December 2007 & January 2008 KEEP A WELCOME IN Included in this issue… THE HILLTOPS Off to Africa Follow Fred Baxter on his Charity Bike Ride inutes after Angela and I moved and the adventures of Toby Thwaites as he into our Hilltop cottage 27 years sets out to conquer the world! Mago, a chap walked through our gate and said to me in a typical Bucks Yum yum… drawl, ‘I know you’. I looked back at the Our school children get their teeth into smiling, ruddy-cheeked face and replied ‘I healthy food. know you too’. It was Alan Brown and we Ghostly tales had played cricket against each other (if Strange goings on at The Black Horse. you play cricket against Alan, you tend to remember). I was from now destined to Cricket Club looks to the future play with Alan at H&CCC: and he still does Our colts get their just awards. his best to get local people to play, as well Are you inspired? as working harder than ever to keep the If not, Valerie Schuch may change your life! ground in tip top condition. Alan’s was not our only friendly A splendid century! welcome. The late Bert Gomm introduced Mrs Gobell’s special birthday celebration. me to the History Group. Near neighbours, Memorial Gates the Firths and the Yees, could not have John Farmer gives the background to the been more helpful. I like to think this new gates at Cholesbury Church. courtesy is extended to all newcomers to the Hilltop Villages, and that they may join Our regular features the many and various clubs and societies Nature’s all black and white to Chris Brown. we have to offer. Jim Hetherington delves into the lives of Which reminds me: when in 1985 I was our local mice. asked to produce the cricket club’s Our Curvaceous Cook serves up a double centenary brochure, part of this was to treat for Christmas. research and write the club’s history. What …plus all the news from our churches, stood out to me was that, in the 1950s, the clubs, council and societies. Hilltop Villages had two cricket clubs (H&C and St.Leonards), two football clubs should like to say how much I (Cholesbury and St.Leonards), a tennis and appreciate the help and support I a bowls club. Only H&CCC remains on the Ihave received from neighbours and sporting front, but other clubs and societies friends since my return home from (all represented in Hilltop News) are also hospital last May. ‘Getting going’ again thriving and these help make our Hilltop has been made so much easier and I am Villages so special. now taking short walks up and down the lane. Writing however, still takes a Happy Christmas! long time and therefore I shall not be Graham Lincoln able to send local Christmas cards this year. However, I should like to wish everyone in the Hilltops a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. Daughne Driver Buckland Common

Hilltop News 3 ghost is usually friendly. Since he has been picnic tables for outdoor dining or seen in the bar area, staff bedrooms and socialising. The garden and patio are out of kitchen doorway, she has concluded that he sight at the rear with tranquil views up the has been pleading for attention. Whenever vale toward the hills above. For those who he has been present he has appeared in very suffer from Crackberry type addictions, free dark clothing. An unidentified visitor to the internet access is available. inn claimed that he had been raised there as Food service is an important part of what a child. He confided that previous residents The Black Horse has to offer. It is a rolling have handed down the legend that this menu of traditional English cuisine. There highwayman was having an affair with an are always pies that are homemade in their incumbent landlady hundreds of years ago. kitchen from ingredients whose provenance After he was caught, he was shot to death. is known to them. Vegetarians should be Nevertheless, he may never have been far pleased by the several options available to away since. them at any time. With a full time kitchen * * * staff of three including a chef, the inn serves Janet and Mick have been very effective lunch and dinner seven days a week. in tastefully creating a clean and cheerful Since the Black Horse was previously a interior décor with a fascinating display of Benskins property, it is now owned by Punch their collections of plates including local Taverns, and the landlords are leaseholders. commemorative series and many horse Their policy is always to offer a choice of at LOCAL AND GHOSTLY Given its age and the constant flow of brasses. Their effort has extended to the least three real ales at any one time with a inn trade traffic, there has been ample exterior of the inn where the walls, signage fourth frequently available. A good opportunity to acquire the presence of and flowering hanging baskets have all selection of wines is available by the glass. THE BLACK HORSE INN, ghostly spirits. And so it is that there are been renewed. Looking forward to milder Bill Ingram 758258 THE VALE two visiting ghosts or spirits according to a weather, there is an ample garden with 1999 report that was written following an With the return of Janet and Mick Goodchild inspection visit by The Ghost Club Society. as our hosts at The Black Horse Inn a year One is an old lady about five feet tall with a ago, the Hilltop Villages can now boast that hunched back wearing a white house bonnet and displaying prominent white we have four first class pubs with loads of cuffs. She resides in one of the first floor atmosphere and all with good food and bedrooms. The second spirit is that of a drink selections. Happily for us denizens of coachman or footpad who frequents the the Chiltern peaks, each has a distinctly bar. A psychic has portrayed him as a tassel haired youth named James. His likeness is on different character which can lend variety to view beside the fireplace. These spirits are our outings. only casual visitors who make sure the building remains at rest. The inn is said to t over 500 years old, the Black Horse is achieve its friendly atmosphere as a result of said to be the oldest inn in the Chilterns. their guardianship. The original core of the structure is A The Ghost Club Society had conducted an bounded on the south end by a deep inglenook inspection following persistent reports of a fireplace which is the focus of the main bar area. ghostly highwayman who appears from The inn’s accommodation rooms were above the time to time after last orders. He seems to entrance and bar. Over time and in stages, the be a touchy sort of character who opens building has been extended in three directions then slams doors and throws objects about. to provide dining and kitchen areas as well as a A previous landlady of the Black Horse, Lyn residence on the first floor. Hawkes, has been quoted as saying that this

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 numbers that come to the common on FUTURE LOOKING Thursday evenings throughout the summer, BRIGHT FOR CRICKET this help is vital. Our thriving colts section is CURVACEOUS COOK CLUB now beginning to produce boys who are I asked my neighbour in the office, capable of stepping up into the senior teams Gail, for a different recipe for Hawridge & Cholesbury bade farewell to the and improving the overall standard of the Christmas, and this is what she club. Mid Bucks Cricket League (having been serves for non-Christmas-pud- The award for the Under 12 batsman-of- loving Christmas dinner eaters. members since 1993) and look forward to a the-year went to George Haggerty, and the Looks seriously celebratory! new challenge next season in the Chilterns bowling award to Jonty Wager-Leigh. Under Gail’s Spiced Christmas Fruit Salad League. 14 batsman-of-the-year was Gary Emery and bowler Jonathan Channer. The overall colt-of- 4 comice pears peeled he Saturday First the-year prize was awarded to William Jones. and cut into chunks XI couldn’t quite A special achievement award went to young 4oz dried ready to eat apricots Tmatch the Ben Marsden. (halved) previous season’s height Here’s to a bright future for Hawridge & 4oz white seedless grapes (champions!) but Fourteen year-old William Jones (wearing new Cholesbury Cricket Club. 8fl.oz dry red wine finished as creditable club cap) accepting his award for ‘colt-of-the- Graham Lincoln, Secretary, Hawridge & 3oz dried cherries runners-up. Oh, but for year’ from Club Chairman Tony Smith. Cholesbury Cricket Club 758449 the rain! Five matches Zest and chopped flesh of large were rained off, navel orange and its juice including one vital 1 cinnamon stick weekend when the 2fl.oz honey eventual champions, Widmer End, played and 2fl.oz ruby port achieved maximum points when all other matches that Bring all ingredients (except port) day were cancelled. That was the difference. During the to the boil. season, of 18 league matches played we won 10, lost 2, Simmer for 20 minutes drew 1, gaining 305 points, 17 behind the winners. Add port and simmer for The Saturday Second XI finished sixth in further 10 minutes Division 3, an improvement on the previous season, having won 3, lost 5, drawn 2, with 6 Will keep in the fridge games rained off. for several days. The club held its awards evening in Lulu Stephen October. Despite competing with the England v France rugby World Cup semi-final, it was bellingdon@hotmail.com well attended. The player-of-the-year award Jonathan Channer receives his bowler-of-the- for the Saturday First XI went to Adris year award. Ahmed, for his excellent bowling: left arm, very quick with an awkward swing when the batsman Nick Jones and overall player-of-the- conditions are right. Adris is still only 18 and year was Edward Knight. Each winner he will get even better. Second XI award received a club cap, proudly emblazoned winner was James Cath, this time primarily with the club crest, as well as a trophy. for his batting: he achieved the League This evening was also special for the Division 3 top score of 103 not out. Again, Hawridge & Cholesbury Colts, the future of James is a young man with his best years, no our cricket club. Colts manager Neil Jones doubt, still to come. The Sunday team, which acknowledged the help given to training our plays friendly matches, shared three awards. youngsters by Matt Stay, Digger Reading and Best bowler award went to Mick Channer, Sue and Guy Williams. Given the large

