Latest News
30 June 2009
Well! I didn't realise just what chords would be struck by my article in the HV News recently. It seems that those of you in the older parts of the valley (Valley Road, Warrendene, Bryant's Bottom, Boss Lane, etc) that have house names need to think more of the delivery people. I would urge you to place a clear house name adjacent to the roadside boundary of your property or consider numbering the houses in your road.
While walking to the shop last Sunday I noticed a lot of litter along the way so I thought I'd litter-pick today. IMagine my surprise when most of the litter was not there! However, a lady, presumably living on Warrendene, told me that she had been along yesterday and picked up two bags of rubbish between the Manor and Warrendene, including two empty bottles of vodka from the bus shelter by the Harrow. My thanks to this lady from all the residents and myself. (I still picked up half a carrier bag of rubbish though!)
Don't forget the Race Night on Sat 11th July. It will be a great evening. Get a table together with friends and neighbours!
19 June 2009
In one week the litter is back to normal - plastic bottles, hamburger trays, fag packets, plastic bags etc. Very idspiriting. However it was nice to see a hedge being cut by the householders near Orchard Close - this will make walking to and from the Village Shop easier!
The village shop is still on target, having achieved a steady turnover that will sustain it. Well done to all those making this possible. More volunteers are needed, so if you can spare some time, let the shop know - it does not have to be regular - just offer a few hours as you can spare them.
Three ladies calling themselves the Burnham Babes are offering to organise Village Day next year. Well done ladies!
Al is organising a Race Night for Saturday 11th July. Another fantastic evening is promised for only a tenner. He will hope to get the beer order better this time, so we should have plenty of good beer and reasonably priced wine. If you have been to one of Al's fundraising events before, then you will be at this one. If you haven't been to one before, then go to it and enjoy a great evening out within walking distance. Tel 562862 for tickets. The tenner includes a fish and chip supper and there will be professional organisers running the evening - great value for money!
13 June 2009
Lin and I collected some litter from the Valley Road yesterday and managed to fill a carrier bag with what we picked up. As well as the sweet papers and crisp packets, we found paper cups from MacDonalds, several beer cans and soft drink cans, a 30mph roundel, a condom packet, a rubber glove, some J cloths, bus tickets, beer bottles and paper. Not bad for a short stroll! Hayley in the shop would not be surprised as she finds users of the tables unwilling to take their litter to the adjacent litter bin when they depart. Is this symptomatic of our times? Do litter louts chuck their rubbish on their lounge floors? Is it just kids who do this, or do irresponsible adults do it as well? We are trying to keep the village nice for the village of the Year competition, so please pick up any rubbish you spot.
It is interesting to note that three villages in the Hughenden Parish Council area are in the Village of the Year competition - Great Kingshill and Naphill with Walters Ash, together with ourselves. This is a good result for our area as there are only a few villages in the competition.
10 June 2009
Sorry for the lack of news - this is due to holiday, but I am back now. If anybody would like to contribute to the update of this site, please get in touch.
I see that Richard Pushman has been elected to be our Couny Councilllor for Greater Hughenden. He only got 65.7% of the vote! I see also that Marta Andreasen has been elected as UKIP MEP for the South East - this should give some fireworks in the European Parliament over the next five years! Daniel Hannan has also been elected for the Conservatives - again, this should improve the quality of intellect of the parliament! However, don't hold your breath that we will see big changes to affect our lives for the better.
26 May
There is to be a new Alpha course, run by St Michael and All Angels, starting 7:30pm Wednesday 23rd September in Church House. This is a highly acclaimed course that explores those difficult questions that Christianity attempts to answer. It runs for 10 weeks. I have heard good reports of this course, so if you want to tackle it, please call Simon Cronk on 563439 or Diane or Frank Hawkins on 565050.
25 May 2009
We are entering the Village of the Year competition. We have a lot to shout about this year, so we could win. Could I ask those of you with trees that overhang pavements to cut them back so that pedestrians can easily walk along the pavements? could I also ask you to pick up the litter that is thrown out of passing cars. I know that some public spirited people already do this, but a clean environment deters people from dropping more litter.
24 May 2009
There is a vacancy on the Parish Council for Hughenden ward. If you would like to consider becoming a Parish Councillor, please get in touch with the Clerk (see the Links page for the Parish Council website).
The Art Group are running their usual Children's Art Days this half term. For details, phone Jill Graves on 563813.
More volunteers needed at the shop. Hayley worked 63 hours this week. She is either going to get a camp bed or claim the shop on expenses as her second home. Please do what you can for this community project. It is a great shop and a great place to meet people in the village. One woman told me she met someone she thought had died, she had not seen her for so long! Don't let it happen to you!
Ex members of the Hughenden Football Club are getting together for a dinner on Saturday June 13th at Adams Park. Details from Mark on oldhughendenians@aol.com
Bob Kemp has a riser/recliner chair for people with any form of arthritis or back problem. If this is of interest to you, please phone him on 563751
Local elections are coming along on June 4th, along with the European elections. When voting for the local councillor, please remember that Richard Pushman has selflessly served this area for years and attends almost every event in the village and Naphill If considering an alternative, just ask yourself if the alternative will do as much as Richard does.
For the Euro elections, the Tories have the admirable Daniel Hannan as their lead candidate, so he is almost certain to be re-elected, needing only 10% of the vote. UKIP have Marta Andreasen as their second-placed candidate. She was the auditor that Neil Kinnock fired for doing her job and not signing off the accounts when, professionally, she could not do so. They have not been signed off for 14 years now. If UKIP gets 20% of the South East vote, she gets elected and exciting propspects open up! And remember that Gordon Brown promised you a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and signed away his promise in a shady private ratification. This election is your chance to let the main parties know what you think about being part of a political Europe that Edward Heath originally signed us into and which now costs 39m pounds per day to belong to. I thought I would mention these facts because the Euro Commission will be spending lots of your money to seduce you into voting to stay in.18 May 2009
If any cricketing fans want a rare evening out, then Great Kingshill RA is holding a charity evening on June 26 at Adams Park where Sir Gary Sobers will be guest speaker. Tickets cost £75 per person or £650 for a table of ten with all profits going to Great Kingshill road safety projects. To book call 01494 713 007. Now that makes our fundraising look low-key!
