FULMER NEWSLETTER December 2015 – Issue 58 www.fulmervillage.org

LIST OF ADVERTISERS

Bucks Prestige Cars, Mark Roberts 07436 548784

Chiropody, Adriana Rozek 01753 652754

Hamptons Estate Agents, 01753 886464

Hibiscus beauty salon, 01753 664166

Plumbing/Heating, Kevin Richards 07596 020774

Physio – Jill Frew 07796 331330

South Bucks Physio, Wexham 01753 664114

Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens 01753 523744

We are very grateful to our advertisers, many of whom have been supporting the Newsletter for a number of years. Please remember to tell any of the advertisers that you have seen their advert here. The advertising income with a contribution from the Parish Council helps us fund the Newsletter and secure its future.

If anyone would like to advertise in a future issue, please contact

Susie Simkins on 662537 or by email to susiemsimkins@gmail.

INTRODUCTION

We hope you will enjoy reading this newsletter – kindly dropped through your door by volunteers from the village, whom we thank. Also appreciation to all our contributors and advertisers – both of which are so important and help to bring interest and variety to this 58th edition!

Although we didn’t win the Best Kept Village competition this time we are sure we speak for many in and beyond who feel that the village is kept neat, tidy and attractive by our sterling Fulmer Volunteers (and Ronnie Lamb is always hoping for more to join his group – 01753 662662) and all the residents who keep their ‘patch’ cared for. There does seem to be a regular litter-drop in all the lanes, probably from passing cars, but hopefully it doesn’t stay there long as those who collect it take pride in keeping Fulmer looking good.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and good wishes for 2016.

SUSIE & RONNIE SIMKINS - EDITORS

Parish Council Report With some trepidation I have filled the role of Chairman, following the sterling work of Ronnie Lamb. These are some of the recent issues that the Parish Council has been working on:- • In due course there will be two flashing signs warning motorists of the school’s proximity; one will be funded by the Parish Council, the other by the County Council. Peter Kelly has been active in getting the coordination of the various parties. • Numerous planning issues have been reviewed. A number of unauthorised developments are causing concern.

• A memorial bench, paid for by the Parish, has been located in the grounds of the Village Hall. • Parish Council minutes have been updated on the village website (www.fulmervillage.org) • Separate articles cover the liaison with local councils and Chiltern & Partnership. Alex Hamilton has resigned because of other commitments but we are delighted that Christine Owen will be joining the Parish Council this month. In closing, I express my gratitude for the support of Peter Kelly the Parish Clerk and all the Parish Councillors.

Michael Saxby PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS: Meetings start at 8pm with the Public Quarter Hour when you can raise any issue that concerns you. Thereafter, you may listen, but not take part, unless the Chairman is feeling kind-hearted! Dates for 2016 are: Jan 12, Feb 16, Mar 15, Apr 12, May 10. Annual Parish Meeting: 8pm May 17, when you can participate throughout.

Fulmer Day Funds 2015

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Fulmer Day made an amazing £4655.71

This year funds will be given to The Dash Charity, Carers Bucks, Contact the Elderly, Sunshine House, PACE, Williams Fund, Riding for the Disabled, Fulmer Village Newsletter & Fulmer Village Hall for the new disabled toilets.

All stalls that were raising funds towards their registered charity were given free pitches.

The Fulmer Day Committee would like to thank you all for contributing towards another fantastic day.

This year’s Fulmer Day was a fantastic day of fun and family entertainment. Mary Berry opened the event and spent an hour or more wandering amongst the crowds, signing autographs and having her photograph taken. The weather behaved and we had a record number of stalls and a great turn out. No doubt the weather and our special guest helped! All the stallholders gave lots of positive feedback and said they would be returning in 2016. The ice cream van had a bumper day and they kindly donated £100. The amusement rides and face painters were also extremely busy. We had some new activities, which included a bigger junior Grand Prix, treasure map, a petting zoo and the Disney Princesses with Jack Sparrow entertaining the crowds. The Black Horse sponsored the day and provided live entertainment in the evening with their legendary garden party and BBQ, which went on late into the night. Take a look at our Facebook page for lots of photos taken on the day. https://www.facebook.com/fulmerfete/?fref=ts Fulmer Day raised in excess of £4,600 which has been paid to many excellent local charities and good causes. Planning has started for 2016 Fulmer Day, which will be held on Saturday 2nd July. Please make a note in your diaries and let your family and friends know. This is our key fund raising day in the village so we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. We are short of committee members this year so could do with your support. Generally we hold one meeting per month and a glass or two of wine is provided! You can be involved as much or as little as you want! If anyone is interested in joining the committee please contact me on 07894 259283 or [email protected]. It really would be great to see some new faces!I look forward to hearing from you. Have a fantastic Christmas DARREN JONES

LIST OF DUTIES IN FULMER PARISH

Michael Saxby Chairman - Fulmer Parish Council, Transport & Highways, Minerals & Waste Plans, Finance Group, Core Strategy, South Bucks Partnership, & Other Policy Reports/Consultations ([email protected])

Ronnie Lamb Deputy Chairman, Chairman FSCA Executive Committee, Finance Group, Xmas party, BKV support. ([email protected])

Mark Dickson Planning matters, Finance Group, HS2 Project, Fulmer Infant School Governor & School Representative to the Parish Council ([email protected])

Susie Simkins Editor of Newsletter, Advertising, Gazetteer, Press & Liaison with Fulmer Family Fun Day Committee ([email protected])

Francesca Hall- St. James Church Fulmer, Communications (Website), Drinkwater Liaison with Fulmer Day Committee ([email protected])

Brian Weild Neighbourhood Watch, Liaison with the Police, Status Report and Community Relations ([email protected])

Christine Owen ([email protected])

Peter Kelly Parish Council Clerk, Responsible Finance Officer, Finance Group. All Council Administration matters; member of FSCA Executive Committee; certain FSCA accounting matters; Notice Board; Liaison with SBDC & BCC; Allotments; SBALC Representative. ([email protected])

O T H E R S

Ken Peters Fulmer Parish Archiving

Richard Marshall BKV, FCV, Paths, etc. [email protected]

Barbara Zoltowoska Fulmer Village Hall Chairman [email protected] District Councillor – Malcolm Bradford ([email protected]) County Councillor – Roger Reed – ([email protected])

Iver Heath Health Centre, Trewarden Ave, , SL0 0SB 07966 426627/01753 652754 And: Chiropody Clinic & Footcare, 1b Oaklands Grove, Shepherds Bush Tel: 020 8749 3456 Authorised Stockist of

RNLI – Fulmer Branch

We have held another very successful Bridge Drive last month at the Memorial Centre in Gerrards Cross with over 20 tables attending and enjoying our legendary tea and we raised just over £1,000.

Our next event is the Annual Quiz Night at the Village Hall on Saturday, 12 March from 7.30, which includes a fish and chip supper and promises an entertaining evening. Please let Susie Simkins ([email protected]) know if you would like to attend this popular event.

SUE FAGAN – Hon Secretary ([email protected])

PHIL LEWIS ‘For those watching in black and white, the pink ball is next to the green’. That memorable comment by snooker commentator ‘whispering’ Ted Lowe illustrates the confusion in the late sixties when colour television had arrived on BBC2. New ideas were needed and Philip Lewis, a TV producer in Birmingham, recalled his schooldays in Wales and a few frames of snooker in the local Temperance Hall. If the six-pennyworth of light was still going when all the balls were gone they would keep potting the black until the light ran out. If ever a sport on television needed colour it was snooker. So Pot Black was born, a single frame competition squeezed into thirty minutes. It ran for 17 years and heralded the television popularity for the sport.