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 CHOLESBURY CUM ST LEONARDS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY NEWS he Society’s final event of the year was the AGM and supper with quiz, Twhich was held at Cholesbury Village Hall on Friday 09 November. Around 60 Our first event of 2008 will be a talk RECYCLE WITH offered. You can place a ‘wanted’ message. people attended what was a most convivial from Edwina Roberts of the Hertfordshire It is acceptable for someone to take evening. The brief AGM took place before branch of the National Gardens Scheme on FREECYCLE something and then sell it, so long as this is ‘The NGS and Hertfordshire Gardens’ . the meal and Charles Firth was welcomed I’ve always felt uncomfortable when made clear at the time and the offerer to the committee. Charles has kindly The talk will take place on Friday 14 agrees. putting perfectly good stuff on the tip – agreed to take on the role of Treasurer for March , and will be accompanied by cheese To join a group, log onto ‘ Freecycle.org ’ the next year. We were delighted to re- and wine. Notices will be issued in the usual TVs and other working electrical items, and click ‘Browse groups’. If you then click elect John Garner as the Society’s way nearer to the event but make a note in surplus furniture, etc – because they are onto the South East you will find a list of Chairman. Without the effort and hard your new diaries now! Those who attended unsaleable and nobody seems to want groups which includes Chiltern District, work of John and Diana the Society would the AGM on November 9th will have heard High Wycombe and Aylesbury. not definitely not be as successful as it is. that Edwina was inspired to give this talk by them. So I was delighted to find the Berkhamsted comes under the East! Joining A reminder - if you have not yet a request from the Society and that, thanks Freecycle website. is simple – you have to set up a Yahoo e- renewed your annual subscription this can to Cholesbury cum St Leonards Horticultural mail address and be approved by the reecycle was started in America in 2003 be done by contacting Diana Garner on Society, the NGS is now considering moderator. and now claims to have over 4,000 758347. We were pleased to welcome some preparing similar talks on a national basis. I have joined Chiltern District and an groups worldwide each made up of new members to the society this year, some Other events for 2008 will include an F unwanted electrical item has found a new people in a particular area. It is about of whom did well at this year’s show, so afternoon open garden with teas, an home. The group appears to generate people giving and getting unwanted items others among you, who are not already evening garden visit for members and, of about 25 messages a day, and the number so that they are reused and don’t go into members, may wish to consider joining. course, the annual show. Be sure to order is increasing. However, you can elect to landfill. It is free to join, non-profit Membership costs only £2 and benefits your seed catalogues to while away those receive only the daily digest, or no making, and each group has a volunteer include the members-only summer evening winter evenings selecting treasures for next messages at all (except general ones from moderator who controls the group site. garden visit, reduced charges for your show year, when we can only hope that spring the moderator which apparently are rare). There are some basic rules. Everything entries and discount at several local garden will be spring and summer will indeed be You can, of course, go to the website and offered must be free (and legal) - if you centres. Members are reminded to take summer! do searches. want to trade, go to e-Bay! Freecycle must their membership cards with them for Anne Brown 758890 not be used to advertise businesses and Fletcher Nicholson identification purposes when making Hort Soc Committee certain items, including pets, cannot be 758366 purchases from these nurseries. (http://www.cholesbury.com/hortsoc.htm)

8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 MRS GOBELL’S 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. n 23rd September, Mrs Lisa Gobell celebrated her 100th birthday at Oher home, The New House at Hengrove, Chivery, with family, friends and former pupils of the school, which she and her late husband, Alfred, established in 1947 to meet the needs of children with behaviour and learning problems. Mrs Gobell’s inspiration for their school was with mainstream schooling. Their success from a German book called ‘The House in was soon recognised and places at the Sun’ in which there are beautiful Hengrove School, where they moved in illustrations of children enjoying a happy 1951, were eagerly sought by many local home life and many and varied physical education authorities, looking for activities; together with her conviction that alternative school placements for such life skills. The Gobells were vegetarian and Hengrove was built about 1910 and its that is what children deserved. children. many local people remember visits to the architect was Morley Horder, who was an Mrs Gobell's home occupies part of the The school catered for up to 36 students school when they were taken around the associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its beautiful grounds of Hengrove, on the road from St from under 10 years old to school leaving gardens, which Edward Newmark described front facade is a copy of one of Lutyens’ Leonards to Aston Clinton, where their age and beyond. There they received group as “a cornucopia of vegetables grown buildings. In the 1960's the Gobells built an school was situated. or individual counselling, where necessary, organically”. Local visitors were also invited annexe in the grounds of Hengrove for According to Terry Jackson, a former with the celebrated, local paediatrician and to attend performances of the children's staff and pupils, and this is where Mrs. pupil, whilst Lisa is frail, her mind is as pioneer of child psychology and concerts, plays and exhibitions. Gobell now lives. sharp as ever. With the help of her son, psychotherapy, Dr Margaret Lowenfeld in The students were encouraged to take Another cottage in the grounds is Alexander, she has just finished editing the attendance. The school was originally co- part in a wide variety of activities outside believed to have been the original original version of the book which she educational but catered for girls only, of school, such as using local sporting Hengrove, probably built in the 16th or wrote after her retirement, entitled because of governmental restrictions, from facilities and, when they could reliably do 17th centuries, which was formerly 'Hengrove, The House in the Sun', for a the 1960s. so, they were given responsibilities in the thatched and was, at one time, one of second edition. This has now been The children were taught in small classes running of the school. Many have gone on many ‘inns’ in the area that served drinks published online at the website of six to eight pupils and followed the to take responsible positions in society. to travellers along the Ridgeway at the http://hengrove.thisweek.co.uk. Further National Curriculum, with special emphasis After Mr Gobell's death in 1972, Mrs highest point between Tring and work is soon to be done on the website as on literacy and numeracy; creative arts; and Gobell continued to run the school until Wendover. part of a project to re-unite pupils who she retired in 1979, with the help of her attended the school between 1951 and son, Alexander, and Ilse who had joined 1997. Many former pupils have expressed the school in 1951. Alexander describes Ilse their appreciation for the help they as Lisa’s right hand assistant and she received at Hengrove and the skills that fulfilled many roles in the school including they learned there. acting as matron. Ilse is now Lisa’s devoted Mr and Mrs Gobell and their family companion at The New House. came to England from Germany in the late Sadly, the school closed in 1997 when 1930s and, before opening their school at Alexander retired, but its success in Hengrove, Alfred taught languages in providing a new beginning for so many London. They later ran a small school (Red students is a tribute to the work of the Lodge) in Tring for children unable to cope Gobells.

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 Company ‘Hallmark of Quality’ which had THE COUNTY COUNCIL relied on its SatNav equipment and become he wonderful clear stuck in Beamond End Lane, together with days of autumn have a large quantity of fly-tipping. I do hope Tnow given way to you will contact me if you encounter shorter days and colder problems of this sort. nights and living on top of The County Council expects to retain the the hill we are all more four stars awarded last November for top aware of the frosty quality services and performance, ‘offering weather. Once again we have had excellent value for money’. The discussions about the County’s winter Government’s Comprehensive Spending gritting programme and I have spoken out Review, ‘Meeting the Aspirations of the forcefully about the expectations of local British People’, sets out its spending review residents. for the next three years. This will continue Some of you will have seen my letters to the drive for even better value services the Press expressing concern about the delivering at least 3% net, cash-releasing knock-on effect on the Chiltern AONB from value for money savings per year across the Government’s plans to build 9300 central and local government. houses south of Aylesbury. This changes the I was delighted to contribute towards stakes considerably from building them the replacement of the exterior doors at north of the town. It suggests that the rear of St Leonard’s Parish Hall through without investment in infrastructure to the Community Leader’s Fund. This fund entice quality employment to Aylesbury, enables me to make a small but vital these new residents will join the 60,000 contribution to projects in the community people who already commute out of the and your future ideas would be welcome. county each day to work and put extra The festive season will soon be here and strain on our roads and railway system. The may I wish everyone a very happy A413 is a particular concern. No one wants Christmas and New Year. Please contact me a new super-highway through the if I can support your views or concerns at Chilterns, but how could the present road County Hall. Are you looking at cope with the influx of more heavy traffic? Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 Aylesbury Vale District Council believes that your options? by co-operating with Government they will CHOLESBURY VILLAGE HALL If you’d like to find out about a way of… get the maximum investment and the ST LEONARDS PARISH HALL County Council is determined to see local Attractive period hall with good modern • working for yourself with flexible hours Available for all types of events, parties facilities available for hire • doing something you enjoy villages retain their identity. None of this is and meetings, large field, children’s play Local organisations £5 per hour • being with positive people perfect, and we understand that to area and convenient parking accommodate every new person arriving in Local private bookings & local • helping others & helping yourself Local organisations £5 per hour Britain for work from now on a further 260 fundraising/events from £7 per hour • taking care of your health naturally • with lots of training & support new houses would be needed each and Local private bookings & local fundraising/events from £7 per hour Private parties from £10 per hour every day! We must express our concern for …then please give me a call. Special rates available for future generations in Buckinghamshire. Discos & other bookings from £9.50 per hour all day functions. It would be my pleasure to share a business I love with Last week whilst I was out and about you, so that you can see if there is something in it for you For more details, please call the looking at the roads in Chiltern Ridges Special rates available for all day Suitable for any age or background, whatever kind of functions, weddings, camping etc. Bookings Secretary on 01494 758334 income you are looking for Division you might be interested to know that I came a across a large juggernaut For more details, please call the Look forward to hearing from you…Valerie belonging to The Walsall Wheelbarrow Bookings Secretary on 01494 758341 01494 757197 or 07946 423251

12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 We get on the road in the New Year on LOCAL HISTORY 4th January with the Archaeology of the W.H.A UphoUpholsterylstery GROUP A41 when Robert Masefield, who was the RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALIST archaeological consultant for the The Programme for Winter 2007-8 IN excavations, will take us on a journey ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE through some of the early history that has How do you explore ALSO LOOSE COVERS been revealed. the local area and A trip to the movies is our treat for the Free Estimates No Obligation learn something new meeting on February 1st when Clive Foxell 01494 862821 (Day) about its history will be directing and starring in his own production - The History of Technicolor . 01628 521210 (Evenings) without catching cold The venue for all these meetings is St 21 Haleacre Workshop, Watchet Lane Little Kingshill, Great Missenden. HP16 0DR or getting your feet Leonards Parish Hall, and they start at 8.00 wet……? The worst kept secret in the for 8.15pm. Annual membership, which provides free Hilltop villages - join us on the first Friday of entry to our evening meetings as well as a the month for our evening talks. copy of our Newsletter, is great value at just Do you need help with n 7th December , we welcome back £6 per annum. Visitors are welcome at all your a good friend of the Local History meetings for just £2 paid at the door. For Maths or Physics OGroup, Wendy Austin who has been further information please contact Sylvia at GCSE or A level? a frequent speaker about the Rothschild Watson on 758914. Experienced and Patient Tutor family and has once again been digging into Chris Brown 758890 Competitive rates history with the story of Tring Gardens - Then and Now . Call Isobel Clark 758987 email : [email protected]

