Issue 49 Summer 2010

Speen and North Dean News

Editors: Anne & David Worlock

Diary Editor: John Holmes

Science Editor: Barry Stickings

Advertising: Peter Cooper

Production: Jude Awdry

Photographers for Issue 49: Loiz Bale, D Burnham, K Laughton, D Scott

Committee:

Gloria Holmes - Chair Megan Chinn Nick Wheeler-Robinson Julie White

Printer: PK-Inprint Ltd Tel: 01494 452266

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 1

Contents Index of Advertisers

What’s On ...... 4 Alan Tucker ...... 12 Dear Reader ...... 5 Beechdean Farmhouse ...... 39 Canadian/Speen Winter quiz answer . . . .6 B. Forrest Saddlery & Rug Repairs . . . . .11 Speen Supporters Group ...... 7 The Ridgeway Walk 1 ...... 8 C.G. Tree & Garden Services ...... 23 HS2 - Chiltern wide strategy ...... 9 Champagne House ...... 14

Speen Schools ...... 9 Coles & Blackwell ...... 4 Speen Pre-school ...... 9 David Marchant ...... 25 SpeenFest and FunDay photos ...... 10 Footcare ...... 11 Speen Photographers’ Workshop ...... 11 HS2 and you ...... 15 Foursquare Land Limited ...... 14 Speen Tennis Court ...... 17 Fraser Morgan School of Dancing ...... 16

Speen Heritage Group ...... 18 Full Steam Ahead ...... 27 Speen Heritage Walk Map ...... 20/21 Hughenden Builders ...... 16 Speen Heritage Walks ...... 22 Ian Gray ...... 16 Wildflower News ...... 24 Speen Church ...... 24 JML Training & Consultancy ...... 12 Down on the Farm ...... 26 JNP ...... 40

Speen Marquee ...... 26 Judith A Newenham ...... 14 Letters to the Editor ...... 28 Kate Brown ...... 36 Wildlife Watch ...... 29 M.R. Collins ...... 23 Oral History Project ...... 30 WI - 50 years in Speen ...... 31 MWH Interiors Limited ...... 6 Eyes Front! ...... 32 Nemo Villa ...... 22 Speen Horticultural Society ...... 32 Nick Higgins ...... 16 Speen Festival News ...... 33 Nicki Thomas Web Design ...... 12 Speen Playing Fields ...... 36 District and County News ...... 37 Paul Newman Limited ...... 35 Who’s Who ...... 38 Payne’s of Glass ...... 22 Philip Green ...... 2

SNDN DATES RS Doors ...... 23 Speen Stores ...... 10 Issue: 50 Springline Cars ...... 16 Copy Date: 08/10/10 Sue Fryer ...... 31

Theme: Oral History (cont.) The King William IV ...... 19

Approx Pub: 15 November 2010 The Old Plow ...... 14

Note that Ad copy should be available T.J. Day ...... 23 two weeks before editorial copy TopDogs ...... 10

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 3 Event Where Contact August Sunday, 1 st Strike Marquee North Dean, 5.00pm Ashley Cooper 488454 Wednesday, 4 th Mens’ Philosophical Society Pink & Lily, 8.30pm Graham Peart 488327 Thursday, 5 th WI – Catching Smugglers Speen Village Hall, 7.45pm Barbara Collett 488348 Sunday, 8 th Porsche Club cars / BBQ KW4 David Hill 488329 Wednesday, 25 th Pub Lunch Club KW4, 12.00 noon Gloria Holmes 488420

September Wednesday, 1 st MPS visit to RAF Uxbridge Uxbridge, 7.00pm/Harrow, Hugh’n Graham Peart 488327 Thursday, 2 nd WI – The Czech Connection Speen Village Hall, 7.45pm Barbara Collett 488348 Thursday, 16 th Speen v North Dean golf Weston John Rogers 562041 Thursday, 30 th WI Garden Club talk Speen Village Hall, 8.00pm Daphne Westray 488742

October Thursday, 7 th WI – New Genetics (Open Mtg) Speen Village Hall, 7.45pm Barbara Collett 488348 Wednesday, 6 th Mens’ Philosophical Society Black Horse, , 8.30pm Graham Peart 488327 Friday, 15 th “Eyes Front” mini theatre North Dean Village Hall, 7.30pm Julie White 562311

November Wednesday, 3 rd Mens’ Philosophical Society The Whip, Lacey Green, 8.30pm Graham Peart 488327 Saturday, 6 th Speen Bonfire Night Speen Playing Field,6.00pm Andy Thompson 488524 Fri/Sat, 12 th /13 th SSG Christmas Market KW4, from 10.00am Christine Symondson 488654 What’s on What’s in Speen and North Dean, 2010 December Wednesday, 1 st Mens’ Philosophical Society Old Plow, Speen, 8.30pm Graham Peart 488327 Thursday, 2 nd WI – The Four Seasons Speen Village Hall, 7.45pm Barbara Collett 488348 Saturday, 11 th Speen Christmas tree/carols Speen Playing Field, 6.00pm Andy Thompson 488524

4 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk Dear Reader house prices, or an intrusive sites is particularly difficult. If building process, or an HS2 were an extension or a When we left unsightly air vent as a reason garage rebuild it would be Speen in May for shifting this issue onto limited in terms of footprint for the heat of another part of the country. and told it could only occur the great This is an overcrowded island, where existing buildings had Karakorum and people have to move once stood. HS2 might be a Desert an around for good economic good deal less intrusive if it election was imminent and, reasons. was forced to run on or having done our voting by post alongside existing mainline and proxy, we felt we would be So we need to remind planners tracks to Birmingham. returning to a different land. and government of the As is invariably the case, the economic values of small Not that we are at all obsessive expectations of travellers were villages. Economic resurgence on this particular subject! And to be confounded. Not only has starts in small businesses, and we do need to note that this Speen and North Dean proved small businesses are issue sees our first walk, in the to be hotter than the great increasingly found in small shape of a re-issue of the Speen Karakorum Desert, but the towns and villages. Broadband Heritage Trail, and an great HS2 debate, which might may be more important than indication from Peter Symonds have been submerged in an High Speed in this context. of the great tasks that remain in austerity package, appears as Speen and North Dean are this area. And as we move to live now as ever. We make no home to some 23 small the end of village Summer apology for inserting current businesses, if the membership Madness, and the euphoria of reports and opinions on that of our Small business group is Fetes and FunDays subsides, it debate in this issue, and asking anything to judge by. Then we is worth noting that the 2011 readers, if they have a view have our agricultural interest to Festival Committee has begun which has not been shared or consider, and the importance of meeting, and that they appeal raised, to contact us. We need the Chilterns in tourist and for anyone with ideas to to ensure that the diversity and leisure terms. Gill Kent's contact the secretary, Sue breadth of views held in the column sums up the stresses Taylor. No theme has yet been villages is fully represented and strains on our local farms. made final but it was here. Those who have to make rumoured that they are looking judgements have to see more at "Ghosts and Ghostliness". All This is clearly not a political than the value of retirement aboard the Ghost Train this issue in the confrontational homes: these villages are real winter then? [Ed. Note. sense. All three political parties communities with real Dreaming has become the appear committed to it, and at economic value and should not newer theme, but we can the time of writing no one be disparaged just because they always reflect on nightmares appears to take political are also "scenic". and lost sleep if the Ghost exception to the choice of Train sweeps through . . .] routes put forward in the And of course, the villages are planning process. Those who also a hive of building Anne and David Worlock oppose it must therefore be activities. Recession does not [email protected] very clear on their grounds for seem to have dented the urge [email protected] objection. It is all too easy for to extend or re-arrange our those who want to protect a dwelling space. We should way of life to be accused of perhaps remember that "Nimby"-ism and dismissed planning laws are strict in an out of hand. Those who would Area of Outstanding Natural oppose cannot simply point to Beauty, and building on new

