Less Current News

29 September 2010

 

28 September 2010

I understand that the residents who have contacted me about ambiguities in the survey are not the only ones. Other residents have taken to writing to the Chairman of the council to ask what they should do in the many  instances where it is unclear what to do.  If you fall into this category, do write to her via the Clerk.

A resident contacted me about the ambiguity of the first two questions on the survey form, so I raised the issue with Jean Fox, the promoter of rural affordable housing and got the response

I also asked her to expain to me how these questions would be analysed, but got no response to that difficult question.  Presumably she has to decide when the results are in.

As this survey "has been performed many times" one would have thought that this ambiguity would have been sorted out by now as I have had them questioned by more than one resident already.  Perhaps residents of Hughenden Valley are unusual!

27 September 2010

By now you will probably have received your Housing Needs Survey form from the Parish Council, although its title is Affordable Housing for Local People in Hughenden Parish.  This should be read in conjunction with the green leaflet you received from the Hughenden Valley, Naphill &Walters Ash Residents Associations and concerned residents of Widmer End and Great Kingshill, as this leaflet contains additional and corrective information that will help you to make a meaningful decision.

The Schapp proposals are due to go through parliament soon, where it is proposed that 75% of residents must be in favour of building on Green Belt for it to happen.  In the interim, this "survey" is being pushed through before the Schapp proposals come into effect.  Read what you like into this.

This website has asked many questions about this process and the design of the survey form.  Both the Chairman of Hughenden Parish Council and the Rural Housing Enabler (who will be controlling the survey, its responses and analysis) have been asked to provide evidence that the survey and the process cannot be altered, but no answer has been received.  One has to assume that there is no evidence and that both have therefore been misleading residents and the parish council by insisting that the process and survey cannot be  altered.   However, the parish council has endorsed it, so, of course, I am a strong supporter of it for every word, full stop and content it provides, together with the exact process being proposed.

You might notice that the confidential part of the survey (housing need) is inextricably linked with the non-confidential part, so that the whole survey can be treated as confidential and therefore not audited. 

I note that the words "affordable" and "local" are subjective terms, which should not be used in the title of a supposedly impartial survey as it is prejudicial.  I could go on, but you have lives to lead and a form to fill out

25 Sept 2010

Well, don't say you weren't invited!  The Elton John gig at the Town Hall last night was the sort of show you could not have at the O2, because it was wonderfully compact, but the talent of the performers was the talent that gets seen at the O2.  It seemed that Sir Elton John came to Wycombe, time warped back a good few years, just to play for the select few, as only a hundred or so people were there.  But what a night!  It started with half an hour of original music from Sintax, a local group of many years' standing, and ended in a party atmosphere as "Sir Elton" bashed out many favourites.  We were so lucky to be part of this amazing evening of local talent of international stature.  For an idea of what you missed click here and for more information, click here.  I am proud to be friends with the lead guitarist of Sintax and to be an old golfing buddy of "Sir Elton", but until last night I had never seen either of them in action.  I was very impressed - along with a hundred or so other people.

22 Sept 2010

A very interesting link was provided for me today.  See what you think.  Those of you who have been avid followers of this site will recognise the CIB propaganda and the influencing of the minds of the councillors of Great Missenden.  If only they would heed the words of this website and ask the same questions we have all been asking to no avail!  See if you get the sense of deja vu!

21 Sept 2010

A great show at the Town Hall this Friday.  Tickets still available.  All proceeds to the Wycombe Night Shelter charity.  See poster for details.

20 Sept 2020

I was looking through the comments on the latest BFP article and was intrigued by one correspondent's assertions about building on green belt, walking on grass and perspective.  Essentially, he (I assume a he) indicated that you can only appreciate perspective in open spaces.  This reminded me of an art programme I watched many years ago where it was said that perspective was discovered in Florence when the Baptistry was viewed from the cathedral.  Now the space between the two buildings, from my recollection, is not much bigger than a school playground and probably smaller than the average street of terraced houses, so one wonders about this argument that says you must have wide open space to discover perspective..

The author also indicated that building on green belt would give greater access to greeen belt.  Unfortunately, it would also reduce the amount of green belt and would put lots of people further away from green belt land.  But then putting one side of the argument is always a winner with those who are not prepared to consider both sides.  The 300 passes through some magnificent green belt with plenty of footpaths crossing it, if only people will take the troule to get on the bus and get out to walk.

