May 15th 2008
May 8th 2008
May 1st 2008
April 24th 2008
April 18th 2008
April 10th 2008
April 3rd 2008
March 27th 2008
March 21st 2008
March 14th 2008
March 7th 2008
Feb 28th 2008
Feb 21st 2008
Feb 14th 2008
Feb 7th 2008
Jan 31st 2008
Jan 24th 2008
Jan 17th 2008
Jan 10th 2008
Jan 4th 2008

May 15th 2008

AN important reminder. Next Thursday, 22nd May is the closing date to register your objection to the proposed new flight paths from Luton which means planes will fly lower and further south. We will suffer increased noise as they fly over our Chiltern villages - an area of outstanding natural beauty. For details click on to www.thelee.org.uk .

WHAT a day we had last Saturday! Sally Carrington won the programme competition and that green Bentley (what a beauty!) was judged best in show of the classic cars. As I write, final figures are not available but that's not important. It was a few years ago, but thanks to Bill Williamson's bequest, local authority grants and careful husbandry of our resources, we have a bit in hand. It is a wonderful village occasion, bringing all villagers together - that's the important thing. Once again thanks to David Coulton and his team for all their hard work which culminated in a Grand Day Out. Do click on to the website, Chris has taken some superb photos of the Spitfire, the birds and people www.HydeHeath.com .

THE number of coffee shops in Sycamore Road, Amersham is becoming a joke but there is always room for one more. This is one with a difference. "Lunch Break" at Amersham Free Church, corner of Woodside and Sycamore Roads. Open only on Tuesdays from 12noon to 2pm, it offers freshly brewed coffee, speciality teas and soups, all at 50p !  There are snacks or you can bring your own. Newspapers are available to read there. From 1.10 to 1.30pm  there is a talk or music. And that's not all, from 3 to 4.30pm, pop in for tea, cakes and a chat. For further details ring Gillian on 01494 773458.

DO you like Chinese food? On 28th May, instead of having to go down to Amersham or Chesham, come along to The Plough. Continuing his monthly international menus on the last Wednesday, Chris is going Chinese this month. It is advisable to book your table, so please ring 01494 783163.

FRIENDS of Rectory Meadow Surgery are having a tea party on 18th June at "Doon" Weedon Hill, Hyde Heath at 3pm. The cost is £4. I am assured that booking forms will be sent out in good time but please note the date now.

STOKE Mandeville Eye Hospital is the beneficiary the year of our W.I's special fund raising events. On June 22 (Sunday) a walk is planned (weather permitting) followed by a cream tea in the village hall. You do not have to do the walk but just go along for the tea, cost £5. When you put W.I. and Tea together, you know you will enjoy yourselves. Please let Margaret Sargeant know if you are joining in the walk or just going for tea - 01494 775845.

Have a good weekend and Spring half-term holiday.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

                                Top of Page                              Home

May 8th 2008

ALL our thoughts are for Saturday, will it be a fine day ? Surely it can't be like last year. According to the forecasts in the newspapers, it looks to be O.K.

THIS year is to be David Coulton's penultimate year as chairman and what a job he has done these past nineteen years. Perhaps his greatest achievement has been to get the whole village involved, like Henry V at Agincourt, "Villagers now abed, will think themselves accursed they were not here at Hyde Heath Fete Day!" I well remember when we were new to Hyde Heath I tried to offer my services to three different people and was rebuffed at every turn. It was not until David took the helm that I offered again and found myself running the white elephant stall for six years. David's inspirational idea of the classic car display is now a terrific draw - everyone loves these gleaming machines.  

WITH all that is on offer on the common, you will find time to visit the Flower Festival in the church, won't you?

LAST week, Hyde Heath Infants School enjoyed a Music, Sound and Hearing Week. It started with an interactive music show with a weird and wonderful collection of musical instruments to help the children learn how sound is produced from the various families of instruments. The week concluded with a hands-on music workshop, the children performing their own talent show and a live performance by members of the Amersham Town Band.  Mrs Moulsdale, the headmistress was delighted with the benefit gained from this special week. Summing up she said,"This themed week has given each child the opportunity to develop its individual creativity, learning about science, literacy, numeracy, history and geography through music."

DUE to the building work being carried out at the school, it will not be possible to open the school to visitors on Fete Day. However, the work is expected to be completed by the start pf the autumn term and a Grand Opening Ceremony is planned for later this year.

ALTHOUGH the sacred square of the cricket pitch is roped off for the fete, the outfield will be somewhat churned up, so for Sunday's match we are away at The Lee with play starting at 2pm. For all details and enquiries about the club, contact the secretary, Robin Richards, 01494 774582

I TAKE this opportunity to thank everyone who has given me books and videos for the Drama Group's bookstall at the Fete. the response has been overwhelming. Even when Saturday is all over, I will gladly take any books you care to donate for the Scannappeal bookshop at Amersham hospital and for the Pepper Shop (a branch of Iain Rennie Hospice at Home) in Sycamore Road, Amersham.

HAVE a great time on Saturday, I'll see you there.  

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

                                Top of Page                              Home

May 1st 2008

HERE we are into May, the month for casting clouts, for the F.A.Cup final, the official stsrt of the Hyde Heath cricket season, the new council tax bill and the Village FETE.

WE start on Saturday with BINGO in the village hall at 8pm. There are some seats still available but ring Caroline Capper now to ensure you have your fish and chip supper, 01494 784043. Admission is £10 a head. There will be a licenced bar.