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 The December minutes also show £30- enquiries to many companies and I am 15-0 paid to Mr.W.Bishop for Gates and £1- grateful to John Garner for his advice on 10-0 for a bronze plaque. Over £20 was this specialist task. In the end a local spent on other repairs including a “Lamp company ‘The Gatemakers’ from Buckland near the Entrance Gate”. Whatever Village was given the work to make the happened to that Lamp? gates and install them. The gates are on The exact date when the gates were Church property and within the boundary installed is not known but we can speculate of the Iron Age Fort and permission was Armistice Day in 1922. Parish records, required from both Church and State. The faithfully reported by the Rev.J.A.Walker, final authority was English Heritage who show who were the first to pass through were strict but helpful and clearly the gates for their great occasions. committed to our heritage. Baptism on 23rd January : Eric We received three generous offers to Gordon Wingrove son of William and Ivy Grace. William was a painter and the family lived in Chesham. Marriage on 23rd December : William Harry Plested a woodworker of Chesham and Eva Elizabeth Gomm of In with the new Cholesbury. Both tenon construction. The former iron fathers are reported as CHOLESBURY furnishings have been retained wherever bootmakers. CHURCHYARD practical. Burial on 1st The gates are a memorial to those who February : Emily Ann MEMORIAL GATES served during the First World War. We still Gilbert aged 84 of 100, have the Cholesbury PCC Minute Book During October new gates and posts were Bierton Road, Aylesbury. dating from 1922 when the War was a The next reference in installed at the entrance to Cholesbury recent memory. The provision of gates is the Minutes to the churchyard. Whether you are going to Holy first recorded on August 25th 1922 and at gates was on April 29th Communion or walking the dog, rambling the same time reference is made to a 1947 and simply says Prisoners of War Fund. By September 15th “Gates want oiling etc”. with the family or a Duke of Edinburgh’s Out with the old the minutes report a Cholesbury Church In 1997 the gates student the entrance is as good as at War Memorial account. On December 8th were in need of repair and Evelyn Money help pay for the gates and the PCC is most anytime since 1922. we are told of a List of Subscriptions for and Mike Scarrott tackled the work. They grateful to all three parishioners as Church memorial gates. The money mounts up: brought in a carpenter who fitted new funds are inadequate for the considerable or the technically minded, the gates wood and also obtained replacement expenditure. We accepted the offer from are made of furniture grade oak that Prisoners of War Fund ...... £15–10 -4 ironwork while being careful not to alter Anne Byrne and the restoration becomes a has been air-dried for at least twelve Cholesbury Church F the gate design. But rotting of the timber memorial to Mike Byrne who died last year. years and then kiln dried. Both gates have War Memorial Fund ...... £10–12- 0 continued and recently a hinge broke Thank you, Anne, and we look forward to curved heels on their stiles. The posts are Subscriptions ...... £15-19 -6 leaving us with no alternative but a sharing the rededication of the gates with green oak and have Rothschild heads. The “Price” of material complete replacement. your friends and family. gates follow exactly the design of the of old gates ...... £1– 0 –0 The saga began in April last year with John Farmer originals installed in 1922 with mortise and £43 –1 -10

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 somehow by an invisible elastic thread as WHAT’S BLACK AND they noisily process from tree to tree in WHITE BUT READ ALL search of invertebrates and occasionally OVER? seeds and wizened fruits that remain ‘in situ’. Meanwhile great spotted Looking back at September and October’s woodpeckers monochrome save a red punk ‘Mohican’ frequent our peanuts. weather we see a shift from cooler, wetter The lapwing is one of the more spring and summer weather patterns to a distinctive resident birds. Visually, with its milder, dryer autumn season. There was ‘brylcreemed’ crest and black and white little more than an inch of rain in the wings it makes a spectacular, synchronised, semaphore display when taking off en months of September and October and masse from a field. Audibly its high-pitched November has started in much the same piped call, as though the admiral of the way. The outlook for December and fleet was being signalled on board, provides one of its alternative names - January is for a mild winter with less Peewit. Although, sadly, there has been a rainfall than the average of the last ten decline in numbers, 42% since the years although perhaps a little wetter than seventies, there are moves underway to last winter. help with grants being provided to landowners and to farmers, for whom in ature’s autumn colours – the reds, return, it provides a service by removing yellows and browns have largely infestations of leatherjackets and given way to nature’s winter and its N flukeworms from sheep pasture. There are shades of black, white and grey. Take a stroll or even look out the window any records of one or two pairs nesting on bright morning around now and you arable land in St Leonards during the cannot fail to appreciate why artists favour 1990’s but none recently. If you are very this time of the year for those shafts of lucky, you may catch a glimpse between slanting ‘winter light’. The polarising of the autumn and spring of them en route light adds a distinctive quality to subjects between upland arable fields and the for painter or photographer alike. wetland areas around Tring. Everything in view, from an awe-inspiring Holly, a common occurrence in our landscape down to just a few blades of beech woods, is one of the few sources of frost-scarred grass seem to be magnified, bright colours at this time of year. It is their otherwise overlooked features now dioecious, i.e. separate male and female sharply in focus. bushes, with only the female bushes Spring and summer are the seasons resplendent with red berries. Our where perhaps the need to propagate is woodland once ran with pigs in the the chief driver of wildlife activity. Falling autumn and holly was nurtured as an temperatures and the shortening day impenetrable boundary, keeping the length condition wildlife to concentrate porcines in and poachers and predators their search for food over shortened out. Holly was also an important source of sessions and seek shelter for the majority of fuel. Only the younger leaves have thorns time. though - pointing alternatively up and Black and white long-tailed tits, despite downwards – and strengthened by that blush of reddish-pink they also display, thickening of the cell walls. The newer are unconcerned it seems by attracting leaves contain the most nutritious materials attention. Groups of 10-20 seem conjoined

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 for deer and have, through evolutionary In winter it may remain within its silken pressure, developed thorns to protect it cocoon or use empty snail shells sealed from overgrazing. The holly has further with silk. refined this evolutionary Any account of black and white is not reaction by progressively complete without mention of recycling the valuable badgers. Their name is derived reinforcements from from becheur, the older into the young French for leaves. ‘digger’. When Both black and available they white bryonies are have been ‘December’ plants, known to showy this month excavate up to but inconspicuous 200 earthworms in for most of the year, a single night. they creep through Badgers remain ***STOP PRESS*** STOP hedgerows. But active throughout the despite the name they winter although pregnant PRESS ***STOP PRESS*** are otherwise unrelated. females retreat to their setts in STOP PRESS*** Neither has leaves on January to give birth to their cubs. display this time of year but Time to suggest some more Hot off the press is the news of another the black variety furnishes red Christmas gifts, this time for successful evening in St Leonards Parish Hall berries and the white has pale scarlet children. First, the delightfully berries, is related to water melon and also titled ‘Under One Rock, Slugs, Bugs and n 10th November Dave Clarke and friends goes by the name of ‘English mandrake’. other Ughs’ by Anthony D. Fredericks or produced one of their best performances, Squirrels build their winter drays this ‘The Horrible Science Annual 2008’ by Nick Othat had everyone calling for more. From the time of year, visible in the crux of trees. We Arnold and Tony De Saulles. As an kitchen the SAS of Shirley Blomfield, Ann Horn and Sally are not, of course, blessed with red alternative, how about a subscription to Reynolds provided wonderful food completed by the superb squirrels in the Chilterns anymore but the ‘Buglife’ the charity for invertebrates pavlovas made by Ann, with cream generously supplied by grey squirrel which drove them out, does (www.buglife.org)? David Hawkes. occasionally sport a black variety and near As always looking forward to receiving The money raised will go towards the Extension Fund here is where the black melanic variety was your questions and comments. and Chairman, Michael Reynolds, announced that an appeal is going out to the communities of Buckland Common, introduced into Woburn Park at the end of [email protected] the 19th century, and they have spread Chivery and St Leonards, in whose along the Chilterns since then. care the hall is left, to enable the Ponds also reflect the winter scene, the work to commence in 2008. dark beneath the surface. Everything slows It was by local contributions in to a near stop during the cold period but 1937 that the hall was built and the carnivorous insects such as dragonfly after unsuccessful lottery bids this larvae do feed periodically. Another year, it is hoped that the shortfall invertebrate, the water spider, in summer needed may be found to enable rests up during the daytime in a bubble of the work to start next Spring. air it has gathered at the surface and Should you wish to make a pledge pulled down trapped in a silken web, to help with this ambition and do which is then spun in the water plants. not receive a letter directly, After dark it gathers around its hairy Michael will be very pleased to hear from you. He abdomen sufficient air to set off and hunt. can be contacted on 01494 758548.

