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Stoke Poges Advert 149x210.indd 1 22/10/2010 14:52 Index Stoke Poges Musician on TV 4 Four months on from the by-election that elected Carols on the Green 5 five new Parish Councillors, the new Parish Bells Hill Update 5 Council is finding its feet, as you will read in this Keep Burglars Away 6 edition. As our Councillors get more involved in Chairman’s Letter 10 outside meetings involving other local parishes, a Initiatives supporting Older People 12 pattern is becoming clear: nearby parishes have Winter Roads Information 13 been imaginative and energetic in providing for Threeways Surgery 15 their youth and their older people. Neighbouring The Stoke Poges School 18 parish councils have made great progress in pro- Birds in Stoke Poges 22 vision for their communities, whilst still giving D of E Group 24 good value to taxpayers. From the Editor Vicar’s Letter 26 The current Parish Council feels very strongly Neighbourhood Action Group 28 that its role is to do what it can to improve the Bridge Club 31 quality of life for residents of Stoke Poges. We Dates for your Diary 32 know that in the current climate of government The Stoke Poges Society 34 spending cuts, District and County Councils Forget-Me-Not-Club 36 won’t be able to help, so the Parish Council is Rainbow Pre-school 39 committed to working with the voluntary Horticultural Society 41 organisations and the village charities, to do as Friends of Stoke Common 41 much as it can. Stoke Poges Singers 45 Photographic Club 46 Our forthcoming ‘Carols on the Green’ is symbolic Football Club 48 of the new energy and purpose the Parish Council Guides 49 is putting into the community. Please join us to Scouts 50 make this year’s ‘Carols on the Green’ the most Updates from Councillors 52 successful yet. Neighbourhood Policing 54 Sunshine Pre-school 56 In this issue we include the latest crime figures for Tennis Club 58 our area together with several recommendations Women’s Institute 60 intended to make it harder for offenders to prosper in Stoke Poges. Waste and recycling Thank you to all our contributors, advertisers and you, our readers for your support. I appreciate the collection over the kind comments on my first edition. I would like to holiday period welcome eight new advertisers to this edition – please give them the opportunity to win your You will have received a leaflet from South Bucks custom, as strong support from our advertisers District Council recently informing you of the helps us produce a high quality magazine. changes in the collection days for waste and recycling over the Christmas and New Year public Finally, I would like to be the first person this year holiday period. to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please note the dates of your scheduled collec- Ralph Bagge tions and ensure that you put your waste and recycling out on the right days. 3 Stoke Poges Musician on TV

Stoke Poges resident Michael Messer is interna- tionally renowned for his blues slide guitar playing. He will be the featured musician in BBC TV’s ZingZillas programme on 13 December. Michael provides some background information:

The BBC approached me back in the spring of 2009 about doing an episode of the CBeebies series, ZingZillas. I have done many sessions for the BBC over the years, mostly for radio, promoting my own music. So for me this was something

quite different. © BBC music. The first is my own composition and The show was created by the same people who features a film of me playing solo acoustic blues did the TeleTubbies and the Tweenies, and sits slide guitar. The second has me jamming with the somewhere between The Muppets (in that it ZingZillas monkeys band on a blues song written features well known musicians) and Sesame by the show’s musical directors Chris Banks and Street, which was an educational show aimed at Wag Marshall-Page. young children. The whole project is a local one, as it not only ZingZillas is a series of 52 episodes, each 20 minutes features a resident of Stoke Poges, but also the long, featuring a different style of music and series was filmed just down the road at Pinewood musician in each episode. The idea of the show is Studios. to teach young children about music and to give them the real thing, rather than the usual plinky- The ZingZillas ‘Blues’ episode will be broadcast on plinky music that is so associated with children’s 13 December. So if you hear your children belting TV shows. out the blues on dad’s treasured Gibson acoustic guitar some time in mid-December, it will be Some of the musicians who have appeared on my fault! ZingZillas include: cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber; jazz singer Cleo Laine; composer and saxophonist Michael Messer Johnny Dankworth (his last TV appearance); the BBC Concert Orchestra; percus- sionist Dame Evelyn Stoke Poges Players Glennie; flautist James Galway; steel A first production of Babes in the Wood by Rojer guitarist BJ Cole – Weightman is being performed by Stoke Poges and many more. Players at 8 pm on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 December, with a matinee at 2 pm I was brought in as on Saturday. Tickets are £7, concessions £5, family the blues slide gui- ticket £15 (max. 2 adults). tarist for the episode about ‘The Blues’. I Call the Box Office T: 01753 677032, M: 07986 played two pieces of 535656 or E: [email protected] © BBC 4 Carols on the Green Bells Hill Update

In our autumn issue we asked for suggestions A planning application has been lodged with South from the Parish for Carols on the Green. We had Bucks District Council to modify the frontage of many expressions in favour of keeping our village the empty retail space to create separate entrances tradition alive and a number of people said that for three shop units of 525 sq m, 415 sq m and it could be the winter equivalent of the Village 135 sq m. The estate agent’s details suggest that Fete – a great opportunity to get together infor- the largest unit could be further subdivided. mally and talk with people you know, but don’t meet too often. South Bucks has also received a licence applica- tion from the Coop for sales of alcohol, although Whilst we would love Carols on the Green to it is understood that contracts have not been return to its traditional venue on Bells Hill green, exchanged with the developer. that isn’t possible yet. The Village Centre committee, however, were very enthusiastic South Bucks District Council is paying for the about hosting the Carols in their grounds. design of a ramp suitable for wheelchairs and buggies to use from Bells Hill Green. This will be Everyone who discussed the idea said much the used to get construction quotes when available. same thing: ‘Since the redevelopment, the heart’s Once we know how much it will cost to build, we been knocked out of the village. It’s time we did can work out how it is paid for. something about it.’ We are hoping that Carols on the Green this year will be remembered as a The Parish Council has been negotiating with turning point. Persimmon about siting a replacement notice board near the retail units and this will be installed soon. The idea quickly snowballed. It seemed like a good idea to hold an outdoor Christmas craft market in the Village Centre car park, giving a number of parishioners the opportunity to offer their seasonal gifts for sale. With the Club Room bar open, we are inviting everyone to linger and socialise after the carols.

However, the Carols will be at the very heart of the event. Accompanied by a brass band and with The Stoke Poges School Choir, everyone will join in singing some traditional favourites.

The Parish Council’s working party has been busy sourcing new Christmas lights. A Christmas tree has been generously sponsored by Alpha Windows. The Social Club is providing complimentary mulled wine and Sainsbury’s are donating mince pies.

A small number of volunteers have put in a massive amount of time and energy to create an enjoyable event that brings the parish together. Please show your support on Friday 3 December by coming along. 5 Keep Burglars Away Offer – Forensic Marking Kits

The most effective way of discouraging burglars is forensic marking. It has resulted in an 85% reduction in burglaries in areas where it has been introduced – locally in Taplow and Gerrards Cross. Thames Valley Police has achieved excellent crime reductions using SelectaDNA kits in local burglary hotspots.

Research shows that burglars tend to avoid SelectaDNA Home Security marking kit breaking into homes where forensic marking is used. Marking your possessions with a forensic The marking kit includes tamper-proof labels to marker increases the chance of a burglar being be attached to all marked possessions plus win- caught and your property being recovered, whilst dow stickers to be displayed near your home making your possessions harder to sell on. entry points.

The SelectaDNA Home Security kit contains a The recommended price for a SelectaDNA Home special liquid and an applicator. The liquid con- Security kit is £50. The Parish Council has tains tiny microdots, each carrying a unique code, obtained a special rate from the manufacturer which can be used by the police to trace a and is offering SelectaDNA to parishioners at its marked item back to its owner. cost price of £30.

The liquid also has an ultraviolet (UV) trace that This relatively low outlay appears to be the most shows up under a UV lamp. Police regularly trawl effective burglary deterrent available, so please car boot sales with UV equipment. The forensic take up this opportunity to protect your home marks are almost impossible to fully remove and and make Stoke Poges a safer community by require too much effort to be worth attempting. ordering yours from the Parish Council Office. Nick Milne Garden Services www.nmgs.co.uk - 01753 643612 - 07832 144935 ❁ Stoke Poges-based small family business. ❁ High quality maintenance gardening and small landscaping projects undertaken. ❁ Appro ved by Slough Trading Standards and featured on Stoke Poges Trustworthy Tradesperson’s list. ❁ References and portfolio available.

6 7 Fusion – Summer in a positive environment, aiding their work in the community. Activities for young people The event was a great success with 67 young This event was organised by Stoke Poges and people attending over both days. Wexham Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and was held in the grounds of The Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire Community Foundation, School on 19–20 August. School years 4 to 6 Thames Valley Police and South Bucks District came along to the two-hour morning sessions Council provided funding. and young people at secondary school attended the afternoon sessions. The Stoke Poges School kindly allowed use of their field as a venue for the event and equip- Activities varied from ‘Try Golf’, Sumo Suits, ment including marquees, tables and chairs were Multiskill (sports), football, rounders, arts and kindly provided free of charge by the Parish Fete crafts and a graffiti art project especially for the and St Andrew’s Church. Many other volunteers teenagers. from NAG and the community generously gave their time to set up and/or run the project. The idea of the graffiti art project was to educate Without their involvement, the event would not young people about criminal damage offences, have been possible. whilst enabling them to see that by using a canvas and seeking permission from appropriate Barbara Davis, NAG member people, their graffiti artwork could be displayed legitimately. Vote for Faster With the help of a specialist graffiti artist, a number of panels were created. Six 8 ft by 4 ft Broadband panels, the best of a dozen painted, will be displayed on the brick walls in Bells Hill Recreation BT is rolling out its ultra-fast, optical broadband ground for a limited period. Hopefully having service called Infinity. legitimate graffiti will discourage further unsightly or abusive graffiti – it has worked in other If you have a phone number starting 64 you are locations! the lucky ones as the Farnham Common exchange is on the roll out plan for ‘Infinity’. If you live The event also enabled the Neighbourhood across the tracks of Bells Hill and a few places to Policing team to engage with local young people the east or south, then we are likely to be in the dark ages for a long time yet!

However, there is an opportunity to influence this. By voting on the Infinity website we might just be able to get numbers not beginning with 64 into the plan. If everyone in the parish who is online votes for Infinity, we could influence BT to provide it sooner.

The web site is http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/ home and to vote you need to click on the vote button. It will ask for a name and phone number and there is one of those codes to ensure that

Photo: Barbara Davis Photo: the voting is not done automatically. Two participants work on their graffiti art. 8 BuchanansBuchanansSolicitorsSolicitors

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9 Chairman’s Letter improving the quality of village life. Many of our aims are interdependent. For example, if we can As I mentioned in the autumn edition of Stoke make the village more attractive to families with Poges News, your Parish Council had reached younger children then we will have more children its full compliment and I believed that the 13 living within walking distance of the school, councillors had the experience, skills and passion reducing the traffic congestion around Rogers to make the Parish Council more effective. This Lane. Having attractive play equipment in our has certainly proved the case. Please take a look recs is an important part of the way forward and at the range of initiatives that the councillors are families will also welcome creating safer cycle undertaking shown on page 52. routes in our parish with children. Likewise, the top priority for our new parish website is to By setting the Council the clear agenda of developing promote the attractions of living in our village to our village’s ‘community spirit’ and focusing our house hunters. efforts on making things happen, we are starting to make progress, which is extremely encouraging. From the Council’s existing budget we have The level of energy coming from the Council is found the money to invest in ‘Carols on the fantastic and the flow of new ideas and initiatives Green’ with the addition this year of both a tree is almost non-stop. I would encourage anyone to and lights around the Village Centre, where the get involved, particularly if you see something of evening will take place. We have had some health interest to you and please get in contact to suggest and safety issues to overcome for Santa’s parade any additional projects to us. through the village, and this year you will see that the roads will be closed off and marshals An important aspect of our role is preserving and present. There will be carols led by the vicar and mulled wine, as well as various Christmas stalls and Santa’s grotto for the children. 24/7 LOCAL PLUMBING I am pleased to report that we have approved AND HEATING plans to invest in some additional equipment at both Bells Hill and Plough Lane recreation grounds. As well as replacing some unsafe items, BURST PIPES, RADS, SHOWERS, we will be installing some new extra-wide BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS, pedestrian gates specially designed to enable IMMMERSION HEATERS, wheelchair access; an additional bus shelter near COLD TANKS, CYLINDERS, to Bold's Court and subject to SBDC approval, a THERMOSTATIC RAD VALVES, ramp to access the shops. All will be funded from the existing budget and reserves. The Council is SYSTEM UPDATES, also making contingency plans to implement the AND ALL GENERAL PLUMBING major play equipment project in 2011 at the Bells AND HEATING WORK Hill Recreation Ground, should the government grant be withdrawn. We have also approved a FREE ESTIMATES AND budget from reserves so that we can upgrade some of the play equipment at Plough Lane. ADVICE We have been building stronger links with both NO CALL OUT CHARGES County and District. We have requested a scheme to alleviate the terrible parking problems, which T: 01753 650247 exist on Stoke Green near to the junction with 24/7 M: 0788-171-0080 Wexham Street, and to install vehicle activated speed signs. We are working with the 10 D&K PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING AND HEATING BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS WALL AND FLOOR TILING PAINTING AND DECORATING ROOFING AND GUTTERING SOFFITS AND BARGEBOARDS REPLACED FENCING

FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE NO CALL OUT CHARGES CALL DEAN OR KEVIN 24/7 T: 01753 650247 M: 0788 171 0080 Neighbourhood Action Group on siting them in Safer Cycling Initiative the village. I am encouraged by the initial responses and there is every expectation that these two projects will happen. The Beeches Local Area Forum has set itself the goal of creating a network of safe cycle routes in At our last Parish Council meeting, PC Lou the five parishes across the south of Sharples stressed that it is really important for Buckinghamshire. The idea is to connect the villagers to telephone in reports of any suspicious Dorney rowing lake with Burnham Beeches and or anti-social behaviour. All too often we assume across Stoke Wood to Black Park. that ‘someone else will report that’ and on that basis it doesn’t get called in. Please report If you are interested in helping the task group anything to the 0845 8 505 505 number. It identify and develop cycle routes in our area doesn’t matter if it is reported more than once; please contact Julie Simmonds, our parish clerk. the police will attend to these calls. It also helps them to build up a fuller picture of the issues we face in the village. Temporary Speed Warning We recently began a wonderful dialogue with the Signs residents of Bold's Court, and that has led to a new initiative to increase the council’s provision Amongst the many news releases received for for our older residents. We are coordinating with publication was an item from Bucks County the other groups in the village as well as the Council. They have bought two temporary speed village charities and we plan to launch a ‘Good indication signs, which are available to parishes Neighbours Scheme’ whereby we can match for a two-week loan. These are the signs that those needing assistance with volunteers who display the speed of an oncoming vehicle. They are willing and able to help. To understand how have been highly effective in other parts of the we can be more effective in this initiative the county and many have been installed nearby. councillors will be hosting an afternoon tea for some of the parish’s older residents at Bold's Ralph Bagge raised this at the October meeting Court in early December. of the Parish Council and it was agreed to obtain two units, each for a period of two weeks, to be I hope to see as many of you as possible at used on roads with known speeding problems – ‘Carols on the Green’ on Friday 3 December. Bells Hill, Wexham Street, Park Road or West End Lane. Mark Fletcher

11 Initiatives supporting will also include disabled and vulnerable people. Saera Carter has been busy consulting with local Older People volunteers and there are encouraging signs that volunteers from some of the existing groups in Several Parish Councillors have been representing the parish can join together and achieve a lot. Stoke Poges at meetings for all South Bucks parishes. We heard about a Good Neighbours scheme that Two related items that will benefit our older is being funded in Iver and Burnham. people were also agreed. The Parish Council will coordinate a project with the combined Lord Its purpose is to identify people who would benefit Hastings Hospital Trust and Stoke Poges Relief in from volunteer help, whether: a lift to a medical Need charities to supply low energy/high per- appointment; collecting prescriptions or shopping; formance replacement light bulbs to parishioners or being taken to a social event. These needs are who will benefit from reducing their electricity met by a group of volunteers who are willing to usage. It was agreed to provide a new bus shelter offer their time and some skills. A coordinator on Bells Hill opposite the Village Centre, in matches the needs with the offers of help and response to requests from Bold's Court residents. ensures everyone is included and involved. The South Bucks schemes are being piloted by Age Concern Bucks. However, our research has shown Beeches Local Area Forum that in other parts of the country, parish councils (LAF) have been successful setting up their own schemes. The Beeches LAF met in September. It is a forum It became apparent that this is an area of provision of county, district and parish councillors from the that has been neglected in Stoke Poges. At its five parishes across the south of Buckinghamshire October meeting, the Parish Council agreed to and members of the public are welcome to have a Spokesperson for Older People and Saera attend and participate. Carter was nominated. The forum agreed that it has an important role in It was also agreed to set up our own scheme, influencing Slough Borough Council so that starting in the next financial year and to do further Slough doesn’t adversely impact the parishes, preparatory work. Our Good Neighbour Scheme particularly with traffic problems.

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12 There was unanimous agreement that Wexham The Beeches LAF meetings are very informal and Park Hospital parking was a big problem for all informative, the chairman involving everyone in five parishes in the LAF because at some point discussions throughout. It provides a great oppor- most people will visit the hospital. tunity for County’s officers to hear grassroots views. The next meeting is at 7 pm, 1 December The forum set itself the following priorities: in the Huntercombe Room, Burnham Park. There will be a highways ‘drop-in’ from 6.30 pm. • designating HGV routes to Slough Trading Estate to reduce congestion in the Farnhams • a scheme to protect Stoke Green conservation Winter Roads Information area from hospital parking Whilst we all hope that we don’t have a repeat of • a scheme to prevent buses causing bottlenecks last year’s harsh winter weather, it’s good to outside Burnham station know that Bucks County Council has learnt from • creating safe cycle routes. experience and made some big improvements to its gritting plans and information service. It was further agreed that the LAF should spend its delegated budget on its priorities. Its dedicated website (www.transportforbucks.net) carries live updates and the winter maintenance The Parish Council voted unanimously to formally page uses satellite technology to show the participate in the forum and councillors will be locations of gritting vehicles on a map display. representing Stoke Poges at future meetings. You can also follow ‘tfbalerts’ on Twitter for the latest roads information.

Now with air The Village Centre conditioning at the heart of Stoke Poges A range of accommodation is available for hire, at highly competitive prices, at The Village Centre including:

• Main Hall, with stage and kitchen facilities - ideal for parties, wedding receptions, functions, etc., as well as trade displays and sales • Ned Hartley Room, with integral private bar for adult parties in the Main Hall • The Harding Room for meetings of up to 30 people Adjacent Car Parking Full details on the Village Centre website www.stoke-poges-centre.org.uk or contact Roger le Clercq – T: 01753 642250

A thriving Social Club meets every evening: membership is open to all local residents. Please pay us a visit!

13 14 St Giles’ Women’s Threeways Surgery

Fellowship Following the retirement of Dr Susan Lynch on 1 October, Dr Rachel Pope has joined the Clinical We meet on the first Monday of the month at Team at Threeways Surgery. Some patients may 2 pm in the chapel at St Andrew's. We have recall meeting Rachel when she worked with us speakers each month who give talks and slide in 2007 whilst Dr Brodie was on maternity leave. shows on a variety of topics. Our meeting ends We also welcome Marie Pike as a new member of with a raffle and refreshments. our Admin Team.

We also have an outing during the summer as With winter again upon us, may we remind all well as a Garden Party in August. The year ends patients over 65 and those with heart and chest with our Christmas Anthology. Guests are welcome problems and diabetes that they should have a and pay £2 per visit. We are a very friendly group flu injection. The injection will protect people and you will be made very welcome. So feel free from flu strains expected in the coming year, to come along to meet us. Our next meetings are: including swine flu.

Tuesday 7 December, 8 pm main hall, St Andrew’s At Christmas this year, we shall close early on the – ‘Christmas Anthology’. A selection of festive afternoon of Friday 24 December and reopen poems, carol singing, fruit punch and mince pies. on Wednesday 29 December. We shall also close early on the afternoon of Friday 31 Monday 17 January, 2 pm, chapel, St Andrew’s, AGM December for New Year and reopen on Tuesday followed by Geoff Burnett on ‘Slides of the Seasons’. 4 January. Please ensure you have enough routine medication for the holiday period. Should you Monday 7 February, 2 pm, chapel, St Andrew’s, need to access medical services whilst the sur- Alan Jaycock speaking on ‘Hughenden to gery is closed, please call our usual telephone Hughenden’. number and follow the instructions given to connect to either NHS Direct or East Berkshire For further information contact Jane T: 645954, Primary Care Out of Hours service or use the E: [email protected] Walk-In Centre in Slough. A&E should only be used for injuries that may need stitching, x-rays or major medical emergencies. We wish you all a Parish Council Work merry Christmas and a healthy 2011. Contracts We would also like to remind patients that they can sign up for our text message reminder service Stoke Poges Parish Council is responsible for and for access to online appointment booking maintaining the two recreation grounds and and repeat prescription ordering. First you need controlling weeds and hedges on a number of to obtain a registration form and set up details metalled footpaths in the parish. from the surgery. Once you have done this you can log on to either www.patient.co.uk or www. Contractors based outside the parish currently do threewayssurgery.co.uk. Click on the EMIS Access the work. At the October Council meeting it was icon and set up your account. agreed that similar businesses based within the parish should have the opportunity to tender for this work. If you are interested in submitting a quote for the year commencing April 2011, job specifications can be obtained from our parish clerk. 15 Stoke Poges Men’s Group 26 March. If you enjoy a full cooked breakfast (or even a healthy one if that is your preference!) then do come and join us. We will start gathering Our 2011 schedule of events starts in the at the hotel at 8.15 am and will be finished by evening of Saturday 29 January with a return 10.15 am. More details of this event (with details visit of the tank battle game TANX. We will be in of our speaker) will be posted on the Parish teams of four (with each person operating a scale Church website in the coming months. model WW2 Tiger 1 tank) playing this radio controlled tank battle game (the closest thing to To book a place at any of our events, contact driving a real tank into battle!). Each of the eight Tony Shortman or Nigel Lowe. tanks has an infrared battle system for tank to tank combat and its own onboard computer- Tony Shortman T: 01753 644691 or E: tony-mavis@ controlled sound system to reproduce the sounds shortman.eclipse.co.uk and actions of a real tank. Nigel Lowe T: 07973 349721 or E: nigel@suchlowe. f2s.com The battle zone will be located in the new hall at St Andrew’s in Rogers Lane and the tank battle games will start at 7.30 pm. Do come and join us Mother and Toddler at for this evening of fun, plus a tasty fish and chip supper. Rainbow Pre-School

Our following event will be a men’s breakfast at Our mother and toddler group continues to run the Ethorpe Hotel in Gerrards Cross on Saturday on Tuesday afternoons from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm, term time only. We welcome all new parents and carers to join us for a slice of homemade cake with a cup of tea or coffee. No appointment required, just turn up. It is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends whilst allowing your child to play safely with all our equipment inside, or in our large outside garden area. Learning to ride bikes, scooters and coupe cars is fun, plus they can experience the thrill of digging whilst sitting in our outside sand pit.

If this is not enough they can access our two playhouses or simply just have a good run around on the grass or patio areas. Children always settle much quicker when they have attended mother and toddler, as they are familiar with the staff who run it, and the setting. It is the parents who get upset, as it is time to leave their children with us so we can do our job of teaching your child to be happy, independent and confident.

T: 01753 647572 E: [email protected] W: www.stokepogesrainbow.co.uk

Cheryl Fleetwood Manager

16 Christmas Sunday Lunch Open to all at Stoke Park

A festive menu will be served in our breath taking Dining Room throughout December. Traditionally only our Members and Hotel Residents are able to take advantage of Chef’s delightful Christmas cooking but due to so many requests it will be open to all from

Wednesday 1st December until Thursday 23rd December Monday to Saturday, 12.00pm to 2.30pm

A two course seasonal lunch will be served at £24.50 and a three course lunch at £29.50 per person

For enquiries or reservations please call 01753 717171 17 News from The Stoke Poges School

It’s a busy time of year in school. No sooner had the Harvest Festival songs been put away, our Christmas plans were set in motion.

We are looking forward to many performances in the next few weeks; KS 1 with their big Christmas production, Years 3 and 4 singing carols and Years 5 and 6 with the St Giles’ Carol Concert. This is now in its tenth year and promises to be better Photo: J Photo: Nolepa than ever. The choir is very excited to have been Our display at our Harvest Festival Service. asked to sing at ‘Carols on the Green’ this year. In October we had a Golf Day to raise money for charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the Events Thames Valley Adventure Playground. Children dressed in golf-inspired clothes and had the The International Day of Peace occurs annually opportunity to try their hand at golf activities. on 21 September. This is the second year that our The total raised was £330. children have each made a peace windmill to display in the school grounds for passers-by to We had a visit from the Animal Man, organised admire, including personal messages from the by the Friends of The Stoke Poges School. Pupils children, prayers for peace and well-known anti- were surprised and amazed at the creatures that war slogans. appeared from behind the screen, including a skunk, some owls, snakes and a meerkat. Some We had a whole school assembly, which included children got to touch the animals, and Lauren in a medley of songs, specifically chosen for their year 3, whose birthday it was, got to have the lyrics: ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon; ‘Let there be meerkat stand up on her back. But it was only the peace on earth’ and an action-packed rendition brave staff that were allowed to hold the huge of ‘A wonderful world’ by Louis Armstrong, per- hairy spider! formed by the choir.