SUNDAY 4th, the cricket team is host to Chartridge C.C.play starting at 2pm, weather permitting.  Last week's inter club match was called off after the heavy rain in the morning. Please come and support our lads.

SATURDAY 10th is of course, FETE Day, weather notwithstanding. Please don't forget to visit the Flower Festival in St. Andrew's Church - a haven of loveliness and calm engendered by the floral arrangements from each group or society in the village.

JUNE brings further joys. On 14th we welcome once again the Soul Agents. The Parents Association of Hyde Heath Infants School invite you to dance the night away to the music of our favourite band. Where? In the village hall, of course from 8 to 11.30pm. The cost per head is £12.50 which includes supper. There will be a licenced bar. Tickets are available from the school or ring Julie Gannon 07756 93 4371.

THE AGM of the village shop held on Wednesday evening was well attended. In his opening remarks, the chairman, Ray Challinor was pleased to announce that membership had increased significantly and that we have become a model for other villages who have lost their shops. Tim Neale, the treasurer reported an increase in profits in spite of competition from supermarkets and to the delight of the members announced that we have given a total of £3,000 to the school for its building project. He warned that next year will be tougher in view of the general financial position but hoped that we will at least break even. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Ray Challinor who announced his resignation as chairman. It was Ray who got the whole business going in 2001 and who has steered us through these seven years to the good position we are now in. So it was with heartfelt thanks we applauded him as Chris Sargeant, the incoming chairman, Ruth Coulton, manageress, and the committee, presented him with a framed map of 1840 Buckinghamshire, with Hyde Heath shown on the Chiltern ridge.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

                                Top of Page                              Home

April 24th 2008

HOW time flies when one is enjoying oneself ! This is the last news letter for April. however, you still have time for April pleasure this weekend. On Friday and Saturday there will be tickets available at the door for "Blithe Spirit" in the village hall at 7.45pm. Price £7.50 with concessions £6.50. A delightful light-hearted evening's entertainment, a lovely set and beautiful dresses with an all-star cast of your favourite Hyde Heath thespians.

INTO May it is Bingo Night on Saturday 3rd. This is a Hyde Heath Cricket Club evening, so you know you are in for a good time. The price is £10 a head which includes a fish and chip supper. There will be a bar open for drinks. It is likely to be a sell-out so book now with Caroline Capper 01494 784043 or Richard Cousins 786502

STILL with the Cricket Club, the Weekend Extravaganza starts on 20th June with the Beer Festival. Tickets are £15 which include two free drinks, BBQ, live band followed by a disco. This is the main fund-raising event of the club to enable it to maintain the common, pavilion and playing equipment for the coming season. (Starting this Sunday with an inter-club match.)  Some of the profits are used for the "Golden Oldies" day out - where shall we go this year? Tickets for the Beer Festival and all details and enquiries from Caroline Capper. Visit the website www.hydeheath.com for all news and updates.

HYDE Heath Village Shop Ltd. is holding its annual general meeting in the village hall next Wednesday, 30th April at 8pm. The chairman and members of the committee look forward to meeting all the loyal supporters of our unique village shop.

THIS week I was a guest of Amersham Town Council at its Annual Meeting as a representative of The Chiltern Friends of the Endeavour. Another speaker's cause was Age Concern. She spoke passionately of the needs of elderly housebound men and women, particularly their loneliness. Age Concern try to provide visitors, even for just one hour a week to bring a glimpse of the outside world and let these lonely souls know they are not forgotten. Can you help with this?

IS there a young would-be thespian in your house? Shed@ThePark Theatre Company, a truly vibrant organisation, will take anyone from 5 to 18 years old, whatever their ability. No-one is turned away. It is based at Chesham Park Community College with trained professional teachers. Their enthusiasm is boundless. For information contact info@shedatthepark.co.uk.

PROGRAMMES for the Fete on 10th May are on sale in the village shop at £1. As well as tea and cakes in the cricket pavilion prepared and served by the indefatigable  ladies of our W.I., may I personally commend to you the tea bar located near the dog show area. This is run by the Hyde Heath Chapel members and last year in all the rain I had a cup of really hot tea and the wickedest jam doughnut I've ever had. See you there!  

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

                                Top of Page                              Home

April 18th 2008

VILLAGERS have run the whole gamut of emotions recently. First there was the horror at the news from Spindles Farm. Sympathy when we heard that the surviving horses and ponies were safe and being lovingly cared for at equine rescue centres. Outrage when the court and the judge gave permission for the ponies to be returned. However, with hundreds of letters and 20,000 calls to the website, that decision was rescinded - for the time being, so there is some feeling of relief but we are keeping a watching brief.

A HAPPIER horsey theme. Hyde Heath Pre-School parents association is holding a Race Night on 16th May at 8pm. Returning by popular demand, it is tipped to be this year's top fundraiser. Tickets are on sale now at £5. The venue is again the Village Hall Pub at Chalfont St. Peter. Contact Claire on 01494 791945, Mark 782283, Kirsty 775464. If you cannot go, name your horse and be listed in the programme and win a prize if your horse wins. £3 for one horse or 2 for £5 - contact Tina Lear 784702. Public bar and great food available.

FEELING peckish but it is a Mother Hubbard morning? Help is at hand at our wonderful village shop. In the freezer section you will find individual portions of main courses and desserts, a new venture from "Debbie's" Foods. There is a wide choice to suit most tastes - go on, give yourself a little treat with no pans to wash up afterwards.

ARE you 15 years old and would like to play Pool? Chris Herring has installed a Pool table in the Minstrels Gallery at The Plough. When the room is not being used as a restaurant, it is available to boys and girls over 15 years old. Entrance is through the bar and is strictly monitored. Payment will be charged on entrance. This is a generous gesture from Chris to give young villagers something to do in the evening instead of hanging around the bus shelter.