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 letting us know if one of our number was TANZANIA WORLD missing, which thankfully wasn’t often. CHALLENGE 2007 Eventually though, with my final A level exams finished, I set about buying my final I would like to begin by thanking all those pieces of kit and the 14th July crept up who made my expedition possible. The quickly. We checked our own kit and Rose & Crown for a year’s employment, received the group equipment, such as tents, from World Challenge (the company Brigett and John Farmer for getting me through which our expedition was outside working with my hands, all those organised). Finally, we flew on Sunday who donated items for my Quiz- 15th, to Dar es Salaam via Dubai, the team barely containing their excitement. night/supper/auction evening back in Our first night’s accommodation was November, Matt Baker for his ‘volunteered’ pre-booked for us, along with transport quiz-mastering and all those who came there from the airport. World Challenge along to the event. had also booked our time on Mount Kilimanjaro. Other than that, it was up to he expedition really began way back, us to work within our daily budget for about 19 months ago when I was food, accommodation and transport. Tchosen out of 80 applicants to be part However, our first phase was the of a team of 18 to travel to Tanzania on a acclimatisation. We spent about a week World Challenge Expedition. From this camping in a school field in Lomwe, a small moment on, I had to think about raising village in the Northern Pare Mountains. the funds necessary to go, my fitness and With a phrase book in hand we had equipment as well as studying for my A difficulty communicating in the markets as levels. the village is very secluded, only the Saving most of the money I received for teachers and students speaking any English. Tanzania, especially in the main towns and easy with the final ascent, traversing Christmas and birthdays, I supplemented While in these mountains, we spent three cities, they have a fairly good grasp of through tropical rainforest, fenland and this with regular work at the Rose & Crown days hiking, through jungles and forests, English, previously being under English alpine desert, in thinning air and dropping and hosting the aforementioned Quiz- trying to strike up light conversation with rule, so I found that pretending to be temperatures. We began our final push for night at St. Leonard’s Village Hall. With a the locals as we passed, much to their French was a good way of being left alone. the summit at 00:15 on 28th July. The climb constant income, I lapsed somewhat in my amusement. However, the views were Other spoken foreign languages seem to was in surprisingly bright conditions preparations and forgot my objectives (I’m breathtaking, seeing mountains abruptly be almost non-existent. because the clear skies allowed the moon highly disorganised), also distracted by stop and turn into the flat plains that much Mt. Kilimanjaro was one of three parts and stars to illuminate our paths, and exams, I did not focus again until the of East Africa is known for. We could also of the trip that I was looking forward to lighting the lunar landscape in a spectral approach of the expedition. see the Tanzanian/Kenyan border, marked most of all, the others being the project way, casting eerie shadows. However, the However, the team’s training expedition by the shores of Lake Jipe. phase and experiencing a different culture. effects of altitude started to take their toll to Buxton in early 2007 helped us to With the acclimatisation phase over, we For the mountain, we took six days to get on the team, not to mention the refocus. One of the main safety aspects we bid farewell to Lomwe and the Northern up and down, with the descent being temperatures that were around -15ºC, learned was known as ‘The count-off’. We Pare Mountains and travelled West, considerably faster. At the end of each day which would rapidly freeze our water if assigned ourselves a number (done on the towards Moshi, where we would prepare of trekking, we stayed in wooden cabins not insulated in those glacial conditions. To build-up day for the actual expedition), for our trekking phase on Mount that were tight for space, but kept us from that end, and for convenience of carrying, I and simply said our number in the correct Kilimanjaro. Moshi came as quite a shock freezing. had gaffa-taped my platypus to my body. order. For Tanzania though, we learned it to most people, high prices (more than we We took the Marangu Route, taking us Don’t worry, for those that don’t know, a in Swahili, so not to scare the locals (as had budgeted for) and street vendors from the Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut, platypus is a collapsible water bottle. much) by shouting out in English. My hounding you, selling a range of items, then on to Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut and the On the mountain, there are two points number was ‘kumi-na-moja’, number 11. from safari trips to mass-produced art. In summit. The ascent was slow for the first to reach. First is Gilman’s Point at a height Count off simply served the purpose of few days of trekking, but comparatively of 5681m above sea level, then Uhuru

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 Peak, standing at a mighty 5895m. I undertaken by previous challengers around reached Gilman’s Point in time to see the the school and given a list of some that sunrise into the black sky, but was quickly they would like done. That evening, ushered on by the porters before I got too budget permitting, we looked at the list cold. At this point I was ready to give up. and decided upon providing the materials The challenge towards the end was largely for a new classroom ceiling, painting a mental, battling thoughts of going back, or toilet block and a classroom and to just stopping, but I pushed on. Past weary continue with laying the foundations for a muscles, headaches and queasiness, all basketball court. We spent a week at the effects of the altitude, to reach my goal, school working, leaving on the 9th of the summit, at about 8:00. It is a most August, having finished all the painting invigorating experience, reaching the and laying over two-thirds of the highest peak of the mountain. foundations, with the classroom ceiling To feel the warmth of the sun in the being finished just as we left. cold, to see it reflected off pure white Funding wasn’t the only challenge that glaciers, gave me enough energy to reach we faced. At the school the heat was often themselves out of bed to meet us at the top, standing next to the signpost difficult to work in, although it did rest of the time was spent lying on the 7:00am. The team was all clean and in fresh telling me that I had reached the top. It occasionally rain! Also, on the basketball beach. From our tents we could just roll clothes, except me in shorts, muddy shirt, was unfortunate though, as only 10 out of court we were warned to watch out for out onto the sand, but as a result many of walking boots, sun-hat and a beard. In fact, the team of 21 made it to the summit, and black mamba snakes and scorpions nesting us got quite badly sunburnt (including I was so different that I wasn’t initially one of the three leaders. among the rocks we were moving. Luckily myself) to the point that they glowed recognised! We returned the group kit to On our last day of descent our guides though, all we found was a small scorpion, bright red! World Challenge, gave a final count-off and porters gave us a performance of a a harmless lizard and lots of insects. After eating well for a couple of days and said our farewells. popular song whilst trekking. That was a The school was very friendly, with the (not having to put up with our own The expedition was challenging, but also very memorable moment, stepping outside students talking to us, and the staff even cooking) at the beach, it was time to return highly rewarding. It was an exhilarating, on a brisk morning to the sound of singing gave us lunch on our second day. On our to Dar es Salaam. We stayed at the first once in a lifetime experience, having to voices. Afterwards we returned to Moshi to last evening, they organised a disco for us night’s accommodation, the Safari Inn, save up the near £4000, all the while in full rest and organise our Safari trip. In the and the students. It was a lot of fun to see which seemed to bring a sense of closure time education. To go and experience a end, we decided on spending two days on the team dancing with the Tanzanian to the expedition. Trying to get there, completely different culture for a month, Safari, the first in Lake Manyara National students. We were even asked to show however, was a nightmare, with one of the living with a group of friends that you get Park and the second in Ngorongoro Crater. them a dance and unfortunately somebody bus drivers changing the price of the to know even more along the way, Over the course of the two days, we suggested a country barn dance. It was journey as soon as we boarded, and then undertaking both mental and physical spotted a wide variety of wildlife, including highly amusing for everyone involved. getting lost in the city. A final meal out challenges and supporting each other. all of the ‘Big Five’: elephants, leopards, The following morning we left for the was followed by sleep in preparation for The expedition was thoroughly water buffalo, lions and rhinoceroses. You final stage of our expedition, R&R. For this, the 12 hours of flying ahead of us. enjoyable. Highlights for me were reaching can tell when there is an interesting animal we travelled 6 hours by bus to the On the first flight back (the shorter one) the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, trying to around, because all the cars in the area Tanzanian coast. Here, we stayed at the I luckily got a window seat to see the view interact with the locals and speak their quickly make their way over in the hope of Peponi Beach Resort, encountering two next to the emergency exit, meaning a lot language and the work on the project getting a good view. The ‘Big Cats’ are other World Challenge Teams along the of leg room to stretch out and rest after a phase, not to forget seeing the ‘Big Five’ actually very lazy animals, lying down in way. Despite the possibility of huts, we long and hard expedition. However, it on safari. Tanzania is an amazing country the grass or under the bushes, yawning and decided upon camping (not sick of the wasn’t over yet. During that flight I lost my full of rich, diverse culture, variable sleeping! tents yet) for $1 each a night, while voice, and being leader for the day with no climates and it offers up many different With Safari over, we spent yet another budgeted for $10 each. With the rest of voice is no easy task. challenges for visitors. It is a country that I evening in Moshi, then set off for our the fund, after putting some aside for the Finally we touched down at Gatwick would definitely like to visit again, perhaps project phase where the team would do final accommodation, transport meals and Airport, on the 14th August, with the with the same team. work at Kifaru secondary school. On the tips, we spent an afternoon snorkelling in weary team being greeted by the waiting first day, we were shown the projects the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The friends and family, who had dragged Toby Thwaites

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 in this, which is well brought out in the New English Bible translation of this passage: `In all this remember how critical the moment is. It is time for you to wake out of sleep’. So to the Collect again: `Give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now… ‘ Suddenly it’s not the THE TIME IS NOW historical past or the unknown future that we bring to mind, but the immediate by The Revd. David Burgess present: now in the Vicarage at 9.00pm on Tuesday 30 th October 2007, or for you Almighty God, give us grace that we may wherever and whenever you may be cast away the works of darkness, and put reading this: it’s now that we are to cast away the works of darkness. upon us the armour of light, now in the time During the course of Advent we look of this mortal life, in which your son Jesus back to Christ’s earthly life and forward to Christ came to visit us in great humility, that his coming again, but we need to be wary in the last day, when he shall come again in of falling into the trap of having nothing going on in our present life. Something his glorious majesty, to judge both the living decisive happened in history; something and the dead, we may rise to the life decisive will happen beyond history; but immortal; through him who lives and reigns the risk is that nothing decisive happens with you and the Holy Ghost, now and for now. Unless we allow Christ to enter into our ever: Amen. (The Collect for Advent Sunday) hearts here and now – to visit us in great humility – the story of redemption fails to ecember 2 nd is the first Sunday in come alive for us, the work of redemption Advent this year, and Advent itself isn’t fulfilled in us, and Advent descends Dseems to be a season in a hurry. At again into one mad rush. one level, of course, we’re striving to get as So let this season be one where you cast much done as possible, to get everything away the works of darkness, whatever they done in fact, before Christmas descends may be for you, put upon the armour of upon us. We only have to go down to the light, which is God’s gift and His alone, and shops any time in December to appreciate in so doing let your preparation this. for the Christmas season focus But I wonder if we also appreciate the on the coming of Jesus Christ spiritual urgency of the season? You may in the world and into your know that much of the Advent Collect own life. draws on the words of St Paul: `Now it is high time to wake out of sleep, for now is Yours in Christ our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light.’ There is an enormous sense of urgency

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 28 Hilltop News Hilltop 29 ST LEONARDS Holy Baptism CHOLESBURY Liberty Scarlett Matthews 28th October 2007 Confirmation Bethany Isla Young 4th November 2007 Jacqueline Harriman 20th November 2007 Blair Alistair Strevens 18th November 2007