Philip Lewis was born in July 1928 in Penwyllt in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. While still a schoolboy he was given a small hand-turned film projector and so began a lifelong passion. At the local cinemas he often volunteered to rewind the film or run with the only copy of the newsreel between the two cinemas – anything to be involved. He moved on to grammar school and after flirting with the Merchant Navy his destiny was settled with an advertisement from the BBC asking for young trainees in their Technical department. Phil was posted to Radio Outside Broadcasts and then to the main Control Room in Broadcasting House, where he helped with the distribution of programmes across the world from the 1948 Olympic Games at Wembley. In 1951 Phil Lewis entered the Television Service where he was to spend the next 35 years.

Television was still where it had begun before the war – at Alexandra Palace. Phil rediscovered his film winding expertise in Lines dept. and then moved into the studios. He worked as a tracker and a camera operator and moved to Lime Grove but what he craved was to get into production. His break came at the BBC in Birmingham and within four years he was a ‘general producer’, describing himself as the luckiest man in the world and expected to produce any and every kind of programme. In a typical three week period in September 1963 he produced Circus from Great Yarmouth, the Final Test match from the Oval and Dance Date from the Hammersmith Palais. He had to be jack of all trades and became master of them all. The precursor of today’s Strictly Come Dancing was Come Dancing which became a top BBC competition in the sixties. Phil introduced a new look to the show and was a key player in its development. In 1966 he won a Carl-Alan Award as the person who had done the most for Ballroom dancing. Even more glamorous was his production of first Miss UK and then Miss World which became the most watched programme on television. It was no surprise when he moved to London in 1971, albeit reluctantly. He realised that never again would he have such variety of hands on work. He was now primarily responsible for OB Entertainment. The range was huge with just one thing in common – they were all outside broadcasts, from One Thousand Welsh Voices to the World’s Strongest Man. With his love of Entertainment and his experience of television live events he was a clear choice in 1974 to run a new department, OB Entertainment and Events. This often involved him in negotiations with the Palace and Princess Anne once enquired which did he think she was, an entertainment or an event? His remit included not only annual events like Trooping the Colour, and programmes made in his department such as One Man and His Dog and Superstars but also huge one off events such as D Day Anniversaries, the Pope’s Visit to the UK and three Royal Weddings. Much of this output was the essence of public service broadcasting and no one understood this better than Phil Lewis. He managed a team of experienced OB producers with a light touch. He was there for advice but he was not forever on their backs. He was impatient with incompetence and with anyone not prepared to learn their trade but once someone had proved themselves and had a good idea Phil backed them and let them get on with it. One such idea, Mastermind, became a huge success when it was elevated in a hurry to a prime slot. Almost his last responsibility was the wedding in July 1986 of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Soon afterwards the BBC had one of its periodic management reshuffles, the output was divided between several other departments and Phil left the BBC at the age of 58 after 39 years service. In the following eight years he acted as a consultant and a trainer both here and abroad, notably visiting North Korea twice – and not many do that. He was able to enjoy his hobbies of antique furniture restoration and painting and spending more time with his wife Diana who he met while they were both with the BBC in Birmingham, his three children – David, a television producer, Rod, a GP and Anna who also worked in television for a decade – and his six grandchildren Harvey, Tom, Mia, Jack, Abi and Lara. In retirement Phil became a member of the congregation at St James, Fulmer, and especially enjoyed the warm friendship of the Rugby fraternity who conduct many a post- mortem on the previous days’ matches before the service begins. In his later years, when a Deputy Warden, he looked after the fabric of the building until his failing mobility meant he could no longer continue.

Phil died on 19th July, 2015, aged 87.

DI LEWIS

PERSONALIA Burials – condolences to the families of the following Julie Ann Phillips, who died 26 September 2015, ashes buried 7 October. Philip Austin Lewis, who died 19 July 2015, ashes buried 20 August.

Births – congratulations to: Anthony & Edwina Tate, 5 North Row, on the birth of Cassius To Juliet and Edward Ryder, a son James Ronald Kittow Ryder born on the 30 July.

To Emily and Nick Holloway, a son Douglas born on the 10 of November.

Juliet and Emily are the twin daughters of Rosie and Ronnie Lamb living at Dunrobin, Stoke Common Road.

Newcomers – we welcome: Tony and Lex Ward who have moved to 4 North Row David & Ann Andrews who have moved to Windmill Road from Hawkswood Lane Dr Aumran Tahir (GP in London), and his wife, Mahjabeen Qureshi, with their 5 daughters aged 2-10. They are both from High Wycombe originally (born and brought up) and have lived in London for the past 11 years.

Leavers – we say farewell to: Kay & Brendan Keane who have moved to Denham after a number of years in the village and were the former publicans at the Black Horse – we send them our very good wishes for the future. Patricia Selby-Lowndes who with her late husband, Greville, lived in Cherry Tree Lane for 48 years – we wish her well with her move to Hampshire. FROM OUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

SBDC published a summary outlining respective priorities, goals and promises for 2014 – 2019. This is working in partnership with Chiltern District Councils who share the same overarching three objectives; however the agreed priorities and actions being taken to deliver them have been tailored to reflect what the people of South Bucks District tell us is important. Our shared objectives are, delivering cost effective customer focused services, working towards a safer and healthier community, to conserve the environment and promote sustainability. These objectives remain work in progress to deliver. The shared services programme continues to optimise the effectiveness of the Councils’ resources.

With the Government cuts we must find alternative ways to reduce cost. This can be achieved through shared services of both Councils. Better use of ICT to bring cost down and produce savings, whilst providing a more flexible delivery service. Develop a customer strategy service to ensure convenient and timely access to services. By the end of the financial year 2014/15, 9 service units had gone through review and implementation as shared services, with a further 8 reviews underway for implementation by the end of 2015. The remaining three services are planned for review by spring 2016. During 2015/16, net savings generated will total £1,225,000. The Council always faces the task to reduce cost, improve services working within our budget constraints.

Fulmer Parish is located in the heart of the Green Belt, and the residents benefit from access to towns close by with transport to major cities in London and other parts of the country. Protecting the Green Belt is key to maintaining such beauty in the countryside and to prevent major developments. Most Councils face very tough challenges to build new houses.

South Bucks District will also have to meet the requirements set out by Government to deliver their quota of homes. We must protect the Green Belt through the planning process and local plan. Minimise any impact of HS2 on our local community.

MALCOLM BRADFORD [email protected]

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FROM OUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Yet again, the biggest issue we have to face is that of Finances. This is written before the Chancellor makes his Autumn Statement but already we are aware that Local Government Funding will be reduced by up to 30%.. The central government grant for Bucks County Council has been reducing year on year. We are a well-run, efficient Council who has saved almost £100million since 2010. We must therefore tightly control non-essential spendingl. Non essential means activities that we do not have a statutory duty to undertake.

Bucks County Council has announced a freeze on non-essential, or discretionary, spending with immediate effect. This is essential to ensure it can meet the rising cost of looking after the most vulnerable people in our Communities across . This action is necessary to address a possible shortfall of almost £6 million by March 2016, which has been caused by a significant increase in demand for social care for both Adults and Children. There is little we can do about this because we have to give priority to safeguarding our old and our young.

The freeze includes not filling non-essential staff vacancies. All agency and contracted posts, renewal of computer equipment and staff training are being reviewed. Inevitably there will be some impact in terms of highways and footpath maintenance, as we will need to defer some routing repairs and improvement projects. Currently £0.08 of every taxpayer’s pound spent is for the provision of Highways and Transport works so with a relatively small proportion of overall spend allocated to Transportation; I would hope that a fair proportion of Highways and Transportation works will continue. During October 2015 we gave evidence of three occasions to the HS2 Select Committee and we obtained agreement from HS 2 that they will:

• Strengthen rural roads during construction • Repair highways during and post construction • Assess and pay for measures to address impacts on Public Transprt, home to school transport and Adult Social Care transport.