DID you see the piles of rubbish on the common and in Pipers Wood last weekend?  - the result of the Litter-Pick. Sue Flint has asked me to thank everyone who turned out and worked so hard. About 50 of you did, somewhat fewer than last year but it was in the middle of the school holiday and a less pleasant day. The heart-breaking thing is that during the following week, we could have done it all again.

HAVE you booked your tickets for "Blithe Spirit ?" There are still some seats available for each night, next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.45pm. Ring me, 776193 or call in to the shop. Prices remain the same, £7.50 with concessions at £6.50 with free interval refreshments. Surely an offer you can't refuse!
 

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

April 10th 2008

WELL done those of you who spotted the deliberate mistake in the date of the Fete. The date is, of course, 10th May. All other details were correct. Have you contacted David or Jayne offering help? Have you emptied your cupboards for unwanted objets d'art for the white elephant stall? Have you set aside an afternoon for cake-making and can you produce a raffle prize? But most of all, mark the date on your calendar and be there!

THE Flower Festival in St. Andrew's Church is now a regular feature of Fete Day. All village societies contribute a floral display and I for one can only marvel at the imagination and artistry of the flower arrangers here. Interestingly, they are all ladies. Come on gents, it would be good to have at least one male exhibitor. The subject this year is "Village Life" which give a wide range for interpretation. Do please take time to visit the church and enjoy a brief period of peaceful contemplation after the hectic fun and frolic on the common.

GERALD Frank Parslow, know to us all with great affection as Frank or Gloria' s Dad, sadly left us last week. He was a popular villager and loved Hyde Heath for all the 30 years he lived here. He was a regular passenger on the Tuesday bus and on the Friday Age Concern bus until well into his nineties Poor health began to take its toll and he died peacefully in his daughter's arms at the age of 98 years. To Gloria and the family we send our most sincere sympathy and condolence. The funeral will take place at the Chapel on Monday, 14th April at 12.45pm.

THIS Saturday is the day for another Litter-Pick. We muster at 10am on the common in the shadow of the Best Kept Village sign. It was a superb turn-out last year and we hope for even better this time, particularly as we have permission from the Forestry Commission to go down Pipers Wood Lane. Sadly once a year is not enough. When will people accept that the woods is not meant to be a dumping ground for old household equipment and that grass verges and hedges are not the place to leave cans, cigarette packets and other wrappings. It is a messy job and last year the clear-up was done with great good humour. We were grateful to Maggie Mulberry for providing refreshments and hand-wash and she will be there again on Saturday.

FLIGHT paths from Luton. Air traffic control services are proposing to make changes which will mean planes will fly further south and at a lower height. How will this affect us? Increased noise as the planes fly over the tops of Chiltern villages and into the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Local councillors, Trisha Birchly, Peter Jones, Bob Burns-Green and Nick Rose are holding a public meeting at St. Leonards Village hall on Monday 14th April at 7pm to express their concern and invite us to put forward our views.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

April 3rd 2008

WHEN is a pot-hole not a pot-hole? When it is not the required depth - 4cms. Well, many of them in and around Hyde Heath come into that category. I have noticed a few with chalk marking, so we can be hopeful of some remedial work in our roads.

NEXT Wednesday is CURRY NIGHT in The Plough and on 23rd April, the special menu will be in honour of St. George's Day. To book, please ring Chris on 01494 783163.

THE eagerly anticipated building work at the school is due to start on 14th April. The work will be done in phases during the summer term in order to minimise disruption  for the children. Then in September there will be a lovely new classroom and for the staff a long awaited new staff room. The headmistress, staff and governors wish to thank everyone in the community who has supported the various fund-raising efforts and hope to welcome you all to the opening ceremony in the autumn.

THIS month brings a feast of entertainment in the shape of two dramatic performances. First on the stage of Ballinger War Memorial Hall, a comedy by Neil Simon, "The Odd Couple" on 10,11,12th April. Doors open 7pm, curtain up 8pm. Tickets at £8 from 01494 489833. Ballinger Players do not provide refreshments but patrons are invited to bring their own supper with them. (sorry, Saturday is already sold out.)     
Then on 24,24,26th April, Hyde Heath Drama Group present Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" in Hyde Heath Village Hall at 7.45pm, doors open 7pm. Tickets are £7.50 with concessions at £6.50, available from me 01494 776193 or from the village shop.
Interval refreshments are courtesy of the drama group.

THE funeral took place on Wednesday of Connie Evans. She was a much-loved lady from Hyde End who used to come on the bus to the post office each week to collect her pension and do her shopping. She would sit on her special chair in the shop, joining in the village chat and adding her two pennyworth until the bus returned from Amersham and took her home again. Thus she earned the status of "honorary villager." She was a delightfully lively little lady, always cheerful. The loss of the post office deprived her of this little outing and us of her company. We were all happy that she was able to join us on the first of the cricket club's "Golden Oldies" trip to Bournemouth. It was through the pictures and account on the website that she was re-united with long-lost relatives. Failing health meant that she became more and more house-bound  but she never lost her bright spirit. She died peacefully in hospital with friends and family at her bedside. We will miss you Connie but will think of you spreading your cheer among the angels.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

March 27th 2008

IT is the Marathon season again. I know that there are runners in the village who have completed one or more major events. To do that 26 miles once is good, twice is even better but twenty five times! This is the record of David Brennan - and he's not finished yet. On 5th April he will be competing in the Paris Marathon. All the money he has raised he has given to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children - a tidy sum over all these years. He was at pains to point out to me that he meets all his own expenses, so you know that whatever you give will go straight to the hospital. (I add a little personal note here. In December 1945, at three weeks old my daughter was the youngest child to be given penicillin. The drug was in its infancy then and it was the last chance, would we accept the risk? It worked.) Back to David. Chris Herring has placed a pot in the bar at The Plough for your donations. There is a table of David's possible finishing times, from 3 to 5.1/2 hours. However fast or slow he is, he is a Winner. Please let that pot be overflowing.

