling and in no way threatening. thousands of motorbikes weave in and family being four. Strange sights On finding the house we enter out. No tuk tuks or cyclists. Everyone abound from Mum and Dad on a through some tall gates and find a goes in every direction and joining a bike with ankle biter wedged courtyard the size of a postage stamp junction with traffic coming from the between them. One chap was driving along with large (4ft high) fridge on full of motor scooters which overflow right involves gently pulling out without the back that he was holding with into the inside passageway that led to a looking right so the traffic approaching staircase, at the bottom of which are you takes the avoiding action. No one hand whilst driving with the dozens of pairs of shoes. (It is custom frustration or temper tantrums but an other. Texting and riding along is and practice to remove footwear interesting exercise for the sphincter. very common. Everyone has to wear a crash helmet but they really look before entering a home). Clambering The traffic at first appears daunting, SHORT-TERM like soup bowls so not sure what up the stairs we enter a sort of but the average speed is very slow. protection they offer. They are Buddhist shrine that we subsequently Rules of the road are a bit weird. There RENTALS learn is where the father of the house is a six-lane highway near the certainly not the full-face protection From £295 per week (all inclusive) prays daily and the woman we have apartment with a traffic island running we are used to. Many women ride come to see meditates. The inside of between lanes 3 and 4. Lanes 1 to 3 are along in incredibly high heels or as Self-catering holiday the girls refer to them “tart’s the home was a mix of styles and for motorbikes and cars, whilst 4 to 6 or temporary accommodation furniture full of statues of Buddha. are for lorries, vans and cars. So far so at Lee Common Welcoming and hospitable we are good until you add in the occasionally offered a glass of clear liquid that looked parked lorry in lane 4, the odd Moving house? motorcyclist going in the opposite Completion dates don’t coincide? HOLIDAY HOME TO LET direction in lane 1 and the occasional House sale falls through? IN SPAIN driver stopping their car, getting out and Builders outstaying their welcome? GAUCIN - ANDALUCIA dashing across the highway to the shops 3 Bedroom property with pool Expecting Visitors? on the other side of the 12 lanes. When Need extra accommodation? in the hilltop white village of Gaucin. Stunning views of Mediterranean, the traffic snarls up the motorbikes take to the pavements and the pedestrians Self-contained Period Property: Gibraltar and Moroccan Hills. sleeps four guests take potluck. All the edges are sloped Ring now for availability curb stones to enable the motorcyclists Tel: 01494 837798 Tel. 01494 837602 to use the pavement for parking. trotters”. We have all heard of Uber. e-mail: [email protected] www.casa-mirador.com Well here there are Uber motorcycles. 10 11 You can tell them because the helmets there are no barriers around the gap, may sound familiar, as it is the TET of both driver and passenger say Uber. the tables are situated very close to festival. (Remember one of the big We have made mention of the them so if you get out of your chair the events towards the end of the war here Pilates number of motorbikes here. It appears wrong side you go swimming. In fact was the TET Offensive). Being that they have more than one use. the waiter told us that it was not predominantly Buddhist their calendar Falling asleep on a clothesline is one unusual for a tipsy patron to fall in. is dictated by the phases of the moon. It @HOME
thing but this is something else. is as big to them as Christmas is to us. Everywhere is covered in decorations ‘FLEXIBLE TO THE CORE’
and lights. On the ground floor of the apartment block we have a number of 1 to 1 Pilates… in the comfort and kindergartens. It was just like being convenience of your own home around schools in the UK at the end of the Christmas term with fairs, plays, kids dressed up in a variety of costumes Mat Pilates for all abilities and proud parents and grandparents in Improves posture, flexibility, abundance. A children’s crocodile – core strength, muscle tone Vietnamese style. and sports performance The H&S challenge here is: what do you think this lady is doing? Individuals [or small groups of up to 4] Health & Safety not reached here yet Qualified Mat Pilates instructor for We went out for dinner one Beginner, Intermediate and evening and found that the restaurant Advanced Levels was in a converted home and