17 May 2009
Last night was the disco, organised by the fund raising committee. And a brilliant night it was too! Most people had found something to don to make the Seventies' feeling, and some had really gone to town - there were Punks and Beautiful people and some ABBA impressions. Dancing was slow to start as most enjoyed the excellent beer on tap, followed by a massive buffet spread. Fired up with energy, the dancing started and all the old Seventies favourites were played until midnight.
The beer ran out, so Derek and Al drove off to Prestwood to get replenishments and the party continued. Next time we have an evening event, it will be followed the nxt day by a barbecue so that we can finish the remaining beer and wine!
Thanks again to the fund raising committee who did their usual fantastic job to make another great event. We are blessed to have so many people who can turn their hand to making it all happen.
16 May 2009
Well, it had to happen - all that effort put in by these people in the photo. The Community Shop opened today with great fanfare at 1:30pm. For a full report, go to the Shop link on the left.
14 May 2009I was at the pharmacy today while Liz, the pharmacist, was throwing out approximately £1000 of returned pharmaceutical items (not drugs). What a waste! Please think about the amount of items you need - we all pay for it in increased taxes and we might get cutbacks in NHS spending. Not much saving in one batch thrown away, but repeat it over the year and over all the pharmacies and it mounts up.
12 May 2009
Alert!!!!! Some burglars targetted a house in Valley Road near Spring Valley Drive, and Frogmore Close where several cars were broken into. The time of the attacks was between 1:30 - 2:30am. It is thought that the get-away car was parked in Friars Gardens at the corner of Valley Road, away from houses. If you saw anything, please let the police know (see Links). The Police have responded well so far. These people are getting bolder, so please be alert to any strangers or any strangely-acting people, or strange noises in the valley. It underlines the need for NeighbourhoodWatch schemes, so please consider setting one up/joining one, before it is too late (see entry for May 7). We need to be vigilant at all times.
7th May 2009
Don't forget the arrival of the climbing wall on 21st May (see entry of 17 April below).
The AGM of the Residents' Association will be held at 7:30pm on 27th May in the small hall of the Village Hall. It is your opportunity to meet the people who take actions on your behalf and to hear of their achievements over the past year. It is also an opportunity to elect officers to continue the work for the coming year. These are normally good events and an opportunity to meet other villagers over refreshments afterwards.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held at Naphill and Walters Ash School, Kilnwood, Walters Ash on Tuesday 19th May at 8pm. You will be able to meet parish councillors and hear how they have been spending your money over the past year. John Morris, Director of the Chilterns Woodland Project will be the guest speaker, which should be worth listening to. There will be refrehments to follow, so ample time to exchange views and socialise.
There have been burglaries in the area. Please report anything suspicious to the police and take extra care to secure your property. If your road does not belong to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme then you chould consider starting one up. Contact me and I will put you in touch with help and advice to make it easy for you. These schemes make for great neighbourhoods, so they are not just about crime.
At the equinox I bemoaned the lack of bluebells, but I see we have them in the verges wher the mowers don't go. They are lovely to see when out walking, so there is at least one happy man in the village!
17 April 2009
The Parish Council is paying for a climbing wall to be made available for youngsters in the village to use. It sill be located in the First School grounds, Spring Valley Drive betwen 6:30-8:30pm on 21st May 2009. Supervisors will be there - it is part of Green Park Outdoors at Aston Clinton, which is managed by Bucks County Council. there will be no charge to participants.
13th April 2009
What a great weekend we had with the Easter Egg Treasure Hunt to raise some money for the Village Hall and have some fun for the villagers. A report is available here.
22nd March 2009
Well, we had the Bingo and it was a great success! Almost a full hall and certainly a good support that provided a great atmosphere. Prizes galore and good organisation by Al, Christine , Diana, Vicky and others.
21st March 2009
Equinox! Spring is here - as evidenced by the daffodils all over the valley. Makes you feel good.
We have a
thriving little industrial estate at the end of the valley with Wrights
Buildbase, stocking most of the stuff you need for DIY or big projects
such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are a friendly and knowledgeable
crowd who are pleased to help. Part of a large group to benefit from
buying in bulk, but locally run for a personal feel.
Hughenden
Autos has been there a year, would you believe. They have all the kit
and expertise needed to peroform services, even warranty ones, and
MOTs. I took my car for its first MOT yesterday and found John and
Lennie to be very friendly and competent. they will get my next
service. When the owner lives locally in the village, they are going
to have to be good!
Please support these local companies. They are part of the village and they want to integrate with the residents.
I planted a few foxgloves yesterday along the road verge and scattered some seeds. The plants should flower this year and the seeds next as they are biennial. If anybody has some spare foxgloves in their gardens, please let me know and I will transplant them to other sites along the Valley Road to give some colour in summer. Let me know soon as we don't have a lot of time for this task. Alternatively, you could transplant them yourselves! Choose a shady area among trees. The daffodils, mainly planted by Bob and his late wife, Loretta, look magnificent and do a lot to make this look like a cared-for village, as well as lifting spriits after the winter. We could also do with some bluebells.
3rd March
In this sad week, I cannot find a more important story to publish than the letter I received from Becci, the young lady who lost her camera. I reproduce her email to me in full. It shows what a wonderful village we have here.
Hi Tony,
Thank you so much for your help, but thankfully my camera has been found and returned safely to me (and it still works!).
A very kind man named David (I don't know his last name) found it
hanging on the church gate, printed some pictures off and stuck them on
the church noticeboard. Both a friend of my Nan's and someone living
across the road from me saw the pictures and delivered them to me, with
David's phone munber on the back. I met up with David yesterday, and my
camera was returned safe and sound.
I was wondering if now you could post a message saying thankyou to a)
the person who initially found it and hung it on the church gate, b)
the two people who alerted me to the pictures, and c) David, who made
such an effort.
If this is not possible, you feel it is somewhat irrelevant or
there are more important stories, I will not be offended, but I would
like to say thank you to all the people who were kind enough to
re-unite me and my camera!
thanks again,
Becci
And Thank You, Becci
Meanwhile, our thoughts are with the families of Loretta and Eric, both of whom benefitted from and contributed to this community to make it what it is today.
