The Web Site for Residents of Hughenden Valley, Bryant's Bottom, North Dean and Cryer's Hill villages in the beautiful Buckinghamshire Chiltern Hills.
News is reported below in reverse chronological order (latest first). For quick access to other parts of the site, use the navigation bar on the left.
Forthcoming Events
There is to be a black tie Valentine's Dance on Saturday February 13th at the village hall. Why not book this special occasion for someone special in your life? It promises to be good, with live band and all the trimmings.
Village Day - July 10th
18 Feb - climbing wall for teenagers. See entry for 22 Jan for details
22nd Feb - Have you say with the police see 29 Jan entry for details
Latest News
7 February 2010
Warning!! Please note that the website will be unavailable between 10.30am and 6pm on Friday 12 February. This is for essential repairs and maintenance.
4 February 2010
News from HAGA (Hughenden Allotment and Garden Association). Tthese sons and daughters of the soil have moved into the electronic age (because of the recent Ice Age?). Anyway, this could be a regular feature. I've changed the name from HAGA (which long-time valley dwellers know and love) to the full name Village societies page. Do read their latest news. At £2 pa, everybody in the village should be a member! Especially as I hear that there is a decent discount to be had at Hildreths garden Centre in Prestwood.
3 February 2010
Quite a bit today.....
Firstly let me thank Johnathan of Hughenden Autos (at the Wycombe end of the village by Wrights). I took my car for an MOT last year and at the Christmas Dance was fortunate enough to win first prize in the raffle, donated by Johnathan, and worth a full service. Now I had expected some expensive work to be found, but no, there was nothing other than the service, which cost me nothing. Now I am a great believer in using local services where those come up to scratch and Johnathan and staff seem to be in that category. He has all the gear that lets him do work on cars within their warranty period. He is a proper mechanic who got fed up with the shady practices of large garages and wants to set up an honest garage, which he is doing. He is a village man, born here, living here and working here, so cannot be all bad! His girlfriend, Chloe is also a delight and will put nervous customers at their ease. Johnathan would have got my service this year with or without the prize, and this write up.. He will get my service next year as well. Word is going round the village about how good he is, so this is just amplifying what is being said. Oh! And if you need wipers, oil and other such items, he provides those at prices better than Halfords
The Valentine's Ball still has tickets. It may sound expensive at £30 per head, but for a Valentine's event it is excellent value, especially as drink prices will be below pub prices. If you want to treat the love of your life, it will be hard to find a better way of doing it! Tickets are available from the shop.
I exposed a scam the other day. There is another one about tax credits. Please remember never to give your personal details away EVER. Responsible organisations will write to you via letter and will never ask you for personal details via an email.
I had a meeting last night and the subject of the village shop came up. Please contact Hilary (shopmanager@valleyshop.org) with your views. They need not be flattering - she wants all views. The shop is a delicate flower and needs us all to nurture it, but it will provide happiness in return. The vegetables are magnificent, for one, and the range is very wide. there is a meeting with hVERSA today and I hope to provide some information about the contents.
2 February 2010
I was telephoned yesterday evening by an Indian-sounding lady from "Skylight", who was trying to tell me that I needed to renew my non-existent Sky maintenance contract. This is a scam and under no circumstance should you reveal any personal data and certainly not any financial information like credit card numbers etc. Just a warning in case you are caught at a busy moment when thoughts are not as sharp as normal. Better still - get into the habit of being very rude to anybody who tries to sell you anything at the door or on the phone and NEVER buy from them - it will only cost you in the end.
I hear that the reason for the increased traffic to this site might be something to do with Hilary, who is telling villagers about it. Thank you Hilary, but to be of more value, this needs to be a village web site in the truest sense, which means taht i need your news, especially if you are one of the busy people running a village organisation. People are interested in what goes on in the vlllage, so tell them.
1 February 2010
I received this from Lin smith on the NAG
Now that the new Hughenden Neighbourhood NAG is up and running, we are anxious to discover what priorities everyone would like the Police to concentrate on.
Very soon your Resident's Association Road Reps will be posting a survey from the Police through your door. This will enable you to identify your top three priorities, but only if you complete and return them. For your convenience, you can just leave your completed survey at the Village Shop and I will collect them and make sure they get back to our Local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Also, we have now assembled a Speed Reduction Working Group, (a sub group of the NAG), under the Chair of Cath McLeod from Great Kingshill. We are hoping to have our first meeting very soon. If you have anything for me to raise when we meet please let me (Lin Smith) know, either by contacting the website email address (see Contact Us)
31 January 2010
Something must be right - there has been a record number of you logging into this site this month - may it continue into the 2010's.
There are approximately 650 houses in our area. If every houshold did one hour a month helping at the shop we would more than have the shop covered.
Those early birds among you - could you volunteer to open the shop? It is a simple task and would mean that Hilary could get in later - she comes in by bus from Totteridge so has to make two journeys. Please think about it.
29 January 2010
Just received from the NAG some new minutes and this message
Have Your Say
This is an initiative that has been implemented throughout the Thames Valley Policing area, enabling members of the public to come and address Police officers of concerns and any issues that may affect them on a daily basis.
The next meeting will be on: MONDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2010. At the Café (@3) on 3site RAF Naphill between 1100 and 1300hrs.
Sorry about the strange appearance - something strange in th4e original Word document.
27 January 2010
Reminder to do your online tax return if you have not already submitted it.
Useful website to add to your favourites http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/. Register and get updated with some good deals, like Pizza Hut half price meals and many, many other deals.
Another useful site is http://www.chilternsaonb.org.uk for the Chilterns Conservation Board.
If you have time on your hands, consider helping at OUR village shop. This is a case where many hands make light work and you get to know people in the village.
I had a look at the responses from the shop survey and found a few new ones. It seems that people need more time in their lives and that publicity about when help is needed would be useful. On this latter point, either phone the shop and ask Hilary, or ask when visiting the shop. Requirements change often, so it is difficult to publish, but if you register as a short-time helper, then you can be contacted when there is a genuine need.
Everyone agrees we should have a shop, but it will only work if we all help by supporting it with purchases and by giving some of our time. It is not there for profit, so there are lots of people giving valuable time to keep it going. It has over 500 product lines, so there is huge choice. Stock rotation is constantly watched so produce is fresh. We are so lucky to have it.
Sorry to bang on about the shop, but we really do need to share out the work among lots of people to make it fun for all.
25 January 2010 (Burns Night)
The bookings diary for the large and small halls at the village hall are now on the village hall website. You can link to the village hall website via this site - Village Organisations-Village Hall and then choose Diary of Bookings from the new navigation bar that will appear, or Village Hall Bookings from Village Hall page on this site.
Tickets for the Valentines Ball are on sale at the Village Shop. ticket sales are going well, so it promises to be a very enjoyable (and romantic) evening.
Many of you have been interested in the logs being offered by the shop - these are now available at £3.95 for a large sack of logs and £3.25 for a large bag of kindling wood. If you want quantities, it is best to order.
I received the following warning.....
24 January 2010
No rant has been sent for some time, so one is now included about Booker Tip.
No more responses to the Survey - have a go if you have not already!
22 January
I have set up a separate page for Parish Council news and filled it with some interesting points from last night's council meeting. Click here to go there (under village Organisations).