Finally, the walking on grass scenario.  There is The Rye in central Wycombe and Hughenden Park, a short ride from Wycombe centre on a bus.  The reason people will not have walked on grass is because they choose not to.  I never chose to walk on grass until my teens, but I don't recall missing this as an experience - I was too busy playing in the street where we lived.

It might be the education system, but it seems that people do not think these days.  We have two eyes and two ears, but one mouth. Using them in that proportion is probably good advice.  Sloppy thinking and inadequate information make for poor arguments.

I don't usually get heavy with philosophy, but if people are going to argue, they should be in posession of facts and be prepared to debate openly to ensure that all sides of an argument are explored, before coming to a decision.  Not, as some do, take a position and then ensure that only those facts that fit the argument are protrayed.  End of lecture.

Does anyone have a nice photo to put at the top of this page?  I like the stream, but it's getting dated.  Even a photo of an artistic picture!

The shop had another good morning yesterday.  We still need more people to do more shopping there.  There are some really nice local products and this fortnight is seeing a push on British foods.  Inevitably, the shop cannot compete on supermarket loss leaders, but there are many local products where the supermarkets cannot compete on price and quality with the shop.  Go on!  Support your local shop and catch up on the gossip!  Even better, become a volunteer and enjoy some special cameraderie and enjoyment meeting new people.  My personal best moment is watching the kids come in to choose their sweet mix - happy smiling faces or what?  Next best is when adults come in for the first time (yes, there are a few) and their faces light up when they see what is available in such a small space.  Priceless!   These adults come from everywhere that HVFC play football with and they are so jealous that their community does not have such a lovely shop.  It's not perfect - today we ran out fo newspapers and just sold all the bread, but nobody was really unhappy about the newspapers.  And we took more this Sunday than last Sunday's record for a Sunday.  It makes it all worthwhile!

19 September 2010

I went to the Art Exhibition in the Village Hall yesterday lunchtime.  It ends today, so go along.  Some of the paintings were exceptionally good and the standard of the rest was very high.  Had I had some space on the walls of the house, one of the paintings, if not two, would have been snapped up by me.  This is not to say that there were only two purchasable paintings, just two that caught my fancy.  there must ave been twenty I could happily have bought, but I am not Paul Getty!  The two I had my eye on would have been great value for just over £100.  I would have had to buy both because I could not choose between them.  One was an oil or acrylic of Bamburgh Castle in Cubist-Impressionist mode, which captured the atmosphere completely and the other was a scene in watercolour of Wycombe market, where the characters were brilliantly represented - in fact, it was so well done, that, had this been a Harry Potter world, the figures would have been moving.  Well done Art Group for putting on such an exciting exhibition.  the tea and cakes were also superb from our new kitchen.

16 September 2010

What more can I say about the Parish Council meeting that has not already been said in the press?  Have a look here.  I had to laugh at some of the comments on this story - especially the one about the council not being wrth 7p - very witty!

It concerns me that Hughenden Parish Council no longer seems to be representing its residents and that any dissent from the Chairman's view is severely censured. Unbiased observers attending meetings have commented on their observations of the proceedings and none have been complimentary to the majority of councillors.  Meanwhile I wait to hear from the Standards Committee to see if action will be taken against me following a complaint lodged by the Chairman and Vice Chairman.  What we have to do in order to represent the views of our residents!  Hey ho.

(No doubt I will gert censured again for reporting factual information that the Chairman would rather keep under wraps.  However, councillors are expected to be open in their dealings, so a bit of reporting is a good thing.)

I would remind readers that this is a village website, not a personal blog, so articles are welcomed, providing that they are not libellous.

I have information that doorstep sellers are in the area.  As almost every one of these provides poor value-for-maney and we have a neighbourhood watch policy of forbidding doorstep sellers from operating in the area it would help if every resident pointed to their door sticker and told them to go away, rather than entering into polite conversation with someone who maybe a wily con artist.  If we act together we can stamp out this practice, but while they get business, it will continue.

13 September 2010

A reminder that the Parish council meets tomorrow evening at 8pm at the council offices Gt Kingshill.

A reminder that the Potter Quiz is on October 9th.  A poster tells all here.

9 Sept 2010

I have been hearing of a dangerous practice.

 Ne'er-do-wells will place a baby seat by the side of a road, often near a wooded area, in the hope that a motorist might stop, whereupon they can be robbed, or worse.  If you see such an item DO NOT STOP, but call the police at the first opportunity.

 Also, do not stop if someone throws eggs at your windscreen and DO NOT use the windscreen washer.  Drive on until it is safe to stop and remove the eggs.