We are continuing to fight for more mitigation funding from HS2 .

After the terrorist atrocities in Paris it is saddening that in addition to this the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. The Government have agreed that the UK will accept 20,000 Syrian refugees between now and 2020. Bucks County Council have made clear to Government that we are only able to play a part if long term Government funding is in place to cover the costs not just of housing, but also of education, health, adult social care, children’s safeguarding and the other services required by refugees. This extra Government financial support must be assured and will need to be maintained over a period of many years.

Councillor ROGER REED County Councillor for Denham and Fulmer [email protected]

Pickeridge, Stoke Common Road - There is no sign of life at the Pickeridge. The buildings are gradually deteriorating and the site is generally overgrown. RONNIE LAMB THE MAN IN THE VAN …… IN FULMER

I’m sure by now, a number of readers will have seen the film ‘The Lady in the Van’ and perhaps some have read the Alan Bennett book and seen the play. But I imagine very few have heard of our own ‘Man in the Van’ who lived in a caravan at Rowley Cottage, Black Park Road for 20 years in the garden of the late David Moreau. I knew David, having met him dog walking in Black Park in 1988, and had remembered him talking about the guest in his garden. David’s son, Piers, has been very helpful in providing information about Alexander and how he and family lived alongside him for so long.

Piers writes: “Alexander Stuart Wortley (born 1899 in York d. 1980), was the most incredible person and well on a par with Alan Bennett’s, Miss Shepherd. He was one of ten children and his mother, Mary, was one of 35 women killed by the Barnbow munitions explosion in 1916. My parents first moved into Rowley Cottage in the 1950’s. Fairly soon after the move they suffered a terrible burglary losing a lot of family treasures. Some weeks or so after, my father came across a small, green caravan (5’x4’x3’) parked on the verge with smoke emanating from the open door. Worried about a fire he went to investigate and met Alexander for the very first time. The smoke was from him boil-washing his socks. He was a true old-fashioned gentleman of the road. My father invited him to stay in the garden to act as watchman to which Alex agreed, on the understanding that it would be a temporary arrangement, and in the end stayed for nearly 20 years. He was a real character, much beloved by our family. He had grown up in a workhouse (stories of pigs’ bladders used for footballs, spring to mind) and had been was a cabin boy and runner to Captain Thynne in the Battle of Jutland, receiving a war wound on board HMS Agincourt, the loss of a big toe to a ring-bolt whilst running with a message at the height of the battle. He married, but it did not work well so around the time of the Second World War he built his caravan, which was designed as big enough to live in and to pull himself (it had two shafts at the front) with his bicycle strapped to the roof. He told many fascinating tales to an incredulous child, and had a wonderful view of the world. He took over the running of the garden for us. He was always meticulously clean and hygienic and very self-sufficient. I remember a long battle with my parents to persuade him to accept electricity into his caravan. He refused to move out of his caravan. He spent one night in a bed in our house after a brief period in hospital and declared it the most uncomfortable night he had ever had! Only for the last two months of his life was my father able to persuade him to move into a larger factory-built caravan in order to provide him with more space and comfort. In 1974 he was the subject of comedian, Dave Allen’s, ATV documentary, ‘Great English Eccentrics’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g39TwGUcPEE and I didn’t realise that was on the internet so it was lovely for me to see him and my mother, who died when I was 13.” Some other information about Alexander was that as a gardener he worked at the Brigittine Convent, Fulmer Common Road. It would be interesting to know if anyone in the village remembers Alexander or has any information – if so please do message me, it is the most intriguing story and good for David that he overtook Alan Bennett with the longevity of his ‘guest in the garden’.

SUSIE SIMKINS

FROM OUR RECTOR, MARTIN WILLIAMS, ST JAMES’ FULMER

What builds community and gives us a sense of belonging? That is a deep and significant question for our age. We know that many people feel alienated and lonely and can go through life feeling isolated. At its worst that can lead to fundamentalism and extremism. But for many people it manifests as a life far less fulfilled than it was meant to be.

As a village we are sort of ready-made for community. We have a pub a church, a village hall and a sports and recreation ground. But we can have so much yet still miss the true spirit of being a real community. The things that build community are common interest, common experience and common belief. Down the ages the Christian community that is the church has sought to offer all these things to those around them.

The common interest, which many of us still have today, is that of where we come from and why we are here. What is life for and is there an ultimate meaning or purpose for it? The common experience is that of forgiveness and grace that come from knowing that Jesus really did live and die and rise again because he wanted to restore our relationship with God. The experience of God's love is the most powerful force for creating potent community. And the common beliefs in Christianity are manifold, although the media always seems to want to focus on what we disagree about! But the common beliefs are that everyone is of value to God and loved by him, that everyone has something to offer to which is unique and precious to others.

If you spend any length of time amongst Christians who share these common values, experiences and beliefs you should find a brand of love and care that is uniquely joyful and attractive. At St James in Fulmer we are seeking to become that kind of community more and more. And we want to share that unique brand of love, care and joy that is found in Jesus Christ with the village.

This Christmas would be a great time to come and sample what is on offer so do join us at one of the services or events and let's build a special community together!

St James, Fulmer We have continued to welcome new members into our congregations over the past six months and are delighted some say they now regard Fulmer as their “home” Church.

Firstly, I must thanks Jacky Hughes for all her contributions as Warden over the past 5 years. Jacky continues with her work for Love Africa and as a member of the Fulmer Mission action Planning Group – MAP, also now spending more time with her 2 year old granddaughter! We welcome Anthony Bargioni who became Warden in May. A member of our congregation for a few years now, he and his wife Kerrie are well known to many at big St. James. Anthony was Warden at a small village Church, Ashburnham in Kent prior to their return to our locality.

The Fulmer weekend July 11th & 12th combined Fulmer Day and our Community Service. Our lovely Church welcomed many visitors on Fulmer Day. Peter Dorling kindly came to play the organ and some requests! Celia Thomas and colleagues rang the Bells and demonstrated the art of bell ringing to those interested. The Accord Choir, a recently formed group of singers from St. James, Goldhill Baptist Church and St. Peter’s Chalfont St. Peter came to sing, Led by Debbie Henry, they sang a collection of soul and gospel songs.

On the Sunday we celebrated our Community Service with a wide array of guests, including Dominic Grieve, civic guests and children from Fulmer Infant School. Michael Saxby spoke on behalf of the Fulmer Parish Council at the continuation of the service in the Village Hall. The service was followed by delicious food and drinks; sandwiches kindly provided by the Black Horse and finger food from various people!

The Fulmer MAP Group, mentioned above, continues to meet to look at how we grow and develop community in the village. Martin Williams recently provided an update – available in Church for those keen to read it. The Fulmer Prayer gathering; so faithfully hosted by Ian and Ann Trott for years is now held in Church at 10.00am on the first Tuesday of each month. Led by Anthony, it is a mix of prayer and discussion in line with the MAP. All are welcome invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas for now and the future. We hope to arrange some evening meetings for those of us working.

Elsewhere in the Newsletter you will see an obituary to Phil Lewis, who was instrumental in looking after the fabric of St. James for many years. We record our thanks to Di for his care, support, entertaining sense of humour and fun in all he did. Our recent Quinquennial report would have had a much longer list of remedial work needed if not for Phil’s stewardship. Kevin Townsend has taken on his role. We also have a new boiler and a warm Church!

Thursday morning coffees continue with new Mum’s and carers joining from September. We thank Phil Mann and welcome our new Curate, Chris Lion who support our gatherings. Anyone passing by on a Thursday morning is welcome to join us, for however short a stop. We also welcome Chris’s wife Charlotte and young children to our 11.15 service.