appropriately called ‘Mad House’. The “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, outdoor dining area was on a platform/ in 20 you will see the difference and in 30 decking they had installed over the Apparently something like 40% of you will have a whole new body” swimming pool. Only thing was the the 90 million Vietnamese are below … Joseph Pilates 25 years old. Staggering given they designer decided to create large rectangular gaps with water features have TV. If you are interested or require further and lights in them. Sounds lovely information please contact: The answer is that she is the doesn’t it? That is until you realise crane operator for lifting buckets of Karen on 07790 081670 concrete on a very high-rise development – this one is eight Bridge too far? Mike Lake The bidding at our table went: stories. She has two levers, a bunch Friendly & Local of sandbags to hold her in place and N E S W Painter & Decorator a very long piece of string. Low-tech 1 ♠ - 1 NT 2 ♣ For that professional touch 2 3 5 even down to the sunshade as we ♦ ♣ 4♦ ♣ Interior & Exterior don’t think it is a safety shelter in 5 ♦ - - - case the string snaps. Also Property Maintenance Email: [email protected] For a free quotation please call: The TET Festival At our table North made 5 ♦; 5♠ www.karensabsolutepilates.co.uk 01494 866873 / 07723 017005 We are approaching the Vietnamese could also have been made. 5 ♣ by [email protected] New Year and Year of The Dog, which West definitely does not make. 12 13
increased concerns about the HS2 winter months, a result of this work The Lee Parish effects on traffic on the A413, has been an awful lot of mud. We met given the impact of some relatively with the contractors last week and Council news small works at the GM have every confidence that once the roundabouts this week. weather allows, a proper surface will By Liz van Hullen, Parish Clerk concern about the unfinished mess be restored to the entrance of the Drop-in… best yet! left by Freedom after their playground from Oxford Street; the fter a slow start, the Drop-in electricity supply work between path through will be reseeded and the on 3 rd February came to life Oxford St and Cherry Tree Lane surface at the gateway out onto Cherry A and became very busy. There (see below) Tree Lane will also be resurfaced. was specific interest in the two topics potholes/road repairs throughout They have also to make good the we advertised (fort replacement and the parish and traffic driving ground on the other side of Cherry HS2 update) but there were also dangerously at Oxford St/Princes Tree Lane and within the Park. Until other topics raised by residents: Lane junction then we will have to make the best of general support for the fort re- possibility of 30 mph speed the muddy paths, but hopefully only development ideas... but not at restriction at the Hunts Green end for the short term. any cost of Kings Lane Jubilee Well refurbishment local planning applications. a strong preference for a Colne It’s been ten years since the last Our thanks to all the residents and Valley type viaduct at Wendover work was carried out on the Jubilee Cllrs who attended… it’s good to talk! Dean rather than the design concept Well in Oxford St and you may notice we have been shown by (C)EK HS2 update some changes to its appearance in the Apart from the delays on the A413 coming weeks. The well itself will be caused by roadside ‘investigation repainted, as will the surrounding floor work’ (see above), perhaps the most area. On the exterior some of the oak significant HS2 news since the last panels will be temporarily removed for Newsletter is the fact that the HS2 renovation and repair, and all will be Phase 2a (West Midlands to Crewe) spruced up. Temporary fencing/ Bill received its second reading in the panelling will be put in place whilst Commons with a majority of 295 to the panels are removed, to ensure that 12. The project clearly still has cross- the well remains secure. party support and petitioning for this Weather permitting, work will start next section of the line will now begin. towards the end of March and Garden Design | Driveways continue into April. Patios & Paving | Brickwork Muddy paths and tracks Did you know that… although Fencing & Decking In November of last year MARTIN THE MILKMAN access to the well drop