Hilltop News

August & September 2010 Farewell Ivor… he Reverend Ivor Cornish, who has served the Hilltop Villages so well Tand so faithfully for many years, is to retire in September. Ivor (pictured on our front cover outside Cholesbury church) was appointed as non-stipendiary curate to the four parishes within a month of David’s arrival here. He has served in the Oxford Diocese during his entire ministry as reader and ordained minister, and was non- stipendiary curate for eight years in Aston Clinton, Drayton Beauchamp and Buckland before coming here in October 1997. David and John as colleagues, and all of us as parishioners, have immensely valued his thoughtful approach to, and diligent conduct of, his pastoral and parochial ministry, together with his deep theological Whose was the first winning ticket picked knowledge and wisdom in many areas. out by Matt Baker in the St Leonards fete His diligence has extended to social and annual draw? Find out inside… fundraising events: he has always been reliable in supporting the churches by his Included in this issue… attendance at those functions. We think he’s gained enough skill and experience in • At last, the sun shone on the annual St enough fetes, fairs and sales to set up for Leonards Parish Fete in June. People himself as a second-hand bookseller if he came in their droves and provided record- wanted to...! breaking receipts. John and Ann Horn His contribution has been invaluable, and provide the full story… he will be greatly missed. Also: On Tuesday 7 September at 7.30pm at • TV’s much-travelled Countryfile presenter The Lee, there is to be a special Communion Matt Baker enjoys life in the Hilltops Service for Ivor. This will be followed by wine and buffet and we do hope as many people • The Crippen brothers find success as possible will join us. working with horses • H G Matthews re-creates a 300 year-old kiln • Our American in Hawridge moves – to Cholesbury • A family of artists opens its doors Plus our regular features… Nature notes, wildlife, Curvaceous Cook…plus all the news from our Churches, School, Clubs, Pubs, Councils and Societies.

Hilltop News 3 existing posts as for all the other cycle how they organise their lives and remain THE PARISH COUNCIL routes through our villages. Could they THE COUNTY COUNCIL independent. The Council is also out to The case of the disappearing sign post… not be reduced to one sign per location? ‘More for less’ is the consultation on modernising day services By the way, the vast majority of temporary and libraries will follow shortly. Most of you will have noticed the large Government’s edict to advertising is unauthorised under the You will have read in the local press wooden post which appeared recently on Town & Country Planning (Control of local government in the that several Buckinghamshire schools that the Cholesbury triangle. It was, I think, Advertisements) Regulations 1992. As such, Budget, so what are meet Ofsted’s criteria as ‘outstanding’ fly-posting is a criminal offence and liable have expressed an interest in becoming erected by the Chiltern Society to signpost the implications for the to prosecution. Academies. Hopefully there will be many their new Chilterns Cycleway. Talking of signs, the County Council County Council? What advantages but it will be a culture change part from being a bit of an eyesore, has erected a nice new village entry does the ‘Big Society’ and needs very careful consideration. The it immediately attracted fly posters sign at Cholesbury/Buckland Common. mean and what is Adult Learning brochure for 2010-2011 is Unfortunately it’s in the wrong place and now available in libraries and schools with Aand within a few days three big the financial impact? Less government posters (in one case 3 feet by 2 feet) had several residents have made representations a huge variety of courses catering for all interference in our everyday lives, more been screwed or stapled to the post. through the Parish Council for it to be interests and hobbies. So if a new language Then came the mystery. First the posters moved. responsibility for individuals by helping beckons do look out for it! disappeared, then the sign shrank to a mere If you want to discuss any local issues people to help themselves and a bigger Finally, on 8 July I received an invitation three feet overnight. with the Parish Council, why not attend from The Prime Minister to a small role for the voluntary, community and The Parish Council is concerned about a meeting? We meet on the fourth reception at 10 Downing Street, which the post, which may be in contravention Monday in every month (except August private sectors. gave me the unexpected chance to tackle of Health & Safety rules and is checking and December) in either Cholesbury or here will be significant changes the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip with the County Council on this. I am St Leonards Village Hall. Agendas and in public services and the launch Hammond MP about High Speed 2. I raised personally concerned that other posts locations are on Council notice boards or of the Bucks Debate asks local the prospect of cutting through some of available from me or any member of the T the most exceptional and fragile areas have been erected for the Cycleway and residents what you think our priorities I can’t understand why they didn’t use Council. should be. Our ambition is to remain a top of the Chilterns AONB, the fact that the David Clarke, Clerk to the Council 758567 performing council but we need to manage AONB receives 51,000,000 visits a year from expectations about what we can deliver in people seeking peace and tranquillity and the future. During the consultation there the option of increasing capacity on both will be public events across the county the West Coast Mainline and the Chiltern asking us all to state our views. Line from Marylebone to Birmingham. A This week I have been out examining recent meeting at The Oculus in Aylesbury parish roads with Eric Meek, Area demolished the business case and the Maintenance Manager, and Mike Barber the conclusion has to be that HS2 is a political local Area Technician. I have their assurance enterprise. that much more remedial work will be done Do remember that I am here to raise your locally and I am sure road maintenance will concerns with officers at County Hall. feature prominently in the Bucks Debate. Tricia Birchley 01296 621138 At the Annual Meeting of the Council on 6 May I was appointed the Cabinet Member for Adults and Family Wellbeing. With a gross annual spend of £170 million, much of what goes on represents change for the better. Since l April, people who meet the eligibility criteria for social care are offered a personal budget, in other words a notional sum of money to purchase their care. This offers choice as to

4 Hilltop News Hilltop News 5 THE SUN SHINES ON PRESIDENT’S DAY

…but don’t mention the World Cup! unday 27 June was blisteringly Shot – almost too hot even for cricket – but all was set for a grand day to celebrate the Club’s 125th Anniversary. The Club Cricket Conference sent a team to play against a Hawridge & Cholesbury XI for an all-day, two-innings match. Club President Trafford Matthews played for the CCC team. Trafford doesn’t get much time to play these days and his rustiness showed as he failed to trouble the scorers in either innings. A scrumptious roast lunch in the pavilion was prepared by Flags of H&C (and England) fly for our Ellie Redding and a helpful band of club celebration day ladies. The match was played in a spirit which befitted the occasion, with the CCC Guest of Honour for the day was team winning the game narrowly. Les Gomm, the oldest Hilltop resident associated with the Club, and now in his 84th year. Les was born and raised in Hawridge, where he still lives. His late brother Wally played for H&C for many years – Les preferred to watch the matches. As the football World Cup knock-out stages worked out, England were down to play Germany this afternoon. An England win in front of our enthusiastic and patriotic gathering really would have been the icing on the cake as we watched at tea-time; but alas we were enraged by the goal that never was and disappointed by ultimate elimination. Still, a good day overall as we look forward now to a Club tour of Devon, where we meet up with our old friend and former member Sen Sinniah, who retired to Les Gomm enjoys a cuppa with President the county a couple of years ago. Trafford Matthews Graham Lincoln, Secretary, Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket Club. 758449

6 Hilltop News Hilltop News 7 8 Hilltop News Hilltop News 9 Local interest in Bucks Open Studios The Visual Images Group organises Bucks Open Studios, an outlet for visual artists and craftspeople to demonstrate their work. Bucks Open Studios became part of the cultural fabric of Buckinghamshire 25 years ago. The 1986 event had 43 exhibiting venues which included 28 artist open studios. This year the number had increased to 260 venues with 448 exhibiting artists for the two-week event at the end of June. ll types of artist exhibit, some individually, some as part of a Agroup. The Collins family displayed their range of work to stunning effect Feeling the heat! The re-created wood-fired kiln from their home in Buckland Common. Barry took up painting as a new interest when he retired and then persuaded wife The artistic Collins family – the spaniel on the Heather to take right is one of Nick’s sculptures! up the brush. Matthews opens its gates Daughter Laura trained to be a Our local family-run brickworks, H.G. upon Dr Gerard Lynch, Historic Brickwork photographer, Matthews, held a programme of Open Consultant from Milton Keynes. specialising in Since 1953, H.G. Matthews has used oil black and white Days on 14 and 15 May, to which to fire the bricks. This takes 26 hours to landscapes, they invited renowned architects and reach the required temperature. The wood- and son Nick is representatives from The National Trust, fired kiln took four days and three nights a professional English Heritage and English Royal Palaces. to fire. sculptor. Nick The resulting bricks are superb, perfectly makes his s an added attraction, Matthews Another of Nick’s matching those made pre-18th Century. imaginative creations. living creating built a small wood-fired kiln, Matthews has sold 3000 of the bricks commissions of simulating a traditional 18th century A already for an extension to a very old dogs, horses and the like, and casting for construction holding 12,000 hand-made farmhouse in the New Forest. other artists. bricks. This is how bricks were produced in At the Open Days, practical Hilltop News’s own Design and Production 1926 when H.G. Matthews last used wood demonstrations were given by a number man, Michael Spark, exhibited some of his to fire the bricks. Jason Whitehead and of guest craftsmen. These included a artwork with the Little Kimble Art Group. Bill Neff flew over from the USA to help stonemason, blacksmith and wood carver. You can find out more about Bucks Open demonstrate the kiln. These gentlemen H.G. Matthews remains one of the Studios by visiting the website: work at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia: few businesses where the whole range www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk. a living history museum where they of traditional skills required for heritage demonstrate wood-fired brick making in brickwork is maintained. the traditional way. Matthews also called

