Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine Issue 88 70 pence where sold

Inside this Issue:

of Farewell to our Reverend Friend The Great Escape Council Walk this Way Magazine

Explore the Chilterns Parish

From Ivinghoe Allotments Quarterly Ivinghoe Parish Noticeboard The The Beacon Team... Welcome he Beacon Magazine would not Karen Groom, reach your door without the kind contents from the Chair Chairman Thelp of the volunteer band of distributors. Many thanks to them all: Andy Councillors News 3-4 elcome to the latest edition of Did you know that amongst many Beezer, Les Hyde, Pat Roach, Peter Goodbye to our The Ivinghoe Beacon, which things the Parish Council maintains? Miles, Geoff Travis, Albert Reynolds, Reverend Friend 6 Wwe hope you will find both • 30 trees Rob and Anne Cattle and of course informative and a good read! This edition • 29 streetlights our roving reporter Nigel Thomson – Neighbourhood News 12-30 represents our first anniversary since • 20 miles of footpaths it couldn’t be done without you! taking over the reins of the magazine’s • 7 dog bins If you have any skills that will help Spotlight on Local Business 32 production and we very much hope that • 2 well-equipped playgrounds (Ivinghoe us to keep the magazine going or you Ecumenical Enlightenment 36 you are still enjoying the fruits of our and Ivinghoe Aston) would like to submit an article, please labours. We welcome any suggestions or • 1 allotment (with 30 plots) let us know as we are always looking Parish Noticeboard 40 feedback you have about the magazine, • 1 website for new and varied talents! in particular with respect to the types of • 1 magazine Sporting Scoop 44-46 article that you would like featured in the • The Lawn Cultivation Clippings 50 magazine, so do please get in touch with • Support of the Beacon Villages the editor if you would like to make a Community Library School Stuff 54-61 contribution. Some of the services we provide to The front cover of the magazine and the Parish for free, for example, one Beyond the Boundary 62 special feature of this edition is all about of our Councillor’s keeps some of the Councillor Communication 74 farewells. We will be very shortly saying footpaths strimmed and tidy and another goodbye to one of our community volunteer keeps the allotments in shape. Editor: Christabel Boersma leaders, Rev. Tracey Doyle, who has None of your Councillor’s makes any Tel: 01296 661 532 made a significant impact in our Parish claims for expenses that they incurr Email: [email protected] Beacon MagazIne and will be greatly missed. So on behalf in attending numerous meetings on advertIsIng rates: of the Parish Council, I would like to wish planning, traffic issues, training courses Advertising Manager: Max Hayes, 1/4 page £38 per year Tracey and her family all the very best for and other matters. We try to keep the Clerk to Ivinghoe Parish Council 1/3 page £45 per year their new life in Devon! precept as low as possible but at the Tel: 01525 875308 1/2 page £75 per year We’ve also said goodbye to 2013 same time ensure that we have enough Email: [email protected] Full page £110 per year (how time flies!) but the Parish Council to keep the services you expect going. have had their minds set on the future We do employ a professional and NB: Rates are for 4 editions. Design & Artwork: Laila Palfrey many months before the year ended. knowledgeable Clerk who is available to Artwork must be supplied Tel: 07979 945231 The last quarter of the year is particularly answer your questions on matters relating as a jpeg or a pdf file. Email: [email protected] busy for the Parish Council as we prepare to the Parish on the last Thursday of the to make our budget calculations (precept) month in the Beacon Villages Community and this year there has been much to Library. She helps to ensure that the Deadline for articles for the Summer edition is 14 April 2014. consider. It is our responsibility to ensure Parish Council is running smoothly, Please send contributions to [email protected] that the services that we provide for the ensuring our insurances are paid, leases Don’t forget you can view this magazine in colour at: Parish are protected and this year will see and legal matters taken care of, utility www.ivinghoepc.org.uk our precept request rise by 4%. bills paid, balances the books and any u

2 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 3 number of other tasks we ask of her! of parking facilities and predicted traffic The year 2013 has also seen a dramatic chaos in an already heavily congested part rise in the number of planning applications of the village. Unfortunately the planning that we have had to handle; in fact we committee sitting that day decided we had Plumb it all dealt with around 45 in 2013! We are no case and the development has been Professional Plumbing and Heating Engineer very fortunate to have an experienced approved. The best way to keep up to date planning professional on our Council, with planning applications is to visit the Gas Safe Registered who works extremely hard to guide the Aylesbury Vale District Council website at Parish Council through the complex and www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/planning Full Central Heating Systems ever changing web of planning legislation. So looking forward to 2014 as we all Gas & Oil Boiler Servicing Much has changed since the coalition are, you will see improvements to the government came to power and Parish safety of the play area at Ivinghoe Aston Bathroom Installations Councillors must attend an increased playgrounds, an additional water facility Small Jobs happily undertaken number of planning meetings to keep at the Allotments, improvements to the on top of the changes, and we are now website amongst other things but most Ring Richard on: required to attend Committee hearings importantly the continued commitment if the Council objects to an application. of your Parish Council to serve the Parish This is a very time consuming process as best it can. 01296 709961 or 07720 265645 and often perplexing. In the case of the May I wish you a Happy and email: [email protected] application for residential development at Prosperous New Year! The Chapel in Ivinghoe, we represented the Parish in our objection of the application in consideration of the lack Karen Groom, Chairman

congratulations and thanks to CuriosiTEA Rooms Congratulations go to all the Annual Gas Boiler Servicing and all Central Heating repairs work involved in the new tea rooms in Ivinghoe. Shirley & maintenance and I spent many hours there CORGI REGISTERED No: 20135 enjoying a meal, and we Bathroom installation & all general plumbing work recommend it to anybody Institute of Plumbers around the area. I recommend Phone: 01296 662863 Mobile: 07836 266368 Fax: 01296 662056 the full breakfast. The staff up there are so kind and also make Email: [email protected] you so welcome. 5 Church Road Pitstone Bucks LU7 9HA Joe Marling Classes near you www.mahoneyheating.com

4 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 5 goodbye to our Reverend Friend Tracey

t was with much pleasure that I loved to sing and every time I tried my td: Initially, I was Incumbent for very valuable to me, the Church and the spent a leisurely hour chatting to our eyes filled with tears! Ivinghoe, Pitstone and Slapton. However, community coming together. That is also Icurrent Incumbent (of the Benefice I realised I needed to speak to my some pretty monumental changes have illustrated by the development of The

SPECIAL FEATURE of Ivinghoe, Pitstone, Slapton and priest about my feelings and she was taken place in recent times and the Community Choir, which began as an Marsworth) one sunny afternoon in mid- delighted! She told me about a new numbers of stipend priests have had to extension of the Church Choir. I would January. Tracey Doyle, Incumbent of training course starting, the Oxford decrease in recent times which have have loved to have a little more time St. Mary’s Church, Ivinghoe has served and St Albans Ministry Course, a three meant that priests have to take more to be more involved in that – singing our community for the past 10 years and year course in theology. I was already churches under their wing. The Oxford myself, but time and the difficulties has recently announced her departure studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree Diocese informed us that we had to I’ve had with my voice have made that from our fair village, to pursue a new at the time, but I subsequently spent a lose a stipend priest and split up the difficult. (Tracey told me that she also chapter in her life, with her family in whole weekend being interviewed and Benefice of Cheddington, Mentmore and plays the piano, violin, recorder and the North Devon. assessed by the Church of England for Marsworth. This led to me having to take guitar; quite a musical lady!). Tracey was interviewed by Roger my suitability to start the course. on Marsworth which led to a substantial I’ve also got a great deal of satisfaction Hillier for the Beacon 10 years ago when It was to my relief that I was initially increase in my workload. I wouldn’t say from running the Senior Citizens she first came to the village and it seems turned down. However, I was called by that it has been easy, as Marsworth were Christmas dinner and enjoyed again fitting that the Beacon interviews Tracey the Bishop of the time, who informed not given a say in who their new priest the fact that the wider community as she leaves. I spoke to Tracey about me that they had made the wrong was, and it has made it hard to build the has participated in making that such her life and time here, living and working decision and that he was putting me right relationships. I hope though, that a successful event, having the school in our community and I came away with forward! Funnily enough, it was while things have started to improve and that children singing and in the past serving the impression that our loss is North watching an edition of Songs of Praise Marsworth is warming to joining the mince pies! Children have always Devon’s gain! that one of my sons said, “why don’t benefice and I hope that being involved been at the heart of my motivations you be a vicar Mum?” and during a in the selection of my successor will be and it has been my privilege to work cB: Tracey tell us a little bit about your conversation with my sister, she told me another step. with some of our village children and in background and when or what it was that her husband had said “I can see our particular watch them grow from Tots that led you to your decision to become Trace doing that!”, so I felt vindicated. cB: Thinking about your time in Praise to confirming some of them last a priest? I managed to complete both my BA Ivinghoe, you have delivered many September! and my theology course and after serving services, attended many events, made But overall, it’s been the community td: Well, I have always been involved first at Great Horwood for eight years, I many friends, can you tell us something spirit here. It can be hard to be accepted in working with children, clubs, Sunday moved here ten years ago; In fact my in particular that stands out in your for who you are and this community Schools, and I remember about 20 years first service was on 23 February and my memory as your greatest contributions took me on willingly; this was really ago one Christmas Eve, I was delivering final service here will be on 23 February! to this community? demonstrated when my daughter Mel a service to a packed congregation. The And I’m no good at ‘good-byes’ so our was seriously unwell. Even people I thought came to me, if you can get this moving date is set for 24 February! td: Yes, many things spring to mind, it didn’t know showed their compassion, many families in on Christmas Eve, why is very hard to single anything out! I think love and support for my family and that not try doing this every Sunday? It was cB: I think most of our readers realise though that the fact that the Church has has meant a great deal. an epiphany really, a moment of spiritual that you are the priest for more than one worked with the village. We’ve shared enlightenment; I also remember that that church, which other parish churches do events, like The Party in the Park, events cB: You have many good friends in Christmas no matter how hard I tried, you minister and how much have things on the lawn, just the fact that the Church Ivinghoe and surrounding villages, all I couldn’t sing any of the carols that I changed since you first started? is involved in the wider community is of whom will miss you greatly, what u

6 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 7 advice do you have for us to ensure that which has stunning views across the your successor is warmly welcomed into Taw Valley and Exmoor. We will also be PITSTONE MEMORIAL HALL & MILLENNIUM EXTENSION the community? running some Christian Retreats and Mick will take visitors on walks and run td: Well that’s easy! I think it would be photography sessions. The large Millennium to show that person the same openness We have two grandsons about Extension consists of and care that they showed to me and 45 minutes from our new home and a generous room with SPECIAL FEATURE my family when I first arrived. Don’t be we will be looking after them 1 day a afraid of change, give them a chance to week too, so we really will be kept busy. a capacity for 70–80 lead you in new ways; any good new Although we will find it hard to say good- people and a smaller incumbent will build on the good work bye to people here, we are very excited room with a capacity for that you have already done. about our move. There is much to look forward to not least of all the wedding 50 people cB: It is always hard to say good-bye in Cyprus this year of our youngest son. when you’ve invested so much of your We will also be making regular trips back Bar facilities are available by arrangement with the booking clerk life in a place and you have mentioned this way to visit our other children and that you don’t like ‘good-byes’, but what grandchild, who live nearby. For further details and revised prices please contact the Booking Clerk, in particular will you miss about living We really have loved our time here Mrs Sue Gregory, 4 The Crescent, Pitstone. 01296 661609 and working here? and will miss you all greatly, it would be wonderful to see as many of you as td: Well I won’t miss the trucks possible over next few Sundays, and in trundling past at 3am in the morning! the future at our B&B. There is a great deal to miss here, but Reverend Tracey’s final service it is simply serving God and the wider will be on Sunday 23 February at community every day that I will miss the St Mary’s Church Ivinghoe. After Tracey’s FORD END WATERMILL IVINGHOE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE most, that and our many good friends! departure, Sandra Green and the Church The only working watermill to survive intact in the county. The mill, Wardens will keep things ticking over recorded in 1616 but probably much older, was in use until 1963. Now cB: So what does the future hold with retired priest David Holloway taking restored by members of the Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum Society, for you and Mick, will you share a Communion Services until our next it retains all the atmosphere of a small farm mill of the late 1800s. something of your future plans and Incumbent is appointed. Visitors can work the sack hoist and mill wheat on a rotary hand quern. Stoneground wholemeal flour for sale on milling days. where you are moving to? OPENING TIMES 2013 Christabel Boersma Afternoons 2.00–5.00pm. 1st April - Easter Bank Holiday Monday (M), 14th LOCATION td: We are heading down to North Editor,Editor, Ivinghoe BeaconIvinghoe Beacon April - Sunday, 6th May - Bank Holiday Monday (M), 12th May - Sunday National Station Rd, Ivinghoe, Bucks LU7 9EA Devon. I will be taking six months off Mills Weekend (M), 27th May - Bank Holiday Monday (M), 9th June - Sunday, 600 metres from the church along Station Road. initially, to completely rest my voice! 23rd June - Sunday (M), 7th July - Sunday, 21st July - Sunday (M), 4th August - Sunday, 26th August - Bank Holiday Monday (M), 8th September - Sunday, 22nd The B488 to Leighton Buzzard. I don’t find it easy doing nothing, and September - Sunday (M), 13th October - Sunday (M) as part of Tring Apple Fair I will seek permission to officiate in MILLING DEMONSTRATIONS (water level permitting) the Exeter Diocese, with a special on dates marked with an (M) 2.30pm-4.30pm approx emphasis on work with children and Last admission 4.30pm. Admission: Adults: £3 children (5–15) 50p Ample car parking – no toilet facilities Restricted disability access families. I may also be doing some work School and other parties welcome by arrangement. for the Children’s Society and going Contact: Mill Manager - Chris Tugby, [email protected] into schools. Mick and I though, will or Telephone: 01442 825421. www.fordendwatermill.co.uk be operating a B&B from our home,

8 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 9 The Village Health Centre Yardley Avenue, Pitstone LU7 9BE www.pitstonesurgery.co.uk

Dr J R Bell, Dr Tisha Patel Dr Stephanie Johnston, Dr Kirsten Riemer, Dr Heather Counsell

Opening hours 9.00am-12.00pm 2.00pm-6.00pm (Fri 2-5pm) The Village Health Centre serves Pitstone, Ivinghoe and surrounding villages.