CAST your minds back to 1968. This was the year when Chesham United reached the Final of the F.A. Amateur Cup. This year, being the 40th anniversary, Chesham United Supporters Trust are seeking anyone from that momentous occasion to join in a celebration. Those were the days!

IT'S being a funny old year. We've just had the Easter holiday and the school spring holiday is yet to come. However, we have to look ahead to May. Particularly to Saturday,12th - FETE DAY. The programmes are printed, arrangements made with the Met. office for a fine day and entertainments booked. What are you doing to help? The first job is to help set up early in the morning and the second job is to be prepared to help clear away and pack up when the fun is all over. Let David Coulton know you are willing to do this (01494 775967) If you haven't quite the muscle for this, roving stall helpers are always welcome. Being in charge of a stall often means that you don't get a chance to see anything that is going on in the rest of the fete. Some-one to come and take over for half an hour gives a pleasant break. Could you do this? Please give Jayne Howlett a ring on 01494 774209 and offer your services.

AFTER the cake stall, one of the most popular is the Drama Group's books and videos stall. The deluge of last year spoiled a lot of the books so we are having, more or less, to start from scratch this year. If you have any good condition, hard or paper backed books, or videos, or even DVDs, we'd like them please. You can bring them to me any time from now on or take them to the stall on the common on Fete Day. Finally, don't forget cakes, biscuits, preserves for the cake stall and prizes for the raffle. Whatever the weather, it will be a great day out for all the family.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

March 21st 2008

DRIVING around the district, the deplorable state of the roads and footpaths gives  one some idea of what it must be like in a "third world country." This week we had some good news from Bucks County Council. The cabinet member for transport has negotiated a £3.25 million increase in the transport revenue budget for 2008-9. A detailed schedule has been issued as to where and when the work will take place. The parish of Little Missenden is listed several times and our council member, Bob Burns-Green, is actively campaigning  for improvements in Hyde Heath.

RINGMASTER is part of the Thames Valley Police Community Messaging Scheme and from time to time we receive warnings of crimes being perpetrated locally. The latest concerned theft at a "hole in the wall" in Sycamore  Road. A customer was drawing cash when he was distracted by a man suggesting that he had dropped some money. Whilst so distracted, a second man stole his credit card. Fortunately this incident had a happy ending. Thanks to the quick actions of the police and some excellent witnesses, three men were arrested. So beware of who is around you, try covering the key pad with one hand while entering your PIN number. Do not allow yourself  to be distracted. If in any doubt, do not use that machine. Rodney Howlett, our parish councillor, will display these Ringmaster messages on the notice board in the village shop.  

AS we read and see pictures of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, we often wish we could do something for them. Well, we can. The Royal British Legion regularly sends parcels to them and would like your help. Mainly they suggest toiletries for both men and women, shaving cream, body lotion, soap, toothpaste and brushes - you know the sort of thing. Maybe include a paperback but nothing too heavy. Having collected a little bagful. please take it to Ann Francis, 6 Brays Meadow, who is the local collector for The Legion.

SADLY we are having another spell of petty vandalism in the village. The main targets have been the village hall and houses in Walnut Way which have had eggs thrown at them. If this happens to you or you see it happening anywhere else, do please ring the police. It is only by being made aware that the police can do anything to stop it. And it should be nipped in the bud because if these youngsters think it is fun to get away with it, they may go on to more serious crimes and end up with a custodial sentence.

LITTER PICK. The Village Society is organising another on 12th April. The range has been extended to Pipers Wood Lane as the Forestry Commission has given permission to litter-pick on their land. Everyone is welcome to take part - we had a wonderful turn-out last year. Meet at the Bus Shelter at 10am, once again Maggie Mulberry will provide refreshments and hand-wash.   

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

March 14th 2008

FIRST - an apology. An apology to you my readers and to Dawn, the instructor of the Hyde Heath Jazzercise class. What I wrote last week was largely  incorrect in that it related mainly to the Amersham class, not Hyde Heath. I was not aware that each class is individual according to its instructor. I was right in certain points about the Hyde Heath class. It takes place in the village hall on Friday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30am. Participants enjoy it. There are vacancies. I will let you have fuller details within the next week or so. Meanwhile, you could go along to the hall on Friday morning before the class starts and have a chat with Dawn.

THIS Sunday is Palm Sunday. It will be celebrated in the traditional way at our parish church of St. John the Baptist in Little Missenden. Please congregate by The Green, Little Missenden at 10.15am to join in the procession of palms. The service, Sung Eucharist, will commence at 10.30am in the church.

A REMINDER that on Saturday the Friends of Rectory Meadow Surgery will be holding their Easter Fayre at the surgery. The organisers would be grateful for donations of cakes and preserves for the ever popular cake stall and items for the raffle and bric-a-brac stall. Looking ahead, on 21st April there is a general meeting in the upstairs room at the surgery at 2pm. The speaker is Gill Aikens of Carers Health and Support who takes as her subject, "Are you a Carer?"