is restricted by a Turfing & Planting | Groundworks contractors for UK Power Network set padlockedRefrigerated plate, delivery it is accessed of fresh on a Concrete Works about removing the overhead cables regularmilk, basis dairy by theproduce, water authorities bread, to Footings & Underpinning that crossed the village allotments and checkeggs, the levelfruit and juices quality and of themore. water? Excavations & Roadways playground area. These cables have If there are any Parish Council now been sunk underground, all the To place an order call matters you would like to discuss, Tel: 01494 258632 way across Cherry Tree Lane and into 01442 833944 the Park. please contact me by email at Mob: 07788 939395 PHONES M ANNED 4 PM – 6 PM [email protected] As we would expect from any [email protected] or ground works carried out during the by telephoneANSWERPHONE on 758800. AT OTHER TIMES 14 15 We welcome the Bishop of gardening charity concerned with Services for Buckingham to The Lee who will be helping those with mental health taking the four parish communion problems. All welcome. March service on Mothering Sunday, the 11 th of March. St Mary’s, Ballinger St John the Baptist th 4 9:30 am Morning Prayer 4th 8:00 am HC Revd. Geoffrey Contacts: Vicar : The Revd David followed by Howel, Burgess (01494-837315). refreshments. Old Church Churchwardens : Roderick Neal 10:00 am AA All-Age (01494-837264) and Trevor Pearce Worship. Lee (01494-837601). Verger : Bill Pearce Common (01494-785191). Treasurer : David How did you Methodist Stephenson (01494-867617). Church th travel to 11 10:00 am PC Four Parish Mothering Methodist Church th Sunday service. 4 10:00am AA Joint all age school today? Bishop of Worship at Lee By Ros Morris Buckingham Common th ee Common School is trying to 25 10:00 am PC Revd Alan Methodist give the children a little Davies Church th th healthy exercise before class 28 7:30 pm Compline Lay- 11 10:00 am Mothering L while at the same time reducing the led Sunday Service traffic along Oxford Street in the 30 th 12 noon Devotional at the Parish mornings. We have introduced a new Service. Revd Church th system on our interactive white boards Alan Davis 18 3:00 pm HC Revd Nigel 1st April Wright so that when the children come to th school they click their name on the 8:00 am HC Revd Ian Ogilvie 25 3:00 pm Revd Gregory Old Church Hargrave th 10:00 am PC Revd Ivor 27 8:00 pm Holy week Cornish Communion Service HC Holy Communion (said) st PC Parish Communion (sung) 1 April AA All-age service 3:00pm HC Revd Nigel Wright MARTIN THE MILKMAN Our next Coffee Morning is on Refrigerated delivery of fresh Saturday 3 rd March 10:30 to 12 noon. milk, dairy produce, bread, All are welcome. board and then answer how they eggs, fruit juices and more. Looking ahead to Spring! Come travelled to school. There are rewards To place an order call and see our collection of PLANTS and for children who come into school on CAKES on Saturday 5 th May 10:30 – 01442 833944 foot. So watch this space and 12:00 noon which will be sold for hopefully there will be more space for PHONES M ANNED 4 PM – 6 PM Christian Aid and the Lindengate everyone as the children become ANSWERPHONE AT OTHER TIMES Project at Wendover. This is a keener to walk in. 16 17 It is a remarkably clean and vital that when treatment stops you What happens impressive site which is estimated to Have you, or a still have the right support to get back save Bucks £150 million over 30 years. on your feet, deal with the to rubbish in Greatmoor is situated between loved one, consequences of your experience and Waddesdon and Bicester but is a mile know how to spot signs if cancer or two down a specially built access should return. Bucks? road. As a result it is barely visible been affected Whether you are currently By Peter Archer from any existing residential areas. undergoing treatment, are now living n last month’s edition of the I was most impressed by what I by cancer? after treatment, or if you have Newsletter there was a bit of saw and learned. I can strongly From Bucks County Council watched a loved one go through I criticism of the services provided recommend a visit. f so, health and care services in cancer, please let us know your by Bucks County Council. I thought, Buckinghamshire would like your views. Comment boxes have been therefore, that it would strike a more I help to ensure we are delivering distributed at a range of locations positive note if I wrote a short article the best