AUGUST 2017 Price £1.00

THE VILLAGE POND IN 1966 — with thanks to Stuart King

Inside this issue: Advertising Manager wanted! Page 8 Holmer Green Scouts Page 15 Cherry Garth News Page 20 Holmer Green Stroke Club Page 15 Five things to enjoy in Holmer Green Page 5 Our Advertisers index Page 31 ‘From a Newbie’ Page 9 Rossetti Art Group Page 13 Help to Manage Household Finances Page 29 Theatre Going Page 17 Heroes of WW1 Page 7 The Lantern Club Page 11 Holmer Green Evening WI Page 23 Useful Names & Numbers Page 28 Holmer Green Football Club Page 21 Village Contacts Page 3 Holmer Green Guides Page 20 What’s On – and Where Page 29 Holmer Green Players Page 26 and much more!…

Editorial by Ann Miller

Every time I sit down to start my editorial I feel this great emptiness within my head. I want to write a clever and thought-provoking article, but I always feel an intense lack of ideas. Hence, I am trying a new slant.

Don’t be too put off by my out of the box presentation in this issue.

I read with great interest and delight the article submitted by Susan Rasala, on her joy in having moved to Holmer Green and highlighting so many things that she has discovered, and is enjoying about living in Holmer Green. Welcome Susan. After 10 years of living in the village how lovely to read Julia Bolsom’s article on 5 things to enjoy in Holmer Green. It sometimes takes a look through someone else’s eyes to make you appreciate what is there right in front of you.

They say it is never too late to learn! I have, physically, lived in Holmer Green for over 40 years, and within that time have worked and brought up two sons. I taught and learned alongside children from within this community, hopefully, helping them with the beginnings of their pathway to greater learning and understanding. As I get older my interest in history both family and local grows. Hence the interest in Stuart’s latest article. Also looking at the picture of the pond area from 1966 makes you realise that what you thought has always been here has changed quite dramatically.

Our thanks should go out to the Hazlemere Good Neighbours who are of great importance to residents in this area. Well done. Talking about Good Neighbours … how about checking out your hedges and verges that may well be obstructing the pathways for both pedestrians and young people in pushchairs. In the same vain why, oh why do you young people have to ruin the playground apparatus for the younger folk? You enjoyed the use of the apparatus once, so please be more thoughtful! You are not being clever, just showing your selfishness. Once again everyone please remember to BIN YOUR. LITTER. It is your environment as well, let’s try and work together to keep it tidy.

Really nice way to finalise this editorial is to ask if there is any organisation out there that could benefit from a donation from the Holmer Green Today magazine fund. If you think you might be eligible please e-mail one of the team.

The Magazine Team: Editor: Ann Miller 57 Winters Way E: [email protected] Advertising: James Paterson 27 Orchard Way. 07740 290685 E: [email protected] Coordinators: Judy Gilligan 11 Parish Piece. 714838 E: [email protected] Linda Meatyard 24 The Rosary. 715805 E: [email protected] Desk Top Publishing: Peter Rawbone 1 Hollyberry Grove. 713649 E: [email protected] Distribution: Nick Reynolds 31 Harries Way. 714473 Subscriptions: Janet Reid 10 New Pond Road. 712073 E: [email protected] Treasurer: Ann Sollars 15 Watchet Lane. 713420 The publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. They cannot be held accountable for the accuracy of advertisements, nor for the editorial information sent to them and reserve the right to amend it. The deadline for the next issue is 19th October 2017. Advertising Rates: Full page – £50.00, Half Page – £30.00, Quarter Page – £17.00, Eighth Page – £10.00 Printed on FSC Paper by South Bucks Business Products Ltd - 01494 437470

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 VILLAGE CONTACTS 

Church of England ATC, 871 Penn Squadron 1st HG Guides Vicar: Rev. Captain Peter Simmons Pilot Officer Shepherd [email protected] Parish Office: Featherbed Lane, 07900 241760 01494 715195. www.pshg.org 1st HG Rainbows & Brownies 4th HG Brownies Beamond End Residents Mrs Maureen Carnier - 711134 Dr. Diana Burman - 724573 Assoc. Mr Andrew Swann – 7116112 Beavers 6-8 years Boys Brigade Breathe Easy Mrs J. Sorenson – 713877 Mrs Pam White – 711539 Buckinghamshire Angie Lockwood – 527062 Chadwick Ladies Club Cub Scouts 8-10 years Evening W.I. Mrs Gaynor Spiller – 713739 Karen Hobbs – 716931 Mrs Jean Casson – 715390 Extend – Gentle Exercise Girl Guides GirlGuiding – Volunteering Carolyn – 712801 Mrs Camier – 711134 Vicki Fleming – 717704 [email protected] Holmer Green Baptist Church Holmer Green Cricket Club Grasshopper Golfing Society Pastor – Anthony Smith. Office: Mr Steve Adams – 07793 561764 Mr John Taylor – 712092 712479 Secretary Mrs Val Allcorn 714597 www.holmergreenbaptist.org.uk Holmer Green Childminding Holmer Green First School Holmer Green Flower Club Group 712050 Mrs Jennifer Tilling – 716836 Jackie Shaw – 711920 Holmer Green Football Club Holmer Green Juniors Football Holmer Green Players Mr Rob Shed – 716318 Mr Matt Brades – 716114 Vicky Martin – 07817724184 E:[email protected] Holmer Green Methodist Pre- Holmer Green Junior School Holmer Green Senior School School 713000 Association Sharon Dorme – 716897 Jan Constantine/Neil Marshment [email protected] c/o School Office – 712219 High Wycombe Scrabble Club Holmer Green Sports Holmer Green Youth Club Christine – 01494881913 or Association Mr Michael Turner – 711970 07980 429326 Sarah Banning 711485 / 714985 Junior & Adult Chess Junior School Association Girls Football (Beginner & Refresher) Helen Hodgson – 717838 Mr Andrew Jackson – 713433 Mr Brian Lacey – 713698 Lantern Club Link-up Bereavement Friendship Lunch Club, Christ Church Mrs Ann Sollars – 713420 Group Centre Mrs Joan Toye – 718466 Mrs Carol Hornsby – 714075 Mrs Joan Wainman – 716726 Methodist Church Playmates Day Nursery Rossetti Hall – Bookings Minister - Rev John Richey – 526747 Mrs Maureen Myerson – 716789 Ms Jo Lynskey – 716915 Sec - Mrs Barbara Illingworth –712236 E: [email protected] E:[email protected] Royal British Legion Royal British Legion – Womens’ Scouts Mr Chris Peers – 07785 772810 Section Mr Neil Spencer – 714347 Mrs Andrea Gardner – 711246 Mrs Wendy Tomlin – 713789 Simply Walk Squash Stroke Club Ms Fiona Broadbent – 475367 Mr Trevor Howes – 865478 Mr R. Dunning – 712177 T’ai Chi The Cherry Tree Pre-School Village Centre – (Bookings) Lin Williams – 562037 Miss Siobhan Miles c/o HG First School Mr Ken Muspratt – 0870 7656450 E:[email protected]. uk Village Centre – (Chair) Village Produce Association Women’s Fellowship – Christ Mr James Cadle - 716992 (Chair) Mr James Cadle - 716215 Church (Secretary) Ms Meg Brinton - 711644 Mrs Joan Toye - 718466

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FIVE THINGS TO ENJOY IN HOLMER GREEN (IF YOU HAVE YOUNG KIDS!)