Please repoirt any potholes you see to Highways on Call (0845 230 2882) and do not assume that someone else will report it. There are thousands of miles of roads in Bucks, which means that the public must act as eyes on this one.
21 January 2010
There is a Southern Electric Salesman in the area who cannot read the Neighbourhood Watch signs telling him that we do not allow doorstep selling. he is short, of Asian appearance and talks quickly, trying to bamboozle with misleading data. It is recommendedn that you cancel any contract you might have entered into as it is almost certain that you will be worse off. Please pass this information to neighbours.
I received an email from Roger Hawes, Chairman of the Village Day committee, outlining the forthcoming attractions. I have placed it on the Village Day page.
20 January 2010
Good news about Theresa's spade - it has been returned, so thank you to the person who left it in the prominent place!
I have just received this that might be of interest to anybody who has extended their house or built a new one in the last year
The 2010 Building Design Awards – Entries wanted!
The award is organised by the Chiltern Conservation Board to encourage better building design and thus conserve the character and outstanding natural beauty of the Chiltern Hills.
Buildings eligible for consideration include:
· Housing
· Public buildings
· Industrial/commercial/farm buildings
· Conversion and extensions of existing buildings
· Engineering structures, e.g. bridges
17 January 2010
We now have some more photos of the snow clearing operation of last Sunday, so one is now featured on this page.
Are you getting a table together for the Valentine's Ball? Time marches on and it is not too long now!
15 January 2010
Good news for the person who found themselves with a spade that they did not bring to the Spring Valley Drive snow clearing last sundsy...it belongs to theresa! Please look at the tools you brough back with you, because Theresa found herself left with a VERY SMALL spade as areplacement. her phone number is on yesterday's posting. It is especially galling because Theresa does not live on the Spring Valley Drive estate and does not have a child at the school, so her altruism is costing her dear at the moment.
On the issue of Theresa's fence, it will help if we can pin the time more accurately, so if you were in the area of Spring Valley Drive/Valley Road between 10:15 and 2:15, please let Theresa know the time and whether the fence was OK or not when you saw it.
I have published the latest NAG newsletter. See Local Societies - NAG - and the newsletter link is at the bottom of the page.
We now seem to have a thaw. Go carefully, because water ontop of compacted snow is one of the slipperiest things around.
Some survey results in. Most are bullish about the FTSE; most think we will have a May election that will be wone by the Conservatives, but there is no consensus on who will lead the Labour |Party. More responses obviously needed!
I did not know that you can buy insurance against bonds defaulting. it appears that you can and that Unilever bonds can be insured at a premium of 31,000 pounds per 10 million pounds' worth, wherease British Government bonds will cost you 81,000 pounds. 30 companies' bonds are cheaper to insure against default than the government. Did you know that? It amazed me as well!
14 January 2010
I received this email asking for help today. Please respond if you saw anything.
I am appealing for any witness's or information regarding a road accident on Valley Road. Directly opposite Spring Valley Drive. Between 10.15 and 2.15 today (14 Jan).
A vehicle has skidded onto the pavement and caused considerable damage to my fence - including knocking the gate and load bearing post out of its foundations. This must have caused some noise, significant damage to the vehicle and I am pleading for anybody to come forward with any information - however small or insignificant it may be.
I regularly keep these gates closed to ensure the safety of children in my care, but they now remain unusable and indeed unsightly.
I am extremely disappointed that, although I was home & there was a least 1 car on the drive to indicate this, no attempt by the driver was made to make contact.
Please contact me on 564 868 or anon via this website.
I think that says it all. If the person has not got the courtesy to admit to the damage, then we will have to get witnesses to help put it right for this resident. Of course, if it was you who had the accident, you will feel better if you contact Theresa yourself
apparently the bin collections did not extend to Friars Gardens, because we had some more snow, but they did manage the Spring Valley Drive estate. i have no news regarding revised collection times. The WDC telephone number is on the Links page of this site. The post, milk and papers seem to be able to get through though. Perhaps we should demand a refund for non-performance of service.
11 January 2010
I have received the following from WDC about bin collections
With effect from Monday 11th January, all waste collections will revert to their normal collection day. Residents are advised that on their collection day they can present either grey and/or green bin for emptying. This provision will continue throughout January. The waste collected will be taken to landfill as resources are not sufficient to maintain the alternate week collection regime at the moment.
Please note that normal alternate week collections will resume from Monday 1st February. Please consult your GROW collection calendar at that time for information on whether to present your grey or green bin.
Kerbside recycling collections for paper and cardboard and for cans and plastics will also revert back to the normal collection schedules.
Thnks to all who helped yesterday with the clearing of snow in Spring Valley Drive.
More photos have been received and these are on the appropriate photos pages. I have set up a new page of general snow photos that contain some lovely examples from Theresa. I hope to get some of the volunteers clearing Spring Valley Drive, but these have to be cleared by the Headmistress according to the needs of the legislators. (As I write these words, I wonder what readers in different countries in the world will make of our society, where we need permission from anybody who is recognisable in a photo before publishing it. It might be something to do with the rise of the celebrity photo magazine.)
Three responsees so far to the survey. When I have a few more, I'll publish the findings. I could do with some opinions on the hospital proposals as well.
Readership of the site is going up as the snow makes it difficult to get out and about. Time to stop reading the site and get on with those jobs you have been promising to do when you next got stuck indoors!
9 Jan 2010
For readers on the Spring Valley Drive estate - please be aware that the gutter system is suffering in this cold spell as the outlet freezes and blocks egress from the guttering. This can lead to the gutter overflowing into the upstairs rooms. The cure is to add salt to the gutter by the overflow holes and to try to clear a route through the ice. It is a problem not encountered before, so it is only this cold spell that is causing it.
One response so far to the latest survey. When I get afew more, I'll publish the results for interest, so if you have not had ago, please try it. All responses are anonymous.
I cannot belieeeeeeeeeeve it! There is a rumour going round that some residents do not know that we have a very delightful,succesful village community shop and b) that they do not know where it is. For that person, let me give directions to this best thing to strike the village since the creation of the village hall in 1948. Go to the roundabout at the bottome of Coombe Lane on Valley Road. Take the path towards the village hall and bear left at the village hall. You will see what looks like a Portakabin, which is really a Tardis. Go to it and enter the dooor. At your left will be a welcoming person, possibly in green pinafore. State your requirements to said person. Pay for said items (cheaper than you think). catch up on village gossip. Leave when realise that you were only supposed to be gone for 20 minutes and it is already one hour. Repeat regularly for good health.
The shop has been manic for several days now and is set to be manic for several more. It is Buzzing. Join in.
Big thanks today to Daphne and Jules who were clearing more of the snow away in the village hall car park. We really do have some cracking good people in this village!
More photos in the snow - click on the photo above and choose the appropriate item,
I have been asked my views (as member of the local hospital trust) on the advisability or otherwise of them taking over community care centres. I know several of the readers of this site have strong views on topics, so please let me have them on this one - it is a tight deadline so responses must be in by midnight 12th Jan. Click here for details.
8 Jan 2010
New photo today because it matches the main story. Andrea's atmospheric photo has been put in the photos section.