Harvest is a key event in our Church and Village life. We were delighted with the numbers at the Harvest Supper. A tasty meal was cooked by Noelle and Rebecca. Entertainment was provided by a number of talented individuals not forgetting “a grandson”! We also sang old time songs – much enjoyed by all. Our Harvest Service was well attended, with a short song “Mr. Scarecrow” and a reading from the children and coffee after the service. A collection was taken to assist with the Refugee crisis. Fulmer Infant School had their own Harvest Service on the Monday morning with many Year 2 parents present.

At our Remembrance Service this year, Ken Peters read out the names of the Fulmer fallen.

Mid November, as a whole Church, we celebrated a “Weekend In” as oppose to a weekend away. Christoph and Edda Lindner are moving to the benefice of Denham; taking a group from St. James to assist with regeneration. A key theme was growth for all the Churches and the opportunities to step into the changes this move will bring. All 6 Sunday services were merged into 2 services, mixing all the congregations! We held a Candlelit service in Fulmer, Saturday evening, with Taize music and prayers for the local and world-wide Community.

As I write we have just finished a wonderful Children’s Tea Party in Church for around 30-40 local children and their parents, to share in a story, games and cakes! The surprise visitors were the Lamb’s donkeys! A lot of fun was had by all. We will continue these parties in ’16.

You are welcome to join our usual services at 8.00 or 11.15am with coffee after the service on a second Sunday and a glass of wine and nibbles in the Village Hall on 5th Sundays. Enclosed you will also find the leaflet for all our Christmas services. We will be delighted to see you for these special services; do bring friends and relatives staying over the holidays.

Francesca Hall-Drinkwater Church warden

FIFTY YEARS A FULMERITE – THE LATER YEARS

There was a moment of some significance in 1995 in the otherwise colourful history of Fulmer when, at a ceremony in the Village Hall, Valerie Wright of Old Hay Cottage, Hay Lane, received a bottle of champagne as the first householder to be connected up to the newly installed main drainage system. This might seem an unromantic way to open an article in the Newsletter, but it was the culmination of a 19-year struggle, which involved the centre of the Village. It proved at times frustrating and time-consuming and during the installations so disruptive that for one year we withdrew from the Best Kept Village Competition. Fortuitously the Minster for the Environment came to speak at a public meeting at the Bull Hotel and from the auditorium I was able to ask him why it had taken 3 years for his Department to reply to the letter asking for the go ahead. The reply came within 3 days! At last the unwelcome tag of “Smelly Fulmer” was being lifted from us.

The Later years probably started in 1986 when the Church of St James’ Gerrards Cross and St James’ Fulmer, were merged. Until then Fulmer had enjoyed 375 years of independent existence with its own Rector and family living in the Old Rectory. A few years previously the Rector had been given a part-time appointment as Chaplain at Wexham Park Hospital, but the rapid growth of the hospital called for a full-time Chaplain drawn from the Burnham diocese. The Fulmer role had been designated Priest in Charge. Fulmer did not welcome the new proposal, recognising that it would leave them very much in a minority situation, but after many meetings under my Chairmanship, the Parochial Church Council accepted the merger subject to 3 important conditions. Unfortunately these were not upheld and as I had advocated them, I felt I had to resign, albeit with great reluctance.

As a means of communicating with Fulmer residents, I had been invited by the Editor to contribute ‘Notes from the Parish Council’ in each issue of Fugelmere, the Church magazine. As this was to be discontinued, I therefore initiated the ‘Fulmer Newsletter’. In February 1987 a Dinner was held in Brewers’ Hall to mark my 42 years in the Trade and the conclusion of my Chairmanship of Brewers’ Society. The Rector of St James’ Gerrards Cross with Fulmer, the Rev Norman Russell accepted my invitation to say the Grace.

Throughout the 1980’s I was very much pre-occupied with the breakup of the Harp Lager Consortium of Courage, Scottish & Newcastle, Guinness, Greene King and Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries. I was Chairman and Chief Executive of the Consortium. In 15 years lager as a product had grown from 2% to 40% of the beer trade and the Harp Partners felt that they must be in a position to ‘do their own thing’ which resulted in some fairly short lived introductions. In February 1980 I became President of the Licensed Victuallers’ National Homes based in Denham, which with 30 sites and Nursing Home accommodate over 1100 ex-licensees with their wives and sometimes widows. It was the largest of the Trade Charities and in our year we raised a record sum in terms of fund-raising.

In December 1985 I became Chairman of Brewers’ Society in the course of which we managed to secure ‘Flexible Hours’ for pubs opening and closing, a major advance on the old legislation, which baffled UK citizens and tourists alike. It required an Act of Parliament to bring it about. In January 1986 Guinness made its bid for the Distillers Company having taken over Bells Whisky 4 months earlier. Inevitably these activities took me away from Park Royal and Fulmer for a year in the mid-‘80’s. I retired from Guinness in May 1989 when I had reached the age of 65. But the acquisition had made us big enough to merge with Grand Metropolitan in 1997 to form Diageo, which made it the world’s biggest drinks company. Not a very attractive name, but pronounceable in any country. I was reassured, however, when told that I would never have to ask for a pint of Diageo!

In a lighter vein, in 1987 I was asked to recite the Stanley Holloway saga ‘Albert and the Lion’ as one of the ‘turns’ at the Harvest Supper in the Village Hall. This sort of event was by no means without precedent, and I recall a beautiful evening of poetry with flowers and music organised by Merry Rushton at the time of the Silver Jubilee in 1977 which strengthened a growing tradition for drama, music and flowers, not only for the Harvest Supper and the Fulmer Christmas Party but also for the celebration of such occasions as the Centenary of the Infant School in Alderbourne Lane; the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar; 400th Anniversary of the Consecration of Fulmer Church; the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees and so on. These have brought totally unsuspected talents to the fore and latterly the contributions from the Infant School have been inspirational.

The 50th Anniversary of VE Day was celebrated in some style and with a sense of thankfulness in 1995. There was a Church and outdoor services with the Salvation Army Band and children from Fulmer Junior Church and even a Russian Tank in attendance. 225 were present at the Dinner Dance in the evening. Many were dressed in the uniforms and outfits of the 1940’s. The Millennium of 2000 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee were celebrated in like manner, while during this period Brendan and Kay Keane (who had taken over the Black Horse) were organising Supper Parties and dances, partly in the Muschamp Stud on a scale not known in Fulmer before. It normally included an Auction conducted by Trevor Kent and raised significant sums for local charities. One such evening introduced a casino to Fulmer, doubtless an attraction previously unknown in the Parish.

1995 also marked the Centenary of Fulmer Cricket Club with a week of matches in glorious weather, culminating in a match against the MCC, which Fulmer only lost in the final over. In the course of this it was clear that the old pavilion did not offer the standard of amenity to be competitive with local clubs and there was a very severe drainage problem. The Appeal was started to deal with both problems, which culminated in the Grand Opening of the fine new Pavilion in 2003.

In 1948 Robert Hall had started the Fulmer School of Equitation on Windmill Hill and it became the prime centre for the training of dressage in the country. His wife, Joanna (Joke), rode in the British team at the Rome, Tokyo and Mexico Olympics. She and her horse, Detective, were selected for the Munich Olympics but sadly he died on the night of his selection. In the Olympics Joke was riding her Lippizaner, Conversano Caprice, which in old age retired to the paddock at Huyton Fold. At the height of her success, Joke suffered a stroke, which partially paralysed her though she was still able to serve on the Judging Panel at the Los Angeles Olympics. Eleven years after her first stroke, she suffered a second, which proved mortal. Fulmer had two further successes in the equine world: in 1995 Karen Basset of the Muschamp Stud won the 4-in-hand carriage driving championships with her team of Anglo-Trakehner horses defeating George Bowman who had held the title for 17 years. In 2012 Sophie Christensen won the Gold Medal for dressage in the London Paralympics repeating her Gold Medal she had won in Beijing and Athens. In honour of her achievements the Village Pillar Box outside the Black Horse was painted gold.