Having moved to Holmer Green almost 10 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child, it’s been a real process of working out what’s good to do in the area to keep our little monkeys (there’s now three of them!) entertained. We are incredibly lucky in Holmer Green to have such a broad range of activities and facilities right on our doorstep plus some stunning countryside too. As the kids get older I’m sure that what they want to do will change but for now these are the top things which we’ve found to be particularly good fun. The allotments on Earl Howe Road are a great place to spend some time with young kids. Not only are they getting a cleverly disguised education in where their food comes from (as opposed to thinking that Tesco is the be all and end all!) but they’re also getting good fresh air and using their imaginations to make up new games to entertain themselves. Allotments are very affordable (under £25 for the year) and there are a handful still free for this year from what we’ve seen. When we first took our plot, there were hardly any children up there but gradually over the last few years we’ve seen several families taking new allotments. Sunny afternoons are now frequently a great gathering of kids running about making dens, bug hunting, getting muddy and enjoying the outdoor space whilst mums and dads busy themselves with the heavy-duty labour. I’m not saying keeping an allotment is easy – in fact it’s a constant source of guilt whilst I worry about couch grass popping up between my carrots or how bad the weeds have got but what better way to get exercise and keep the little ones busy at the same time? It’s always nice to be near water – and being one of the most land locked places in Britain it is great that we don’t have to lose out. The Holmer Green pond has been entertaining and indeed incentivising my children to go on walks since they were toddlers. Nothing beats a stroll, a quick pop into the fabulous fruit and veg shop to grab an apple or satsuma, and then going on to see which ducks are out today! Whether its watching their over-fed languid waddling or their early morning noisy commotion when anyone approaches with bread, they never cease to provide a new conversation or inspire an imagination game. The bonus of a bus stop nearby gives the boys some extra excitement – with the element of “will they won’t they” see one! The Square is our new destination for Saturday breakfasts (or indeed any breakfast if mummy can get away with it!). Having been regular frequenters of Caramel Square we were anxious about the new arrival but I’m delighted to report that it’s great. So far we’ve only spilt a handful of cups of juice on the floor, made a truly terrible mess twice and dropped/pulled out all the straws to make straw people once, but each time we have been met with smiles and understanding instead of the wrath we were worried about. A quick hop, skip and a jump to the Rennie Grove shop provides a ‘treat’ – usually a toy car for 50p and then a walk back home with full tummies and happy smiles. When Allure Boutique first opened, I must say I was worried it was a clothes shop so when a lovely Beauty Salon appeared it was a fab mummy treat! The sisters who own and run the business have done a tremendous job of creating a warm and friendly environment in which to pamper their clients. Don’t get me wrong, as a mum of three my trips are now annual rather than every few months but nonetheless it’s such a lovey place to be. If you can find someone to have your little ones for even an hour, then I’d strongly recommend their soothing hands and relaxing salon. Last year we stumbled upon Christ Church’s monthly All Age Worship service at the Church Centre. It’s the 4th Sunday of every month and never fails to deliver a fun, noisy and engaging morning for the kids. Last time they made a fantastic cacophony with the percussion instruments during the workshop songs, ate loads of Cheerios that they were meant to be sticking onto a collage, did a word search and watched a video about Doubting Thomas… this was all washed down with a cup of delicious fresh coffee for the parents and squash and biscuits all round for the children. There are numerous lovely older members of our community on hand who are more than willing to help dad with the kids if mum wants a quiet morning at home! With the service starting at 10.30 and ending prompt at 11.30 we were all home for noon to get on with the inevitable last- minute homework and school uniform washing! Being a Bucks girl, who was born and bred in the Chartridge area, I must say that Holmer Green is a place where I feel truly at home. Village life and all it has to offer may seem a little old fashioned to some but for my family and me, it’s perfect. Julia Bolsom

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HOLMER GREEN HEROES OF WW1 BOOK LAUNCH, EXHIBITION AND MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Put Sunday Sept 24th in your diary for this significant event that will commemorate our 14-war dead of Holmer Green in three ways. At 2pm there will be a memorial parade starting at the Baptist Church to the War Memorial for a wreath laying, then onto the Common for the outdoor service to mark the centenary of the death of two of our Heroes (see below). After the service, at approximately 3pm, we invite everyone into the Village Centre to the grand book launch where copies of this 96-page full colour publication will be on sale and to also see the accompanying exhibition of Holmer Green Heroes of WW1. The book covers the period starting from the mid-19th century to just after the end of WW1 and is illustrated with hundreds of old photographs complimented with some more recent images. It will be a fine chronical of the life and everyday times of the village as well as a lasting tribute to those young men from the village who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial services have already taken place close to the centenary of some of our heroes, the two who are being remembered in September are firstly Merrick Hugh McConnell and Ralph James. The McConnell family’s Holmer Green home replaced the earlier cottage that provided refuge to an Italian exile, one Gaetano Polidori, late secretary to Count Alffori. Gaetano was the grandfather of two of the most famous artists/poets of the 19th century, Christina and Gabriel Dante Rossetti, he of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood of Ford Maddox Brown, Burne Jones, Millais and William Morris. The Rossetti Children would stay with their grandfather during the 1830s traveling from their Bloomsbury London home by stage coach and alighting at Little Missenden, then making their way to the village along Penfold Lane. Frustratingly no image has surfaced of the McConnell’s home although it was named after Gaetano Polidori. Ralph James was born in January 1886 in Holmer Green, the fourth of eleven children by Jethro James and his wife, Emma Pearce. Jethro was a Wood turner and he and Emma lived in a cottage in No. 2 Factory Street (now Orchard Way). Jethro's father, George, was also in the chair manufacture trade, a chair leg turner, and had also been born in Holmer Green - in fact this branch of the Merrick Hugh McConnell James family had been in the village since at least the mid-1700s. When Ralph finished school, he found work as a cowman at a farm in nearby Bellingdon and lived there as a boarder. His elder brothers were still at home in Holmer Green - Frank was a chair leg turner like Jethro but Harry had got into the new industry of tennis bat/racket manufacture working as a ‘bat stringer’. The James’ name was becoming well known for Tennis Racket making, but this was Bertie James who had a factory on Recreation Drive (now The Common) and we have not found any family connection between Ralph James' branch and Bertie - who himself was a cousin to another Holmer Green Hero, Wilfred James. Ralph James Stuart King

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AN EXTRACT FROM THE HOLMER GREEN SENIOR SCHOOL’S JULY NEWSLETTER THAT WE THOUGHT WOULD INTEREST OUR READERS. Duke of Edinburgh Awards Bronze: For them, the school year ended with an award ceremony that will be forever in the minds of their parents, thanks to a short horror movie made by one of the teams during the qualifying expedition. The Bronze cohort, for the first time in HGSS,was made of Year 9 students. From the very first weekend (training in Green Park), it was obvious that they were on top of it. For a vast majority of these pupils, neither the Practice nor the Qualifying expedition seemed to be a real challenge! Impressive on the campsite, efficient during the walks, more than two thirds have already confirmed their places for the silver awards next year. The New Forest and the Forest of Dean (their two destinations) will surely prove to be much more of a challenge: Silver: Too easy? Yes but not for everyone. The Silver groups impressed the Outsparks instructors and assessors during the expeditions and I quote: 'This was the smoothest Qualifying Expedition I have been on this year!". These words, were said by Jake, one of the two Outsparks assessors and believe me, this man has been on dozens of them! Every single one of the students was focused and decided to get to that end point. On top of that, a little bonus “happened” both nights on the campsite of the Qualifying Expedition. After a hard day's walk and setting up their tents, the groups had the pleasure of witnessing an improvised concert each night. The performance by Alistair Lamming will, indeed, be in their hearts (?!) for a very long time! Gold: The Gold Qualifying Expedition is happening in Dartmoor as I am writing this line. The boys will have their final day tomorrow and they really started on a high. The mistakes made during the first days of the practice expedition in Snowdonia seem far away! Better teamwork, better mental preparation, better use of everyone's key skill, the first Holmer Green Senior School Gold Team has come a long way but it now seems certain to their assessor that they will pass what they will certainly remember as an ordeal! As a school who have run all three levels of the award for the first time, this year has been incredibly challenging, not only because it was my first year supervising and leading all these young people but also because they made it so that I couldn't really betray their enthusiasm. The year 9, 10 and 12 students who participated in the award made it important for me to do this properly as they were taking it so seriously. Congratulations to all the Bronze applicants who passed but also to all the Silver applicants who are going to pass as soon as they finish their remaining section. Look forward to your award ceremony around the end of the Autumn Term! As for the Gold, it should be in London towards the end of the next school year! Duke of Edinburgh is not only the work of the Leader. None of the expeditions would have been possible without people hard at work behind the scenes. As I like to say, I am more the face of the award in Holmer Green Senior School. That is why I would like to thank Outsparks for their hard work during the expedition and their excellent team of instructors and assessors but also Annabelle Atkinson and Lynda Jackson who do most of the admin and last but not least Ali Angus, who accompanies me on each expedition, making it slightly more entertaining for me!