THE Easter weekend is but two weeks away and as usual the staff at our village shop has risen to the occasion. There is a wide selection of Easter greetings cards and a range of Easter confectionery. Customers are reminded to order bread and cakes NOW. Do take note of the shop's opening hours for that weekend and make sure that you have the basics like, milk, cheese, tea and coffee in your fridges and cupboards.

THE Amersham and Chesham Bois Choral Society with the Saint Cecilia Orchestra present Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius" conductor Ian Hooker, on 10th May at 7.30pm in St. Mary's Church, Old Amersham. Tickets are £12, students £6. available from choir members or telephone Jan Lemos on 01494  737404.

ON a quite different level, the Ballinger Players present "The Odd Couple" a comedy by Neil Simon in the Ballinger War Memorial Hall on 10, 11, 12th April. Doors open 7pm, curtain up 8pm. Tickets are £8. To book, please ring Jennifer 01494 489833. Refreshments are not provided but patrons are welcome to bring their own supper with them. This is a show to chase away those Budget Blues.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

March 7th 2008

IT was a delight to see St. Andrew's Church so full last Sunday  for the Mothering Sunday service. It was typical Hyde Heath occasion. The pupils of the Infants School brought their mothers, fathers and grandparents. At the end of the service, all ladies, whatever their status, received a posy of spring flowers. All praise to the members of the committee who produced the flowers and must have spent hours making up the little gifts. Thank you.

HAVE you wanted to join in when you've seen Line Dancing? It can look a bit tricky if you haven't done it before and you do not want to spoil the Line. Now, this is just for you. On Thursday 27th March, a new class is starting in the village hall, Line Dancing for Beginners. Derek Faversham will soon have you keeping that Line with the best of them. Classes start at 8.15 and end at 9.45pm. The cost is £30 for ten sessions. For further details contact Derek on 01494 864677 or Sue Flint 775468. This is in addition to the regular Tuesday evening classes.

JAZZERCISE. This looks a pretty strenuous form of exercise but people always look happy as they leave the hall. Don't be put off by the rather fierce lady in the advertisement in "Amersham Local." Classes are held every Friday morning 9.30-10.30am  in Hyde Heath Village Hall. At present there are vacancies there.This month there is a Special Offer! Your first class is free when you register for an eight week pass giving you unlimited classes for the special price of £29. With your pass you are not limited to any one venue, you have unlimited access to ten other classes  in the South Bucks area. For more details contact jazzercise4marthese@yahoo.co.uk

On a more restful note, the booking office for "Blithe Spirit" is now open. This Noel Coward comedy is the spring presentation of Hyde Heath Drama Group to be staged on 24, 25, 26 April in the village hall at 8pm. Tickets are £7.50 with concessions at £6.50. Interval refreshments are courtesy of the group. To book, please ring me on 01494 776193 or e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com

WE all mourn the demise of "Community Voice" in the local newspaper. Several of us have started our own versions, from this modest weekly news letter to a 16 page monthly newspaper for the Great Missenden area. I was happy to hear from ex-Voice   for Amersham and Little Chalfont, Henry Wizgier that he is shortly producing a newspaper "Chiltern View - Amersham." It may include a small piece from Hyde Heath. You may recall that his column was always hard-hitting but entertaining and I don't think he has lost his touch. I will let you know how we can obtain copies.  
  

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

February 28th 2008

DON'T tell me you've forgotten! Sunday is Mothering Sunday. Celebrating the occasion takes different forms in the village. First there is the special service in St. Andrew's Church at 9.15am. Then Chris in The Plough is offering a Mothering Sunday Lunch in the Minstrels Gallery. At the time of writing, I believe there are still one or two tables vacant. Please book beforehand on 01494 783163. Our village shop has again risen to the occasion with charming little flower arrangements as well as the specially designed cards and confectionery. To Mothers everywhere, enjoy your day.

THE Village has another cause for celebration. This is the first anniversary of The News Letter. When I started this following the demise of "Community Voice" in the local newspaper, I wasn't sure how long it would last. Now, thanks to you for feeding me the news, for your encouragement, to Savills for sponsorship and Chris Sargeant, the Webmaster" it looks as though we shall carry on. In addition, The Pepper Foundation of Iain Rennie Hospice at Home is extremely grateful for your contributions to the "Pepper Pot."

BINGO! Hyde Heath Cricket Club is hosting a Bingo evening in the village hall at 8pm on 3rd May. The ticket price includes a fish and chip supper. There will be licenced bar. The caller will be none other that our own Annie Hamilton-Pike, so you can be sure of an hilarious time. Please book with Caroline Capper 01494 784043. Caroline asks me to point out that she owns the Bingo machine and is willing to hire it out to other groups.

CHESHAM Comedy Festival 2008 at the Elgiva Theatre, 7th to 10th May. This is a Hamilton-Pike Production and starts on Wednesday 7th May with an Evening with Jo Brand (Yes, THE Jo Brand.) Tickets for this show are £24.50. Prices for the other shows are £12.50 and £15.50 with Comedy for Kids on Saturday afternoon at 2pm at £8.50. Every show is different but it is comedy all the way. I have a programme and pre-booking form which means no booking fee if you apply for seats by 31st March. After that, book through the Elgiva box office, 01494 583900 or on line www.cheshamcomedy festival.com. For further details, ring 01494 728021.

I KNOW you will all wish to join me in expressing deepest sympathy to Ruth Coulton and her family on the death of her father. He had been in failing health for some time and died peacefully sitting comfortably in his own chair.     
 

