March 4th
The WI’s next meeting in one week’s time (11th.)
will have as the guest speaker Pam Jones on the topic of Dogs Helping
People. On the following Thursday (18th.) the monthly walks will
be resumed, the first being a three-mile stroll from 11:30 am. at the Pink
and Lily, Lacey Green.
The Cricket Club’s AGM. last Friday revealed no great
surprises, except that chairman John Capper and hon.sec. Robin Richards each
declared that 2010 would be their last year in those positions…we’ll believe
that when we see it. This Saturday evening is the Club’s Dinner. Check with
skipper Charlie Samuels (837308) for last-gasp tickets.
There are still a few places available in the Village
Hall on Saturday week (13th.) for Ian Keable’s adult magic show
“Conjuring Up Comedy”, which comes highly recommended. Tickets are £10 each
for which a traditional supper will be included, with a start time of 7:30
for 8:00.
I am delighted to report that the newly-established
“lollypop”- patrolled crossing at the school is working well, which, I’m
sure, will please the school management and all parents.
I know that it is still nine weeks away, but the
Village Fete here gets its first mention of the year. David Coulton
(775967) will of course be running the whole function, but I know that he
will be looking, as ever, for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day
and ensure that the Fete’s high standard is maintained.
A gentle reminder that Sunday week (14th.)
is Mothers’ Day.
The driver of this Friday afternoon’s shopping bus will
be Bill Newman.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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February 25th
I lead with the sad news that Enid Holland, a former
stalwart member of the drama group, has passed away in her native Cheshire
to which she returned when she and Ted retired. Our heartfelt sympathy goes
to Ted.
Last Saturday’s visit by the WI. to Anglesey Abbey
and Gardens, which is happily situated in Cambridgeshire and not, as one
might suspect, at the top end of Wales, was most interesting and blessed
with good weather. I looked it up in the National Trust handbook and in the
paragraph entitled “Getting here” it stated that Sat.Nav. systems may give
incorrect directions (when don’t they?) owing to a recent postcode change.
Great Missenden Choral
Society is to present its next concert on Saturday, 24th.April at
the Parish Church of St.Peter and St.Paul. The theme is “Beyond the Blue in
Glory”. Call 01494 862425 for tickets.
There are still some tickets
unsold for Ian Keable’s “Conjuring Up Comedy” on Saturday, 13th.March
in the Village Hall. Contact Ruth or David Coulton on 775967.
14th.March is
Mothering Sunday and to mark the occasion a special tea will be given at
4.30 pm. at St. John’s, for all those who have worked so hard to maintain
all aspects of the Church in Little Missenden and Hyde Heath.
The Cricket Club is holding
its AGM. this Friday evening. For further details contact the hon.sec.
(774582)
The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus is Ron Flint.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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February 11th
February 18th
Ralph Bartlett, a community governor and Health and Safety chair at the
Village School, tells me that he has been working towards a patrolled
“lollipop” crossing outside the school mornings and afternoons, and this
service will commence on Tuesday, 23rd.February. This is very
good news. Unfortunately it does not meet Bucks.C.C.criteria for a funded
patrol (no surprises, there, then), so contributions from parents will be
sought…
Last Wednesday evening there was a Parish Council
meeting and the chief subjects for discussion were the timings of the
midweek buses and (you’ve guessed it) potholes. It seems that the local
authority intends to mend its prioritised road surfaces in patches until
funds run out. (you’ve probably seen some evidence of this on the main road,
by the Common) There is no salt bin available for Hyde Heath.
The new freezer for the village shop was installed on
Wednesday. It’s an upright cabinet with a glazed front, enabling the
customers to see exactly what is on offer. This, and the new shelving,
smartens up the shop’s sales potential.
There are now two pilates classes on a Thursday
in the Village Hall. The earlier one is at 09.10 and the later one at
10.10. They are run by Louise Barrett (tel.07725 847853). Contact her for
costs and joining instructions.