Salomon Ifrah – DofE Leader

WANTED Our Advertising Manager, James Paterson, has (regretfully) decided to resign the rôle due to family commitments. We therefore seek a replacement volunteer. It is not a particularly onerous task – encouraging new advertisers, sending invoices and attending the quarterly Team Meetings. We hope that one of our readers will feel the urge to fill James’ boots, preferably prior to the next issue of the magazine. Please contact either James, The Editor or coordinator, Judy Gilligan. Their details can be found on Page 2. We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly Team!

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FROM A NEWBIE I picked up the May issue of Holmer Green Today from Walsh’s Newsagents. I find it a fascinating read on village life. I e-mailed Judy to see if she had any back issues, she generously let me have the February issue for free, so I only have to wait a couple of months and I could save £4 per year! Only joking. I was telling Judy how happy I am since my move to Holmer Green in 2016. She suggested I put pen to paper and so here I am. I am writing this on the 1st Anniversary of my move to Holmer Green, 27th May. I can honestly say that this is the best move I have ever made. My home overlooks the pond and is an idyllic setting for people to meet up. I can see Mums and Dads with children feeding the ducks, something I do myself with my 6-year-old Grandson James. I am also a short walk away from a lovely park area. I am within a short walk of 3 proper pubs, The Earl Howe, The Old Oak, and The Bat and Ball. Quite unusual today. I have frequented them all on occasions. I also have a fabulous array of shops, catering for all my day to day needs. I joined The Royal British Legion, another great venue for a cold pint. I joined the lady’s darts team, something I have not done for some time. All the girls are lovely. I really enjoy my time with Ann, Lorraine, Pat, Shula and Yvonne. And of course, all the other teams we meet up with. I also joined The Holmer Green Sports Club, another fabulous place to enjoy a pint and watch the cricket. I may even have a go at trying bowls. They have a long list of activities and sports to join or watch and a jazz club. Always something going on. I must say the village is so friendly. Each time I walk to the shops I am stopped by someone for a chat or just to proffer a “Good Morning.” It really is like going back in time to when homes were safe and where everyone knew their neighbours, which I do. I also have a bus stop, less than 50 yards away, with a frequent bus service to High Wycombe, Amersham and Chesham. As I have a bus pass this is something I mean to take full advantage of. In the May issue, there was an article by Lena, a nurse. She mentioned working with a Dr Paul, who was my family doctor more than 50 years ago. What a coincidence. There is also a Facebook page that keeps me up to date with all that is happening in Holmer Green. I love Holmer Green and everything about it. Long may it continue. Susan Rasala.

HAZLEMERE & WIDMER END GOOD NEIGHBOURS INCLUDING HOLMER GREEN We are a registered charity started by a few volunteers from Hazlemere in 1986, primarily to provide affordable, safe and accessible transport services for elderly people in the local area who find public transport difficult due to age or disability. We liaise with the local doctors’ surgeries, social services and carers and provide our services to both individuals and community based organisations located in the areas of Hazlemere, Widmer End and Holmer Green. We currently have some 90 clients on our register, who rely totally on our car service and in 2016 we completed some 320 car journeys. We provide car transport for elderly people in the local area who need to visit the doctor, dentist, or attend a hospital appointment. The service is organised and run by a small dedicated management committee and some 30 volunteers, who man the phone lines and drive customers to their appointments in their own vehicles. In addition to this service, we also provide transport with our own minibus. We operate under section 19 of the community minibus permit scheme, taking elderly residents from their home or local sheltered housing on regular shopping trips to local supermarkets, and social outings to lunch clubs, church meetings, theatres etc. We also provide minibus transport on a weekly basis to support The Lantern Club Day Centre for the elderly in Holmer Green. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE OUR SERVICES OR YOU HAVE A FEW HOURS SPARE EACH MONTH AND YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP US IN SOME WAY. PLEASE CONTACT EITHER LYNNE PEARSON (01494 718202) OR PAM JOHNSON (01494 714994).

Please See Our Website for more Detailed Information. www.hazlemeregoodneighbourstransport.org.uk

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Petty vandalism within the Village No doubt many Villagers will be aware of the petty vandalism and anti-social behaviour that Holmer Green has recently been subjected to again – smashed bus-shelter glass, various objects thrown into the pond, swings in the Children’s Play area being ‘wound’ over the top bar etc. etc., not to mention litter... At a recent Parish Council Meeting the local police advised that they can only act or attend if sufficient calls are received from the residents. We are all advised to call 101 whenever there is an issue and it is hoped that all readers will do so. The more calls that are made will greatly assist the police to identify potential problem areas and, hopefully, react accordingly.

Holmergreen.info to relaunch

Village web site www.holmergreen.info is due to relaunch in August this year. The site will have a brand new, up to date look and will be optimised for smartphones and tablets in addition to PCs.

The site will feature a What’s On facility based on Facebook, as well as information on local organisations, facilities, councils and councillors plus medical and dental practitioners including alternative medicine. You can even view old copies of this magazine on the site.

If you run a local organisation, why not visit the old site – at www.holmergreen.info – and check that your societies’ information is there and up to date. If it’s isn’t, please email the webmaster at [email protected].

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THE LANTERN CLUB If you are a regular reader of the magazine, you will no doubt have read our articles and news before. However, we have discovered that quite a few people do not know about us, so we thought it was time to do something about that! We are a volunteer-led weekly day care centre for elderly people who benefit from an outing to a sociable and stimulating environment. We meet on Mondays in the Chadwick Hall at the Village Centre from 10.30 a.m. till 2.30p.m. Our clients are all very different – we have several octogenarians and nonagenarians who are as bright as buttons, while some of our clients may experience memory problems or have had a stroke. Some of them live alone so really look forward to meeting up, others are cared for by family, sometimes with the support of professional carers. They are brought to the Village Centre by private transport or the Hazlemere and Widmer End Good Neighbours minibus driven by a member of our volunteer team of drivers. We start the day with the essential cuppa and chat before the first activity. Every other week Carolyn from Extend comes to put us through our paces with gentle stretching and flexing exercises (sitting down!) to music. This helps to maintain mobility – good for clients and volunteers alike! Everyone really enjoys it and is ready for a delicious freshly cooked hot lunch, prepared for our clients by yet another valiant team of volunteers. If Carolyn is not with us we will perhaps play bingo or do quizzes and puzzles. Sometimes a craft activity is on the agenda. After lunch, there is a different activity. Some afternoons a group of singers or musicians will come and entertain us – there are several groups locally who use their time and talents in this worthwhile way and the material they choose always appeals to our clients. Everyone is encouraged to join in the activities although individual limitations are always taken into account. There is never a dull moment and soon another busy Monday has gone by during which we hope to have achieved our aim of giving some company, fun and stimulation to our senior and very respected citizens. We are a registered charity (No. 1001393) and hold the Queen’s Award for Volunteering. We do have a few vacancies now so if you have a relative or friend who you think may benefit from joining us, please contact Sue Hogan on 01494 713589, or drop in and see us in action any Monday apart from Bank Holidays. You would be very welcome. We also have a vacancy for a Chairperson - at the moment the volunteer committee and helpers are running the Club but would be most grateful for someone to step forward to co-ordinate their efforts! It would be a very worthwhile volunteering opportunity for someone who is interested in the welfare of the elderly. Please think about it and give me a ring for details. Ann Sollars - 01494 713420

Another London Underground Quiz

1. What angle are the escalators at Tottenham Court Road station? 27, 30, 25 or 32 degrees. 2. How many tube stations are in Zone 7? 7, 5, 4 or 6 3. Which direction, from top to bottom, do the steps at Earls Court go? Clockwise or Anti-clockwise 4. The sign at Belsize Park wrongly states there are 219 steps at the station. How many steps are there? 189, 119, 209, 291 steps 5. How many numbered exits are there at Charing Cross? 13, 12, 14 or 11 6. Which station is the highest above sea level, and what is its height (in metres)? 7. Jeremy Kyle was born on the London Underground False or True

8. How many underground stations lie outside the 25? 8, 14, 0 or 5. 9. Which station contains the shortest escalator? Waterloo, Ladbroke Grove, Chancery Lane or Stratford. [Answers on Page 26]

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ROSSETTI ART GROUP Holmer Green July 2017