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

February 21st 2008

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone concerned with the Hyde Heath 40s Night last Saturday. The general consensus of opinion was that it was the best ever Village Evening. There is already talk of another next year, 1890 or 1950?

MOTHERING Sunday falls this year on March 2. Last year, the parents of children at the Infants School would have welcomed a service in our own church of St. Andrew. Now that the restoration and refurbishment is complete, their wish is to be realised. The service will be held at 9.15am. The children will have posies to give to their mothers and there will be light refreshments afterwards. To ease the catering, it would be helpful if you would let Margaret Dunn 01494 782017 or Judith Butt 782591 know if you will be at the service.

WITH the school still in our thoughts, the parents association is hosting a Quiz Night in the village hall at 7.30pm on March 8. The proceedings will be in the hands of that most genial Quiz Master, Ralph Bartlett. Tickets are £7.50 which includes supper. There will be a licenced bar and no doubt a raffle. Tickets are available from the school or by calling Julie Gannon on 01494 890518. All proceeds are for the school building project.

THE FRIENDS of Rectory Meadow surgery are a lively bunch. I have just received the agenda of planned events for 2008. Here are the details for March. Short notice I'm afraid for the Spring Supper on 1st. This is to be held at Amersham and Chesham Rugby Club (Ash Grove, Weedon Lane off Copperkins Lane) with 120 parking places! Entertainment will be provided by John Taylor with his Antique Magic Lanterns, which ensures a fun-filled evening. Tickets are £12 and please bring your own wine but you do not need to bring glasses. For catering purposes, Margaret Hedger needs to know numbers by February 28 so ring her now on 01494 786879. The Easter Fayre on 15th will be held at the surgery as usual - details later but note the date.

I MUST look to my laurels having read the 1940s News Letter. Seriously, I would like to pay my own tribute to Irma Dolphin. She was our first "Village Voice" in the Amersham Advertiser some time in the 1980s. I took over from her in November 1990 - a complete novice. She was generous in her advice and encouragement and still is. Thank you, Irma.

FINALLY, may I remind all secretaries of local groups and anyone else who would like an event or celebration mentioned in the News Letter that my deadline is noon     on Wednedsay. Please keep the stories coming, after all  you make the news, I just put a gloss on it.               

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

February 14th 2008

SNOWDROP Sunday Walk in the grounds of West Wycombe Park on 24th February from 12-4pm. What a lovely idea for a family outing. You will be surprised at the great variety of snowdrops. Entrance to the Park is £3 for adults, £1 for children, under three years, free. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Teas are available in the church rooms and all profits are for the South Bucks Hospice. For further details ring 01494 537775.

VIVA Espana ! Get out your castanets and that lovely mantilla that you brought home from your last visit because Wednesday 27th February is Spanish Night in the Minstrels Gallery at The Plough. You will dine from an authentic Spanish menu with wine and all for £16. Pre-dinner drinks from the bar are not included in this price. Please book beforehand with Chris on 01494 783163.

DURING the past year, many of you have kindly given me books for Scannappeal, the Fete and for the Pepper Shop  in Amersham. I quite often get duplicates to that is why I can spread them around. I thought you would be interested to know that the Scannappeal bookshop, based in Amersham hospital, entrance D, last month raised £660. That's a lot of money from second-hand books and it is thanks to you. Please keep them coming. If you have gone over to DVD, I will happily relieve you of your old videos.

CHILTERN Friends of The Endeavour are hosting a Quiz Night on 8th March. As you know, the sole purpose of The Friends is to raise money to provide extra equipment and outings for the clients of the Endeavour Centre in Chesham to help give them a fuller life. The Quiz will be held at the Centre in Cameron Road, 7.30 for 8pm prompt start. The cost per person is £10 which includes a fish and chip supper. There will be a licenced bar and a raffle. Can you make up a table of 8 players? Never mind if you cannot, just come along and we will introduce you to new friends. Please let either Angela or Danny Baker know if you are coming - 01494 776188 or ring me 776193.

THE Fete this year will be held on 10th May. If you are planning to run a stall, it is not too early to start. If you want to help in any capacity, please let David Coulton know (01494 775967.) There are so many ways to get involved, even selling programmes, every hour that you can give helps. It really is the high spot in the Hyde Heath calendar. All the profits provide funds to maintain the fabric of the village hall and the on-going internal decoration and essential equipment needed to keep our hall one of the preferred venues for social activities throughout the district. If you are planning a celebration, ring the booking secretary on 01494 773988 who will be happy to show you the hall and discuss your particular arrangements with you.   

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

February 7th 2008

ROMANCE is alive and well in Hyde Heath. On Thursday in the Minstrels Gallery at The Plough, Chris is preparing a Valentine's Day Dinner for lovers of all ages. Come on, chaps. Don't let your loved one spend time slaving over a hot stove preparing your favourite meal, whisk her off to The Plough and woo her all over again with Pink Champagne. If all this seems a bit over the top, at least buy her a box of chocolates from the village shop. There is an excellent selection of confectionery, gifts and cards for this special day.

WHILE speaking of affairs of the heart, the next production for the Hyde Heath Drama Group is "Blithe Spirit." We were unable to obtain a licence for "Dancing at Lughnasa" as it is being performed this year by a professional company. We will try again next year. Older patrons of the drama group will recall that the group performed "Blithe Spirit" 38 years ago. The cast is different this time but some of the originals will be in the back stage crew. Production dates are April 24, 25, 26. You can be sure of a seat by pre-booking with me on 01494 776193 or e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com

I LOVE the sound of church bells, don't you? Sadly the bells of Little Missenden Church may be silenced unless funds are raised to carry out the major repair work needed to keep them in good order for future generations. As a start towards the £20,000 needed, on 7th March there is An Evening at Little Missenden Village Hall. The Hyde Heath Olde Tyme Music Hall Society will entertain you and the Church catering committee will provide a meal and all for £15 (a portion of which can be gift-aided.) Please contact Ruth Groves on 01844 358123 for tickets and leave a message if no-one is available to take your call.