By all accounts Sherry Scott gave a most interesting
talk on Burma at last week’s WI. meeting. It was based on her personal
experiences, many of which fell into the “hair-raising” category. She
appears to be a gutsy lady.
I have received advanced notice from Little Missenden
about this year’s Patronal Festival (June 26-27). The theme is to be
“Celebrity Connections” and is planned to include the scarecrows, which were
previously so successful…was it really five years ago?…Watch this space.
The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus is Steve Epps.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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February 11th
The Drama Group got their year off to an excellent
start with last week’s show, “The Railway Children – the musical”.
Attendance was better than anticipated and performance of this ambitious
production was, by all accounts, delightful. Special effects were good,
particularly the train in the tunnel…Applause all round…
Unusually, this week I have sufficient space at my
disposal to print more detail about the Friday shopping bus
Any person aged 60, or over, may travel as a passenger
on the bus. The pick-up is at 1 pm. in Meadow Way. A voluntary contribution
of £2 from each passenger is donated to Age Concern. The bus travels to
Chesham where it is parked at Sainsbury’s until passengers have completed
their shopping. It is then moved to near the main bus stop in The Broadway
or into the nearby car park for pick-up at about 2 30 pm. and return to Hyde
Heath. Passengers and their shopping can be dropped off at their homes. Each
driver is a volunteer. This week it is Derek Faversham.
And now for something completely different…no, not
Monty Python, but the Village Hall management committee which plans to
present on Saturday, 13th.March an evening of “conjuring up
comedy” with Ian Keable. This is billed as an adult entertainment,
includes VAT (very amusing tricks) and will feature a traditional Village
Hall supper. Tickets will cost £10 each and be available from Ruth and David
Coulton.
(“adult” means that children aged 14 and above will be
welcome, provided that they bring a “grown-up”)
Another future function is the Cricket Club’s annual
dinner. It will take place on Saturday, 6th.March and will
include the presentation of awards, both actual and alternative, for
achievements in season 2009. Tickets are available from the captain, Charles
Samuels (tel.837308)
Sylvia Brown has moved out, and we welcome to no.42,
Walnut Way Mr.and Mrs.Dunstan and hope that they get to know and enjoy our
village and become part of the rich pattern of its life.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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February 4th
Last Friday my predecessor, Sylvia Brown, moved out of
the village to her new home in Northamptonshire. We all wish her well and
thank her for excellent work on this column over the years. I have a feeling
that this is by no means the last time we shall hear of her.
Congratulations to Jemima Preston of Cedar Ridge for
gaining her grade one certificate with merit on piano. When she eventually
decides to specialise in “boogie woogie” the identity of her coach will
become clear.
If you ever stop to admire the contents of the hanging
basket at the village shop, which, admittedly, is not looking its best in
the first week of February, then thank the person who, lovingly and
regularly maintains it, Felicity Beynon.
At the next meeting of the evening W.I., Thursday, 11th.February,
the speaker will be Sherry Scott and the subject will be “Burma”. It’s
clearly time to mug up the words, and tune, of “The road to Mandalay”. I
feel that on reflection two weeks ago I dealt rather sketchily with the
result of the WI’s 2009 charity drive, which arose from coffee mornings,
monthly walks, a charity ramble, cream tea and also a Murder Mystery
evening. Congratulations, ladies, a magnificent effort…£1,450…who is the
2010 beneficiary ?
For those of you who have romantic inclinations Chris.
and the team are running a St.Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, 13th.
February at the Plough…book now to avoid disappointment.
Last chance for tickets to the Drama Group’ current
production, “The Railway Children, the musical”
The driver of the shopping bus this Friday is Bill
Newman.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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January 28th
The Drama Group’s forthcoming production “The Railway
Children-the musical” is scheduled for February 4th.(8.00), 5th.(8.00)
and 6th.(2.00 & 6.00) in the Village Hall. Secretary Carole North
tells me that tickets for the Saturday are selling quite well, but a boost
is needed for the Thursday and Friday anticipated attendances.