 As the recession bites, there will be more ingenious ways of robbing you, so be on your guard.  If you have any inkling that it might be suspicious, then it probably is.

 Be safe – be aware.

8 Sept 2010

The Multiple Sclerosis Society are having a dinner at the Spice Lounge on Monday 27 Sept at 8pm.  A three course menu for 19.95, with £5 per head donated to the charity.  It promises to be a good evening.  Tickets from Judy on 562204.  The Spice Lounge is at Hazelmere near the Tesco Express by the garage.

7 September 2010

Is it really a week since I last updated this site?  I must be slipping!

A reminder that the next Parish Council meeting is to be held on Tuesday 14th Sept at 8pm at the Council Offices Gt Kingshill.  If you have never been, you should go.  If you have been before, you will doubtless be there again!

The raking of the grass on the bank above the playing field was a popular event, with many helpers, so the job was done in little time.  Congratulations to all involved.

An update has been received from Valley Wives.  Click here to see it.

We had a  visit from Mick the Post today.  He has memories of his party night that will be with him forever.  I thought you might like to know that.  No more than he deserves.

The Shop is doing well, but needs constant support.  Many people are now finding out how valuable an asset it is.  One day last week customers were queuing out of the door!  I never expected it to be THAT popular!  Veg boxes are still being prepared with freshly-delivered fruit and veg on a Thursday.  Call into the shop to order yours.  Chiara leaves at the end of the month, but a replacement has been identified, so fingers crossed that she will be as good as Chiara!

I was idly scanning the reports about traffic on this site (as I do, to make sure that at least one person is reading what I write) when I saw that there is a massive peak of people reading the site around 6am!  What do you do?   Wake up and log in?  There must be better way is to start your day!  Or is it the insomniacs trying to find a soporific source to help them get that last hour of sleep after a sleepless night?  Whatever it is, you are welcome at any time!

The Potter Quiz night has been announced - see forthcoming events at the top of this page.

31 August 2010

This Sunday there is to be a raking party on the bank above the playing field.  We need as many people there as possible to rake and barrow the grass to decomposing points.  We have obtained the services of Steve at the National Trust to cut the grass this Friday.  This is an annual event and the more people who turn out, the less there is to do.  Beer is available after the event to slake thirsts.  If you can't come, can you persuade a neighbour or friends?

30 August 2010

The latest NAG Report is on the website.  Click here to view.

There is to be a Have Your Say on Monday 20 Sept at Hughenden Valley Village Hall from 1300-1430.  You can meet the local police to raise any issue you might have.

I am still desirous of coming across parishioners who favour Rural Affordable Housing, so that I can get a balanced view, but so far none have come forward.  I am beginning to doubt that they exist, so if you are one, or know of one, please get in touch with me.

29 August 2010

I am indebted to Robert Ralphs for this link on HS2.

I am surprised by how few people know about this site.  If you like it, then please tell your friends - if not, please tell me!  I am also open to suggestions on how to improve its coverage of news and topics of interest.

26 August 2010

Rain all week!  Let's hope the Bank Holiday is better.

HS2 rears its ugly head again.  I am indebted to John H for sending me the email that quotes the following

21 August 2010

For those of you not on Mick's round, you missed what must have been the most popular event at The Harrow for decades.  I never knew that the Harrow could hold so many people - but then they were probably all breathing in at the same time!  The evening went well and we sent Mick off in style - which he richly deserved.  He was presented with a card and a small book of residents' quotes to wing him on his way and a second class stamp to remind him of the service he gave us.  The full speech is provided for those who might have missed it in the crush.  Click here to retrieve it.

Thanks are due to Carole and her helpers for organising the event and to Fi and the staff of the Harrow for providing efficient service throughout the evening.  It is good to have our local pub working so well.  Residents should continue to support it.

It feels as though we are missing Mick already and it is nowhere near the afternoon yet!  Best wishes from us all, Mick.

20 august 2010

For those of us living on Mick's post round, this evening will be a highlight, as Mick retires.  Other residents will have attended the retirement of "Pickwick" some weeks earlier.

An interesting article exists on the BBC website  especially the piece from an ex Oxfordshire parish councillor, whose views are worth reading.