Friendly, modern and spacious dispensing village Practice offering a wide range of health Rainbows: services including coils/implants, minor surgery, travel advice, in house blood tests, on-line appointments and repeat prescription ordering. Four nurse Practitioners offering acute clinics with Monday 4.30 – 5.30p.m. Pitstone Memorial Hall same day appointments. Also, midwife, health visitors in attendance. Local District Nurse Service. Long established training Practice with a rotation of qualified doctors. Guider Elaine Thorogood Large car park New patients are welcome. Please contact our reception staff or visit our website 01296 661540 for more information.

Telephone 01525 223211 www.pitstonesurgery.co.uk Brownies: Monday 5.45 – 7.15p.m. Pitstone Memorial Hall Guider Elaine Thorogood Do you want a local reliable 01296 661540

Girl Guides: Tuesday 7.00 – 8.30p.m. Millennium Room, PLUMBER Pitstone Memorial Hall Guider Yvonne Ashton that you can trust? 01296 660044 Installation of bathrooms, kitchens, washing machines, taps, radiators, towel rails etc. To join us, please visit our website at Girlguiding.org.uk Call John Byrom in Pitstone 07860 340 130 Email: [email protected]

10 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 11 Wreath Making at its Best! Ode to Wreath Making

n Saturday 7th December the Farm Ringshall for his generous donations Some new and old faces Ooh red berried holly! Friends of St. Mary’s ran their of Nordic spruce and fur. In addition thank from villages and far places Now things are looking jolly. Oever popular Christmas Wreath you to local businesses that donated met with enthusiasm and few fears. And look at that Nordic fur, Making Course. prizes for the prize draw, which was held To make a Christmas decoration not to mention Ivy leaf - 40 ladies from Ivinghoe, Pitstone and during the day and especially to Samsung was their sole fixation, That will look good in a wreath. further afield descended on Ivinghoe for the first prize of a smartphone. as they sharpened their garden secateurs! So much choice I don’t know which I prefer! Town Hall for 2.5 hrs of Christmas cheer The day was a roaring success and and creativity. After much hard work, through everyone’s kindness and Pam was the leader. Cinnamon sticks and orange slices tempered by a glass of warm mulled generosity we were delighted to have It’s okay – you need not fear her! Provide aromatic Christmas spices. NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS wine and the tunes of Michael Buble, raised a grand total of £940. This will be Each step was clearly explained. My senses are starting to flow. each attendee produced an impressive divided equally between two very worthy Ensure you have firm moss, Some baubles that shine and simply stunning wreath worthy of charities – the Friends of St. Mary’s if not she may get cross Will make it sublime. adorning any country mansion door! church Restoration Fund and to Keech But crack on and don’t be restrained! I just need a beautiful bow! Special thanks goes to all those who so Hospice Care. kindly allowed us to prune their gardens A vast choice of foliage So thanks to you all in our foliage collection exercise and in Ali Wade means there’s never a shortage for supporting our cause. particular to Neil Rogers of Goose Hill The Friends of St Mary’s Ivinghoe of ideas and creativity too. It was such enormous fun. With a glass of mulled wine, We raised 940 smacker you’ll be just fine Now that’s a Christmas cracker! and produce something splendid for you. So well done everyone!!

12 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 13 The nub of the Hub 2014!

ith the smell of roasted Facebook page ‘Ivinghoe Old School from 3.40 - 4.30pm in an imaginative and for OAP’s as a special ‘pensioner’s chestnuts and cinnamon Hub’ and bring a small frying pan to the creative way. As you see from our new perks deal that day of the week! Oh Wpretzels still in our noses, Hub for 3.40pm on Tuesday 4th March! advert the IT room is ready and available for those hazy, lazy days when we can the magical atmosphere and sparkle of A Psychic Evening has been proposed for a variety of uses and users also. sit again outside in the balmy sunshine the Christmas market stalls inside and for the next day 5th March, from 7-10pm, Our welcoming, tasty and affordable to sing its praises... and have a long out in our eyes and the carol singing and a Mother’s Day afternoon tea special café ‘CuriosiTEA Rooms’ 07775 831153 gossip with friends! To be kept in the and hand bells still ringing in our ears at CuriosiTEA is planned for 30th March. is keeping us sustainable by being such loop of all our activities drop in and leave we could easily stay with memories Leading up to May Day and spring bank a seven days a week success! Hayley your contact details for our database from our final grand opening evening on holiday possibilities, we have St George’s has more plans brewing for further on the sheet awaiting your inclusion just NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS December 6th and the retiring Vicars and day which makes us ask the question, Pop-up up restaurant evenings and within the cloakroom, and check out our others kind words to us all, and some ‘Be there Dragons hereabouts?’… and tells us more details will be available Facebook page ‘Ivinghoe Old School encouraging press coverage. However think of small fun gestures we can on our Facebook pages, and via Hub’ for brewing conversations creating with the dawning of the new year 2014 support to mark that day in our English our database emails and website. between us the next set of treats! we the ten voluntary trustees for our village! We will leave Father’s day Meanwhile Wednesdays in the cafe Please note our new phone, email and ‘not for private profit ‘Community Hub and Midsummer Solstice to the next between 9am and 11am will have website contact points. turn our thoughts to all that it holds for publication in Summer, but suffice it to Hayley’s legendary bacon sandwiches we ‘Hubber Lubbers’ and just how the say… we are up for some fun then also, on special at just £1.50 each and new Ivinghoe Hub in the Old School with picnic Hampers from CuriosiTEA Thursday’s will be offering 10% off Carol Corn will interestingly continue to reflect Rooms at the ready and croquet mallets Community needs and initiatives in our plans… watch this space to come between us to enhance all our collective and join in with us. The Hub is for all of and individual wellbeing! us, all generations and all interests! One way we plan to do this is to Within our welcoming spaces, refresh and mark many of those special activities are now happening from parties days we see in our seasonal calendars. to celebrate anniversaries to wakes to At the end of the last week before half remember the lives we are missing term we will be all red and rosy for amongst us in this community. Our Valentines, so pop in to have a good spaces also reflect the growing young half term break celebration start with us! toddler members of this community During that half term we will be having who now can enjoy expressive drama another of our legendary activity days play with ‘Time to Shine’ on Monday on Tuesday 18th February, and making mornings and musical responding to some lovely pre-Mother’s Day and Jo Jingles on Tuesday mornings. Yoga Easter presents for friends and family! is now being offered on a Thursday We will celebrate the ’cooking up of the evening and will shortly be adapted and last eggs before lent’, leading up towards offered to us in the community with Easter on Shrove Tuesday with pancake creaking limbs, who still enjoy moving racing on the lawn after school and a gently for our health! We are scouting for feast of fillings to choose for your own activity leaders in all areas but in particular pancake inside the café once the racing after school play leaders to run some is won! Look out for more on this on our activities on a more permanent basis

14 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 15 Wendover Arm trust Happy New Year from Beacon SEEK FUNDS FOR COMPLETE RESTORATION villages community Library

he Council of the Wendover Arm If you are able to help the Trust, either would like to first announce that Trust has decided that renewed by volunteering your services with the Library will be open every Tefforts need to be made to secure restoration please telephone Roger I Wednesday morning 10am – 12pm funding for restoration of Phase 11 and Leishman, Restoration Director on 01442 starting from March 5th 2014. the final phase, 111. Income in recent 874536 or, for general management, our It is with great pleasure that we can years has largely relied upon the annual Chairman, Paul Leech on 01702 584101. boast longer opening hours to that Canal Festival held on the Wendover Additional members are always very which were originally on offer from NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Arm at Little Tring but this has not been welcome and Membership Secretary, Buckinghamshire County Council and possible since 2011. Katherine Deaney, is contactable on hope to increase this further with It currently costs about £440 to restore 01442 246523 or visit our web site, demand and help from volunteers; of one metre of canal and since labour www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk. which we are always happy to recruit, is voluntary all expenditure incurred is where donations may be given on line. please see below for contact. plant and materials together with some Membership is only £10 per annum and Since September we have had 5 Duke overheads. Each month the Working a quarterly Newsletter is circulated giving of Edinburgh volunteers from the local Party, held over seven days, aims to latest details of the restoration. We are area senior schools, assisting us each open day before Christmas on the library’s complete 20 metres of lining. also currently seeking the services of a for an hour per week to achieve their behalf. It was a big success with over In order to maintain income for Fundraising Director so if you are able to volunteering award for part of their 32 children and their families coming the restoration of Phase 11 (Drayton help please get in touch. Bronze Award and I would like to thank to join us. An assortment of snowmen, Beauchamp to Little Tring where Phase 1 Additinal funds are urgently Juliet, Becky, Toby, Hannah and Michael wreaths and crackers went home with is complete) the Trust has now engaged required to continue this restoration – for all of their help and assistance here them at the end of the morning. We also the services of a Professional Fundraiser please donate today! in the library, they have each been a welcomed Rachel McGuire who had a since about £350K to £400K is needed great asset and if ever they would like collection of beautiful Usbourne books to complete Phase 11 with estimated to volunteer again – who am I to try and for sale for last minute gift ideas and completion in 8/9 years based upon Phase 11: £400,000 needed stop them?! (Also very special thanks Mary Flach, Play Leader from the voluntary workers. Phase 111, from to Karen and Alex who helped out with Children’s Centre who kindly gave up Drayton Beauchamp into Wendover basin Phase 111: £2.6 million needed prettying up the library for Christmas…) a morning off to read stories to the little is estimated at £2.6 million at today’s We also held our very first Christmas ones and help out with the crafts. prices. The Trust has already expended Open Evening, open to all and had It has been a busy, productive year some £450K on this phase and has funds an enormously festive and enjoyable and let’s hope this year will be more of available to complete about half the evening. We held a quiz for fun, a DVD the same – keep checking our website, remaining un-restored section. tombola and enough Stollen and other facebook and twitter for future events 2014 is a milestone for the Trust since treats to ground Santa whilst being and updates. it will be 25 years since the society was washed down with copious amounts of If you would like to volunteer formed and they are hoping to complete Mulled Wine and fruit juice. Thank you to or perhaps even join us on the the current section up to Bridge 4a (one Fran, Gill, Janet and Linda for all of their committee, please contact Gill Arney of the two new footbridges) by the efforts in the organising of this fun event. on [email protected] or come Autumn of 2014 so that re-watering of Thank You’s also go out to Sally, Colin into the library for a chat. some 450 metres, over one quarter mile, and Kim Needham; who kindly organised can be arranged. Nigel Williams Publicity Director, WAT a Christmas Craft Extravaganza on our last Shelle West Library Manager

16 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 17 Not a lot happens in Ivinghoe aston

Father christmas visits tremendous support from the 100+ the village swan on his way strong audience. home to the north Pole Father Christmas interrupted his busy schedule to fit one final visit in before returning to the North Pole for a well- earned rest. Here he can be seen delighting the children of Ivinghoe Aston. A piece of paper fell out of his pocket NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS on the way out, it read Wanted Chief Elf for the Christmas run of 2014, hmmm interesting, he must have insight into events that followed the planning application for the 6 Acre site. If you ever want to test the power of adrenalin then this is for you. The charity seeks another set of victims, sorry volunteers, for this year’s competition. The skills required are simple, you should not be able to dance now and hate going outside your comfort zone, if that’s you, see Sam Kennell and sign up for the experience of a life time. Well done Mark and Sam Kennell, Gel Boy, GROOMS Heidi and Chris Greenfield, Taira and yours truly. FARM GROVE FARM PYO So who won? Well, all of the dancing is glamourous was contestants, organisers, judges and SHOP It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…… audience were winners but most of all FRESH MEAT & POULTRY amazballs! £2000+ raised 1. Select and pick your fruit and veg the Children at the hospice will be given FREE RANGE EGGS & VEGETABLES for Keech Hospice fresh from the field for children a smile or two thanks to the £2000+ CHEESE, OLIVES, PIES, PATÉS & NUTS What with 4 contestants, 2 organisers raised, everyone’s a winner. FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 2. Weigh and pay for it at the PYO kiosk and a Judge from Ivinghoe Aston the OPENING TIMES 3. Take it home and enjoy eating the Giving is Glamorous Charity event in T’was the night before Planning Thursday 9.00 - 12.30 fruits of your labour! November was a smash hit with the Application’s when all through the Friday 8.30 - 5.30 Grove Farm PYO, Great Gap, audience. The participants went from village not a creature was stirring… Saturday 8.30 - 12.30 Ivinghoe, LU7 9DZ less than zero ability to a position Then up popped a resident with a Orders can be placed outside whereby they were able to wow the Christmas Eve cracker, I wanna build these times by telephone For info go to grovefarmpyo.co.uk or ring crowed with 2 displays of amazing 9 houses, what is the matter? WILLOWDENE FARM 01296 668175 dancing. They had two pieces to Well according to the hyper active IVINGHOE Open everyday from approx. perform, The Waltz and The Cha Cha grapevine the timing was insensitive TEL: 01296 668326 mid-June to October Cha with all contestants receiving and even many not directly affected u