LOOKING ahead. The Ballinger Players are in action again with a comedy "The Odd Couple." It will be staged at Ballinger War Memorial Hall on April 10, 11, 12 at 8pm. Doors open 7pm. Tickets are £8, contact 01494 489833. Refreshments are not provided but you may bring your supper with you to have before the performance and then finish off the dessert during the interval.

FURTHER ahead - The Macmillan Coffee Morning, this year on 26th September. The hall is booked and I am hoping that once again a kind soul will offer to sponsor this event to cover the cost of hall hire and incidental expenses. Please note the date and let's make this year a bumper result.   

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

January 31st 2008

THE headmistress and a governor of Hyde Heath Infant School have asked me to include the following statement in the News Letter:

"We were extremely disappointed with the photograph of our Christmas production which was published in the January Parish Newsletter. It was taken during the photo-call at the end of the performance when parents are invited to come and take photos of their own children in costume. The photograph was not part of the performance or approved by the school and, as such, did not provide a true reflection of the polished performance given by the children. We know the audience will confirm that the children were focussed and impeccably behaved throughout both performances."

A SAD moment on Wednesday. Some-one's pet bird, green with a longish tail was spotted sitting in my hedge. It look cold, tired and frigtened. Mark Walker did his best to entice it into a cage but it just flew to a higher branch. We felt so helpless and can only express our sympathy to the owner.

WHY do members of Chiltern District Council hate cars and their drivers especially pensioners. They may not like it but cars have come to stay, particularly in areas with little or no public transport. The latest ploy is to increase charges in the public car parks. Not content with that, it is proposed to charge for on-street parking - what a gift to super-markets with their large, free car parks. The excuse? To pay for the bus passes that the government insists all pensioners have. Busses? The hollow laugh from Hyde Heath and other villages must have reached the council offices if not Parliament itself. What is needed is a bit of joined-up planning of car parks. Have any of the councillors actually tried to park at Amersham health centre or hospital after 9am? For pensioners, who are not spongers but people who have worked and paid their taxes in full, are now to have that little concession of taxi tokens reduced to a worthless amount in return for a bus pass! I know that some of you have written to members of the council and to our M.P. Cheryl Gillan. I try not to let politics invade this newsletter, but feelings are very strong in the village and I thought the matter needed airing.

TO end on a brighter note. The booking office is open for The Panda Players  production of "Pippin" in the Elgiva theatre on 12-15 March at 7.45pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets from £8-£14 from 01494 866481. This is a delightful light-hearted musical to help us forget for one evening all the troubles of the previous paragraph.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

January 24th 2008

I HOPE you've finished all the mince pies and Christmas cake as this week is mainly about eating!

THIS Friday is Haggis day - go on,don't be cowards, you cannot go to Burns Night and not consume this noble dish. Take it steadily, have the Gaviscon at hand and then you will be ready for next week because

WEDNESDAY January 30 is Italian Night in the Minstrels Gallery at The Plough. For £16 you will have a fully authentic Italian meal, finishing with everyone's favourite dessert Tiramasu. Please book beforehand on 01494 783163. Dinner starts at 7.30pm.

WE haven't finished. Saturday February 2, The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, Little Missenden invite you to an evening of Pancakes and Puddings. This pre-Lent indulgence takes place from 7.30pm in Little Kingshill Village Hall. Tickets available from the parish office 01494 862008 at £10. Please bring your own drinks.

INSTEAD of these Bacchanalian orgies, why not an honest Barn Dance? Panda Players invite you to form squares and circles and doh-see-doh the night away in Hyde Heath Village Hall on Saturday February 2 at 8pm. You won't go without food though. There will be jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings and a dessert. For drinks there is an inexpensive bar. Tickets are £12.50 from Sally Carrington 01494 786939 or Jo Day 866458.

SPEAKING of orgies takes me back to last week's production by Hyde Heath drama group. As you left, many of you asked when the next play would be. It is a very different theme. Set in Ireland in the 1930s, "Dancing at Lughnasa" is a mixture of comedy and pathos. Note the dates April 24-26. To be sure of a seat you can pre-book with me 776193 or e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com.

THE response for tickets for the 40s Frolics in the village hall on February 16 has been overwhelming and Ruth now has a "reserve" list. It may be worth giving her a call 775967, to find out the present position. The ticket price is £12 including supper. There is a licenced bar and a raffle. Time: 7pm for prompt 7.30pm start.
 

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

January 17th 2008

THIS week is dominated by the drama group's production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum." We are looking forward to full houses on Friday and Saturday with nearly full on Thursday. It is the culmination of hard work by the director Erica Elson, the musical director Chris Sargeant and the large cast who have had great fun portraying the hilarious range of characters. Whilst applauding the actors let us not forget to acclaim the set builders, the back stage crew, the property mistress and the front of house team, all combining to give you an evening of riotous entertainment.

CONGRATULATIONS to Hyde Heath Evening W.I. on this year's fund-raising events which culminated  in a magnificent £825 for the Hospice of St. Francis. Among the activities was an evening with Pampered Chef, a summer barbeque and ramble. Some of the members have been invited to the hospice to talk to the staff and view the new building project. Each year a different charity is chosen and this is the largest amount that has been raised so far.