Year 6 jumped at the opportunity to dress as Trips flower children and many of them created ban- ners and posters demanding World Peace and an We’ve been out and about this term. Trips includ- end to war. ed Year 2’s visit to The Museum of London to help with their topic, The Great Fire of London. Year 6 We celebrated the Harvest Festival just before are studying the Second World War and visited half term. It was special for Mrs Barton and her the RAF Museum at Hendon. gardening team as the display included the pro- duce from our own garden for the first time. The Year 5 went to the Intech Science Centre and amazing wheat sheaf was kindly provided by Planetarium near Winchester. Sainsbury’s in Taplow. The children walked down to St Andrew’s, where they sang songs and read Year 3 are studying Roald Dahl, and they went to out their harvest-inspired readings and poems to the Roald Dahl Gallery in Aylesbury as well as parents. The retiring collection raised £340 for having an entertaining visit from the actor, the Pakistan flood appeal. Anthony Pedley. Year 4 know much more about the Romans after visiting Verulamium, St Albans. 18 The choir went to a concert at the Albert Hall and Furze Field the orchestra is due to visit the Schools’ Prom later in the term. Observers of parish matters will know that there has been long-standing dissatisfaction with the Sport rubbish and gas cylinders dumped in this field. The Parish Council has been pressing South Bucks All the school teams are up and running. The Year District Council (SBDC) to take action for some 6 football team has had some early success. They time. played in two tournaments, playing ten matches, of which they won nine and drew one. They In the summer an Enforcement Notice was scored twenty-five goals and only conceded two. served on the land, which has been ignored by As a result of this fantastic victory, we have the owner. The District Council now has the right qualified for the county finals, which are tobe to enter the field, clear it and charge the land- played in January. owner its costs.

Music SBDC’s October Environment policy group meeting was asked to authorise the cost of a contractor to On Monday afternoons, budding George Formbys clear the rubbish. However, it was not clear can be heard practising in the school hall. This whether the contractor’s quote included clearing year, we have been given funding to teach all of the rubbish from inside the corrugated metal Year 4 the ukelele! County has given us 30 structure, so the decision was deferred. brightly coloured instruments and a teacher. What a marvellous opportunity! Cllr Bill Lidgate, the cabinet member responsible for Environment for South Bucks, has been invited All our news can be found on the school website, to November’s Parish Council meeting to discuss along with photographs and reports written by this issue. the children.

W: www.thestokepogesschool.ik.org

Bus number 53 Your local bus service serving Wexham Park Hospital – Stoke Poges – Farnham Royal – Burnham Grammar School – Maidenhead – Bracknell.

Operated by Thames Travel Please contact us if you need travel on bus line 53, your comments or suggestions are always warmly welcomed. www.thames-travel.co.uk or call 01491 – 837988

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Hibiscus_210x148.indd 1 26/10/10 20:31:32 Photo: Alan Parry Photo: HLS Reception at Hughenden Manor. Bucks Home Library If you would like to enjoy a friendly volunteer bringing the library service to you, in your own Service hosts Hughenden home, or you know of someone who would love to receive this wonderful FREE service, please Thank You contact the library service on T: 0845 2303232 or E: [email protected]. On a sunny Tuesday in September, the Bucks Home Library Service (HLS) held a meeting at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, to thank the many volunteers who help make the service a The Parish Clerk – success. The Bucks HLS is run in partnership with Our Point of Contact WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service), to provide access to libraries for those people in the Julie Simmonds has been county who have difficulty accessing a library. our parish clerk for three years. Her official role is Anyone who is unable to get out and visit a to make sure that council’s library, whether due to illness, disability, age or funds are looked after and caring full time, is eligible for this free service. A properly accounted for WRVS volunteer will be allocated to them, they and to produce agendas choose the reading material and deliver it on a and records of all council meetings. monthly basis, ensuring they spend some time with the housebound person as social contact is However, her work requires Julie to be in regular an important part of the service we provide. contact with officers at both district and county councils. That means that she invariably knows The Tuesday morning event took place in the whom to call to get a problem resolved and beautiful gardens of Hughenden Manor, thanks probably has a good working relationship with to the National Trust management who provided them as well. the venue, a great speaker and a tour of the Manor at the end of the meeting. The venue, So if there is something involving ‘the council’ informative speakers, home made cakes and that you need help with, Julie is the ideal person house tour helped make the event special, gave to call first. She may be able to answer your the volunteers a chance to meet one another and question immediately or suggest whom to call. If enabled us to thank them for their work and she needs to make enquiries she will do so and dedication in ensuring that over 2000 items are contact you with an answer. She also knows the delivered every month. best way to escalate queries so that they can be dealt with satisfactorily. If you would like to join this merry band of volunteers please contact Hazel Clarke on 01296 Julie is in the parish office Mondays to Thursdays 387863 or [email protected]. between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm. 21 Birds in Stoke Poges

Thanks for your replies to my last article and various bird sightings.

A resident of Vine Road reports seeing a variety of birds in the neighbouring fields – including bullfinches and long tailed tits. He also sent me a photo of a little owl which I reproduce here. What he really wants to take a photo of is a barn owl – any help?

A resident of Broom Hill showed me a record of the birds seen in her garden over the past three to four decades. The number of species totalled 45, not to mention six overflies. Can anyone beat that? Interesting ones in the list included yellow- hammer, linnet and spotted flycatcher.

A nightjar has been heard, but not seen, at the junction of Rogers Lane and Elizabeth Way. I believe Stoke Common is a common haunt of theirs? Any reports of this? Photo: Barrie Photo: Courtenay A little owl near Brockenhurst Wood

A lesser spotted woodpecker has been seen also in Rogers Lane as well as in Hollybush Hill. A flock of about 20 doves or pigeons was also seen – nothing unusual you might think – but all would go into a free-fall fluttery spin in turn and then rejoin the group.

As winter sets in, the search for food gets harder. Please keep the bird feeders and birdbaths replenished. If you are keen to see some of the more interesting birds, this will give you a big advantage. Redwing and fieldfare are regular winter visitors – the former especially are attracted by berries on bushes. Going by the number of berries in our garden, they won’t be going hungry this year!

Please let me know what you see. If you struggle to recognise a bird I will try to help.

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23 Stoke Poges D of E Award Group

Our group hit the ground running at the start of this term with two groups of girls from Stoke Poges and surrounding villages travelling to the more young ladies interested in the Duke of Peak District on 22 October to complete their Edinburgh’s Award, so come on lads, I’m sure you Silver assessment expedition. We linked up with all must have something to offer. The D of E is Dr Challoner’s High School in Little Chalfont to open to all between the ages of 14 and 25. More take silver participants to the Peaks with 26 information from W: www.dofe.org.uk or contact participants in all. It was a pleasure to take Mandy Harrod. them, as they were all fantastic and so was the weather! In December we are looking forward to helping at the 'Carols on the Green', so we will see you We are looking forward to reading their projects there. and diaries, which will be on display at the Parish Council’s reception next year. Of course we must Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy say a huge thank you to the leaders who went New Year. too: Richard Lawrence, Anne and Pete Milne, Vikki and John Ashton and Pam Lloyd. Mandy Harrod, T: 01753 662414 and Vikki Ashton

Also we wish Charlotte Wells a speedy recovery from her broken collarbone, as she couldn’t join us this year. A place is reserved for you next year!

Earlier this year, 12 young people trained for their Bronze expedition, which they successfully completed in July. At this level there is far more training as many young people come to us with little or no knowledge of map reading, compass work, camping skills and first aid. Once again none of this would be possible without the leaders’ support and training expertise of Dave Shillabeer, Anne and Pete Milne, Richard Lawrence, Julia King, Mandy Harrod and Vikki Ashton.

Back in June we were once again asked to help at the village fete and I would like to thank all our young people who so kindly gave up their afternoon to support this yearly venture.

We started our new term in September and 12 young people came along interested in starting their Bronze Award. It’s really amazing that there are so many young people who are keen to do their award. Also we had some interest from the Nick Harrod, Hannah Church and Ross Matthews male section! At the moment we seem to have with their Gold Awards at St James’s Palace 24 Bespoke, Curtains & Blinds The “All Sewn Up” We are a small and friendly, Experience Provides: family owned business based in Stoke Poges. • Personal and Friendly 1:1 Home Consultation Service, We offer two kinds of service for with flexible appointments to suit your needs window treatments. • Professional, Respectful and • Measuring and Fitting Service Friendly Advice • Home Consultation • Traditional and Quality Hand-Made Finishes Creative Interior Design • We can also help you Whether you are looking to create a refined, transform any room to your elegant and classic interior or a more requirements, access to contemporary, innovative and individual professional local craftsmen style we can assist with your soft furnishing requirements. We specialise in custom- and trades people. made, hand-sewn, lined or interlined curtains and blinds. We firmly believe that each home is as individual as its owners, and we will sympathetically listen to your needs to produce a bespoke project in harmony with your lifestyle and budget. To enjoy the “All Sewn Up Experience” in bespoke window treatments, please email or telephone us with your details. We will be happy to discuss your requirements. Tel: 01753 664 079 www.allsewnupsoftfurnishings.co.uk Email: [email protected] PO Box 4000, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 3GN

25 Vicar’s Letter back with a branch of pine. ‘Brilliant’, said the chief, ‘you made three quarters of the climb’. The story is told of a Native American village set in the shadow of a high mountain. Only the very But the sun was low in the sky when the last boy strong or determined could climb it, so all the returned. His hands were empty, but his face was boys of the village were eager to try. One day the shining. He said, ‘Father, there were no trees chief gave them permission. ‘You may try to where I was. I saw no twigs, but I saw a shining climb the mountain’, he said. ‘Each of you go as sea’. Now the old chief’s face glowed too. ‘I knew far as you can. When you are too tired to go on, it’, he said. ‘When I looked at your face, I knew it; come back. But bring me a twig from the place you have been to the top. You needed no twig to where you turned back.’ tell me. It is written in your eyes.’ ‘And so’, says the storyteller ‘it will be with you and me. When Soon a rather overweight boy came puffing back. we climb to the top of the mountain, we will In his hand he held out to the chief a cactus leaf. return with the joy of the Lord in our hearts and The chief smiled. ‘My boy’, he said, ‘You did not the radiance of God on our countenances’. In the even reach the foot of the mountain’. Later a words of the Psalmist, ‘Those who look to him are second boy returned. He carried a twig of sage. radiant’. (Psalm 34:5). ‘Well’, said the chief, ‘at least you reached the foot of the mountain’. The next boy to come back If a personal meeting with God were available for had in his hand a cotton twig. ‘Good’, said the you at the top of Ben Nevis or Snowdon or chief. ‘You climbed as far as the springs’. Another Scafell Pike… how much would you want to climb boy came back with some thorn. ‘You, my boy’, it? How high would you get? Would you return he said ‘were really climbing. You were up to the with a radiant face? Would I? Now it may come first rock slide.’ An hour afterward, one boy came as relief to some that we do not have to climb an PARISH OF STOKE POGES ST. GILES’ AND ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH The service details below give our usual pattern but may be changed by seasonal specials. For further information please refer to our website:- www.stokepogeschurch.org 1st Sunday CHRISTMAS 2010 SERVICES St. Giles’ 9.00am Communion Service Sunday 28th November St. Andrew’s 10.30am All Age Service 6.30pm at St. Giles’ The London Community Gospel Choir 2nd Sunday St. Giles’ 9.00am Communion Service Sunday 19th St. Andrew’s 10.30am Family Service* 6.30pm at St. Giles’ Carols by Candlelight St. Giles’ 6.30pm Evensong (a traditional service of nine lessons & carols)

3rd Sunday Friday 24th Christmas Eve St. Giles’ 9.00am Morning Prayer 3.30pm at St. Giles’ Pre-School Carol Service St. Andrew’s 10.30am Family Communion 5.30pm at St. Giles’ Family Carols by Candlelight Service* 11.30pm at St. Giles’ Midnight Communion St. Giles’ 6.30pm Evensong Saturday 25th Christmas Day 4th Sunday 10.00am at St. Giles’ Family Communion Service St. Giles’ 9.00am Morning Prayer St. Andrew’s 10.30am Family Service* Sunday 26th Boxing Day St. Giles’ 6.30pm Evensong Communion 9.00am at St. Giles’ Communion Service

5th Sunday (as 2nd Sunday) St. Giles’ Church, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ (*With Crèche and Junior Church) St. Andrew’s Church, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4LN

Do contact the Vicar, Revd Harry Latham, on 01753 642261 or The Parish Administrator, Kate Holliday, on 01753 642331 St. Giles’ church is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday-Saturday and from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Sunday. 26 actual mountain to experience something of the Each area of our division has a volunteer Link presence of God. He is only a prayer away though Officer. It’s a key role involving liaison and mountains are a great place to pray, but he loves interaction with members, other volunteers and us to seek him with our whole hearts. drivers, staff in our Aylesbury HQ, the local social club organisers and our divisional committee. The story of the mountain is one that asks us really how hungry we are for a more tangible We are currently seeking to recruit a volunteer experience of God… but we do not need to Link Officer for the Stoke Poges area. We are elevate ourselves to experience his presence. This looking for a caring, trustworthy and reliable Christmas time we celebrate that in Jesus, God individual; someone who would feel confident in has come down to our level. The author has phoning new members and visiting them in their broken into the story of humanity as one of us. homes on an occasional basis. St Paul writes: 'When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under This volunteer role involves meeting each new the law, that we might receive adoption to member of Bucks Vision and making introductions sonship’. (Galatians 4:4) to our Division and social club, outlining our services and providing relevant local information. God’s humility in coming down to us is awesome. A small amount of administration work is required But even more amazing is his desire that we, his to keep an up-to-date register of members in creatures, should become his sons and daughters. their area and to complete basic forms. My favourite Christmas verse is this one: ‘to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his Link Officers are invited to attend the Divisional name, he gave the right to become children of quarterly committee meetings and it is beneficial God – children born not of natural descent, nor if they can help out at the monthly Stoke Poges social club but neither are a requirement for the of human decision or a husband’s will, but born role. of God’. (John 1:12-13)