Many thanks to all Holmer Green Today readers who came to our last Exhibition in August 2016. We hope you will come to this year’s Exhibition as well. If you haven’t been before why not come this year. Entry is free, there will be plenty of paintings to see and of course refreshments will be available. Full details are given below. Last year’s popular, “favourite painting” in the exhibition, voted for by you the public from the 120 or so on display, was a watercolour by local Holmer Green artist Paul Cleave entitled “Old Boats”. This is the second year we have used our logo on our poster advertising our annual exhibition. Have you spotted our posters on display around Holmer Green and adjoining areas? We hope you like it and find that it is instantly recognisable. Please do come along to our 2017 Exhibition and let us know. We would really value your feedback. We will be holding our Annual Summer Exhibition in Rossetti Hall, on Saturday 19th August 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and again on Sunday 20th August 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Just to remind you, admission is free and refreshments will be available. We have a varied and interesting programme of events and visiting artists for our members and we do like to experiment with media other than watercolour. We meet on the first and fourth Wednesday in the month from 1.00pm to 3,30pm. If you are interested in joining our Art Group please come along to our exhibition in the summer to see what we do and talk to members to find out more. Bob Firman

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1ST HOLMER GREEN SCOUT GROUP IS 50 We celebrate our half century on 23 with AstroTurf flooring for greater safety. September at the Sports Centre in Watchet Many years ago we took over the Old Fire Lane from 12 till 4pm. We will be showcasing Station, previously used by the canoe club and Scouting past and present with activities and just when we expected to lose it because of skills competition for all ages. This is a free structural problems, Bucks CC stepped in and event and all are welcome reroofed the building and installed new doors As I reflect on the Group, since I joined in and lights. They also agreed a 25 year lease 1977, having started in Scouting in 1949 in the which leaves the Group secure till 2040. Yorkshire Dales, many things have changed yet We have always had a core of dedicated much has remained the same. While the uniform leaders, some of whom have stayed with us for has moved on from caps, big hats and berets to over 15 years, but as with so many organisations, baseball caps for some, and long trousers replace we always need volunteers to fill the gaps. shorts for adults at least, and badges have Currently we are about to lose five of our six moved on to include technology advances, the cub leaders and although we are about to basics are the same. Camping and outdoor welcome two newcomers we still need three more activities are much as I remember with the to complete our team. Will readers please overlay of health and safety and significant consider what they can offer and not assume training for leaders. someone else will automatically step in. It has always been to provide fun and We have also been well served over the years challenging activities for generations of by a supportive committee, often with up to a youngsters. In Holmer Green, many hundreds of dozen individuals. Currently we have four and youngsters have passed through our five again would welcome others to help share the sections and onto Explorers (Venture Scouts). load. Please contact me if you feel you could Some have become Leaders, others attained offer a few hours a month. Queens Scout including our most recent success, In the meantime, Scouting will continue in Lauren Addington who 7 years ago was in Holmer Green for your children. The Beavers Brownies. have just had a sleepover at the hut. Cubs The Group accommodation has also changed. recently went to a District Camp and the Scouts We used to meet in a Schoolroom and Village are going to Camp at the end of July. As I say, Centre, then in 1976 we moved into our new hut little basically changes and the children have a in Parish Piece. In 2012 we had raised over great time. £50000 and expanded our HQ to accommodate See you on 23 September. more youngsters. We could then also offer more activities with a safer building and bigger hall Neil Spencer CBE - Group Scout Leader

HOLMER GREEN STROKE CLUB Holmer Green Stroke Club has had another very varied and interesting few weeks and has welcomed several new members and another volunteer. We continued with our programme which included stimulating mental exercises, quizzes, cooking, physiotherapy, music therapy, musical entertainers and art work and the creation of lovely hanging baskets. One of our events was focused on “Olden Times” and was a fascinating morning. We brought old autograph albums, old school and wedding photographs, some of the books we used to read like “Tom Sawyer”, “Swiss Family Robinson”, ”What Katy did”. One member had a famous ancestor, whose funeral was attended by Royalty and her life recorded in a book. Another treasure was the Wings from a First World War Royal Flying Corps pilot who used to fly low over a farmyard near his aerodrome and drop a letter in a weighted envelope to his sweetheart. This was a poignant reminder of how young those pilots were and how flimsy their aircraft were then. We learned that he was killed in action at the age of 18. We shall end our summer with a morning and lunch on 25th July in the garden of one of our group and shall return refreshed on 5th September. We meet on Tuesday mornings from 10 till 12 noon at the Christchurch Centre off Featherbed lane. If you or someone you know, has survived a stroke, has transport and would enjoy our mornings, or if you would like to become a volunteer, please get in touch on 01494 812162 for more details. Elizabeth Aylward

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LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY : NOVEMBER 2017 TO JANUARY 2018 Christmas coming again already?! Moving round faster than ever, those ticking hands on Cinder’s clock. Seasonal entertainment for the coming months listed here, most within a 20 mile radius of the village, as diverse as ever. For full details, simply visit the websites (all listed) or telephone the box office for a free brochure by Royal Mail. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for the local amateur shows too. Just look out for posters in the village. Mark Thorburn

High Wycombe - WYCOMBE SWAN (4 miles from Holmer Green) St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 : ww.wycombeswan.co.uk

Agatha Christie’s A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED (1 to 4 November) A Miss Marple Mystery from the Queen of Crime Writers. PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE (11 & 12 November) for our young theatre-goers. OUR HOUSE The Madness Musical (20 to 25 November) Olivier Award Winning Best Musical. SON OF A PREACHER MAN (28 November to 2 December) The songs of Dusty Springfield. Directed by Craig Revel Horwood. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (9 to 31 December) first ever “Jack” Panto at the Wycombe Swan! Simon Webbe, Ashleigh, Sully & Friends, Chris Jarvis and Nigel Ellacott’s antics will grow on you… RUSSIAN STATE BALLET (18 to 21 January) ‘Cinderella’, ‘Swan Lake’ & ‘Romeo and Juliet’. FLASHDANCE (22 to 27 January) exciting dance musical based on the film. Plus many, many more ‘One Nighters’ of diverse entertainment to choose from.

Chesham - THE ELGIVA THEATRE & CINEMA (8 miles from Holmer Green) St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1LL : 01494 582900 : www.elgiva.com

THE BARON KNIGHTS (2 Nov) the ultimate Entertainers back once again. THE KAST OFF KINKS (4 Nov) original band members back together. THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT (8 to 11 Nov) Chesham Theatre Company (Amateur) a comedy classic based on the 1953 Ealing Comedy film. JETHRO The Bull and Bonkers Tour (15 Nov) an adults only (15+) evening of classic comedy. SUMMER OF LOVE (16 Nov) 40 60s classics celebrate the summer of 1967. SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK (18 Nov) The Rod Stewart Story with Paul Medcalfe. THE NUTCRACKER (19 Nov) Classic Ballet from Vienna Festival Ballet. CHRISTMAS MEMORIES (20 Nov 2pm only) Wonderful festive nostalgia. KING OF POP (23 Nov) The Legend continues with Navi as Michael Jackson. THE REAL THING (24 Nov) the multi-million selling Soul Band. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (5 to 31 December) Traditional Family Pantomime. Second year by Rare Pantomimes and the Elgiva. SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS (13 Jan) Specials and Madness Tribute Bands in one evening. Standing Gig. THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING (14 Jan) Quantum Theatre Company’s new adaptation of the famous story. YOUNG MARX NT Live (18 Jan) Rory Kinnear in the new Bridge Theatre production by Nick Hytner. THE EXPLOSIVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA (20 Jan) the ultimate ELO tribute. For details, plus Films, please check website.

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(LOCAL THEATRE-GOER’S DIARY - Continued from page 17)

Aylesbury - WATERSIDE THEATRE (13 miles from Holmer Green) Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 1UG 0844 871 7615 : www.ambassadortickets.com/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theatre

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN (31 October to 5 November) new stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s famous Edwardian family tale. HAIRSPRAY (6 to 11 November) the ultimate feel-good 60s musical for the whole family. FLASHDANCE The Musical (20 to 25 November) exciting dance musical based on the film. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (8 to 31 December) Traditional Pantomime by UK Productions, a Production Company new to Aylesbury, bringing Su Pollard, Andy Collins, La Voix to headline this year’s fun. Roald Dahl’s GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE (30 January to 3 February) return of another great stage adaptation of this classic children’s story. Please check website for many shorter runs, Stand Up, Concerts, Live Screenings.