Blair Strevens christening Bethany Young daughter of Lauren and WE SEND DAVID OUR CONGRATULATIONS ON THE Bethany Young christening Graeme, baptised by David on 4th November. FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT as the bedrock of the Church of England and On 18th November Blair Strevens shared his ‘After ten years of being Priest in Charge, and after extensive discussion of the pastoral told us that we should pray; keep the faith; baptism with an enthusiastic group of organisation of all the deanery’s parishes, David has been given the Freehold and and continue evermore to draw the villages occasionally noisy friends! There was of course Incumbency of all four parishes. In practical day to day terms this makes no difference to and the church together. Hopefully, wonderful singing coming from the back the parishes, but it does grant more security and permanency to David’s position ’. something we all try to do. rows as David welcomed Laurie’s baby brother As a result of this extremely positive into the church. There are legal and historical reasons for the different status of Priest in Charge and meeting we have decided to hold a Small We send our love and congratulations to Incumbent which are too involved to be gone into in these two paragraphs. If you really Churches Forum twice a year to compare Claudia and Enzo d’Allessandro on the want to know, ask David! birth of their baby daughter, Aurelia. Claudia Room and as this was too good an notes and share experiences. The next (nee Phipps) and Enzo were married in St ST LEONARDS opportunity to miss, we invited the nine meeting will be in April. other small rural parishes in the Deanery to The Tea Parties held each month (on the Little Bears came to church to celebrate fourth Wednesday) are much enjoyed not th join us. It was a marvellous meeting and Harvest Festival on Tuesday 9 October. most interesting to compare notes with only by those who don’t get out as much as They contributed a most generous other churches very much in our position and they would like – we will collect you – but box of produce and home baking and were fantastic to hear the Bishop address our indeed by many of us who pause for an hour yet again enchanted to hear Virginia and her hopes and fears in a most constructive and to exchange news and views. Do come along ‘friend’ Charlie telling them about the helpful way. He reminded us, above all, that – 3 o’clock – and your age is of no sowing of seeds and the growth of new life. we were not to try and act as a large church consequence! th From small beginnings many things can when we were in fact small! He described us We will meet on Wednesday 28 grow! David led the service and together November as usual and on Wednesday with Clare Cox, their leader and her great December 19 th Joanna Strevens, whose band of support staff, we all learnt a new beautiful voice some of you will remember harvest song before the children sang their from both the Firework Concerts, is going to own song to us. On a rather wet autumn sing something ‘a little Christmassy’ for us day, they were happy to have a drink and for a few minutes in church before tea. St biscuits in the church room while we had the Leonards will be looking very festive – warm opportunity to talk to their parents and and candlelit and decorated simply with grandparents. A very happy and well- greenery – you are all most welcome. behaved bunch of Little Bears! Baptisms – It is, as always, a privilege to On Wednesday 10 th October, Bishop receive children into the church and we John – newly appointed as Bishop of Oxford welcome particularly Liberty Matthews, – spent the day in our Deanery. It was daughter of Elise and Jamie who was agreed he would have tea in the Church Little Bears baptized by Ivor on 28th October and

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 at 11.30pm . For those of you who enjoy the at 10 o’clock. A donation of 50p towards 30 th September, we were able to send peace of a more contemplative service, there church funds is always appreciated. £123.50 (plus Gift Aid) to the ShoeBox will be Holy Communion at 9am on Margaret and Joan Walton 758332 appeal. George Rivas, the local organizer for Christmas Morning followed by a true this charity, spoke movingly of the Family Christmas Service at 11am . David, CHOLESBURY continuing poverty in parts of Eastern ever mindful of the childrens’ presents and Europe. This is a very real situation – often the turkey, only asks for a few minutes of The new gates have at last been installed at described by the lorry drivers who deliver the your time on this very special day…and thirty the entrance to the Churchyard. It has taken Shoeboxes - and your contributions are five minutes later you can be on your way a long time and caused many parishioners to particularly appreciated at Christmas when it home! DO JOIN US – it’s a lovely service. wonder what was happening but I’m sure will often be all that children there receive. you will agree the result was well worth At our Giving Service on 25 th November , HAWRIDGE waiting for! you are yet again invited to fill shoeboxes The Church drive is popular with walkers and with gifts for children. nd Pets’ service Sunday 2 December – Christingle these handsome and well constructed gates Christmas events – Service at 3pm . (This will be the only service enhance the area enormously. (A full report th Leonards – and Claudia has been responsible Monday 17 December – Carol Singing this day). Do please come and join us and appears elsewhere in HN). We are very for the beautiful stained glass window in the around the village. More details later but help us to contribute to the work of the grateful to Anne Byrne who has given these Church Room. We look forward to meeting meanwhile do put the date in your diary and Children’s Society. Christingles which will be gates in memory of her husband, Mike, who them all at Christmas! charge your torch batteries! available for everyone are being made at Kay died last year. PCC – We are very grateful to Jill Green Sunday 23 rd December at 6pm – and Stephen Bass’ home on Sunday morning The new Bishop of Oxford is touring the and Helen Pert who have agreed to serve as Candlelit Carol Service. The Christmas story before the service. If you would like to help Diocese during this, his first year in office. He members of the St Leonards PCC. This makes will be told once again with readings and please come to Langdale, The Vale at 10am. came to Cholesbury for a brief visit on us a Committee of twelve in total, with music – mulled wine and mincepies Tuesday 18 th December – Carol Wednesday 10 th October and he couldn’t David as Chairman and Gavin as Vice- afterwards! Singing – meet at 7pm on the common have chosen a better day! Impressive flower Chairman. If you have any comments at any outside the Old School. We will be raising arrangements had been done at every Midnight Communion – Christmas Eve - time on any matter, please address the money for Save The Children Fund and you window for the recent Joint Service and we This is to be at St Laurence this year and Churchwardens, Anne Butterworth and Ann are most welcome to join us as we walk do thank Pauline Allum whose begins at 11.30pm. Do join us. Horn. We do listen! round the village singing carols at various ‘flower week’ it was. We would The Blessing of Pets Service held this year houses. like to take this opportunity to on Sunday 18th November was, as always, Monday 24 th December - Christmas thank Dorritt and her team who very well attended. Everyone behaved Eve Carol Service at 5.30pm. This is a real unfailingly decorate our little immaculately and the dogs were so family occasion and we look forward to Church. Their flowers are seen on mesmerized by David’s talk on love and care seeing you there. both Saturdays and Sundays as the and responsibility that they didn’t even think Tuesday 25 th December – Christmas Church remains unlocked most about eating the rabbits! (Or if they did they Day – Parish Communion at 10am. weekends. were too polite to show it). The church was Hawridge Church Walking Group. The The Bishop will have surely full of dogs and children as the Strevens December walk will be on Tuesday 4 th noticed the well tended family had brought Blair to be baptized. followed by lunch for those who would like it Churchyard and our thanks to the Because the children were not on leads, they at The White Lion at Marsworth (Startop). We eighteen families on the mowing tumbled about in the aisle…all just as it will meet at The White Lion at 10.30am for a rota who have kept the grass should be. walk round the canal and reservoirs. We can under control all year. After the Christmas Services We start the leave cars in their carpark and someone from ‘Autumn Tidy’ on Saturday 17 th Christmas season with our Carol Concert on the pub will be taking orders as we arrive! November we feel ready to sit back Sunday 16 th December at 6pm. The Anyone is welcome to join us. The walk is and relax a little till the Spring. Nativity – to which all children resident or about three miles and is taken at a leisurely Thank you to all those who visiting are most welcome – will be on pace. contributed. Christmas Eve, Monday 24 th December at The January walk will be on Tuesday At the Four Parishes Service on 3.30 pm followed by Midnight Communion 8th and we will meet at St Leonards Church

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 100 CLUB WINNERS October 2007 1st Prize £15 Mr J Phimester, Chivery 2nd prize £10 Mrs L Fox, St Leonards

November 2007 1st Prize £15 Mrs S Clarke, St Leonards 2nd Prize £10 Mrs K Dallas, St Leonards

New Members always welcome, please contact the Treasurer, Mick Mariscotti 837093

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 found a better supporter than Jean Paul, planned the route south well and we who is a keen tri-athlete and knew as well stayed on minor roads wherever possible. as anyone the pressure of relentless riding. Neither of us knew what to expect and did The second piece of luck was that not realise how mountainous Spain is. another friend had a graphic design Although the roads are straight and you company in Chesham which gave its time could see for miles, you could also see the and materials in cutting and fitting the next mountain range! On our second day logos we managed to sell. This enabled us in Spain we were at 1475 metres and red to sell the advertising space at a reasonable price. The support of everyone else was quite uplifting and we cannot thank them enough. Apart from one day of rain in the Pyrenees Mountains we were blessed with good weather. Saturday 15 September 2007 saw us and nine fellow cyclists depart from the Moor in Chesham bound for raising some money. Portsmouth, where we CYCLE TO AFRICA There were two of us undertaking the caught the overnight ferry to St Malo and Like all of these ideas, my mate Matt ride and as our time was limited we felt that we needed vehicle support, our friends returned by Kirby’s idea seemed a good one at 10.30pm particularly in the high Spanish plains after coach. Our route in the pub with the London Pride flowing. the Pyrenees, because we knew it was fairly planner Steve, known It was going to happen at the end of the isolated and would be hot. We also needed to all as Knowledge, got us to Portsmouth summer. Looking out of the window on a to get some long rides in as training. It is OK to do 100 miles day one and rest on entirely on quiet B cold, dark winter evening, this was a long day two, but this was going to be everyday roads. and white snow poles marked the road. We way off. for fourteen days, so we had to get saddle Western France through La Rochelle and travelled about 90 miles plus on most days, hardened. The logical way was to take a Bayonne was quiet, pretty and flat with which kept us on schedule, but we began f we were going to raise money for 4x4 vehicle with us as support and sell the good roads and friendly people: a 600-mile to dread going down-hill because we knew charity, Matt reasoned it had to be a bit vehicle’s panels to local companies as warm-up for Spain. The Pyrenees were that meant there would be more climbing different and a bike ride to Africa I advertising space. We did not want to push green and we thought that we had cracked to come. The ups and downs continued like seemed to fit the bill. St Francis Hospice the fundraising too much because people it after two 900 metre climbs before that until we reached the Sierra de Ronda had recently moved into wonderful new are getting rather charity weary and we crossing the Spanish border and swooping mountain range guarding the southern premises and we wanted to help them as did not want to pressurise the obvious down to the historic town of Pamplona. coast. We climbed up and past the tourist well as other charities, such as cancer targets: our friends. We were mistaken. village of Ronda before descending to research and myloma. We had two initial strokes of luck. Spain had excellent roads, smoothly Algeciras, where we caught the ferry to It was amazing how quickly the time Firstly, a friend volunteered to take three surfaced and straight. The country was Morocco. came around. Suddenly we were weeks weeks annual leave and act as our support dramatic with eagles fairly common in the We had visited the coastal areas, as have away and had to get some long rides in as driver/domestique. We could not have National Parks we went through. Matt had many people, but inland Spain is very training, get the logistics sorted and start