Two examples of community spirit today - Mr and Mrs Tebbs turned up at the shop two days running, armed with shovels etc and cleared paths from road to village hall and shop for the benefit of pedestrians. the fact that shoppers had a clear trip to the shop is down to them. Thank you Mr and Mrs Tebbs for your public spirit.
The next incident concerns someone who did not leave their name (because they don't reserve a newspaper!), but the unknown man kindly donated an EXTREMELY large roll of absorbent paper so that volunteers and Hilary could wipe up the molten snow off the shop floor. With the large number of shoppers we have seen recently, we could slmost have opened the Hughenden Valley community swimming pool!
the shop is coping wel with the doubling of demand placed upon it shile the snow is here. Just as it becomes difficult to get supplies in, everybody want to take their supplies from the shop! Congratulations to all those who have ensured that we have bread and milk plus the other 500 od product lines, including fresh vegetables.
7 January 2010
The School requires volunteers to help clear snow so that school can open on Monday morning, so if you would like to volunteer (bring shovels, etc) then meet at the school on Sunday morning at 11am to join a sociable team.
New photos of today's snow scentes have been added. Click here to go there straight away, or use the navigation bar to find Hughenden Valley - Photos - Snow photos and choose from there.
I received this reponse from the owner of the cat that was found by the side of the Valley Road near Orchard Close. It raises a number of issues. One can only hope that residents of this village would not callously drive on.....
The snow is still here. Please ensure that elderly neighbours have sufficient provisions and are keeping warm.
New picture is courtesy of Andrea, who took it on Wednesday morning.
I was helping at the village shop yesterday morning and it was heaving! It seems that the shop came into its own as people realised that they did not have to go to a supermarket (or rather, could not go). Now if everybody who shopped yesterday, shopped at the shop regularly...........the shop will be there next winter and beyond.
5 January 2010
This note has been received from Si Khan, Bucks CC Area Transport for wycombe.
We have received severe weather warnings from the Met Office to expect heavy snow from 6pm onwards (covering the next 24 hours). We are expecting between 10 - 15cms of snow.
In preparation our gritters will be out salting all our precautionary salting routes at 2pm - we will be monitoring the situation and making a decision later on in the evening as to whether we will be salting again tonight (this is of course dependant on the weather and the updates we receive from the Met Office).
We are currently in the process of replenishing our salt stocks (an order of 5,000 tonnes was placed in December) and deliveries started to arrive yesterday.
3 January 2010
Sorry for giving bad information about the shop opening yesterday - I only found it was closed after an abortive journey!
Sad news for someone near Orchard Close as a lovely dead tabby cat was seen there yesterday afternoon.
This is the time of year when I get to complete my tax return on line. It is probably the year's most hated chore and every glitch in the software on their site annoys me more than it should. Things like zero being wrong, but a blank being right. Anyway, if you are like me and keep putting it off, you have until the end of the month to submit it. Otherwise you will be fined more than a shoplifter.
Keep taking photos - the idea of a village calendar and Christmas Cards is being well received, so it might even happen!
1st January 2010
Happy New Year to all this site's readers. Let us hope that 2010 is going to be a good year for all of our residents. The snow has now gone and the roads are safe underfoot, but it has shown how we can get cut off. The signs for 2010 are not good for the economy and no party wants to tell us how they are going to plug the £178bn gap between tax revenue and public spending, but unless we want to borrow more, the gap has to be plugged, either by increasing tax revenue, decreasing public expenditure or a mix of both. It will be six weeks between our green bin collections, gritting happened less frequently than it should have done - these may be manifestations of what is to come, and we will have to pay more in tax for the privilege. I thought I would have a small survey for those interested in economics to see what you think. Go to the survey page.
It was nice to see that lots of you were enjoying your Christmases as the site traffic decreased over the holiday period. Let us hope that you don't mind getting ack to normal. the shop is trading as a Saturday today, so no normality until Monday.
The Tower of Indulgence was won by raffle ticket 11, purchased by Mr Pilkington of Naphill - a shop regular. Well done Mr Pilkington!
The Village Hall committee meets on Monday 4th at 8pm as usual.
24 December 2009
Slippy underfoot, especially on side roads and all pavements. However, the Valley Road is well gritted. One theory is that it gets well treated because we are a route to Chequers. Now I wouldn't mind a gritter going along the routes that my nearest and dearest have to travel, but like all of us in the valley, we are not important enough! There is a rant on the failings of BCC and WDC over this period. Click Here to read.
The shop is doing well in these bad times. We can only hope that when the good times come, the shop will still be well used and there for us all in the next bad times. Congratulations are due to Hilary, the shop manager, local suppliers, the shop committee (all volunteers and all working really hard), the volunteers who man the till and the shop in general and the customers. It has been a fantastic year for the shop. It is closed on Christmas Day and the next day (Saturday), but open as normal 8am till 1pm on Sunday and the same times on Monday (Boxing Day) Remember that all profits go to local organisations for the benefit of all residents.
Do look out for people living on their own this Christmas. It is not nice underfoot, so do what you can to minimise the need for the elderly and infirm to go out.
I wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas.
23 December 2009
From Daphne......
Here's a photo taken of the abandoned cars on Cryers Hill at about 11.30am today.(Tuesday 22nd)
Please could you mention on the website that a huge thank you is due to the
very generous souls who stood on Cryers Hill Rd today (Tuesday), directing the traffic
so that drivers could make their way gingerly up and down the hill, whilst
they manoeuvred around the hundreds of abandoned vehicles. They positioned
themselves at the top, bottom and middle of the hill, signalling to each
other in various imaginative ways, to keep the traffic flowing first in one
direction and then in the other. It was a superb effort by all concerned
and all done for the price of nothing more than a pair of cold feet!
thanks Daphne - just the sort of update I'm looking for!
22 December 2009
I have rearranged the navigation bar at the left as it was getting crowded and many items could not be seen. It is not yet perfect, so I ask for your help in making it so.
More photos of the area have been added to the photos page.
The Village Large Hall is now sanded and sealed. Photos on the Village Hall website. (Currently under Hall dimensions - not a good choice nor permanent home! Click here for fast access.
20 December 2009
Today is the day for planting garlic apparently. Yeah!
Great dance again at the Village Hall last night with a good turnout. The fundraising committee did a great job, especially Diana and Vicky. I remind people that these events are run by volunteers and it is nice to have help at the end to clear up. The terms of hire of the village hall are that it is left in a clean state afterwards. This means that we have to take away empty bottles, otherwise a committee member has to go to the bottle bank with a mass of bottles. We also ask people to takle away as much rubbish as possible as we only have one bin for waste for everybody to use. The more help at the end the quicker everyone goes home. Last night we closed up at around 1:30am - not a problem as we had some good chat as we washed up - but it indicates how much there is to do.
Whilst at the dance, I was told of a great idea, operated by another village. It is to get everyone to submit suitable photos for a calendar and for those attending Village Day to vote for their favourites. The top 12 will go into a calendar which would be published towards the end of the year. We plan to do this, so dig out those photos. Those photos chosen will be attributed and the photographer will get a bottle of wine. Photos should be of the local area and can include landscapes, flora and fauna and even people doing things in the area.
In a similar vein, we plan to make Christmas cards with local scenes. These can be photos or artwork. Same incentives apply as for the calendar.