Watford - PALACE THEATRE (18 miles from Holmer Green) 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD17 1JZ 01923 25671 : www.watfordtheatre.co.uk

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (7 to 11 November) local Cassio Productions (Amateur) in the 2005 Tony Award Winning Musical. PYAR ACTUALLY (15 to 17 November) sparkling new comedy by Sukh Ojla. ALADDIN (1 to 30 December) home grown Panto of dreams with live music, heart and fun. THE WEDDING (23 to 25 January) new work in visitor’s, Gecko’s distinctive style. Please check website for shorter runs, films and Concerts. Ruth Rendell’s A JUDGEMENT IN STONE (30 October to 4 November) return, by demand, of this year’s Classic Thriller Theatre Company’s production. THE NUTCRACKER (6 to 11 November) Vienna Festival Ballet’s classic.

Windsor - THEATRE ROYAL (19 miles from Holmer Green) Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PS : 01753 853 888 : www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

SISTER ACT (13 to 18 November) University Centre Weston (UCW : Amateur) in Alan Menken’s sizzling musical. SLEEPING BEAUTY (29 November to 7 January) Windsor’s Panto with Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise, Steve Blakeley and DJ Mike Reid. Edgar Wallace’s THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY (10 to 20 January) Classic Thriller Theatre Company’s latest chiller. THIS IS ELVIS (23 January to 3 February) celebrating 50 years of the ‘68 Special by The King. Please check website for shorter runs and Concert details.

Sonning - THE MILL AT SONNING (20 miles from Holmer Green) Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY : 0118 969 8000 www.millatsonning.com (Dinner Theatre : Ticket, Pre-Show Meal, Programme & Parking included

PERFECT WEDDING (28 September to 18 November) Imagine waking up on your wedding morning with an unknown naked girl beside you with your bride-to-be on her way up to the room! Riotous complications in Robin Hawdon’s latest comedy. MY FAIR LADY (23 November to 27 January) after last year’s hugely successful “High Society”, this mammoth hit musical is given the full Mill treatment on a postage stamp. Check website for details of Sunday Concerts. EXTRA!! For those not interested in Seasonal Entertainment……

Oxford NEW THEATRE (35 miles from HG) George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG : 0844 847 1585 : www.NewTheatreOxford.org.uk

The National Theatre’s WAR HORSE (13 December 2017 to 6 January 2018) the truly inspiring stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s book, for all ages.

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HOLMER GREEN GUIDES Holmer Green has had a Guide unit since 1938 and the fundamental principles of doing your best and trying new things remain unchanged. However, Girlguiding is not an organisation that is stuck in the past – our programme is constantly updated to reflect the needs and wants of our members in the village today. Our weekly meetings consist of a range of activities from building hovercrafts and making torches for our Engineering badge to baking cherry scones and making dream catchers inspired by Roald Dahl’s BFG for the Chiltern Challenge. Outside of the meeting place we’ve also enjoyed a special Guiding cinema screening of Beauty and the Beast, a Christmas sleepover, a Guide only ‘Big Gig’ concert at Wembley Arena, and a summer camp at Phasels Wood. When recently asked why they come to Guides, it was noted that Guides enjoyed getting to work as part of a team and doing different challenges. On Guide camp, many get to try adventurous activities for the first time including kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, and campfire cooking. When asked what they would like to do over the coming year, a Guide voiced her desire to use a bow and arrow, so we will endeavour to include that on our next camp! In today’s technology focused world, Guiding is so important in providing a safe, open, female- only space for girls and young women to try new things and challenge themselves away from the pressures of social media. Our wide-ranging programme reflects the diverse interests of our members – we aim to empower the girls to face any challenge with an open mind and feel confident in their own decision making. Girlguiding is an inclusive organisation which supports nearly half a million girls in the UK alone and with units in 145 countries it is a unique opportunity to meet other young women from all around the world. If you or someone you know is aged 10-14 and it sounds like something you could be interested in, there are two Guide units in Holmer Green which meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings and we would love to hear from you. Contact Dianne (Tuesday) on [email protected] or Vicki (Friday) on [email protected]. Our Guiding family is bigger than this and if you’re aged 5-7 (Rainbows), 7-10 (Brownies), or are an adult interested in volunteering with the organisation, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved for information on how to join us. Signe Kallmeier

NEWS FROM CHERRY GARTH CARE HOME

Our gardens and patios look a picture, awaiting Bird and the patrons of their local pub, The Bat and to be judged by the trustees of Fremantle Trust. Ball, for buying many raffle tickets. In all we raised We have an inter home competition for various £330.00 in the raffle. Thank you, one and all. activities and this time it is the gardens. Residents, In July we were invited to a garden party to staff and volunteers have all contributed to make celebrate a birthday of a member of staff. Her them a lovely place to sit in peace. With the family did us proud with sandwiches and plenty of excellent weather we have been having, we took a tea and cake in beautiful surroundings. boat from Henley and watched the rowers practise Our regular activities include crafts, cooking, for the regatta a few days later. We thought we crosswords, local history, table tennis, film nights, were in the races whilst we partook of a glass of bingo, nature watch and regular visits to the Prosecco! Wycombe Swan Theatre. We have a Stroller’s We have visited Hampton Court, Cotswold Wild Club, giving those residents who wish to go out a Life Park, and soon we will go to Kew Gardens and chance to visit the shops etc. the Horses Rest Home at Speen. Nearer to home We appreciate the support of the churches in we held our annual B.B.Q. in our gardens. This Holmer Green, who regularly attend services here, turned out to be a lovely day, the food was and their members who are always a listening ear delicious and the atmosphere fantastic. We would for our residents. Don’t forget, if you think you like to say a huge thank you to all our local could spare a little of your time we would love to businesses, who supported us so generously by hear from you. Please contact the manager donating gifts, goods and services for our raffle. Lynnette on 01494 711681 to find out more We owe a special mention to Chris and Caroline Linda Meatyard

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OUR CONGRATULATIONS GO TO Jack Wood and Samantha Godwyn who were married on 27th April 2017, and to Neil Wingrove and Belinda Davies who are getting married on 24th August 2017

Our Condolences go to the Family and Friends of Maurice Nash who passed away on 27th April 2017, and Neville Ayres - born 1st October 1932 and passed away 2nd April 2017

HOLMER GREEN FC - SUMMER UPDATE

The First XI are back in training, their initial take the weight off Matt Brades who has been friendly fixture scheduled for Saturday 15th the mainstay of the competition since Frank July. The season proper starts on Saturday 5th Francies stood down. August with a home FA Cup tie against AFC The Club ran a Masters Tournament in May, Hayes. If successful, they have another away for the first time. This too was a resounding tie a fortnight later at Cockfosters or success and it is intended to repeat the idea in Risborough Rangers. In the FA Vase which does 2018. With possibly even more than the ten or not start until 9th September, they are away to so teams that played in the afternoon event this Clanfield FC in West Oxfordshire. The winners time. of this tie then have an away tie against Angela Mepham’s superb Saturday and Ampthill Town or New College Swindon. Up to Sunday Café also featured on the morning of five of last season’s first team regulars have the Minors Presentations on June, and the either moved away, stopped playing, or in some efforts of all her helpers are greatly cases moved on to clubs which pay players to appreciated by players and parents alike. play for them. That will not happen at Holmer Green, so places are up for grabs for players The club website holmergreenfc.co.uk is from last season’s mainly U-25 Development XI dedicated to the whole Club, although some age or the Allied Counties U-18 XI. Biggleswade FC, groups do not feature? (Please remember that and Harpenden Town have been promoted into the FA does not allow publication of younger age our Division. Well-funded Hertford Town -group results?) achieved promotion to the next level. U-13, U-15, and U-16 information including Last year’s U-16’s, managed jointly by Martin fixtures, results and tables can be found on Buckle and Matt Brades, are not continuing. www.football-results.org Again, these players are welcome to be 1st XI Match Reports, Allied Counties’ Match assimilated into our three Senior teams, rather Reports, and occasional Development XI than leave the Club. Derek Beards, the side’s reports, appear on the Club Website. regular and extremely competent Linesman, st must also be commended for his efforts over The 1 XI and Development XI and the U- many past years. 18’s have information including fixtures, tables, and results, on the FA Full-Time website. Also, disappointingly last season’s U-13’s, under Dan West and Paul Gardner, have decided The Club is always looking for more general that they will no longer have enough players to assistance. A list of Club Contacts is on the continue. Remaining players may take the notice board in the HGSA Clubhouse. If you opportunity to “play up” one age-group, rather have any skills, and would be prepared to give up than leave the Club. Matt Brades is now the a few hours of your time, please get in touch Junior Section Representative on the Main with the appropriate person or persons. We Committee. don’t expect any newcomer to match the service of Don Want, now almost up to 53 years, despite The first weekend in September sees the him being in his eighties. But many hands make return of the Junior Tournament. Entries are light work, and the continued success of our already coming in for this event, which sees up village club depends on people coming forward to to one thousand young players compete in help with a myriad of tasks. various age groups and match formats all day, on both days. Sam Lewin has stepped forward to John Anderson, President