25th Feb 2009
A set of 3 keys was found on the back football pitch after the snow had melted. Please email me if you would like to claim them. You must be able to describe them before we will release them.
22nd February 2009
|
I have to report the sad death of Loretta Kemp.
Loretta passed away during the early evening of 16th February. Her
funeral will be held at Amersham Crematorium at 2:45 on Monday 2nd March
with tea afterwards at the Village Hall. The date for the interment,
which will be at the Garden of Rest on Four Ashes Road, will be
announced then, but will probably be Friday 6th March. Loretta was a well-loved member of the community, serving on the Residents' Association for many years, performing many of those tasks that go without thanks, but which are vital to the smooth running of a cohesive community like ours. She was a keen gardener and cross-stitcher, both of which she did with great skill to produce exceptional results. Loretta was also a member of Valley Wive, who will miss her. Loretta had been ill for some considerable time, but never complained. She was a very brave woman. |
16th February 2009
|
This must rank as one of the saddest days this village has had. Early this morning, Eric Powell, the greatest asset that this village has had in current times, passed away in the early hours of the morning. He has been ill for some time and finally lost the fight. He will be missed by his very many friends in the village. There will be a service in the village church, where he was a significant figure, at an appropriate time. Words cannot say what the heart wants to express. Our thoughts are with the family. Eric was one of the nicest people one could meet. He was talented, but so modest about those talents which he freely gave to make this village one of the best communities there could be. Those who had the privilege to know him will be extremely sad today. A light has gone out. |
Plea from a young lady in the valley who lost he camera while sledging recently.....
On Tuesday 3rd February, like many others, I was sledging near the church in
Hughenden Park. A few weeks previously (10th Jan) I turned 16 and one of my
presents was a brand new digital camera. On Tuesday, I had it in my pocket but
it must have slipped out since I could no longer find it.
It was
definitely lost on one of three 'slopes' - the one to the left of a wire
enclosure of trees (the main one), a small, steeper one between the enclosure
and a railing, and the other side of the railing (if anyone was there, this had
a small snow ramp). I can provide a Google Earth picture if this would help
anyone.
The camera was a silver kodak, and it was in a small silver/grey
pouch (orginally intended as a glasses pouch).
I am desperate to get my
camera back, and would be very grateful if you could publish this information on
your website and anywhere else you deem necessary or helpful. Email me if you find it.
12th February
I went down to see the Art Class a couple of Mondays ago and it was packed! I didn't stay, but they were having one of their guest artists to demonstrate. Jill now tells me of two more events that are coming up. These are in the Events listing, but brief details are included here to whet your appetite!
1st February 2009
Well, it seems llike ages since anything happened to report on this page. Perhaps we have all hibernated. Well, at long last, I have established a link to the Village Shop website. Go to the Links page from the navigation bar on the left and click on Village Shop.
We still have the uncertainty over The Harrow. Hopefully the identity of its owner will soon occur. In the meantime, if we want to keep it, we have to use it. Likewse if we want a village hall, we have to support events there.
15th January 2009
At the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, PC Turnham warned against leaving sheds unlocked as thieves regularly use tools from sheds to effect break-ins.
Speeding has been reduced significantly in the area following a blitz on speeders. These enforcements will continue as speeding is seen to be a major problem by the local Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). You can have your say by filling out a pro-forma, obtainable by phoning 08458 505 505 and asking for the Hazelmere office.
Following the success of the last 'Get to know your Parish Council' meeting, held in Hughenden Valley village hall last autumn, this will become an annual event. We will therefore have two chances to meet the parish council each year, with meetings held in the different wards. It is hoped that there will be large audiences at each to allow parisioners to link into the democratic process.
5th January 2009
Happy New Year!
Today is cold and a layer of snow lies underfoot. However, an email from a friend in Transylvania told me that they have been having temperatures in the region of -22 degrees Centigrade with peaks of -30. I cannot imagine cold as harsh as that!
Apart from many letters from Nigerians and various banks asking me to confirm all my personal details, the email address for this site remains empty so either (a) everybody is happy or (b) nobody is reading this site. Please just drop me an email if you read the drivellings of this site - don't be embarrassed!
I read a magazine published by the Wycombe Safety Partnership (WSP). This is a quango we can do without. We can also do without that recent innovation - the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG. In the WSP magazine it described a major success of the Marlow NAG. In response to an outbreak of anti-social behaviour in central Marlow the police.....gave information packs to all households in the affected area! Problem solved! Do we really need a group to crow over this appalling incompetence? There were many other idiocies in the magazine, but still the Wycombe District Council thinks it is a good idea. Still - it is only your money - but you might want to ask your WDC and BCC councillors what they are doing to save money when you see them.
24th December 2008
I would like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. For those who like to make a New Year Resolution, may I make a suggestion? This year, resolve to do more to help in the running of Village events. We have a massive fund-raising task in 2009 to fund the new Village Hall kitchen extension and will need EVERYBODY to do their bit. We have an enviable community atmosphere in our village, but it is the same people who seem to turn out to help. This year I am looking for twenty people who have not helped before to join in. All training will be given Get in touch with me - you will be glad that you did!
10th December 2008
At the Parish Council meeting last night, PC Lee Turnham told of a spate of car burglaries between 6pm and 8pm. It appears to be a couple of youths doing it if cars are left unlocked, so beware. If you see suspicious youths, phone the police (see links) and let them know without delay - they want to catch them.
Wrights was burgled by a professional gang and relieved of around 100,000 pounds of materials. If you hear of power equipment being sold, let the police know.
There is a 'Yellow Card' scheme in operation. The police can dish out a yellow card to anti-social behaviour perpetrators. Two yellows equals one red which results in letter and prosecution.
One person in the area of the Parish council is subject of an ABC - Antisocial Behaviour Contract, which is the first step on the road to yellow cards.
The police nationwide have adopted an All Attendance policy for victims of crime, where the police will personally visit every victim of crime. This follows from the success of the policy started in Bedfordshire, where crime dropped as a result.