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 5 Barry Stickings offers more woodland views with a challenge

The answer to our winter quiz (we bet you guessed The Willotts Farm Garden is clearly a place of quiet even if you didn't know . . .) was that enjoyment. We'd be interested in readers' thoughts about the thought bubbles above the Muntjac, and this is Canada the ducks . . .

and this is Speen

6 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk Speen SupportersGroupSpeen Speen Appetiser for upcoming Dampen one long pastry edge cookbook with water, then bring the Supporters other side of the pastry up over Group benefits The Editor spent considerable the filling and secure the edges. effort to get this special recipe Roll over so the joint is from new from one of SSG's popular underneath. Ladies Lunches - next one Arrange in a ring on a baking sources of fund Spring 2011. The SSG are going sheet, overlapping the ends raising - Phase 2 to keep their other recipes to slightly, dampen to secure. themselves. A booklet of all Speen Supporters Group held their past efforts will available Depending on the event their First Arts & Crafts Fair in at the Spring Lunch, 2011. decorate the wreath with the Village Marquee on Sunday pastry shapes and brush the 11th July from 11:00 - 16:00. SALMON WREATH WITH whole with beaten egg. They presented a mix of talented LEMON BUTTER SAUCE local artists and craftsmen both SERVES 12 Bake in the centre of the oven demonstrating and selling for 30 minutes until brown. beautiful things. There was a 300g/10 1/2 oz full fat soft cheese small entry charge of just £1.00 75g/2 1/4 oz watercress Can be served warm or cold. for adults and all the profits Rind of 1 lemon + juice of from the day will be passed to half a lemon At our Ladies Lunch we made the five hospices we have been 2 crushed garlic cloves *smaller amounts into sausage supporting for many years. Final 660g/1lb 5oz skinned roll shapes sealed at each end numbers are not in but about salmon fillet for ease of serving £1500 may have been raised. 2 x 250g packs puff pastry 1 beaten egg LEMON BUTTER SAUCE Even though it was a Sunday ground black pepper to accompany the King William remained SERVES 4 open to serve food. Preheat oven to 220 C/425 F/gas 7. (multiply as necessary)

A date for your diaries - Put soft cheese, lemon rind and 3 tblspns freshly squeezed Annual Christmas Card juice, garlic and pepper in a lemon juice Sale and Gift fair food processor or blender and 40g (1 1/2 oz) unsalted whizz. butter SSG are holding what has 125ml (4fl oz) double cream become an annual Hospice Roll out each piece of puff 2 tblspns finely chopped Christmas Card Sale and Gift pastry to a rectangle about fresh chives Fair in the King William on Fri 38x18cm/15x7in. salt & freshly ground pepper 12th and Sat 13th November. See you there and a final thank Join the short ends together to Heat the unsalted butter in a you to you all for your make a long strip*. saucepan. continuing support. Dampen the joint with water Add the cream and heat We know that everyone is and secure. through. finding those extra charitable pennies hard to find but we Cut salmon into long strips and Add lemon juice and chives believe our local Hospices arrange evenly in the centre, and warm thoroughly but do provide an invaluable and along the length of the pastry. not allow to boil, as the sauce loving service and are therefore will curdle. Season to taste. deserving of all our support. Spread the cheese mixture over the salmon. Christine Symondson [email protected]

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 7 The Ridgeway My first observation is how lush and green the landscape is Walk 1 - June looking after the recent summer rains - you can almost smell the 2010 'green' of the fields and trees. The tuneful song of the sky lark - a sound reminis-cent of Julie White's camera and childhood summers - follows us words give a poignant along our route. perspective on this part of our beautiful Wild flowers are in abundance Chilterns wherever we look, from the Buster and the ‘Emerald Lake’ vivid mauve of the wild thyme pastureland, the scenery opens to the bright yellow of the As a tribute to my late son up to breathtaking panoramic birdsfoot-trefoil. It's amazing Anthony, I have wanted to views. We have nicknamed the how many of these wild species walk the Ridgeway - his disused chalk pit at Pitstone to survive along the trail, favourite walk along the 'The Emerald Lake'. The sun considering that they are Chiltern Hills. My intention is was shining at this point and to walk its entire length (87 the water truly looked turquoise miles) during the changing in colour. It really was the most seasons, and to document amazing sight. through photography, the beauty of my experience. We were lucky enough to see a However, my photographic yellowhammer (but not lucky skills leave a lot to be desired, enough for me to get my so I can't promise expert camera out in time!) photographs - simply snap shots of the magnificent views As we approached the final leg and abundant flora as seen of our journey, we were also through my own eyes. My lucky enough to see a spotted faithful little puppy 'Buster' orchid - a rare find on this walk and my husband Tony, will so I understand. share this wonderful As our little puppy is still experience with me. Approaching Beacon Hill 'developing', we have to take constantly being exposed to Our first leg of the journey regular 'pit stops' (that's my wind and direct sunlight. starts on a cloudy and cool excuse anyway). But actually, it We see a multitude of bees and June morning in the little was a joy to simply sit and strange looking insects that village of Wiggington on the marvel at the natural wonder have been attracted to the outskirts of Tring. Armed with of our surroundings. We took a abundant flora. Buster thinks a picnic, map and sturdy few moments to reflect on how the bees and butterflies are walking shoes, we set off on lucky we were to have the worth chasing! our modest 6.5 mile walk to unspoilt beauty of the Chiltern Ivinghoe Beacon - the end of Hills surrounding us. For how Having walked through wood- the Ridgeway. So we started at long we wondered? land, narrow footpaths and the end - who cares! Julie White

Wild Thyme Wild Orchid ‘Egg and Bacon’

8 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk HS2 - Chiltern wide strategywide Chiltern - HS2 Chiltern wide Recent activities in the village be spoiled - that the glorious have included the promotion of countryside we live in will be strategy responses to an Exceptional forever damaged by an ugly Hardship Scheme consultation scar of a railway which, even if launched for and a public meeting held in it is in a tunnel, will making the village hall on Wednesday dramatically impact the lives of June 23rd, organised by a everyone who lives in the area. ourselves heard committee (yes, another Simply put, we are NIMBYs. committee in the village) at Westminster formed to co-ordinate and It would be ridiculous to say on HS2 focus local effort against HS2. that these factors are not important, however, there is a High Speed 2 Affects Some of you may be bigger picture that needs to be You wondering why there is a understood, debated and acted movement 'against' HS2, and upon. what all the fuss is about. After This is the banner used recently all, it won't be running until HS2 proposals were developed to draw attention to the 2025 and may not come near based on the theory that there proposals to route a high speed here anyway. For those that would be dramatic growth in railway, initially from London were able to attend the Speen demand for travel, that there to Birmingham, through the meeting or others in the area, would be no alternative way to Chilterns - one of the possible we hope the answer is clear. routes passing through satisfy demand, that the financial justification was Hughenden, North Dean and It is tempting to think that the sound, and that the provision under Speen. reason for this opposition is simply that our backyard will Continued on page 13 . . .