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Hamster by Charlie Ward, TGMS

A4Art showcases artistic talent by young and old. It has been sponsored by Hazlemere Parish Council in support of the community. The exhibition is in the main hall of Hazlemere Community Centre on the day of the fete – Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2017, from 12 Noon until 5pm. There is no particular theme. Fancy exhibiting one of your own works? All you have to do is submit your work on A4 size media on any subject you like, portrait or landscape format. More details are on our website:- https://www.bucksvoice.net/hazlemere-fete/ The closing date for submissions is Saturday 12th August 2017 before 5:30 pm and work needs to be handed in at: - Hazlemere Lighting, Electric House, 4, Market Parade, Hazlemere Crossroads, High Wycombe, HP15 7LQ. Tel:(01494)718427

The prize is in being exhibited and this is not a competition but rather a showcase for talent. The Curator is Bob Digby, Fete Publicity Manager, who will make the final decision on the overall display as space permits but we do have plenty of display panels to fill, so why not get creative?

 Any subject suitable for family viewing at the fete  No age restrictions for Artists and more than one item can be submitted for consideration.  If Artists are part of a grouping such as a whole class / school / Art club etc., then work can be returned to a nominated coordinator.  Individuals who want work returned can nominate to pick it up from Hazlemere Lighting after 31st August or enclose an A4 stamped addressed envelope for posting.  Submissions must be the artist's own work and remain their copyright with the understanding that the Artist by entering, has given tacit permission for exhibition and / or publication by the fete organisers as they see fit for fete promotion purposes. This excludes the organisers publishing someone’s work for their own financial reward.  Artists can use any media providing it is not easily damaged in transit or storage e.g. plant material would NOT be suitable.  We will accept art using any of the following media, including mixed media: pencil, charcoal, pastels, watercolours, crayons, ink, gouache, oil paint, acrylic, collage, photography and digital art, printing, watercolour pencils and embroidery (hand or machine stitched).  Artwork to be submitted on A4 media and be 2 dimensional i.e. Do not add three dimensional materials that protrude from the page, otherwise this can be any of the following:- Paper, Card, Fabric, Canvas paper, Photographic paper. Please enclose it in a suitable envelope.  The following information should be clearly written on the back of all entries: Name, Title of Work if any, and contact telephone number and / or e.mail address (so we can get in touch.) Contact information will otherwise remain confidential and not be disclosed for other purposes. It could be a central group contact for club or school).  Artwork submitted at the artist's own risk. We will endeavour to take care of your work but cannot be held responsible for any work that is damaged for any reason.  Work will be put in protective plastic wallets and displayed using velcro tabs.  The organisers of A4Art are the fete committee and Hazlemere Lighting has kindly agreed to act as a collection point only in order to assist us.

In case of queries contact: Fete Publicity Manager: Bob Digby (m) 07847 886654 (e) [email protected]

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HOLMER GREEN EVENING WI Plastic Soup – what is it? Certainly not film covered fashion, politics, pop music and something that is served up at a WI supper. In personalities, and evoked many happy memories. fact, it was the topic of one of the Resolutions On a Saturday in June, we decorated the put forward for approval at the WI National Village Centre for a Strawberry Tea. Plenty of AGM, held this year at Liverpool. people turned up for a dish of strawberries and ‘Plastic soup’ concerns us all – every time we cream with a cup of tea, and to purchase items use our washing machines to wash clothes with from the handicraft stalls – maybe even to buy a artificial fibres in them, some of the fibres raffle ticket. The afternoon was a great break off into the water, and are washed away success and funds were raised towards the into the drains. From there they enter the Village Centre. sewage systems and end up in the sea as a Crime writer Dave Sivers arrived at our July sludge. This contamination can then be ingested meeting to talk about his writing journey. by fish and marine wildlife in the same way as Starting from childhood, he had written stories the microbeads that hit the headlines recently. all through his life. In his youth, he took a Being made of plastics, they don’t biodegrade, variety of different jobs, but was always writing but remain in the environment for a very long in his spare time, including articles for a local time. newspaper. He would always be sending off The WI is calling on the Government and stories to publishers, and often received industry to research and develop innovative ‘positive rejections’, but nothing got published. solutions to this problem to stop the His breakthrough came with Kindles. Amazon e- accumulation of plastic microfibres in our books didn’t require the cost of printing, you oceans. could just download your word document with a So, during our May meeting, before having fun piece of artwork for the cover. He started to with a Beetle Drive, we collected into discussion achieve great success with his crime stories and groups to decide which Resolutions should developed two main characters who reappeared receive our vote to go forward to the AGM. In in each new book, using the rural setting of the this way, the WI continues to lobby from grass Aylesbury Vale for the serial killer thrillers. He roots level to make important changes, whether has now succeeded in publishing several books. personal or environmental, here in the UK or We were delighted to congratulate Betty & world wide. Brian Furner on their Golden Wedding The birthday party in June was attended by Anniversary. over 70 members and guests from other WIs in For details of future meetings, please see our our group. We had salmon with salad and new posters around the village or the What's-On potatoes, followed by coffee and cupcakes. page in this magazine. Afterwards, we were entertained by Tony King, with a film show of the Swinging Sixties. The Annie Greatorex

THE PARISH OF PENN STREET WITH HOLMER GREEN INCLUDING LINK-UP The Cream Teas are well under way in Holy Trinity Church, Penn Street, and outdoors in the churchyard weather permitting, ideal for dog-walkers. The teas are proving to be very popular and the helpers on the rota are kept very busy, but we don’t mind that. We have our regular customers, including the Holmer Green family who visit on Father’s Day – this year it was their 7th consecutive visit! Why not bring your Dad or Grandad next year on this special day? Teas will be served on every Sunday until the last one on 24th September. On Saturday 8th July, we welcomed visitors to the Penn Wood Festival who wanted a break from bug hunting, bush craft, etc. Tea/coffee, squash and cake were on offer and much enjoyed by many, mainly family groups, some of whom bought cake to supplement picnics. The Lunch Club is well established on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, meeting in the Church Centre (next door to Christ Church, Holmer Green) at 12.30 pm. If you would like a chat and a light lunch with home-made soup and cake for £2, do come along. Lunches will be served as usual in August. Link-Up will continue to meet during the Summer months as usual on the 3rd Friday morning monthly – 10:30am for coffee followed by a shared Lunch 12 noon to 01:30pm for those who wish to stay on. We gather in the Workshop at the Church Centre, Christ Church, Featherbed Lane, Holmer Green, HP15 6XQ. We are a very friendly group and you would be most welcome to join us.

(Continued on page 25)

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(The Parish of Penn Street with Holmer Green - Continued from page 23)

On Sunday 5th November we will hold our annual Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance at 3:00pm in Christ Church, Holmer Green; refreshments will be served afterwards in the Church Centre. All who have lost a loved-one recently or longer ago are warmly welcome to join us. This is a short but meaningful service when there will be an opportunity to light a candle and write the name/s of your loved-one/s in our Book of Remembrance. If you would like to know more about Link-Up, please ring Joan Toye on 01494 718466. The current session of Tiddlywinks ends on Monday 17th July with our Summer Event and we start the new term on Monday 11th September. All parents, carers and under school-age children will be made very welcome from 01:30pm to 3:00pm in School Term-time only, meeting in our spacious Church Centre. The cost is £1:50 per family including refreshments. There are also Craft activities and Song Time. For further information, please ring Joan Toye on 01494 718466. The Women's Fellowship for Holmer Green and Penn Street which meets in the Church Centre is having its last meeting before the summer break on Thursday 20 July, when we are going to Hildreth's at Prestwood for afternoon tea. The next meeting will be on Thursday 21 September at 2 pm when we have a Holy Communion service in Christ Church led by our vicar, Rev Captain Peter Simmons, followed by a cup of tea in the Church Centre. Then on 5th October we are having a talk by Elizabeth Kerry on her visit to Thailand. All are welcome. Short-mat bowls are played in the Church Centre on Tuesday afternoons. Spaces are limited but do ring the Parish Office – 01494 715195 – if you are interested. Are you looking for a venue for a one-off event or regular booking? Contact the Parish Office to see if the Church Centre can offer what you want. Hilary Hide

PENN WOOD FOREST FESTIVAL

On Saturday 8th July, The Woodland Trust hosted a day of family fun at Penn Wood, Penn Street. Activities included fire-lighting, camp fire cooking and building shelters. The Chiltern Rangers also helped children look for butterflies and minibeasts. There was a willow sculpture trail to follow, designed by children from Curzon School, Penn Street and experts were on hand showing how to carve and create animals and birds on large pieces of oak. They will be left in Penn Woods so that visitors can see them on their walks. Volunteers from Holy Trinity Church, which was open, were also on hand supplying food and drink to the public. It was a great day for getting outside and enjoying the summer sun.