A family was moved from one side of town to the other as they were evicted from their council house and crime in the area almost disappeared. The police are somewhat interested in this family!
1st December 2008
How sick can you get? The milkman had to replace all the milk he had delivered this morning because a car load of youths had followed him round and taken all that he had delivered. If anybody sees this happening - call the police and take note of any details you can about thiese sick criminals.
11th November 2008
Two things to report today - the "Getting Closer to the Community" event at Naphill and the bureaucracy that surrounds the simplest decision that government can make.
First, the waste of time that is
your money that took place today at Naphill. You did not know about it
because the publicity was almost non-existent. Even if you had known
about it, I cannot think why you would have wanted to visit it.
"Getting Closer to the Community" (GC2C in modern, cool, text-speak) is
a wishy-washy concept of those that provide our "services" that they
should find out what we want and then do nothing about it. Ignore the
fact that we have a good communication route from Residents'
Associations, through Parish Councils to District Councils to County
Council, the Councy Council wants to find out directly from the
"Community". So they park a sort of motorhome outside a pub for a few
hours and hope to catch some passers-by. This will be their sample of
"The Community". Sorry if you work because you would not have been
there to get close to. Brilliant! Ignore the routes that are set up
for this purpose and botch an exercise to find out less than is
available. It makes you wonder how these people get jobs in County
Hall. They must be friends of Mandelson. Or not. Due to no passing
trade, they abandoned the concept of getting closer to getting further
away as they drove off at 12:20.
The second story relates to the "Oak Features" that are placed at village entrances as alternatives to the white gates, such as we have in our village. The Parish Council voted on this some time ago and chose the oak features for Bryant's Bottom, thinking that this was an alternative to the white gates. It now transpires that the Department For Transport has to approve each and every one of these features. This means that the County Council must provide drawings and maps and descriptions of where each and every feature is to be placed. Plus, the feature must incorporate the speed limit sign, so they must be placed where the speed limit is at present, or else consultations and revision orders must be raised to move the speed limit even a few yards. Your taxes are going to pay for some jobsworth in Whitehall to examine the work of the County Council employees (chosen because they are experts). Tonight the Parish Council voted for white gates for Bryant's Bottom so that, some eight years after this was raised, the villagers there might get a gate. North Dean will still get the oak features, but we cannot say when.
These stories do make you wonder whether those in power could organise an entertainment in a place that brews beer. On this evidence, and that every fortnight in Private Eye, the answer would seem to be in the negative. Still, they are handling the credit crunch on our behalf!8th November 2008
The Conservation Group met this morning and moved the grass which was cleared in the last clean-up to a better site to rot down; cleared some scrub in the main bonfire area and had the usual bonfire. If you would like to join the group, which meets fortnightly on Sunday mornings, please get in touch with me. No only will you get some fresh air and exercise, you will learn lots about nature, the world and our locality and its characters at the same time.
4th November 2008
Sorry for the absence - I have a life in other directions!
There is to be a Community Focus Event at The Wheel, Naphill on Remembrance Day between 10am and 2pm. There will be a two minutes' silence to commemorate the day at 11am. Full details are in the Events listing (see navigation nar at the left). This looks as though it is a result of lots of effort being put behind the Pathfinder project that Bucks is piloting. Nobody seems to know what this is, so perhaps you would like to go to the Focus day and see what it is all about. Bookies are favouring the 'It will be a complete waste of time and money' bet. They could be wrong and it might be very interesting and a valuable use of all the resources that will be there and for which you are paying Council Tax. I shall go and see what it is all about as until now, nobody has been able to explain 'Pathfinder' to me.
On Oct 23rd we had the "Get to know your Parish Councillors" evening. Chairman John Rogers gave an interesting talk on the history of parish councils and Hughenden in particular. This was followed by a presentation on the work of the Chilterns Conservation Board, which was also interesting and informative. The socialising over wine and nibbles was an important part of the evening for the many who turned out.
The Conservation Group meets this Sunday at 09:30 for a pre-work talk by John H in the Small Hall. Come and join us if you like the open air, socialising and working off a few pounds after an indulgent Saturday evening.
The Salsa Evening took place on 18th October and was enjoyed by all who attended. The Theatre Supper organised by the Valley Wives was a sell-out and very successful. It seems that the social life of the village is still healthy!
I have had a few queries about the dumping of rubble in the old Council site on Hatches Lane. The aim is to raise the height of the verge so that lorries cannot use the site. In the growing season, grass should grow and make the area attractive. If not, let me know.
17th October 2008
Paul, Chairman of Residents, has planted part of the Parish Council's allocation of daffodils alongside the new path to the Village Hall. It is not an easy task, so he is to be congratulated, especially next Spring when we see the fruits of his labours.
Paul has also been removing graffiti that has recently appeared. If you see any graffiti, please let Paul know or contact this website. The sooner we know of it, the sooner we can remove it and the sooner we remove it, the less likely it is to return. We could also do with some more volunteers to help in this area, so if you fancy tackling this, let me know.
16th October 2008
Potter Cup results are in and the main photo shows the winners, Andrew's White Horse, with the inconspicuous Chairman of the Residents' Association on the right of the picture. For full details click The good news is that some £460 was raised for the Senior Citizens.
Don't forget that there is more fun to be had this Saturday at the Salsa Evening. See the Events for full details.
15th October 2008
Warning!!!! A number of car thefts have been occuring in the area, most recently in South Maundin, Warrendene and Friars Gardens. The suspect is a young teenager who uses a drill to drill out the locks of cars and then steal the contents of value. The police are aware of the thefts and attempted thefts, but the best defence is to leave nothing of value in the car and to report any teenager seen at late hour to the police - youngsters on school nights out late are almost invariably up to no good. Parents should also know where their children are - although this can be difficult at times. The police contact details are on the Links page of this website.
On a brighter note - the Eden sign by Hughenden Park has been removed. The Parish council are particularly against this creeping urbanisation and will do all in its power to maintain the rural aspect of this area.
13th October 2008
The Valley Wives are organising a Theatre Supper on Friday 24th October. Details in the events area. This promises to be a great evening out, so do try to get up a table and enjoy this two course meal and revue about the eccentricities of the English by the Ubiquitous Theatre Company.