Speen Schools Feasibility study, conducted by met to discuss the short term Cat Cook and Kate Worthington. proposals from the study, which we hope will lead to Speen Pre-school You may remember that this some innovative developments study was commissioned to in the service we provide and Drums beat as school look at the long term strategy the way we are organised by reflects on its future for the village pre-school over the time the new term starts in the next 10 years and to September - watch this space! Speen Pre-School has had a identify possible options for great few months with ensuring the service it offers The challenging longer term increasing numbers of children can remain available to our options identified by the study attending. We continue to have villagers and those living in remain on the table and we will one of the best child to staff surrounding areas. Cat did an start a series of more detailed ratios and most highly outstanding job of analysing discussions with the key qualified staff teams in the local the questionnaire responses as stakeholders in the autumn. area of which we are very well as gathering more in proud. The children have been depth information via a series In July we wave goodbye and engaged in a variety of exciting of interviews with key wish good luck to our leavers activities including "Bridging stakeholders, and the results who will start school in the Gap" African drumming are very interesting indeed. September, and we look sessions at Speen School in Our plan is to hold an open forward to welcoming our new June (see page 10) and are now meeting in early July where Cat starters after a long, and looking forward to our Sports will present the findings to the hopefully hot, summer break! day and end of term party. community. Please do come along if you can. Annabel Warr Our biggest news though, is [email protected] the publication in June of our In the meantime, our pre- long awaited Pre-School school committee has already

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 9 SpeenFest drummers, painters and FunDay punters

10 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk 'workshop' model to examine exercise in 'seeing' and decision The Speen and learn by experience; what making. None of the group's Photographers’ we are doing wrong, and what resulting pictures was similar, we are doing right. The test is all very different and personal. Workshop "how satisfied are we with our Because the three hours were photographs?" solely dedicated to the project explores the with no outside interference, The question "how good is your we became: terrain camera?" does not apply here. Learning how to use your a) highly critical of our own We all see the same camera does. Peter Adams, the work great Australian photographer b) Aware of ‘Speen’ as a visual space differently once said "Photography is not subject in a very new way about cameras, gadgets and c) Aware that we are all differ- At a meeting of the SNDN gismos. Photography is about ent in how we see things and Committee a few months photographers. A camera we were able to visually ago we were engaged by doesn't make a great picture express them in a very the sight of many of our any more than a typewriter personal and original way. fellow villagers, entirely writes a great novel". Ninety oblivious to their nine per cent of cameras sold As a group we avoid the surroundings, except for today will give a very high 'competition' syndrome. We the object of their camera quality A4 photograph. So are a self- help group. Like lenses. It was wonderful to firstly we met with our cameras many village groups we often see, so Peter Cooper to 'shoot' a project, usually no meet in the King William. asked Martin Hart to tell more than a three hour session. David is extremely helpful, us about the The project is not known until cooperative and welcoming. Photographers' Workshop. we meet and is very broad There is nothing the group based. offers that couldn't be learnt We set up the Speen from books or the internet. The Photographers Workshop just The first project was Speen great advantage of this type of after the last Festival following based. To produce images that group is that there are a suggestion by Kate Laughton. covered three subjects: moments when you suddenly Kate is a very ingenious 'ideas' make a discovery, a connection, lady, and approached me with 1. Speen, what it means to you. and a query that has been this idea. The idea quickly 2. People. buried in your mind, becomes gathered momentum and I 3. The Chapel. clear, whether it be about your found myself with an eager camera, your thinking, your group of photographers ready Then to produce 3 of your most failure to grasp a seemingly and willing to give this new successful images from each of basic problem or something activity "a go". The objective the three subjects. We walked entirely new. But most was really quite simple. For a from the Village Hall to the importantly, the sessions need few hours a month, we would Chapel, looking and to be enjoyable and fun. get together to understand considering where the pictures what makes a good were. This took nearly three Martin Hart photograph, and to use the hours. It became an intense [email protected]

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 11 12 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk . . . continued from page 9 which, as proposed, it does - and people will simply travel just. If the demand doesn't in from the regions with a of a high speed rail network materialise (and no recent longer and faster commute. would form a key plank in a equivalent infrastructure low-carbon transport strategy. project has come close to There are also more 'notional forecast) and if the costs exceed benefits' being quoted, and in It is worth noting at this point estimates (please identify a fact one of the key financial that several reviews of major project like this that has justifications is £28 billion - transport strategy come in on time and on over 60 years - of time saved by commissioned by the previous budget), then the business case business travellers. For reasons Government had basically falls apart. That means you and that are unclear, dis-benefits, rejected the idea of high speed I and every other taxpayer in such as the notional value of rail as impractical and unsound the land ends up paying more visitors to an Area of - until railway enthusiast Lord tax to cover the deficit - for as Outstanding National Beauty, Adonis became transport long as the trains run and or the estimated loss of secretary. Away from the possibly beyond. Affordability property values along (any) enthusiasm and political also depends on the availability high speed route - of between theatre, and in the cold light of of funds - difficult when the an estimated 10 and 30% - are rational analysis, it is becoming country is almost £150 billion not counted at all. increasingly evident that the in debt and virtually all theory behind HS2 is deeply Government departments are Bandwagons are marvellous flawed. facing up to 25% cuts. things. Is it possible the Government believes that For the country to need HS2 , For HS2 to support a low- despite all of these virtually the growth in demand would carbon transport inescapable facts, we must have have to be 237% through to infrastructure , it must a high speed network because 2033. This is more than twice unequivocally be shown to other countries in Europe have any forecast that can be derived reduce carbon emissions - one? Is it possible that they from population growth, travel which it doesn't. By HS2's own have overlooked such things as patterns or any other account, the effect is between the fact it costs 4.6 times more 'reasonable' measure. It also plus and minus 25 million tons than the European average to assumes no impact from of carbon emissions - in other build here, and that the internet communications or words - neutral. However, the distances and transport business cost constraints, both minus case can only be infrastructures are completely of which are known to create achieved if all of the electricity different in the UK? downward pressure on travel needed (and these trains use 2 demand. x the power of a normal train) Only you can be the judge. We is from a zero carbon source, are providing the information For the country to justify HS2 , such as nuclear or wind / wave and tools which you can use to capacity on the existing 'classic' power. There is no clear plan make your decision on whether railway network could not be for the UK to reach a zero this should go ahead, or be expanded sufficiently to meet carbon power generation state stopped. Please visit the Speen demand - which it can be, at any time soon. website, cost levels significantly lower www.speenbucks.org.uk than HS2, and without having There are many other spend some time there, and to drive new lines through arguments, including the then join our bandwagon. anyone's back yard. This is not suggestion that regional such an exciting option, development will be Mel Foster though. stimulated, but unfortunately Chair 80% of prime journeys will be Speen Area Action Group For the country to afford HS2 , towards London, according to against HS2 the business case must deliver HS2, which suggests that the [email protected] an adequate return investment job creation will be down south 488670

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 13 14 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk HS2 and youand HS2 HS2 and you and a low carbon economy. What can I do? The vision is for a truly national high speed rail This section sets out some of Understandably, given that we network which will include the actions that you can take, only appear three times a year, links to Heathrow and events that are taking place, the Speen and North Dean potentially other airports to and other activities that can News has to be a journal of provide an alternative to short- help fight the HS2 project. The record, and we are unlikely to haul aviation. We will also intention is to regularly update ever "break" a news story. actively study the options for a this section so villagers can see However, as we were link between the new high how they can get involved. preparing for publication, the speed line and the existing Government response to the High Speed One line - which Government Engagement petition came through, and links London to the Channel Programme prior to the here it is in all its non- Tunnel. Comprehensive Spending committal glory. review. The previous Government set STOP PRESS: The public up HS2 Ltd in January 2009 to consultation is now open - look at the feasibility of, and please see the comments page business case for, a high speed below: Petition to: rail line between London and the West Midlands. HS2 Ltd's http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/ reconsider destroying the report, published in March Nl1/Newsroom/DG_188773htt Chilterns with the high speed 2010, makes recommendations p://spendingchallenge.hm- rail proposal on routes and station options treasury.gov.uk This petition is now closed, as for high speed rail, and its deadline has passed. includes an assessment of costs, This is the item I posted as an benefits and sustainability opening salvo this morning We the undersigned petition impacts. (Sunday 11th) at 9:14 a.m. This the Prime Minister to has already generated almost reconsider destroying the HS2 Ltd's recommended route 100% positive comments - it is Chilterns with the high speed follows the A413/Chiltern Line important that people rail proposal. transport corridor through part comment as this moves the of the Chilterns and makes posting up the interest Submitted by Steph considerable use of tunnels, rankings and therefore attracts Deimbacher - Deadline to sign cuttings and existing transport more interest in the subject. up by: 06 June 2010 - corridors to minimise the There is also a rating system , Signatures: 6,872 environmental impacts in the so if you agree with the Chilterns Area of Outstanding sentiment, give it 5 stars. More details from petition Natural Beauty. creator Of course, the more The high speed rail proposal Reducing and mitigating the submissions we make the looks to completely destroy local environmental impact of better! areas of outstanding natural high speed rail will always be a beauty between London and very high priority for the new There is an interesting Birmingham - a tunnel under Government in taking this document below, which gives Old Amersham, trains that project forward. And no final the parameters that the travel at 320kmph close to our decision regarding the route of Government has set to justify children's schools - this cannot the line will be taken until a spending choices, published by be the right thing to do? detailed and inclusive public the National Council for consultation has taken place. Voluntary Organisations http://petitions.number10.gov. uk/railhighspeed So what do we do next? Mel NCVO Initial_spending_review Foster's article starting on page _2010_briefing Government response 9 outlines the current situation. The new Government has a HS2 Action Alliance Spending clear commitment to establish a Please now go to Choices Campaign national high speed rail www.speenbucks.org.uk from The HS2AA are running a network to help fulfil our which we reprint the following. ambitions for economic growth Continued on page 28 . . .