10 Hilltop News Hilltop News 11 marquee at The Full Moon will be busy with Summer news of private functions that are catered for. On the Bank Holiday Sunday 29 August, there will be a Hilltop pubs repeat of ‘Unplugged on the Patio’ which is an ad hoc jam session hen the GMB trade union application understated the relative increase performed by local carried out an extensive survey in the square surface area of the building people with musical skills. Wof landlords tied to pubcos, it by a wide margin. In their appeal against After suffering learned that 73% earn less than £10,000 net the change of use application, there have numerous cancellations of costs. This income usually sustains family been successive claims and clarifications by and diminished trade members in addition to the landlord. Given Fortitude’s planning consultant in response during the December a national average per capita disposable to the CDC position. These contain various and January snow storms income of £9,000, this is a relatively poor contradictions and inconsistencies with and a slow recovery up living. At the bottom end of the pub prior written submissions. A ruling by the to Easter, Peter Alberto is economic scale, 20% of landlords told the Planning Inspectorate may already have grateful for the splendid survey that they were having to put more been published by the time you read this. weather we have enjoyed than £10,000 into their pubs every year out Incidentally, there is an unsubstantiated since then. His unabashed of their own personal net worth. report that Fortitude may be prepared to view about the drought is This makes one wonder why anyone sell the entire property, including the 17 plus “long may it continue”. or couple would take on a lease in a acres of land, for an amount less than their Bill Ingram pub owned by one of the major pubcos. initial purchase cost. Their predicament has been getting Just when everything looked to be on media attention in the past few months. the ascendancy at The White Lion, the Unfortunately, the pubcos have a self management and kitchen staff bailed out defence organisation in the British Beer in June, leaving a scene of irregular food and Pub Association, which pumps out service and Richard Leach to man the bar in contradictory propaganda to blunt the the evenings. A replacement manager and impact of the investigative journalist’s his partner should have taken up residence findings. by mid July. They have previously been Within a week of Chiltern District Council managing the well-regarded Woolpack at Planning Committee’s rejection of Fortitude Stoke Mandeville. Investments (Commercial) Ltd’s application Vale Inns’ philosophy of running The to change the use of The Bull from public White Lion as a pub with a restaurant as a house to dwelling house, twin appeals were side line will continue with good quality pub lodged with the Planning Inspectorate under food being prepared on site. John Dionesis, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. In who is the chief chef at The Russell Arms, addition to appealing the adverse change of will oversee the menu and preparation use ruling, they have contested the earlier standards. rejection of the August 2009 application to All the infrastructure work, which enlarge the existing building extensively. has included electrical refurbishment, When one reads the submissions made decorating, renewing the soft furnishings by Fortitude over time, it becomes clear why and expanding the garden/play area, has there is ill will toward them locally and in been completed. Chiltern District Council. Their expansion During August and September, the

12 Hilltop News Hilltop News 13 A Record Breaker…!

The sun shone all the week – ‘it can’t last until Saturday can it?’ - the question on so many lips, before 5 June and the St Leonards Annual Parish Hall Fete! We were so blessed - it lasted - stayed all day - then just as all was packed away some whole event and in such a professional way. rain freshened the ground for ten minutes The team on the Gate, taking a massive before giving us a beautiful evening in £685, at least had pleasant weather this which to unwind. Wow – what a difference year and needed their gazebo to keep off a year makes! the sun. Last year they needed hot drinks to keep them going in the rain! s ever the community was extremely Christmas, managed to recover and work Francis Sanger manned the Public supportive with cakes, bottles, away on the Show Schedule, which helps so Address System and kept everyone bric-a-brac, prizes etc., from the A much to promote the sponsorship funding. informed of events as the day rolled on. House to House Collection, not to mention keen to contribute he donated his money They amassed a very loyal team of helpers A record number of people attended and the huge amount of Annual Draw Tickets and made his guesses before he went on and Judges. The Horse Show/Gymkhana there was much to occupy them, apart from sold before the day. They alone amounted holiday, so his success was particularly wouldn’t have happened this year without eating and sitting in the sun! Books, Bottle to over £900 with a total, by the time the well deserved. The other winner who also Karen and Annie. At time of writing the Stall, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Children’s Stall, draw was made, of £1,240! received a £6 book token was Dominic final sponsorship has not been received Face Painting, Plants, Coconut Shy, Skittles, Matt Baker very kindly came along at the Hutson from Cholesbury. The Children’s but the result looks to be in the region of Bowling, Splat-the- Rat, Hoopla, Beat-the- last minute to open the Fete and judge the Races, organised by Little Bears Pre-School, £1,400 - £1,500. Well done all!! Goalie. ‘Angela the Angel’ was Caroline’s Horse Show Fancy Dress. His lovely family were very much enjoyed as were the Morris Iris, the WI and those working non-stop Coin Collage (such imagination and artistry, came too and they appeared to enjoy the Dancers, Dutch Organ and the chance to all afternoon in the kitchen, had a difficult a new name and design every year!) made afternoon with Matt joining the Morris view the Vintage Motorcycles and Cars. task keeping up with the queue for the £63.46 and for the first time ever had Dancers and picking out the Annual Draw Those who still had energy towards the delicious cream teas and cakes. Many two winners, who both guessed £63.60 – prizes. We know his family time is valuable end of the afternoon were able to join in thanks to David Hawkes for providing all Caroline tells us “one wasn’t even there!”. these days as his work takes him far and the Dancing with Matt and the Woodside the milk and cream. Tony and Guy had the Frank Butler, our local Postman, was so wide and we were delighted to have them Morris! hottest job of all slaving over the charcoals all with us! The day drew to a close with the much – a record number of burgers were served. The Horse Show/Gymkhana began the awaited result of the Annual Draw. To Ice Creams were at a premium and a back day in beautiful sunshine and a record her embarrassment but also great delight up supply of cones had to be sent for! The number turned up to join in. So many the first ticket Matt drew was his wife’s! Beer Tent, selling Pimms too this year, was a in fact they were all still going strong Congratulations Nicola, hope you have a great success. alongside the Fete until the end of the great day at Twickenham! We are most The Dog Show, organised and run by afternoon. A huge thank you to Karen grateful to the London Irish Rugby Club, Jonathan Bright, was very successful and Crippen and Annie Alberto. Karen, helped Chiltern Motors (BC) Ltd, Taylors Tools, thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. by her very able sons, set up beforehand The White Lion, The Full Moon, Chesham Entries were slightly down this year but and managed the event on the day. Fencing and all who provided prizes this there were other Dog Shows competing in Over £900 was taken on entries alone! year. the area on the day. Thanks Jonathan, it is Annie who, having been seriously ill since My sincere thanks to my ‘Team’ who such a help to know you will deal with the work so hard preceding the day and

14 Hilltop News Hilltop News 15 afterwards clearing up - John Allen, Brian Mills, David Clarke, Ian Piggot, Dave Carlin CHOLESBURY-CUM-ST NEIGHBOURHOOD and last but by no means least Nigel LEONARDS W.I. WATCH Blomfield. As some of us are not getting ugust is the month when a social here has been a any younger, Nigel’s valued assistance with evening is arranged for members report of a possible machinery dealing with fence posts, straw only. Meetings, where visitors scam where people bales and numerous other tasks, enables A T are welcomed, resume in September are being encouraged to the whole thing to get under way. and Monday 20th should be a date in place an advertisement The Hall driveway is in need of urgent everyone’s diary because Keith Jansz will be in a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ brochure. The attention and the wonderful result from at St Leonards Village Hall. Amersham Office would like to make it the Fete this year will help towards it. We Keith is a member of the Mouth and clear that there is no such organization as have been shocked at the amount needed Foot Painting Artists Association. He took ‘Neighbourhood Watch Support’ and the to fully repair and resurface the area but Thomas the Tank Engine – Windsor up painting after a car accident in 1995 Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network hopefully a considerable amount will be Thomas has brought his namesake along where he broke his neck. Now in his late does not produce any such local brochures. accomplished during 2010/11. The amount for many years in the past. Try as hard 40s, he is well known throughout the world If you have any concerns, questions or raised from the Fete appears to be an as we could, no insurance could be for his paintings, which are full of light issues you would like to raise relating to this, increase in the region of 27% on last year found to cover him this year. Windsor and colour. He will be telling us about the please contact Neighbourhood & Home Watch to just over £6000! An all time record. also drew a blank when he tried to take history of mouth and foot painting and his Network (England and Wales) on enquiries@ Thank you to all concerned: the Hall out a personal insurance, unless he was own career as a mouth artist. nationalnhw.org or 0116 229 3118. Do not belongs to us all and it is wonderful there prepared to take out a loan to cover Please ring Carol Henry on 758435 for agree to anything over the telephone or on is such marvellous community spirit around it! It is very sad as St Leonards Fete was more information about this meeting and your doorstep. when it comes to getting things done! Thomas’ last stronghold, as all other local Fetes and Schools in the area have our other WI activities. Please visit the link below to view the John and Ann Horn had the same brush with ‘elf & safety’! Chiltern CSI (Community Safety Information) Fete Co-ordinating and St Leonards Hall Newsletter. This includes a letter from Chief Management Committee Inspector Ian Hunter and also information about other initiatives, crime statistics and details of local “Have Your Say” meetings HAWRIDGE AND CHOLESBURY during July. CHURCHES’ FETE http://www.chiltern.gov.uk/site/scripts/ This years venue Cholesbury download_info.php?downloadID=921 opening 1.30pm And if the hot weather continues throughout August and September remember Holiday Monday - 30th August to be alert over security for your home and Home made Teas, Tombolas, Games of outbuildings. skill and Fun, Ices and BBQ, Plants and Shirley Blomfield 758314 Cakes and Books, Activities for young and old while listening to the ELLESBOROUGH SILVER BAND If you can donate cakes, books, plants, Bric-a-Brac, draw prizes or bottles please contact a churchwarden John 758715, Elizabeth 758214, Joan 758332 We will be grateful for help setting up the site in the morning

16 Hilltop News Hilltop News 17 Syd met Phyllis French, a Wigginton girl, in 1976 and they married soon after. They had no children of their own, although Phyllis had children from her previous marriage. They moved to Canada for a short while before returning to live in Wigginton, then at Railway Cottages in Tring. Phyllis died in 1986 and is buried at Hawridge. Soon after her death, Syd returned to Canada to live with Phyllis’s family for the rest of his life.