possible care for our across Bucks (including GP about a visit I made to Greatmoor, an population – which means it is vital surgeries, libraries, support group energy from waste site. we hear from residents who have venues and many others) and you I have to confess that I had not experienced cancer treatment. can complete the full survey via the heard of Greatmoor until a visit to it NHS Chiltern and NHS Aylesbury link below. All details will be kept was arranged by an ‘old boys’ Vale Clinical Commissioning Groups strictly confidential. luncheon club of which I am a member. are working with Macmillan Cancer www.letstalkhealthbucks.nhs.uk/ Starting in 2013, the Council Support to invite people with consult.t/cancerservices/ commissioned the development of a Photo courtesy of Bucks CC experience of cancer to give their power station which generates views in a new online survey. electricity from non-recyclable waste Everyone’s experience of cancer is collected from around the county and Litter pickin’ different. So, for us to give the best beyond. Often wondered what possible care and support, we need By Pat Chinnery happened to the contents of our black you to help us understand what that rubbish bin that was emptied once a ur roadsides, hedges and looks like to you and how you think fortnight – now I know! No longer paths are getting over-run we should provide it. going to landfill, within 3 days of O again with thoughtlessly Because you have been through it, collection it ends up in Greatmoor and thrown litter. you are best placed to tell us what is burned to generate electricity to meet It is really worthwhile to get works, what can be improved, and all the needs of Aylesbury and beyond. involved in the ‘Litter Pick’ morning, what specific cancer support should be which this year will be on Sunday, th available to you within the Bucks area. 18 March. Things may not change overnight, Please think about organising a but if your experiences have left you local group to pick-up at the places with ideas of what would be good for you love to go visit… and walk the patients in Bucks – whether improving roads getting there and pick-up those an existing service or offering new as you go. kinds of support – we want to hear Pat Chinnery (on 837564) and Ann from you. Ash (on 837550) are coordinating the We know that being given the all- event and would be very pleased to clear does not always mean the end of discuss your plans. cancer and returning to normal. It’s 18 19 Most of the clues have been solved We’re currently engaged but at Local bridge with interesting and fascinating the pace that we move it might be insights along with a few debates. 2020 before we actually get round to drive turns up This month sees the end of the planning anything. We love walking series but before we go we have two and running, as we are both unsolved clues from November and originally from the Peak District, trumps December, respectively. and have faced the bitter winter By Jane Neal November’s challenge was from weather to explore the endless very enjoyable afternoon was the Hunt’s Green area. There are bridleways and footpaths that criss- spent in the Parish Hall on leaded windows in one of the houses th cross the beautiful Chilterns A 24 January when 48 with initials scratched on the panes. countryside. But the summer months enthusiastic players assembled for an When and in what circumstances can’t come soon enough when we’ll afternoon’s game of friendly bridge to have chance to make use of the great other thoughts as to what it may have raise funds for the Parish Church. No local garden centres and cafes. been? If so send in your suggestions to sooner had the Leeside Nursery left It’s just the two of us in the [email protected] the hall, than the bridge drive team cottage at the moment, although we Finally what do you think Derry sprang into action, setting up 12 tables are hoping to join the active dog was hinting at in this final image? No for a prompt start at 2:00 pm and walking community in The Lee doubt the answer to this and all the preparing marvellous teas to be served soon. For now though we’ll have to other clues over the past few months by the team to all the players during suffice with borrowing the family will have been a lesson for us all about the interval. dog on the weekends! From the reactions I received, it is our locale. evident that the teas were as much a TIM SIMMONS IS highlight as the cards. At the end, prizes were awarded and the