18 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 19 by a new close being created saw it Have you seen this man? rules so when those that do tell you and Hempstead and the other to Aldbury. worthy enough to attend a planning Planning prospector seen escaping it’s not what you want to hear, don’t shoot Both had been away from home for meeting in the village hall. The attendance from the village disguised as an Elf… the messenger it doesn’t help. several months !! What is it that attracts of approximately 40-50 residents decided I personally have spent an elapsed cats to Ivinghoe Aston and away from on a planning meeting of their own. Never period of 11 years and more in thousands Hemel? Say no more, there are a number have so many Village Hall chairs been of pounds trying to make my home better of humans that chose to settle in IA from occupied other than the fight to save for my family. None of my plans affect Hemel, should they be returned? the pub (1997) and fight to save “Eric’s another human being and yet the planning field” in 2010. By the time this piece is people (they changed over the years) see What the dUcK! read, voices and opinions will have been it their duty to say no to anything that’s On Monday 13th a resident witnessed recorded with AVDC. There are a hand full put forward even though they are in 2-3 darkly dressed chaps using a duck NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS of people that say ‘good luck to them’. complete contradiction with themselves! whistle to entice some ducks. Then This made me question why? No wonder these issues raise the BANG at 7:45 a 12 bore rings out and led If extension of the Village had blood pressure. I wonder if a block of goes flying towards the unsuspecting stopped when my house was built, “affordable flats” would have a better ducks. The issue with this is that behind circa 1750, then there would have Planning was given to The Village Planning given The Village chance of success at Vine Farm, shall we the flooded field where they were been half a dozen properties and no Swan in December 2013 to extend meet and discuss… situated is a footpath used by children on pub. None of the houses being lived in its property to include five bed and the way to school and a field full of horses by 99% of the objectors would exist. breakfast rooms. This did not please anyone for a swim? and sheep. The witness sensibly took The house opposite mine which could all of the residents either, there was a No the brothers haven’t installed a to the hills on hearing the shot. At the accommodate most of the village petition signed by many but there was swimming pool this is their garden time of writing its unknown if these were population alone would not exist. no mass meeting and it remains to be suffering from too much rain and back locals or was in fact the lone Romanian We are experiencing human behaviour. seen if the building will ever take place. fill. The drainage system in the village Immigrant that landed at Luton Airport on It’s ‘natural’. Change fires the mind In an EGM I attended on this matter centre is oversubscribed. How 5 new 1st January looking for a free meal. We’ll with fear and the unknown. The fact the shareholders agreed they would rooms at The Village Swan and 9 new need to keep our eyes peeled. that the Grove Farm and Waterside not do anything to upset the residents houses next to this photo will ease this developments have enhanced the village but without change the pub will die problem is quite baffling. KeeP vIgILant is forgotten by most. The attitude of, and guess what? Become a set of The police cannot be everywhere so “now we are here we must keep it so”, properties! Time will tell. we need to look out for each other. If seems to be the way it is. A lot of discussion is taking place over you are not on my mailing list, where To be fair there is quite a difference permission to extend at Grove Farm. we often warn each other of suspicious in the case of the 6 Acre Development This appears to have stumbled but no activity, email me and I will add you, application in that it is slap bang in the doubt will rumble on. [email protected] middle of the village. This development These requests for permission have seeks to create more dwellings that fired up the locals with long terms friends Have your say affect the lives of more families than any raising voices at one and other. I have Would you like to mention something other development for nearly a century. even heard people being accused of not a cat in hell’s chance! about Ivinghoe Aston in the next issue That, I feel, is the issue, should one bribery! What I have learnt over the years, Unless they are tagged of the Beacon or submit an article? Email family be allowed to enhance their lives not least in the fight to save The Village There were two emails this quarter from [email protected] or The Editor at at the possible cost of others? Or you Swan, is that emotions count for zero and residents concerned with the wellbeing [email protected]. It’s could ask it the other way around, if you assumptions dangerous and unfair. Only of two completely separate cats. It your village have YOUR say! were sitting on a potential fortune would planning issues count in the application turned out both were tagged and one you find a way to release it? process. Very few people understand the was returned to its owners in Hemel Clive Ketteridge

20 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 21 Ivinghoe Entertainments able to maintain the cost at £60 / ticket. Our website: http:// A great value for money, great night out ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk/ will be WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR! and for most. no taxi cost! updated with full details as they become The sale of tickets for the Summer Ball available for both events. will be on Saturday 08-March from 09:30 at the Town Hall, Ivinghoe and thereafter summer Festival Weekend from the usual outlets. A booking form As with previous years there will be a can be downloaded from http:// number of other events running across ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk/ the weekend to make the use of the Summer Festival page (and will be venue. Please refer to local groups and available in the Town Hall on-the-day). organisations for further details. NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS As in previous years, we are offering the opportunity to spread the cost of christmas tree the event an initial (non-refundable) We would like to thank Ivinghoe and Pitstone deposit (£20) payable upon booking WI, Ivinghoe Town Hall Management the tickets the balance (£40) payable Committee, and The Kings Head (Ivinghoe) by mid-May. We anticipate high demand for their generous support towards the for tickets and so we encourage you to planting of a permanent Christmas Tree book early and take advantage of the on the corner of Ivinghoe Lawn. ith the New Year often comes band: The Collection (http://www. deposit scheme. resolutions; well we intend to thecollectionlive.co.uk/) featuring Web site / Facebook Wkeep ours and make the 2014 Keavy Lynch from B*witched. B*witched Laughter-on-the-Lawn Our website has the latest details of our Summer Festival the best yet. To ensure enjoyed huge success in both Europe (Friday) events www.ivinghoeentertainments.org. that it will be we’ve completely re- and North America between 1998 and Following the fantastic success of uk. Regular updates / news are posted vamped and re-formatted the weekend 2000, releasing two albums and eight ‘Laughter-on-the-Lawn’ 2013 we are on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ to allow our guests to enjoy themselves singles, all of which made the UK Top repeating the event with a different line IvinghoeEnts even more. Hopefully the changes will 20. Their first four singles, “C’est la up of comedians but this year on the allow them to bring along more of their Vie”, “Rollercoaster”, “To You I Belong” Friday night rather than Saturday. Our appeal for new Members friends. This is a year of big changes, the and “Blame It on the Weatherman”, all event will be associated with the “GET As ever we are always looking for new first being that we’ve flipped the nights reached number one in the UK Singles STUFFED Tring Comedy Festival (Tringe)” members to join our committee who can so that Friday night is the casual night Chart. They’ve also enjoyed more recent – the Tring Comedy Festival extends to add to the diversity of our membership and Saturday the formal, Black Tie Ball: success on the “Reunion” TV program Ivinghoe! What better way to wind down and provide valuable alternate input to and tour. Fronted by Keavy, The Collection from the rigours of the week than to put our events. Please contact a member Laughter-on-the-Lawn play a great mix of music for all tastes and on some casual clothes and come along of the committee (or myself – details Friday 20-June Doors: 19:00 so we’re set for a great evening. to hear some great comedians with some below) if you are interested in helping A further change is that in response to friends, a few drinks and food? us. Thanks in advance. Summer Ball feedback we have engaged a new caterer More information about the performers Saturday 21-June too. So it’s a new night, new band, new will be released nearer the event but we Graham Hollands Doors: 19:00 for 19:45 caterers and hopefully some new friends can guarantee a well-known compere, Chair – Ivinghoe Entertainments to share what’s set to be a great evening. headline act and some up and coming [email protected] summer Ball (Saturday) Remember once you’ve purchased stars of the future… make sure you The second big change is that we your ticket the only expenses are can say you saw them first in Ivinghoe! http://ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk/ have booked a great Headlining photographs, and drinks! We have been All that for just £15.00. https://www.facebook.com/IvinghoeEnts

22 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 23 The Great escape... Poppy appeal update

nce again I would like to thank all concerned for being picked Volunteer Oof this year. It was quite a shock to receive the award and like I mentioned to a few people, I don’t do it to be a glory boy, although the framed certificate stands on our television for all to see. The cheque of £50 was split between my favourite charities – The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes – in which NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS I am involved throughout the year. Last year I was determined to beat the 2012 target, so the challenge was on. Total time spent outside Richard Masons store was 150.25 hours and came down from Brookmead school to get their I beat the years total raising £2,312.00. Rain poppys and ask a few questions. I explained to or shine I enjoy every minute of it. I have now them the reason why I sell the poppy. The next gone into my seventh year and it is now like a day, as some of the school children passed going ooking at the media, one could be roving reporter something to think big family gathering. Last year I had people from to school, they would salute and shout ‘Good forgiven for believing the whole about, when a large beech tree was Wendover and even Leighton Buzzard call over Morning Soldier Joe’. Ever since I started our Lnation is awash, except for Ivinghoe! blown down miraculously between a to say hi! friend Fiona Harrison comes down in her ATS The rainfall recordings as a histograme, greenhouse and shed with hardly any Thanks go to Richard Mason and all his staff uniform to put a nice donation in, usually before kindly supplied by Peter Snowden, the damage to any structure (see picture). who really spoil me and keep the hot drinks going on stage at one of her venues. It was a doyne of weather recordings shows The recording anemometer on the and bites going. Mind you, two of his staff said big help last year when a charge-hand Ben, did clearly the magnitude of rain falling on chimneystack lost the plot, the reading their good-byes last year so I wish them both a collection on the et and gave me a nice sum Ivinghoe which has so far escaped from for that night being off the scale, and it’s a happy retirement. Once again Tong from the of money for the appeal. Also a chap came up the worst ravages of the storms. a mercy the instrument didn’t burst into New May Fu supplied meals and also the owner and gave me a bottle of whiskie as he did for The picture taken by Rob Cattle show flames, it was going round so fast. of the Haldi restaurant brought down a meal. On the last three years on the trot, and always a some of the results of the rain on the So, here we are looking forward to the Friday the mobile Fish n Chip van stopped good donation. Last year he gave the whiskie Whistle brook , Mill pond and Canal lock 2014 and the worst drought in living (Howe & Co) and brought a meal across. and also £100.00, so if you live locally and are gates with water pouring over the top. memory1. I hope not. Four weeks prior to being outside Richards reading this, thank you once again sir. I’d also Also, exceptionally high winds on shop my friend Chas Jellis phoned to see if I was like to thank Tony who comes to support me and 23/24th December gave the Beacon Nigel Thompson Beacon Roving Reporter free to work for him. He has a key job in the film another member of the MVT, Rod Tingey. industry and one of their guys was on sick leave Like I always tell people, I get wet, cold and and he wanted someone to join his team on set. tired but after 10 hours I go home to have a So thanks to him I had four weeks working on shower and relax. The heroes we collect for, the film Fury starring Brad Pitt. Just up my street, some gave their all, and we show respect to being it was a war film. What an experience! our surviving troops and those who are still in I did say to him that I was so dedicated to the the fields. Thanks for all you do for our country Poppy Appeal that I would only stay until then, and God Bless you all. but the Friday I finished four people were to go, so it worked out just right for me. Joe Marling Another thing I enjoyed was when 40 children ex Middlesex Regiment (DCO TA)

24 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 25 The Miller’s Tale... in the mill for years and none of us had with Mothering Sunday in March and realised. A jogscry is a shortened name if you are new to the area, or haven’t s I write this the country is being from the one tree down the rest of for a jogging screen, or mesh screens experienced our lovely little mill before battered by stormy weather and the mill was just as we’d left it, which that are used to sieve corn and flour, we hope you will consider visiting Amany people across the length was somewhat of a relief as my mind revealing another milling term that none sometime this year. and breadth of the UK are keeping had been working overtime during of us had ever heard of before! their fingers crossed that they don’t the drive there, especially after seeing Our jogscry was not in very good Cheers all! get flooded out, or lose their electricity some incredible scenes of devastation condition, after years of neglect, the Chug (Chris Tugby) Mill Manager supply like the many poor unfortunate on tv, I was imagining finding the roof three different sized mesh screens that folks who have already become victims off or even the mill flattened, or gone comprise the jogscry had rusted almost 2014 opening times: of the bad weather. Obviously, with completely! completely away and needed replacing. Open between 2pm and 5pm on NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS the watermill being positioned right on The tree that had been blown down Luckily we have a good relationship with the following dates with milling the stream, flooding is something that had already been earmarked for felling Paul Messenger who is mill manager demonstrations, between 2-30pm is always possible during bad weather. during our last few sessions before at Heygates Mill in Tring. Paul offered and 4-30pm approx on the nine dates We have had the ground floor full of Christmas when luckily we had started to have three new mesh screens made indicated by (M). Water level permitting. water only once so far during my spell to considerably reduce the size of the up by the maintenance engineers at as mill manager, this was in July 2007 neighbouring trees along the bank of the Heygates, so Peter, one of the engineers Last Admission 4-30pm. and we spent several hours one Sunday Whistlebrook and behind our shed, only from Heygates turned up at Ford End morning with mops, buckets and we ran out of time before we got to the and studied our winnower and took 30th March - Mothering Sunday brooms mopping up several inches of one that was blown down, so it probably measurements and then went away 21st April - Easter Bank Holiday Monday (M) water that had run into the mill from the made our job easier in the long run, but and fabricated three lovely new screens 5th May - Bank Holiday Monday (M) overflowing Whistlebrook so that we it still took a bit of time sawing it and that when brought down to the mill could be ready for milling later that day clearing it all away. and offered up to our winnower, fitted 11th May - National Mills W/end (M) when the visitors arrived. I have mentioned previously in the perfectly, Nice one Peter and Paul! 26th May - Sunday With this previous incident in mind, Miller’s Tale that my predecessor, David, All the other working parts of the Bank Holiday Monday (M) I decided to pop down to the mill just had been tasked with renovating our old winnower were in reasonable condition 8th June - Sunday to check that everything was alright. wheat and flour cleaning machines that and only needed careful cleaning and On my way there I drove through several have sat in the mill for years without fettling and the woodwork was treated 22nd June - Sunday (M) stretches of flooded road with standing much attention. David has, in his own to some woodworm killer. So now it’s 6th July - Sunday water almost a foot deep, along with way, taken great care to dismantle just a matter of remembering where 27th July - Sunday (M) seeing a few trees blown down and these machines to their basics and has everything went and fitting it all back 10th August - Sunday seeing litter, recycling bin lids and what also been diligently researching and together again, ready to be tested out by looked like a green garden chair flying contacting other mills to find out more cleaning some of our wheat. 25th August - Bank Holiday Monday (M) through the air across the road in front information about them. It’s interesting to note that our 7th September - Sunday of me. During this research it turns out that winnower is from around the turn of the 21st September - Sunday (M) I was apprehensive as to what I might one of the machines, a Coleman and century so it is approximately a hundred 12th Oct - as part of Tring’s Own Apple find at the mill to say the least, as I Morton corn sreening machine that we years old, but the design, layout and Fayre (M) drove into the car park the first thing I have is quite rare, and our Kell Meats method of cleaning wheat that it uses noticed was one of the trees growing on and Co winnowing machine is also on has not really changed in all that time and Admission Prices: the bank of the Whistlebrook had been the getting hard to find list. modern winnowers employ an almost Adults - £3.00 Children (5-15) - £0.50 blown down and the grass beneath my One of the things that came to light identical system for cleaning wheat. wheels was waterlogged and I had to during this research into our machines Please look at the list of dates that For further information please visit be careful not to get stuck. But apart revealed that we have had a ‘Jogscry’ we are open during 2014, starting www.fordendwatermill.co.uk