SYDNEY STANLEY BEVAN BALDWIN

6 July 1930 – 29 May 2010

Syd was born in Little Twye, Buckland Common, the sixth of ten children born to Arnold and Florence Baldwin. he family ran the village shop at Hawridge, which Syd’s grandmother Tstarted, then lived at Little Twye before moving to Chiltern Cottages when they were built in 1939. Syd went to school at St Leonards from where, as Doreen, the youngest and now sole surviving sibling recalls, he often played truant! When he left school officially, Syd – a ‘Jack of all trades’ - turned his hand to a variety of jobs, including farming, tree cutting with Fred Penn and gardening at Dundridge Manor, where it is said he planted the much-admired daffodils. It is remembered that while cutting limbs from a tree in Cholesbury, Syd fell and broke his collar bone. But he got back up to finish the job before getting treatment! Syd was the joker of the family, happy-go-lucky, and liked nothing more than a pint or two with friends at the local pubs.

18 Hilltop News Hilltop News 19 LOCAL HISTORY GROUP TODDLE WODDLE Children from Little Bears Pre-School An early mention that the first of the new took to the fields for a fun, fund season of Local History Group talks kicks raising hike this Spring. Almost £300 off on Friday, 1st October at 8 for 8:15pm was raised by the eager youngsters at Cholesbury Village Hall. who raced around the St Leonards playing field several times, clocking he story of up money for their nominated charity, the County of the Meningitis Trust. Buckingham from T Parents, grandparents, friends and the English Civil War carers cheered and joined in as the to the start of the 20th youngsters from the group, based at century was largely St Leonards Parish Hall, took part in forged by its aristocratic in the Toddle Woddle which raises families. One of the most money for good causes. Afterwards influential of these was the Verney family everyone relaxed with a well-earned and The Verneys of Buckinghamshire is the picnic lunch. title of the talk to be given by one of our regular and favourite speakers. Colin Oakes’ Playleader Claire Cox was absolutely unique presentation style is guaranteed delighted with the turnout. “It was once again to entertain and educate his wonderful to see our little children audience. so keen to help those less fortunate. Membership is just £8 for adults and, They had a fantastic time and I thank from this year, membership for those 16 their families for supporting this years and under is free. event so well.” With eight evening meetings - normally The pre-school was also recently on the first Friday of the month - plus inspected by Ofsted, the government a newsletter, other member events and body and achieved an excellent facilities which guarantee to offer report. Little Bears is open five something of interest for everyone, mornings a week, plus two lunch club membership is great value. If you are new sessions, for children aged between to the area or have just not got round to 2½ years and rising five. coming along before now, why not come to a meeting - non-members are always made welcome for just £3 on the night. For further information please contact me on 758890 or email us on CHOLESBURY [email protected] WATERCOLOUR Look out for the yellow roadside notices WORKSHOP and posters on notice boards to remind you a meeting is imminent! Cholesbury Watercolour Workshop will be holding its Annual Exhibition Chris Brown 758890 on Saturday 4 September at Cholesbury Village Hall between 10am and 6pm. Ron Evens 758446

20 Hilltop News Hilltop News 21 worked so hard to make cakes, sandwiches HAWRIDGE AND and scones, as well as those who helped to CHOLESBURY serve the teas and wash up. COMMONS It was a little disappointing not to have more entries for our photographic PRESERVATION competition from younger members of SOCIETY the community. All the entries that we had came from the 19 – 109 category and there HCCPS Orienteering Event were some lovely images. Oliver Parsons n a sunny day in June, the Thames was our judge and he chose David Dennis’s Valley Orienteering Club brought photograph of an Orange Tip butterfly Oequipment, maps, instructors and on some bluebells as the winner. We gave helpers to organise an orienteering event David a token from Chesham Cameras. based at Cholesbury Village Hall and carried In addition to the indoor displays, we out on the Commons. This was enjoyed were able to see demonstrations by local by all sorts of people including families - crafts people. Clive Cary gave an interesting experienced and inexperienced alike. Geoff, insight into everything that goes into our running postman, thought that what making his walking sticks. Sue Cary he had to do was run, but soon found that worked on her lace-making and Marjorie this was a bit different! The members of Brown demonstrated how to make felt John Caple driving in his bearskin the club put an enormous amount of work from gossamer-light pieces of wool. Steve the use of local timber and can provide into ensuring that all went well and we are Roberts brought his machine for turning builders and craftsmen with timber of extremely grateful to them for volunteering larch trunks into lengths of wood that unusual dimensions. Given our concerns their help. The winners of the orienteering can be used for fencing or posts. Steve about how to nurture our wooded areas, were Oli, Amellie and Bea Spooner, who provides a mobile saw-milling service for which form by far the greater part of the completed the 2.1km course in the shortest the Chilterns, getting local timber straight Commons landscape, we thought it would time without missing any of the check from the woods with his compact and be interesting to see this unusual machine points. Will and Ollie Ayres won the 2.7km portable saw-mill. He aims to promote at work. On behalf of the Society, I would course. like to thank all these skilled crafts-people In addition to the orienteering, we for giving their time to show us what they displayed an exhibition showing themes can do. relating to the Commons, both past and One of the highlights of the afternoon present. I found it particularly interesting was John Caple’s 1953 Ferguson tractor, The prize bear! to see a photograph from 1900, showing beautifully restored and painted inside dressed for the weather in his thick and the hunt at Ray’s Hill. There was no sign of and out with pewter-grey paint. John was any trees and the road could clearly be seen furry bear-suit, only occasionally coming winding its way through wide expanses out for air. John and Ann very generously of open grassland – a reminder that the gave large bears as tombola prizes from Commons have changed almost beyond John’s extensive collection. Many thanks to recognition since grazing ended. It was everyone else who donated items for the good to see lots of beautiful, contemporary tombola and to Ann who ran the tombola photographs of the landscape, people for us. and natural things to be found on the All afternoon, we were entertained by Commons. Paul Nicholson and his Arcadia Trio, with A wonderful village hall tea was Geoff Barton on tenor sax, John Little on provided for everyone and I hope that I guitar and Paul on the vibraphone. They have not forgotten to thank everyone who were able to sit in a lovely tent lent to us Steve Roberts with his mobile saw mill by En Route, the shop opposite the garage

22 Hilltop News Hilltop News 23 The format for this event will be to in June is having a noticeable effect on set a light trap on an agreed wood edge its vigour and we aim to keep working at and show people the moths arriving from this. Roy was impressed by the hundreds of about 8.30pm to midnight – or until people heather seedlings that are growing on the have had enough! On Sunday morning, first regeneration area. The second area you are invited to come and look at the near Horseblock has, as yet, to show results. whole night’s catch at about 10.00am, The seeds distributed from last year’s plants before releasing the moths. This will involve have germinated sparsely, but we have had opening the trap and identifying species, the driest start to a year since the 1920s. and will take about an hour. Night flying Have you paid your subscription this year? moths are the hidden gems of the insect Subscriptions for the year remain at £7.50 world and it will be fascinating to see what for an individual and £15 for a couple. is on the Common. It will be an exciting They are payable to Mike Fletcher, Ivy event for children, so do accompany them. Cottage, Tring, Herts., HP23 6ND or to On Saturday evening, someone will any other committee member. The money meet you on the Common opposite the that we collect is a major source of income Full Moon between 8.30pm and 8.45pm for the Society and it is all used for the and take you to the chosen observation maintenance of the Commons. site, where, in addition to a light trap, Paul Nicholson and his trio entertain there will be an illuminated white sheet. It Working Parties will be easy to observe any moths that are It seems no time at all since I thanked compensation for the costs involved. at the bottom of the Vale Road. If you attracted to this. Any last minute details all the willing volunteers who help us in When the Society team does the felling, want something a bit exotic for an event, will be posted on the Grapevine. general management throughout the their tents are decorated in lovely colours she allows us to deliver the logs to various autumn and winter. During the summer, and we thank them very much for their residents around the villages. However, Survey of grassland plants on the other volunteers use the tractor to keep generosity. We organised this social event because we had nobody to pull a trailer we Commons as an alternative to our Summer Party were unable to do this at the last working At the beginning of July, we invited Roy and I was very pleased to see people from party of the year. Last year’s logs have been Maycock, the County Recorder for plants in every generation relaxed and enjoying stored for delivery to residents later in the Buckinghamshire, to look at the range of themselves. year. plants that we have on our acid grassland. He found plenty of the species expected in Trees on the Commons Moths on the Commons this habitat, plants like the white-flowered As you know, many of the trees on the On the evening of Saturday 28 August and heath bedstraw, which has been particularly Commons are reaching old age and are the morning of Sunday 29 August, Peter good this year, sheep’s sorrel and wavy hair showing signs of stress. Every now and Bygate, from Long Marston, has offered to grass. Acid grassland is not expected to then, a tree that is too difficult for the help us observe some of the night-flying yield any rare plants but Roy thought that chain-saw team to fell, poses a threat. moths that are on the Commons. we had all the typical flora of this type of Each time this happens, Christine Stott, the soil. Later in the summer, look out for some owner of the Commons, pays someone to small areas of harebells. Roy will be sending fell the tree and this is always an expensive a list of everything that he found. operation. She recently arranged for a tree Bracken remains a threat to the small to be felled in Stoney Lane and the logged plants that hug the ground. If left to its wood was left on the side of the lane, but own devices, it smothers all other plants, within a very short time, someone was seen threatening the diversity that we are loading some of the logs into their vehicle. encouraging. In particular, where we are On behalf of Christine, I would like developing a heather regeneration project, to remind people that the felled wood bracken needs to be discouraged. However, belongs to her and, although it does not the yearly regime of rolling the bracken cover the felling cost, is at least some