In May 1997 the Newsletter recorded the passing of its best known citizen, Denis Compton, with a number of anecdotes from the cricket field, many of them emanating from his loyal patronage of the Black Horse. He and his wife lived in Fulmer Place and the union produced one offspring. Came the day, when to the astonishment of those at the bar of the Black Horse Denis was observed pushing a pram past the hostelry. This was reckoned to be a unique occasion and customers rushed out to cheer him on his way.

In May 1991 I retired as Chairman of Fulmer Parish Council after 18 years. I agreed to continue to edit the Newsletter, run the recently formed Neighbourhood Watch and see the Main Drainage project through to its conclusion. Ronnie Lamb took over from me and served for the next 18 years (this is not a standard period for the Chairmanship of Fulmer Parish Council!). At Brenda Kelly’s funeral in 2013 (she was affectionately remembered being the wife of Peter Kelly, Clerk to the Parish Council) Ronnie Lamb, Pauline Vahey and I stood together representing 40 years of Parish Council Chairmanship.

I felt privileged to be invited to present the Cups and Awards at the , Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society’s Annual Show held at that time in the grounds of Teikyo College, possibly the first Fulmerite to be invited to do so in its then 112 year history. It is a great opportunity for displaying local talent.

Throughout this period – indeed nearly 40 years – Fulmer Parish had been initiating considerable work in terms of fundraising in support of Valerie Taylor whose father became Rector in 1964. Valerie went to East Pakistan later Bangladesh, where, after rehabilitating the limbs of lepers, she founded the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed at Savar, near Dhaka. By 2004 the enterprise had become a 100-bed outpatient and training wing for 300. For this Valerie was awarded the OBE. In support John Morrell, living in the Old Rectory, founded the Friends of the Centre and as his neighbour, I became Vice Chairman to his Chairmanship and with the support of a very active Committee we were able to raise hundreds of thousands of £’s over nearly 40 years. Locally fundraising functions took place at the Old Rectory, Huyton Fold, High Meadows, the home of Lord and Lady Laing and in Gerrards Cross at the home of Anthony & Kerry Bargioni. The Princess Royal visited the centre in Savar twice and was our guest at the 25th Anniversary Reception at the Royal Overseas League of St James, London and when HRH asked me where this all started, I was proud to reply “in our village of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire”.

The day following the Reception, Princess Alexandra, charmed all present in opening the new Early Years’ classroom at Fulmer Infant School. The School had first started on the site of the present Village Hall in 1862 and the present day pupils not only were dressed in the school uniform of that time but re-enacted with the staff how their forebears had been taught at the time. When I said, “Welcome back to Fulmer”, HRH said that she had a vivid recollection of coming here in 1957, at the age of 21 and on one of her first Royal engagements to open what was then the new Village Hall. Penny James, who has done so much for the School as Housekeeper over the years, was introduced, as a small girl on that occasion in 1957 and was chagrined that a spell in hospital was preventing her from meeting HRH again. She subsequently received a letter from the Princess expressing her disappointment that they had been unable to meet on this occasion.

On a personal front we celebrated our Golden Wedding with a family party in the Channel Islands to be followed by our Diamond in 2011 with a beautiful card from the Queen.

In 2004 we were able to celebrate as a family our 40 years in Fulmer with a party at the newly opened Pavilion on the Recreation Ground.

EDWARD GUINNESS

We are delighted to have this third chapter of Edward’s full and impressive life during his 51 years in the village and look forward to the final instalment in next year’s issue – Editors.

Local Councils Forum Representatives of Denham, Gerrards Cross, and Fulmer met in October to discuss common interests. Although Fulmer is willing to participate in a Local Area Forum (LAF), Gerrards Cross does not, but would attend an informal gathering. Funding is available to councils, whether in a LAF or not. It must be borne in mind that surpluses at the end of the year cannot, normally, be transferred to the following year. Parishes would have to identify local area priorities and justify the necessity. The Active Bucks Project aims to get everyone more active. Prevention and early intervention services are available for those in need. Agreed options to pursue were: (a) Pilates and Yoga. (b) Walks by groups. Community Transport Hub is a charity aimed at encouraging transport schemes. There is a database of helpers, but the charity does not operate cars, itself. It was agreed to continue this type of meeting, three or four times a year. Michael Saxby

The Ageing Population in Bucks Chiltern and South Bucks Strategic Partnership met in October to discuss the services available for the over 60’s. Help is available to cater for dementia, loneliness and social isolation, physical frailty, financial situations, the potentially vulnerable. It is clearly important that there is adequate publicity of these services. Among the social functions available are: Monthly Lunches at St James, Gerrards Cross, phone 883311. Activities and Lunch, 10.30 every Wednesday at Methodist Church Hall, Oak End Way. Just turn up. Michael Saxby Mrs Thatcher – The Early Years Those of you who have read “Featuring Fulmer” will know about Margaret Thatcher’s links with Fulmer. Here’s a bit more about my association with her. When qualified as a fitter airframe in 1942, I was posted to RAF Spittlegate, near Grantham. Recognising that my dancing skills were akin to those of a hippopotamus, I attended dancing classes at Grantham Guildhall. My partner was an attractive young lady - Miss Margaret Roberts. Before long I was invited to her home for meals. Her parents tolerated me, but they were rather strait-laced, so I didn’t dare try anything on; sorry, no juicy bits. 1943 saw me sent on aircrew training and we lost contact. If I had played my cards right I could have been a Prime Minister’s husband! Michael Saxby

FULMER VILLAGE HALL It’s been a busy year at the Village Hall with regular classes, parties and wedding receptions taking up most of our time and being ably managed by our Lettings Secretary; Karen Nelmes. Alongside this successful timetable of activities, we have been working hard on upgrading the facilities at the hall so that we can compete with (and overtake!) other local halls. Both the Ladies and the Disabled toilets have been upgraded and are now looking very smart – one booker compared them to the facilities in a posh hotel. The Gents is next on our list as a job for the Spring. We are very proud of our loos!

There has also been a lot of “hidden” work done behind the scenes with the plumbing being upgraded, water tank replaced, work on the electrics etc. Maintaining the hall and keeping it to such a high standard is a very big, never-ending, task with a constant stream of jobs that need doing. Our hard work was rewarded in May when the Village Hall received full marks in the Best Kept Village competition; well done to everyone who continually contributes to its upkeep.

Outside on the lawn there is a Tribute type teak bench with commemorative plaque “ We shall remember them” donated by Fulmer Parish.

Villagers may have noticed that the 3 Silver Birch trees at the side of the car park have been taken down. Sadly they had died and branches were falling, causing a hazard. However, the area in which they stood will now be adorned with 3 wooden planters, which will be planted up and taken care of by the children at the Beehive Nursery. It will be a lovely project for them to enjoy with each new season.

Finally, don’t forget, if you have any special events coming up and you are looking for a lovely venue at a competitive price, we are always happy to welcome you. Please contact Karen Nelmes on 01753 662928 for further details.

We look forward to seeing you at the Village Hall very soon!

Barbara Zoltowska Village Hall Chairperson and Secretary

VILLAGE EVENT MESSAGING SERVICE

Help yourself and your neighbours by joining the Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch and Event Notification Scheme..

The primary purpose of the scheme is to alert Fulmer residents to crime in the village in order to raise the level of awareness so that measures can be instigated to reduce the possibility of attack.