HAPPY CHRISTMAS from the Revd Harry Latham Candidates will need to provide references, be security cleared, and attend a volunteer training day in Aylesbury. They will be expected to attend Could you volunteer update/training days held annually thereafter. Once in the post they will attend quarterly 10–15 hours a month to caseload meetings held locally, designed to Bucks Vision? provide support and advice on any member issues. Bucks Vision is the new name for BAB (Bucks If you think you might be interested, or want to Association for Blind and Partially Sighted People). know a few more details, then please either phone Pam Warren M: 07774 660606 for a pre- We are a registered charity providing services to liminary chat or E: [email protected] anyone with sight loss in Bucks. We have a dedicated team of professional staff, a resource/ training centre and an network of around 500 volunteers to support our visually impaired members. Sports and Our South East Division covers: Gerrards Cross; Holistic Massage Therapist Stoke Poges; Burnham; Taplow; Beaconsfield; the Massages to promote relaxation and wellbeing Farnhams; Denham and Iver. We have around 270 Melinda Swallow ITEC Diploma/Embody/CThA members. A local team of volunteers and drivers Tel. 01753 642748 help to run two monthly social clubs along with Also available for Mobile Manicures/Pedicures other annual events. 27 Stoke Poges United * Providing services in the home for disabled, handicapped or infirm people (including gardening) Charity * Providing facilities for disabled, handicapped or infirm people such as arrangements for a Stoke Poges United Charity (SPUC) is a charity, recuperative holiday or respite care to provide set up to help people suffering hardship or temporary relief for carers. distress or otherwise in need. Grants of money can be given to individuals or organisations set Enquiries about help should be made to: up to help groups of people. Help is restricted to Mike Dier T: 01753 642886 people living in Stoke Poges plus parts of Slough Trevor Egleton T: 01753 643330 adjoining the village north of the Bath Road A4, Susan Lynch T: 01753 646582 east of Farnham Road and west of Uxbridge Road including Manor Park, Stoke Wards, Upton Lea and Wexham Court. Stoke Poges and Wexham

If you are already receiving statutory benefits Neighbourhood Action you may get additional help from SPUC if you Group (NAG) need it. In fact, help cannot be given unless you have obtained all the relevant statutory benefits Over the last quarter Stoke Poges and Wexham to which you are entitled. Help can still be given NAG has been concerned with two main projects: to people who are not entitled to statutory the questionnaire seeking residents’ views on benefits if they have a need not covered by the issues they have worries about and the Fusion statutory rules. Medical aids and appliances and Project, a youth event held in mid-August to services in the home should be requested from attract youngsters to engage in positive activities health and social services in the first instance. with a view to reducing anti-social behaviour in the area. The ways in which SPUC can help are wide and varied, providing there is a clear need, which is Our NAG has been at work for nearly three years. reasonable in the circumstances, taking into In line with our constitution rules, we wanted to account any help available from other sources. see whether the three topics that the parishes initially highlighted as important –anti-social Ways in which SPUC can help behaviour, speeding and burglary, are still the worrying issues. 2500 questionnaires were sent Grants of money to relieve sudden distress. out and Naomi Arnold’s email list was put to use Payment of travelling expenses for visiting people to encourage replies. Fewer than 70 responses in hospitals and the like. were received. Either residents feel pretty happy Grants of money towards the cost of: with the way the community is operating or * Providing items such as furniture, bedding, people have just pulled up their drawbridges and clothing, fuel, heating appliances, washing are getting on with life! machines and other household equipment * Paying for services such as essential house From the replies we had, anti-social behaviour repairs remains a concern, along with speeding and * Providing facilities such as the supply of tools, other highway issues. Burglary was not high- equipment or books or payment of fees for lighted as a major concern. The NAG has already instruction or examinations decided that dealing with burglary is mainly a * Adaptations to the homes of disabled people police issue, but one that we will continue to * Providing items such as medical or other aids, overview as we go forward. Parking was shown as nursing requisites, wheelchairs for disabled a real issue, and we will add trying to improve people this to our list. 28 There was a large number of comments that did Special educational needs not come within our remit. These have been Fostering and adoption forwarded to the parish councils and to South Services for vulnerable people. Bucks District Council and work on a number of these has started. The services that could be cut were:

David Claydon, Chairman Economic development Assessment of people’s needs Locality services The Bucks Debate Road safety Street lights. Bucks County Council has been running a public consultation over the summer to find out which The survey also identified five areas that services are valued and which might be cut. The communities could help deliver: results have now been published. Rights of way The services that are particularly valued are: Mobile libraries Libraries Highway maintenance Community safety Winter maintenance Youth clubs and activities. Household waste and recycling centres Recycling and composting Full details are available online at W: www.buckscc. gov.uk/bcc/about_your_council/bucksdebate_feed- Residential and nursing care back.page Child Protection Respite Care DO YOU HAVE AN ANNOYING DRIP IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD? Dr Tap Plumbing & Heating Services

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29 30 Allotments Expansion The club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Rogers Lane, each Monday from 1.30 pm to Planned 5.00 pm. With or without a partner, players are most welcome. The Parish Council has a waiting list for allotments. Its Recreation and Environment Committee For more information, please visit our website considered options to expand the current www.stokepogesbridgeclub.org.uk, ring 01753 allotments into neighbouring paddocks at 642438 or email [email protected] or Nettleship Wood (which is owned by the Council). just turn up.

It was agreed to consult with the grazing tenant Roger Wright with a view to making changes in April 2011. An allowance for the cost of changes to fencing and Olympics 2012 providing additional standpipes will be made in next year’s budget. The Olympics are coming to South Bucks. Dorney Lake will be the venue for rowing and open water canoeing and kayaking events. South Bucks Stoke Poges Bridge Club District Council is predicting significant commer- cial opportunities. It will fund training workshops to educate residents in how to take a business Stoke Poges Bridge Club continues to thrive and approach to offering bed and breakfast accom- we are now averaging six to seven tables each modation to guests visiting the Olympics. More week. What better way to pass the time on a cold information will follow soon. and/or wet afternoon!

Duplicate bridge is played in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and there are prizes for the winners. Computer-dealt hands are used which means paper copies of these are available immediately afterwards to work out what should have hap- pened! The results of each session appear on our website later the same day.

We indulged in some ‘après bridge’ recently with Graham Williams a ‘soirée’ of (gentle) eating and drinking at the Chauffeur Service Crown Inn, Farnham Royal, to celebrate summer- time. There were calls for another one in the not too distant future. Postbox Cottage We have entered a team in a local league, which Vine Road is being organised, by the newly formed Chesham Stoke Poges and South Bucks Bridge Association (CASBBA) – Slough to pit our wits against other local clubs. We may Bucks SL2 4DW have played one or two matches by the time you read this.

The annual pairs cup competition is due to be Tel: 01753 663885 held on Monday 15 November. And the Xmas Mobile: 07889 455994 party on 20 December.

31 Dates for your Diary

DECEMBER JANUARY

Wednesday 1 Hedgerle y Historical Society, ‘Frost, Thursday 6 Stoke Poges Singers, rehearsals Freezes and Fairs’ - Ian Currie, start, St Andrew’s, 8 pm Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm Wednesday 1 Beeches Local Area Forum, Saturday 8 Fr iends of Stoke Common, Burnham Park, Burnham, 7 pm Heathland restoration on Friday 3 Rainbow Christmas Nativity and East Common, 10 am, opposite Fayre, St Andrew’s Hall, 9.45 am the Pickeridge Friday 3 Carols on the Green, Village Centre, 6 pm Monday 10 Stoke Poges Parish Council Saturday 4 Stoke Poges Singers, ‘Captain Noah meeting, Lionel Rigby room, and Friends’, St Andrew’s Hall, Village Centre, 8 pm 7.30 pm Monday 6 Stoke Poges Parish Council meet- Tuesday 11 Photographic Club, ‘Points of View’ ing, Lionel Rigby room, Village by Chris Palmer, Village Centre, Centre, 8 pm 8 pm Tuesday 7 Women’ s Fellowship, ‘Christmas Anthology’, St Andrew’s main hall, Wednesday 12 WI, ‘Thomas Gray’ by Roger Askew, 8 pm Village Centre, 2.15 pm Wednesday 8 WI, ‘Traditional Costumes and Folklore of Christmas’ by Janet Monday 17 Women’s Fellowship, AGM and Deneen, Village Centre, 2.15 pm ‘Slides of the Seasons’ by Geoff Thursday 9 - Saturday 11 Burnett, St Andrew’s chapel, 2 pm Stoke Poges Players, ‘Babes in the Wood’, Village Centre, 8 pm (and Wednesday 19 Hedgerley Historical Society, 2 pm on Saturday) ‘Pictures from Langley’s Past’ - Tony Tuesday 14 Photogr aphic Club, ‘The art of Off- Pilmer, Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Camera Flash’ by Quoc-Huy 8 pm Nguyen Dinh, Village Centre, 8pm Wednesday 15 Festival of Lights, Beaconsfield, Tuesday 25 Photographic Club, ‘Water on the 6 pm Lens’ by Phoebe Rudomino, Thursday 16 Stoke Poges Society, ‘What Village Centre, 8 pm Christmas Means to the English’ - St Andrew’s main hall, 7.45 pm Saturday 29 SP Men’s Group, TANX tank battle game, St Andrew’s new hall, 7.30 pm

Beaconsfield Festival of Lights

This years Festival of Lights will be held in Beaconsfield on Wednesday 15 December from 6 pm. This year, South Bucks District Council’s arts team has been working with local schools and a team of professional artists to create fabulous lanterns, which incorporate the traditional Christmas spirit. Candy cane, Christmas crackers, stockings and much more will be a part of the fabulous parade, so come along and join in the fun!

32 Dates for your Diary

February MARCH

Saturday 5 Fr iends of Stoke Common, Wednesday 2 Beeches LAF, Huntercombe Room, Heathland restoration on West Burnham Park, 7 pm Common, 10 am, opposite the Pickeridge Saturday 5 Fr iends of Stoke Common, Creating Monday 7 Women’s Fellowship, ‘Hughenden a glade on Main Common, 10 am, to Hughenden’ by Alan Jaycock, opposite the Pickeridge St Andrew’s chapel, 2 pm Wednesday 9 WI, ‘The Cathedrals of Britain’ by Barbara Askew, Village Centre, 2.15 pm Monday 14 Stoke Poges Parish Council The Forget-Me-Not Club meets every Thursday meeting, Lionel Rigby room, in the Village Hall Social Club at 2 pm. Village Centre, 7.30 pm Tuesday 15 Stoke Poges Society, ‘An Evening at Coffee Friday is a social gathering for senior Stoke Park’, Stoke Park, 7.30 pm parishioners, held every Friday in St Andrew’s Wednesday 16 Hedgerley Historical Society, coffee shop at 10 am. ‘Beaconsfield and the Waller Family’ - Julian Hunt, Hedgerley Memorial Hall, 8 pm