I had some photos sent to me by Daphne of the Residents' Association and these have been included in the photos page - click on the phot above to go there.
Not finished yet......!
While in the shop this morning, a delightful young lady came in and, in the chat that inevitably follows a shop visit, we got talking about the problems of young marrieds without children to get to know people in the village. It seems sensible to use the Harrow as a place to meet and the suggestion was for Sunday lunchtime to be a suitable time for newcomeers to meet. In fact the idea is so good that I think it will become the time the village gets together!!! Let me know what you think.
Well, that was a long post after a comparitively barren period. I hope that this proves that I am still alive and kicking, Jill!!
18 Deccember 2009
I got up early this morning and took some photos. Click the image to get to the photos page and choose the snow pictures.
8 December 2009
We have been plagued by teenage trials bikers churning up the paths around Hughenden Manor. Following a police chase, the police now have three names and charges are being brought. Well done police! If you witness anti-social behaviour, please call 999 and try to get the police to attend while the crime is being commmitted. Do not get involved yuorself.
On a related topic, a project to clear the scrub at the lower side of the playing fields has started. This is being conducted by the Probationary Service using people on the Community Service Programme. They attended on Sunday and already the area tackled is looking much better. It is hoped to extend this cleared area to the whole of the lower side of the football field over winter.
7 December 2009
Update received about the Valley Wives December meeting. Worth reading on the Valley Wives page. We should reiterate their thanks to Diana for running the Bazaar this year.
6 December 2009
Do you sing? Do you want a social life? Then this email I received will be of interest to you
Wycombe Philharmonic Choir (mixed) are desperate for more male members. Can
you find space to put a link to their website - http://www.wycombephil.org.uk/ -
where they can find more details.
4 December 2009
The shop is to close earlier on weekdays from next Monday. The new closing time will be 5:30pm. Opening times are unaffected at 7:30am each day, 7 days per week. The shop closes at 3pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. There are a large number of seasonal temptations available at present.
A programme on the radio yesterday discussed an academic study on successful village life and concluded that the best villages had a lot going on. We are not doing too badly then! Those of you who do not come to many events should just make a teensy effort to get out just a bit more and join in something that interests you - for your own benefit!
29 November 2009
The autumn photo did arrive - courtesy of Paul. Thanks for the lovely photo.
The tree planting ceremony took place at 11am this morning in a short spell of sunshine. Many of Eric's friends were there at a short tribute and many shovelled some soil into the roots in remembrance. The tree is a walnut and is situated at the edge of the bank above the playing field, between Eric's home and the Village Hall and overlooking the Village Day field and conservation area - all areas that Eric was closely involved in.
27 November 2009
Hughenden Parish now has its own NAG. I have set up a separate place for it on the navigation bar. Lin Smith has written an introduction to what it is and a newsletter written by our local police sergeant. For those interested in crime in the area it is a good read.
26 November 2009
Bucksinfo strikes again with some good ideas for me. One is to ask if any 6th formers or IT students doing a project would like to consider doing something for me (and the wider community). I have a need to understand more of the functionality of the software that I use via Bucksinfo for the village and the Parish council. I do not have the time, but could produce a lovely project of real value for a motivated student. Please let me know of any such person. Cash constraint seems to be limiting the work that Bucksinfo can do (but not those wonderfully valuable people, the Cohesion and Eqality groups at district and county levels - for they only cost in the region of £1million) . You really cannot make it up these days!
25 November 2009
The Bucks Info people, who host this site and provide the publishing software, have provided me with a useful site for those cotemplating travelling without acar. I have put it on the Links section as it will be of interest to many readers. i like Bucksinfo, because they actually add value, unlike some of their collegiate departments, so not all is bad at County Hall!
21 November 2009
Looking at the site statistics, there was a huge spike in hits after the village hall committee minutes were published. This is because the minutes are published on the site instead of being circulated via email to committee members. Your village hall, your minutes. Get them by going to the Village Hall page on the left, then go to the village hall website from that page and choose Meeting Minutes from the new panel on the left. All the minutes are there from 2007 if you are interested!
A review of the Valley Wives' recent activities has been posted on their page - see the bar on the left. I think they are too good to be left just for the women of the valley, especially the Chinese cookery evening!
Latest news from the shop shows that things are improving in terms of takings. A slow rise is taking place, which is good news and reward for all the effort given by the staff and helpers. Usual plea - use the shop! There is a good line in hampers at the moment - lots of Christmas stuff and local produce. One lady is now to move nearer to her family in the village. Why now? Because there is a village shop! To a lot of people it is as essential as a roof over their heads.
14 November 2009
Remember Angel Delight? The village shop sells it in two flavours. Get some nostalgia!
Hopes of seeing a local autumn picture are fading as the leaves are washed off the trees. Surely one person took one picture somewher in the valley? Perhaps the person who lost the one shoe (but has not claimed it yet)?
As the dark nights approach, do be aware of any neighbours who live alone and make sure that they are seen to be about on a daily basis.
The Marlow Player are putting on a production of "The Darling Buds of May" on Thursday 26 - Sat 28 November in Marlow's Court Garden theatre. They have a strong reputation for good theatre, so it should be a good night.
11 November 2009
91 years since the end of WW1 at 11am.
10 November 2009
Hilary in the shop is an accomplished Italian chef (cooks Italian food - I don't think she is Italian!) She is prepared to provide recipe ideas if you buy the ingredients from the shop!
8 November 2009
Down at the shop this morning I noticed the chart on the wall behind the till. It shows a shortfall in turnover. Target turnover is £12,000 per month and actual is running at around £8-9,000. Quite simply, this means that if we want a village shop where we can meet, chat and buy things, then we have to support it. If we don't, it will go. Quite simple. I bang on about supporting community projects, but it falls on deaf ears. The beauty of this village is its community spirit, but this is like a flower - if we don't care for it, it will die. Today's star buys were cauliflowers and mushrooms, but the other 500+ lines were also good. It took visitors from Flackwell Heath (watching the football match) to exclaim how wonderful the shop was and the envy was there on their faces, for the shop is a manifestation of the spirit of the community - just like the village hall, but more so. They have Budgens - we have the SHOP! You can shop at the supermarket and drain the spirit, or you can think first and buy some more from the shop.
While talking about the shop, I will refer to the ordered newspapers. At the end of the morning there was a large stack of newspapers that had not been collected. These would be returned for rebate, but the loss is the income to the shop. It is inconsiderate to order a newspaper and not collect it. A ordered newspaper is an excuse to go for a walk to collect it. A walk is a means of staying healthier. We can all arrange to collect the newspaper from the shop and treat this as our virtual dog that needs walking for our own benefit.
As winter comes and the thought of going out is unappealing, it will become more difficullt to think of community events, but when we feel lonely and isolated, it is then that we will wish that we had done more to water the flowers. Your choice. Persuade your friends and neighbours.