Road reps have some daffodils, courtesy of the Parish Council. If you know of any public area in your road that would benefit the community from a display of daffodils next spring then please contact your road rep.
6th October 2008
Apparently there are no road signs pointing to Hughenden Valley so the footpath sign near the church might be the only one in existence. If you know of another, please let me know and it will be featured soon!
25th September 2008
The Parish Council will be holding a "Get to Know Your Parish Council" evening on 23rd October at 8pm - 9:30pm. There will be light refreshments and a couple of talks - one on the history of the parish and what it does and the other on the work of the Chilterns Conservation Board. The venue is the village hall in Hughenden Valley. Do come along - if only for the refreshments and the talk about the Chilterns Conservation Board - although the whole evening should be a good one. Parish Councillors are ordinary people who give up their time to ensure that this remains a pleasant place in which to live. If you don't come to events like this, then you cannot moan later that 'they' don't do what you want them to.
Hughenden News is out and should have been delivered to you by now, else it will be soon. It is another edition of this favourite magazine of the village. If you have something interesting to say, then get in touch with Janet and see your work in print in the next edition, which should be out before Christmas. We especially need articles from the Baden Powell organisations - Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Guides etc - as they seem to be invisible on the publicity front.
13th September 2008
We continue to pray for Eric, who will hear the result of his biopsy on Tuesday, and for the family of this great man, who are going through uncertain times.
Thanks to Bob, we now have a refurbished noticeboard, where the door actually works. There has been debate about where this should be sited, as there is a competing request for the Village Hall site. However, people use the village hall or post letters. Some do both. We might need to think about a second noticeboard. Let me know whether a noticeboard is useful, and, if you think it is, where you would like to see it located. Meanwhile, Thanks, Bob. If you think that the perspex panel is crazed, it is, but it would cost over 50 quid for a new piece of perspex, so we need to think carefully about its value before stumping up.
11th September 2008
I didn't realise how bad it was, but the police clocked a driver down Warrendene Road doing 75mph the other day. Residents tell me that this is not unusual. If you spot someone doing that sort of speed - take their registration and report it to PC Turnham. If they get reported a few times, the police can take some action. We don't need idiots trying to show how much testosterone they possess to make up for their low IQ.
The travelling library has stopped calling at a number of locations. They do that if therearefewer than three people per stopping point per month for three months, so if you want the library to keep calling, use it!!! It currently stops at the school in Spring Valley Drive. Being illiterate, I don't read, so don't knowwhen its schedule is.3rd September 2008
Please note that the 300 bus times have changed as of 1st September - sorry for the late reminder, but Arriva tend to keep this information quiet until after it has happened.
The village notice-board has been taken away for repair after the door was found broken. This is done by voluntary effort, so please ensure that the door is properly closed when it goes up again if you insert a notice there.
Eric was taken to hospital last night. We don't know how serious his condition is, but our thoughts are with Chris and the boys and our wish is for a speedy, complete recovery. We will now see just how much Eric does in this village as his work either does not get done, or has to be done by others. If you want to get involved in village life, then this is a good time to start, or take on more. Get well soon, Eric and come back to us soon so that we can rejoice. You are a great guy!
2nd September 2008
A couple of things worth mentioning came out of the Village Hall Committee meeting last night. One is that the Football Club is now a registered charity, so its money will now go further and the Chancellor will be somewhat porer as a result. The other was that the Art Group is to have its Annual Art Show on 20-21 Sept between 10:30 and 5pm. Details are on the Events page (see Navigation Bar on the left).
We also want ideas for the second plaque on the front of the Village Hall. The right hand plaque looks fantastic, but is let down by the unfinished area on the left.
We need a volunteer, or volunteers, to run the Annual Christmas Bazaar. Jill has run this for years and it raises a significant sum for the Village Hall projects, but she has decided to hang up her boots on this one. Date is 22nd November.
It was also reported that oak trees within the playing fiels area have been bark ringed in an attempt to kill them off. This is unacceptible behaviour and anyone seen doing this should be reported to this site or to one of the Village Hall committee.
We also had the question of what neighbours to the fields could do on the fields in the way of dumping garden waste and having bonfires was concerned. It should be made clear that the fields are to be treated as you would your neighbours' gardens - you don't do anything unless by individual agreement per event. The fields are there for the enjoyment of all and should be left as you found them.
Reminder that the Potter Quiz is on 11th October - details in the Events page.
31st August 2008
I have just been made aware of the red kite website, which I have now included in the Links page. Do have a look at it - it appears to be the definitive site for red kites.
30th August 2008
See the report on the Conservation Day here .
28th August 2008
This village has a reputation for working together for the good of all. At the moment, there is no greater need than to have volunteers attend some or all of the Conservation Group meets to have some fun clearing land and having big bonfires There is also the added value of creating a Chilterns meadow with indigenous wild flowers, as has been done in one area of the bank.
Please do not leave this to others. Come along on Saturday sometime during the day and have a look at the plans for the area. As with most Village activities, there will be an amount of fun in joining in.
21st August 2008
PropertySpy reveals its ugly head again! Two emails have been received on this topic, so I thought that I had better put minds at rest.
The land in question is opposite the Doctors' House on Valley Road/Cryers Hill. It was bought by an individual who saw an opportunity to make money by parcelling the land into 'residential' plots and selling them on as investments. The spiel is that planning permission will be granted sometime soon. Wrong! There are so many constraints on building on that plot that it will not happen for many years, if ever. The offers are a scam. Avoid investing in it. See this address for how persuasive they can be and AVOID!
It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which is difficult to build on and additionally has a Section 4 notice on it which forbids the erection of ANYTHING on the site - even marker pegs.
It was nice to hear that this web site is being used by people who want to move into our lovely valley and that it is not putting them off!!!! Thank you Tina!
Can I make my usual plea - cut down any overhanging foliage on the public areas, such as pavements. Try walking from The Harrow to the Doctors without walking into trees and you are ducking and diving the whole way.
We had a bit of a party to watch the lunar eclipse last weekend. Pity about the cloud that obscured the sky. Pity about the wine that obscure our vision! Good time had by all!