24 Hilltop News Hilltop News 25 paths and permissive rides clear. I would like to thank David Collett, Jef Bell, Stephen Cheeld and Isobel Clark for all the hours that they have put in. It is now time to look Got It? Use It! ahead to the working parties starting in September and running fortnightly through by the Reverend On the other hand, we need to avoid to March 2011. David Burgess being a church that (or an individual who) 5 September: Hawridge Court Farm barn quietly does nothing very much, running – cut up and distribute logs from last season “God gave me the from Sunday to Sunday with little or 19 September: Pallett’s Pond – remove foundations: it’s up nothing to show for it in people’s lives or in invasive sweetgrass and reed mace, the life of the community in between times. to me to build on hopefully in partnership with the Hemel If you don’t seek what God has given you it Hempstead Conservation Volunteers. them.” could whither or die; or you might not even 3 October: tba – see information on know what your gifts are in the first place. his is a brief notice boards or join the email list by Jesus tells another parable, the parable quote from a radio interview on the emailing [email protected] of the talents, to show how important it is eve of the World Cup with Steven Everyone is welcome to come to the T to make good use of the gifts and abilities Pienaar, the South African international working parties, including children who are you’ve been given and James, Jesus’ who plays his club football with Everton. accompanied by an adult. There is often brother, puts it even more directly and And in an earlier interview he said this: a bonfire and refreshments are always bluntly in his epistle: “Faith without work “I was very fortunate… to be able to served half way through the morning. Work is dead.” polish the technique and the talent that begins at 9.30am. Bring strong work gloves Not all of us will get to play in the World God gave me and to learn how to use it in and footwear. Cup or lead a multinational company or the way that God had wanted me to.” make a contribution to science, medicine Linden Bevan-Pritchard I think that Pienaar captures exactly the or the arts. But I do believe that God point of living the Christian life. It’s about has a unique place for each of us in this what you’re given and what you do with it. world and has given us gifts and abilities You have to balance the two. Firstly, to cement our place here. Those are the there can be problems if you concentrate foundations; recognising and building on too much on what you’re doing without them is up to us. referring back to God and the spiritual foundations he’s laid for you. A colleague once spoke to me about the problem of people within a church being evangelical about the wrong things, and I know exactly what she meant. There’s nothing wrong with being keen on social events or enhancing the church building or church music, as long as these things are a means to an end and not an end in themselves. Otherwise you run the risk of enthusiasm turning into obsession and of your church becoming an activist organisation with little genuine spiritual basis. Jesus himself describes that risk in the parable of the two houses, one built on rock and the other on sand.

26 Hilltop News Hilltop News 27 CHURCH SERVICES - August & September 2010

St. John the Baptist St.Leonard's St. Laurence St. Mary's DATE DAY NOTES THE LEE ST. LEONARDS CHOLESBURY HAWRIDGE

1 Aug Trinity 9 8.00 Holy Communion IC 11.00 Shared Service 9.30 Shared Service 9.30 Family Service Lay 11.00 Matins IC at The Lee at Hawridge 6.00pm Evensong IC Mid-week Holy Communion

8 Aug Trinity 10 11.00 Shared Service 11.00 Parish Communion IC 9.30 Matins IC 9.30 Shared Service at 10.00am at The Lee at St. Leonards Patronal Festival Cholesbury Wednesday 4 August

15 Aug Trinity 11 11.00 Family Service 9.30 Shared Service 9.30 Parish Communion IC 10.45 Parish Communion IC Holy Communion, Matins & Evensong at Cholesbury Blessed at Lee Common Book of Common Prayer Virgin Mary Methodist Church

22 Aug Trinity 12 10.00 Parish Communion PL 11.00 Family Service GR 9.45 Quiet Communion IC 10.45 Parish Communion IC Parish / Family Communion and Morning Service

29 Aug Trinity 13 10.45 Joint Service at 10.45 Joint Service at 10.45 Joint Service at 10.45 Four Churches DB/ Common Worship Hawridge Hawridge Hawridge Parish Communion PS

5 Sep Trinity 14 8.00 Holy Communion DB 11.00 Family Communion DB 9.30 Holy Communion IC 9.30 Family Service DB 11.00 Matins IC Sunday School VO 6.00pm Evensong IC

7 Sep Tuesday 7.30pm Four Churches IC 7.30pm Four Churches 7.30pm Four Churches 7.30pm Four Churches DB= Rev. David Burgess Parish Communion Celebration Service Celebration Service Celebration Service IC= Rev. Ivor Cornish

Celebration Service for at The Lee for at The Lee for at The Lee for JH= Rev. John Hull Ivor Cornish Ivor Cornish Ivor Cornish Ivor Cornish PL= Rev. Peter Louis

Family Harvest 12 Sep Trinity 15 10.00 Parish Communion DB 6.00pm DB 10.45 Matins IC 9.30 Holy Communion IC GR= Rev. Gill Rowell, Novi Most Festival 7.15pm Harvest Supper PS= Peggy Sear, Way In, Berkhamstead

19 Sep Trinity 16 10.00 Harvest Festival DB 11.00 Parish Communion JH 11.00 Shared Service 10.45 Parish Communion IC LCM+ Lee Common Methodist Church 6.00pm Evensong DB at St. Leonards

26 Sep Trinity 17 10.00 Parish Communion JH 11.00 Matins IC 9.45 Harvest Festival DB 9.46 Shared Service JuH= Judy Hart at Cholesbury VO= Virginia Oldham

Vicar Curate The Lee The Revd. David Burgess 01494 837315 The Revd. Ivor Cornish Janet Whittow 01296 624568 Hawridge The Vicarage, The Lee, 01296 630345 [email protected] Joan Walton 01494 758332 Gt. Missenden, BUCKS. HP23 9LZ Judy Hart 01494 837328 James Watson 01494 758914 [email protected] [email protected]

Parish Secretary Hon. Curate St. Leonards Jane Reynolds 01494 757048 The Revd. John Hull Anne Butterworth 01494 758700 Cholesbury Church Room 01296 624487 [email protected] John Farmer 01494 758715 [email protected] Ann Horn 01494 758250 [email protected] [email protected] 28 Hilltop News Hilltop News 29 Village Hall for the reception. It was a your produce in September please bring glorious sunny day in late May and perfect something to our praise service at 9.45am. for a party, so the lunch ran into the early At 6pm we have the Harvest Supper evening - well beyond James’s expectations followed by an auction of the gifts. CHOLESBURY - and he had to hastily arrange an extension Holy Baptism of time with the Village Hall! 23 May 2010 Zachary Owen Luke Morris ST LEONARDS We wondered if the sunny weather ST LEONARDS would continue for the Pets Service and etails of the special Holy Matrimony we now know 2010 had an exceptionally service for Ivor 29 May 2010 Rebecca Louise Plested and Craig Philip Atkins dry half year. We started the service outside DCornish on Holy Baptism the porch but it was too hot for pets and 7 September are 20 June 2010 Freddie Philip Sunman owners alike and we moved into the shade given on page 3. Burial of the holly tree. The pets were entirely Ivor’s final service in 6 July 2010 Sheila Winifred Davies dogs this year including some new faces the Hilltop Villages will be on Sunday 26 Burial of Ashes and were well behaved. Our thanks go to September at St Leonards – Matins at 11am 8 July Muriel Isabella Howard-Sorrell David for the guitar playing and to those and we’d love to see as many of you there 9 July Andrew Maitland McEwan who helped move the pews. as possible. The Churches Fete is on Bank Holiday It was very special for Pat and Jack Ellis, Monday 30 August - at Cholesbury this who worship regularly in St Leonards, to year. Volunteers are needed to set up the see their granddaughter Becca married site from 8.30am so please come and help. to Craig Atkins on Saturday 29 May. The We look forward to a large turnout, who scent of lilies filled the church as did CHOLESBURY On 23 May, James and Lucy Morris can enjoy the teas, sideshows and stalls and the many guests. Becca came down the together with older brothers Alex and Ben to listen to the Band. aisle accompanied by no less than seven he various brought their son, Zac, for baptism. They The Historic Churches Ride, which was bridesmaids – the older ones in pale apple items of also brought a churchful of family guests well supported last year, is on Saturday green with the little ones in cream. Becca Tmaintenance and friends from the villages and further 11 September. Details from Tom Haggerty herself wore a beautiful deep ivory dress, work on the church away to welcome Zac into the church. One 757283. beaded and with a train, contrasting were finished by of Lucy’s old school friends played the Hawridge and Cholesbury churches will wonderfully with her dark hair. Ward & Co in early organ to accompany the hymn, ‘Lord of all hold their joint Harvest Festival this year on July, leaving us Hopefulness.’ The last arrivals at the church Sunday 26 September at Cholesbury. At the to repaint a section of the North wall. were Julia and Martin Barber and Barbara time of writing, farmers have cut the hay The painting, repair and reroofing of and Richard Baddon who had generously and gardeners are gathering red currants the bellcote is a great improvement but spent the morning preparing St Leonards but the weather is unpredictable. Whatever it included extra work and overran the original estimate. The church is now also equipped with low energy light bulbs. W.H.A Upholstery The Cream Teas in May saw guests RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALIST lingering in the sun on the common and IN watching the world go by. Our thanks go ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE to Brigid for arranging the teas with lovely ALSO LOOSE COVERS home made cakes. Sue and Linda were busy with the Plant Stall and Roseanne and Free Estimates No Obligation Stewart ran the Tombola. It was a great 01494 862821 (Day) pleasure at the start of the afternoon when 01628 521210 (Evenings) Katie Pert and a school friend volunteered 21 Haleacre Workshop, Watchet Lane to help with the bric a brac. The event Little Kingshill, Great Missenden. HP16 0DR brought in £574. Zac Morris baptism Wedding of Becca and Craig Atkins