6 November 2009
Today I went to the Chiltern Conservation Board Forum. What a brilliant day! These guys actually make a difference. Go to their site at http://www.chilternsaonb.orgto see what they do.. Money well spent! I do bang on about incompetence in quangos and local government, but these people achieve the look of the Chilterns that we all love so much. It costs us 900K pa to run them and it is money well spent (Exmoor National park costs only 90 MILLION pa and is smaller in area.) Good value? You bet! Look out for their special days - I will be there - they sound the best that one can get! Incidentally, when I said to people there that I came from Hughenden Valley, they all said words to the effect of "what a wonderful part of the world to live". sometimes we forget where we live. As the Chinese say "There is no landscape on your doorstep". Time we remembered where we live and celebrate it. Now send me that photo that celebrates autumn in the valley!
5 November 2009
A move is being initiated to get a zebra crossing at the bottom of Coombe Lane by the Residents' association. The alternative might be a ten minute phased traffic light system with sirens to handle the complex three-way traffic interflow management scenario with pedestrian overtones. Sounds much better than a simple zebra pattern and more in keeping with the technology we should be embracing in this rural community. (Did I get that right Dory? - Perhaps not!)
I met Lesley in the shop this week, as many of you will have done. She is a retail consultant and lots of fun, as is Hilary, the new shop manager. Between tehm they will be giving us what we want from the village shop, so go and visit them if you haven't already and support your shop.
2,000 people in the village and probably as many cameras and still not one photo of autumn in the Valley. Is it Strictly X Factor? Come on - your bad photo of autumn might be the only one we posess! So send it in!
Some nice people have just moved into the Valley and actually looked at this site before moving, hoping to find something of sense. Yet still they moved in! What does that say about us all? Yes - great fun to be with! Welcome!
1 November 2009
No pikkies of autumn scenes yet, but I still hope!
One kind reader has offered to plant daffodils at the north Hughenden gate. thank you Jill.
30 October 2009
With the wonderful colours of autumn around us over the past couple of weeks, has anybody taken photos? If so, please send me them and I will publish - we need some record of the passing of this season.
29 October 2009
You may not have realised, but Hayley resigned as shop manager and decided not to work out her notice. She asked me to put out the following message.
As I haven't got the chance to say thank you to everybody, I was just wondering if you could publish a thank you message from myself to all my volunteers and customers who have made me feel so welcome over the past months. You never know when our paths may cross again.
In the meantime, the shop committee is working extra hard to cover the lack of a manager until a new one is appointed. If you have any spare time, then please consider helping out. I am sorry to see Hayley go, but the shop committee is very professional and community minded, so I have total confidence that they will keep the shop on an even keel. In the meantime, please offer to help take some of the strain - you have never been more needed! And if you cannot help by giving time, please consider using the shop more - it is a great village asset.
I had the following email from Peter Nash. Those of you who have lived here for some time might be able to help. Please write to me with any details and I will publish them.
My name is Peter Nash, I was born and Christened at Hughenden where my family lived for generations. They also lived in West Wycombe and had a timber business in High Wycombe.
I understand that several of my ancestors were Christened and buried at Hughenden Church and wonder whether anyone has any knowledge of the family. Owen Nash, James Nash, Thomas Nash, William Nash and others. Owen was Deputy Mayor of High Wycombe in 1921 just before his death. From the Bucks genealogical records it seems that my family name can be associated with the area since around 1530. Sometimes spelled Nasche or Nashe. My Great Grandmothers name was Stephens or Stevens (Lizzie), she also came from Hughenden and is said to have met Disraeli.
I can see you are busy but would be grateful for anything that might come to light, especially photos of gravestones and such. I am afraid that I am now badly disabled and so unable to travel to Hughenden as I had always intended to do the research for myself.
27 October 2009
A friend, who is a motocyclist, sent me a series of pictures to graphically illustrate why one should concentrate on driving and not using cell phones while driving. Now all readers of this site are perfect in every way, but I direct you to have a look so that you can pass the message on to people who might be less perfect. Have a look here.
26 October 2009
We haven't had a rant for a while, so there is a new one. Click here to read it.
Thanks to the two people who have responded to the survey. Results will be published later.
25 October 2009
There will be a "Get to know your Parish Council" event on Monday 2nd Nov. For details see Events at the left. Last year's was very successful, with many attending.
24 October 2009
I had an email telling me that the Survey page causes problems when there is no survey, so I have set up a survey about the village shop. I hope you enjoy the surveys. I enjoy reading them and will publish interesting responses and a summary of the findings as usual. Go to Surveys on the left hand bar as normal.
22 October 2009
Two responses - one of each - to our survey. Here are the thoughtful reasons given. Thanks for those who took the trouble to respond.
Because I would not have enough Knowledge to effectively challenge him. I do however believe that, as the leader of a democratically elected party to the European Parliament, he has the right to participate and argue his beliefs on Question Time. Not to allow it would be censorship
To have the chance to question his views and discover why he thinks the way he does. I believe his values, once aired to a large audience, will be his undoing as they will promote large-scale debate, and as a nation we are renowned for our fairness. People will move away from the far right parties once their true colours are shown.
I saw the programme last night and, whatever you think of the man's views, it was a very poor debate, with the Dimbleby leading the attack, instead of trying to ensure something interesting.
I hope the survey was of interest. As I look out of the window, the autumn mist covers the valley, giving a Turner-esque feel as the sun rises over the wooded slopes. The trees stand in hazy silhouette agains this glare. wonderful.!
20 October 2009
Nothing seems to be happening, so I thought I would set a topical survey of two questions. there are no right or wrong answers. answers are anonymous. I will publish the results. Go to the Surveys on the left hand bar.
I am still waiting to hear from those people who wanted this site to show travel arrangements. Still waiting for some photos from those who said we should have more and waiting for contributions from organisations with something to say. The shop still need volunteers.
16 October 2009T
The Ubiquitous Touring Theatre Company gave a performance at the villllage hall tonight. If you were not there you missed out big time. For a second-hand experience, read the report via the Valley Wives page on the left.
I see from the site statistics that there are visitors from-New Zealand and Russia. Welcome. I hope you find the site useful and interesting. Please contact me to let me know what you think of the site.
13 October 2009
I have been receiving the same email from a number of sources, so I thought I'd share it with you. Essentially, someone, supposedly from BT, phones you and demands money for an unpaid bill. As with all of these scams, they suffer from the fact that all major companies will send you reminders by post. If you have not received such letters, then you know it is a scam. Major companies will take you to court - they will not demand payment over the phone. The message is clear - NEVER give out any personal information to somebody who phones you. Phone them on a number you know to be valid and not one that they give you. The same with emails - never give personal information. When you go to a website asking for details, it will have a prefix of https. The S is important. Navigate to these sites from a known starting point. Never click on a link in an email unless you are certain of its pedigree. On the internet, it pays to be suspicious.
On a lighter note, a friend sent me this link of a mountain rescue on Striding Edge. Those of you who know the area will be impressed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8303567.stm
Results of the Allotment Competition run by the Parish Council show the following for Hughenden Valley:
1st Mrs Smart/Mr Gant Plot 12a
2nd Mr D Johnson Plot 22
3rd Mrs J Christmas Plot 24b & 25b
Mrs Christmas also won the Best Newcomer over all Parish Council allotments. Congratulations to all.
3 October 2009
My apologies to Ed Furness of Warrendene Road for not looking at my mail for a couple of days. I received a hearfelt letter from him, which I have included on a letters page. Click here for the letter. It relates to the roadworks on Warrendene Road
1 Oct 2009
Hughenden ward has a new councillor, following the resignation of Linda O'Malley. Details.