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 15 16 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk Committee is very pleased with Speen Tennis the results. Feedback has been Court follows excellent and the upgrade has resulted in considerably more through interest being shown in the hiring of the premises.

Caroline Crossley "The Baptist Church has reports on how club's cleared and tidied the Guides Marly Leonetti and overgrown area of the excess funds supported Libby Ward in their new kitchen village initiatives churchyard so they now have more space. contacted on 07740 859588 or [email protected]. Steve is As many of you will be aware, "The Playing Field has a also planning to run some last year a decision was made new playground, which was coaching during the summer by the Committee to distribute opened last year - this was holidays at Lacey Green; details approximately 50% of our funds featured in an earlier edition of will be available to members. to other village societies in need the Speen and North Dean of financial support. Speen News. The coaching this year is Tennis has been in a strong subsidised by the tennis court, financial position for a number "Speen Festival put their therefore we do ask that of years and it was felt that, allocation toward the 2009 anyone taking part is a member provided there were ample Festival. of the court. We aim to keep funds to cover court resurfacing, the groups smaller than the excess could be put to better "Speen School are now in previous years so the coaching use than sitting in a bank the process of applying for can be a little more intense and account earning little interest. planning permission for a hopefully participants feel they Reception class outside play are improving. area. The current Committee is "Speen Pre-School used Chairman Trevor Daniels, their portion of the fund to Treasurer Doug Wilson, commission a feasibility study. Secretary Caroline Crossley, Membership Cherry Seekins, Additional News - following an Court Maintenance & SPFA rep extremely successful ladies Chris Walsh. The Village Hall Committee tennis morning on a glorious toasting their new kitchen autumnal morning last If you would like further September, we have organised information about Speen Village societies were invited to some more for this year. The Tennis Court, please contact our AGM where they were season kicked off with a series Cherry Seekins, Membership asked to give a five minute of Ladies' Tennis Mornings at Secretary, 488355 presentation explaining their Lacey Green Tennis Club. The [email protected] plans and need for funds. first was held on Friday 7th Subsequently each member May with two more to follow Membership rates for 2010 are completed voting forms on Friday 11th June and Friday £35 Family, £15 Adult and £5 allocating percentages of the 2nd July. The committee at Junior. £15,000 fund to societies of Lacey Green are very keen to their choice. All the applicants encourage Speen tennis received varying percentages of members to take part in events the fund and we thought you and they offer the opportunity might like to hear how the to play league tennis for those money has been utilised. members who would like to take the next step. "The Village Hall was off to a very speedy start and has Steve Bell is running coaching now completed all its kitchen for children and teenagers Tennis Ladies refurbishment. throughout the summer term. If you are interested in "The Scout Hut kitchen has Caroline Crossley coaching, Steve can be been refurbished and the [email protected]

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 17 Speen Heritage These could be developed into made the project needed a fair a series of saleable leaflets. amount of additional input and Group? it never came to fruition. Funds Another idea that was which had been raised were Should we establish a considered back in 2000 used to update and reprint Speen Heritage Group? following on from the village “The Leaves of Time”, a history sign and the village map was to of Speen. This idea could be Ideas have been put forward in obtain plaques to highlight the resurrected. the past and are being historic features of certain discussed again at present that buildings around the village. There may be scope for might be better handled by a Whilst significant progress was producing cards, calendars and Heritage Group. These stationery that could Speen Heritage Group might both help to feature local preserve and SPEEN - YESTERYEAR heritage, culture or promote the best wildlife and the works of local features of our past (1) Speen Baptist Chapel. and also help our Built by villagers in 1802 as a Free artists and vital local businesses Chapel. Rapidly extended in 1817, the photographers. including our pubs, vestry with a fireplace, and in 1834 Since the winding restaurants and the with new pulpit and balcony. The up of the village shop. Baptist Union assisted with funds to Millennium buy the freeheld land. Find the one- Committee there is eyed natural gargoyle above a window and the flintstone corners, Within this edition is not an obvious rather than brick. a map of a Heritage organisation in the village to bring Tour of Speen which Hampden Road and Speen Pond is largely a reprint of There was a Speen Green and Pond forward these and a map prepared by up to 1925. Ward and Turner built other ideas. Would Martin Stockley and the semi-detached houses, Westwood anybody be keen Bob Johnston (see and Kildare and the pond was filled in to be involved in centrespread). It is at that time. The Old Post Office (9) is promoting these located opposite the pond, off picture considered that scope and other to the left. Note: Speen’s village Bobby with his bicycle centre exists for producing initiatives? Many picture and Rose Cottage (background)! larger more detailed of these ideas may maps to highlight the (7) Speen School. attract funding heritage of the village The School House, in use from 1866 from local or and also leaflets to to 1966. Mrs Grace of Lacey Green County Councils cover other subjects. Church of financed a church that needs to be The possibilities are school in this Dissenters’ Village. pursued. People endless but one could 1966 saw the building of a new School may have other on George Farm land opposite, with envisage: ideas for new classroom facilities. enhancing the village. A Birdwatcher’s (10) Speen Stores. Walk Emily Saunders in 1930 had a A Bodger’s Trail modern home with shop front built If anyone is A Butterfly Walk on the village crossroads. A following interested in A Children’s Walk shopkeeper had petrol pumps establishing an A Fitness Trail installed about 1945. With declining appropriate group sales the store was closed in 1989. A Horse Rider’s please let me Bucks Housing Association, with villagers and parish backing, built Trail know. a new Speen Stores, which opened in May 1998.

A Mountain Note: Hanging outside the new shop is “A useful little shop” sign Biker’s Trail designed by the children of Speen School, to mark the re-opening Peter Symonds A Wildflower of a shop in Speen, after almost ten years. 488016 Walk

18 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk

22 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 23 Wildflower News description of one of the most exciting Our wildflower editor, finds of Fred's Fred Burnham, reaches career. some milestones A chance find Many of you will know that Fred Out exploring a new Burnham, our wildflower editor, territory on 3rd turned 75 this year. He is making April 2009 near the some decisions about the next village of phase in his life. It is likely that in the Vale of he will be moving to be closer to Aylesbury I crossed family in Wycombe, which will three small fields be a loss for those of us who where a marsh area Photo copyright Dennis Burnham enjoy strolling past his windows, can be seen from the sometimes hearing splendid jazz footpath. I came to a issuing from his sitting room, or footbridge over a fast flowing spring being able to stop and chat about Purple Toothwort his sightings of wildlife and fed chalk stream. I there was a question in my mind being given a guided tour of his stepped onto the bridge and was asking why none of the crocuses wild garden. Read on for this walking across when I spotted what looked like crocuses. But were open! So I had to take a closer look. At once I knew they were not crocuses. And for the first time in my life I was looking at very rare purple toothwort (Lathraea clandestina). I walked around a large tree on the opposite side of the stream to find a very large clump, 7 feet by 6 feet. It was impossible to count the number of flowers which are 1.5 inches high, by 0.25 inches wide, a lovely violet purple.