This is a two way communication system, so if members have any information that they think would be of interest to their neighbours or other E-Watch members, they e-mail the information to me and I circulate it to all the other members. Additionally, I circulate notice of any celebrations or events, or any other information that I consider may be of interest to the residents of Fulmer.

I do not name the persons from whom information is received, I merely refer to them as 'watch' members. Neither do I identify exact addresses relating to incidents unless specifically asked to do so by the victim, in order to protect their privacy.

To ensure members privacy I circulate all messages as ‘blind copies’ so that members e-mail addresses are not visible to others.

Some of the messages that I circulate are 'Ringmaster' messages. These are messages received from the police at Amersham. They tend to be of a more general nature than the messages that I circulate and include crime prevention advice. I also circulate specific warnings, reports and requests sent to me by the police and local authorities.

Following requests from Watch Members, I also circulate messages alerting Fulmer residents to other matters that may be of interest or concern. Some of these are circulated by myself on my own initiative; others are messages that I forward on behalf of the Parish Council or other village groups. In these cases it will be evident as to who has requested the circulation.

To join please send an e-mail with your contact details to:

[email protected]

Brian Weild, Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator STOKE COMMON – NEWS UPDATE

We are now into year 8 of the 10-year management plan for Stoke Common and early in the autumn contractors cleared a 1.5 hectare plot of young Scots Pine woodland close to Stoke Common Road. This was followed up by using a mulching machine, to clear any remaining branches and stumps. The felled trees were converted to wood chips and, as has been the case in previous years, these were sent to a power station for use as a low carbon fuel. Some tree stumps were left at about 6m height to serve as perches for birds of prey and already we have seen Red kites and Kestrels using them. Small clumps of pine, alder buckthorn, rowan and willow have also been left, either for their general wildlife value or because they were known nest sites. Further clearance work on a smaller scale will be carried out by volunteers throughout the winter. It is hoped that the Exmoor ponies from will be turned out during late autumn/early winter.

A late summer visit to Stoke Common by wild flower expert Andy McVeigh produced a rare find - a specimen of Golden Dock; a scarce plant in Buckinghamshire with only around a dozen sites where it grows. Over the past year Andy has found other rare plants on the common including Common Dodder and Eared Willow, both of which had been absent for around 40 years. These are sure signs that the restoration work detailed in the management plan is producing the desired results.

Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common’s new monthly e-shots are proving increasingly popular and a decision has therefore been taken not to produce an annual newsletter this year. Instead an annual events diary will be printed and this can be downloaded from the City of London web site (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnhambeeches) or picked up at the Burnham Beeches Information Point. If you want to keep abreast of news from both sites, add yourself to the e-mailing list by going to the website and clicking on ‘news’.

Don’t forget to look out for the Stoke Common Birch Christmas tree, which is due to be erected by the Friends of Stoke Common group (FOSC) on 12 December. FOSC also have scrub clearance tasks planned on 9 January and 6 February 2016. New volunteers are always welcome – contact FOSC at [email protected].

CHRIS MORRIS – SENIOR RANGER Open Spaces Department

FULMER CRICKET CLUB Manu Kapila Our season was saddened by the very premature passing away of our friend, fellow committee member and player, Manu Kapila. He was a very enthusiastic member of the Club and his contributions will be missed. We have renamed the Best Young Player award as the Manu Kapila Best Young Player - Manu was particularly supportive of our younger members. Playing performance This year was the most challenging one for a number of years. We won 10, lost 21 but had to cancel a significant number of games through lack of player availability or opposition. This is the first year we have been on the negative side of the win/loss ratio for a number of years. Also it was the hardest year by far to get two sides out every weekend. We were not the only ones. A number of our regular opponents were not able to field a side, which meant we played a lot of “fixture list” sides. We had a couple of real nail biters including the double win over Little Marlow and the President’s match. The President’s match saw a loss for the club again despite setting what we thought was a pretty good score of 167. They made the runs with just 4 balls to spare. Despite the rain and very dreary conditions we managed to get a game of 20/20 cricket and had another excellent day and our thanks once again to Edward Guinness and Peter and Kiki Grieg. 25 players played 5 or more matches and 34 other players participated in our matches this year. As mentioned getting sides out was a real struggle and the brunt of this work fell to James King. His phone contract must be pretty liberal because he spent a lot of time chasing. Season off the field Tansy again did a magnificent job with the teas with Peter chiming in from time to time. We owe a great debt to Paul Colloff for all the work he puts into the square and field. Our playing conditions are the envy of many league sides. We had a number of approaches from Clubs wanting to share our ground. So far we have resisted and I think the players all benefit from having a first rate ground. Julian Gibbs also helps a lot with the mowing which is an essential ingredient for our playing conditions. Ian Fisher did a great job with match reports, keeping the statistics up to date, manning the bar and keeping the finances in order. Jim Harmsworth-Cowles continued to do his first rate job for us on the website. We had a very successful awards evening on 16 October. Apart from the presentation of the awards we had a bit of fun with an entertaining quiz organised by Jim and a most enjoyable curry arranged by Sheena Kapila.

Cricket Awards - 2015 Batting Most runs – Nigel Field, 491 Highest innings – Nigel Field, 119 Best average – Nigel Field, 491 (out only one) Bowling Most wickets – Paul Colloff, 25 Best in a match – Katie Gibson, 22-5 Best bowling average – Katie Gibson, 12.0 Qualitative Manu Kapila Award for Best Young Player – Katie Gibson Most improved – Keith Gibson (from a scratchy start, played 19 games, 357 runs, highest score 60, 10 catches) Best fielder – Keith Gibson (10 catches) Most valuable player – James King (15 matches, 281 runs, highest score 66, 22 wickets, fielding, leadership) Players’ player – James King Duck Cup – Peter Box, 4 Outstanding contribution – Ian Fisher, statistics up to date, most of the match reports, 18 games, Treasurer, ground work Chairman’s award – James King PETER BOX [email protected]

FULMER SPORTS & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

REPORT FROM CHAIRMAN, RONNIE LAMB - After many years as manager of the FSCA Paul Colloff has left the Association. During his time there he has been a great servant of all those who use the facilities at the Recreation Ground. We shall miss him and wish him every success and happiness in the future. We have been very fortunate to find a successor in Andrew Nealon and we wish him well in his new duties. We also welcome our new Secretary, Karen Guidera, who has settled very well into her new role. Following a series of repairs and renovation…roof repairs, floor renovation, internal decorations and new septic tank….funds are much lower so we are hoping for success from our application to the KGV 90 fund. The Cricket Club is looking for new members before next summer. Unfortunately we did not have our usual Bonfire Night at the Recreation Ground but we will begin planning in plenty of time to ensure that we will have the traditional bonfire and fireworks in November 2016. Finally the FSCA Committee will start work on a new 3 Year Plan in the Spring.

REPORT FROM MANAGER, PAUL COLLOFF - After 6 years of holding the official title of General Manager at King George’s Field I am moving on and Ronnie has spoken of my successor. All contact details, as posted below, remain the same and Andrew will be more than happy to discuss any events you may be planning. To coincide with Andrew’s arrival, a number of improvements have been made internally with the pavilion floor being sanded and treated with a non-slip coating and the hall decorated throughout. More prosaic external changes include the installation of a new septic tank and work on the roof to restore the clock faces. The football season is now in full swing with Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Football Club (youth teams) playing regularly on Sundays, and Fulmer Football Club (mens) on Saturdays. Gerrards Cross and Fulmer Netball Club are now firmly established on Saturday mornings for girls of Years 3-4 and Years 5-6. If there is any interest, Andrew will be more than happy to assist with anyone wanting to play tennis on the all-weather courts. Please contact him for further details.