28 Sept 2009
A new toddler group has been opened in Hughenden, at Magnolia Park, Walters Leisure. (The former Broomwade Sports Club). Every Thursday Morning during term time between 9.30 and 11.30, Mothers with babies and/or pre-school aged children are invited to attend this new meeting group. There are toys to suit all age ranges and craft activities are available at some sessions, as well as some music and singing to end the session. Admission is just £2.00 per family group and a cup of tea and a smiling face will be ready to welcome all newcomers. For more information, please contact 564868.
26 Sept 2009
There is to be a new toddler activity group starting on Friday afternoons for children aged 0-6yrs. See Events for details.
25 Sept 2009
I have created a page for website issues (see bar on the left at the bottom or click here) so that there is more space to talk about problems with the website and to explore the results from the survey currently being run. Please look at it if you have taken part in the survey (or even if you are just interested). If you have not taken part in the survey - please do so - choose "Surveys" from the bar on the left - it will take no more than two minutes to complete.
I had an email from a reader offering some work to Gabrielle. Whether it is suitable is up to Gabrielle, but it is warming to see a positive response from my Sept 11 Cri de coeur. The request still stands, so if you have work for her, let me know.
24 Sept 2009
The Valley Wives are looking for new members to join this fun-loving group. Their AGM is on October 2nd - go along! Have a look at their page (see the navigation bar on the left).
The Parish Council are thinking of publishing circular walk leaflets for walks in the parish (Naphill/Walters Ash, Hughenden Valley, North Dean, Bryant's Bottom, Great Kingshill, Widmer End). If you have any favourites to be considered, please let me know and I will pass on.
Request to anybody from HAGA - please let me have your news - there has been a request for a page for you. Give me the editorial and you will get the space you need to grow! I will pollinate the front page for you when you send me news!
Thanks to those of you who have already completed the survey.
23 Sept 2009
Photos received of the Art Exhibition - see Art Group ppages on the left. The winner of the painting by Charles Evans was Sue Miller from Hazlemere - she was thrilled to bits as she had never won anything like it before.
I have reorganised the items on the navigation bar to go in roughly alphabetical ordrer of orgaisations, with events and contacts coming beforehand. Other items are located below these. Let me know if you have suggestions for improvements.
22 Sept 2009
I thought you might like to respond to a quick survey to see what you think about the website. There are just a few questions and it should take no more than two minutes to complete. You will see "Surveys" on the bar on the left (at the bottom). There is only one survey, so just click on the pink "Answer Survey" button. I will publish the results.
20 Sept 2009
The Art Exhibition this year was the best ever. see the Art Group page on the left for details.
14 September 2009
At last!! Details of the Brownies have been received. Go to Baden Powell and similar Organisations on the navigation bar on the left and then choose Brownies. I hope to get more information as time goes on and will publish it there when I do. Best wishes to brown owl and tawny owl.
13 September 2009
A busy morning at the shop with the arrival of the football season and lots of Mums and Dads visiting the Valley for the first time to see the shop. All comments were very favourable and the turnover was very good for a Sunday. This little Tardis is getting to be quite a focal point of the community and our thanks must go to the committee who spend lots of time doing essential things outside the opening hours, as well as handling the absence of Hayley this week through a stomach bug. There is still time to volunteer hours - they don't have to be regular - any one-off time that you have will be appreciated - so don't hold back! It is the greatest place there is to see village life - and it is free with nice company!
Some unusual shop items - drawing pins, cocktail sticks, glue sticks, matches, stamps, fuses, 2010 calendars (only three left), Imodium, sun cream.
11 Sept 2009
I was in the village hall this morning and met Gabrielle, the cleaner, for the first time. she does a brilliant job for the hours she works and makes the halls rentable. She mentioned in passing that she is looking for a job. She appears to be very intelligent, artistic (studying art at the local uni) and hard-working, so if you are looking for someone with such characteristics, then drop me an email and I will contact her via Roger, whose Seido Karate Club she is a member of. It is not normal for this site to seek jobs for people, but Gabrielle has been such an asset to the Village Hall that an exception can be made.
I was there taking photos of the hall to make the Village Hall website more interesting. These are now on the Village Hall website..
It just shows how useful the village shop is - I picked up some local late-grown strawberries today - lovely!
Quick survey - do you think that the traffic is going slower on the Valley Road in the last couple of weeks?
10 Sept 2009
Still here after the predictions of the End of the World on 09.09.09! New look and feel to celebrate. Your comments are welcome and sought.
No response at all yet to the idea of a Chiltern Brewery tour. I know that many residents are members of the Rebellion Brewery - is that taking out prospective visitors to the Chiltern Brewery? Seems as though this will not take place unless there is a sudden change of heart.
The Chiltern Society run a series of walks that are free to participants. I have included a list of walks on the Chiltern Society page on this web site for September to November. If you go, please let me have a write-up for publication for the benefit of others.
I am having a few problems with the latest release of this website generating software. Please bear with me while the developers fix the problems and get back to me.
9 Sept 2009 (09.09.09)
It's that time of year again -the annual Art Group Exhibition. Starting Friday evening 18 Sept between 7-9pm and going through Saturday (10 -17:30) and Sunday (12.30 -17:30), the exhibition will comprise works by the Art Group, which are normally exceptionally good, and paintings by the children of the Hughenden First School (which often show promise). Admission is free and there will be a raffle of a painting donated by Charles Evans, of TV fame (see picture of the painting). Please find time to support this excellent exhibition in the Village Hall.
8 Sept 2009
The Toddlers' Group, currrently held at the school, is to close as the school needs the space to accommodate its growing size. Theresa and Louise are therefore starting another Toddler Group at Magnolia Park (ex Broome Wade). I will set up a page when I have more information. In the meantime, please contact via email and I will pass on all enquiries.
3 Sept 2009
Reminder that the Potter Cup Quiz takes place on 10th October in the Village Hall. Details here. Please do get a team togethre and come. all proceeds go to finance the Senior Citizens' Annual Dinner for the over 60's in the Valley.
This site seems to be getting around 25 visitors per day. Not bad for a target audience of around 2000 people! It is a community site, so if you want something to appear that is of interest to the community, then just ask, send copy and it will be published.
2 Sept 2009
Picture shows Village of the year organiser, Louise, Tony and Richard Pushman at the presentation of the Highly Commended Certificate for Hughenden Valley in the 2009 Village of the Year competition for Bucks. You can see the certificate in the shop.
Result! Press Release from the Police just received
Officers from the Thames Valley Safer roads team, roads policing officers, the local neighbourhood policing team and a road safety officer from Transport for Buckinghamshire worked in partnership as a result of complaints from local people via the neighbourhood action group concerning speeding motorists. A speed check was run between 0745 and 1000 hours on Tuesday 25/8/09 simultaneously at Valley Road and Warrendene Road in Hughenden Valley, Wycombe.
A total of 16 motorists were dealt with at Valley Road with the highest speed being 52 in a 30mph limit.
A total of 11 motorists were dealt with at Warrendene Road with the highest speed being 54 in a 40mph limit.
The operation was well received by local people and future operations including the use of police speed camera vans are planned.