The local Community Safety Officer, Caroline Murray,
has asked me if I would publicise the following Chiltern Partnership event
at which the local police and fire brigade will offer crime reduction advice
and certain items of crime-deterring equipment e.g. UV marking kits, timer
switches, personal alarms, bicycle marking kits and locks. This event is
scheduled to take place in Sainsbury’s car park, Chesham on Monday, 1st.February
0800-1200 and the following day at the same time at Tesco in Old Amersham.
Their information may prove invaluable, since our village was recently the
scene for two burglaries and a robbery.
Since I’ve taken over this job I have been receiving
unsolicited e-mails, all from ladies, who each have a flag to wave. So, if
you want to know what’s afoot in the Chesham area contact Merrin Molesworth
(merrinnews@gmail.com)
If you would like to be involved with voluntary work get in touch with
Marion Scourfield (marion.scourfield@btinternet.com).
Finally Jill Lacey-Smith (Jill.Lacey-Smith@talktalk.net)
would like a mention for her RNLI.supper and talk in Little Missenden
Village Hall on Feb.5th. It seems that the RNLI
(Lifeboats) has a flourishing local branch, in spite of
the Chilterns being landlocked.
The Plough team is currently lying second in the first
division of the local quiz league, despite the squad containing one of the
oldest participants in the competition.
Friday shopping bus…this week’s driver is Mary
Collins…check with her beforehand if you are not a regular.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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January 21st
Heartiest congratulations are in order for Joy and
Dennis Swains, who last weekend celebrated their sixty-fifth – yes,
sixty-fifth - wedding anniversary. For those of an enquiring mind that means
Blue Sapphire, with the next target Platinum (70th.) Again our
congratulations to this senior, and clearly very happy, couple.
After my remarks in last week’s newsletter I have to
report that I have actually seen a gritter truck, though it was not in the
act of gritting…it was going so fast along the Straight Mile that my driver
could not catch up.
If you thought that the topic for last Thursday
evening’s WI. address was a tad uninviting (the policing of environmental
issues) the speaker, Mervyn Edwards, made it extremely interesting. Whilst
talking of the WI. they are to be congratulated on raising during 2009
£1,450 for their nominated charity, Alzheimer’s Disease.
The “Old-Fashioned” evening at the Plough on Wed.Jan.27th.is
now fully booked, but Chris. plans for a “Valentines Dinner” on Sat.Feb.13th.,
with flowers for the ladies and other attractive trimmings.
It’s amazing how many e-mails I have received since
taking on this job…the latest is from a lady called Ann Pollard (01494
865964), who tells me that Citizens’ Advice have started a local service at
the Chequers Lane GP surgery, Prestwood every Wed.0930-1230. As ever,
advice is free, confidential and for all. (01494 863899)
Derek Faversham is now running beginners line dance
classes on Mondays 2.30-4.00 in the Village Hall.
Friday Shopping Bus. This week’s driver is Ron
Flint…check with him beforehand if you are not a regular user
Next time…Drama Group, Marking Your Property and
Volunteer Services.
Robin Richards
squareleg@waitrose.com
01494 774582
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January 14th
O.K.then, who has read the lead article in the Winter
2009 edition of the Buckinghamshire Times ? It is variously referred to as
“True Grit” and “The salt of the earth” and goes on to describe how eight
new purpose-built salt spreader trucks, each pictured with a plough blade
fitted, have been commissioned to help Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB)
keep the County’s routes in top-notch condition this winter. Next
question…how many of you have actually seen one ? Either at work or at
rest ?
I had a response to last week’s newsletter from a chap
called Barry Oliver, who seems to regularly visit our website, and passes on
his good wishes to all who may remember him, especially members of the Drama
Group. In a similar vein I have also received a note from Margaret
Carmichael…it’s nice to know that folks who have moved away from the village
are still keen to maintain some form of contact.
The Christingle Service, which was postponed from last
Sunday, 10th.January, will now take place on 24th.Jan.
at 4.00 pm. at St.John’s, Little Missenden.
We regret to announce the death of Dr.Betty Laverick.