26 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 27 the great train robbery Ivinghoe Town Hall... news!

ince the last Ivinghoe Beacon to promote the various activities at the and PPP… apart from a lot of Town Hall by publishing dates, times and Srain the Winter has been kind to contact details. There will also be a gallery us (so far)! The Town Hall continues to of photos, contact details, a location map, appreciate the many Beacon Village’s terms and conditions and pricing. So users supporting the Post Office, Shop please try it and let us have your feedback and Beacon Library. to improve the web site to help you. The regular bookings are continuing Ivinghoe town Hall well and some of you will already have NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS launches web site enjoyed trying the new ‘Ballet for Adults’ The exciting news is that we are class or Vintage Fitness class! If you are now announcing the availability of our interested in Pilates on a Wednesday ‘On-Line’ web site: morning, contact Andrea on: 07855- www.ivinghoetownhall.org.uk 138005 she is keen to set up a 2nd class Users of Ivinghoe Town Hall will at 11:15am (dependent on interest). be able to make online reservation If you would like to have a look around requests via a new web site at www. or book the hall for a party, meeting or ivinghoetownhall.org.uk. It will still other event please contact our Booking be possible to make bookings via more Secretary or myself, on 01296-660344. traditional methods such as the telephone, but it’s hoped that the new web site Janet Swinbank, Booking Clerk will appeal to those more used to doing Stephen Swinbank, Secretary things online. The web site will also help Tel: 01296-660344

Picture:The Bridge! he great train robbery has surfaced During supper the august company Ivinghoe Town Hall again, so to speak, on its half became aware of some activity outside. Tcentenary. Not exactly a celebration This turned out to be a large contingent www.ivinghoetownhall.org but nevertheless an acknowledgement of police, for once Ivinghoe was not in the form of a film and press review short of a bobby or two. It transpires that In centre of the Village, with Local shop, Post Office & Library. strangely on the day of Ronald Bigg’s there was a real fear of reprisal from a also the Town Hall provides modern facilities for :- demise. gang of London criminals in support of local groups, parties, and fund raising. Ivinghoe can lay some claim to the their colleagues who in their opinion had Facilities include: event around the crime. The robbers were suffered a harsh sentence. ~ Improved lighting, heating and newly upholstered chairs sentenced at Aylesbury Assizes by Judge Happily, Sir Edward, Emlyn and Louise ~ Music options including a quality electric piano Sir Edward Davies. Emlyn and Louise were left in peace with not even a ~ Stage with specialised lighting, curtains & dressing room of the Manor, Ivinghoe were among the mention of porridge! ~ New kitchen with microwave, oven, hob, fridge, crockery etc. judge’s friends, and Sir Edward was kindly ~ Chair lift & wheelchair for those with mobility problem invited to dinner it so happened on the Nigel Thomson To View or Book contact Janet or Stephen 01296-660344 very day sentence was pronounced. Roving Reporter

28 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 29

Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum society Programme 2014

All meetings are held in the Meeting from 1941-1945. The work was highly secret Room in the Pitstone Green Museum at and widespread knowledge of what went on 8pm. PLEASE NOTE: we now meet on did not come out until 1997, 23 years after the the fourth Thursday of the month. All news of Enigma came out. On the talk we hear visitors are welcome. what went on in the camps, why it remained a secret so long and how your speaker tried thursday 23rd January ’14*** to find out more before the details came out NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS the chinnor and Princes officially! 1947-1994 the Latimer site was risborough railway used for other secret uses and nearby was the An illustrated talk to look at a railway from “rotor base” and these two uses will be looked its 1869 origins to its life as a modern at as a coda. Colin Oakes. heritage railway. A country branch line from Princes Risborough to Watlington, it carried thursday 24th april ’14*** the passengers until 1957, then freight until History of the tring silk Mill 1989 when British Railways closed it. A Wendy Austin, our speaker has always been group of enthusiasts successfully took on the interested in Tring, having been born and challenge of finding the funds to purchase brought up there, as were both her parents some of the track and since 1994 have been and three of her grandparents. The Silk Mill running trains at weekends. The railway has a varied history, being built in 1823, and is run entirely by volunteers. Our speaker, after closing as a mill in 1898, being put to Roger Fagg has been a volunteer there for different uses. The talk embraces aspects of 13 years and its Chairman since 2006. local, industrial and social history, from the beginnings in 1823 to the present day. thursday 27th February ’14*** What really happened at thursday 22nd May ’14*** Bletchley Park? another evening of Music After a variety of careers our speaker, After the success of last year’s May Meeting Rob Johnstone is a volunteer guide at the Ron and Barbara Hartwell will once again be Bletchley Park Museum when he is not hosting this event in their home (16, Ridgeway trying to sail round Britain single handed in Road, Chesham HP5 2EG). It will need to be a 23ft boat. This talk will be a non-technical pre-booked using my emai:l Sue.Lipscomb@ introduction to codes, ciphers, enigmas, btopenworld.com. Those attending will see bombes and lots more. a unique collection of Player Pianos and a Roll playing Reed Organ. After a brief talk on the thursday 27th March ’14*** history of these instruments and how they Latimer: Listening to the Walls work they will be demonstrated, after which Latimer and nearby Beaconsfield were chosen you will be encouraged to have a go yourself. for use in the second world war for the Please note the start time will be 7.30pm. interrogation of German and Italian P.O.W’S Sue Lipscomb Programme Secretary

30 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 31 spotlight on local Businesses: enthusiasm. We are able to support Q: After all that hard work, what and encourage that, bringing a bit of keeps you sane at the weekend? technological advantage to groups and Pottering at home with my family, babybadger.co.uk individuals who maybe thought that it making something arty with Issy and was all a bit out of their league. Plus it’s Becca, rolling around playing trains with or this edition’s Spotlight on Local lovely (and much easier!) to get to know James... I’ve always got at least 3 books Business the Beacon Magazine the faces and stories behind who your that I’m reading... I ride horses – mostly Finterviews Elke Hegarty, who runs clients are and what they need. dressage these days... I love cooking Babybadger, a local, economical web – that’s another one of the strings in design and hosting service from her Q: What advice would you give to my bow... and I’m frequently spotted home in Pitstone. other people thinking about staring clocking up the miles on my bike... NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS up their own local/small business? Q: How long have you lived in the Go for it! Work with the community Thank you very much to Elke for letting local area and can you remember – they are your advertising space as us take a glimpse into her working life. what attracted you to this area? well as your customers. Their needs If you would like your local business to We moved here in December 2006 – the may be more specific or niche than you be featured in the Beacon magazine, week my girls were born. Prior to that may encounter working just with big or please contact The Editor. we were at the end of the runway at national companies/ brands. But it’s also Heathrow. John’s commute to Hemel likely to be a whole lot more interesting Hempstead was taking an hour and a a pre-school, dog groomers, B&B, and exciting! half each way and we wanted to reduce dance classes, consultants, music that so that he could spend some time management, storage units and with his new family during the week equestrian activities, to mention rather than just at the weekends. We a few, and our websites enable you to were looking for a family home in a have all manner of features – galleries, Tring Market community we could become involved online stores, blogs and diaries, static with and this little village that we had information and online appointment Auctions never heard of seemed to cover all the booking for example. Being local to Independent Fine Art & Chattel Auctioneers and Valuers. Est 1832 boxes on our checklist. a lot of our clients means that we are never far away and we offer a friendly, Auctioneers & Valuers of Fine Art, Q: Tell us something about your not a faceless, service. Our clients are business and why you chose to keep our community and neighbours and we Antique Furniture & Collectables your business local? take pride in providing a personal and Fortnightly General Sales of General Furnishings & Effects The whole ethos of babybadger.co.uk individual service. Antique Furniture & Fine Art Sales is that everything is done in jargon free, Total & Part House Clearance Specialists plain English. Even the technical stuff. Q: What do you enjoy most about Our aim is to make web design and working locally? If you can’t find it here you won’t find it anywhere! hosting both affordable and accessible. Well, apart from no longer having a This makes us ideal for local groups, 2 or 3 hour journey either end of my day! Buying or Selling, contact us on 01442 826446 clubs, hobbyists and small or home We live in quite a close-knit community The Market Premises, Brook Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5EF Website: www.tringmarketauctions.co.uk based business. We have a really and it’s great being a part of that. It’s Email: [email protected] diverse selection of clients, including also a community full of enterprise and

32 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 33 Party in the Park 2014 put it in your diaries!

opefully many of you enjoyed the attend – there will a be a variety of live ‘Party In The Park’ last July held music all afternoon and into the evening IVINGHOE and PITSTONE CHAPEL –WRU Hon Pitstone Recreation Ground in from the main stage, great food, local the glorious sunshine. A great day with real ales and craft stalls. And once over 2,000 people attending throughout again we will be raising money for good the afternoon. causes. Hopefully the sun will put his hat The event raised well over £10,000 for on again too ! local causes, including our main charity If you would like to be involved as a for the event – Cure Rett. volunteer on the day, or if you would like NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS We will be holding it again this year – to perform or take a stall – please drop so make a note in your diaries now for me an email [email protected] Saturday July 12th 2014. Once again it is completely free to Steve Mattey

To make our event feel more local we 18yrs old and if under 16 have parental thought that this year for the first time we consent if they are chosen. would like to have a local person to open it. Nominations should be forwarded to It was decided that we would like to Linda Howarth by April 30th 2014 and the find an out standing young individual who successful candidate will be chosen by has done something very special within a panel of individuals separate from the our local community or has overcome event organising committee. adversity. For example they might have If you require any further information or raised a large sum of money for charity, wish to send in a nomination please contact: help elderly neighbours on a regular basis . Linda on 01296 663776 /07807096681 or This young individual must be under [email protected]

Have you ever thought about ‘growing your own’? Growing your own fruit and vegetables can be very satisfying experience and in Ivinghoe we are very lucky to have some beautiful allotments just off Church Road, overlooking St Mary’s Church. If you are an Ivinghoe resident and would like some Pastor Dave and Sheridan Clifford more information about availability of plots – we have 12 Windsor Road Tel;- 01296 668906 them in a range of sizes – please contact the Parish Clerk at [email protected] Pitstone Mob;- 07737 350183 or call Maxine on 07960 605 393 Leighton Buzzard NB: there may not always be an available plot but we do keep a waiting list! BEDS. LU7 9AY Email; [email protected]

34 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 35 news from Rev. Tracey Doyle

ear Reader, It’s hard to believe relax and have a cuppa and a chat while

that this is my final magazine your children enjoy themselves under Sunday

article. I have had the most friendly supervision. If you would like to th D 10.30 am * Benefice H/C 10.30 am * Benefice H/C 10.30 am * Benefice H/C wonderful 10 years with you all and I will know more information please contact miss you very much but I shall always Sandra Green on 668648. treasure my time with you and thank God for all the blessings that knowing Men’s group and working with you has brought me. The men’s group are looking forward

From the very first day of becoming to another year of varied events and Sunday 5

your priest, the whole community will be meeting very soon to plan the th 10am Messy church with breakfast 9.15 am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion welcomed Mick, Mel and myself with year ahead. open arms and it is a huge wrench for We have an event each month; always ECUMENICAL ENLIGHTENMENT us to leave you, but we know the time relaxed, generally fairly unstructured and is right and we are being called to new inevitably involving food and ale.

pastures and adventures. Detailed information on events is

May we wish you all every blessing circulated by email; please contact Sunday 4 rd

for the future as you too begin your new [email protected] 10am Holy Communion 9.15am Morning Praise 10am Messy church the in village hall. journey together. to be included in the circulation.