Very pleasing to see that those who make our valley a nightmare for pedestrians are prosecuted. The police will be running regular campaigns in the area. The Parish Council is working to make the whole parish a safer place to be. the amazing thing is that a motorist accelerated to 52mph in a short distance.
1 Sep 2009
I have received a correction to the Conservation Report. Plese view here if you have read the report, else see the link on the next line.
30 aug 2009
The Conservation Group met yesterday to rake up the grass on the bank above the playing field. See the report here
29 Aug 2009
Whilst at the County Show, I stumbled on the Chiltern Brewery stand and talked tours. Their leaflet tells me that there are two tours of interest - the individual tour that takes place on a Saturday or the Group tour that is open to groups of at least 12 during any day. The former is cheaper but less extensive at £7.95 and the latter at £8.95. Both include tastings. The Saturday event is non-bookable, but the group tour must be booked and paid for. This is an ideal opportunity to go on the bus, as the bus stops a few hundred yards from the brewery and can bring us home safely. Please let me know if you would be interested in a group tour. If I get 12 names, i will organise it, but I will demand money up front as, once booked, payment must be made. If you are interested in a Saturday tour and would like to go with others from the village on the bus, then also let me know.
I am reluctant to abandon the 300 Club, so I ask anyone (preferably with bus pass, though not essential) to contact me if they would like to go on a pub crawl via bus. The idea is to get on the 300 bus and go somewhere for a beer and then alight at apporoximately 15 mins intervals at pubs on the way back. It takes all afternoon. We have so far been to aylesbury and back, but could consider changing buses and going further afield. Let me know.
28 aug 2009.
We went to the Bucks County show today. Read the rant here. The organiser of this mayhem is Bucks County Agricultural Association. They may be volunteers, but takings on the gate must have been £250,000, so they are a commercial enterprise offering a paid service, so should get it right.
27 Aug 2009
Details of Roly's Memorial Service have been received. I quote in full.
To Friends
Roland (Roy) Guiver
On the 8thSeptember we are having a service dedicated to the memory of our Father, Roland Guiver, who died on 22ndAugust. It is to be held in the Parish Church of St Mary’s in Cholsey at 12.30pm. The full address is Church Road, Cholsey, Oxfordshire. OX10 9PP and Father requested that everyone “not be dressed in black”.
This service will have been preceded by a private ceremony at the West Berkshire Crematorium, in Thatcham, for his close family.
After the service in Cholsey, his wishes were that we should celebrate his long and very full life. To that end, the family would like to invite you back to Mill Brook House, Caps Lane, Cholsey. OX10 9HF, for ample refreshments.
We hope to see you there.
Roger and Norman (sons)
It would be helpful if you would let us know if you can join us. (Please let Viv Figge know on 562414 if you will be attending.
Cholsey is south of Wallingford off the A329. You can either take the country route through Henley or the M4 motorway and come off at J12 (Theale)
25th August 2009
A report of the Village Fun Day is now available, with photos. Please feel free to copy the photos.
I have had the first comment about Roly, which I publish here..
he was the best male dancer at any of the Village Hall Christmas do's
and an extremely charming, graceful man with a huge zest for life and
people. We will miss him.
22nd August 2009
| I have just heard the sad news on this Village Fun Day of the death this morning of Roly Guiver, long-time member of the village hall committee and community-minded gentleman providing his time and expertise in electrics. He will be sorely missed. |
21 august 2009
I have just heard of a useful website if you like walking. Part of the Simply Walk iniitiative of the Primary Care Trust it gives opportunity to walk somewhere different. Have a look at the site http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/row/simply_walk.page? if you want to improve your health in many areas.
20 August 2009
No takers for the Village Enterprise, so that is dead now.
No responses either for the most unusual item obtained in the shop. Come on! There must be at least one!!
The shop was presented with a list of regular shopping items by one resident to see how many could be sourced from the shop - it turned out that something like 50% could be!! Prices are very competitive, especially the cards, which are of good quality, wide applicability and more reasonable than the major card shops.
11 Aug 2009
I have a new contribution to the house name debate. See link on left.
I have had a note regarding grass cuttings being inappropriately dumped on Valley Road....
"Perhaps you would care to mention that once again, a resident or residents are dumping their grass cuttings in the hedge which runs along the Valley Road between “Clarine” and “Hedgerow” This will, if continued destroy the hedge indeed it is already taking effect. I can only guess that those responsible think it’s good for the hedge and fail to understand that grass cuttings alone do not make nutritional mulch. Perhaps they could utilise their green bin collection".
9 Aug 2009
A lady of the village was pleased to report to her friend that, Yes - she could buy black shoe polish from the shop. Have you bought anything from the shop that you didn't think you would be able to get? While there today, I noticed Auntie Bessies Original Yorkshire puddings and some interesting meals for one, plus, there was a skipping rope. You don't know what's there until you ask!
30 July 2009
The shop now has a chip and pin facility. Purchases over £5 can now be made by card much easier.
29 July 2009
Rant on housenames received that is worth reading - go to Rants (see left) If you want to have your say, this is a free public area, so let me have your rants on this subject.
I did start to think, having read this contribution, that we might consider putting a map on this website. What do you think?
If you are short of meal ideas, the shop has enough to make a selection of easy meals. Go and investigate!
28 July 2009
The Chiltern Society has a Donate a Gate project where you can donate a gate in a location of your choosing and get a plaque on the gate with wording you choose.
The project replaces stiles in the central Chilterns area with more accessible gates funded by members of the public. Gates cost £250 on a buy-one-get-one-free basis, with volunteers doing the installation and Bucks County Council providing a second gate. 120 donors have had gates installed and inscribed plaques mounted, with more coming forward. This work contributes to the council’s annual target to remove at least 250 stiles per year to encourage easier access for those with mobility difficulties. Donors get to choose the gate material, the wording on a dedication plaque and the gate location. Great assistance is provided by a Chiltern Society volunteer who manages the people, payments and plaques. The benefits that this scheme brings are seen in achieving stile free walks and local people being able to improve their local network. This adds great value and purpose to the work we do.' If you would like any more information on this scheme, or would like to become a donor, please contact Stuart Gulliman, from the Chiltern Society, on 01494 721467.
27 July 2009
Oh dear! One thing not published about the shop is the opening hours. The sign says it all, but only if you go when the shop is open. So here goes - the shop is open
weekdays from 7:30am to 6pm;
Saturdays from 8am to 3pm and
Sundays 8am to 1pm.
Every day of the week. If you have not been - GO! It is an amazing place and you will find something you need. Remember that all profits will go to community projects, so there is not some raqueteer benefiting from your hard-earned cash - we all benefit. If you don't use it then we will lose it.
22nd July 2009
Following some discussions with various residents on house naming, I have set up a new page under the Rants heading (see bar on the left). Please use this for seeing the story so far and contact me with your contribution. The only editing will be to remove anything defamatory.
20 July 2009
Disappointment! The results are out for the Village of the Year Competition. The bad news is that we did not win the smaller village category, but the good news was that we were highly commended, along with Great Kingshill. Winner of the small village was Stewkeley, with Cheddington as runners up. Large village winner was Stokenchurch with Naphill & Walters Ash as runners up. We need to do more in our community, obviously, to match the winner. It is estimated that only 60 people are active in village events organisation out of 2000 residents. Not a large proportion, so think carefully about your contribution - there is always more help needed and everyone who heps says the same thing -"My life is so much better now that I am a REAL part of the village life." Everyone also seems to get more out than they put in, so it is not wholly altruistic!!