Michael and Jean Curry

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Holmer Green Players to perform Willy Russell play The Players next show, which will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday 16th – 18th November 2017, is ‘Our Day Out’, a play by Liverpudlian Writer, Willy Russell, who is more famous for ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Educating Rita’. ‘Our day out’ started life as a BBC television play and first broadcast in December 1977 as part of the BBC's Play of the Week series. Due to popular demand, it was shown again in February 1978 as part of the BBC's Play for Today series, and was also re-broadcast in 1979 and again in August 1990, and on BBC4 in 2008. Willy Russell had taught at Dingle Vale School in Liverpool, one of the locations used in the film, and called on his experiences of school trips - as a teacher and as a child - when writing the screenplay, which he finished in five days. The original television version was developed into a musical but the Players are performing the play version. The play centres on a school trip to Conwy Castle in North Wales. Mrs. Kay teaches a remedial class for illiterate children, called the "Progress Class". The whole class - along with Digga and Reilly, the slightly older class bullies who used to be in the Progress Class - are taken on a coach trip. In the shorter stage version, the Headteacher commissions Mr. Briggs, the authoritarian Deputy Headmaster, to supervise the trip. The trip goes from bad to worse at everywhere the coach stops. The show will run from 16 th to 18th November at Holmer Green Village Centre. Tickets for the evening performances are priced at £13.00 with £11.00 concessions for under 16s and over 60s and include a chicken and chip supper. Tickets go on sale on 1st October 2017 via our ticketing system (see the link to the tickets in 1. below) which enables you to purchase allocated, numbered seats in the hall for each performance of ‘Our day out’. You can purchase tickets for “Our day out” in either of the following ways: By visiting our ‘Next Show’ web page - http://www.holmergreenplayers.info/shows/ and following the link to the online purchase page where you can see a seat layout, which will show available tickets. You can purchase your tickets here using PayPal.

1. By phone, using a credit card by phoning 07778 175616.

2. Don’t miss the chance to see this excellent show performed in your local community.

Peter Healy

Answers to the London Underground Quiz

1. 30 degrees 6. Amersham – 147m above sea level 2. 6 7. False 3. Anti-clockwise 8. 5 4. 209 steps 9. Stratford 5. 11 exits

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CHURCH HELPING PEOPLE GET ON TOP OF HOUSEHOLD FINANCES

In an age when people believe the church is increasingly irrelevant, here’s an initiative that’s bucking the trend – Holmer Green Baptist Church is running a FREE course to help hard-pressed families to get on top of their household finances. The church wants to show that God’s love is for everyone everywhere, and can be expressed in practical ways, not just on Sundays! The background is that according to recent research1, one in six people in the UK have a debt problem, i.e. they find it difficult to keep up with bills and credit repayments and/or they have fallen behind with payments in at least three of the last six months. What’s more, as many people again2 have virtually no savings, making them vulnerable to unexpected bills and calamitous events. With debt, as with many things ‘prevention is better than cure’ as they say, and all this goes to show how important it is for families to be able to budget effectively and keep control over their hard-earned money. The CAP Money Course is a great way for people to learn how to keep on top of household income and take control over expenditure – some who attend or are associated with Holmer Green Baptist Church have been trained specially by CAP to be able to run the course for the benefit of the local community. CAP Money coach Chris Gregory, who will be leading the sessions said “With households feeling the squeeze on their disposable income, we’ve all got to get a bit savvier about our money to get through these tough times. If you know how to save and budget effectively, it can have a hugely positive impact on the whole family. We want to help people fight poverty before it hits”. He added: “We hope that we can help people, quietly and confidentially, to take control of their finances rather than relying on guesswork, so they can plan for the future and weather the storm.” The CAP Money Course is well tried and tested with more than 1000 churches nationally running it, and a massive 98% of attendees saying they would recommend it to others. It has been found to be useful for people at work, newly retired people, soon-to-be students, mums dealing with mounting bills, families saving for a special occasion, and everyone in between. CAP (Christians Against Poverty) is a UK debt counselling charity whose aim is to reduce poverty in the UK caused by debt. It partners its financial expertise with the care of the local church to offer free debt advice to people through nearly 300 centres. CAP will help anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. They are an award-winning charity which provides free and confidential debt counselling in many communities. Martin Lewis, the TV money saving expert, says “CAP is unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help they give people across the country”. The first course takes place at Holmer Green Baptist Church on Monday 2nd October starting at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available. To find out more about the CAP Money Course visit www.capmoneycourse.org and to book your place on the course please email [email protected] or telephone 01494 712479.

1 Money Advice Service / CACI Report “A Picture of Over-Indebtedness” – March 2016. 2 Survey of 2,000people by Legal & General, reported on the BBC News website. Chris Gregory for Holmer Green Baptist Church

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SOME USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS

British Gas - Emergencies 01753 – 571570 Chiltern District Council 01494 – 729000 Chiltern Medical Centre (formerly Dragon Cottage Surgery) 01494 – 717339 Eastern Electricity, Loss of Supply 08007 – 838838 Holmer Green Dental Practice 01494 – 718318 MP for Chesham and Amersham:– Cheryl Gillan, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. 02072 – 195146 E: [email protected]. Constituency Office: 7A Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BD 01494 – 721577

Refuse Collection 01494 – 586550 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 – 315000 Thames Valley Police 101 Thames Water - Emergencies 08459 – 200800 Traveline 0870 – 608 2608 Tourist information 01494 – 421892 Wycombe General Hospital 01494 – 526161

PARISH COUNCILLORS SERVING HOLMER GREEN Mr Jeffrey Dominy “West Barn”, Little Missenden, HP7 0QY 864710 Chair & Local Authority Forum Representative (LAF) Mrs Jane Fallon 20, The Larches, Holmer Green, HP15 6TG 713057 LAF & Youth Representatives Mrs Sandra Geraghty 28, Sheepcote Dell Road, Holmer Green, HP15 6TL 717663 Vice-Chair Finance & Rossetti Hall Committee member (RH) Mr Walid Marzouk Cherry Tree Cottage, Weedon Hill, Hyde Heath, HP6 5RN 776656 Mr Peter Rawbone 1, Hollyberry Grove, Holmer Green, HP15 6XB 713649 Chair - Rossetti Hall Committee Mr Gerry Spiller 8, Weathercock Gardens, Holmer Green. HP15 6TA 713739 Vice-Chair - Open Spaces & RH Committees Mrs Ruth Werbiski “Windward”, 4 Glebe Close, Holmer Green, HP15 6UY 714523 NAG Representative Mrs Rita Whitten “Holly Lodge”, Alice Close, Holmer Green, HP15 6TS 711929 Vice-Chair - Planning Committee Parish Council Meetings The public may attend any meeting but should inform the Clerk in advance if they wish to address the meeting. Please visit the Council’s web site: http://www.littlemissendenpc.co.uk for further information. The Parish Council meets twice a month (except in August) in the Council Offices, New Pond Road. The Planning Committee meets on the first Monday and the Full Council meets on the third Monday, both starting at 7.30pm. Please see the web site (details above) for dates, Agenda’s and further details.