raffle THE VERMINATOR drawn. We were able to raise a grand Pest control services total of £826. Thanks are owed to all those who could this early graffiti have supported the event, to those who happened? The explanation Derry WASPS ALL donated prizes, teas and hire of the gave in 1991 was that during the Civil GLIS-GLIS INSECTS hall and to members of the team for all War (1642 to 1651) a number of SQUIRREL FOXES RATS RABBITS their hard work. Cavaliers were held prisoner in the MICE AND cottages and scratched their initials MOLES ANTS into the glass panes. Meet and greet December’s challenge was from By Annie Cryptic-Lee the area near Dial Meadow. There is a y partner Chris and I FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE By Phil Harrison and Colin Sully tunnel entrance (or is it an exit?) (Annie) have recently LOW PRICES - HIGH QUALITY ecent editions have seen a depicted. What would that be for and M moved to Swan Cottage 07734649305 number of cryptic clues where does it lead? Derry’s from Greenwich in South London. It R involving locations and events explanation was that it was a tunnel feels like we have been extremely in The Lee and surrounding areas used by aforementioned Cavaliers to lucky to chance upon such a lovely based on a map drawn in 1991 by escape although one has to wonder village where the neighbours go out of WE WILL ALSO PROOF YOUR Derry Worsfold. where the bricks came from. Any their way to make you feel welcome. HOUSE/PREMISES TO STOP THEM COMING BACK 20 21 longer, bigger one bordering the verge. ways in which St Mary’s might adapt Tom Brockett our local Scout Leader Little miracles! Beware in the unfortunate event of to suit the demands of the 21 st century. and gardener who gave his time and By Reina Free you hitting one of these, it would The Festive Season tarpaulin for nothing more than a box of chocolates. We are especially here is something very exciting cause great damage to your car and a Advent and Christmas were grateful to the Great Missenden shops; going along King’s Lane in huge repair bill! celebrated with a packed church at Alphabet Soup, The Roald Dahl spite of huge puddles and Would the government pay your every service, be it Advent Carols at T repair bill, ‘No way’! Yet huge sums of Museum, Salon 92 and also The Lee soaked verges. The birds are singing the beginning of December or the 3:00 Shop for raffle prizes. Maggi and I are their little hearts out although the money are being spent on all kinds of pm Christingle followed by a 9:30 pm extremely appreciative of the hedgerows are still bare. I am so called development projects like ‘Midnight’ Communion on Christmas enormous contribution from within the conscious of new life stirring. HS2 destroying the countryside. As I Eve. We welcomed every faith and local community. We are pleased to Huge flocks of chaffinches are look over our magnificent view at every age, those visiting families and announce that over £300 was raised chasing each other (another full of joy Kings Ash, I could make myself deeply local residents, so that it was altogether for church funds. of the coming of spring). The blue tits distressed but I do not. Today the sky is a joyous end to the year. Our little are examining the nest box on the blue and spring is on its way I can only church was cosy and warm and looked Other projects wall. Yet, during the night, we had a live one day at a time and with God’s its best bedecked with holly, ivy and Once the warmer weather arrives sprinkling of snow. help I will live it with gratitude and joy. trees, whilst the nativity scene and Maggi and I will be tackling the These are the happiness makers, He is still in complete charge and advent wreath took centre stage. inevitable outside tasks which small though they are. But small anything can happen! Coffee Morning: Friday, accumulate all too quickly, namely; things are really the big things. th cleaning the wrought iron gate, This is not how I see the huge 26 January repairing/replacing the St Mary’s sign, pothole on Rocky Lane and the much This has now become something of adding a light above the notice-board, St Mary’s a tradition as it provides a welcome clearing the borders and planting up start to the New Year and a fillip during the tubs. Ballinger an otherwise cold, wintry month. Maggi applied to Sweet Charity in Brilliantly organised and spearheaded Prestwood for a grant to cover the cost Newsletter by Maggi, it was a wonderful morning of repairing/replacing the