Much love, Rev Tracey, Mick and Mel xx New members and new ideas are always welcome. Bible study groups

Our evening study meets on the 2nd Food Bank Sunday 3

and 4th Mondays of each month at We have a regular collection for a food nd 6pm BCP Evensong 9.15 am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion 1 Queen Street, Pitstone at 8pm; our bank. There is a box at the entrance of daytime study is on the 1st and 3rd each church to place gifts of food. There Thursdays of the month at 5 Windmill will be a list of items that are needed for

Close, Ivinghoe at 10am. Everyone is your guidance. Please give generously. welcome no matter what age or stage you are on your Christian journey.

the all new sister act Sunday 2

Friendly women’s group meeting once a st 1 8 am BCP Communion Holy 10am Worshipping together family service 10.30am Morning Praise not sunday, not school at month to enjoy a variety of activities and Ivinghoe church outings; Dates and activities as follows: These sessions are held fortnightly November 25th: a visit to Milton Keynes from 3.30pm – 5pm. The children will theatre to see the Soweto Gospel choir – be provided with refreshments and fully booked. the sessions generally include stories, December 3rd: Christmas crafts songs, craft activities, games and If you think you may be interested cooking. This club is for children aged contact Tracey on 668260 for more 3-11years. Parents why not come along details or just turn up and have some fun. Marsworth Ivinghoe Slapton * Benefice service rotating round the three parishes

36 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 37 Pastor dave calling...

ay I be one of the last to wish Go-between’, starts the novel with these December, five years after taking up in 2014, but I’d hate to be quoting Joni you a Happy New Year, since words: ‘The past is a foreign country; post here, Miss Jill Watson – it was a Mitchell in my next message, “you don’t Myou won’t be reading this until they do things differently there.’ For privilege. Two more have recently gone know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” 2014 is well under way. those who can remember 50 years back, into care homes, so you see we are Every blessing for 2014. From the Well that was Christmas (and New it probably seems like a different world; beginning decrease in size again. All Fellowship. Pastor Dave Clifford: Year) and what have you done? Another and it was. Too much looking back can are welcome on Sunday at 10.30a.m.. 01296 668906. year over and a new one just begun. end in regret, guilt, dwelling on lost We are looking forward to good things Not often I would quote from the bard opportunities and an inability to repair of Liverpool, John Lennon, but these relationships. Retrospection can be phrases do make you think don’t they? wonderful if we learn from the mistakes In January I reached a significant age, we made, but how many of us really one I couldn’t even imagine at fifteen or do learn and avoid the same mistakes ECUMENICAL ENLIGHTENMENT sixteen, and when I dwell on it I begin again? Be honest. cHUrcHes togetHer soUPer to wonder ‘what have I achieved?’ In New Year brings new hope, a chance my vocation you don’t always see the to look forward: Isaiah 43:18 says: Lent LUncHes fruit of your labour, but you never know “Forget about what’s happened; don’t what seeds you have sown in the lives keep going over old history. These popular Souper lunches will be held in March this year. of those you have met. Prior to coming Be alert, be present. I’m about to do here as a Pastor I spent thirty odd years something brand-new.“ (The Message). Book in good time to avoid disappointment. in a secondary school, believe me some That’s hope – looking forward in years were very odd. The school roll expectation even though we don’t March 13th at Pitstone Memorial Hall and started at 1700 plus for the first half of see the light at the end of the tunnel. my career and then the baby boom came ‘The Fellowship’ have been doing that March 27th at Ivinghoe Town Hall to an end it settled to between 1000 year after year for a long time now and to 1100. I meditated on this the first so it continues. Both will be held from 12.00-1.30pm Sunday in 2014 with the fellowship and We had a great ‘DIY Nativity’ – thanks came to the conclusion that I had met, to Bob Saintey and Ben Blunt (and kids) Tickets at £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children can be obtained from:- worked with, taught, disciplined and for taking part. The band once again • Margaret Cole 668005 befriended in excess of 20,000 people, were amazing and provided a wonderful including staff. experience to singing carols old and • Margaret Witherden 668004 Each one was a potential opportunity new. I think everyone enjoyed the • Alex Wynne 668336 to sow seed – though I can’t claim that it afternoon despite technical difficulties of was always good seed and good soil just computers shutting down mid carol. We as in the parable. The right word and a take up our monthly ‘Thursday Friends’ There will be a raffle and contributions of raffle prizes would be welcome. person can spring into life and a glittering on February 6th with Cream Tea and career – a wrong one and we can shatter March 6th with a Film Matinee. Both We will be supporting the following Local Charities - dreams, destroy confidence and ruin a at the Millennium starting 2.00p.m. – Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, Bucks Young Carers person’s God given potential for good. ALL (whatever age) WELCOME. Maybe it’s not good to look back too Finally, let me say I took my first Home Start and Save the Children much. L. P. Hartley, author of ‘The funeral for one of our members in

38 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 39 PARIshPARI No TICEBoARd

The Great British

Marsworth WI Jumble Sale Supper Millennium Hall Supporting Spinal Injuries Association Friday 16th May 2014 2.00 pm Sat 12th April

After a very successful Jumble for the Church I have been asked to organize the one for the WI. I am sure with all your help we can do it again.

THURSDAY

I will need Jumble kept on one side or any other house 6TH FEBRUARY 2014 clearance items (No Big items wardrobes etc) for more information you may contact me Josie Kempster 01442 825057

Marsworth WI Jumble Sale Sat 12th April Ivinghoe(Please notetown change of date Hall from programme) Make the batter matter Hold a Great British Fish and Chip AfterMonday: a very successful 3pm - 6pm Ballet Jumble for the(07834-281434) Church I have been Supper to help raise money to support our outreach services. asked to organize the one for the WI. Tuesday: 10am Beacon Art (01296-661291) THURSDAY To request a fundraising pack: I am sure with all your help we can do it again. 6TH MARCH 2014 Call 0845 071 4350 Email [email protected] Tuesday:I will need Jumble 7pm Zumba kept on one(07941-092673) side or any other house Visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk Registered Charity No 1054097 Wednesday:clearance items 8:45 and 10am Pilates (No Big items wardrobes etc please ) for Have fun and raise money for the SIA more information you may contact me (07855-138005) Josie Kempster 01442 825057 Wednesday: 1pm Adult Ballet and at 2pm2pm Vintage Fitness (07985-048880) Ashridge Spring Plant Fair Thursday: W.I: Monthly each 2nd Thursday Sunday 11th May 2014, 11am-4pm, (Win: 01296-660755) Spring Plant Fair. Free entry. Thousands of plants for sale from private gardens and commercial nurseries. NT Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Monument Drive, Ringshall, HP4 1LX. More info and plant donations: Email: [email protected] to advertise your event here. John Cartwright 01442 864 984

40 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 41 M. D. SPRING AUTOS Ivinghoe Aston Martin D Spring 28 years established trading Village Hall For all your vehicle’s needs Servicing,Servicing, Bodywork Class 4 repairs,and 7 MOTs MOTs onarranged, site, Exhausts, Exhausts, Welding, Tyres and Brakes Your vehicle can be picked up and returned free of charge Call now for a competitive quote Telephone & fax: 01296 662280 Mobile: 07860 847328 Villagers are reminded that there is a hall at Ivinghoe Aston for hire at similar rates to Unit 9, Airfield Ind Est, Cheddington Lane Ivinghoe’s Village Centre and Town Hall. For details contact booking secretary Barbara Long Marston, Tring, Herts HP23 4QR Rayment 01525 220959 or email [email protected]

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42 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 43 vinghoe velo’s: New Year, new YoU! A cup O tea and a slice O cake!

ycling isn’t just for lycra clad speed merchants, it is a sport for all and

SPORTING SCOOP Ceven Worzel Gummage would feel at home with the Vinghoe Velos tea ride as they enjoy a meander through the Chilterns. The tea ride meets every Saturday morning outside the Rose & Crown in Ivinghoe between 9.50 and 10 O’clock in all weathers. If it is hot, they wear shorts, if it is cold they wrap up warm and if it snows they have been known to wear wellington boots! The aim of the tea ride is to encourage people back onto their bikes; to make new friend and to enjoy a cuppa! The pace of the ride is that of the slowest rider and ew Year resolutions are now a LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx their destination is one of the fantastic distant memory and thankfully the however, if you put the phrase “couch to coffee shops or tea rides in the local area. Ndays are getting longer. The spring 5k” into an internet search engine you will Saturday mornings leaving the Rose & is a great time to get active and get out find it too! Crown at 10 back between 12 – 1pm with and about; is it time then to revisit “2014 Once you have reached your 5k goal it a tea and cake break in between what is the year I get fit”. A great way to get fit might time for you to think about a regular could be better! is to start running or jogging. Sometimes Saturday morning run. In Aylesbury, considered scary and many non-runners St Albans and Milton Keynes at 9am every are often heard saying “I can’t run”. Many Saturday morning there is a free timed 5k people have thought this and using free “race”. The race is called “Parkrun” and and easy to access information have it is supported by volunteers. Runners of transformed themselves into runners. All all abilities take part; those who run for Hawthorn you need is a good pair of trainers, plus a fun and those who are aiming for a full Garden Maintenance good sports bra if you are a woman and marathon. There is no need to book, just for all your gardening needs some determination. register at http://www.parkrun.org.uk The NHS have a “Couch to 5k” turn up to the event and do not forget your programme on their web site that aims barcode! (All will become clear when you Pruning • Weeding • Hedge & Tree Work • Lawn care to get almost anyone running 5k (3 miles) register). Grass Cutting • Patios • Small Landscapes in 9 weeks. Week 1 is more walking than On my first Parkrun in Milton Keynes running and by Wk9 you should be all set there was a runner in a gorilla suit and here Telephone : Roy 01296 625531 for 30 minutes of running. is the photo to prove it! Mobile : 07906 398187 This is the address for the NHS programme http://www.nhs.uk/ Jose Hetherington

44 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 45 Walk this way...

elcome to the Beacon Team’s bridge and a left turn on the towpath latest feature, to appear in will take you past Pitstone Wharf and on Weach edition of our quarterly towards Startopsend Reservoir. (Whilst magazine… the idea is to describe Marsworth Waterway Works is being walks in and out of the village. They developed look out for the footpath

SPORTING SCOOP could be ‘buggy’ friendly as this one is, diversions, crossing the canal here and something more challenging, one taking back over again at the closed White in a local pub or two or perhaps a nature Lion Pub). Look out for an abundance reserve. If you have a favourite walk in of wild birds, water fowl and pursuing and out of the village/villages (Ivinghoe Twitchers. Follow the towpath for Aston included) please email your walk another half-mile to the Junction Arms at to the Editor for consideration. Your Bulbourne. piece would need to be fairly detailed so At this point you could either return the that anyone taking up your suggested way you came or if you wish to make it walk can easily follow the directions, a round trip it will involve walking some and a distance or rough time estimate way on the road. Turn left at the Junction to complete the walk would be really Arms onto the road past the nature helpful. Photos or simple maps can reserve, well worth a visit and once past be included too, so please share your the traffic lights you will be able to pick favourite ambles, sights and sounds with up the footpath. At the Westfield Road your neighbours and visitors alike! roundabout turn left towards Pitstone. LEARN TO DRIVE WITH After about 200 yards the footpath Ivinghoe to Bulbourne via turns right across the old quarry which ND THE BE canal towpath will bring you out into Church Road in OU ND This is a very pleasant walk and can be Pitstone. At Vicarage Road turn left and R DRIVING made as long or as short as you like and after about twenty yards the footpath SCHOOL apart from the obstacles of two kissing crosses the road. Another kissing Are you interested gates and two stiles the terrain is pretty takes you across the fields towards the

buggy friendly. Windmill and back to Ivinghoe. in learning to drive? Commence your walk down by picking BELLOWS MILL As a fully qualified ADI, I will help EATON BRAY up the footpath at Station Road at the Gloria Snowdon you to pass your driving test and

to drive safely for life bottom of Ladysmith Road. Follow Attractive short term and overnight around the back of the school, over accommodation * Special offer * Whistlebrook and turn right to skirt in idyllic surroundings of old water mill. £15 per hour for the first three around Pitstone encountering the stiles Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies hours, then just £23 per hour! at this point. This leads into Chequers and receptions for up to 80 guests. Lane, at Cheddington Road turn right and Small meeting room. Patience and sense of humour guaranteed follow for about 200 yards, the footpath If you are interested please visit my website: is marked after Autumn Leaves on the For details phone 01525 220548 www.roundthebend-drivingschool.co.uk right and is accessed via a kissing gate. or email [email protected] or call Brian on 01442 381549 or The path leads through to the swing 07988 742385 for further details

46 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 47 Ivinghoe Construction Ltd Murray’s Cleaning Services

Kitchens The Cleaning Specialists Service with integrity • Carpet Bathrooms • Rug • Upholstery & Leather 10% carpet cleaning • Patio & Driveway discount for Wet Rooms • End of Tenancy Cleans empty rooms Landscape works for all • Internal Window & Conservatories 01442 250679 BOOK gardens or paddocks 07952 544666 www.murrayscleaningservices.co.uk NOW! Sean Reidy email: [email protected] 01525 221642 07850 452492

48 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 49 From Ivinghoe Allotments Plant for spring and help keep your village tidy!

hope that all of you and your families had to an inch long). a very Happy Christmas and wish you all First earlies are planted late March, second Ia very happy, healthy and productive New earlies planted mid-April and maincrop mid to Year, and don’t get hurt in the stampede to late April. Believe me, digging up your early exchange your Christmas gardening vouchers! potatoes in June/July is a real treat, and with