The plant This is a parasitic plant living on the roots of willows and poplars. Our plant is living on the roots of crack willow and black poplars in a damp area beside the stream. It comes from Europe and it is not known who introduced the plant to Britain or when. On the day I found the plant I was so excited that I popped into Marks and Spencer, bought a bottle of Chardonnay

24 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk and visited my brother Dennis visited the house on the arrived after the fifteenth to celebrate. opposite side of the road to the century it's classed as an alien. plant site and had seen the Dennis Burnham visits flower some years ago. Roy Roy telephoned me in April to the site also phoned to tell me that he say that he had received a letter Together we thoroughly had sent a letter to the house, from the new owner of Alscot searched upstream to the road, and that he would call if he which is the property across and downstream as far as we heard anything. the road from the site. She told could, although it was heavily Roy that purple toothwort was scrubbed up. We could then With Dennis's help and David growing beside the stream on estimate the size of the site. It's and James Paul, I was able to her land, so that is the place large; 360 feet by 14 feet wide measure the area of the plants from which the seeds came. I in some places. The stream is and make a map of the site. I walked the stream from the the key. The hedge with trees want to thank them for their other side of Alscot to the follows the stream. help. They took some spring which feeds the stream wonderful photographs of the and did not find the plant. It was then that Dennis posed plants. the question: how did it get Fred Burnham there? We speculated that it . . . and news of fresh 488303 might be seed floating developments downstream, or seed carried on The best time to visit the site is Ed. Note: With Fred's landmarks the feet of ducks, of animals or from the middle of March 'til in mind, and aware of his it might even have been the first week of April. After contribution to the News, we will planted by man. this time all other vegetation have a special profile of him in the grows very fast. next issue. We then tried to find the land To find the site, park on the owner. I was given some roadside (A4010) information that led me to near the sign to Chinnor, but no one could help Longwick before me, so we're still looking. the roundabout. Follow the Roy Maycock, Bucks County footpath. You recorder for flora, visited us on will cross three 6 April. Because this is a new fields, one with site, Roy needed a local plant sheep with list, which took some two lambs. You will hours. Then he looked at the come to the purple toothwort, and we think footbridge, Map he was surprised at the size of Ref 799042. The the site. flower site is left of the bridge up After Roy's visit we told stream. friends, including Allen It's only the Showler, who is well known in second time the village. He told me that all purple toothwort the sites where he had seen has been found purple toothwort were sites in Bucking- where the plant had been hamshire so it is introduced. A lady friend had rare. As it

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 25 Down on the We are fortunate in the The Speen Chilterns in that our badger Farm population is TB free and it is Marquee probably a good thing that we The farm is a have a large population that Our smart new marquee has microcosm of the keeps all other badgers away. been up for two village events - conflicting pressures on Hence we do not have a Funday and the PTA Ball. space, people and problem with TB in our cattle. While up, it also nature in a crowded We are pleased for unfortunate accommodated a wedding island. farmers in the west country, reception, a Rotary Club Down Down on the Farm whose cows are continually function, the Chapel's being plagued by the disease, The health of our Chiltern Compassion Café, two World that the present coalition woodlands is now being Cup games, a School function, government are attempting a seriously threatened with Schools Fest, and a PTA party. cull of infected badgers as well damage caused by deer and So very well used! grey squirrels. The former as infected cattle. Why is the repeatedly eat the tops out of general public content with We have speeded and eased young trees, the latter ring bark controlling deer and squirrels our erection procedures by the trees which eventually die. but not badgers? buying a mechanical 'Wacker' The Muntjac deer which was (see action photo below) to introduced onto the Rothschild Summer 2010 is reminiscent of drive in the heavy steel stakes, estate near Tring has been a summer 1976. Fortunately the and a trailer to store the pest here for many years. It has drought is not so severe yet! In marquee, to avoid loading/ now spread as far as 1976 by July 1st there was not a unloading every hiring. Worcestershire. To make blade of grass anywhere and all matters worse, roe and fallow our stock were being fed full The next hirings are for the deer too are now often seen at winter rations. Cattle thrive in Speen Fete (and associated the woodland edges. Although hot dry weather as many of the Barn Dance and Craft Fair) and foresters have tried to control parasitic worms which cling to then North Dean Fete. the squirrels (without much the blades of grass are killed in success) only recently have any the sunlight. At the moment serious efforts been made to there is still some brown dried Many thanks to the team control the deer. If our beech up grass (hay?) in most fields. leaders (Jem, James, Ashley woodland is to thrive then deer We are praying for a good rain and Trevor) and all the and squirrel numbers must be soon so that we can make volunteer workers for your reduced. enough silage for the winter. efforts.

Another animal which causes Everyone is fed up with HS2, For information on the damage to farmland and and as it looks as if we will be availability and cost of hiring gardens is the badger. The annihilated if this route is the Marquee contact John badger's habit of digging chosen, so we have decided not Holmes (01494 488420 or mounded sets under the fence to think about it until the final [email protected]). line at woodland edges track is selected. However, the destroys the fence, but even gods have got it in for us as worse is the set in an open field next year a main electricity which is not always visible in a cable is being laid up from standing crop. The mounds can Amersham to easily turn a tractor over. In the through all our flat fields in the garden badgers will completely valley. destroy a sweetcorn or raspberry crop in an effort to Gill Kent get at the fruit. [email protected]

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. . . continued from page 15 their concerns with these MPs Letters to the the better. Editor campaign on their website to It is suggested that the best provide input to the approach is to start with the government on spending proposed top-tier argument A recent appraisal of the choices. This can be accessed that the business case for HS2 villages conservation by following the link below: is not sound, the environmental area describes the http://www.hs2actionalliance. benefits are far from proven, "strong community org/spendingchoices.php and there are alternative ways spirit" of the area, of meeting future demand that epitomised by this letter EHS Consultation have not been fully evaluated. There is a separate page David's email is of 10th March, 2010 relating to this action which [email protected] and has now closed for input. Philip's email is Dear David, [email protected] Get involved with the Chiltern Yet again an amazing issue of Society Facebook the Speen & North Dean News Visit their site and join their Only applicable to those who - you and Anne are to be campaigns. They are currently are on facebook and for whom putting £5 (of £20) for single the novelty hasn't worn off yet, congratulated. membership, and £10 (of £30) there is a group that can be for family membership, into an joined I am just wondering whether HS2 fighting fund. you would be kind enough to http://www.facebook.com/gr put the following comments in Number 10 Petition - now oup.php?gid=367587726768&re the next edition. I just wanted apparently closed on June f=ts write on behalf of the residents 6th of North Dean and Speen to This petition was suspended by Bucks Free Press the new Government, and it It seems that the BFP have a thank sincerely the Kents, who transpires that the petition petition running which can be every year spend much money closed on June 6th. This seems accessed at and time in tending our hedges to be an unsatisfactory throughout the two villages. It situation, as it is believed that http://www.bucksfreepress.co. is an expensive and time the number of signatories uk/news/highspeed2/ consuming job which they would be significantly higher, carry out very well on behalf of if people had been able to the villagers - Jim, Gill and access it. Details, such as they If you are aware of any key are, can be accessed here. activities that should be Charles - thank you. Disappointingly, given the publicised, please let me know massive number of people who via Yours sincerely will be impacted by HS2, there [email protected] were only 6,871 signatures at Peter G. Keen the time the petition was Chairman suspended, and none added Hypnos before the petition expired. Everyone in the villages knows how important these issues are, Write to David Lidington, MP so please keep checking the and Philip Hammond, MP website for updates - and use Secretary of State for the What's On feature on the Transport. Other MPs who website, which links to What's should be contacted include On in this journal, to see John Bercow, who now notices of further meetings. represents , and Steven The Editors Baker, Wycombe Many people may have already done this, but if you haven't, the more people that register