33 The Stoke Poges Society important source of 15th and early 16th century choral music, and of course, the original manu- script of Gray’s Elegy, which is where we came in! Visit to Eton College Library Rachel gave us a brief biography of Thomas Gray A group of 25 Society members were welcomed as represented in the library’s collection. She had by Rachel Bond, the College Librarian, who it gone to a lot of trouble to assemble many rele- turned out appropriately was an authority on th vant items, letters between Gray and his other 18 century literature, since we were there Eton friends, including Horace Walpole who was particularly to see items from their Thomas Gray instrumental in getting the Elegy published in archive. Thomas Gray was a pupil at Eton from 1751. See later for details of a related lecture on 1725, where two of his uncles were masters. Horace Walpole’s Cat; and interesting editions of While there he formed a strong friendship with the Elegy, including ones with illustrations by three like-minded friends, Thomas Ashton, William Blake and Salvador Dali; and Gray’s own Richard West and, most importantly, Horace journal which revealed his interest in and acute Walpole. They called themselves the Quadruple observation of the natural world. Alliance, and pursued literary rather than sporting interests. It was a fascinating afternoon, and we felt privi- leged to have been allowed this special access. Rachel Bond introduced the afternoon visit by giving us a brief history of the library from its Our next event is a beginnings in 1440 when King Henry VI founded lecture to be given the College. It was then a private resource of on Wednesday 24 theological works for the sole use of the Provost, November at 7.45 pm and inaccessible to anyone else. Even by the early th by Professor Sir 20 century it was very difficult to get access. Christopher Frayling Now it is only open for research or to special who will be delivering interest groups, such as ours. his lecture on ‘Horace th Walpole’s Cat’. In the 18 century the collection of books Professor Frayling, increased both in size and scope, with growing former Rector of the Horace Walpole emphasis on the classics, Latin and Greek history Royal College of Art, and literature, the staple diet of education at the was until January this year Chairman of the Arts time. This resulted in the provision of specially Council. built rooms which could accommodate about 5000 volumes, all chained, of course. By the end Knighted in 2001 for Services to Art and Design of the century it was full and any further Education – he chose as his motto, ‘Perge scelus development ceased for about 200 years. mihi diem perficias’ which he suggested could be loosely translated as Clint Eastwood character After a revival in the 1960s, the library has now Harry Callahan’s watchword, ‘Go ahead, punk, over 150,000 items, and not only books and make my day!’ He is a frequent broadcaster on manuscripts, but an important collection of radio and TV and an expert on spaghetti westerns! watercolours, busts, and other memorabilia, even Horace Walpole was one of the Quadruple locks of hair – many of them donated by past Alliance. Gray was invited by the young Walpole, scholars of the College. Some of the priceless son of the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, to treasures that we were able to see included their th accompany him on his Grand Tour of Europe. oldest item, a 10 century book, a Gutenberg Despite a famous falling-out between the two Bible in its original binding, a copy of Shakespeare’s young men, Gray and Walpole did remain friends. First Folio, the Eton Choir Book which is the most Walpole had a cat, Selima, who unfortunately 34 drowned in a bowl of goldfish. Gray wrote a famous mock-heroic poem, Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat on the subject, and it is that Tom Caldecourt which will be the subject of Professor Frayling’s lecture. We are privileged to have such a distinguished figure as a lecturer. We are also very t lucky that Hitachi Data Systems are kindly allow- ing the lecture to take place in Sefton Park, It is with regret that we record the sad loss SL2 4HD. As well as being a most entertaining of Tom Caldecourt of Vine Road, lecture, this will be a rare opportunity to be who passed away on Saturday 16 October. allowed inside one of the more important buildings in the village. The lecture will be free to Tom was literally at the heart of village life members, though non-members are very when he kept one of the original shops. welcome at a charge of £2. Further details will be His ability to supply whatever his customers available via the usual Society emails. wanted within 24 hours was legendary.

Our Christmas event will take place on Thursday On behalf of everyone in the village, 16 December (please note the change of date), we extend our sincere condolences and will include a celebration of ‘What Christmas to Tom’s widow Shirley and family. Means to the English’, and some delicious sea- sonal fare. The event is free to members (non- members very welcome at £2 per head). This will t take place in St. Andrew’s Main Hall. DAIR HOUSE SCHOOL FARNHAM ROYAL

Dair House is a 3–11 year old co-educational independent preparatory school. We pride ourselves on excellent teaching and pastoral care, small classes and individual attention.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit at any time, please call 01753 643964 www.dairhouse.co.uk Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Royal, Bucks, SL2 3BY

35 Stoke Poges lonely and isolated villagers. However, we need you to come forward and tell us what you might Forget-Me-Not Club need.

We will be celebrating our 65th birthday next Perhaps playing cards is ‘old-fashioned’ now. But year! That is quite a landmark, is it not? I can it is important that we keep up our relationships hardly believe that this club has been running in and meet others on a regular basis. This helps us the village for so long. It must have started a year to maintain healthy bodies, and maybe more after the end of World War 2, and certainly seems importantly healthy minds. to have fulfilled a need for people in the village at that time. It seems that until possibly twenty So – we meet in the Clubroom at the Village years ago, whenever a villager retired, he and his Centre every Thursday at 2 pm until 4 pm. You are wife would join the club and spend Thursday most welcome. We organise Christmas celebra- afternoons down at the Village Centre playing tions, a spring lunch and occasionally use dona- cards with friends and neighbours. tions for outings.

However, that custom would appear to have If this is not ‘your thing’, please let us know what come to an end and people of early retirement it is you would like to do. If you are reading this age have not been joining the club. We have also and you think you know what elderly people failed to attract other older village residents and might appreciate doing socially, let us know! We sadly membership is in decline. are looking for IDEAS – the more the better and innovative ideas that we may not have even If the club is to continue we need new blood and thought of. maybe a change of philosophy. AND we need you to tell us what you want and what you think We want to create a network of support and might work, if we are to continue. interest for the elderly in this village and we are asking for your help. If you have an elderly neigh- We have a core of volunteers who are prepared bour, please talk with them about the club. We to meet once a week and offer a service for will go on as long as we can, but without new

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36 members or a new format we are going to have magnificent fairs and carnivals were held on the to finish. Those who care passionately about ice. He gave a series of lectures at Somerset making a difference for our elderly friends don’t House, London about `Frost Fairs’ and made a want that to happen! programme in December 2008 for BBC Radio 4 on the subject. Ian’s presentation includes: If you want further details or have any ideas, please phone Hazel Dier T: 642886 or Thelma Gillham * Al l the great freezes of the past 1000 years start- T: 644473. ing with the 1092/93 winter. 200 horse and carriages could cross the congealed rivers. Hedgerley Historical Society * The great 1683/84 winter when the Thames was frozen for ten weeks and Charles II accompanied - Frost Freezes and Fairs by the Royal household visited the famous Thames Fair. TV weatherman Ian Currie is giving an illustrated talk at Hedgerley Memorial Hall at 8 pm on * The Brutal Frost of 1739/40 when a temperature Wednesday 1 December. of minus 12C was accompanied by a wind of 50 to 60 mph and rivers such as the Thames froze in Ian Currie has written a number of books on the three days. weather including Red Sky at Night, a compendi- um of weather sayings, which explains the reli- * The last great London Frost Fair of 1814 where ability or otherwise of over 150 adages. He is the one could buy a piece of `Lapland mutton’ that author of I Spy Weather. Ian is also a regular on was roasted over a spit upon the river Thames. television and radio, talking about the weather on The One Show and Country File on BBC TV and * The Great Blizzard of 1881 when immense 10 has been a guest on BBC Radio 4 Midweek. feet drifts blocked London’s Oxford Street.

Ian’s most recent book is called Frosts, Freezes Visitors welcome Seasonal refreshments and Fairs and it chronicles all the great winters of Further details from John Lovelock T: 01753 647187 the past when the Thames and Medway froze and

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37 Village Fete 2010 Update I thought this year’s event had a superb atmosphere and was great fun. The deadline for requests for a donation from this year's Village Fete funds closed on 31 I’ve already had some ideas for next years fete, to October. We received requests from: Rainbow be held on 12 June. There are three themes that Preschool for equipment; Bold's Court for a I am toying with and could possibly use all of Christmas meal and a donation towards funds; them. They all happened 100 years ago in 1911. D of E for expedition equipment; Friends of The For the main theme, the Titanic was built, Stoke Poges School for outdoor equipment; launched and sunk. For a children’s theme, Rev W. Stoke Poges Parish Council for community events Awdry (author and creator of Thomas the Tank and Sunshine for a sand box. Engine) was born and it is the hundredth anniversary of the first Monte Carlo Rally, which The 1st Stoke Poges Air Scouts have requested a could be the theme for the car show. donation towards equipment and more impor- tantly for money towards their plans for a new If you have any ideas or would like to run a stall, scout hut. They are looking to find new accom- take part or help organise the next Village Fete modation due to the recent changes at St please get in touch with me. E: stokepogesfete@ Andrew’s. We would like to help them all in part, googlemail.com or [email protected] or if not in full. M: 07963 627805. Martin Wood Many thanks to everyone who helped organise and run this year’s fete and especially to all who attended and made all the hard work worthwhile.

38 around the campfire, and watching multi- Rainbow Pre-School changing coloured sparklers from a distance. Autumn term began by welcoming lots of new Within the Rainbow setting the children are also children starting at Rainbow. We worked with preparing for Christmas by making cards, tree colour, shape and numbers one to five for the decorations, calendars and gifts to take home. first few weeks. With excellent weather we were Practices are well under way for our Christmas able to expand the children’s knowledge of the Nativity, which involves every child who attends world around us. Rainbow Pre-School. We explored the surrounding woodland and The children will be performing at St Andrew’s fields, close to the Rainbow setting, looking for Hall in Rogers Lane on Friday 3 December. signs of autumn. Each child made a basket to Rainbow will also be holding a Christmas Fayre collect their finds of conkers, leaves, acorns, alongside the nativity for all to come along and cones, etc. The children also observed from a enjoy from 9.45 am – 12 noon, with home-made distance various varieties of fungi growing freely gifts and cakes, raffle, tombolas and refreshments in their natural environment. available throughout. Armed with our collections/findings we set to Rainbow can be contacted anytime. Please call work building them into our theme of colour, for a reservation form and prospectus or an shape and numbers. This was further extended by informative chat with a play leader. sorting, printing, weighing, matching, rubbing, painting and glueing. Finally, the term will be ending with a Christmas party, an entertainer and a visit from Father We transformed the home corner into a green Christmas. May we take this opportunity to wish grocery shop by filling it with real fruit and veg- you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New etables to get the children to feel and explore the Year. textures of all the different varieties. By the end of the week they had broadened their knowledge T: 01753 647572 M: 07889 980570 especially with the vegetables. We did not let all E: [email protected] the vegetables go to waste either as we made a W: www.stokepogesrainbow.co.uk very tasty vegetable soup for all to enjoy. Cheryl Fleetwood, Manager During October a new committee was elected at the annual AGM with many of the new parents wishing to get involved in their children’s pre- school by offering their time and commitment. A big thank you to the old committee and we look Farnham forward to working with newly elected parents. Home Services Chatterings. Christmas Lane. We celebrated several festivals during this term, Farnham Common. Buckinghamshire SL2 3JF. namely Eid and Diwali. The children enjoyed Telephone: (01753) 644992 making diva lamps, tasting some food and drinks, and having henna shapes painted onto their HOME AND PET SITTING SERVICE hands. We all dressed up in our fancy dress Are you going away on holiday? clothes, all week, for our cultural/seasonal party Or just a weekend, or even a day, and worried to mark the end of half term. about the security of your home, and the care of your pets in your absence? In November the children enjoyed hot jacket potatoes with sausages, while singing songs Contact us • Impeccable References 39 Sports Development News Look out for activities taking place during the February half term week. Details will be published on the leisure section of the Council’s website Young People when confirmed, visit www.southbucks.gov.uk. MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) The Sports Development Team run regular FREE Junior Netball programmes for children aged 7–13 years who Set to start in February 2011, a weekly junior are over their ideal weight. Sessions are provided netball session will take place at Evreham Sports by a nutritionist (selected by the NHS) and a Centre on a Monday evening. Details are yet to qualified physical exercise provider. be confirmed, but please contact the sports development team if you would like your child to The next 10-week course will take place in attend. Beaconsfield, starting in February. Children attend with a parent or guardian and the sessions are Brazilian Football twice weekly (usually Tuesday 5 pm to 7 pm and Previously run by the District Council, Brazilian Thursday 5 pm to 6 pm). For further details about Football has restarted on Wednesday and this innovative course contact Joe Sammon, T: Thursday evenings at the Teikyo School on 01895 837348 or E: [email protected] Framewood Road, provided by Tom Hogan of Brazilian Soccer Schools. For details call Tom on February Half Term Activities (21-25 February 07748 954862. 2011) Disability Sport The Sports Development Team offers a pathway of multi-sports for people with a disability, for young people aged 7–17 years, through to adults. The three clubs detailed below cater for young people with both learning and/or physical disabilities:

Rockets Junior Club Ages: 7 to 11 years Day: Friday 5 pm to 6 pm (term time) Venue: The Beacon Centre, Holtspur Way, Holtspur, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RJ Price: £2 per session

Burnham Multi-Sport Disability Club Ages: 12 to 17 years Day: Wednesday 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm (term time) Venue: Burnham Upper School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 7LZ Price: £2 per session

Get Active for Adults Ages: 18+ Day: Wednesdays, 11.15 am to 12.15 pm (term time) 40 WINTER 10 Base SPN 2/11/10 09:53 Page 39

Venue: Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS Price: £2 per session Have you

Please call before attending any club in order to discuss the level of care required for the Made Your Will? individual.

Adults Reactivate South Bucks – Offering adults the Your Will chance to try new activities and get active! in the Privacy A variety of NEW activities for adults are set to start in February 2011, specifically aiming at and Comfort of beginners and those returning to a sport they may not have played for many years. These new Your Own Home. activities are being offered by the Sports Development Team in partnership with Nexus * Community as part of the Reactivate Bucks From £39.95 + VAT (£46.95) campaign, with the aim of increasing the number *our standard single will of adults taking part in regular sport and physical activity across the district and county. “Our Professional friendly staff The NEW activities set to run within South Bucks include 10-week Beginners’ Golf and Return to will come to your home Golf courses at The Lanes Golf Course and at a time to suit you” Driving Range (Stoke Poges) and Back to Netball sessions at Evreham Sports Centre in Iver. These new activities will be accompanied by the Lasting Power of Attorney: Property Trusts continuation of jogging in Beaconsfield and net- Children's Trusts: Executor Support: ball in Burnham, amongst many other Help Protect Your Home from Care Fees! activities run by providers across the county. If you think you may be interested, please look out Contact us TODAY for free INFO PACK for dates coming soon to the Reactivate Bucks website: www.reactivatebucks.org or call the Sports Development Team directly. 0845 056 8726 [email protected] To book or for further information regarding any www.inhomewills.co.uk/don.madden of the activities and events organised by the Sports Development Team, please call T: 01895 837255 or E: [email protected]. 24Hrs / 7days a Week uk In-Home Legal Services Member of the Society of Will Writers

In-house Specialist Solicitor

41 Stoke Poges, Wexham & Wednesday 8 June – Speaker to be confirmed

Fulmer Horticultural Wednesday 14 September – Speaker to be confirmed Society

Wednesday 12 October – London 2012 As we look forward to 2011 here are some Olympics presented by Sally Botwright important dates for your diary.