Apologies to those of you disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s Annual Fireworks spectacular. Unfortunately a number of key organisers were unavailable for this year’s event and there were insufficient volunteers to replace them. For this event to be reinstated next year we need volunteers to be available from the start of September 2016 onwards in order to go one better than last year’s Wild West show. Please don’t leave it to the last minute to get involved – you can register your interest now with Andrew to ensure that we can get the event up and running again.

Lastly, a reminder that the pavilion hall provides all the facilities to make it an ideal venue for children’s parties, events such as quiz nights, family celebrations and parties, and barbeques. For larger events a licensed bar is also available by arrangement. The FSCA also owns three marquees and has both the space and surroundings to make it an ideal location for weddings, christenings or large family celebrations. For more information on the activities of the clubs, facilities available for hire, booking enquiries for King George’s Field, [email protected] telephone 01753 662705, or write to the General Manager, King George’s Field, Fulmer Common Rd, Fulmer, Bucks SL3 6JN

Fulmer is very appreciative of Paul’s hard work and commitment to making FSCA such a success over the last 6 years and we wish him well - Editors FULMER CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS

Best Kept Village - Fulmer was entered into the competition for the Tindall Cup in 2015 - this is the ‘cup-winners-cup’ where we compete directly against the other category winners of 2014, regardless of population. Thus we were in direct competition with the bigger villages and towns that won their respective categories. Sadly we didn’t achieve sufficient points to be in with a chance to win, but Fulmer was awarded a Certificate of Merit with our total points tally of 86 out of the possible 100. Though this fell well short of our tally of 95 out of 100 when we won the Gurney Cup in 2014, I was assured that it is no mean feat to be awarded a certificate of merit, so we have to be proud of that at least. In 2016, we expect to compete once again for the Gurney Cup for communities of up to 500 population. The efforts of FCV in that direction will be renewed in January up to and including the judging period which starts at the beginning of June 2016 for about a month. It is too early to make any definitive plans for now, except to encourage the community as a whole to keep Fulmer looking as good as it can through the winter months.

Parish Footpaths/Bridleways – for this article I have walked around our footpath network in recent weeks. I supported and continue to support Fulmer Parish Council in choosing not to devolve responsibility for footpaths maintenance and other functions away from Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) in exchange for a small remuneration and a somewhat onerous contract relating to obligations and liability if they did. Earlier this month, Peter Kelly asked me to review a modified contract and more details of the amounts of funding on offer. I am afraid my conclusion is the same as before. For me personally, I can say that I would find it difficult to continue to volunteer to do the things I do now in the village under the conditions imposed by devolution team of BCC. However, without participating actively in the devolution process, it is my understanding that Fulmer Conservation Volunteers may continue to contribute to the maintenance of footpaths and other amenities of the village, so unless told otherwise, that is what I propose that we do. As a starting point, I’ll summarise what I have seen today and include some suggestions as to work required.

BCC have a path/bridleway numbering system, but since most users are not familiar with these numbers alone, I’ll describe my route and add the numbers in parenthesis. As usual, I’ll start from the end of Hay Lane walking along so-called Footpath (FUL/1) in the direction of Windsor Road, branching left up the hill on Footpath/Bridleway (FUL/7). That route takes me up to the Pickeridge, from where I walk to Stoke Common Road, then double back to the Pickeridge, all still on FUL/7, but then bear left along Footpath (FUL/3) that skirts along the edge of the in-filled land up to Windsor Road. I then turn right along Windsor Road continuing as far as the end of Footpath (FUL/1), and walk back along it towards Hay Lane.

BCC arranged contractors have in general kept FUL/7 free of obstruction. As usual there is plenty of litter around what is left of the small house at Stoke Common Road, but as far as I could see there were no newly fly-tipped tyres or asbestos sheets as before. Someone had enjoyed a private fireworks display, but left all of the remnants behind. Some of the shutters on the windows of the Pickeridge have been forced open. Footpath FUL/3 was relatively free of litter and there were no new heaps of rubbish at the edge of the in-filled land. It looks as if someone is using the area as a bike racetrack. After walking down Windsor Road, where litter was pretty appalling in general, I found that the end of FUL/1, was also badly littered and could do with a clean-up. Continuing along FUL/1 to the point where it runs in parallel with FUL/7, it is clear that the footpath is not being cut back and walkers are using the bridleway instead. This needs to be remedied or we will lose the path as being unused. There are plenty of sloes on FUL/1, but even along that part which was relatively clear earlier in the year, there is a need for some cutting back to improve access.

Footpath FUL/2 runs from the village up into Fulmer Rise Estate. Access is pretty good along the whole route. There is a tree down across the path in the first copse along from St James Church, but as the trunk is fairly slender, it could easily be removed as does not really represent any significant obstruction. Footpath FUL/6 runs from King Georges Field down to the village. I reported the inner fence at the top end as being insecure previously and although unlikely to actually fall over, it might be as well to be looked at. Some trimming of bushes would be advisable along parts of the path and the reason for an unpleasant smell at the bottom should be looked into. It would appear to be a blocked drain. I have sent a picture to Fulmer Parish Council.

Fulmer Conservation Volunteers Due to the necessity to complete a general risk assessment before and during each session when we have worked as a condition of the insurance, I have a record of days and man-hours spent in and around the village. We were out in February, March, April, May and June on at least 13 weekends with a maximum of 6 people and usually no less than 3 and worked a total of around 198 man-hours, and spurred on by tea, coffee and biscuits, most often courtesy of Rosie Lamb.

Thanks to the few volunteers, both regular and occasional in 2015. Just one or two more people could quickly increase those hours and enhance any impact we could have. Usually we start at 09:15 and work through to 12:30 after which we usually try to have a drink at the Black Horse to mull over work done and plan the next outing. If there is anybody out there who can spare even a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, please let us know.

Dr. Richard Marshall [email protected]

Richard and the Conservation Volunteers carry out a remarkable ‘behind the scenes’ tidy up of the village and all its pathways throughout the year and it is thanks to them that we have been so successful in the Best Kept Village competitions over the years. Their work is much appreciated and as mentioned in the final paragraph there is a need for more helpers for the continuance of their excellent work - Editors.

1st Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Scout Group In the past year all sections have increased the number of girls and boys who have joined us in the area. This means that we needed more Leaders and I am very encouraged that another 4 Parents have become uniformed Leaders. We now have 24 children in the GX Beaver Section and 15 in the Fulmer section. The cubs in Fulmer have 15 and GX has 12. We still have one scout section with currently 14 children but this will grow as the Fulmer and GX cubs move up to the scout section; in addition we have 2 Young Leaders (15-18 year olds) who help at cub and scout level each week. Next year celebrates a 100 years since Cubs started and so there will be lots of extra activities in the UK and organised locally by our District (Woodlands) which covers Denham to Burnham and to . As usual all the children have enjoyed a large range of activities in all sections with more emphasize on camping skills and our District has organized weekends for the children to learn fire lighting, camp fire cooking, wood carving skills, etc. In scouting we celebrate St George’s Day and this year District organized a special day at Wood, which attracted over 400 children to enjoy various activities. We also celebrate Remembrance Day, so as in previous years we were at the GX Memorial Centre Service in November. Last December we sold Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at the GX Christmas Lights Festival, they sold so quickly that we will increase the quantity this year as it all contributes to our funds and later in December we will again be Bag Packing at Tesco in GX, last year the generosity of the shoppers made it a great success for us.