28 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk Wildlife Watch Wildlife Wildlife Watch photographed on a telegraph pole near the After quite a hard winter many Old Plow. of the visiting birds departed Mandarin ducks relatively early this year. 12 have again Redpolls were present in visited our area Woodview Drive until early searching for March whilst a group of 20 breeding sites. Crossbills near Hampden House Jeremy reported remained until 12th of the one in Water Cuckoo month. Other interesting Lane in April sightings included a Woodcock after failed first nests. These whilst I saw three in flight in and Raven in Great Hampden include a Leucistic female one of the local woods in May. during March. Blackbird in our own garden They have bred successfully which has a partially white near Wendover but it remains to Gradually summer visitors and head. Dick Seekins reported a be seen whether our local ponds breeding birds started to arrive Whitethroat in North Dean in offer sufficient safety. Certainly and foremost amongst these mid May with other interesting the 6 Mallard chicks raised at were Cuckoos. Both myself and sightings including a Woodcock Willotts Farm have all been Jeremy Symondson heard in Monkton Wood. picked off, predominantly by individual birds in Prestwood Magpies apparently. on 26th and 27th April whilst Both toad and frog tadpoles are Peter Dawson and Ashley now well developed in local Interestingly Magpies trying to Cooper heard a bird in Speen garden ponds. Some of the early nest in a garden in Moses Plat during May. Cuckoos, which warm weather at the beginning Lane have themselves been have not been recorded in the of June saw a 3ft long grass attacked by Crows trying to raid area in recent years, seem to be snake visiting our garden pond. their nest. Meanwhile Red Kites more widespread this year. and Buzzards are nesting in the Other birds which are becoming On the mammal front there has area whilst several pairs of Great more regular visitors include again been a night time sighting Spotted Woodpeckers in the Buzzards and Mandarin ducks. reported of a large feline. vicinity are feeding young Buzzards have been around the Unfortunately we never seem to fledged from 3 different nest area for some years but are now find evidence of paw prints, sites. Within our garden three coming down into larger significant kills or associated pairs of Blue Tits and two pairs gardens. I saw one in a garden sightings (or photographs) to of Great Tits have been in Spring Coppice Lane in add substance to these reports. successful whilst two pairs of February and one was In our own back garden a fox by Blackbirds are feeding young the patio doors at 11.00am one weekend was very unusual. Hares have been noted again in Flowers Bottom and I can confirm that Roe Deer have bred again locally with a fawn seen in late May.

Please let me know of any interesting sightings.

Peter Symonds [email protected] 488016

Roe Deer fawn

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 29 "The past hands from picking the sticky detailed account of the flowers in spring to make development of the aircraft becomes the dandelion wine. There were industry and the vital role memories of boys and girls played by George Holt present in your having to play separately - or Thomas , a previous resident of head" perhaps they wanted to - and North Dean House. of times when women would There are many stories never go into the pub. Sports to tell and hear about included hopscotch and pub living in a cricket (Dan Ridgley was on Oral Oral History Project village the team), and the boys going off to duff up the lot from Lacey Green. SNDN and SpeenFest Interactive! Oral History project begins to stir Like wildflowers, the stories memories people told suggested a mix of toughness and the idyllic. Jane Draycott quoted from Having to use bucket toilets, “Memory: an anthology” edited going off to war, living through by A.S. Byatt and Harriet the time when farm incomes Harvey-Wood when she were non-existent and the only George Holt Thomas introduced her fledgling oral way to survive was to sell up. George Holt Thomas, in And there would be historians to the art of story- association with George White, blackberrying, country telling, or perhaps more (founder of the Britisand dancing, going to the circus. accurately, the art of listening to Colonial Aeroplane Co. Ltd. stories. A number of villagers later the Bristol Aeroplane As our interviewers told the had agreed to talk to us about Company) and Lord stories they had heard and we their memories of their sporting Northcliffe, was influential in reflected on them, the space in past. The purpose of the getting the Government to the Old Village Hall took on an afternoon workshop in the increase funding of air services intent and quiet air - quiet, not Village Hall was to reflect on for the military. what we had heard and, silent, because the past was giving voice. respecting the almost universal "By the end of World War One, wish for anonymity among George Holt Thomas had those who told their tales, try Anne and David Worlock developed his Aircraft and give some sense of how 488033 Manufacturing Company memories of the past remain [email protected] (AIRCO), to be the largest woven in the present. [email protected] aircraft company in the world."

She encouraged us to think of North Dean relishes a During 1914, Holt Thomas contrasts, between this little proud history employed a Geoffrey de village on a hill, and the great Havilland "to design and northern industrial city that North Dean Village Hall was supervise the construction of was the starting point for one of the venue for a very interesting the companies' aeroplanes," on the tales; or between men and evening, exploring the a salary of £600 per year, with women; gardening and the war. involvement and influence of a commission of £50 per past North Dean inhabitant, in aeroplane for the first twenty Words would come back: the development of the sold, thereafter a commission "lighting wood" and "dandelion aeroplane. of £25 per aeroplane. This hands". "Lighting wood" was sounds like a very good made from thin chips cut away Dave Scott enraptured contract at that time! from the logs to kindle the fire, attendees with his collection of and people got dandelion photos and presented a Continued on page 34 . . .

30 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk WI - 50 years in Speen

On 7th January 1960, Speen WI was founded, so we planned to commemorate this date this year. The extreme weather conditions intervened! Instead on 1st April, we invited guests from other local WIs and 7 former Presidents, 4 of whom are still members of Speen WI and 3, who now live in the local area. Former Speen WI presidents with Mollie White cutting the cake Supper - cooked by our - earrings, bracelets, necklaces house down with her amazing members - was delicious. As or belts. One of us visited a music from all over the world. for the desserts, we are certain accessory shop to buy undoubtedly the most talented! Many WIs in the country The theme of have members the evening of all ages, so was of course please come and gold - the table join us on the decorations, first Thursday raffle prizes of every month and our cake, at 7.30pm to see which was if you like us! cooked and You will be decorated by made very our Treasurer, welcome. Speen Jean Morris, WI must surely who happens to be the oldest be the organisation in Chairman of Victoria Molinar entertaining the WI members with her accordion the village, but the please challenge Buckinghamshire Federation of long dangly "gold" earrings us if you have proof that we are WIs. Mollie White, who joined that cost £5! wrong in that assumption! Speen WI in April 1960 and is still a member, cut the cake. We owe a special thank you to We were all asked to wear Christine Oliver June Pilkington and her team, something that resembled gold [email protected] who were responsible for the organisation of this celebration. Victoria Molinar, a young talented musician, brought her accordion to entertain us; needless to Current WI president, Christine say she Oliver, with Mollie White brought the

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 31 Eyes Front! North Dean Village Hall presents an exciting combination of live performance and film about the effect of music in wartime

Friday, 15 October

Thanks to an initiative of A note about the performance: This rich mix of song, film, Council funny out takes and interaction known as Theatre in the Singer and broadcaster Isla St with audience, make for a light Villages (TiV), the Committee Clair, presents and performs a hearted family show that is of North Dean Village Hall are selection of popular songs, classics both informative and proud to announce that Isla St of their time, and tells the story wonderfully entertaining. Claire will be performing on behind them. Friday 15 October 2010 at This is an opportunity to see a North Dean Village Hall. Joining Isla is film maker Patrick professional performance in King who gives a fascinating and our local village hall. Tickets humorous 'behind-the-scenes' look will be on sale nearer the time; at the making of their award however, due to seating winning documentary films. restrictions, tickets will be Using film clips they illustrate limited to a first come basis. how songs and music played an important part in people's daily For more information, please lives for boosting morale, for contact Julie White on 01494 propaganda or for just reminding 562311 Isla St Claire people of better times.