Members and non-members are welcome. For The Society’s Annual Flower Show will be held on £6, or £8 for two members from the same Saturday 30 July at The Stoke Poges School. household, you can become a member of the

society. This entitles you to free admission to the The ever-popular Annual Plant Sale held each show and to a copy of the schedule. Apply for year at The Village Centre is later in 2011 because membership by contacting the Membership Easter is very late. Also, being later, everyone can Secretary, Peter Montgomery, T: 01753 643384 go home and put the plants purchased straight or E: [email protected] into the ground (with any luck!). The date to remember is Saturday 7 May. For further information visit our website at www.hortsoc.org The Spring Social Evening is on Wednesday 16 March at 8 pm at Stoke Poges School. As is customary there will be a table show, a raffle and a buffet supper. There will be an illustrated talk on The Friends of Wildlife in Kenya presented by Ron Teague. Stoke Common Our Lecture Programme for 2011 is being organised and is as follows. These events are held The latter end of September and October gave on Wednesday evenings at The Stoke Poges some good weather, allowing us to carry out School at 8 pm. essential work on the Common.

Wednesday 11 May – Flora and Fauna of Costa On 4 August we conducted our bat and moth Rica presented by Rev. Ken Tombs evening as part of our ongoing survey of the flora VILLAGE ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Domestic • Industrial • Commercial Installations House Rewires • Fuseboard Upgrades • Security Lighting Fire Alarms • Emergency Lighting • Test and Inspection reports Work carried out to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671 Part P Registered for Building Control Contact John Croly 2 Broom Hill, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL2 4PU Tel: 01753 662595 Mobile: 07788 742163 Email: [email protected] 42 and fauna found on Stoke Common. In addition Saturday 5 March 2011. We will be creating a to our regular volunteers, we had lots of new glade on the Main Common. Our work will interest. We hope that our visitors enjoyed the produce material useful for pea-sticks. All event and join us again in future! volunteers on the day will be able to take a few home for their gardens, allotments, etc. On 7 August, at Burnham Beeches, we did vari- ous tasks whilst exploring this most interesting Saturday 2 April 2011. We are planning a spring location. For those brave enough to take a look, clean involving litter picking, fishing articles out creepy crawlies were displayed at the Burnham of ditches, hollows in the woodland, etc. Beeches Information Centre. The meeting point for all our activities is at the Our flora and fauna survey continued on4 gate opposite the Pickeridge on Stoke Common September, with a reptile survey. This well attend- Road, Stoke Poges. ed event produced some interesting specimens, although not for the faint-hearted! Volunteer events start at 10.00 am and finish at 3.30 pm. However, there is no problem if you are On 18 September we began our autumn and only able to manage a few hours. If coming for winter task of birch clearance on Stoke Common. the whole day, bring a packed lunch. The group Making a start on West Common, with the inten- leaders provide tea, coffee and biscuits. tion of moving to the Main Common in October, we cleared a significant area to promote new Wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear; we growth of species struggling to survive on this recommend boots, long sleeves and trousers. heathland. Waterproofs are recommended in case of wet weather. Gloves, safety equipment and tools are On 2 October we continued our birch clearance provided. We ensure all volunteers are trained in plan on Main Common, putting the cut trees to the safe use of tools and equipment, however, if good use by building a hibernaculum. The pur- you prefer not to work with tools, we always pose of this structure is to provide a safe, dry area need people to help clear cut trees or bracken for for our reptiles and amphibians to use when the the bonfire, and to keep the hot drinks and Common floods during the winter. biscuits flowing on a chilly day!

On 30 October we had some fun with the An adult must accompany those under the age of material we had cut, by making witches 16. 16 and 17 year olds require parental consent. broomsticks. We were very busy all day, with lots of enthusiastic apprentice broom-makers! All events and activities are subject to change. However, our aim is for you to enjoy working At this juncture, I would like to assure you that with a great group of volunteers in, we think, an we are respectful of trees, however, for your amazing location. We invite you to come along heathland to flourish, the area has to be man- and judge for yourself! aged. For further information, or to book a place on one Our programme from December 2010 until of our special events, please call Debbie on M: April 2011 inclusive follows: 07912 731500 or E: dbrharmstrong@yahoo. co.uk W: www.friendsofstokecommon.co.uk Saturday 8 January 2011. Heathland Restoration on the East Common. Debora Armstrong, Committee Secretary of the Friends of Stoke Common Saturday 5 February 2011. Continuing Heathland Restoration on West Common. 43 44 Stoke Poges Singers 6 January 2011. Start of rehearsals Stoke Poges Singers are a friendly four-part On 2 October the Phil Astles blues band choir with about 40 members and the played at a jazz evening hosted by the motto ‘Singing for pleasure’. We Singers. Visitors enjoyed some lively perform a minimum of three concerts music and a tasty supper. a year, one of which is usually a religious work, performed in St Giles’ Saturday 4 December Concert Church.

'Captain Noah and his Friends’ Our repertoire ranges from Haydn, Karl Jenkins and Puccini to Gilbert and Sullivan and songs Make a note in your diary to come to this from musicals and films. Our conductor, Graham concert, which is Roitt, a member of the Association of British suitable for all ages. Choral Directors, is now in his ninth year with the The programme choir. includes ‘Captain Noah and his float- New members are always welcome and there are ing Zoo’ and ‘Jonah- no auditions. The ability to read music, although Man Jazz’. Proceeds an asset, is not essential. There are opportunities will go to ‘Save a for solo work for more accomplished singers. Child’s Heart’. Rehearsals are held every Thursday between 8 pm and 10 pm at St Andrew’s Centre, Rogers Venue: St Andrew’s Hall Lane, Stoke Poges. If you are interested in joining, Start time: 7.30 pm come along on any rehearsal night or contact Tickets: adults £8, children £4. To include tea and Naomi or Cheryl at the numbers given opposite. mince pies. Available at the door or from Naomi M: 07831 E: [email protected] 217575 or Cheryl T: 01753 655682 W: www.stoke-poges-singers.org.uk HOCKLEY CORNER HOLISTIC CLINIC Farthing Green Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4FE e.mail: [email protected] www.hockleycorner.co.uk Acupuncture • Musculo-skeletal medicine • Complementary therapies Specialising in chronic fatigue syndrome, M.E. and fibromyalgia. Courses in yoga and meditation. For appointments (day and evening available) or further information call 01753 663480 Dr Alastair Reece MB. Ch.B MSc. D.C.M. (Beijing) Dip.Med.Ac. Recognised provider of acupuncture by BUPA, PPP etc.

45 Stoke Poges photographers. His recently published book, England, My England contains some of the Photographic Club famous pictures from his previous books like The Teds and Northern Exposures as well as being The Club has successfully moved into the main made up of a brilliant variety of new pictures, hall at the Village Centre and changed the some personal, which captures moments of time evening on which it meets from Thursday to in perfect detail. Tuesday at 8 pm. The change in venue has enabled the club to accommodate all the people Other noticeable events include a lecture to be who were on the waiting list. Because of the held on 14 December by Quoc-Huy Nguyen change in venue, if anyone else is still interested Dinh entitled The art of Off-Camera Flash. in joining there are still a few vacant places Forthcoming events are a talk by Chris Palmer available. entitled Points of View and Water on the Lens by Phoebe Rudomino, which are programmed in the new year on 11 and 25 January.

Last year the club was very successful with inter-club competitions. The quality of output is reflected in the truly excellent year- book, which demonstrates the scope and range of photographs submitted by members. Whilst it is still too early in the season to predict the outcome of any external event, the indications so far are that the quality of the work of members is well up to the standard of last year.

Nonetheless, the club is still keen to cater for Falling Snow by Jean Porter people with all levels of The general outline of the programme for this photographic skills and all types of cameras, be it year remains very similar to previous years, with the most expensive to the simplest. Just to prove a mixture of competition between members and this point, one of the competitions this year is for against other clubs in the area, lectures, talks and pictures taken on disposable film cameras, which evenings when members do their own presenta- have been generously donated, to the club by tions. Tesco, for which we are most grateful.

The increase in membership has enabled the club For further information regarding the club see to be more ambitious with some of the events. our website W: www.stokepogesphotoclub. The most noticeable change so far has been the co.uk or contact Sue Avey M: 07884 173214 or inclusion of a talk held on 12 October by Chris Jim Williams M: 07759 300747 Steel-Perkins, a member of the Magnum photographic group, which is an elite group of

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E-mail: [email protected] Stoke Poges Football Club I am happy to report that all of these players are still with the club and are learning extremely fast. The start of the 2010-11 season was a rocky one All of them have made their maiden appearances to say the least. It seemed that many of the in senior football after only a few weeks of the players who have been associated with Stoke new season. More importantly, all of the younger Poges FC for some years were suddenly being players are enjoying the camaraderie, the training asked by their employers to work more hours due and discipline that the club has to offer. to the recession (i.e. Saturdays). This caused a very disjointed pre-season training schedule and The first game for Stoke Poges FC was a bit of a only one pre-season match. let-down with many players unavailable and a few key players trying out for senior clubs. Our The pre-season match was against our old opening game was against Richings Park FC, adversaries Burnham United whom we had never always a test for both clubs. Unfortunately, the beaten. Amazingly on the day, many of our game was lost after a very competitive 90 regular players and some new youngsters from minutes and Richings Park ended up 3-1 winners. Stoke Poges were available and the end result was a fantastic 3-0 victory for Stoke Poges FC. Since that game, we seemed to have turned a corner and produced some very good results as With players only being able to commit two or shown below: three times every month due to work commit- ments, the club decided to enrol some younger League Loss players from the village. During the summer the Richings Park FC 3 - 1 Stoke Poges FC football club assisted with the local police game League Draw against the youngsters of Stoke Poges and George Slough Heating 3 - 3 Stoke Poges FC Green. After the game four of the youngsters League Win decided that they would come down and join the Stoke Poges FC 4 - 0 Stoke Road Legion club in an effort to get fit. Presidents Cup Win Partizan London 0 - 4 Stoke Poges FC STOKE POGES POST OFFICE Hours: Mon to Fri - 9 am to 5.30 pm Sat - 9 am to 12.30 pm and SHOP Hours: Mon to Fri - 7 am to 6 pm Sat - 7 am to 1 pm Sun - 8 am to 1 pm for most of your EVERYDAY NEEDS (Newspapers - Milk - Bread - Tea - Coffee etc) Unit 1, Giles House, Bells Hill Green Tel: 01753 - 648328

48 Berks & Bucks Cup Loss Former Stoke Poges Guider, leader, Chris Southam, Iver FC 3 - 2 Stoke Poges FC led the singing, with old and new Guiding songs. League Cup R2 Win The girls also enjoyed a delicious fish and chip Stoke Poges FC 2 - 1 Partizan London supper around the campfire, before linking via League Win the internet with the Chief Guide, to remake Beaconsfield ownT 0 - 6 Stoke Poges FC their Guiding Promise at 20:10 hrs on 20 October 2010. We are currently in second place in the division and looking strong. Our injured players are starting Burnham Beeches Division Commissioner, Angela to return to training and the younger players Hurlstone, said ‘this was a fantastic way to end have had some very good experience against our Centenary celebrations. Girlguiding is as some strong teams. For forthcoming fixtures text relevant today as it was 100 years ago. It was me on 07976 371802 and we will send you our wonderful to think that all Rainbows, Brownies fixture information for the following week. and Guides across the UK and beyond were remaking their Guiding promise at 20:10 this This year David Ashton, a former youth coach, evening’. has joined Stoke Poges to assist with our player improvement and coaching. Our thanks to Dave The girls were joined by Division President, Di for his support and commitment over the first Robinson, who enrolled 20 new Guides and few months of this season. We look forward to Brownies at the event. Guests included former working with him for many seasons to come. Stoke Poges Guide Leaders Jenny Irvine and Barbara Davis. Player Recruitment Our club is always looking for players from Stoke Poges and the surrounding areas to help strengthen the squad. Any senior players in search of a well- run progressive club should contact Alan Fox on 07811 137762 Water

Training Our training sessions are held every Wednesday Softeners evening from 7 pm to 9 pm; newcomers (over the age of 16) are welcome. Supply & Installation

Vic Bunby Drinking Filters & Faucets Chairman Stoke Poges Football Club Next day delivery service for Block, Granular Stoke Poges District and Tablet Salt Guides 20:10 Centenary Final Celebration 01753 643554 150 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Farnham, Hedgerley and Stoke Poges District NSR Limited celebrated the Girlguiding UK‘s 2010 Centenary Final in traditional style.