In conclusion a good year for our group with the new sections consolidating, higher numbers throughout the group and improved adult support. We still need adult help from 18 - 80 years old - you don’t need any scouting experience just some enthusiasm, so get out of your chair and join us as we are only ‘up the hill’ from the centre of the village! We need help with admin jobs (no uniform) for a few hours a week so please contact me! Mark Shaw – Group Scout Leader (07788 891 232) / [email protected] / www.gxscouts.co.uk

BROWNIE REPORT – Angela Hurlstone, Leader 1st Fulmer Brownies

Fulmer Brownies have had another busy term. We have been working towards our Designer and Discovering Faith badges. In September we celebrated the Jewish New Year Festival of Rosh Hashana with honey cake and honey dipped apple, and learned the Tashlich prayer, that helps cast away bad deeds and concentrates the mind on being kind in the future. The Brownies heard the shofar, or ram’s horn, which is sounded in synagogues during the Rosh Hashanah celebration. Earlier this month we visited St Albans Cathedral, and heard the story of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr. The Brownies dressed up as Alban, and Amphibalus, and learned how Alban saved the life of Amphibalus and sacrificed his own, by swapping clothes to hide him from Roman soldiers. During our tour of the Cathedral, we learned that St Albans is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain, and has the longest nave in Europe. At the end of tour, Molly, Skye, Madeleine and Lexie, our newest Brownies, made the Brownie Promise on the high alter of the Cathedral. A very special moment. The Brownies were made very welcome during our visit to Gerrards Cross Fire Station. Station Officer Steve explained to Brownies how they could minimise the risk to themselves and their families from domestic fires. We had great fun exploring the fire engines, and all Brownies had a turn at spraying the fire hoses. The rain held off for our fireworks party and Brownies were treated to a great display, of sparkles and bangs, finishing the evening with hot dogs and chocolate brownies. We are very excited to be finishing the term with a visit to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to see the Royal Ballet perform Nutcracker

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RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

Hi, I am Forrester, I want to say hello from all the ponies and horses at South Bucks RDA. We have had quite a few changes since the last newsletter that one of our instructors wrote for us.

Over the summer there were a great number of builders around, some on the ground and others almost flying. We had a new base put down for our stalls, much better for us boy ponies to stand on, a lodge was erected so our manager can take care of me and my pony friends 24 hours a day also a new roof was put on the original stable buildings; Sophie’s smart horses, Athene and Rio will be snug this winter, so will any of my older horse friends that need to say in.

Sophie and Athene left Rio in at the beginning of September to attend the European Championships Deauville France, the first hurdle in the journey to compete in RIO in 2016 for team GB. They won the Grade 1a Championships, we were very proud of the pair of them.

Helen the new Stable Manager came to look after us at the end of September. She is very knowledgeable and we greet her every morning enthusiastically, enabling her along with the grooms Natalie and Gem to make sure that we are all fit and healthy. All our paddocks are looking really green; the humans make sure that they are kept as clean as possible.

Us ponies and horses are working well as RDA mounts, we give over 80 lessons a week to riders will all types of disabilities. We were very pleased that Natalie achieved her Group Instructor status as she enables us to give fun lessons to the children at Arbour Vale school. Gem achieved the BHS stage 1, so we know that we are in safe hands and all our equine needs will be met.

On a sad note, three of our very keen Saturday helpers moved away (Eddie says he is not getting quite so many hugs nor is Robbie) and several younger helpers started University in September; so we are very short of volunteers to support us giving lessons. We are concerned that some of our dedicated volunteers have to do so much. We would really like to see some new faces. We are a group of fabulous horses and ponies, we look after our leaders and like to show what we can do for our riders. If you know anyone who might want to come and help us give RDA sessions please contact Gina, the administrator or Helen, the Stable Manager on 01753 662796 or email [email protected] .

Have a look at our website www.southbucksrda.org to see what a lovely group of equines we are and do think about coming to join in our fun on Saturdays, or Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Mornings, or even Wednesday afternoons. We would love to see you.

I better get back to munching this grass or Pieces will get too round.

Best wishes Forrester

Stoke Poges , Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society www.hortsoc.org This is a quiet time of year for the Society but plans are in hand, details will be on our website. In the meantime here are some dates for 2016. Members’ Spring Social Evening Wednesday 16 March 8 pm at Stoke Poges School, Rogers Lane There will be an illustrated talk, about Chalfont Park given by Claire de Carle, a buffet and a table show, where members exhibit whatever is growing in their garden. Visitors are welcome, non-members £3.50, prospective members admission free. Annual Plant Sale Saturday 23 April 10 – 12 noon Stoke Poges Village Centre Don’t miss this great opportunity to buy good quality plants at reasonable prices. All the proceeds go towards paying for the cost of the huge marquee for the Annual Show Annual Show 2016 - 31 July in the grounds of Stoke Poges School. Membership of the Society - We would be delighted if more people, especially from Fulmer, were to join as members; at £7 for an individual or £10 for two people living at the same address it is a bargain; particularly as members have free entry to the Show, Lecture Evenings and other events. You can apply for membership via our website www.hortsoc.org RUTH ROOLEY

A POEM (suggested by Isobel Dorling)

There is nothing the matter with me, I’m as healthy as I can be. I have arthritis in my hips and knees And when I talk - I talk with a wheeze, My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin, But - I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

Rollator and sticks I have for my feet, Or I wouldn’t be able to be out on the street. Sleep is denied me night after night, But every morning I find I’m all right. My memory is fading, my head’s in a spin, But - I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

How do I know that my youth is all spent? Well my ‘get up and go’ has ‘got up and went’. But I really don’t mind, when I think with a grin Of all the good places my ‘get up’ has been.

Old age is golden, I’ve heard it said, But sometimes I wonder as I get into bed With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup, And my specs on a table till I get up.

When I was young my slippers were red I could kick my heels right over my head! When I was older my slippers were blue But I could still dance the whole night through. Now I am old and my slippers are black, I walk to the shops and puff my way back.

I get up each morning and dust off my wits And pick up the paper to read the ‘obits’ If my name is still missing I know I’m not dead; And so I have breakfast and - go back to bed!

We wish Isobel well with her ongoing treatment and good wishes to her and Peter from all their friends in Fulmer – Editors

FULMER INFANT SCHOOL

We have had a very successful start to the new academic year and all our new children have settled into school life extremely well. As we work in close partnership with our families staff have given presentations to parents and carers advising them how best to support their children’s learning at home and we have also had our termly consultations with parents.

Our annual Harvest Festival at St James’ church here at Fulmer was, as ever, a wonderful mixture of poems and songs. A big thank you to Francesca Hall Drinkwater for opening the church and taking the produce donated by the families to SHOC. Over the term we have also raised money for Jeans for Genes, MacMillan Cancer Research, Phones for Food, Children in Need and our link school in Honduras, AFE..

Year 2 have had their annual trip to Pizza Express at Gerrards Cross. This is always a very popular trip when the children design, make and then evaluate (consume!) their own pizzas. When a member of staff returned to Pizza Express with thank you letters from the children the staff there commented that the children’s behaviour was ‘excellent’. The children’s learning was also enhanced with a visit from a local drumming company when all the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed playing the drums. There was a reflective time at 11 o’clock on November 11th when we all paid tribute to all those men and women who have lost their lives in conflicts across the world.

We now have hot school meals courtesy of Sir William Ramsay’s secondary school. These are very popular and the children very much look forward to lunch times, especially now that winter is drawing nearer.

Thank you to all members of the community for helping as marshalls in Walk to School week. Thank you also to Mrs Dorling for all the work for the school travel plan which has now achieved Gold status.

Now that we have the space with a school hall parents can attend class assemblies and Year 2 led the way this term celebrating all the wonderful work they have done so far and the parents and carers were a very appreciative audience.

The Parents Association has been very busy over the past few weeks raising money for the school and entertaining the children. To date they have organized Bag2School and a Halloween party and are in the throes of preparing a Christmas event.

And on that note I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Best wishes