30 Hilltop News Hilltop News 31 The reception was held at Ley Hill Village Church walls – We have received tenders to more modern music composed by Iain’s Hall where Pat’s eldest daughter had done from four specialist companies through daughter, Tess, and to some very amusing all the catering…a truly family affair! We Bartosch & Stokes, our architects and are to readings from Elizabeth. Each half of the wish the young couple much happiness in discuss this at the next PCC meeting. Only concert was introduced by Kenneth Brown their life together. when someone has finally been given the playing the trumpet. It was nice to see how On Sunday 20 June David baptised job can we discuss overall costs with them. Kenneth has progressed over the years. It Freddie Sunman – brought to St Leonards We can then apply for a Faculty and help was a first class evening’s entertainment by his parents Naomi and Paul and his little with funding. This work will be carried out and a concert to look out for next year! sister Lillie-Mai, whom David had baptised initially on a small ‘test’ area of wall and Patronal Festival, 3 and 4 July - Our in 2008. It was a quiet and simple service due to the nature of the render, can only be thanks to the pupils of Hawridge & which allowed everyone to really consider undertaken between April and September – Cholesbury School and to their teachers the importance and meaning of baptism a relatively small window of time. The Walton ladies at St Mary’s for providing the display of artwork in the and was much enjoyed by Naomi’s parents, Family BBQ – After the Family Indira Puzic, might have been able to join church and also to the School Choir, who Debbie and Bob Whitehead from Coppice Communion and Sunday School, the smell us for this weekend but her baby daughter sang for us at the Family Service. The ladies Farm. Freddie was extremely well behaved of chicken and sausages proved a great is quite young to leave; and she will surely from the church must also be thanked for and smiled throughout, much to the draw and no less than 57 of us joined in! It come another time. We continue to pray being so creative and giving their time delight of his god parents June and Tony. was great fun, the sun shone and everyone for her and her work. to give such a good picture of the hymn Congratulations on becoming a member of contributed to a very happy occasion. This Sheila Davies was Church Warden at they were depicting. It was amazing, when the church, Freddie! was followed by the BBQ Hunt – now an St Leonards for many years. A Service of showing people round the church, just how Boundary wall – We have temporarily accepted part of the day – and Jonathan Thanksgiving for her life was held at St much they could see in the arrangements put up a chestnut paling fence while Baddon, ably assisted by his father, Richard, Leonards Church on 6 July. that they hadn’t noticed before. waiting for the correct time in early was the outright winner. Everyone who August Bank Holiday Monday Fete, 30 Autumn to plant the new mixed hedge. took part seemed to manage to win a August – Arrangements have started for prize! HAWRIDGE this annual event held jointly between The Tea Parties are as popular as oncert held on Hawridge and Cholesbury Churches. We ever and it is lovely to see new faces 15 May - This are still looking for volunteers who would occasionally. If you would like to be Cwas a very be willing to help in any way – setting up collected and returned home again, please enjoyable evening with stalls, manning stalls, advertising etc. Please contact either Anne Lake 01296 620169 or The Launton Handbell contact the churchwardens, John Farmer, Anne Butterworth 758700. The next tea ringers playing for Joan Walton or Elizabeth Tomlin if you can parties are on Wednesday 25 August and the first part of the help. This is a real village day and great fun! Wednesday 22 September starting at 3pm. evening and Miranda Dawe, accompanied Harvest Festival, 26 September – The Harvest Festival – The Supper is to be by Catherine Francois, for the second part. joint Harvest Festival will be at Cholesbury held this year on Sunday 12 September The handbell ringers told us about the this year. There will be no service at following the 6pm Harvest Festival Service. formation of the group and highlighted Hawridge on this Sunday. For further details Freddie Sunman baptism Everyone is most welcome to join us. Just the age of some of the bells. Miranda and of the service and supper please see under let Anne Butterworth 758700 or Ann Horn Catherine performed a number of well 758250 know if you are coming. Gifts of known songs from a great variety of shows CREAM TEAS produce, jams and flowers may be left any which were lively, dramatic and beautifully Chilterns Dog Rescue Society will be time during the day in the Church and if sung. holding their annual Cream Teas at you want to help with either the supper or Summer Concert with Iain Ledingham Cholesbury Village Hall on 22 August the flowers, that would be wonderful! and students from The Royal Academy from 1pm to 4pm. After browsing the Novi Most, Bosnian Evening – Friday of Music - As usual this was an excellent giftware and homemade stalls, enjoy 20 August at St Mary’s Church Rooms in evening with Iain playing solo piano items freshly baked scones and cakes. All two Chesham. This interesting meeting starts as well as accompanying the fine voices of and four legged friends will be very at 7.30pm and you can read about it in a soprano, Sarah van der Ploeg and mezzo- welcome. separate item following Church Matters. soprano, Fu Qiang. We were also treated We had hoped that our ‘adopted’ friend,

32 Hilltop News Hilltop News 33 Cholesbury. Please take your Harvest gifts in English; computing skills and the setting with you to the service or to Cholesbury BUCKS HISTORIC CHURCHES up of a London-funded work experience Church on the Saturday. RIDE and STRIDE pilot scheme for local young people in Hawridge Church Walking Group – Mostar and Capljina aged 18 to 25 years. All This is taking place As is our custom, there will not be any this and much more as children and young again this year walks in August or September but we will people seek out the Christian way of life on Sunday 11 hopefully start again on 5 October. Please and learn to understand just how much this September. You are contact Joan and Margaret – 758332 for can offer them. invited to join in information. NOVI MOST The NMI team works in cooperation either on a bike, a with local churches to bring holistic horse or two feet! It’s INTERNATIONAL transformation through various youth a great way to get ill Rowell, Director of Novimost work involving evangelism, reconciliation round the villages calling into as many International writes: and people development and is based churches as possible between 10am and G ‘Novi Most is holding a Bosnian locally in Chesham. If you are interested in 6pm. Refreshments are always available Evening on Friday 20 August at St Mary’s understanding more about this amazing in our churches. Church Rooms, Chesham starting at organization, get in touch with Bushell Sponsor forms are available from 7.30pm, where you will be able to meet House, Broad Street – 01494 793242. Anne Lake 01296 620169 and details can and hear the amazing stories of four Gill says, ‘Our young people are hungry be found on church notice-boards. The Bosnian Chistians. They are from Brankovac for life and for new opportunities. They money you make will be divided equally Church, East Mostar and together with Novi appreciate the investment that the Novi between your church and the Bucks Most worker Claire Gingell, are being sent Most team are making in their lives, and we Historic Churches Trust, which does so by their church to the UK as part of their believe that we are advancing the Kingdom much towards the upkeep of our local mission outreach. This is so exciting because of God in Bosnia Herzegovina’. churches. Do try and support this most it is their opportunity to give to us! Come and learn more on Friday 20 worthy cause! I know that August is a time when many August! people are on holiday, but if it is possible to come, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the current situation in Bosnia Herzegovina and to hear what God has done and is doing in the lives of GOOD NEIGHBOURS One of the many displays provided by fellow Christian brothers and sisters from H&C School that beautiful country. Light refreshments Some people need a bit of extra help will be served – which means you can get to live independently in their own a taste of Bosnia and Herzegovina in more homes. Older folk, especially those ways than one! I hope you can come – it with mobility or health problems, will be so good to have you with us’. living alone or isolated in the It is quite incredible, and hugely community, could use the support of a rewarding, to read of Novi Most’s volunteer good neighbour from time progress. The 14-strong Novi Most team to time. (which importantly includes six local If you are interested in finding workers) continues to offer life-changing out about the local Good Neighbour opportunities for many young people in Scheme, whether as a volunteer or Bosnia Herzegovina – helping them step ifyou are in need of a hand, please into a future they never imagined was contact Age Concern Bucks on 01296 possible. Among the enormous range of 431911, or visit support and activities offered to these – www.ageconcernbucks.org.uk. often angry and damaged young people - are facilities to take British Council exams

34 Hilltop News Hilltop News 35 HILLTOP NEWS NATURE NOTES is the way in which our respective babies made on grounds of her clear insanity – a learn to communicate from interaction with woman who collected butterflies! One their parents. Through imitation, listening quite rare butterfly which has been sighted A song, a smell, the colour purple, and practising young birds and children in the local area is the purple emperor. This learn the complex grammar and rules of is one of the most spectacular of butterflies. and an ailing conker communication. Apparently, according to It was given its name by a 19th century researchers, birds also share with humans entomologist because he was struck by the the sound of their own voices and sing ‘for similarity of the purple to robes containing If the spring is the best time of year the joy of it’. Tyrian purple, a rare and expensive dye also to appreciate our beech trees then the In the last Nature Notes I referred to known as imperial purple extracted from the associations between some animals marine snails and only worn by royalty and summer and early autumn are when to and plants either because of the similarity such like. pay attention to another of our locally of certain features or because of a link Late August and September brings one iconic trees, the horse chestnut. There are for medicinal purposes. In a similar vein distinctive smell to those who walk the an estimated 470,000 horse chestnuts in the names of some butterflies have an footpaths and woodlands. The musty odour interesting origin. Many of the names came of the stinkhorn is not one that you can the UK and we have some magnificent about during the 18th and 19th centuries readily warm to, however often one comes examples of mature trees. when collecting butterflies, moths and across it. The sole purpose of the essence beetles was a ‘sport’ of gentlemen. This is to attract flies and beetles to spread its here were once many Elm trees in the accounts for some of the more curious sticky spores in the neighbouring area. area but as we know, in the 1970s, or exotic names. The gatekeeper was That’s all this time. As always your most of these were destroyed by T so named because the male defends a observations and questions are welcome. Dutch elm disease. Then, the source of the territory, chasing off any rival males who [email protected] 758890 downfall of the elm was a tiny wood boring dare approach too close. The marbled beetle which carried a deadly fungus. both the immense range of the sounds white was, during the Victorian period, Sadly, a not dissimilar fate could also befall different birds produce as well as the known as the ‘half-mourner’ on account the chestnut which is being attacked by complex ‘lyrics’ of songbirds such as of the fashion a disease known as ‘bleeding canker’. In blackbirds and song thrushes. Many birds of women in this case the carrier is not a beetle but a produce a variety of sounds under different mourning to small moth called the leaf miner. The moth circumstances. Birds produce these sounds wear a mixture only attacks the white-flowered variety or songs for different reasons; such as of black and of horse chestnut. The red-flowered as attracting a mate, warning off other birds white clothing. well as the pink hybrid are not affected. from their territory, or as an alarm when Some The first instance of infected trees was threatened by a predator. The clue to how members in Wimbledon in 2002. Since this time, birds are capable of producing this vast of the although concentrated in the South East, it array of sounds is a unique device called a fritillary family of butterflies (above) have has spread to most parts of England. Trees syrinx. It is similar to our larynx or voice box interesting names. The family are so-named infected by the leaf miner have leaves with but, despite the latter enabling us to speak, because of the chequered markings which transparent sections which soon die off, the syrinx is even more sophisticated. resemble the snakes head fritillary flower. leaving a mottled appearance. Meanwhile The syrinx is located at the point where The Queen of Spain fritillary was so called the canker infection takes hold over several the birds’ airways branch to the lungs. by a collector in the 1700s because of the seasons, eventually causing the tree to lose This enables the bird to make two distinct large number of silver markings which boughs and die back. If you see evidence of sounds simultaneously. Hence, the tawny were seen akin to the vast riches of the the disease it should be reported to Defra. owl uses a variety of calls to communicate Spanish monarchy. A related butterfly was Perhaps because birdsong is such a with its mate or its fledglings, the starling named after an eccentric female collector, normal part of our daily experience, both mimics a mobile phone ringtone or, for that Eleanor Glanville. Sadly, after her death her in our gardens and in the surrounding matter, the African Grey Parrot ‘talks’ to its notoriety as a fanatical collector was used countryside, we tend to take for granted owner. One thing we do share with birds to contest the validity of the will she had