outside shed. with well over fifty people attending The good news is that they have agreed By Anne Ellis from far and near, including Cic Upcott and given us the go ahead. They are ell, here we are at the and her daughter Hillary. In fact it was also prepared to financially sponsor our start of another year, a pleasure to see so many chatting and ongoing project to replace some of the W looking ahead with hope catching up with old friends whilst pews with suitable chairs once a and anticipation into 2018. Having perusing the various stalls which decision has been made as to which read the comments in our Visitors included cards, cakes, books, design would be the most appropriate. Book, combined with the endless accessories (courtesy of Liz Wintgens) help so freely given to all our and bric-a-brac. We also welcomed our fundraising ventures, Maggi and I newest neighbours, John and Nina, who have come to realise just how much moved into Ballinger a week ago. St Mary’s is valued by the wider Another coffee morning is planned for community, not only as a church and later in the year. a meeting place but also as a retreat Many thanks to all those who for quiet reflection. provided cakes or who helped Maggi We are exceedingly grateful and set up and then dismantle everything greatly encouraged by this support as at the end of the morning, including it has enabled us to consider other 22 23 Virtual patients needed... The Lee At Prospect House, since September, we have a new and Cricket Club enthusiastic practice manager and KINGSHILL By Trish Swain once again are addressing the problem CARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS n the cold, snowy and rainy days of of attracting more virtual patients to February, the cricket season still our PPG. They should be happy to I seems a long way off. On the receive and could, if they wished, CHILTERNS positive side, daylight hours are respond, to occasional emails on increasing and we know that spring health related topics. must surely be on the way. Awaking ...and committee members Drawing the winning ticket from their winter dormancy, players are We would also welcome anyone gestures were very generous and AIRPORTS gearing up for The LCC AGM taking who might be interested to join our th gratefully received. place on the 19 February, and team small committee, particularly anyone captains will be elected, and other roles with good computer skills! If you An evening talk will be filled too, hopefully. think you might like to get involved or Finally, it is worth mentioning that LONDON Just a reminder that adult winter just find out more, please send an we have organised a talk to be given nets are taking place every email to me, Lynda Cooke, at: by a Bucks Healthcare consultant Wednesday, 8:30 – 10:00 at The [email protected] . rheumatologist, Dr Magliano, on the 01494 868699 Beacon School in Chesham Bois. £5 a Rectory Meadow practice PPG has treatment of, and how to live with, Email: [email protected] th session and all ages and abilities are invited PPG members from other rheumatic diseases on Wednesday 28 welcome. Please contact Patrick surgeries to attend events which it March at 6:30 pm. It will be held at Walsh for more details: organises. Barn Meadow Community Hall, [email protected] Raffle Pondwicks, Amersham, HP7 0ER. To We have just learned of the death make a reservation call 01494 727711. of Mr Ernie Brown, a stalwart At the autumn flu clinic we held supporter of the Club as a Vice- a raffle raising £160. Added to previously raised funds, it will be President and Trustee. For many years, used to buy two items of equipment, before he became too frail, he would From the Great Missenden drop by in his pick up truck to watch a a Cryotherapy kit to enable warts and other minor things to be dealt Supported Living few overs and enjoy a cup of tea and with in-house and a D-dimmer and archives chat. The Club sends its condolences A warm, friendly, house for the GRP kit for use in detecting deep ebate as to what to call the to his family. elderly, in the picturesque centre of vein thrombosis. place we live comes up fairly the village. A raffle was held at which Dr frequently in the archives. D Come and take a look to see for Moukli drew the winning ticket – a Here is an article from 2003. yourself and have a chat with Health matters meal for two at Merlin’s Cave in The-Lee or not The-Lee? Carol Lauder-Ross (Manager) By Lynda Cooke Chalfont St Peter. One prize winner kindly donated That