CULTIVATION CLIPPINGS The allotment site always looks bleak at a knob of butter you can’t beat the taste, and this time of year, with only a smattering of what price would you pay in the shops? leeks, sprouts, winter greens to be seen. We all say that Ivinghoe is a lovely place to But, behold garlic shoots are emerging from live and who would disagree? But we all have the soil, having been planted in October/ our little bit to do in order to keep it lovely, November. Isn’t nature wonderful and all clean and tidy. Pat Roach does an excellent taken for granted. job in clearing rubbish from our streets and By the time that you get this edition of the the lawn, but another centre piece in our magazine, vegetable growers on allotments village is the church cemetery. John Groom and gardens will have already started planting cuts the main grass area regularly, but his (frosty weather of course may make it machines cannot go in and around the impossible). Broad beans, peas, radishes gravestones. For the past two years a handful st. MarY’s cHUrcH and turnips can be sown under cloches. The of us together with Russell, Rachel and the month of February, if the weather is kind, is scouts have been busy strimming around the PItstone the time that I plant my shallots on the plot gravestones and generously tidying up. and they don’t require a lot of attention. Just We all have busy lives, and a few extra make sure the bed is kept weed free and push volunteers with or without strimmer’s would We will soon be compiling a list of people to act as stewards back any sets that have been lifted by either be appreciated. It is only for about one hour when Pitstone Church is open on Sunday afternoons during the birds or frost. All being well you should have a month for five months or so. I know that Summer months. We are looking for two or three new volunteers superb homemade crunchy pickled shallots to there are about eight strimmer’s on the for this year so if you feel you would like to spend a peaceful last you until next year. Onion sets are planted alloment site, so come on and do your little afternoon enjoying the tranquillity of the church and church yard about a month later, but for exhibiting I plant bit for the village! If you work really hard, please let Gill Arney know, Tel: 668123. onion seeds in the greenhouse in January. Louise Emlyn Jones will reward you with a This is also the month to buy your seed cup of coffee, or a cold drink when it is hot There is a vigorous debate going on with the Conservation potatoes and quality is better than quantity. and sunny and you get a chocolate digestive, Trust as to whether the church should be opened more often. Do not use any soft or diseased ones and large what more could you ask for?! At present anyone who would like to visit the church when it is ones should not be cut in half. There are three If you would like to help then please closed can obtain the key from the Old School at the corner of varieties; first early, second early and maincrop. contact Louise on 669202, it would be very Church Road Pitstone. Call: 661968 before you go. Set out the potatoes in trays, I find empty much appreciated. egg cartons very efficient, with the eyed Now that the ‘ho ho ho’ season has been The church yard is full of lovely wild flowers in the ends pointing upwards. Keep them in a frost and gone, we can look forward to the ‘hoe Spring, so even if the church is shut it is well worth a visit . free and light place until you have several hoe hoe’ season! sturdy shoots present (ideally half an inch Ernie Jones, Allotmenteer

50 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 51 tales from the compost heap or, how to turn trees green again!

he 12 days of Christmas have highly-coloured or plastic coated paper drawn to a close; and across the are not suitable, so it’s probably best to Tcountry an estimated 6 to 8 million recycle your Christmas cards another Christmas trees have had their moment way; but newspaper, standard copy and of glory in the sitting room, and been printing paper, and cardboard will all discarded. Some will be fly-tipped or work a treat in your heap, once suitably

CULTIVATION CLIPPINGS sent to landfill, while others (luckily a shredded or crumpled. Mix the paper in growing number) will be chewed up by with your usual compost material on a a machine and spat out as wood chips – 50:50 basis, keep it slightly damp, and ultimately to benefit gardens as a weed turn it from time to time if you can. suppressant or soil improver. Your reward will be a balanced heap Whilst I do not recommend that the that, with a little attention, will yield average householder should attempt to good compost for your garden. And cram their tree into their compost bin, the satisfaction of knowing that those there are ways in which we can turn at ripped-up bank statements have not only least some of the avalanche of paper not fallen into the wrong hands, but are and cardboard that engulfs our homes at helping your onions to flourish. Christmas into something that helps the Of course, this is something we can be environment. And it is the compost heap doing all year round. Because composting that performs this transformation. is for life, not just for Christmas. Paper, as we know, comes from tree fibre, and the process of composting causes it to revert to something like Barbara Cummings its natural state. Some types of shiny, www.recycleforbuckinghamshire.co.uk REFERENCES 07891 449077 PROVIDED [email protected]

52 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 53 Brookmead school children Pitstone & Ivinghoe continue to blossom Baby & Toddler Group

he spring term looks to be a busy explore and have experiences that a itstone and Ivinghoe Baby and hand over their roles as their children one; with some children travelling class-room setting cannot offer. Toddler Group ended 2013 in style have grown too old for toddler group. into space, others will be learning There are a number of new with a Christmas themed party. We We want to say a big thank you to Julie SCHOOLS STUFF T P about the Great Fire of London, some opportunities for parents and the even had a visit from Father Christmas Every, Clare Cleland and Jo Lucas who will be getting to grips with life in ancient community to participate in our new which was met with mixed emotions have already left a big hole at toddlers Greece, whilst others explore conditions Energy Club and Flametree after school from the children! Many thanks to Sarah and will be a hard act to follow. The group in the rain forests. drama club, details of which can be ob- Ella who gave up her time to come and has gone from strength to strength over All this learning is being brought to life tained from the Mrs Kerr at the school take photos of the children meeting Santa the past few years particularly because whilst the building upgrade is completed office on 01296 668543. and whether smiles or tears, they were of Julie and her team’s hard work and including; nine fully refurbished We have a governor vacancy too, moments to remember forever. Thanks enthusiasm and I know every member of classrooms, a new hall and library (with and would be keen to hear from you if too to Debbie Bolam who came and ran the group will be sorry to see them go. fabulous new books), and we will let you you have particu-lar skills that you are a Melody Movement session with the We have held our first committee know in due course what our plans are for able to offer. Please contact the chair children at the party. meeting of the New Year and we’re showing off all our new learning spaces. of governors, Elizabeth Young via the We also held a fun Halloween session raring to go for the new term. We’ll be With help form the community and our school office: office@brookmead. at the end of October, just before we trying our best to continue the great parents, we will have also completed bucks.sch.uk. Equally, your feedback broke up for half term. Many of the work of the previous committee. We are the clearance of the Brook in preparation and ques-tions are always welcome and children dressed up in costumes and always looking for input from the wider for an additional outdoor learning space can be sent to the same address. they enjoyed spooky food at snack time community so if you are able to come and that will become an integral part of our including marshmallow ghosts, skeleton lend a hand helping us to set up or clear successful Forest School, which is now biscuits and bat biscuits. They also enjoyed away or do some washing up we would firmly established as one our Brookmead Mary Tebje Halloween crafts and games. Instead of love to hear from you. Also if you run a treasures, where our children can Governor, Brookmead School apple bobbing, the children enjoyed trying business that would appeal to our children, to eat brioche hanging down on strings! how about running a free taster session Other activities for last term included at our group? If this is something that a photographic session by Carrie where interests you, please contact us. parents had the opportunity to have photos We have welcomed a lot of new taken of their children. We made sure mums and carers to our group recently. messy play wasn’t too messy that day! Our If you were in any doubt as to the regular hairdresser, Lara came too, cutting existence of a baby boom, you just need the children’s hair in a fun environment. to see our thriving baby area! We look Everyone enjoyed tractor rides to see forward to these babies growing and the Windmill during harvest celebrations, developing at the group as they become played with space rockets for National toddlers and then preschoolers (we hope Space Week and made matchmaker they don’t grow up too fast though!). fireworks and heard popping ‘firework’ There are some great activities planned popcorn for bonfire night celebrations. for the coming weeks including lots of At the end of last term we unfortunately messy play – where better to let your had to say a sad farewell to a number of children get messy than in the Memorial previous committee members as they Hall rather than at home! The children u

54 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 55 will be celebrating Chinese New Year as train tracks, slides, trikes, trampolines etc. we enter the year of the horse in our We are able to alternate these toys to A call for Help 29th Jan session and Valentine’s Day in keep everyone happy and entertained. our 12th Feb session with lots of themed There is a safe soft area with a wide ello let me introduce myself. craft and play. Lara the hairdresser will variety of toys for babies to explore and My name is Keith Steers and I am also be coming each term to toddler group have fun with until they are ready to Hthe New Group Scout Leader for as an easy way to get your child’s hair cut. venture out into the larger area of the hall. 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone scout group. A snack and drink is provided for the We are currently looking to recruit SCHOOLS STUFF about the group children and tea, coffee, biscuits (sometimes new leaders for both our Cub and The baby and toddler group is an integral cake!) for the adults at no extra cost. Scout sections and also our Executive part of life in the village and offers a The sessions either end with a story committee, so we thought who better in District events like Orienteering at wonderful opportunity for parents, time or sing along session, which the to tell you about the roles than the Wendover, Swimming Galas, Christmas grandparents and carers to meet and enjoy children really love. leaders themselves. So this is what they Parties and going to Warwick Castle a cuppa together. There have been some Our group runs every Wednesday had to say. to name a few, Beavers meet other good friendships formed amongst both the during term time between 1.15 – Beavers from around the area a these parents and our younger members. Many 3.00pm in the Main Hall at Pitstone Beaver scouts is for all events and make new friends. And this of the children form friendships with those Memorial Hall, £2 per family per children aged 5 up to 8 is just a few of things we do. they later go to pre-school and then school session (your first session is free). So what do Beaver Scouts Do? Well Of course none of this is possible with therefore helping them settle into For more information we use our the Scout website tells us this: without the Adult Leader volunteers, their new environments happily. facebook page to keep everyone up to We are the UK’s biggest mixed youth and I joined Scouting in July 2012 to Each week we offer art, craft and date. Search for the group and you can organisation. We change lives by offering support my Children who were Beavers messy play activities which allow the request to join.Facebook: Pitstone and 6- to 25-year-olds fun and challenging at the time. When I first started I was children to express themselves creatively. Ivinghoe baby and toddler group activities, unique experiences, everyday showered with support and training Our toddlers have access to a range of adventure and the chance to help others to get me on my way and running toys and activities such as dressing up, Katrina Blunt Committee Member so that we make a positive impact in (hopefully) a happy and successful communities. Beaver Colony. I can honestly say I’ve That’s a pretty good summary actually, enjoyed every single minute I’ve spent certainly describes what Ivinghoe and with the Beaver Colony and I’ve learnt Pitstone Beavers have been up to in an enormous amount. It’s so much fun, the past 18 months. We’ve visited Fire I now volunteer and help out at I&P Stations, had Police Officers visit us in Camps whenever I can.

Marsworth Millennium Hall, Vicarage Road, Marsworth HP23 4LR the hut, been on a Canal Boat, had Red Tel: 07506 179658 Email: [email protected] Indian themed sleepovers, and been Andy Broad Marsworth Pre-School, held at Marsworth Millennium Hall, is a very popular village on climbing walls, wooden sled runs, Beaver Scout Leader, I&P Scouts pre-school with an outstanding reputation, attracting children from a wide area. obstacle courses and crate stacking. We always Hike at least once a term, cub scouts is for all Sessions available for ages 2 to 5 years, FULL or PART days:- sometimes in the dark and sometimes children aged 8 up to 10 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday in the snow. We’ve conducted Tree “There’s never a dull moment being Morning Session:- 9.00am - 11.30am Safari’s at Ashridge where we identified a cub leader! When I took on the role Lunch Club:- 11.30am - 12.30pm 12 different tree species and grown nearly 4 years ago, I had no background Hyacinths for Christmas. We play lots of in cubs and only managed being a Afternoon Session:- 12.30pm - 3.00pm different games, challenging the Beavers brownie for a year or so, but that didn’t For further information, details of funding, session availability or to arrange a visit, to learn new skills, work as a team and seem to matter. There’s lots of support please call 07506 179658 or visit our website think of and help others. We take part from the other leaders and from the. u www.marsworthpreschool.org.uk

56 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 57 Scouting organisation. It’s great to see in a hammock or in Tring Museum, hold Windmill Pre-school the cubs enjoying themselves and being a Fish eagle. travel the world, cook with challenged to do something new from King’s Head chefs and to learn how to t’s the beginning of a new calendar of Pitstone and the surrounding area, time to time. Same for me too! We’ve MOT a car. There is no point in moaning year so on behalf of the Voluntary and therefore the ongoing demand for tried some tricky crafts such as making about the ‘youth of today’. This is your IManagement Committee and staff places, we recommend that you put your snow shoes from willow, dying cloth opportunity to interact with them and at Windmill Pre-School, we wish all our child on the waiting list well in advance using natural dyes, cooking welsh cakes help them to become a valuable part of supporters within the local community a of wanting a place – even if you don’t SCHOOLS STUFF on a camp fire to name just a few. Trips our community.’ very Happy New Year – although by the plan to enrol your child until they become feature highly on our programme with time you receive this, a slightly belated funded (the term after they turn three). recent visits to a mosque in Luton and Russell, Rachel and Tony one! We’d also like to thank you for your This will prove favourable when there an observatory on the other side of 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scouts continued support as we move forward are children of the same age waiting for Aylesbury, as well as a guided tour of in to the last two terms of this academic a place, especially when places will be the London Gliding Club airfield. The the group executive year. offered to those who have been on the highlights of our year are the camps. committee. We’d like to welcome all our new waiting list longer, so therefore it is never There are a number of scout camps near Meet on average four times a year and parents, carers and children that started too early to sign up. Places fill up fast – us and most offer organised activities their role is to support the Group Scout this term and hope you enjoy your particularly as we now welcome children such as archery, climbing, pioneering, Leader on meeting the responsibilities time at Windmill Pre-School. This term from the age of two so to put your child’s with some water camps involving sailing of their appointments. will offer continued opportunities for name on the waiting list, please email: and canoeing. As leaders we even get to Included within these are the parents to get involved with their pre- [email protected] have a go from time to time – preferably following: Chair person / Secretary / schoolers early education and we’ve not when the cubs are watching as Treasurer, Parents and supporters of our got some great fundraising events changes within the setting they’re often better at it than us! It can Scout Group. planned to help raise additional funds Parents will also have noticed that there be hard work now and again but its for toys, equipment, games and crafts have been a lot of significant changes really worthwhile and there are loads • The maintenance of the Groups so we hope parents, friends and family taking place within the setting over the of ways to get involved. Don’t be shy property and equipment. members as well as the local community last couple of months. We thank you for give us a call.” • The raising of funds and the will continue to support them. your patience and support during the administration of the groups finances. periods of change but please be assured Andrea Squires Cub Leader. • The insurance of persons, property changes to opening hours that our ‘learning through play’ ethos and equipment. Due to the demand for places, Windmill continues to have a positive effect on scouts is for all children • The organisation of Group public Pre-School is now open for five full the children in our care. aged 10 up to 14. occasions. days and our session times have also If you have any questions relating to ‘It’s really rewarding being a scout • Assisting with the recruitment of changed to accommodate a morning any of the changes, please feel free to leader. You get to work with a broad leaders and other adult support. session of three hours and an afternoon speak to a member of staff or make range of ages (from 10 – 14) and this session of three hours. Our morning an appointment to speak to me or the can often be challenging. However, If you are interested in finding out sessions are now 9.00am until midday setting Leader. young people are very creative and great anymore about any of these positions and the afternoon session is midday until fun. We tend to spend as much time or would like to go along and see for 3.00pm. When places permit, we offer staff update outside as we can; camping, cooking and yourself an additional hour to the morning session In December we were sad to see Sharon exploring in all weathers. You really get What we get up to, please give me where children can stay for a Lunch Club, Berry leave the setting to pursue other out of it what you put in and the skills a call or email me for more information. however due to the demand in places, opportunities. We wish her well in all you can learn are almost endless. It’s Keith Steers Group Scout Leader the allocation of Lunch Club sessions her future endeavours and thank her for also a great excuse to do all the things 0789-9696722 or 01296-662781. changes on a term by term basis. the commitment she showed whilst at you’ve always wanted to do like: sleep Email: [email protected] Because of the continuing development Windmill Pre-School. Her sunny u