38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 different to the tourist regions. The HAWRIDGE & you, you might like to contact Oliver temperature was still about 30 degrees THE THURSDAY CLUB Parsons on 758694 or Isobel Clark on during the day, but so quiet. Even the main ur Christmas Party will be held on CHOLESBURY COMMONS 758987. If you provide them with your towns had a very different culture and 13th December at 7.30pm in St PRESERVATION SOCIETY email address, they can then send our people rarely spoke other than Spanish. OLeonards Village Hall when David regular emails informing you where and Most of the towns and villages are old and Clarke and Friends have again agreed to AGM when the working parties will be and picturesque, situated (for past defensive entertain us after supper. Contributions of ur AGM will be held on Wednesday whether there is to be a bonfire near to a reasons) on high ground with commanding food for the buffet supper will be greatly 5th December at Cholesbury horse ride. views of the surrounding country. The appreciated. A welcome drink will be Village Hall , starting at 8pm. After O Beech Tree down side of this was that we always faced served on arrival and a raffle will be held - the formal part of the meeting, wine and We were very grateful to David Burns for a stiff climb at the end of the day in search the evening’s charge is £2.00 for members cheese will be served and our guest speaker removing the dying beech tree opposite the of a hotel and restaurant, which were not and £2.50 for non-members. this year will be John Willson of Downley Old Smithy. Several local residents have common off the beaten track. Everyone is welcome to attend any of Common. All are welcome and we look received some of the logs and we hope that We reached the Mediterranean at the meetings of the Thursday Club as they forward to seeing you there. the large section of the trunk will be put to Algeciras on day fourteen: about 1300 are intended for all – we look forward to Draft AGM Minutes for 2006 are on good use either by wood turners or a miles from Chesham. After the obligatory seeing you there. website www.cholesbury.com/HCCPS. sculptor. Meanwhile we are sorry for any bottle of champagne, we found a hotel Our normal Winter Social will be held on Working Parties inconvenience caused whilst it continues to before catching the ferry to Tangiers the 17th January at 2.30pm. The working parties have started well with block the permissive ride. If you, or next morning. Brian and Anne Lake 01296 620169; a good turnout on each occasion and someone you know, needs logs please We disembarked from the ferry with our Violet Lovett 758775; Primrose and especially on 4th November when we had a contact Isobel on 758987. bikes and found Tangiers very different, Alan Langdon 01296 696092; strong contingent from the Hemel particularly the Casbah. At night it took Is this your tree? Joan Walton 758332 Hempstead Volunteers. This group has just some getting used to but it was certainly There is a young hawthorn, which has been celebrated its 25th Anniversary and, though exciting with the stalls and narrow streets. planted on the Common on the patch of we are unclear just how long they have After a couple of days relaxing by the sea ground between Parrott's Lane and Sandpit been coming to Hawridge and Cholesbury, we started the long drive back to the Hill. It seems to be about 5-6 years old and we believe that it is at least fifteen years. Channel and the end of the adventure. has a spiral guard around it and is staked. They have spent at least one day with us Many thanks to everyone who filled the Does anyone know who planted it and each year and have helped with all manner collection boxes in the Full Moon and Rose why? If you know anything that might of jobs from pond clearance to hedge and Crown. If anyone else wants to help us identify why it is there, please call laying - in this case clearing the blackthorn contribute to these charities, our web page Isobel Clark 758987. by Mermaid Cottage. Thank you to the is still open on www.justgiving.co.uk HH Volunteers and to all who have Annual Subscriptions Fred Baxter helped on the Commons. Subscriptions for 2008 fall due at the AGM. They remain at £7.50 per member and are Horse Riders payable to Mike Fletcher, Ivy Cottage, On one of the recent working parties a Cholesbury, Tring. Herts. HP23 6ND. passing rider was concerned since her horse doesn’t like bonfires. If this is a problem for Lindsay Griffin 758440

Working Parties for January Jan 13 Behind gorse patch beside cricket pitch. (GR 932072) Remove oak on corner of paths; fell small trees to push back woodland edge; regenerate gorse and throw seeds on other patch. Bonfire. Jan 27 Road edge opposite High View. (GR 943067) Cut back blackthorn/brambles to ride and allow regeneration; remove ash and sycamore near road opposite May Cottage. Bonfire.

40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 looking for and ultimately the reality we (that helps people make the most of whole range of options available. Once you ARE YOU INSPIRED BY get as a result. I started thinking differently themselves and life) and earn a great step out of conventional thinking and a HOW YOU ARE and a whole new world of options, income. conventional job mentality, I have found LIVING…? possibility and opportunity opened up Rather than feeling ‘stuck’ I started that you start to discover whole new ways before me. Life has got better and better ‘being’ very different – more open, of working and living. ….because there are often more choices as a result. positive, and focused on my ‘ideal I was able to build up my part-time I share this with you in the hope that it outcome’ of achieving both things that business with this company around my full- than you think may inspire you to open your mind and be were important to me. New things that time training job, until it was earning me receptive to new possibilities for you – so fitted with my way of looking at the world the same, and gave me the choice to give ave you ever felt stuck? At a that you may continue to find ways to love started coming into my awareness and life. up being ‘employed’ forever. This growing crossroads? Trapped between and enjoy life to the full. This new thinking made me feel different – income gave me the confidence and choice Hdifferent options that don’t feel So I made a conscious decision to think more hopeful and optimistic – and I was to go freelance with my personal completely right? That was me 9 years ago. differently. I started thinking that… …there now ‘programmed’ to look for and notice development consultancy and life coaching. I was doing work that I loved, but needed must be a way I can do the things I love different opportunities and ways of doing I now have the pleasure of working with more money. I felt stuck between different things. a range of large corporates running their options…either carry on doing what I love I soon came across an amazing business personal leadership programmes, soft skills My Background: and struggle financially, or do something Through challenging offering real quality of life to people all workshops and coaching their key people that would give me a great income but times in my mid-late over the world. The whole philosophy on a one-to-one basis. that I didn’t necessarily love and enjoy. teens I started to underpinning the organisation focuses on So today is a beautiful mix of doing I was working for a children’s charity question how and providing people with natural products for different things I love… building self-esteem in primary age why it is that some good health and a business that gives real • Working in natural health and well- children and encouraging healthy choices, people seem to be flexibility of time, money and lifestyle. The being, helping people be well then as a coach and training consultant able to make the company also provides masses of support, • Working with people who want to with a company which was driven more by most of themselves and life, and enjoy it to training, love and inspiration. In this develop special businesses for themselves ‘compassion’ than being ‘commercially’ the full, while other people sometimes hold environment, people have the freedom to in this field, helping others to do the themselves back or get stuck. I began to successful. In both cases I was doing work I develop businesses for themselves, which same consciously look at my beliefs and values and truly believed in, but not earning very started to ‘choose’ how I thought about life give them the lifestyle that is right for • Working with companies and much money. and the world around me. I spent time them, and that they can be proud of – by organisations to support them in I questioned whether I should give it up getting really clear on my own personal values sharing ‘goodness’ with other people. You inspiring and developing their people to and get a high-flying corporate job in HR – who I am, in terms of what I care about and are either helping people be well and be at their best, bring out the best in or personnel (which I was qualified to do). I my principles, and how I choose to live. healthy through natural products or others, and be successful at what matters would earn great money but potentially From that point on, I have simply become helping people build inspiring businesses to them compromise my values and settle for doing more and more in love with life – through all for themselves to help them achieve their • Working with people on an individual something that wasn’t inspiring and the ups and downs! It doesn’t mean that it is dreams. basis through coaching, supporting them meaningful every day. And yet, I didn’t always easy or ‘perfect’ but that I genuinely I now get to work with all sorts of in moving forward with whatever is most feel good about being alive and appreciate all want to settle for the lifestyle and financial different people, who are creating important to them and will make the the choices I have – which ultimately influence situation I was currently in either. I felt my experience of life and how I affect others. something special for themselves. There are greatest difference in their lives limited to an ‘either/or’ option. Since that time, the beginning of my own students building an income alongside It really is amazing what can happen when Because of my background in personal personal development journey, I have chosen their studies, parents creating flourishing you put your mind to it. development and life coaching, I realised to be involved with things that I believe help businesses from home around their Life is now full of quality time (for me that when we feel like we are stuck in others find their own way of loving life and children, executives developing new careers and others), amazing people, freedom and ‘either/or’ situations, there are usually making the most of it for themselves, given which get them out of the rat race and choice. I’m healthier than I’ve ever been many more choices and options available what they care about. This has meant that the give them a better quality of life, and older before and have the personal satisfaction than we might have considered. The gift last 14 years have been spent enjoying many people supplementing their pensions – of doing things that I believe in. There is we have, if we realise it, is to change our different aspects of personal development, having fun doing something worthwhile in more fun and play in life. Time to be with life coaching, and natural health and well- thinking or the way we are looking at the process. There is a whole range of my friends and their children, time to walk being – exploring with others how we can be something. This changes what we are happy, healthy and effective human beings! reasons why people get involved, and a in nature, read, think and be with the