49 24/7 LOCAL PLUMBING 1st Stoke Poges Air Scouts Scouts have had a night hike and last term they AND HEATING made go-karts and have been putting them to the test this term by racing them. Some of our As we returned to groups in September after the Scouts will be attending a mountaineering BURST PIPES, RADS, SHOWERS, summer break we have got straight into Scouting weekend in the Brecon Beacons. BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS, activities. IMMMERSION HEATERS, We mentioned in the last edition that our groups The first weekend back we organised a family camp COLD TANKS, CYLINDERS, are meeting in various temporary accommoda- at Duffield Lane. We had approximately 60 adults tions due to losing our own hut. This is not with- THERMOSTATIC RAD VALVES, and children join us. The camp gave us an opportunity out its problems, however, we would like to thank SYSTEM UPDATES, to get to know some of our Scouting families as all of our parents and leaders for their continued AND ALL GENERAL PLUMBING well as allowing the children to experience camping support and patience during this testing period. and playing in a safe environment. AND HEATING WORK Looking forward to the future we had been Beavers have six new starters, which is really FREE ESTIMATES AND led to believe that we could make use of the positive. Activities so far this term include a visit youth facility within the new St Andrew’s ADVICE to a driving range and getting out and about Church hall when it was completed. (Our old collecting items for an autumn collage. headquarters was demolished to make way NO CALL OUT CHARGES for the extension.) Cubs have been learning about organisational

T: 01753 650247 skills and have had the opportunity recently to In reality this has meant that without consulta- 24/7 M: 0788-171-0080 plan, organise and run the group. In doing so the tion, we have been told that until September children have had to work as a team and have 2011 the only nights available to us are Monday been working towards earning more badges. and Tuesday. This has left us with a large problem for the Scout section, which meets on a Thursday evening. Changing nights would mean losing D&K around 25% of our members and difficulties for PROPERTY MAINTENANCE our leaders. Whilst we find a solution the Scouts are meeting PLUMBING AND HEATING in a field at the Duffield Lane campsite. As you BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS can imagine this is becoming increasingly difficult as the nights draw in and the WALL AND FLOOR TILING weather changes. We are looking at a couple PAINTING AND DECORATING of possibilities that we hope will be a temporary ROOFING AND GUTTERING solution. SOFFITS AND BARGEBOARDS REPLACED During family camp we held a public consultation FENCING to ask for opinions on the prospect of us submit- ting a planning application for a new headquarters on the Duffield Lane site. We would like to thank FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE those who made the effort to come and see our NO CALL OUT CHARGES proposals. We are now pushing forward with this application and are hoping for a positive outcome. CALL DEAN OR KEVIN 24/7 Please be assured that all groups are running as T: 01753 650247 normal and that we are doing our utmost to ensure that the children gain the maximum from M: 0788 171 0080 a full and varied programme. 50 51 Updates from Saera Carter Since the last update I have continued to work on your Parish Councillors the Planning Committee, which I am finding very Mark Fletcher frustrating as I see the planning applications that My primary role as chairman is to ensure the are approved by South Bucks District Council and Parish Council shapes a clear agenda and stays on how they are changing the landscape of our vil- track. I keep close to the committees and working lage in a negative way. parties to make sure that all the hard work being put in results in the projects delivering benefits As Youth Spokesman I am still working with for the parish. Ralph Bagge on the Recs Project. I am currently looking at grant funding we can apply for to help Secondly, I am working to raise Stoke Poges’ pro- with the cost of this long-term project. file at district and county level. We are now clearly on their agenda with projects such as: the I have been involved in putting together ‘Carols ramp access to the shops; the Stoke Green park- on the Green’ which I am very excited about. I ing restrictions; the clearance of Furze field and am especially looking forward to seeing the the new bus shelter. I am making sure that the Christmas tree and lights that are planned for village is not overlooked and has fair access to and anticipate that they will give the village a funding, for example, through the Beeches Local little bit of a lift during the festive season. Area Forum (LAF), where we are requesting funds for four vehicle activated speed signs. I have recently become the Parish Council spokes- man for Older People. I am working on a project I recently decided not to stand in next May’s with Ralph looking at the possibility of setting up elections for South Bucks District Council. My a Good Neighbour Scheme. As part of this I am reason is that I want to remain focused on our currently consulting with organisations within ambitious plans for our village. I chair our Finance Stoke Poges that offer support and a volunteer committee and encourage and support events base to see how we can formalise something that like ‘Carols on the Green’ and the upcoming can address a wider need that exists. I look for- Bold's Court Christmas tea. Personally, I am ward to pushing these projects forward. responsible for the development of the Parish Council’s new website and email newsline, I am Cathy Thornton trying to find a suitable place to relocate the As a member of the Planning Committee I am flagpole and to reinstate the village beacon, concerned about the systematic erosion of the which was removed as part of the Bells Hill rural nature of the village with the routine redevelopment. removal of trees and hedges in favour of redevel- opment. I am keen to enter into dialogue with South Bucks District Council on ways in which we Mobile Library can preserve and enhance the rural character and appearance of Stoke Poges. Bucks County Council's mobile library is available outside the Village Centre, Sue Lynch Rogers Lane on: I should like to thank all patients who wished me well in my retirement at the end of September. I Wednesday 9.30 am - 12.30 pm was very moved by some of the comments I Friday 1.30 pm - 5.00 pm received. Saturday 9.30 am - 1.00 pm I am learning how the Parish Council works and Please do not park in the layby when the library is due how we can best serve the village. I investigated whether action could be taken against Persimmon 52 under the Disabled Discrimination Act but this this year, following research, that the priorities was not possible and we are now awaiting a quo- are: anti-social behaviour; parking and highways tation on the cost of a ramp. If we get a super- in general. I am pleased with this, as the roads in market in the New Year, we must hope that the Stoke Poges are terrible; so any ‘NAGing’ that can underground car park and lift become opera- be done is very helpful. I look forward to seeing tional which should solve the access problem. you all at the carols.

I am representing the Parish Council on the Ralph Bagge Neighbourhood Action Group. With Chris Taylor, I I have been finding sources of funding for play am looking into the possibility of removing equipment and for the youth and sports pavilion ‘Slough, Berkshire’ from our postal address, as we would like to add to our recs and identifying this seems to create difficulties when call centres suitable equipment and suppliers for the refer us to Berkshire services instead of Bucks. improvements that are coming soon.

Liz Robinson I have been researching ‘Good Neighbour Over the last few months I have been busy Schemes’ and put proposals to the Parish Council organising ‘Carols on the Green’. At the end of in October. You have probably already noticed October I attended a course with Ray, a fellow that I have continued to develop Stoke Poges councillor, and Andrew Booth and Martin Wood News. I have also been doing some preparatory (organiser of the Village Fete) to be trained as work for putting the Parish Council’s budgets for road marshals so that we can close the roads and 2011-12 together. conduct the carol procession safely. I arranged for our local Highways technician to Lots of local businesses are getting involved, from meet with a parishioner who had a long-standing sponsoring Santa’s grotto to providing us with problem with the footway near his house. I have road signs. It looks set to be a great event so I been working with residents who are unhappy hope the village will pull together to support it. I with unauthorised building work on a house in for one am very excited about the Christmas green belt. I share the same frustrations as Cathy lights and hope that it will put some heart back and Saera with planning policy, which appears to into the village! be designed for urban areas like Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield and not semi-rural areas like We have heard from Bucks County Council that ours. plans are in hand to control parking in Stoke Green, which should help the residents but fol- I have also accepted an invitation to join the lowing two accidents in the last month on Village Hall’s Executive Committee. Wexham Street it cannot come soon enough.

MPs Dominic Grieve and Fiona McTaggart are looking into having a single organisation coordi- nate the ticketing of those who park illegally near the hospital in the hope that this will bring a level of control to the situation. I am frustrated that Slough Council cannot move quicker to give per- mission for a car park in place. I have yet to see the buses that the hospital is supposed to be putting into place for staff.

The Neighbourhood Action Group had great success with our Fusion event and has decided 53 Crime Statistics ance to members of the public. In other words, driving or riding a motor vehicle anti-socially. The Reported crime in Stoke Poges and Wexham is first offence is dealt with by giving the offender a relatively low. In the 12 months to the end of warning letter. This warning will be recorded on September 2010 (the latest figures) there were our systems for a full calendar year. 136 reported crimes – which is only one every three days. This is a 29% reduction on the previous Should the person who has been warned commit year, whereas crime in Bucks as a whole fell by 15%. another offence within that year, the police can seize the vehicle from the offender, irrespective The most frequent crime (55%) is theft from a of what vehicle it is. Therefore, if the offence is motor vehicle with 75 instances. You can guard committed in another vehicle, then this vehicle against this risk by taking any attractive items will be seized under sections 59 and 60 of the with you when you park your vehicle. Never Police Reform Act 2002. A vehicle can be seized leave bags or desirable items on view when your by a police officer or PCSO. vehicle is left unattended. Also, when using a public car park, don’t move items to your boot Once the vehicle is seized, the following charges before leaving your car as thieves may see you do this. will apply: removal charge of £105, plus a storage fee of £12 a day. Only once these fees are paid There were 33 burglaries from dwellings in the can the vehicle be reclaimed by the owner. If the year. In burglary hotspots, where Thames Valley vehicle is not claimed within seven days, arrange- Police has responded by offering residents forensic ments may be made for its disposal. marking kits, the burglary rates have been reduced by 85%. See the ‘Keep Burglars Away We ask members of the local community to call Offer’ item (page 6) to find out how you can us about the anti-social use of motor vehicles. mark any items that would be attractive to burglars, The more information we have, the better. The so that you can safeguard your home and possessions. following details would help us immensely with our enquiries and allow us to give Section 59 warnings – vehicle make, model, colour, registra- Stoke Poges and Wexham tion number. The rider/driver’s description, cloth- Neighbourhood Police Team ing type/colour, helmet colour, location and Section 59 Warnings (Police Reform Act 2002) times of the offence.

Over the last few months we have received a We would like to take this opportunity to thank number of complaints from residents about the residents for working with us. anti-social use of mopeds. Although the number of reports vary from month to month, this is still PCSO Kam Benawra C9436 an issue in the Stoke Poges area. Your local neigh- Stoke Poges and Wexham Neighbourhood Police Team bourhood policing team has continued to monitor this problem. As a result, we have issued a number Suspicious Behaviour of Section 59 warnings to riders of mopeds. Recently parishioners have seen strangers acting A Section 59 warning can be issued by a police suspiciously near the open spaces in our village officer or a police community support officer and have expressed concern that they may be (PCSO) to anyone who drives or rides a motor engaged in illegal activities. vehicle which causes alarm, distress or annoy- If you regularly walk a dog, please add the police CALL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY OR TO non-emergency number to your phone contact CONTACT US CALL 0845 8 505 505 ON list and report anyone suspicious, giving a descrip- OUR NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER. tion and location, as soon as it is safe to do so. 54 Burglary 53 Bus Line - Opportunity Winter is just around the corner and the nights to give your views will be longer. We would like to ask all residents to take a look at how to make your properties In September, the Parish Council was copied in on look more occupied during the winter months. an email from the son of a Park Road resident to Mr John Wright, the managing director of Thames Burglars use the cover of darkness to break into Travel. Their 53 bus line from Wexham Park properties. Below are some simple crime preven- Hospital to Bracknell travels the length of Park tion measures you can take to keep your home Road without stopping and the gentleman safe from burglars over the coming months: enquired whether it would be possible for stops to be sited on Park Road. • You can install Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensor Floodlights at the front or back of your property. Mr Wright replied within a few hours, offering to This system automatically switches on a bright meet with Bucks Highways to agree suitable floodlight when it detects movement. locations for bus stops on Park Road. • Make sure your house number is visible from the road outside your house and in the dark. A We know how difficult parking is at the hospital, visible house number helps the emergency so the 53 bus line could be a very useful service services find your home quickly in an emergency for local residents travelling to Wexham Park (or and in the dark. Burnham, Maidenhead and on to Bracknell). A • Use timer switches. These are very cost-effec- return fare to the hospital is probably cheaper tive and are a great deterrent. than the parking charge and the bus journey could be faster than driving around the hospital site in search of a parking space. (A well-lit property makes your property less likely to be burgled and reduces your fear of crime). Thames Travel wants to meet the needs of local residents and would appreciate your response to Farewell to PCSO Steven Beck the following questions:

After nearly two years, PCSO Steven Beck will be 1 Would you or a member of your famil y use bus leaving us. Steven will be going over to line 53 if it operated at a time more convenient Beaconsfield to work with the neighbourhood to you and if so what time would you want to policing team there. We would just like to wish use the service? him good luck in his new area of work and thank 2 Does bus line 53 serve the places you need to him for all his hard work. Steven has been an access or should it run on to Slough centre or asset to our team and will be missed! Steven stop elsewhere in the village? writes: 3 If you are a current user of bus line 53 we would welcome your views on the current serv- ‘I have enjoyed my posting to Stoke Poges and ice Thames Travel provides on this route. Wexham a great deal and have found the people here to be a fantastic mixture of characters. The 53 is a service that could be very convenient, During my time here, I’ve dealt with and been operated by a company that appears genuinely involved in many incidents and situations that interested in meeting the needs of the commu- will remain in my memory for quite some time! I nity it serves. believe the area has benefited over the past year and a half from the attention of three very The timetable and details are available at W: dedicated officers and hope that the differences www.thames-travel.co.uk. Please take the time have been felt by you all.’ to contact Mr John Wright. E: john.wright@ thames-travel.co.uk or T: 01491 837988 55

Sunshine Corner with children they already know from the Toddler group. Parent and Toddler For information please call T: 01753 644300 or Group M: 07973 671558.