8th August 2008
There is a note from the Bucks Home Library Service about the service that many of us might not appreciate exists. Click here to find out more about this service.
There is also a Wycombe District Council Scheme to plant trees. To ensure that this is not just a stealth tax, ask where your tree is to be planted. Details from Alastair
Cunningham on 01494 421803 or email alastair_cunningham@wycombe.gov.uk.
1st August 2008
How many of you remembered that today was the day of the partial solar eclipse? Not many, I bet - even though it was announced on this site some time ago. We were fortunate in that the clouds kept clearing and letting us use the 1999 Eclipse glasses to view this exciting phenomenon. I first looked up at 10:15 as the gap appeared in the clouds and the partial eclipse was well under way, with a llarge bite taken out of the left side of the sun by the moon. There was an impression of a three dimensional nature about the sight, with the moon appearing as somewhat of a sphere, rather than a disc. Over the next three quarters of an hour, the bite gradually iincreased and then decreased, coming in from the left and going out the same way. No doubt the astronomers will have worked out the paths of the sun and moon and can explain what we saw, but it was sufficient to watch the event take place and marvel at what it represented, 250,000 miles and 93,000,000 miles away from us. When looked at through the glasses, the sun seemed very small, but as soon as the clouds cleared, its heat was instantly felt. It is interesting that in the hour or so of the eclipse, the sun and moon would have traversed some fifteen degrees of Earth rotation, almost locked together while rotating in their separate orbits, the moon round the earth and the earth round the sun.
Remember that there is to be an 80% lunar eclipse on the evening of 16th August at around 10:30pm. When this happens, the moon will be almost covered by the shadow of the earth as the earth comes between the moon and the sun. The moon should have a roseate glow about it in the shaded area. Let's hope for a clear sky that night!
20th July 2008
"I cannot imagine a better place to live than Hughenden Valley" said one resident at this year's glorious Village Day. Stuart Hulley, Chairman of the Village Day committee was unsurprisingly pleased to hear such a comment. "You would pay millions as a private company to get that sort of reaction from your customers," he said.
To be fair to Stuart, it was his leadership and vision for the day that made it successful, but the reason that the village is such a great place to live is the community spirit. Politicians harp on forever about 'community', but they are not talking about the same thing that pervades the village of Hughenden Valley, for here there are many people who actually get up and work at community projects and societies simply for the love of it. As the Beatles said "You can't buy me love", but the village does not need to. Like the tombola prizes, the love is freely given.
It was a wonderfull sight to see so many people turn out on the Friday evening to erect the marquee. As a community project there is nothing better than a marquee to bring everyone together: some things are done by an individual, but it requires everybody in the lifting and securing process. Just in time as it happened because the rain came down soon afterwards.
Gone are the days when we could leave the site with the marquee on it - we had some 50 youths who had to be dispersed by police from midnight to 2:30am, so Stuart, who kept watch, did not get much sleep that night, but it did not show the next day as he walked around the field, sorting out problems.
The Saturday dawned with a bit of an iffy look about the sky and we did get some rain, but not much, as the stalls were erected, fairground made, food wagons emplaced and so on. As the morning wore on, the place transformed from a bare field to a Village Day scenario to be proud of. At 12:45 the procession started off from the school and the show was literally on the road. The procession's arrival at the field was the real start of the afternoon's jollities and everyone tucked in to the hog roast rolls, the barbecued sausages and burgers, the beer and soft drinks, candy floss and Beechdene ice cream.
There were then the events in the arena to watch, providing a full afternoon's entertainment. We had dancing from the children at the school; karate demonstration from Roger's successful pupils and It's a Knockout, which went down extremely well. All the time this was on, there was a football competition on the lower football field.
The fine weather held yet again and nobody wanted to leave, but there was clearing up to do before the Barn Dance in the evening. It seemed like no time at all before all that had gone up in the morning was taken down and whisked away by 7pm.
By 7:30pm the band was playing in the marquee and villagers who had gone home to a quick shower and change of clothes were back for an evening of riotous dancing - even the cool youngsters were impressed - after the first dance, as they went out to cool down in the evening air, one was heard to say to her friend "That was AWESOME!". Perhaps that is the quote that everybody could attribute to the entire day.
For some pictures of the day taken by Johnathan, please go to his website at the following link.
3rd July 2008
I have included a Rants and Opinions page for the benefit of all (see the navigation bar at the left). The idea is that, if you want to rant on about something, or express an opinion, then send me the text and I will include your own page. Editorial discretion will be applied to protect the young and to minimise the likelihood of us being sued for libel, but otherwise ther will be no constraints. To get the ball rolling, I have ranted on about bus services as these seem to become rare after early evening and do not encourage travel of any distance that incurs a connection.
2nd July 2008
Last night was the AGM of the Residents' Association. This was a wonderful evening with many residents present to hear a summary of the year from the Chairman, Paul Cawte, and a resume of her fascinating career in astronomy from Heather Couper CBE.
While giving his thanks to people who contribute to making this an enviable community (in the best sense of the word), it made you realise just how many people put in their bit for the benefit of all. Some do more than others, but however small, a contribution is a contribution to the smoother running of the village. Everybody has some time to give, so if you are not giving at present, then get in touch with one of the bodies whose news is reported via the links at the side panel to this page and offer some of your time. If Andrea and Stuart can hold down jobs and do so much, then everybody can contribute something. You could start by offering some time at Village Day by helping on the Friday evening from 5pm in the field - you will be made welcome.
I am not going to do Heather a disservice by saying anything about her speech - if you were not there you missed it and I was too engrossed to take any notes, but she did mention the forthcoming 12% eclipse of the sun on 1st August at around 10am and the 80% lunar eclipse on 16th August at 10:30pm. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN - YOU WILL GO BLIND. Look at an image formed by a pin hole in a card, or else use the special eclipse spects that came with the last eclipse in 1999 - they are nearly opaque.
During the evening we heard that Richard Pushman will not be standing for Wycombe District as a councillor in May 2011 and that he suggested that we appoint someone from the village as our councillor. Richard will be a hard act to follow, but that does not mean that we should not try. As usual, Richard passed on news from County and District about issued that affect our village, which makes attendance at the AGM and the Annual Parish Meeting so useful.