42 Hilltop News Hilltop News 43 people I love. There is no real distinction change, what you share with the world between work and play – because I enjoy it changes, and so does what you get in CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST NEIGHBOURHOOD all. I feel truly blessed. return. LEONARDS W.I. WATCH And it all started by taking the time and Are you having the most helpful he WI year draws to a close with the ow that the clocks care to think about what’s important to me thoughts and feelings about you, life and Annual Meeting held in October. have been turned and get really clear on my ‘ideal outcomes’. where you’re at? Are you inspired by how This is always an occasion for looking back and the hours I had to open my mind and start asking you are living life at the moment? I do T N back on activities which have taken place of darkness increased, the myself how I could have this ‘AND’ this, believe we can change our experience of over the past twelve months and Sue Scott, police offer the following rather than limiting myself to ‘either/or’ life from the inside out. And there are in her Secretary’s Report, certainly made advice to help you avoid options. I then had to stay open and usually more choices open to us than we this year seem extremely lively, as indeed it becoming a victim of crime. positive to see and receive new ideas, originally might think! was. Perhaps this is further reflected in Trim overgrown trees and hedges that opportunities and experiences. Now I do I am so happy to have a conversation the rise in membership and if you make obscure lighting or might hide a burglar my best to continue developing the skills and share any/all of this with anyone who 2008 the year in which you also join us, you from your neighbours or passers-by. and abilities, over time, to help me achieve would like to find out more and explore it will certainly find fun and friendship. Our If you are going to be out all day, set my goals and help others achieve theirs. further with me. I am always looking for Christmas Party meeting in December is for indoor lights on timer switches to come on It takes faith and courage to believe in great people to work with, to develop present members and invited guests but at dusk to give the impression someone is your ideals and what’s possible, rather than exciting futures together, and share the January’s meeting is open to all – would at home - though lighted windows with focus on what’s not as great as it could be. adventure of life! you like to know more about the open curtains could also invite closer Sometimes we all need a little help and If you feel like contacting me to explore disappearance of Glenn Miller in 1944? inspection and indicate that no-one is at encouragement to have faith in our ideals any of these options I have mentioned for Come along and find out on Monday 21st home! and follow what inspires us. This is the yourself I would love to hear from you. January , 8pm in St Leonards Parish Hall. Put your postcode on electrical goods essence of all my work and life. If I truly wish you every happiness. Carol was re-elected as our President and with an ultra violet pen or permanent something could be better, change how Valerie Schuch would be happy to give you more marker and make an inventory of these you think about and look at it and 757197 information about our meetings if you ring items, including brand names and serial everything changes about you. When you her on 758435. numbers. Did you know that you can also register all mobile equipment such as cameras and iPods on the national database www.immobilise.com The police have access to this database allowing stolen items to be returned to their owners. Finally, ensure all your external windows and locks are secure, and fit additional locks where necessary. Shirley Blomfield 758314

44 Hilltop News Hilltop News 45 schools across Bucks. The ‘flushbunking’ winning story entitled ‘My Special Place’ secured us the prize of a free trip to the Great Missenden Roald Dahl museum for a group of pupils. The winning work was also published in the Bucks Examiner. Then something rather strange occurred in the form of a large group of Celts and Romans in the playground (all aged about 7-8 years old). Class 3 (including their teacher, Miss Frederiksen) had turned up in full costume and were joined by some similarly robed re-enactment characters who helped the children step back in time to see how these peoples lived, ate and worked. Apparently nettles were on the menu that day (…is that part of healthy eating week, I wonder?) So, now we prepare for the rest of term. Nativities, carols and Christmas parties. A term of glitter and fun (and probably a little more glitter). Rest assured we will tell of Class 6 in aid of Macmillan Cancer all in the next issue! HAWRIDGE AND Support. The children did themselves CHOLESBURY SCHOOL proud with their tea and coffee making Kay Bass and raised an impressive total of over £350! Hawridge & Cholesbury School Yum Yum … Healthy lunches… Our Year 6’s are obviously on a roll with n September the school embarked on a their successes as we were delighted to find healthy eating fortnight, part of an that last year’s class had taken first prize in Iongoing programme to teach the value a Roald Dahl writing competition run for of a varied, healthy diet. Themed days were arranged when the children wore bright ‘fruit-coloured’ items of clothing and brought in the same coloured fruits and vegetables to share and taste. Local children’s cooking company Cookies led cookery lessons for all the classes, despatching everyone home with tasty treats and recipes ideas. Waitrose kindly agreed to help by donating many of the ingredients and we also had sponsorship from Darvell and Sons Bakers. Our thanks to them, to Cookies and to all those who volunteered their time to help with the project. Later in the month, we had a very successful coffee morning run extremely professionally (and politely) by the pupils

46 Hilltop News Hilltop News 47 Its ability to reproduce is legendary, about four litters a year of four or five dies down – moving into barns, straw MICE AND MEN exceeding that even of rabbits; one female young. Food includes berries, nuts, seeds, stacks or hollow trees. As the mouse is As the days draw in and temperatures can have up to ten litters a year each of shoots, bulbs and insects. If food runs short, active both by day and night, predators five to ten young – and young females are the creature can go into a torpid state akin abound; life expectancy for this tiny rodent drop, some of our Hilltop mice head for the ready to reproduce after only six weeks! to hibernation to conserve energy. The is measured in months rather than years. shelter of our homes and outbuildings. The Though its food preference is for cereals mouse ventures out only at night where it During the 2001 Wimbledon mouse has been closely associated with and fats, it will consume a very wide is preyed upon by owls and cats. Few tournament, the All England Club variety of substances including soap, survive from one summer to the next and contributed 350 used tennis balls to the humans for thousands of years, originating plaster, glue and plastic insulation stripped average life span is around 18 months. Wildlife Trust with which to create artificial with man in Asia and it was common in from electric cable! The mouse’s habit of The slightly larger Yellow-necked Mouse nests for harvest mice. With suitable access ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. With the defecating fifty times a day makes it a is easily confused, visually, with the wood holes drilled on each side and attached to exception of man, the mouse is now more menace, especially in corn mills where it mouse and it shares much stakes driven into the contaminates more grain than it consumes. of its behaviour and ground, the balls widely distributed than any other mammal The house mouse is mainly nocturnal characteristics. Given this, offered instant shelter in the world. but darkness is no problem because of its it is difficult to to the tiny animals. Mice can generally be differentiated excellent night vision and exceptional understand why this With its pointed from voles and shrews by their pointed hearing; its large ears can be swivelled mouse is only found in face, big black eyes, faces, big eyes and prominent ears round independently like radar dishes to some parts of southern rounded ears and (designed for pick up faint sounds England. As the name luxuriant whiskers, orientation and early Average life span is implies, it has a distinct the Common (or warning of danger in about 18 months; yellow collar. Hazel) Dormouse is the dark) and by a long numbers in the open Then there is the one of Britain’s most thin tail that is usually are kept down by cats, better known Harvest appealing animals longer than the body. weasels, foxes, kestrels Mouse, one of the world’s immortalised by the In our locality we can and owls. In the relative smallest rodents weighing Mad Hatter’s Tea come across five shelter of dwellings and less than a 2p coin! Its Party. It spends more different members of farm buildings, numbers gold brown colour is than half its life the mouse family. can reach amazing quite different from the Dormouse asleep. Its sandy The first to come to levels. predominant grey of yellow fur and long mind is the ubiquitous The Wood (or Long- other mice. Its clearest distinguishing bushy tail make it impossible to confuse House Mouse which has legged Field) Mouse is feature is its long prehensile tail used as a with an ‘ordinary’ mouse. But it is not colonised most of the probably the most fifth leg serving as a brake or anchor. This often observed as it is secretive and world where it inhabits widespread British helps to make it an exceptionally agile ventures out only at night during those almost any form of mammal and altogether climber, curling its tail round a twig or long few months when it is not asleep! In recent Yellowneck shelter created by man; a much more appealing stalk. The harvest mouse is a great builder years, numbers have declined and its range but it is also common in creature. Compared of nests; those intended for breeding are a has contracted; it is now confined to hedgerows and open with the house mouse, complex woven structure in the shape of a southern England. country during the warmer months. About it is slightly longer in ball about 10cm in diameter suspended up Dormice live in woodland and, in 85mm long with a scaly tail of about the body (95mm) with a long thin tail. It also to metre above the ground. The mouse has summer, spend almost all their time in trees same length, the house mouse is very has larger ears, eyes and hind feet, a about three litters a year (each in a and bushes. All four feet are prehensile; active, an agile jumper, climber and good browner back and a white belly. Because of different nest) of five young. Given that the animal can turn its hind feet swimmer. Its grey fur is greasy and the its long hind legs, it can move very fast – peak nesting time is August/September, the backwards, like a squirrel. This enables it to animal has a strong, unpleasant smell. Add sometimes like a kangaroo with its front world of the harvest mouse is prone to climb and jump with great agility, to run the fact that it taints its surroundings with legs tucked in! It is also a good climber. sudden and violent change; when corn is head first down tree trunks and to hang its black droppings and its urine to Wood mice dig their own burrow in harvested, its environment can be head down when feeding. understand why the house mouse is so which they spend daylight hours, nest and devastated in a day. Survivors shift their The dormouse leaves its nest about an unwelcome in our houses. store food supplies. The female produces ground and do so again when vegetation hour after sunset and spends the night