I was hearing today about another form of afordable housing, which is Community Land Trust housing.  This seems to give the community the control over housing that is not available with rural affordable housing. I plan to look into it further as an option to providing what most villagers seem to think of when affordable housing is referred to.  Many villagers think that the destruction of green belt/AONB is too high a price to pay for an indistinct form of housing with unclear benefits clouded by commercial and ideological interests.  It sounds harsh, but too many questions are still unanswered, or answered with many different answers, most of which must be wrong.  This jury is still out until absolute clarity is achieved on what it is that is being offered and who exactly will benefit.  The Conservative Party claims to be guardians of the green belt, but I have seen no evidence of action on this when the time has come to apply pressure to decision making.  Words are cheap, after all.

17 August 2010

The latest NAG report is now available.  Click Here to view.  It has much to say about speeding, litter and parking.

15 August 2010

I have just received details of the Valley Wives' activities.  Please see Local Societies-Valley Wives for details from Joan.

Do what you will outside today as the long term forecast is dire.  Better get the runners sharpened on those sledges!   This means we will probably have an Indian Summer to last through the winter!

Still no indication from any of the "silent majority" that there is support for a rural affordable housing scheme.  Do supporters exist?

13 August 2010

I was handed some bumpf from our Village Hall Treasurer, Bob, today.  It was from Bucks CC to invite us to join in the Bucks Debate.  This is a "fact finding" mission to see what we feel about the services provided by Bucks CC with a view to deciding how 25% of the costs could be saved. 

Now you would think that a debate about saving costs would have some, er, costs itemised.  No.  Not one cost anywhere.  So how can we have a meaningful debate?  it would be far better to itemise all the outgoings of Bucks CC and to invite us to tot up where the costs could be saved.

It would be even better if every department had to justify its existence in some real achievements that had been made over the last five years and the costs incurred to make those achievements.  But no.  Like all government agencies the assumption is that we can have a debate without the facts.  Just as we can expect people to determine the affordability or otherwise of rural affordable housing without telling prospective tenants what it will cost.

Do they all go to the same school of mismanagement to get like this?

And while on the subject of rural affordable housing, the Bucks Free Press has a couple of articles on this issue in today's copy.  One reports the views of the Residents' Association and one reports on last week's Extraordinary Parish Council meeting.  I am trying to find out the basis of the Chairman's statement that the Survey Process is "cast in stone by WDC and many parish councils", but have so far received no indication that this statement is powered by anything other than by wishful thinking.

In one article, the Clerk of the Parish Council says that she cannot understand why anybody should be against a new survey.  Perhaps if the Chairman had allowed some free speech, the Clerk would be in possession of some reasons as to why the currently proposed survey process is not so brilliant.

On the issue of cost saving, I have argued for a year or more that Bucks Community Action, or Community Impact Bucks as it now is, would be a first port of call to save money.  There must be other similar QUANGOs that could also reveal some useful savings.

It appears that the Clerk has now made it clear that there will be an Open Day after the Survey results are available.  This will be like the one held on March 10th apparently.  I like to be made aware of Parish Council decisions via emails from parishioners as it gives parishioners a sense of belonging to the decision-making process.  I clearly had it wrong when the Parish Council passed the motion (with a couple of votes against) that the PC  would go ahead with the survey and then to proceed with a rural affordable housing scheme if a need is established.  Clearly this does not mean that the Council will proceed with a rural affordable housing scheme if a need is established, but will run an Open Day instead.  Readers should note that this news comes after an exchange of emails between a resident and English Rural Housing Association during the last couple of days. 

I have still not had any indication that there are people in the village who want a rural affordable housing scheme.

10 August 2010

I have not heard of one person in Hughenden Valley who wants Rural Affordable Housing.  Maybe it is the circles I move in, or maybe there are no such people.  So I am asking all readers to ask everyone they know to let me know if they support Rural Affordable Housing being built on AONB in this area and if so, how they think the process to allocate homes will be made.  Any other information on why they support rural affordable housing would also be most welcome.  Please note that I don't want to hear at this time from those opposing RAH as I don't want these opinions drowning out those who support it.  I am concerned that I might not be getting a balanced view, so this is an opportunity for supporters to come forward.  All replies will be treated in confidence.

5 Aug 2010

CENSORED!!!

Tonight's Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting was a classic exercise in keeping the public in the dark.  At the last Council meeting in July there was, not surprisingly, not enough time to fully consider the design of the Housing Needs Survey Form, so a Working Party of the full council was set for the following week.  This was without the members of the public being allowed in to see how business was conducted.  Tonight's meeting was to approve what was agreed at that meeting, with no indication to the public allowed on what the process or the form would look like.  I had wanted to clarify a number of things for the members of the public gathered there, but was forbidden by the chairman, Peggy Ewart.