36 Hilltop News Hilltop News 37 for his father as soon as he left school. He moved from the home yard when he was 21 Riding – a family concern and worked with several top riders, here and abroad, to gain more experience. He then returned to work for Judy Ross at Whelpley Hill, for whom he had ridden since he was 16 and had tremendous success with one of her horses – Divine des Cabanes – the first of several French horses Judy has had. Simon is still at this yard successfully training horses for national and international events. Both John and Simon have won many events at the Royal International and Horse Three successful horsemen: from left to right; of the Year Shows, also regular triumphs at John, Simon and Matthew Crippen county shows. Simon has recently qualified again for the Horse of the Year Show, John. While working at the yard, John also beating 160 other competitors, while John pursued his main passion – show jumping. came eighth, just missing out on qualifying. He is gradually improving his string of Both boys have now got some very loyal and horses, rides between five and eight hours a supportive owners with some exciting young Simon competing at last year’s Horse of the Year Show day, and often has as many as eight horses in horses to develop. thought at least one child was going to a show. Throughout the year John competes Simon, John and Matthew have inherited As often said of successful horse people, have a ‘proper’ job, but Matthew missed constantly with different level horses in a great love, knowledge and understanding Simon, Matthew and John Crippen all started the horses and, after college, went to various competitions. Days off are rare! of horses for their father and each has riding before they could walk. They were work for the Rawdings at Long Marston, Simon, the eldest, also knew just what he become a true horseman in his own way. wanted to do and, having won the National never forced into riding, as mother Karen training their young race horses. Then he More success from these talented young lads moved into the stud industry, became an AI Pony final whilst still at school, worked is sure to come. emphasises, but with horses always around technician, and designed and formed the them; it just happened. Neither Karen nor Quainton stud. Following that, Matthew their late father Ian put them off! joined the racing fraternity, spending a year at Newmarket breaking in yearlings, and s youngsters, the siblings competed then was offered a job as assistant trainer with the Pony Club. Both Simon and to the highly respected Charley Mann. AJohn were in the Vale of Aylesbury On the untimely death of his father last Pony Club team which qualified for the year, Matthew gave up this job to come National Show Jumping finals, which they home and run the business with his twin won. John, at just 12 years old, was one of the youngest of the many taking part. Simon, not yet 16, won the horsemanship prize against hundreds of (mostly older) competitors. The boys were all desperately keen to leave school after their GCSEs. Simon, then later John, came to work for their father at Ashotts in Asheridge – breaking, schooling and training horses. Matthew was not so sure what he wanted to do for a living and went to Agricultural College. Karen

38 Hilltop News Hilltop News 39 is also some wonderful sculpture, a great • Ensure tomatoes are thoroughly watered • Asparagus foliage can be cut down to CHOLESBURY cum range of green houses and even a super to avoid blossom end rot. ground level after it has browned. ST LEONARDS apricot house. • Continue deadheading flowering plants. • Strawberry plants can still be established HORTICULTURAL Dates for your diaries • Take cuttings of tender perennials such as before winter arrives. SOCIETY Don’t forget to enter our Annual pelargonium and those not reliable hardy • Prune late flowering shrubs. Horticulture and Craft Show at St Leonards perennials such as penstemon. • Start autumn planting as the soil is still Summer seems to have rushed by and, Village Hall on Saturday 4 September. This • Conifer hedges can be given a last cut, do warm and rain should aid establishment. year we have some new classes for younger unfortunately, the nights will be drawing it any later and they can suffer dieback. • Buy and plant spring flowering bulbs children so we would love to see some • Wisteria can be trimmed now, remove including narcissi, anemones and crocus. in soon. I can’t wait until we are able to entries. all whippy new shoots to five or six buds plant up our own garden as we need our Our final event of the year is our AGM, • Pick up and dispose of fallen leaves from the main stems. affected by rose black spot. landscapers to finish and autumn to come. Quiz and Supper on Friday 19 November at Cholesbury Village Hall - we hope to see as • Damp down greenhouse floors regularly • For organic control of vine weevil grubs n a rather cold and damp evening many of you as possible. to reduce red spider mite attack. use nematodes. in June, our members were really • By late September ripen remaining • Lawns need scarifying, aerating and privileged to visit Alan and Sandra O Jobs to be getting on with in August and tomatoes indoors. feeding. Freeman’s lovely country garden in Hastoe. September • Sow winter lettuce, direct or in modules • Make notes on your garden’s It is a wonderful place, with wildlife • Collect and store seed of hardy annuals to plant out in a few weeks. performance to help plan improvements ponds, the garden having been enlarged that you may want to sow next spring. considerably over the 40 years they have • Pick courgettes, runner beans and French for next year. • Harvest second early potatoes if the cared for it. A great range of produce is beans regularly. Happy gardening! weather is wet to avoid slug damage. grown which means that Sandra and Alan • Sow oriental greens and spinach. Barbara Baddon • Onions, shallots and garlic are ready are fairly self sufficient, as it fulfils most • Onions sets to be overwintered can be Horticultural Society Committee to lift when the neck turns papery and of their vegetable and fruit needs. There planted now. bends over naturally. • Continue to water new plants and container displays as required.

40 Hilltop News Hilltop News 41 and to share with me in caring for him. HAWRIDGE & Ruth enjoyed reacquainting herself with old CHOLESBURY SCHOOL childhood haunts and, of course, many of the local people. She remained in Hawridge St Mary’s and Sack Races… for eleven years. After Father died in 1994, hroughout the school year, the Ruth decided to emigrate to Australia to children make many trips down be with three of her daughters and eight Tto St Mary’s Church, Hawridge … of her ten grandchildren. She enjoyed but one of the favourites is always the fourteen years in Australia but still kept in annual picnic. Planned to coincide with touch with friends in Hawridge until her the Church’s Patronal Festival, the entire death on 7 May. Ruth loved the Common school population treks down the lanes and always said that her ‘roots’ were in to the church, which is decorated with Hawridge. themed artwork from each of the classes. Rosemary Bierrum After viewing their work, the afternoon continues with a picnic in the church grounds. This year, we were blessed with beautiful weather and it was a real joy to see so many children eating, sunning themselves and just running around having fun. Younger siblings were welcomed and everyone spent a happy time just enjoying RUTH TRAFFORD the lovely surroundings and each other’s (Nee Taylor) company. An absolute treat. Talking of running around, we also 1926 – 2010 had our end of year sports day. For those uth was the daughter of Edgar of you unfamiliar with the format, the and Molly Taylor. She lived at children are organised in teams of four, RWayside, Hawridge, from birth each team made up of pupils of different until she was five. Then, together with ages (5 to 11 years old). Older pupils ‘lead’ her sister Rosemary, the family moved to the groups, showing great maturity as Berkhamsted. However, Ruth and the family they offer encouragement and support to kept in touch with Hawridge, coming back their younger team mates. A huge event for frequent visits to see friends, riding the to organise, we had umpteen staff and pony and on many cycle rides. parents manning the different ‘stations’ After leaving school in Berkhamsted, as well as students from Chesham Park Ruth joined the WAAF and, on Community College. The children, as demobilisation, went to Glasgow to study always, gave their all and the three teams Home Economics. Marriage followed and with the highest scores proudly accepted then four daughters. When her family had their medals from teacher Mrs Rosie Reid at grown up, Ruth had time to indulge the the end of this most energetic morning. love of her life – travel. She visited France, But by the time you read this article, the Holland, Portugal, Norway and Iceland as equipment will all be put away, the trim well as America and China. trail empty, the school hall silent -just for a Our parents had come back to live at little while though – and then we’ll all be Milton Cottage, Hawridge in 1957 and back to do it yet again! when our mother died in 1984, Ruth Kay Bass 786016 returned to Hawridge to live with Father