The meeting finished with networking, wine and buffet - the perfect end to a great evening.
1st July 2008
Work has started on making a footpath fromt he Village Hall to the roundabout. Derek and helpers recently cut the hedge to approximately 4 feet to open the view of the hall and these improvements will enhance the appearance of the area. Congratulations to Derek and his team.
29th June 2008
It transpired over the weekend that you might have forgotten to raise road repair issues with the Parish Council. Wycombe District Council has aquired a road repair pot of 3.5 million pounds from the government. Let Lynne Turner at the Parish Council know of any repairs that are needed in your area - pavements, kerbs or roads and they might get repaired. If they are not raised, they may not get done - so DO IT! If they don't get repaired and you said nothing, you will not be able to complain afterwards. Links on the left navigation bar under 'Links' and 'Parish Council'.
21st June 2008 Summer Solstice
We have a new Events page which I will try to keep updated with forthcoming events. Descriptions of the events are held against the event and events are held in date order. Do keep referring to it to see what is happening in the village.
20th June 2008
I took a walk down the Valley Road yesterday in this glorious sunshine and saw the wonderful sight of a family trimming their hedge that was encroaching onto the pavement. Although we are nearly at the longest day, it still gets dark at around 10:30pm and those walking back from the last bus from town at 11pm don't like to walk into overhanging branches. So, well done that family and could it be a reminder to those of you who have trees and shrubs overhanging the pavements?
Also it was gratifying to see that workmen from Bucks CC were installing rainwater traps at the bottome of Trees Road and Trees Avenue. These have flooded Valley Road with brown soup every time we get a rain storm, so hopefully we will not get the gravel and water fooding the road now.
I also encountered a lady from a meter reading company searching for a house in Valley Road, using only the house name to guide her. House names are nice, but a number as well will make accessing your house easier. Next time it could be an emergency vehicle that does not reach you in time, so please invest in a house number as well as the charming name.
In my fourth encounter (it was one of those days), there was an elderly lady trying to find her way safely round a car and trailer parked on the pavement near the roundabout. There was insufficient room to negotiate safely on the pavement and it was only my intervention that enabled her to proceed onward to the Doctors' Surgery. On my way back I asked the vehicle owner if he would mind moving it to give better access on the pavement and he was very obliging and did so immediately, so it is not that we don't want to do something, it is that we sometimes don't think of the effect of our actions on others. One of the reasons this is a lovely village is that people do tend to think of their actions on others, but I guess we don't always hit 100% in this regard. I hope you don't mind the reminder!
I also heard on the grapevine that there might, just might, be a desire to regenerate the amateur dramatics society in the village. If there is sufficient interest to put on entertainment of some description, then please get in touch with me - hughandden@yahoo.co.uk. Expressions of interest only at this time - backstage as well as actors. If there is a sufficient number of responses, I will see what we can do to start a group. Please tell anybody that you think might be interested.
You may have noticed that the name of the Website has changed to reflect its status from being a Residents' Association website to being the village web site. Residents' Association news is still important, but other organisations in the Valley are included, so let me have your news that needs to be published. It disappoints me that we have no news from the Baden Powell organisations as I used to be a member and value them highly. Surely they do something that is of interest to the rest of the community? The same goes for other organisations. Publicity to organisations is as fertiliser is to plants - so don't let your organisation wilt!
The Conservation Group are to be congratulated on the way they have maintained the environment around the football field. See the new Photo Album page under Flora and Fauna for some pics of plants in their area.
HVRA Senior Citizens Event
Over ninety Senior Citizens attended and really enjoyed the buffet supper and following entertainment by the West End Girls, at the Village Hall on Saturday June 14th. There was a lovely buzz of conversation. The catering was much appreciated and the West End Girls brought a wide variety of songs resulting in some toe-tapping!
The Residents Association annually provides an event for the Senior Citizens, many of whom have been village organisers and supporters for a long time, past and present.
We are getting burglaries in the village. Suspects are two youths, but please note anything or anyone suspicious and report to your Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator. If miscreants know that they will be caught if they come to the valley, then they will stay away, so we need to be vigilant.
The idiots who have nothing to do with their lives other than deface the valley with spray paint have been at it again. Please report any sightings to our local Bobby, Lee Turnham on Tel: 01494 736773, 01494 736772, 01494 736775 or Email: lee.turnham@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk and any graffiti to Paul Cawte for removal by the Residents' Association volunteers. It is a pity that we have to do this as I would have thought that our youth would not want to deface the beautiful environment in which they live.
30th May 2008 I had a look at the web site statistics and they are encouraging. Some 200 people per month visit the site and we have visits from all over the world, inclulding New Zealand! Now I know several people have visited New Zealand recently - perhaps it was locals keeping in touch while away, but if it is native kiwis, then please get in touch! Each person visits nearly twice per month and views some six pages per visit. These figures have been fairlly constant for this year to date, so you are finding what you want. However, there is room for improvement, so let me know if you would like to see anything else.
29th May 2008 There was the Parish Annual Meeting on 20th May at Widmer End School, Estcourt Drive, Widmer End at 8pm. Apathy reigned as few members of the public were present, and those that were were associated with parish councillors in one way or another. Consequently, the meeting finished in record time of around 15 minutes and we all enjoyed wine and nibbles afterwards. For details, see the minutes on the ParishCouncil website (go to Links on the left).
It seems that there is some confusion over the removed 'lights off' signs and whether their removal constitutes an end to the experimental phase of the project. It is still an experiment and will continue to be so for another two years. If you have reasoned arguments one way or another, please let me have them. This is becoming an emotive issue, so I don't want to read rants based solely on opinion unfounded in fact - we need to keep this debate rational. If I get enough responses, I might set up a separate page to report the facts and views.
Wycombe District Council has acquired a grant of several million pounds to attend to road and pavement repairs. Please report any potholes, pavement side collapses and other areas that would benefit from some tarmac TLC. Please do this direct to the parish council offices (web link under Links at the let) as they will pass on requests. Remember - if you don't report it and it does not get repaired, don't moan later.