is the-question Tel: 01494 865026 n the June 2017 issue, I wrote an By Mike-Senior his large tin of shortbread biscuits to or email for a brochure article about Patient Participation The October editorial raised the Groups and I am pleased to be the reception staff and another, the [email protected] I question of whether The Lee should or Find out more on our website cash equivalent of an M&S token able to bring readers up to date with should not be hyphenated (The-Lee). recent progress. back into the equipment fund. Both www.abbeyfield.com 24 25 Compared to, say, the problems in the of “the lordship and manor of Lye, alias, his produce. “The majority of the meat Middle East or even the gropings of Ley”. Thomas Plaistowe’s memorial ‘Farm brands’ we sell here is from animals that I Arnold Schwarzenegger this issue is, (1715) in the Old Church refers to ‘the have reared myself as a third of course, small beer. Nevertheless, Lee’ (with a small ‘t’) and during the generation farmer on the Chequers since it has caused some little nineteenth century the village became and a plea for Estate. The animals have been reared controversy in the area, it is worth a known simply as ‘Lee’. In 1847, for non-intensively and have been fed on line or two in this month’s Newsletter. example, the Revd W. Watson “was farm shops home grown barley and grass – The problem is that our village nominated curate of Lee”. In his By The Editor grazing methods that enrich the seems to have had a number of names in “History of Buckinghamshire” (1832), aniel Hares of Buckmoorend environment. We sell meat from our its time. One of the earliest spellings J. J. Sheahan goes further and not only Farm on the Chequers Estate farm and Steph and I sell as many comes from the twelfth century records calls the village ‘Lee’, but says that it D at Butlers Cross feels locally sourced products as we can. No of Missenden Abbey which refers to was “formerly called Lee Chapel”. passionately about farming, the need to make up an imaginary farm ‘Lega’. Then in 1356 the Abbot of It was in the 1890’s and early environment and the need to provide brand here! We are also lucky in that Missenden, Ralph Marshall, was 1900’s that the hyphen began to consumers with products of known we can minimise the amount of convicted of “counterfeiting and appear in The-Lee and the Victoria and genuine provenance. He is keen to packaging we use.” clipping the King’s coin, namely groats County History of 1908 stated that the draw attention to the fantastic local He urges consumers to look to and sterling, at his manor called Legh”. official postal address was ‘The-Lee’. food and drink supplied in farm shops their local farm shop and perhaps This schizophrenia continued into Henry The hyphen persisted during the across the area. He thinks we have make a change for 2018. “We are VIII’s time when, in 1537, the village 1920’s and 1930’s, but, just to some fabulous places to food shop – passionate about what we do and we was once again referred to as ‘Lega’. complicate matters, Kelly’s Directory especially in the Chilterns. want the best for our customers – Just ten years later, some papers of 1939 calls the village “Lee (or The Daniel recently featured on local and this applies to environmental from Edward VI’s reign make mention Lee)”. Today, most people would radio station Mix96 to voice his issues too.” settle for “The Lee”. concern for shoppers about ‘false’ I suspect that Sir Arthur Liberty farm brands in some of the was the man behind the hyphen – it supermarkets and championing was just his style. The story goes that genuine local farmers and our great when the local Council put up new local farm shops.
sign-posts sometime about 1910 they “The plastics argument all over the called the village ‘The Lee’. This press recently demonstrates the displeased Sir Arthur who public’s concern about environmental immediately sent out a gang to paint in issues,” he says. There are no simple the hyphen. solutions and it is very difficult for any one supplier to get everything right, So there we are. What’s in a name? but from his own example at Take your pick – Lega, Legh, Lye, Buckmoorend Farm Shop he is able to Ley, Lee Chapel, the Lee, Lee, The- minimise the food miles travelled for
Lee or The Lee. What does it matter anyway? But, come to think about it, Dog Photography, Working Dogs, how about Lee-Common, Hunts- Game Shoots, Pets Green, King’s-Ash and Swan-Bottom? Action and Portrait ______Well, perhaps not.