This group meets every Thursday morning in term time in the main hall of The Village Centre. It runs from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. All children, Sunshine Corner parents and carers are welcome. It is very Pre-school reasonably priced at £1 per family, which includes coffee/tea, juice, biscuits and fruit. We returned on Monday 6 September and were joined by many new children. They have all settled Maybe you are finding it lonely at home with a in well and are joining in enthusiastically. Children toddler or a baby or maybe you would like your now attend for three-hour blocks and, for the first child to meet other children? Whatever your time in our long history, some children are bringing reason, you will always find a welcome at our their lunch and staying for both the morning and Toddler Group. It is run by parents and members afternoon. Those children are greatly enjoying of the Committee of Sunshine Corner Pre-school having lunch with their friends and we expect which takes place next door in the Harding to see the number of children taking up this Room in the Village Centre. Many of the children opportunity increasing as the year goes on. from the group go on to attend the pre-school During the first half term the children looked at the theme of ‘Myself’ and their favourites – they enjoyed a Teddy Bears Picnic and visited the mobile library to choose a favourite book. During Pets Week a number of pets came to visit us including three tortoises and two dogs. We also KJ Electrical had a visit from Pets at Home who brought various animals including a rabbit, rat, guinea pig Extra sockets and gecko for the children to see and stroke. The half term ended with a multicultural party with the children dressed in their own traditional Lighting clothes and bringing in food from their different cultures. Immersion heaters This term we are looking at ‘Celebrations’ including fireworks, Diwali, Eid, birthdays and weddings Telephone points leading up to our Christmas celebrations; the children will be taking part in many different Replacement fuse boxes activities centred around this theme. We are hoping that the weather will be dry and we will be able to carry on spending time in the garden No job too small where an all-weather canopy will be erected No VAT soon. The children will be making Christmas crafts to 01753 663699 take home at the end of term. The annual 1 Nativity Play will take place on 15 December and the term will finish on 16 December with a 56 Christmas party for all the children. Father butions of teddies and other soft toys in good Christmas will be making time in his busy sched- condition will be welcomed – please bring them ule to visit the children then. to Sunshine Corner in the Village Centre on any weekday between 9.00 am and 3.30 pm. The During the last half term we held our Winter Bazaar was very well attended last year – make Olympics, which was well attended by children sure you put this date in your diary so you don’t from the pre-school and the Parent and Toddler miss it! group and their families. Botanics Landscape Gardening sponsored the event and we would On Thursday 18 November we will be holding like to thank them for their generous donation. our annual AGM when we will be looking to Hopefully the sponsor money from this event appoint a new committee. Last year’s committee will contribute significantly to our funds and worked very hard at fundraising and we are hop- enable us to make sure that our toys are updated ing that the new committee will be equally suc- on a regular basis and reflect the latest develop- cessful. Fundraising is vital to the pre-school, as ments in children’s care and education. government funding does not cover all costs. Fundraising enables us to keep toys and other Our next big fundraising event takes place on equipment updated. The work of the present and Saturday 27 November when we will be holding past committees has been invaluable and our a Christmas Bazaar in the Village Centre from 10 thanks go to all parents who volunteer to be part am to noon. Father Christmas will once again be of the committee. present and children will be able to have their photographs taken with him. Sunshine Corner A friendly welcome is extended to all parents and will be running a Teddy Tombola and any contri- carers. For information phone T: 01753 644300 or M: 07973 671558.

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Stoke Poges Free Church celebrated its 20th year of meeting in Stoke Poges this year. We meet on Sundays for services at 10.30 am at The Stoke Poges School as well as during the week and are involved in various other activities in the village, sometimes hosting special events.

This summer, together with The Farnhams and

Photo: Triona Tierney Triona Photo: Hedgerley Community Church, we hosted the David Claydon looks pleased to receive a gift to mark Jungle Jamboree Holiday Club week with a visiting his retirement as chairman of Stoke Poges Tennis Club. team from Scotland. This was enjoyed by over 90 children from the village and surrounding area. At the AGM on 3 October David Claydon retired as chairman after serving for 11 years. As a token Look out for publicity in December for our of their gratitude, members presented him with a Christmas celebrations, which will include a wine decanter and set of glasses inscribed with service on Christmas Day. For more information the club’s name (see photo). Anne Milne takes about the church contact Geoff Bath T: 01494 over this role. 676808 or [email protected]. Karen Perez takes over from David Murphy (also long serving) as treasurer – and Hugh Francis takes over as Club Captain. We wish them good fortune and support of the members in their new roles.

Unfortunately, the end of season Ray Horner tournament was postponed because of rain. It is now due to be played on Sunday 28 November. 58 Jungle Jamboree participants 59 Stoke Poges and Wexham Women’s Institute

The clouds were black when we left Stoke Poges for our summer outing to Stowe Landscape Gardens. The heavens opened as we arrived. We picnicked under umbrellas, the bands played on and in true WI fashion we enjoyed ourselves.

Stoke Poges member Jean Porter won the ‘Capture the Spirit of the Day’ competition with The Harmonies this iconic photograph of our day out. Fall in Love' and the classical ‘Jerusalem’.

On Friday 14 January the Bucks Federation has arranged a coach trip to Shepherds Bush to visit the Westfield shopping centre. This stunning architectural masterpiece has now been opened for just over a year. There are 275 shops in the complex with retailers from 15 countries. There is a street of restaurants with freshly prepared food from 13 countries and 50 exciting eateries boasting 73 awards between them. Photo: Jean PorterPhoto: The Spirit of the Day If we have time after indulging ourselves we may visit ‘The Village’ – a conclave of 40 luxury boutique Stoke Poges played host to the Beeches group of style shops to find a bargain to boast about on WIs, comprising George Green, Hedgerley, Stoke the coach journey home. Poges, Taplow and Hitcham and Templewood, in the Village Centre. We were also delighted to Buckinghamshire WIs are concerned that District receive the Chairman of the Bucks Federation of Councils are turning off our street lighting to cut WIs, Jean Morris. costs. Many members feel that our safety is being put at risk to reduce carbon emissions and light The meeting was well attended and visitors pollution. On Thursday 27 January the expressed their appreciation of Stoke Poges WI’s Federation has arranged a ‘Discussion Group’ at hospitality. our Headquarters – Stuart Lodge in High Wycombe from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. Watch We approach Christmas with more than a little this space for the results of this discussion. excitement. A group of five WI members aim to compete for the Christmas Pop charts after On Tuesday 22 February we plan to visit the clinching a £1m recording deal with Universal. Wallace Collection at Hertford House, London, with the Bucks Federation. At 10.30 am we will Thirty WI members got through to the final at have a guided tour of the collection including London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Five of Hal’s The Laughing Cavalier and works by Rubens, them were chosen to form the WI quintet – The Velázquez, Rembrandt, Canaletto and Harmonies. Aged between mid-20s to mid-50s, Gainsborough. After lunch we will view the col- their debut album The Voice of the WI includes a lection of S`evres porcelain, French furniture and selection of all-time favourites including ‘When I princely arms and armour. 60 61 Our November meeting is always one of our Thames House most important meetings when we elect our President and committee to lead us through the Neighbouring residents breathed a collective sigh year ahead. We convene at 12 noon for the of relief in August, with the opening of Watkins elections before enjoying a celebration lunch in Car Sales on the Thames House site. For the first the Village Centre. time in ten years we now have a garage offering servicing and repairs in the village. In December our speaker, Janet Deneen, will lecture us on Traditional Costumes and Folklore Proprietor Mr John Watkins is a parishioner who of Christmas. In January, Roger Askew will remind has spent his career in the motor industry, first as us of our literary heritage with a lecture on a mechanic and then building a successful Thomas Gray. In February, Barbara Askew will transport business. deliver a talk on The Cathedrals of Britain. We wish Mr Watkins every success with his If you would like to join us for the talks or any business because it will guarantee the site other event, pop into the Village Centre at 2.15 remaining a garage for the foreseeable future. pm on the second Wednesday of the month. You can be sure of a warm welcome

Gwyn Alcock, WI Secretary

Beeches Road, Farnham Common, Slough, Bucks, SL2 3PS T. 01753 644568 or 01753 646748 • Friendly family run garage • First class repairs and servicing for ALL MAKES of cars and light commercial vehicles • Independent Renault specialists • Latest diagnostic equipment • MOT test station • Air conditioning repairs and re-gassing • Free local collection and delivery from home or work • Open 6 days a week • Free wash with every service and selected repairs • Courtesy cars available • Accident repair work can be arranged

62 Stoke Poges Parish Council

Chairman: Mark Fletcher Parish Council Spokespersons Myrtle Cottage, 128 Rogers Lane, SL2 4LN Constitutional Matters – Mark Fletcher M: 07802 889651; E: [email protected] Crime and Disorder – Mark Fletcher Environment – Ray Aldridge Vice Chairman: Ray Aldridge Finance and Grants – Mark Fletcher 3 Old Post Cottages, Hollybush Hill, SL2 4PP Footpaths – Gary Matthews T: 663102; E: [email protected] Health and Safety – Cathy Thornton Heritage – Heather Huntley Highways and Transport – Liz Robinson Chairman of Planning Committee: Lin Gillan Planning – Lin Gillan Elegy House, Park Road, SL2 4PE Recreation – Ray Aldridge T: 644976; E: [email protected] Youth – Saera Carter Vice Chairman: Cathy Thornton Older People – Saera Carter

Chairman of Finance and General Appointed Representatives Purposes Committee: Mark Fletcher South Bucks Association of Local Councils Vice Chairman: Ray Aldridge Saera Carter, Cathy Thornton Newsletter Editor Chairman of Recreation and Ralph Bagge Environment Committee: Ray Aldridge Stoke Poges Village Centre Vice Chairman: Heather Huntley Ralph Bagge, Saera Carter Flagmaster Ralph Bagge Doug Roxburgh, Wavertree House, Duffied Park, SL2 4HY Six Bells, Pennylets Green, SL2 4EJ T: 643057 T: 693600; E: [email protected] Saera Carter Elected Representatives 24 Elizabeth Way, SL2 4LQ South Bucks District Councillors T: 647525; E: [email protected] Naomi Arnold; Chairman of Licensing Committee; Member Heather Huntley of Community, Leisure and Communications PAG (Policy 26 Broom Hill, SL2 4PU Advisory Group); and Standards Committee T: 663144; E: [email protected] 12 Freemans Close, SL2 4ER Gary Matthews, T: 663305; E: [email protected] 40a Rogers Lane, SL2 4LF Frank Bowater; Member of Planning Committee M: 07976 371802; E: [email protected] The Hermitage, West End Lane, SL2 4ND Liz Robinson T: 643800; E: [email protected] Pinewood Nurseries, Wexham Street, SL3 6NB Kathie Webber; Member of Sustainable Development PAG (Policy Advisory Group); Standards Committee; Overview and T: 663443; E: [email protected] Scrutiny Committee Cathy Thornton Framewood Manor, Framewood Road, SL2 4QR 98 Rogers Lane, SL2 4LL T: 664424; E: [email protected] T: 645158; E: [email protected] Alan Fox Buckinghamshire County Councillor 48 Hazell Way, Stoke Poges, SL2 4DD Trevor Egleton, Knoll Cottage, Duffield Lane, SL2 4AH T: 642197; E: [email protected] T and F: 646090; E: [email protected] Felicity Hawkins 43 Larkins Lane, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4JU Member of Parliament T: 663290 Dominic Grieve, MP, House of Commons, Westminster, Susan Lynch London, SW1A 0AA T: 020 7219 6220 12 Duffield Lane, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4AB Dominic Grieve holds regular surgeries in Beaconsfield, at T: 646582; E: [email protected] which electors can meet with him, by prior appointment. Christine Taylor 32 Bunby Road, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4BP Member of European Parliament James Elles, MEP, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, T: 644386; E: [email protected] B-1047 Brussels, Belgium T: 00 32 2284 7951 Parish Office: Parish Clerk, Julie Simmonds, The Village Centre, Rogers Lane, SL2 4LP – T: 644803; E: [email protected] Stoke Poges Website: http://www.stokepogesparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Designed by Kim Day 01753 693487. Thanks to Roger Wright for proofreading T: 01753 642438. Printed by Reliant Colour 01628 670005. Spring Newsletter No 176 - All material to the Editor, please, no later than Friday 28 January 2011 Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council Ralph Bagge – T: 01753 693600 E: [email protected] COPYRIGHT Material in this publication, in particular articles by a named author, can be reproduced only with the consent of the editor or the author of the article 63

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