42 Hilltop News Hilltop News 43 HILLTOP NEWS wildlife harlequin was introduced - irresponsibly some say - by French and Belgian farmers facing the same aphid problems as those in North America. Not surprisingly it soon The Gardener’s Friend began to arrive in Southern Britain, in 2004, where it quickly spread. There was a plague-like invasion of Cromer last August. The invasive bug is unpopular Last Autumn, our awareness of ladybirds weeks, the larva grows quickly, shedding with householders because of its habit of grew when many of us found them setting its skin several times. When full sized, it congregating in houses in large numbers attaches itself to the stem of a plant by the and of secreting a foul smelling yellow up their wintering quarters in our homes tail. The larval skin then splits, exposing the liquid defensive fluid when disturbed; - often in large clusters around window pupa which, in just a few days, undergoes which stains curtains and blinds. The frames. These little winged beetles had the final stages of metamorphosis into the harlequin has also been known to bite emerged from eggs laid around May. adult stage. The whole cycle takes four to human beings! seven weeks depending on the species in Because of the ladybird’s partiality The arrival of the harlequin ladybird may here are thousands of species question. The new adult quickly develops to aphids, it has been used to great well suit our plans to control aphids on our throughout the world but only about its bright coloration, feeds for a few weeks effect for biological control of the pest. roses and other plants but there is clearly 40 or so are found in Britain and of T before dispersing and finding a hibernating In 1988, a particularly voracious species a down side. Our native ladybird species, these, about 25 are likely to be found and site, congregating with others for the - the harlequin or Asian ladybird - was as well as the diversity of other beneficial recognised as ladybirds. They can be all winter. introduced to North America from Japan. insects, could be threatened. It seems just a sorts of colours, the most common being Ladybirds are often named after the Aphids had become a serious problem for question of time before this invasive species bright red or yellow with black, red, white number of spots they carry on their wing farmers in that continent. It was called the becomes the most common ladybird in or yellow spots. The different species can cases. The most common in Britain is the harlequin because it comes in a wide variety Britain. have from two to 24 spots. The distinctive seven spot (three and a half on each wing of colours and spots. The most common Jim Hetherington 758836 colouring is a warning to predators, mainly case). Also fairly common is the two spot colouring for harlequins is orange with 15 birds, that this beetle has a foul taste - once (which invaded our house last year). There to 20 black spots but some are black with tried, never to be repeated! Yet, for some are 10, 14, 22 and 24 spot varieties. Each orange spots. They are a little larger than reason, several birds like swallows and has its different characteristics and habitats our native species. The harlequin seemed swifts that feed on the wing are immune depending on its source of food. The larch ideally suited to the task with its long to the defensive chemicals - as are some ladybird is, for example, common in areas breeding season, huge appetite and ability spiders, wasps and flies. But predation is where aphids feed on conifers. to multiply quickly - the female can start generally light and ladybird colonies can The little beetle’s appetite for aphids - its laying eggs within a week of emerging grow at a very rapid rate when conditions main source of food - is well established. from the pupa. In a short time, the are favourable - bad news for aphids - their Sap sucking aphids are among the most harlequin became the dominant species of main food supply - and rather better news destructive insect pests on cultivated plants ladybird on that continent, where worrying for many gardeners and farmers! in temperate regions. The damage they reductions in native species began to be The ladybird starts as a tiny, often yellow, wreak has made them enemies of farmers recorded. The harlequin monopolised their egg laid in a cluster on the underside of and gardeners the world over. Sap removal food supply and would even consume, a leaf close to a food source - generally weakens and distorts host plants and aphids when necessary, the eggs and larvae of an aphid infestation. It is said that the can also transmit harmful viruses - they native ladybirds; not to mention moths and female adult will sometimes intentionally are said to have been responsible for the butterflies. It did a good aphid-clearing lay a proportion of infertile eggs as back infamous Irish potato blight around 1850. job for American farmers, although those up food for the emerging larvae if their A large variety of chemical sprays are, of growing soft fruit, grapes and strawberry normal food is scanty. Within a week the course, available to treat aphid infestation crops were not so pleased when the aphid egg hatches to produce a carnivorous, evil but these will often have a harmful effect developed a taste for their produce! looking, six-legged larva that eats greedily, on other beneficial insects and wildlife. More recently, the controversial devouring up to 300 aphids. Over three

44 Hilltop News Hilltop News 45 was willing to try his hand was working in Chesham An American in Hawridge – Part 3 at several different jobs and had Saturday and such as working in a mine, Sunday off, so we spent Well, actually, this time Charlie is in Cholesbury! milking on a dairy farm every moment we could and as a guard. The latter together and, the more I In 1911, Charlie Long had come to live n his return to the States, Will two jobs provided him was with her, the more I in Hawridge, aged 5, from a log cabin in bought a farm in Republic, with a good income and by wanted to be.’ Washington State where he April 1928 he was able to Charlie had entered Washington State, USA. His father Will had O ventured into hog rearing. Charlie was make the journey back to Britain on a six month returned to help set up the Long family’s without a trade or education beyond 14 England at last. His father Visa on condition that he new Boot Factory in Sunnyside Road, years of age and so Will encouraged him was also able to repay him didn’t work and reported Chesham. Throughout WW1 the factory to help on the farm so that he could raise for helping meet the debt his whereabouts to the enough money to return to England. to the feed store. police on a monthly basis. thrived with contracts to supply the Polish Unfortunately, just as the hogs were ready Meanwhile, in So, three months into his Army. After the war, however, there was for market, a case of foot and mouth Cholesbury, both of Charlie and Edie’s wedding visit he writes ‘I knew I report from The Bucks Examiner less demand for boots and the boot trade disease in California meant that they were Charlie’s friends Bill and had to make a move. I knew unable to transport them to market. This in Chesham became Charlie Warr had married I would like to get married to and so Edie’s parents offered Charlie Edie and return to the States but I would be less certain. There were accommodation at Milton House. Edie had willing to stay in England... I had enough problems maintaining arranged to take two weeks holiday from money to get by the next three months and full employment at the day Charlie was to arrive in England. buy two tickets back to the States.’ She also offered to meet the boat train Edie agreed at once, the wedding was all of the factories in at Waterloo and Charlie was to send a planned for 25 August and their passages the town and Charlie’s telegram from Southampton with his booked for the beginning of September. grandfather, Charles time of arrival. This should have left her They had been advised that they could Long, now in his 70s, time to get from Chesham to London. do nothing about applying for Edie to Unfortunately, the boat train arrived at enter the States until after their marriage decided to close down Euston, not Waterloo. ‘I would be amiss if but that she could then enter as the wife his factory in 1922. I didn’t say I had butterflies in my tummy. of a US citizen. When they got to the US His son, Will and his Would I know her? Would she know me? Council on the Monday after the wedding, family returned to We were both on the skinny side when I left they were told that the Law had changed in 1922’ (much to her father’s disapproval, and that Edie’s ‘non quota’ status had the USA. This move Edie had had her knee length hair cut short to be approved in Washington DC and was very upsetting Wedding of Charlie and Edie, August 1925. Left to right: Amy by this time). Since there still was no sign of that it would take at least three months. Warr, Bessie Warr, Frederick Hearn, Charlie Long, Edith Long for Charlie since he Edie at either Euston or Waterloo, Charlie Charlie writes ‘That put us in a heck of a (nee Warr), Elise Warr, John Warr, Julia Warr and seated, caught the last train to Chesham arriving mess. My stay was up on 12 September, I had made many Charlie’s grandfather Charles Long. about 11pm and took a taxi to the Warr’s had paid for our tickets on the boat and friends here in the house in Cholesbury. Edie came to the door in those days there were no refunds on villages, in particular the Warr family, he left his father with a sizable debt to the and asked ‘Why didn’t you send a wire? I ships.’ Fortunately, they had a sympathetic had settled into work at the factory and local Feed Company and so Charlie took a have been waiting since 4 o’clock to hear hearing from the British Council who job with them for two years to pay off the from you’. Charlie’s telegram didn’t arrive agreed to extend Charlie’s Visa, though he to playing for the local cricket team. He family’s debt. Will later bought a cafe in until the following morning. still couldn’t work. The steamship company vowed to return when he was 21 and kept Republic, which soon flourished. ‘The next two weeks were among the agreed to refund the ticket money; and up correspondence with Edie Warr for the Four years after his return to the States happiest in our lives. The first week we just Edie was confident that she could earn Charlie still had no money to finance next six years. talked and talked. It seemed like we would enough money to keep them for the next his trip to England. He had encountered never catch up. Before we knew it, Edie few months. various setbacks including being robbed had to go back to work. All of Edie’s family However, their troubles weren’t over of all his money at gun point. However, he treated me like a long lost brother. Edie yet. When they got back to Cholesbury,

46 Hilltop News Hilltop News 47 Edie’s mother asked ‘What did you two do babies came I was kept very busy. I longed after you left here on Saturday evening?’ for my parents to see the children but it Bemused, they replied that they had simply wasn’t to be’. In time Charlie and Edie had Matt’s at home in the Hilltops gone to a hotel. Edie’s mother went on ‘The four children, 14 grandchildren and, at police are looking for you, Edie. They have the time of writing in 1986, seven great hilst planning our wedding we been here three times today. They said to grandchildren. would trawl through the online be sure to tell you to report to the police Over the years Charlie and Edie Wweb pages of rightmove.com to station as soon as you got back.’ continued to maintain an active interest find our dream home: not very romantic When they got to the police station in life here. They provided an annual prize I know, but it is how we came across our Edie was given a six month Visa with the for the Mission Sunday School in Hawridge. cottage in the village. The second we same conditions as Charlie’s since, under Charlie’s Grandfather, Charles Long, and his scrolled down and laid eyes on the white British Law, Edie was now a US citizen Uncle Jim went to visit the family in 1932. bricks and red clay tiles hiding behind the and had lost her British citizenship. This Edie’s family were in constant contact and foliage we instantly knew that what we meant that Edie could not work either. her mother wrote to her every week for saw on the tiny thumbnail image was the Happily, Charlie’s Uncle Jim, who was now over 30 years. Charlie, Edie and members place for us. a property developer, found that though of their family came on visits and stayed But, as we constantly asked ourselves, Charlie couldn’t work for anyone else he with Edie’s sister Dorrie at Milton House was it too far from the Blue Peter studio could work for himself. They went into (Dorrie continued to live at Milton House, in West London? Well, my commute down partnership buying a Larch plantation Cholesbury until her death in 1981). the A40 from our rented property in Chalfont St Giles was one long traffic jam which Charlie was to fell. The venture Cindy Dennis, one of their granddaughters, at rush hour, so an extra 20 minutes seemed proved successful and he was able to earn sent their story to John Pearson, who was worth it for our first home and a place we their keep. By Christmas, Edie’s papers researching the Boot Trade in Chesham. ‘newlyweds’ could call our own. We bit the arrived and they were able to set off for the Barry Warr has provided photographs and bullet and have never looked back. It turns States on the 31 March. further family memorabilia. Thanks to both out now, working on Countryfile, that we Edie writes ‘I was homesick but after the of them. Relaxing in the countryside... couldn’t have chosen a better location. As I’m sure you’re all aware, Buckland stopped to draw breath, our neighbours Common is pretty much in the heart of here certainly make me feel at home. As England - anywhere seems to be within do the clip-clop of hooves down the road three hours. It is easy to get to airports and and the roar of tractors: much to my son’s with the train to East Croydon from Tring, delight. stopping at Westfield (the fantastic new Filming for Countryfile takes me all over shopping centre) opposite BBC television the country and, having just filmed a new centre, I can be door-to-door in less than an series for BBC1 called Secret Britain, I really hour! Brilliant. have seen some of the best our country John Craven used to live in The Lee and has to offer. But I still love to come home it always makes me smile that we both as I think our little part of the world is up started our career in children’s TV, both there with the best. It takes two days to moved on to Countryfile and both ended film my bits for an episode of Countryfile up living within two miles of each other! (plus another day to do the voice-over) Living in the beautiful Chiltern Hills I get and it can take me anywhere in the UK. It’s a real feeling of leaving the hustle and always exciting to find out where I’m going bustle of the big smoke behind after work. next (which can sometimes be quite last Growing up on a sheep farm in the Durham minute - which is how a lot of television dales, green space and fresh air are things often works!). Our house is crammed full of I certainly need and want my children to coats, waterproof trousers, boots, wellies, experience. Coming from a community hats, wetsuits, climbing gear, life jackets where the locals would talk to anyone who and riding gear.