Chrissi Ratcliffe LRPS [If you have an interesting story, 07719 731507 / 01494 837452 photo or article about village history, [email protected] do let us know and we will be happy to www.chrissibellphotography.co.uk share it with our readers: Ed.] 26 27 Thursday 29 th . The Arts Society Lee Common Methodist Church Ballinger. ‘Judas: The Wickedest Man Marian Tomkins, 837479 The Newsletter Who Ever Lived?’ with Janet Robson. Lee Common Scouts he Lee Newsletter is published 10 Ballinger Hall, 8:00 pm. Guests £8. Scout Leader Thomas Brockett: times a year and distributed free to The fastest way to let everyone in the 837294 or [email protected] all households in the parish… and Parish know about an event you are T Leeside Nursery a little beyond. The views expressed in it arranging is to publish it right here in Coming soon Melissa Reading, 837719 are not necessarily those of the Editor. the Newsletter. Contact the editor by Thursday 5 th April. The Lee Walking www.leesidenurseryschool.co.uk We welcome original letters and the 12 th of the previous month (see Group . Meet on The Lee Green at Shop @ The Lee articles of general interest and relevance contact details on page 1). 9:30 am. Symeon Economou, 837195 to The Lee. Copy should be sent to th Thursday 5 April. Ballinger [email protected] [email protected] or, if on paper, to the Editor of the month (see Horticultural Society Spring Show. St John the Baptist Church th March th page 1) by the 12 of each month. Tuesday 10 April. Ballinger Evening See centre pages. Thursday 1 st . The Lee Walking Letters should ideally run to no more W.I. ‘Wild Flowers’ with Brenda St Mary’s Ballinger Group. Meet on The Lee Green at than 200 words and articles to no more Harold, 8:00pm. Contact: Anne Ellis, 837247 9:30 am. Saturday 7 th April. Coffee Morning at than 700 words; material may be edited st [email protected] and may appear on the village website Thursday 1 . Ballinger Horticultural Lee Common Methodist Church. The Art Society Ballinger www.thelee.org.uk unless consent is Society. ‘The Back Gardens of Thursday 26 th April. The Arts Society Chairman, Peter Archer, 837933 specifically withheld. Anonymous England’ with Matthew Biggs. 8:00 pm. Ballinger . ‘The Amadeus Myth: [email protected] contributions are not accepted. Saturday 3rd. Coffee Morning at Lee Mozart (1756-91) and his world of The Lee Cricket Club To advertise or place an insert, please Common Methodist Church. 10:30 am culture’ with Sandy Burnett, 8:00 pm. www.theleecc.org.uk contact Paul Apicella on 837377 by the to 12:00 noon. All welcome. Guests £8. th th 12 of the previous month. Tuesday 13 . Ballinger Evening WI. Thursday 3 rd May. Ballinger Secretary, Mike Harris, 07788 345555 If you have photographs for Spring Supper. Horticultural Society. ‘The Victorian publication please contact Jonathan th. The Lee Flower Show Tuesday 13 The Lee Parish Council Garden of Mary A Disraeli’ with Piers Batten on 837450 or email Meeting at the Parish Hall, 7:30 pm. Hory: 8:00 pm. Chairman, Jonathan Batten, th [email protected]. Sunday 18 . Annual Litter- picking 837450 For queries regarding distribution morning. Please contact Pat Chinnery The Lee Newsletter contact Barnaby Usborne on 837382. 837564 or Ann Ash 837550 if you can [email protected] Other members of the Editorial help on the day. See page 16. Directory of The Lee Old Church Trust team: Peter Archer, Zoe Berkeley, Sunday 25 th . The Lee Old Church Secretary: Pam Garner 837501 Richard Dickinson, Trust AGM. 7:30 pm at The Lee The Lee Parish Council Phil Harrison, Jen Ogley, Adam Old Church. local contacts Clerk: Liz van Hullen, 758800 Speller and Colin Sully. Ballinger Horticultural Society [email protected] THE L EE WAY – Y OUR Chairperson: Brenda Gover www.thelee-pc.org.uk To book the Parish Hall [email protected] VILLAGE S UPPORT T EAM Allotments: Alison Weir, 837529 or Scout Hut Ballinger War Memorial Hall If you have difficulty getting to your The Lee Parish Hall Committee ’phone Anne Barnett on 837796 Bookings: Jane Ogden, 837379 Bookings: Anne Barnett, 837796 doctor or the hospital, doing your Ballinger Evening W.I. Rates 9 am - 1 pm 6 pm - shopping or would like a home visit and Chairman: Tony Lea, 837237 2 pm - 6 pm midnight a friendly chat, then please ring: Contact: Frankie Little, 837659 [email protected] The Leeway Mon - Fri £30 or £10/hr £45 or £10/hr 01494 837177 Contact, 837177 Sat/Sun £12/hr £70 Lee Common C of E School Bank Holiday £12/hr £70 Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm. Sat: 10 am - School office, 837267 Vocal Lees 12 noon. Please give us reasonable notice Jeannette Batten, 837450 Car park only £10 of your requirement to help us organise it. [email protected] Crockery/cutlery £15 (hire outside the hall)