Trees are growing with the rain and warm weather. If you have trees that overhang the highway or pavement, please ensure that they are cropped to leave around seven feet of clear height for passers by to walk or drive unmolested.
With the rain we have, please take extra care when driving past pedestrians to avoid spraying them. Slow down and try to move to the right if safe.
19th May 2008 The May minutes of the Village Day committee are posted. See the side bar to navigate there. Also included is the Risk Assessment, without which no congregation of humans is now possible. It seems that Vilage Day should be a safe affair (touch wood!) but common sense while wearing beer goggles is still needed.
16th May 2008 The Parish Council are seeking someone with some gardening skills to help maintain the Garden of Rest at Four Ashes. The lawn mowing is done at present by a contractor, so it is the hand work that is needed. The Garden is beautifully maintained and is in a lovely spot. There is no stipulation for the number of hours any individual would work, but there is in total. This means that it could be ideal for job sharing and part time working with hours to suit the gardener(s). It pays, so would be a source of income. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, then get in touch with Lynne Turner, Clerk to the Parish Council (nice lady) on 715296.
12th May 2008 The Football Club are having a Family Fun Day on Sunday 1st June.
7th May 2008
A number of travellers have parked on the Property Spy field at the bottom of Cryer's Hill and Valley Road. Maybe unrelated, but a break-in has been reported at a local farm. The police are aware as are Wycombe District Council, who are trying to contact the owner of the land. It is likely that legal proceedings will take a week to complete, so do not expect an early departure. In the meantime, please report any suspicious sightings to the police. As a footnote to this, the travellers were moved on quickly by the police, who obtained an order forcing the travellers to move on. These travellers are apparently now in Bognor Regis, or somewhere else on the south coast. Their mess has also been cleaned up, so we seem to be back to normal.
I hope you like the new image for our home page. It is a painting sent to me by Jill Graves, who runs the Hughenden Art Group and was painted by Helen Wilson. It makes a change from the photos I keep taking!
5th May 2008I have put a few new pictures into the Photo Page (see navigation on left) as I have been told that ex-residents of the Valley like to see how it looks these days. If you don't like them, I am prepared to publish any that are of interest from any source, so get clicking!
9th April We now have an anti-graffiti kit to remove the mindless daubings of idiots with spray cans. Having spent some time addressing the bus stop at the Harrow, I can confirm that the idiots who do this are not even artistic. The bus shelters in this valley are excellent, especially the one opposite the Village Hall. They are beautifully constructed and a visual pleasure and it is a crime when those who are devoid of any talent feel the need to abuse the products of those with talent. Please report anybody defacing the bus shelters, or any other surface, to Paul on 562638. We will then bring prosecutions if we can amd will remove the daubings with our new kit. It is shameful that we have such vandals in our community.
6th April Snow! See the new photos on the photographs page and above.
I have included a link to Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns as a particularly interesting and well-produced site. Do take time to browse it.
3rd April I was looking at the statistics for this site this morning to see if everybody had been deterred from visiting by the paucity of content and was heartened to see that some 200 people per month visit the site, making an average of one and a half visits each and looking at five or six pages each. In order to be able to give you what you want, it would be useful if you could take a moment to contact me and tell me what you like about the site and what you would like to see on the site. If you don't, then you will get more of these ramblings!
The new bus passes have also come out. If you are over 60 then you should get one. The new bus station is right next to the Eden project and if you want to do some shopping in Frogmore, it is easy to catch the bus back from outside any of John Hearn's, Butlers or Morrisons. No need to go back to the same car park. They are valid from 9am to 11pm in Bucks and from 9:30am to 11pm in the rest of England. Valid all day at the weekends. Some National Express routes have been designated as 'local' so you get free travel on those as well. The A40 goes to Heathrow Central Bus Station, which makes getting to the airport free. Please share your experiences with me and I'll set up a separate page for bus freaks. I heard on the radio that there is at least one man planning to go round England on local buses. Contact concessionaryfares@wycombe.gov.uk for details. You have to have a passport photo and fill out a form and it will take some time at the moment as there is a backlog with the new passes.
If any village organisation needs publicity, please contact me. This is a village website for villagers, so please make use of it.
23rd March 2008 The snow was just starting to fall this Easter Sunday and now it is thicker and settling. This should make Easter look more like Christmas. How will parishoners feel going to church at Easter in the snow when the service is all about renewing life? I hope the service is just as lovley as you expect.
I am still getting emails from residents about issues in the valley. Keep them coming in so that this site can reflect your views. Some emails from people approving the proliferation of signs would be welcome, if such people exist. At the moment it is all one sided, with residents against the signs.
26 Sept 2007 While most people are very good at trimming their trees which overhang the pavement, some might not have noticed that the warm weather and wet summer has provided a faster growth than normal. If you have trees that overhang a pavement, please check that there is sufficient room for pedestrians to pass underneath. Seven feet from the ground is what should be aimed for, as they tend to swing lower in the breeze. Many thanks for those who keep theirs in check.
15 Sept 2007 Should you wish to attend the Parish Council Offices, please be aware that they are only open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9:30am and 1:00pm. The Clerk and her assistant have work to do outside the office, so will only open between these hours. We could have longer opening hours, but then the cost goes up and ratepaykers complain! Needless to say, the offices are closed on Bank Holidays.
3rd August 2007 There is now a Neighbourhood Watch area of the website (see bar on left). If your road does not have a scheme, then it should. See the page for details of how to start setting one up.
6th July 2007 It is with sadness that we hear of the resignation of Loretta as the road rep of Fleet Close and the Resident's representative on te Village Hall committee. We are therefore short of a Village Hall Committee member, but not, fortunately, a road rep, as Andrea has stepped into the breach.
Road reps are vital to the success of the Residents' Association as they deliver the magazine, raise subs and get provisions for the various Village charity events. Being one is also a very good way of getting to know every person in your road. There will therefore be a lot of people in Fleet Close who will miss seeing Loretta in her official capacity, but she will still be here to see more informally. Our thanks go to Loretta for all the work she has done over the years as one of the quiet army of volunteers.