Speen However that was six years ago A meeting will be held in the and lately the signatories of the village at which these matters Horticultural bank account have received will be discussed and decisions Society enquiries concerning the made. availability of the society's funds for useful purposes The date of this meeting will be This organisation had been in within the village. It has been announced possibly in the next existence for many years, suggested, for example, that issue of the magazine, but holding shows and meetings, the money could help pay for meanwhile I will deal with any but interest was waning when essential maintenance of the enquiries and collate opinions in 2004 it was decided at a final village hall and there seems to given to me on the subject, (poorly attended) meeting to be some informal consensus to eventually to be put forward suspend the society to allow for that effect. But first it is for discussion and any the possibility of a resurgence essential to ascertain whether proposals arising voted upon at of interest at some future time. there is any group of people in the meeting. Suspension was decided upon sufficient numbers within the rather than winding up village who might be interested My name is Peter Dawson (last completely at that time mainly in taking over and reviving the secretary of the horticultural because the society still had Horticultural Society. society) and you can contact some money in the bank which Alternatively, should the me on 488222 or might, it was thought, be useful money be considered for other [email protected] to assist a new start up. purposes?

32 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk The creative team from the music and the making of Speen Festival included local African inspired decorations community artist Emma Child, for our crazy football heads. not-at-all-local djembe drummer Nickens Nksoso from Everyone involved seems to the African Band Kasai Masai have felt that this project was a (who had performed for the triumph: "stimulating, exciting SpeenFest Speen community last summer) and bonding" says one teacher and two teachers from St John's - and the Festival is so glad to Interactive! has School with wildly creative support a creative project that talent - Jac Osman-Allu and has brought together different been ACTIVE Fiona Insley. local schools so positively. Thanks to all who made it Collectively, and with a possible but particularly to Mrs May Poetry Day wonderfully organised mess, Nayna at Speen who trusted the children created 1 metre me and then wasn't able to be As a preamble to the diameter football heads of the there. domination of World Cup King and Queen of South themes, on 20 May we invited Africa. On completion these Kate Laughton professional poet and teacher were ceremonially hoisted in Joint Artistic Director Jane Draycott to Speen and the middle of the marquee. Speen Festival Lacey Green. In the morning Individually the children created self-portraits in brilliant Jane worked with the children More Information: contact Kate colours to make a 'rainbow' of years 3 and 4 from St John's on 01494 488548 or email Combined School creating bunting and also a rainbow of [email protected] poems 'You Are South Africa' handprints to represent the based on fantastic images and 'rainbow nation' hosting the music of the country and the World Cup (see page 10). vibrant colours of the South African flag. These poems were Musically they were not only The Speen Festival is biennial then used to inspire artwork drilled in the basics of djembe and takes place over a ten day and music by the children and drumming (and dancing) from period in September in Speen. teachers culminating in an the Congo but also developed It is run entirely by local assembly at the school. their African singing voices volunteers. SpeenFest using call and response songs Interactive! was an initiative of In the afternoon Jane was given from all over Africa, South the 2009 Festival aiming: a very different task in Speen African Football Anthems Village Hall. (Shosholoza) and a little "To promote participatory wordsetting of poems about creative activities during and I'm hoping that the Editor has Africa (written by some older between Festivals written about the rest of the pupils as part of May Poetry day somewhere else in this Day). "To place professional publication . . .[see the "Past artists and creative leaders becomes the present in your The whole proceedings were within local community and head" on page 30]. directed by Fiona's homemade educational settings Vuvuzela and came together in SpeenSchoolFest: a triumphant match between 4 "To support local creative Bridging the Gap South African Tribes of initiatives and harness skills children on the football pitch of to develop and encourage Speen School under the canopy expertise On the 22 and 23 of June 2010 of the Speen Marquee and the in the Speen School grounds, African Sun. "To develop a strand of over 100 children ages 2-7 from local projects relating to the Speen CofE School, St John's In the meantime Debbie main Festival events Combined School Lacey Green Hayman, teacher at Speen and Speen Pre-school came School had been busy creating The Speen Festival 2009 is together for a remarkable African masks during school supported by Beechdean celebration of South Africa and time with Speen pupils, and I Dairies, Speen Shop Charities the World Cup. had been making music with and Wycombe District Council the Speen Pre-school who came You kind of had to be there, together with the reception The next Speen Festival takes and I'm sorry if you weren't. class both mornings for some place in September 2011 Thanks to all who were! African singing, instrumental

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 33 . . . continued from page 30 from RAF Halton. Later, Holt From a comment posted on Thomas began to build a large avionics: "I went to school in The technical qualifications of new house for himself, just off in the 1950s. de Havilland and the business Stocking Lane. This is now part The town was the home of qualities of Holt Thomas were of the Timber Research and furniture makers in England. It combined to great success. The Development Association was logical for all that wood name De Havilland became (TRADA) establishment. expertise to be used in synonymous with the air manufacturing Mosquito parts. industry in part due to Holt The aircraft industry came to There are still pubs in HW - Thomas who played a major High Wycombe in a very big Chairmakers, Carpenters Arms, part through his tireless efforts way during the war. It was Jolly Bodger etc. that hark back and influential involvement in fascinating to see photos and to that period". the aircraft industry. hear about the important role that the chair making industry, The evening was made even Holt Thomas lived in North in and around High Wycombe, more enjoyable by the efforts of Dean House from where he played for the war effort. Julie in organising this event, deployed energy into dairy with welcome assistance from farming and raising a herd of Due to local skills and work- co-committee member Steve prize winning Friesian cattle. shop facilities specialising in Rogers, and the very tasty meal He also bought several farms wood working, the furniture of hot steak and ale, prepared and other houses and land in makers were engaged in the by the King William Public North Dean. He was locally manufacture of aircraft compon- House in Speen. respected and a generous ents - not just small compon- employer and did much to help ents but the fuselage and the Special thanks go to Dave Scott the village. In 1921 he was wings of the famous for his excellent presentation. responsible for the building of DeHavilland Mosquito! Rather In return for his efforts, and at the village hall and the three than using our local beech, his behest, the North Dean black and white cottages special timber was imported Village Hall Committee were opposite Clappins Lane (one from Canada. The photos of pleased to make a donation to now occupied by Julie White, these large loads being trans- Chilterns Air Ambulance secretary to North Dean Village ported to Hendon were partic- Service. Hall, who arranged the ularly noteworthy. It transpires Tony White evening). All these buildings, it that "wooden" airplanes had is thought, were relocated significant advantages over Picture by kind permission of converted wartime barracks their metal counterparts. Dave Scott.

A HISTORY OF SPEEN

The "Leaves of Time" was first published in 2000 as part of Speen's Millennium Celebrations and is a history of the village and its inhabitants since records began. It records the building of Speen Chapel as well as the birth of our school, the origins of the 'bodger' and Speen's brush with the Second World War! It is a fascinating account of the self-reliance of the inhabitants of this remote hilltop village.

Updated in 2007, the current edition records recent events in the village such as the school's 40th birthday, the opening of the children's bike park, the numerous S.S.G.'s fundraising events and of course the biennial SPEEN FESTIVAL with its art and photographic exhibitions, plays and musicals. All proceeds of the sale of the books go toward Speen Festival.