Parish Clerk: Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road, Holmer Green, 715429 Ms Melanie Franklin HP15 6SU. E: [email protected] Assistant Parish Clerk: The Office is usually open to the public, Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 12noon. COUNTY COUNCILLOR Mrs Isobel Darby 2, Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0BZ. 01753 E: [email protected] 888055 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Dr Michael Smith c/o Democratic Services, Chiltern District Council 729000 E: [email protected] Mr Mark Titterington “Trymme House”, Elm Rd., Penn, HP10 8LQ E: 07500 546651 E: [email protected]

LOCAL SERVICES The Mobile Library vehicle visits on the third Thursday of each month at the Shops: between 11:10am - 11:15am. and the Village Centre: between 11.20am – 11:45am

A Holmer Green community web site — www.holmergreen.info where some recent electronic editions of Holmer Green Today may be viewed.

Page 28 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

WHAT’S ON — AND WHERE CUT OUT AND KEEP THE DATES, AND THE ADVERTISERS PAGES SUMMARY ONCE YOU HAVE READ YOUR MAGAZINE - AND RE-CYCLE THE REST

1st Aug. WI — Members & Guests only Footpath Walk & Supper at 8pm Village Centre - 7.00pm

16th Aug. VPA - talk by Tony King: “Do You Remember the Fifties?” Village Centre - 8.00pm 19th Aug. Rossetti Arts Group Annual Exhibition Rossetti Hall 10.00am - 6.00pm 20th Aug. Rossetti Arts Group Annual Exhibition Rossetti Hall 10.00am - 5.00pm 2nd Sept. VPA - Annual Show Village Centre - 2.00pm 4th Sept. Chadwick Ladies - “Talking to Children” Village Centre - 8.00pm 5th Sept. WI — “101 things you never knew about garden birds” Village Centre - 7.45pm 18th Sept. Chadwick Ladies - “Banjovi” Village Centre - 8.00pm 20th Sept VPA - talk: “The National Garden Scheme” Village Centre - 8.00pm 24th Sept. Harvest all-age Family Service followed by a Bring-and-Share lunch Baptist Church - 10.45pm Chadwick Ladies - “Wycombe Man - Carving a Niche in the 2nd Oct. Village Centre - 8.00pm World” 2nd Oct. CAP Money Course – for all with debt worries. Baptist Church - 7.30pm 3rd Oct. WI — Annual Meeting Village Centre - 7.45pm Bereavement Support Service – guidance for all suffering from 8th Oct. Baptist Church - 3pm the loss of loved ones 15th Oct. VPA - Harvest Home Lunch Village Centre - 12.00 for 12.30pm 16th Oct. Chadwick Ladies - “Wildlife Gardening” Village Centre - 8.00pm 18th Oct. VPA - talk by Gilly Pusey: “Hand Spinning and Natural Dyeing” Village Centre - 8.00pm 30th Oct. Chadwick Ladies - Halloween Party Village Centre - 7.45pm 15th Nov. VPA - Annual General Meeting Village Centre - 8.00pm 13th Nov. Chadwick Ladies - “A Day in the life of an Auctioneer” Village Centre - 8.00pm

REGULAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1st Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Wednesdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Brownies — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 5.45 – 7.15pm 4th Holmer Green Brownies — Church Centre. Thursdays, weekly 5.30 – 7.00pm 1st Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Fridays, weekly 6.30 – 8.00pm 2nd Holmer Green Guides — Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 7.30 – 9.00pm 1st Holmer Green Rainbows — Holmer Green Village Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 4.45-5.45pm Air Training Corps — ATC Hut, Sir William Ramsey School, Hazlemere. Wednesdays and Fridays, weekly 7.30 - 9.30pm Boys Brigade — Holmer Green Methodist Church. Mondays, weekly from 6.00pm, depending upon age. Holmer Green Beavers — Mondays 5.30 – 6.30 and Wednesdays, 6.00 – 7.00pm. Holmer Green Baptist Church Playmates Toddler Group — Alternate Tuesdays, Term time only, 9.30am - 11am. The last before the Summer Break is 11th July. Holmer Green Flower Club — the last Tuesday of each month, except January, August and December. Holmer Green Cub Scouts — Mondays and Thursdays, 6.45 – 8.15pm. Holmer Green Scouts — Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm. Holmer Green Short Mat Bowls Club — Holmer Green Sports Association. Tuesdays 7.30 - 11.00pm. High Wycombe Scrabble Club — Rossetti Hall. Second Wednesdays, 7.30 for 7.45pm. Holmer Green Youth Club — Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weekly 6.30 - 9.00pm & 7.30 - 9.00pm, depending upon age. Lantern Club – Village Centre. Mondays, weekly 10.30am - 2.45pm. Link-Up Friendship Group — The 3rd Friday of each month. Church Centre - 10.30am-noon, followed by a shared lunch. Lunch Club for a light lunch and a chat – Church Centre, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12.30 – 2 pm. Messy Church - Baptist Church - 17th Sept., 15th October, 19th November. Pop In Lunch, a light Lunch and Chat - Baptist Church. The first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12.30pm.

Rennie Grove Charity Shop & Jennie's Haircare quarterly Page 29

Short mat bowls — Tuesday afternoons at the Church Centre. Call the parish Office if interested. Simply Walk — Meet outside Holmer Green Baptist Church. Mondays, weekly at 1015 for 1030am. Tiddlywinks Baby & Toddler Group — Church Centre. Mondays, 1.30 – 3pm School Term only Time–4–God — Traditional service at the Baptist Church, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 11.15am. Toddler Group — Baptist Church. Resumes 12 September. Every term time Tuesday, 9.30am-11am Women’s Fellowship of Holy Trinity with Christ Church. Church Centre 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2pm from 15 September. Women's Fellowship — Baptist Church. Alternate Thursdays from September 7th. Wycombe Stroke Club for persons affected by communication problems - Christchurch Church Centre. Tuesdays, weekly 10am-12noon. Wycombe Centre National Trust Supporter Group — The fourth Friday of the month at Hazlemere Community Centre. Oct to Mar., 2.15pm. Apr to Sept., 7.45pm. Youth Club — Baptist Church — Every Friday during term times, 7.00-8.30pm. It would be prudent to check that the events, locations and times are correct!

Welcome to Universal Care…… More than 25 years of caring experience We can provide daily carers, throughout Buckinghamshire and live in carers across the South East. Our staff are friendly, well trained and dedicated to providing the individual service our clients need. Duties may range from a simple caring service including companionship, cooking, shopping and light household duties to more complex personal care depending on needs. As situations change we adapt our care service to ensure the comfort of our clients and the peace of mind of their relatives and loved ones. Please contact us for further information: Chester House, 9 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JJ Telephone: 01494 678811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.universal-care.co.uk

Page 30 The magazine is sold at J Walsh (Newsagents), Fox Pharmacy,

ADVERTISERS INDEX THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SERVICES ADVERTISED HEREIN

ADVERTISER SERVICE Page Telephone Adams Garden Services Garden Services 14 07793 561764 Allied Accountancy Accounting / Bookkeeping 30 01494 711210 ARG Services Domestic Appliance Repairs 4 01494 714850 Arnold Funeral Services Funeral Directors 14 01494 472572 Beacon Funeral Services Funeral Directors 18 01494 818181 Bright Sparks Electrical Contractors 24 01494 713373 Convert Old Audio ‘Old’ Audio Translators 30 01494 713553 Holmer Green Methodist Pre-School Pre-school for 2 to rising 5’s 4 01494 711341 Holmer Green Service Centre Garage Services and MOT’s 18 01494 715058 J Walsh Newsagents 25 01494 714466 Jennie's Hair Care Ladies and Gentleman's Hairdressers 14 01494 713580 Jewellers based in 01494 440813 Jordans Family Jewellers 32 High Wycombe & Aylesbury 01296 339108 Mike’s Garden Services Garden Services 24 01494 817441 Select Heating Services Local Plumbers 27 01494 715254 Select Plumbing and Heating Supplies Plumbing and Heating Supplies 25 01494 717665 SPAR Supermarket 24 01494 713364 The Cottage Bookshop Bookshop 6 01494 812632 The Window Doctor Repair Windows & Doors & Supply New 6 01865 891776 Universal Care Carers Provision 30 01494 678811 W&M Stevens Garage Services and MOT’s 4 01494 713185

When contacting any of the advertisers, please tell them that you are responding to their advertisement in Holmer Green Today

Rennie Grove Charity Shop & Jennie's Haircare quarterly Page 31