48 Hilltop News Hilltop News 49 foraging for food among the readers. Although about branches, climbing high into double the size of the YOUR FAVOURITE 8! the canopy. Just before common dormouse you will Following some of ‘My Eight Favourite Pieces of Music’, sought out by George Finlay and dawn, it returns to hole up have noted the great published in the previous Christmas edition of Hilltop News, back by popular request is for the day in an old bird’s similarities between the two. another selection… nest, squirrel drey or hollow A comparatively recent Chosen by Paddy Thomas tree. Food varies with the arrival – introduced into Nuages ...... Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelly season; autumn is the season Tring Park in 1902 – the My Funny Valentine ...... Frank Sinatra Two Sleepy People ...... Fats Waller of plenty – berries, fruit, nuts rodent has never spread, in Ave Verum ...... Mozart – during which the dormouse this country, beyond its The Romance from ‘The Gadfly’ ...... Shostakovich builds up its body fat before original Chiltern territory Dido’s Lament ...... Purcell Woodmouse La Mer ...... Charles Trenet hibernating in where the combination of What a Wonderful World ...... Louis Armstrong October/November. High protein hazel nuts beech woods and conifer plantations suited Chosen by Chris Brown are a favourite – hence its alternative them well – not to mention Hilltop homes Let It Be ...... Beatles Pictures at an Exhibition ...... Modest Mussorgsky name. The dormouse becomes earthbound in which many of them find comfortable 6th Symphony (Pastoral) ...... Beethoven and sleeps the winter away, rolled up winter lodgings! During the five active The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust ...... David Bowie tightly in a nest of woven bark or grass, months they cause much damage both Telstar ...... Tornadoes Paranoid ...... Black Sabbath covered with leaves or moss. Heart beat inside and out and keep many of us awake Dirty Work ...... Steely Dan and respiration slow down to one tenth of when returning at dawn from a rampaging Mars (Planets Suite) ...... Gustav Holst normal rates and scarcely any energy is night out. Chosen by Margaret Kew expended over the many weeks before re- Glis glis stories abound locally; one of Laudate Dominum from Solemn Vespers ...... Mozart Missa Solemnus ...... Beethoven emergence in April. the creatures in our loft managed to Where Corals Lie (from Elgar’s Sea Pictures) ...... Janet Baker Compared with other rodents, dormice squeeze itself through a tiny gap to fall Che Faro – What is Life ...... Kathleen Ferrier are slow breeders. Females have only one into our cold water tank where it quickly Silvered is the Raven Hair (from Operetta Patience) ...... Gilbert and Sullivan On Top of the World ...... Carpenters litter, in a domed nest, of about five young drowned and slowly decomposed. You are Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) ...... ? who stay with mother for up to two spared details of the consequences! Old Tyme Dancing (Stately as a Galleon) ...... Joyce Grenfell months. The slow rate of reproduction is Once a favourite food of the Romans Chosen by George Finlay Land of Hope and Glory ...... By any School Choir offset by greater longevity – the animals who fattened them up on nuts, the glis glis Melody in F ...... Rubenstein live much longer - up to four or five years is currently being served as a delicacy in Take the A-Train ...... Artie Shaw on average. Calabrian restaurants. I shall stick to the Wood Choppers Ball ...... Woody Hermann All the Way ...... Doris Day Finally there’s our favourite furry friend, pasta! Honkey Tonk Train Blues ...... Meade-lux-Lewis the Fat (or Edible) Dormouse or glis glis Jim Hetherington 758836 My Way ...... Frank Sinatra which needs little introduction to Hilltop Brown Girl in the Ring ...... Boney M Chosen by Shirley Blomfield Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor): 3rd Movement, Rondo ...... Beethoven L492 Conquest of Paradis ...... Vangelis Maori Songs (Hoea ra) ...... Kiri Te Kanawa Pure (Pokarekare Ana) ...... Hayley Westenra The Chain (from Rumours) ...... Fleetwood Mac Radetsky March ...... J. Strauss Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin ...... Miss Luba (Kyrie) Night Train ...... Oscar Peterson Trio Chosen by Ron Evens Londonderry Air ...... ? Moonlight Serenade ...... Glenn Miller Whispering ...... Inkspots? Moonlight Sonata ...... Beethoven Solvieg’s Song ...... Grieg Volga Boat Song ...... Paul Robeson Road to Mandalay ...... ? Night on a Bare Mountain ...... Mussorgsky What a variety!...Ed

50 Hilltop News Hilltop News 51 daffodil = respect, unrequited love, ‘the ‘SAY IT WITH sun shines when I am with you’, and is also FLOWERS...’ associated with a tenth wedding REALLY EASY SPECIAL CHOCOLATE CAKE anniversary. Interestingly, the number of CURVACEOUS COOK t is generally believed that the original I am not a great or frequent cake maker: birthdays and Christmas only really, but I was asked daffodils also has meaning, a single bloom practice of ascribing meanings to by the family to make a cake for Grandma’s 80th birthday lunch, at which there would be meaning misfortune, while, conversely, a different flowers began in 17th century about 22 people. By complete fluke, The Observer magazine did a piece on chocolate, and I bunch indicates joy and happiness, hence, Turkey. The ‘Persian selam’ was a way of there was this recipe from Angela Nilson. It was exactly what it said, easy, and was more than no doubt, the ‘host of dancing daffodils’ of enough for 22 people, though it said for 14 slices, as it is incredibly rich. I actually think it sending coded messages to another. Wordsworth’s immortal poem. would make a wonderful pud, with some cream on the top for good measure, or maybe an ‘Saying it with flowers’ became extremely alternative Christmas cake. popular in Victorian England, when the carnation = as well as being the mainstay of many a floral bouquet, the carnation proprieties of the time did not allow more 200g good quality dark chocolate, 70+ cocoa solids indicates fascination and devotion. As with direct communication of thoughts and 200g butter, cut into pieces the hyacinth, different colours send a feelings. Dictionaries of ‘florigraphy’ were 1tbs instant coffee granules popular and apparently well used by different message: pink for ‘I shall never 85g self raising flour ardent swains! forget you’; red, heartache, fascination; 85g plain flour So before you dash off a bouquet to a white for sweetness and loveliness, ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda work colleague or Great Aunt Vi this innocence, faithfulness; yellow for rejection 200g golden caster sugar Christmas, perhaps it is worth considering or disappointment. Carnations of a solid 200g muscovado sugar what you are saying with your selection. colour mean ‘yes’, while striped varieties 25g cocoa powder The traditional Christmas gifts and confusingly mean both a rejection, ‘no’ and 3 medium eggs decorations can be interpreted as follows: ‘I am sorry I cannot be with you’! 75mls buttermilk Grated chocolate curls to decorate rose = apart from the mournful message holly = as well as its traditional meaning For the ganache (icing) of the dark crimson rose (not to be associated with magic and enchantment, 200g good quality chocolate confused with the ‘red, red rose’), these the holly flower also has the meaning of 284mls double cream foresight, domestic happiness. flowers generally convey positive, happy 2 tbs golden caster sugar messages, from the ‘I love you’ of a single, ivy = fidelity, wedded love, affection. red rose to the ‘you may have hope’ of a Butter a 20cm round cake tin and line the base. Heat oven to 140C/Gas 3. mistletoe = rather more than its ‘kiss me rose leaf! Both rose buds and full blooms quick’ image, mistletoe is a sacred plant in Break chocolate into chunks, and add to butter, coffee and 125mls water in a big pan. are given meaning by the flower code, Warm very low heat till all just melted. On rack on bottom of top AGA oven for 30 minutes, India, and has the meanings of affection, with buds meaning beauty, youth and love with cold shelf, then bottom oven for remainder. to overcome difficulties. and full blooms conveying gratitude. Meanwhile, mix all dry in large bowl. Beat eggs and buttermilk, and add to the dry mix with poinsettia = be of good cheer. I think this year erring on the side of the melted chocolate. Stir till all smooth. Pour into tin and bake for 1 hour and 25-30 Other flowers and plants commonly given safety might be wise when making floral minutes. The top should feel firm, don’t worry if it cracks. Leave to cool in the tin, then turn at Christmas also convey their own gifts, and decorating one’s Christmas lunch out onto the serving plate, message: table with a bunch of mature, red and and slice in three (I only sliced in half, and that was rich enough for us!) cyclamen = despite being a common plant white roses will indicate both gratitude Warm the cream, adding the sugar, and heat until almost boiling. Drop in the chocolate bits presented as a gift on arrival at a Christmas and unity. However, it would be wise to off the heat, and stir till smooth. It will be like magic, first runny, and then suddenly smooth party or dinner, the cyclamen has the steer clear of flowers of the spider flower and glossy. meanings of resignation, goodbye. (cleome)—apparently it means ‘elope with Put a little ganache between the layers and stack the cake, then pour the remainder over the me’! hyacinth = games, sport, rashness. top and allow to run down the sides, smoothing with a palette knife. Additionally, the different coloured blooms Anne Brown You can decorate with fancy chocolate curls or just grate some chocolate in a heap, or I put a each has its own message: blue for little vase of tiny pink rosebuds in the middle, which looked lovely. constancy; purple for ‘I am sorry’, forgive The cake remains gooey and delicious for a few days, and keeps longer in the fridge. We me, sorrow; red/pink for play; white for microwaved the remainder a few days later, for just a few seconds, and served with cream as loveliness, ‘I will pray for you’; yellow for a pud...deelish.. jealousy. Lulu Stephen [email protected]

52 Hilltop News Hilltop News 53 HILLTOP NEWS We welcome all letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Information for the February/March (limited) edition should be sent to Imogen Vallance (Societies) or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by the 5th January. Kay Bass H & C SCHOOL ...... 786016 [email protected] Anne Butterworth CHURCH MATTERS ...... 758700 [email protected] Nick Butterworth TREASURER ...... 758700 [email protected] Jim Hetherington WILDLIFE ...... 758836 [email protected] Ann Horn ADVERTISING ...... 758250 [email protected] Bill Ingram THE PUBS ...... 758258 [email protected] Maureen Newall ...... 758515 Fletcher Nicholson AUDITOR ...... 758366 [email protected] Oliver Parsons PHOTOS ...... 758694 [email protected] Rosemary Pearce DISTRIBUTION ...... 758334 John Phimister ...... 01296 623425 Sally/Marcus Reynolds FARMING ...... 758548/758610 [email protected] Michael Spark PRODUCTION ...... 758882 [email protected] Imogen Vallance SOCIETIES, DIARY, PROOFING . . . 758552 [email protected] Guy Williams SECRETARY ...... 758735 [email protected]

54 Hilltop News