THE LEAVES OF TIME is available from Speen Stores and online at [email protected]

34 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 35 Wildlife in all its Rope String Band to the village having a World Cup theme marquee on Friday June 4th. To does help the creative juices forms a packed house they rattled flow when coming up with new through old and new material game ideas and names! Once supported on with the crowd in stitches all again your attendance and the Playing night; they were very well support helped us to raise received on their return to significant funds towards the Fields of Speen Speen. The proceeds from this upkeep of our playing fields. event went to support the Speen Playing Fields playing fields and Malaria Over on Dan Ridgley’s field we Report, Summer 2010 Consortium. have this year tried to leave the Speen Playing Fields open area as a wildlife meadow The observant amongst our Speen World Cup FunDay with cutting to encourage wild community may have noticed followed on Saturday 12th June. flowers and wildlife. We have the arrival of a new tree on the With not a single piece of goal had a few users of our bird boxes playing fields . . . our very own line video technology in site, with a nest of blue tits adjacent to Christmas tree! Our new and only the eagle eyes of Geoff the rope swing - a dangerous arrival (yet to have an official our referee, we knew that the place to bring up a family! name!) is a Serbian Spruce, not officials would be challenged a well known Christmas tree with the usual skulduggery and As always many thanks for the species but given the difficulty blatant cheating of some of our support of the village in of trying to find a suitable teams. We enjoyed playing allowing us to keep the fields specimen, we are hopeful that Mexican Wave, Hat Trick, Pitch in the excellent condition that it will serve us very well in the Invasion, Bend it Like Beckham, they are. We hope that you coming years. A hardy group the Ledley "King William" have a good summer and enjoy of volunteers spent a hot spring Gallas Dentists Chair game, using your playing fields. day digging a large hole into WAGS and Bags and the which we lowered our tree. We Klinsman Kiddy Kurling Cup. See you at Bonfire Night. were spurred on by the With our traditional village extensive wit of passing teams adopting a World Cup Andy Thompson villagers who had some country it was the blue of 488524 sarcastic "well I never" France/Hampden Road that comments about planting a walked off with the big prize. STOP PRESS: "You may have Christmas tree in May . . . Without showing any of the noticed our traditional thanks for those contributions! infighting of the real French Wicksteed roundabout has We then spent the next 6 weeks football team they scored early gone . . . do not despair . . . we watering our tree and hoping on by playing their "Gazza" have taken her for refurbish- the journey from Serbia (via joker on the first game and ment and she will be back soon Denham) hadn't been too winning and from there they with new bearings, boards and arduous. We were pleased to never looked back! We carried paint . . . ready for action!" see new growth and heave a on into the sigh of relief that it had evening with survived. We look forward to more sporting decorating it in December and punishment by singing carols in a less watching dangerous spot than the edge England play of Hampden Road! USA, and how little did we Anyway, enough of Christmas know then in July . . . and to the early what was in summer FunDay activities. We store over the welcomed back the eclectic coming days musical comedy of the New for Capello's boys . . . still

36 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk District and County Council News Council County and District District and Brian Briscoe, calling for "a are another key issue. You will review in more detail" of the have seen the completion of the County Council route and the impact it would missing 'finger post' signing in News - June have on residents living nearby. Hampden. It has taken a very This should mean a complete long time to get these in place 2010 relook at the HS2 Business Case but I hope you feel that it was and more involvement of worth the effort. As you will 'private' finance. also have seen the County has reintroduced the policy for A useful 'Summit', organised by surface dressing minor roads. the County Council, bringing Pink Road, Chapple Hill and Paul Rogerson hopes together the various pressure Peter's Lane have benefitted that there are signs of a groups opposed to routing from the improved specification rethink through the Chilterns AONB, which should give a longer life was held in June to examine the to the road between treatments. The High Speed Rail (HSR) financial 'Business Case' for HS2 Bryants Bottom Road requires a proposals and their affect on the and it was evident from this that higher specification for the Communities and Environment the numbers just do not stack surface treatment and therefore within the Chilterns continue to up. I asked that, based on what was not part of the programme. dominate my work load. There had been presented that both I have asked that it be given have been indications that a the District and the County priority for more permanent rethink by Government may be Council write to the Secretary of repairs and await proposals. happening but until firm State for Transport and the alternatives come forward the Chancellor, pointing out the I would apologise for the lack of proposed three routes are still flaws in the finance and that, 'grass cutting' in Speen. The area the only proposal on the table. faced with Government Cuts to by Abbotswood was done but all services, money should not the piece opposite the Speen The first indication of change be wasted on this scheme. I was Stores was not. This happened was the cancellation, by the pleased that they both agreed because the contract Coalition Government, of the and have written. arrangements were taken back third Heathrow runway and the by the County Council and list request to Lord Mawhinney to With the announcement, by provided by the District was not look to see how link by HS2 to George Osborne, to consult on up to date. This has been Heathrow could be made. A Government Spending this is a corrected and both areas will relook at the provision of a good time to write to the now be cut on a three weekly through connection to HS1 is Treasury with your thoughts on cycle though the season. also reported. Mix 96 News has priorities for the Government. a useful website and confirms The next dead line for a If you have a concern about that "The Secretary of State, Government Announcement is either council services my email Philip Hammond, has written to in October when the address is Lord Mawhinney - who has Comprehensive Spending [email protected] and already been commissioned to Review, following the Budget my telephone number 01494 consider how Heathrow might proposals, is made. If you are 488315. So if you would like to be linked to a high speed rail concerned that the level of contact me, I will do what I can network - to adjust his remit in Spending Cuts will affect to help. the light of the new essential services then Government's aviation policy." It withdrawal of funding for the Paul Rogerson [email protected] has also been reported that present HS2 could be a priority. District and County Councillor Philip Hammond, wrote to the man behind the scheme, Sir Road repairs and maintenance

www.speenbucks.org.uk SNDN 49 37 Speen and North Dean News • Editors Anne & David Worlock 488033

Speen and North Dean News • advertising Peter Cooper 488975

Speen Baptist Church • Minister Andy Gower 488758

Speen Festival • Secretary Sue Taylor 488168

Speen Fete • Chairman Amanda Dobbs 488887

Speen Fete • Secretary Nicki Pitt 488713

Speen & North Dean Good Neighbours Christine Oliver 488409

Speen & North Dean Guides Pauline Hall 488372

Speen Infants School • Head Denise Nayna 488321

Speen Infants School PTA Ann Myers 488692

Speen Marquee John Holmes 488420

Mother and Toddler Group Katherine Matthews 489843

Who’s Who in Who’s Speen and North Dean Speen PreSchool Amanda Dobbs 488887

Speen Playing Fields Chairman Andy Thompson 488524

Riding for the Disabled Gloria Holmes 488420

Speen Supporters Group TBD

Speen Stores Alison Templeman 488258

Speen Tennis Court • Secretary Cherry Seekins 488355

Speen Village Hall • Chairman Bill Groves 488180

Speen Village Hall • Bookings Bill Groves 488180

Speen WI • Secretary Barbara Collett 488348

North Dean Village Hall • Chairman Andrew Howard 562775

North Dean Village Hall • Secretary Julie White 562311

North Dean Village Hall – Bookings Megan Chinn 563074 Secretary Pigotts 7 ‘48’ Musical Evenings Nick Wheeler•Robinson 562167

Hughenden Parish Council • Chairman R F Gould

Lacey Green Parish Council • Chairman Cathryn Davies 01844 342800

Lacey Green Parish Council – Councillor Roger Craft 488343 for Speen Ward Wycombe District Council • Member for Lacey Paul Rogerson 488315 Green & Hampdens Bucks County Council • Member for Lacey Green Paul Rogerson 488315

Police Contact PCSO Lisa Roberts 0845 850 5505

38 SNDN 49 www.speenbucks.org.uk