48 Hilltop News Hilltop News 49 in brickwork: some with perhaps 50 or so LADIES LUNCH The beautiful workers and a couple with perhaps only n 18 June, a Ladies Lunch took place gentle bumblebee eight or ten. The small nests appear to in the garden at the New House, house the much larger yellow-banded bees. hese extraordinary insects are the Cholesbury in aid of The Hospice of Walk past the barns at Wood Farm and you O main pollinators of our wild flowers St Francis. It was organised with two very might see the rescued nest box gangs – a and plants in the garden and special ladies in mind, Margaret Kew and T magical sight. I have never been attacked meadows. They will fly at temperatures Marian Manning… or stung by these amazing and gentle below 50 degrees, unlike the honeybee. It was with some trepidation that we bees. Wasps, of course, are a different Sadly they are declining at a frightening took on the organisation of what had been proposition altogether. rate – two species are thought to have gone already established as an annual fundraising Scientists declare that, aerodynamically, extinct in the last decade. event in aid of our local hospices by Liz Firth it impossible for a Bumblebee to fly- but During the last two weeks in June, and Paddy Sanger. nobody has told the humble Bumble! we have obtained five colonies which set As we were handed the baton for this up home in bird boxes – one lady was Sally Reynolds long standing event, we decided that a giving a tea party and didn’t want her ladies lunch is a great opportunity to raise friends attacked and stung – another money for the Hospice of St Francis, and to was expecting grandchildren – and so show our appreciation for the huge support the misguided saga goes on. I, of course, the Hospice offers our community. acquire nesting boxes for the birds when The event was a great success and we the bees have died out by the end of are delighted to say that, through the ...and ‘rescued’ by the RNLI on Countryfile October, leaving only the Queen to seek support of friends and family in the Hilltop a dry dark shed or other suitable place to Villages, we delivered a cheque for £850 hibernate. She can live for further four or Sometimes I think that Countryfile is to the Hospice of St Francis. The staff were five summers to create other colonies. just a more grown up version of Blue Peter very appreciative of the gift and said that During this dry summer I have found without the foreign travel or live studios. such local fundraising events make a real nine nesting sites among flowerbeds or It’s probably part of the reason I like it so difference to their work. much. I do still get my ‘live’ fix by doing Our thanks go to the many people who programmes like The One Show from time supported the garden party. It was a great to time and having a varied mix of work effort by all and hope you can join us next is what I love about the job I do. One year for a fun ladies lunch in the garden. week I’ll be recording a programme for P.S. If you would like to view the superb Radio 4 and the next I’ll be commentating photos through Vivienne Kane’s website, on the gymnastics or One Man and his please contact [email protected] Dog. This time of the year is great for for password access. doing Countryfile as the weather and the Helen Pert greenery make it a pleasure to be outside. It’s not quite like that in the winter and flasks of hot tea, thermals, hats, scarves and hand warmers are essential! There are not many jobs you can get rescued from knee deep sand by the RNLI one week and help farm bison the next. Hopefully I’ll be on Countryfile for as long as John Craven! Matt Baker

50 Hilltop News Hilltop News 51 100 CLUB WINNERS June 2010 1st Prize £50 Mrs J Barber, Buckland Common 2nd Prize £25 Mrs M Rowe, Buckland Common 3rd Prize £15 Ms L Reynolds, Bellingdon CURVACEOUS COOK 4th Prize £10 I was struggling a bit with what to think up for this month when I went to my beading group on a lovely sunny Mr B Dallas, Bellingdon evening, and our hostess, who professes to hate cooking, made these delicious little parcels for us. She made July 2010 them individually, but they could easily be made as one and sliced, and I think would be delicious the next day 1st Prize £15 or as part of a buffet for a party. The taste is fresh and very summery, so I hope you enjoy them. Mrs S Cheek, St Leonards 2nd Prize £15 Gail’s spinach, pea and mint parcels for 4 Mrs D Amies, Aylesbury 8oz (250g) baby spinach leaves, just wilted in a dry pan and left to drain in a seive. August 2010 7oz (200g) frozen petit pois, thawed and zapped with 4 tbs chopped mint until they just hold together. 1st Prize £25 A hand blending stick is easiest, but you could just smash with a fork. W.I. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 2nd Prize £15 12oz (375) pastry, any sort. We had it with shortcrust, but flaky or puff would be lovely. Mr M Henry, Buckland Common 3rd Prize £15 7oz (200g) Boursin. Mr D Cheek, St Leonards 4 tbs cream to glaze...not sure why, and am sure a bit of beaten egg would be as good! New Members always welcome, please Thinly roll out the pastry and cut half into 4” circles/squares/whatever shape you fancy, contact the Treasurer, Mick Mariscotti 837093 and the other half slightly bigger for the tops. Lay the smaller shapes on a baking sheet, and layer leaving a ½” border: THE THURSDAY CLUB Layer of spinach, squeezed dry, put ¼ of the Boursin in the middle of each, then ¼ of the pea mix he Club’s 2009/2010 programme around and on top of the cheese. ended on the 17 June with a very Egg wash the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg, cover with the bigger shapes, Tsuccessful AGM, followed by a fish crimping the edges with a fork or your fingers, and then brush with either egg wash or a little cream. and chip supper and entertainment by Lou’s Make an air hole in the middle. Sextet, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. If you are feeling fancy, you could cut just the very surface of the pastry into lines going down the parcel, Ron How (President), Katharine Dallas, John Horn, and Windsor Thomas (Vice- so the pastry isn’t cut through...looks pretty, but won’t make any difference to the taste! Presidents) were all re-appointed for the Up to this stage can be done in advance, even the day before, and chilled. next year and thanks were given to Betty Bake in preheated oven at 200 degrees for about 25 minutes. I used the floor of the top oven Gomm for her years of service as a Vice- of the Aga and they took 20 minutes. President. Guy Williams (Chairman) and all other committee members were also Serve at once, we had them just with a salad which was delicious, or let them cool and store re-elected for the next year. (ideally not in the fridge) until you want to eat them. The 2010/2011 season begins at 7.30pm I hope that by the time you read this the sun will still be shining as it is today, on 21 October in St Leonards Parish Hall. and you will be tempted to sit in the garden and enjoy! We look forward to welcoming you all. Anne Lake (Secretary)

52 Hilltop News Hilltop News 53 Hilltop News We welcome all news, letters and articles which are of general interest and relevance to the Hilltop Villages. Material for inclusion in the October/November (limited) edition should be sent to Imogen Vallance (Societies), or Anne Butterworth (Church Matters) by 9 September latest. All other news, views and material should go directly to the editor, Graham Lincoln. Please note that photos sent online must be at least 2,500 x 1,750 pixels in size. Editor Graham Lincoln 758449 [email protected] Societies, Diaries Imogen Vallance 758552 [email protected] Co-ordinator/Church Matters Anne Butterworth 758700 [email protected] Advertising Ann Horn 758250 [email protected] Design & Production Michael Spark 758882 [email protected] Photography Oliver Parsons 758694 [email protected] Distribution Rosemary Pearce 758334 Printer Strongs, Berkhamsted 01442 878592 [email protected] Hilltop News is entirely non-profit making and is funded by advertising. Supported by Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Parish Council.

54 Hilltop News Well, it seemed a bit snappier than calling it our expertly-chosen, carefully monitored selection of one hundred and twenty quality funds.

Sound good? We thought so. But what else can we tell you about our new Platinum 120 range? How about that the funds selected from well-known companies are the ones we believe have the best long-term prospects and strong management. Or that it’s part of our new Fund Centre, packed full of useful tools and information.

No commission charge Or how about this (the best bit), that the funds in the Platinum 120 range have no purchase commission and the majority have no initial charge. That means for most of them if you pay £1,000, then that’s the amount that gets invested. Simple? We think so.

Do remember though, that investments, their value and income they provide can go down as well as up and you might not get back what you originally invested. Also, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Find out more at www.share.com/p120

GIVING YOU THE KNOWLEDGE

The Share Centre Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under reference 146768. The Share Centre, PO Box 2000, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 8ZB.

p120_HTN_0410.indd 1 04/05/2010 14:05:58