The funeral will be at 10.00 am.on Wednesday 20th.Jan. at the
Chilterns Crematorium.
The Village School was able to re-open its doors this
past Monday, thanks to all those volunteers who helped to clear the snow
from around its entrance and environs…a job well done, everybody.
Barbara Cann tells me that due to the probability of
adverse weather conditions it has been decided, regrettably, to cancel the
Burns Night celebrations on 22nd.January.
The Village Shop continues to fulfil its prime purpose,
that is to serve the village. It is thanks to the staff and management that
it does it so well, and they wish to thank you in turn for your unfailing
support and custom.
An advance notice is that despite the Chilterns being
landlocked the RNLI (Lifeboats) is hosting a supper followed by an
illustrated talk on Friday, February 5th.at Little Missenden
Village Hall. My contact, Jill Lacey-Smith, (01494 864874) assures me that
this is a very good-value event at only £16 a head, including a glass of
wine, and she is hoping to sell one hundred tickets to raise money for
training and equipment.
Friday Shopping Bus…This is available to all Hyde Heath
pensioners, but its seating capacity is 12 passengers. If you are not a
regular it is advisable to check beforehand with the driver. This week it
is Steve Epps. ( In fact the bus will not
run on Friday Jan 15th due to continuing ice & snow )
I have received a flyer from Marion Scourfield, of
Voluntary Action (Chiltern & South Bucks). It was too wordy for inclusion in
this week’s newsletter, but it will get a decent airing in next week’s.
Robin Richards
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January 7th
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers. This is the first
of many Hyde Heath Newsletters to be issued by RR, but, before proceeding
further, let me thank my predecessor, Sylvia Brown, as the previous producer
and, before that, her column in “Village Voice”, which the Bucks.Examiner
management, for reasons best known to itself, saw fit to axe. We all wish
Sylvia well when she eventually reaches her new home in rural Northants.
A nice romantic snippet of news is what we all like to
hear…as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve Wendy Axe’s daughter,
Jac., was proposed to by Mark Rumsey, and I understand that she accepted,
though how she could hear him with the noise of bells and fireworks is a
mystery…perhaps she’s good at lip-reading.
Before Christmas, when the snow and its aftermath made
it difficult for us pensioners, especially those with dodgy legs, to get
about, the village shop staff performed magnificently, and always with a
smile. The newspapers were delivered without a problem, and stocks of most
items were maintained. The manageress, Ruth, and her co-pilot, Alan, were
nine-and-a-half hours on the weekly journey to and from the wholesalers in
Wycombe…above and very much beyond the call of duty. It’s a joy to recognise
the calibre of Shop operations.
The carols on Christmas Eve, organised by
Chris.Sargeant and Bob Thompson, with the help of stalwarts of Rod.Stevens’
Amersham Band, and other musical contributions, raised about £300 for the
charity “Help for Heroes”…a splendid effort.
Burns Night celebrations will be held in the Village
Hall on Friday, January 22nd. at 7.30 for 8.00. Tickets cost
£13.00 each, and are available from Barbara Cann (tel.783254) A supper of
haggis and cobblers is included and there will be much singing and dancing,
I’m told.
Derek Faversham is now running line dance classes for
beginners in the Village Hall on Monday afternoons from 2.30 to 4.00. New
members are most welcome and the charge is £3.50 per person per session.
Tickets for the Drama Group’s next production, “The
Railway Children, the Musical” (on Feb.4th., 5th. and
6th ) are moving slowly at this time. Still, we have another
month for the press gangs to do their work.
The W.I.’s first meeting of the year will take place on
Thursday, January 14th.in the Village Hall. Members old and new
are welcome. A talk will be given by Mervyn Edwards on policing
environmental issues, specifically the Newbury By-Pass. Haven’t they
finished it yet? Will “Swampy” get a mention?:
Theme Night at the Plough will be on Wednesday, 27th.
January with the title “Old-Fashioned” Does that mean steak and kidney
pudding and jam roly-poly on the menu ?
Robin Richards
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