58 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 59 disposition will certainly be missed by sponsored walk around the villages of the local community. Members of the worthwhile activity, enabling parents the parents and children. The Voluntary • July: Textile Recycling elected Committee are the Trustees of to have some influence over their Management Committee is currently Most of our events are open to the Charity and are responsible for all child’s early years’ education, and also going through the recruitment process everyone, so not just parents with decision making relating to the running allows local people the opportunity to to find a suitable alternative, however children at Windmill and we hope that of the Pre-school. Some of the activities get involved in a focal point within the in the meantime, we have appointed an we can count on your continued support we are involved in include strategic community. Both have a real and positive Early Years Consultant to act as Interim throughout the year. Keep an eye out on management of the setting, e.g. staffing, impact on the way in which Pre-school SCHOOLS STUFF Leader. She is being supported by Joe our website for more information. premises, equipment and hours of is run. We are a friendly group and we Coleman as our Co-Deputy Leader and opening, grant applications, funding, meet the first Tuesday of each month newly promoted Co-Deputy Tracey getting involved marketing, PR and administration. in the evening and we also have regular Spivey, the staff and the Voluntary Part of our success as a pre-school is the Without this dedicated team, our staff and Committee social events! If Management Committee. We are role the parents play within the setting. pre-school would not be able to run. you are interested in joining our team, positive that in the next edition of the We currently have a small number of We have vacancies for general please get in contact. PPP, we will be able to announce the enthusiastic volunteers that come in and committee members - enthusiastic appointment of our new Leader. help out. This can involve helping with individuals, who are able to spare a crafts and messy play, reading stories, little time each month. Being a member Gail Dodsworth Fundraising and events baking or helping with tidying and of the Committee is an extremely Chair, Voluntary Management Committee At the end of the last term we staged clearing up at the end of a session. our annual Christmas performance. We would like to invite members The children performed brilliantly of the local community (you don’t and everyone that came to watch have to be a parent of a child currently thoroughly enjoyed the show. Thank attending, but you would need to you to staff from the local Sure Start undergo a CRB equivalent check if Give your child an outstanding start Centre for providing festive crafts that you volunteer on a regular basis), who kept the children occupied once the is able to spare a couple of hours – Windmill Pre-School in Ivinghoe is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted making us one of the top pre-schools nationally and highest rated locally

performance was finished until they had either on a regular basis or an ad hoc their turn to visit Father Christmas in basis, to get in touch by emailing: “Children make excellent progress in all areas of their learning and development because staff plan an outstanding range of activities…“ his grotto. We also had a professional [email protected]

face painter that created lots of festive We also welcome dads, or people “Children have fun and are purposefully engaged in all areas of this dynamic setting. faces and the Voluntary Management with interesting jobs to come in and get They make excellent progress as staff recognise them as unique individuals…”

Committee put on a great spread of involved. So if you are good at sport, Source: Ofsted report June 2011 festive refreshments and a Christmas or are a fire fighter or you work in the Morning session: 9am-12pm Lunch club: 12pm-1pm raffle. Thanks to everyone’s support and police, maybe even a doctor, nurse or Afternoon session: 1pm-3pm generous donations, we raised a great dentist and could spare some time to amount of money that will benefit each come in and talk about your job the From January 2014 we will be open 5 full days per week and every one of our pre-schoolers. children would love to meet you so We welcome all children between 2 and 5 years from Pitstone, Ivinghoe & surrounding During the rest of the year, we have please do get in touch. areas to our purpose-built premises behind Brookmead School some great events planned, which we hope you will support us with: Join the team IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD • February: Textile recycling Windmill Pre-School run by a voluntary For further info and to arrange a visit for you and your child please contact us: • May: Family photography session with Management Committee, mainly [email protected] or 01296 661031 (during sessions)

Photography by Carrie / Quiz Night consisting of parents of Windmill • June: Ivinghoe church fete / annual pre-schoolers, but also members Registered Charity No. 1032380 www.windmillpreschool.co.uk

60 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 61 explore intriguing chilterns escarpment of the Chiltern Hills, the cassowary to the zebra, he was near Princes Risborough and halfway fascinated by animals and dedicated his attractions and opulent historic between High Wycombe and Aylesbury. life to studying zoology. He also kept It has been restored by the Chilterns an interesting variety of live animals houses this spring Society to preserve its unique wooden in the grounds of the museum and in machinery, which probably dates from neighbouring Tring Park. The collection is ue to the proximity to London, 3. Greys Court around 1650, making this the oldest still housed in the original museum, full the great, the good and the The Brunner family lived at 16th- smock windmill in the country. of Victorian charm and can be visited all Dnot-so-good have all made their century Grey’s Court until quite recently, Open from Sunday May 5th between year round. Free. homes in the Chilterns. Some of their when the National Trust took over the 2 – 5 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. finest houses are now in the care of management. The estate is tucked 9. Roald Dahl Museum and BEYOND THE BOUNDARY the National Trust, whilst others are in away in a tranquil Chilterns valley with a 6. Chilterns Open Air Museum Story Centre private hands. series of courtyard gardens and longer Like a doorway into another world, the When he was alive, the postman would walks around the Estate. The house still beautiful collection of restored historic deliver up to 4,000 letters from his fans Here are our top exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with buildings include the Thame Vicarage every week. Possibly the greatest of 10 chilterns favourites: a well-stocked kitchen and homely living Room, High Wycombe Toll House, Chilterns’ sons, the lovely Chilterns town 1. Cliveden rooms. The series of walled gardens Shepard’s Living Van and Iron Age house of Great Missenden was home to Roald The Profumo affair – 50 years on. In is a colourful patchwork of interest set all to be explored around the museum Dahl for 36 years. He used the landscape 1963 the Profumo Affair scandalised the amid medieval ruins, which made it the site. Admission charges apply. Doors to draw inspiration for some of his nation and Cliveden hit the headlines as perfect location for another family picnic open for the season on March 29th. stories including; the Matilda and the the place where John Profumo first met – for members of the Crawley family in BFG. The museum and story centre are Christine Keeler. Now a luxury hotel, this the new series of Downton Abbey. 7. Ashridge House open all year. Admission charges apply is a rare chance to visit inside the house Now a prestigious management school to see the private rooms and pool that 4. Chenies Manor House located in the lovely Ashridge Forest, 10. Berkhamsted Castle. are not usually open to non- residents. In 1285, during the visit to Chenies Ashridge House and gardens will have It all began with the Duke of Normandy, The gardens and woodland trails are of Edward I, the earliest occurrence limited opening during March, April and who having defeated king Harold at the open all year. is recorded of eggs being cooked and August. There is plenty to see including; battle of Hastings in 1066, pillaged his given to the villagers to celebrate Easter. the house where guided tours will be way through southern England until he 2. Milton’s Cottage Such are the quirky traditions at the available and includes access to the reached Berkhamsted. Here he was Milton’s Cottage is the only extant lovely Chenies Manor, located in the Humphry Repton-designed gardens that met by the local bigwigs who swore home of John Milton, the great English picturesque Chilterns village of Chenies. have been extensively restored. allegiance and offered him the crown. poet and parliamentarian. It was in this Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both visited and Ashridge House and Gardens are open The offer was accepted and William was grade 1 listed 16th century cottage, it is where Catherine Howard carried on for guided tours during April and August. crowned king on Christmas day in 1066. described by Thomas Ellwood as “that the fatal dalliance with her lover Thomas (excludes Bank Holidays) One of England’s oldest motte and bailey pretty box in Giles, Chalfont”, that Milton Culpepper. Now much used for filming, castles is free to explore, and can be completed Paradise Lost, and the idea the MacLeod Matthews family home and 8. Natural History Museum Tring found adjacent to Berkhamsted station. of Paradise Regained was put to him. gardens are a gem. April – October on This branch of the Natural History Complete with cottage garden, this really Wednesdays, Thursday and Bank Holiday Museum in London was formally known Information on these and other is a Chilterns gem. Monday’s open from 2 – 5pm. as the Zoological Museum and the Chilterns adventures can be found The cottage is open daily from founder, Lionel Walter Rothschild, born on VisitChilterns.co.uk and 1st March to 31st October, Tuesday 5. Lacey Green Smock Mill, so-called into an international financial dynasty, @VisitChilterns to Sunday inclusive. Admission for its resemblance to a traditional was destined to be famed as a zoologist charges apply. farmer’s smock. It stands on the and collector rather than a banker. From

62 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 63 ashridge spring news... ashridge Spring dates 2014

We’re open! When film crews approach us, the Don’t forget the Visitor Centre re-opens estate staff carefully consider proposals on Saturday 15th February. Come up and and decide whether or not they can see us and enjoy a nice walk followed by be accommodated. Our commitment a look round our National Trust shop and to visitor access, nature conservation a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake. and archaeology comes first but with careful management by staff, income Book Fair saturday 10th May from filming enables us to channel more We are planning a Book Fair to be held at resources into the conservation of the BEYOND THE BOUNDARY the Visitor Centre on 10th May at which Ashridge Estate. we will be selling all the rare, antique and collectable books that have been We have a new season of donated over the last few years. We exciting events lined up pring is on the way and the the upkeep of the estate. Ashridge is will also have an extensive selection of including: gardening year will soon begin ours and for everyone and needs to paperbacks and hardbacks to purchase. Cadbury Easter Egg Trail: Sagain. Once you have taken be continually nurtured with the right We are also inviting a limited number Fri 18th – Mon 21st April 10 – 4pm the first faltering steps towards resources to ensure that enjoyment of people to have their own book stalls. Put on your wellies and join us for our reacquainting yourself with the beds and of such a beautiful, ancient site of If you would be interested in booking a annual Easter Egg Trail. Follow the borders, you might find time to think natural woodland is preserved for future book stall of your own please contact trail through the woods and answer about what to do with any unwanted generations. Please come along and [email protected] all questions along the way to earn your plants or surplus stock available from contribute to the annual Spring Plant Fair! stall booking need to be in by chocolate reward! £2.50 per child. your garden. If you do have plants to Many individual commercial nurseries 28th February 2014. spare, The Friends of Ashridge Estate support the event and set up stall too. Don’t forget if you have any second Dawn Chorus: Sat 26th April or would love to hear from you! They will be open for business and come hand books you would like to donate Sat 3rd May 5am – 7am The National Trust at Ashridge is from local areas, representing all three we would be happy to receive them, Yes, we know it’s early! But getting up holding its annual Spring Plant Fair on counties in which Ashridge is situated. just drop them up to the Visitor Centre. to experience the dawn chorus should 11 May 2014, 11am till 4pm and sells They will be selling unusual hardy Thank you. be on everyone’s list of things to do. donated plants from the public to raise perennials, border plants, roses, herbs As a reward for your early start we will money exclusively for the upkeep of the and more. Please come early as queues Filming at ashridge provide you with a cup of tea and a Ashridge Estate and maintenance of the form. The fair is situated at the top of Do you ever find yourself watching bacon sandwich at the end of the walk. mobility vehicles, access paths etc. The Monument Drive. telly and suddenly you think ‘hang on £15 per adult, £10 for children. volunteer organisers would be happy to To donate any plants, find out a minute I know that view?!’ You’re receive any number or variety of plants - further information, or if you require probably right. Filming provides an Spring Trail: 15th Feb – 30th May, most commonly we receive perennials, assistance in potting up any surplus important but sporadic income to the £1 per child grasses, shrubs, and vegetables prove material, please contact John Cartwright Estate. We have had some exciting Pick up your copy of the trail from the especially popular. We ask that the plants on 01442 864 984. Last date for plant filming projects over the last year with Visitor Centre to help you look for the come labelled, noting the colour of the donations is 4th May 2014. Pots and the biggest being Disney’s Maleficent first signs of Spring at Ashridge and bloom if ornamental. compost can be provided. which filmed for a few weeks last complete some of the 50 things to do The event is run entirely by volunteers, summer. So far this year we have had before you’re 11 ¾ along the way! and is able to raise thousands in funds the second series of meet the hounds For our full list of events please visit for essential works at Ashridge and Lauren Wise and a Santander commercial. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge

64 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 65 Hold a Fish and chip supper To help spinal cord injured people rebuild lives after injury.

Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 16th May 2014 Soft furnishings for your whole home or simply one room

ant to eat Fish and Chips, injured people in the UK alone. Supplying bespoke curtains, while raising money for Community Fundraising Manager, blinds, loose covers, cushions, Wcharity? Hold a fish and chip Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and tracks & poles and lots more supper on Friday 16th May 2014 whilst Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity Complete service including raising awareness of spinal cord injury for a great evening with friends and design, fabric samples, and supporting SIA’s vital services. family. We are also encouraging people measuring, making up and fitting You can hold a fish and chip supper in who work to hold a Fish and Chip your own home, at work or hold a larger Lunch in their work places to raise even supper at your local community centre. more funds. You may be even a local SIA will provide a fundraising pack community group wanting to run a fun containing hints and tips, recipes, evening with your group. invitations and donation envelopes. By For more information or request a inviting 8 friends and asking them to fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright donate an additional £5.00 means you will on 0845 071 4350 or email raise at least £40.00 from your supper but [email protected] or James B Chadburn FBHI we will also give you additional fundraising visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk Fine Antique clocks & Barometers ideas to raise even more money for SIA. In 2014 SIA is celebrating its 40th Specialist in repairs & DISCOUNT anniversary and so we want to make the The Great British restorations. batter matter and raise £25,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year we Supper Valuations & clock GOLF Supporting Spinal Injuries Association raised £12,500 from the suppers. Friday 16th May 2014 finding service. The money raised from the suppers SHOP will help the Spinal Injuries Association Advice & assistance on offer support to individuals who become formation & disposal of paralysed and their families, from the private clock collections. IVINGHOE GOLF CLUB moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing Quality clocks/barometers services and publications which enable Bought & sold. and encourage paralysed people to Make the batter matter rebuild lives after spinal cord injury. Hold a Great British Fish and Chip Telephone 01525 221165 Supper to help raise money to support Every year in the UK over 1,000 people our outreach services. Wellcroft, Ivinghoe, Beds LU7 9EF To request a fundraising pack: Mobile 07790 000629 Call 0845 071 4350 experience a spinal cord injury and there Email [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk TELEPHONE 01296 668696 Registered Charity No 1054097 are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord Have fun and raise money for the SIA

66 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 67 Hospice charity helps keep fitness goals on track...

ennie Grove Hospice Care is The fact that by taking part you are offering a full programme of raising money for local patients with Rsponsored events in 2014 to help cancer and other life-limiting illness is an keep everyone’s fitness goals on track added incentive. Ruth explains: while raising vital money for the work it “So many of our participants have does in the local community for patients told me what a help it is when the going with cancer and other life-limiting illness. gets tough to know that all their efforts Events Manager, Ruth Barber, says: are helping other people. It really helps “We all start out the New Year with the you stick at it – and it’s an added bonus best of intentions with regard to fitness that your fundraising also gives you but with many cold days and long winter something else to do when the biscuit nights still in front of us, it is sometimes tin beckons. really hard to keep that initial motivation “We know that not everyone is going. By committing to taking part in comfortable with asking for sponsorship one or more of our events throughout the all the time from friends and family, year, you’ll get a focus for your fitness especially if you do take part in a lot of goals and a having a date to work towards events, but there are plenty of other ways will help you stay motivated. It’s also to raise money too. You could bake cakes proven that taking part with other people and sell them at work, offer to wash cars can help keep you on track, so why not in exchange for a donation or even have a 07900 987230 sign up with friends, family members and sweepstake on how long it will take you colleagues – the more the merrier!” to finish your event – the possibilities are www.jazzercise-uk.com The charity offers a range of different endless and we’re always on hand to help www.facebook.com/ events, catering for those new to fitness if the ideas run out!” JazzerciseBucksBedsHerts as well as committed enthusiasts: To view a listing of our events “Our events are designed to have a please go to Monday 9.30 am Wilstone Village Hall 7.00 pm Cheddington Village Hall wide appeal and many have a choice of www.renniegrove.org/activeevents Tuesday 6.00 pm Low Impact class @ routes so you can pitch your participation For further information on our events Wilstone Village Hall at the right level. You can even use them programme or fundraising, please Wed nesday 9.30 am Wilstone Village Hall as training for a bigger personal goal contact the Events Team on: 7.30 pm Pitstone Memorial Hall Thursday 9.45 am Low Impact class @ like climbing a mountain or maybe just 01442 890222 or email them on Wilstone Village Hall looking good on the beach!” [email protected] Friday 9.45 am Wilstone Village Hall

68 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 69

The King’s Head, Ivinghoe 01296 668388 Birthdays ? Anniversaries ? Getting married ? Just getting together The King’s Head is YOUR village’s fine dining restaurant. Celebrate in style and let us make your special occasion one to remember!

The King’s Head “Welcome Card” 15% discount Monday to Thursday Don’t forget our evenings and many more benefits. Call 01296 668388 to claim yours Bon Appetit(Mon-Sat) Luncheon @ £21.75 Menu www.kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk Perfect for ladies who lunch!

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We also provide tree work, hedge cutting, fencing, driveways, paving, pressure washing and general garden maintenance.

Please contact Glenn on 07951 126534 or [email protected] 72 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon January 2014

am writing this on 17th January, so applications so long as they are in line Accounts Committee. But questioning High speed broadband not too late for New Year greetings with the new 56 pages of national was a bit less intimidating. (non)delivery I– even though it feels to me as if a planning policy guidance (NPPG). Many changes and staff reductions are The BT anticipation (promise?) of whole month’s work has been squeezed Saved Policy RA14 has previously proposed, but the headlines for cuts are high speed broadband to Pitstone in to the last ten days and the holiday is been upheld twice in appeals relating to the home to school transport budget, and not-quite-so-fast to Ivinghoe by far away. land at Rushendon Furlong. It remains which is very bad news for parents in 31st December 2013 remains unfulfilled. to be tested as to whether it is in line this area, so I will be doing my utmost Contention is still appalling at peak district Local Plan with the NPPG or not. A similar planning to stave off the worst effects; the times, like 4.30pm and 6.55pm for So far AVDC has spent going on for application in Winslow is coming to educational psychology services – again; some reason. The new published £3M bringing forward two new district committee on January 29th, which will and maintenance of footpaths and rights date is 31st March. wide plans to replace the one covering indicate how strong RA 14 remains. of way. 2004-11. Both have had to be withdrawn RA.14 On the edge of the built-up The state of the roads is never

COUNCILLOR COMMUNICATION as unsound following public enquiry. areas of settlements listed in Appendix out of sight, but a 20 year structural A special Council has been called by 4 of the Plan permission may be granted maintenance programme seems as far my group to ask the cabinet to account for residential or mixed-use development away as ever, and only short term but for this. of up to 5 dwellings on a site not increased spending approved. The latest failure, announced in the exceeding 0.2 ha where: At the time of writing the council tax second week of January, was because a) the site is substantially enclosed by proposal is for the minimum increase the enquiry concluded there were existing development possible without a local referendum, inadequate housing numbers and jobs b) the proposal would satisfactorily 1.9%. But it’s impossible to predict as to meet the future needs of the District, complete the settlement pattern the threshold for a referendum may be Avril Davies and that AVDC had acted in isolation, without intruding into the countryside; reduced to 1%. County and District Councillor with insufficient co-operation with and http://avrildavies.mycouncillor.org neighbouring authorities such as Milton c) the proposal does not comprise the Keynes, Luton and Leighton Buzzard. partial development of a larger site. One of the fundamental problems with the plan was that early on in the Proposals should use land efficiently Enjoy home cooked food at the process a highly contested decision was and create a well-defined boundary made, probably on political grounds, to between the settlement and the C a n a l S i d e C a f é one development away from the south countryside. Permission will not be Pitstone Wharf, Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Bucks LU7 9AD of Aylesbury, near Stoke Mandeville and granted for development that impairs the Breakfasts, Lunches, Soups, Sandwiches, Weston Turville, and re-site it to the east, character or identity of the settlement or Homemade Cakes, Cream Teas plus selection of Hot near Bierton. Later on the proposed total the adjoining rural area. housing numbers were halved. and Cold Drinks As a result of the first plan being county council Budget Open All Year November - March Fri Sat Sun 10am - 2.30pm rejected many speculative applications The County Council continues to take March - October Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun 10am - 3pm have been submitted for huge large sums of money out of its operating August and bank holidays Daily 10am - 3pm developments in Aylesbury Vale. budget. In the first week of January the Or on request for Group Bookings we can offer seating for 36 people. The District has ‘saved’ its most proposals were minutely examined in We are happy to tailor the menu to suit your occasion important policies from the 2008-11 plan public by councillors in a very similar Please call Mary on 07769 961196 and is able to apply them to planning fashion to the Parliamentary Public

74 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 75

Have your voice heard...

uch of my time as your Councillor This does not mean however that new is taken up with planning matters. development will not take place. Whilst MI wanted to take this opportunity the planned development has been to explain just what is and what is not rejected there is the real possibility that possible for me to do. “speculative” development could take My role as your representative on AVDC place. A decision could be reasonably is primarily to ensure that you have ample argued that the lack of any such plan gives opportunity to have your voice heard. Of the green light for new building outside of course this is your democratic right as that plan. The whole process is really up for a taxpayer and I am only too happy to interpretation at the moment. facilitate this. Planning is the most emotive If a new development is proposed and subject we have to deal with. There are you have a view then I want to hear it. I can

COUNCILLOR COMMUNICATION nearly always two opposing sides to any ask for any decision, be it for or against, application and my role is not necessarily to be heard by a committee of other to take one view or the other. In the three Councillors to consider its merits. I do not years I have been your representative I have have the power to make or influence any attended many planning meetings and it is decision over and above anyone else. I have for many a most frustrating process. though the facility to ensure scrutiny of any At the application stage two sides explain decision by members of the Council. their case and a council employee takes There was in 2012 a BBC documentary a view. Primarily that view will be, for us series which followed various council in our part of the Vale at least, to prevent committees entitled “The Planners”. This inappropriate development in the countryside. was an excellent series of programmes There is now however a new directive from which covered the work of council planners, central government which gives added local members and the public during various weight to “sustainable” new development. applications around the British Isles. Sadly We are after all suffering a serious shortage this is not available on iPlayer at present but of new build housing in the country as a it is on YouTube and a new series is planned. whole. This should not of course be at the I cannot recommend this highly enough. expense of developing “green field” sites. I hope that this brief overview of what The Council has recently submitted a plan happens when either you or a near neighbour which gives their view of development over submits a planning application will encourage the next twenty years. Sadly, like half of all your engagement in the process. councils’ in the country, this plan has been I am here to help and will do what I can to rejected by the planning inspector. It should facilitate your rights as a resident in the Vale have no effect for us in our area but instead of Aylesbury. mean an increase in proposed development My contact details are contained within in and around the major settlements such as this publication and I am only too pleased to Aylesbury and Buckingham. hear from you. Ivinghoe as a parish has proposed in any case very little new housing allocation. Chris Poll District Councillor Ivinghoe Aston

76 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 77 flyer:Layout 1 02/07/2012 08:40 Page 2

Your local councillors: Always: Cllr Karen Groom Cllr Gloria Snowdon Chair of Ivinghoe Parish Council Footpaths and Bridleways Planning & Liaison Cllr for: Allotments, Ivinghoe Lawn, Trees Ivinghoe Library, National Trust and Streetlights Great Beer and Windmill, Thames Valley Liaison Cllr for: Chiltern Society, Police and Local Area Forum Beacon Villages Society Add: Willowdene Farm Add: 5 Ladysmith Great Wine Ivinghoe LU7 9EA Ivinghoe LU7 9EE Tel: 01296 668 326 Tel: 07946 884 416 Great Food Email: [email protected] Cllr Sheena Bexson Cllr Christabel Boersma Matters for Ivinghoe Aston Great Welcome Vice Chair Ivinghoe Parish Council Planning Streetlights and Highways Ivinghoe Aston Recreation Area Planning Liaison with Town Hall Committee Parish Council Website &The Add: Crabtree Farmhouse Beacon Magazine Ivinghoe Aston LU7 9DP Liaison Cllr for: Local Area Forum, Tel: 01525 229 443 Email: [email protected] And now: Beacon Freight Quality Partnership Add: The Old Vicarage Ivinghoe LU7 9EH Cllr Peter Miles Great Coffee Tel: 01296 661 532 Ivinghoe Recreation Area Email: [email protected] Ivinghoe Lawn and Trees Liaison Cllr for: Ivinghoe Town Hall Great Tea Cllr Jose Hetherington Committee Liaison Cllr for: Ivinghoe Library, Add: 56 Station Road Thames Valley Police Ivinghoe LU7 9EB Great Cakes Add: 17 Wellcroft Tel: 01296 668 471 Ivinghoe LU7 9EF Tel: 01296 661 510 Maxine Hayes Clerk to the Parish Council Cllr Carol Bennitt Available the last Thursday of Ivinghoe Aston Recreation Area every month in The Beacon Village Footpaths and Liaison Cllr for: Library, High Street, Ivinghoe Ivinghoe Aston Village Hall between 2.30pm and 4.00pm Add: Beacon Farm Ivinghoe Aston Add: Holly Villa 31 Princes Street Open from 11.00am Tuesday to Sunday Tel: 01525 222 293 Toddington Beds LU5 6ED Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Avril Davies County and District Cllr Ivinghoe Chris Poll Division District Cllr Eddlesborough Ward Add: The Old Bakehouse Add: 43 Gooseacre Chequers Lane Pitstone LU7 9AG Cheddington LU7 0SR Tel: 01296 668 152 Tel: 01296 663 737 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.roseandcrownivinghoe.com 78 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine February 2014: Issue 88 February 2014: Issue 88 Ivinghoe Beacon Magazine 79

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