CUB SCOUTS. Meetings are held in the village hall on Tuesdays from 6 to 7.30pm. At present the pack has vacancies for boys from 8 to 10.1/2 years and another leader is urgently required. Please ring Stephanie Diembacher to offer your support.

Convenient pick-up points and delivery back home right to your own front door and all for a donation of £2. The drivers are all volunteers and now are in desperate need of one or two more. They work a rota and at present this means each driver does a trip once a month which takes about two hours. Extra drivers are needed to give holiday relief, please will you help? Ring Bill Newman 01494 774234 for all details.

VOLUNTEERS are in short supply all round. Some time ago, I wrote about the "shop trolley" at Amersham hospital. Again, this will take only about two hours of your time once a fortnight. If you have been a patient, you know what a welcome sight the trolley is. It brings the outside world into the ward. The Amersham trolley carries a remarkable selection of newspapers, magazines, confectionery, toiletries and even greetings cards. It is not an onerous task and the reward of knowing that you have helped to brighten the day for even one or two patients, is well worth the small effort involved.

THE Annual Dinner and Dance of Hyde Heath Cricket Club will be held this year at Harewood Downs Golf Club on February 2 at 7.30pm. Dennis Ruff is providing the disco music - a chance to shed those naughty extra pounds gained from Christmas indulgence, All cricket club supporters will be warmly welcomed. Tickets from Caroline Capper 01494 784043 are £35 a head. Winter nets are due to start soon and there is to be a Bingo Night on May 3 in the village hall. Details of both these fixtures in due course.  

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

January 10th 2008

SCHOOLS are back and life is getting back to normal apart from flat batteries and other inconveniences of modern living. If one isn't mechanically minded (and for me that means anything more complicated than a penknife,) one feels completely helpless. I wonder how many women in Hyde Heath can change a car battery?

THE year started happily on Monday when some 30 pensioners accepted Chris Herring's invitation to lunch. It was a lovely meal and everyone enjoyed themselves, showing their appreciation by giving generously to Chris's favourite charity, Scannappeal. On Wednesday, 30th January, The Plough's international menus start again. This month it is the turn of Italy. The curry nights start in February but if a diner requests a curry on another evening, Chris will provide one. Thursday is fish and chips at the same remarkable price of £5.

FOR some time I have been promising myself a visit to the Tea Shop and old fashioned sweetshop in Chesham. Last Friday, escaping the hurly burly of post festive shopping, I made my way there. What delight! A port of tea, enough for two good sized cups and a toasted teacake, served with ample butter and a choice of three preserves. I tried them all - yummy! To make my joy complete I bought a quarter of a pound of that "old ladies sweet" Fox's glacier mints, shaken into the scale from the large jar and handed to me in a paper bag - old times indeed. There is a wide choice of menu including a mouth-watering "all day breakfast." Next time you are in Chesham, get the shopping done quickly and give yourselves a reat.

SPEAKING of treats, have you booked your seats for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum?" Tickets are available for all three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week. You can get them from the shop or from me - 01494 776193. Prices are £7.50 with concessions at £6.50. This comedy musical is not really suitable for children under 12 years.

AND there's more to come! Burns Nights will be celebrated this year in true Hyde Heath fashion on January 25 at 7.30 in the village hall. Tickets are £12 from Barbara Cann 01494 783254. Please advise her in advance of any special dietary requirements, otherwise it is haggis, etc.

STOP PRESS.  Stephanie Diembacher has taken over as leader of the Cub Scout group. This is a very lively group but is short of members and urgently needs another helper. Please contact Stephanie for all details - 01494 783405.  

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com  

January 4th 2008

A HAPPY and Healthy New Year to you all.

FIRST of all a huge Thank You to all the staff at our Village Shop and this includes those hardy souls who turn out at 6am (the graveyard shift) to mark up the papers ready for the boys and Alice and Georgia. Whatever the weather your chosen newsprint is delivered to you - give them a big hand!  With such limited space, the staff performed miracles each day with all the extra stock they knew we needed. Did you realise that although we might have been frazzled, the staff never were or certainly never showed it. I think I speak for all villagers when I say, Thank You, we are proud of you.

It does seem odd to start a new year without Jill Wheeler taking a keep fit class on Monday evenings. Does anyone know of a qualified Keep Fit instructor who would like to take on a ready-made class of ladies in Hyde Heath Village Hall on Mondays from 7.30 - 8.30pm ? If you know some-one who fits the bill, please contact the hall booking secretary on 01494 773988.

THERE are still some vacant seats for Chris Herring's Pensioners Lunch on Monday, 7th January. If you would like to accept his invitation, please ring me, 776193 or e-mail sylviesmiles@aol.com  The lunch will be held in the Minstrels Gallery at The Plough, 12noon for 12.30pm.

LINE Dancing starts again on Tuesday 8th. If you are not already a member but want to join the fun and exhilarating evening, ring Su Flint, 775468.

THE first meeting of the W.I. this year is on Thursday 10th at 8pm in the village hall. Non-members are welcome for a small admission charge. The guest speaker, Valerie Schuch aims to put us on the right road with her subject Aloe-Vera and health living. I hope you've finished up the Christmas cake and mince pies!

REMEMBER this is your news letter. Please let me have any items, however small, that you would like published here. It is free, thanks to the sponsorship of Savills but as you take a copy, a coin or two into the Pepper Pot would be appreciated.

Sylvia Brown           e-mail SylvieSmiles@aol.com