17 July 2009
Some advice on Swine Flu from Bucks PCT. Click here.
It must be the summer and everybody is doing summery things, but not much seems to be happening. Perhaps now is the time to remind you that this is a village website and that contributions are welcome. If you are an organiser of a society in the village, you can even have your own part of the site.
14th July 2009 (Bastille Day)
24 golfers from the village and surrounds had a great day out at Mentmore yesterday. There was a short period of showers, but then we had the ideal weather of blue skies with fluffy clouds. Scoring was variable, as one would expect, but everyone had such a great time that this will become an annual event. Our thanks are due to Derek and Al, who did so much to make it happen. When giving out the prizes, Al seemed to have a limitless supply - longest drive for the ladies and gents; nearest the pin; first, second and third individual and team and a special three prizes for best scores with the team ball: a ball played by each member of the team for a hole on a sequential basis, which was great fun if the team did not lose it, as half did! And there were also a couple of golf balls for the five players who managed to score a gross birdie during the day. A very convivial meal followed as new friendships were made. And Al raised over 150 pounds for the village hall fund, enhanced by many winners refusing their cash prizes. This is the sort of day that brings the village together to make it the place to stay and live happily. As one recent arrival said "This village is like flypaper - you arrive and you stick to it!"
There is to be a tree planting ceremony on Sunday 29th Nov at 11am in memory of Eric Powell, when a walnut tree, sourced by Ken Graves and the National Trust and financed by the village hall committee, will be planted. A walnut tree was chosen because it is a naturally occurring tree, which will do well in this area, yet unusual enough to stand out, just like Eric. All are welcome at this short ceremony on the bank just above the football field, so please tell your friends.
The Village Hall AGM is to take place at 8pm on Monday December 7th in the small Hall. All residents are welcome. Nominations for committee members to the Secretary on 562533.
There is to be a black tie Valentine's Dance on Saturday February 13th at the village hall. Why not book this special occasion for someone special in your life? It promises to be good, with live band and all the trimmings.
The Bazaar is taking place this Saturday all day at the village hall.
Hughenden Art Group have an "open" evening this Monday 23rd at 7.30pm in the Small Hall when Trevor Richardson is giving a talk with slides on "Art of the Victorians". Visitors welcome, £4 at the door.
There is to be a tree planting ceremony on Sunday 29th Nov at 11am in memory of Eric Powell, when a walnut tree, sourced by Ken Graves and the National Trust and financed by the village hall committee, will be planted. A walnut tree was chosen because it is a naturally occurring tree, which will do well in this area, yet unusual enough to stand out, just like Eric. All are welcome at this short ceremony on the bank just above the football field, so please tell your friends.
The Village Hall AGM is to take place at 8pm on Monday December 7th in the small Hall. All residents are welcome. Nominations for committee members to the Secretary on 562533.
The Bazaar is taking place this Saturday all day at the village hall.
Hughenden Art Group have an "open" evening this Monday 23rd at 7.30pm in the Small Hall when Trevor Richardson is giving a talk with slides on "Art of the Victorians". Visitors welcome, £4 at the door.
There is to be a tree planting ceremony on Sunday 29th Nov at 11am in memory of Eric Powell, when a walnut tree, sourced by Ken Graves and the National Trust and financed by the village hall committee, will be planted. A walnut tree was chosen because it is a naturally occurring tree, which will do well in this area, yet unusual enough to stand out, just like Eric. All are welcome at this short ceremony on the bank just above the football field, so please tell your friends.
The Village Hall AGM is to take place at 8pm on Monday December 7th in the small Hall. All residents are welcome. Nominations for committee members to the Secretary on 562533.
There is to be a black tie Valentine's Dance on Saturday February 13th at the village hall. Why not book this special occasion for someone special in your life? It promises to be good, with live band and all the trimmings.
We have received severe weather warnings from the Met Office to expect heavy snow from 6pm onwards (covering the next 24 hours). We are expecting between 10 - 15cms of snow.
In preparation our gritters will be out salting all our precautionary salting routes at 2pm - we will be monitoring the situation and making a decision later on in the evening as to whether we will be salting again tonight (this is of course dependant on the weather and the updates we receive from the Met Office).
We are currently in the process of replenishing our salt stocks (an order of 5,000 tonnes was placed in December) and deliveries started to arrive yesterday.
A panel of expert judges will take into consideration:
· The way the building relates to the landscape and surrounding buildings
· How the building uses its site
· The use of suitable materials
Entries must reach the Conservation Board by 1 March. To find out more email office@chilternsaonb.org or call 01844 355500. You may also visit www.chilternsaonb.org.
The Climbing Wall is coming to the parish on Thursday 18th Febto Great Kingshill Parish Council car park between 11:00 and 13:00 and Naphill Village Hall car park between 14:30 and 16:30. All teenagers in the parish are welcome to attend.
Subject: Thames Valley Police - Community Messaging
[This is a Community message from the Aylesbury Watch Office on Friday 22 January 2010.
Men posing as police officers have burgled the homes of eight elderly people in one night in High Wycombe.
The burglars took a "substantial" amount of cash from each of their victims. They showed fake police badges and said they had arrested a man for burglary and needed to fingerprint their money.
Thames Valley Police said the men worked in pairs on Wednesday 20 January. Officers have stepped up patrols to reassure residents and urged them to check the identity of unexpected callers.
The first man, who had an Irish or Scottish accent, is described as white, 5ft 7in, stocky and is thought to be in his 40s.
The second, also white, is in his 30s, 5ft 8in, and spoke with an eastern European accent.
The other two men, also white, are believed to be in their 20s.
The burglaries all took place between 4:50 pm and 8:15 p m.
*A distraction burglary has also recently taken place in Bedfordshire where the offender stated he was a Police Officer.
Please advice all your watch members to check the identity of any unknown callers to your premise. Remember that a genuine police officer will be happy to wait outside while you check their identity and will never be in too much of a rush for you to check they are who they say they are. Ask for their shoulder number and check this with Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.
Come and speak to your local Neighbourhood Police Officers – PC Lee TURNHAM & PCSO Natalie HALL,
and talk to us about any local concerns or comments that you may have regarding local policing.
@3
The Café on 3 site RAF Naphill
1100hrs-1300hrs MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2010
Now that the new Hughenden Neighbourhood NAG is up and running, we are
anxious to discover what priorities everyone would like the Police to
concentrate on.
Very soon your Resident's Association Road Reps will be posting a survey
from the Police through your door. This will enable you to identify your
top three priorities, but only if you complete and return them.
For your convenience, you can just leave your completed survey at the
Village Shop and I will collect them and make sure they get back to our
Local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Also, we have now assembled a Speed Reduction Working Group, (a sub group of
the NAG), under the Chair of Cath McLeod from Great Kingshill. We are
hoping to have our first meeting very soon. If you have anything for me to
raise when we meet please let me (Lin Smith) know, by email to the website.
1 February 2010
I have received the following from Lin Smith about the NAG...