Several residents have asked me to justify my actions in opposing the council majority, so I am reproducing the statement I wanted to make.  

Now many of you might wonder why to bother reading it.  The answer is that you should see how your local affairs are being run.  I did not hear any resident support the chairman's actions tonight, but I did hear many say that the conduct was disgraceful.  It is YOUR council and it has a direct effect on what you get for the money you spend in Council Tax.  Then, when the time comes to vote for a coucnillor to act on your behalf for the next four years from May 5th, you might consider who you vote for.

As it stands, this council is about to fix it so that Green Belt AONB is appropriated for housing.  If not careful, in spite of assertions to the contrary, it will create a precedent for more building on Green Belt.

I set out my statement on a separate page, with an indication of how far I got in making it before being stopped, ostensibly on the grounds that I was attacking someone who could not defend herself, whereas the reality was that I was attacking something she had said that was recorded in an official document and I was using information available in other official documents to show that she was wrong.  However it is increasingly apparent that arguments against the Chairman's views are to be suppressed.

One resident asked if residents could make comments to me.  The answer is yes.  Please use the Contact Us facility.  This will send emails to a separate account I have set up (I don't want spam on my own account, which is what you get if you publish an email address on a web page).   I will then respond, giving you my personal email address for future times you want to contact me.)  i welcome comments from residents and I will be as honest as I can in responding.  Unlike other councillors, i will accept correspondence from residents in other wards as well as Hughenden Valley.

I really do believe in the Nolan qualities of Accountability and Openness and will do my best to uphold them.

Now - read what I wanted to say.....

Oh! You might want to know how the voting went.  All bar two voted to proceed with the recommentdation detailed in blue below.  And the two who voted against?  Lin Smith and Tony Konieczny.

30 July 2010

While finishing the closing of the shop yesterday evening, I encountered Bev coming out of the Village Hall.  it was a good opportunity to find out how the kitchen was going.  Not much in the kitchen, but we now have a new pressurised hot water supply and some beautifully executed plumbing.  I am sure that the tradesmen that Bev has lined up will each do their tasks to the same high standard.  I can't wait to see the final product!  All of this is helped by the fact that we have so many experts in the village about how the kitchen should work and we have harnessed this knowledge in the design phase.  Good design and well executed workmanship - what a combination!

The agenda for the Parish Council meeting at 7:30pm on Aug 5th has been published.  I copy in full the main agenda item:

Consideration of the report from the working party meeting held on 20th July 2010 regarding the survey/questionnaire to be issued to parishioners during September 2010 in connection with rural affordable housing within this Parish. 

RECOMMENDATION:- to issue  the housing needs survey questionnaire to the Parish in September 2010 and to proceed with a rural affordable housing scheme within this Parish, if a need is established. 

I note that it is not consideration of the questionnaire.  I note also that the recommendation is for RAH to go ahead if the need is established, but no mention is made of opposition to the scheme.  The meeting is open to the public.

29 July 2010

One thing I did not mention yesterday was the fun that is had being at the centre of things while in the Village Shop.

The other is that the turnover is steadily rising, showing that it is an asset.  Last week I had many people in from outlying villages and even High Wycombe.  Without exception, they were all amazed at how good it is. It would therefore be a crime to let it go because we cannot get thirty or forty vounteers to put in a short stint each week to keep it going.  It is the best thing to hit this village since the vilage hall was built.

28 July 2010

Chiara is doing a magnificent job down at the village shop, but she will be getting a job after the summer, so we will be without her as the manager.  We are also short ov volunteers.  Now when we mention volunteers, there is a stampede towards the hills, but it need not be.  There are many small, regular jobs that need doing, such as bringing in the newspapers in the morning, laying them on the shelves and allocating the ordered newspapers.  It does not take long and would be an ideal job for an early morning paper purchaser.  Flowers have to be watered, A boards put out on the verges, tables and chairs put out in the summer and so  on.  All  these tasks fall to the person volunteering to manage the shop.  it is getting too much.  Volunteers are going to dry up if the work becomes too onerous.  If it becomes onerous, volunteers will dry up and we will lose our shop.

Someone said to me recently that the people in this community are interested in themselves and nothing else.  They will only take community action if it directly affects them.

I'd like to think that this is wrong, but if the shop goes, then I will have to agree with the cynics.

If there is any remote chance that you can spare a couple of hours in the weekto get involved in this great community project, then go in and see Chiara.  You don't have to definitely volunteer - just say that if a dozen others volunteer, then you will as well.  That way you know that you will not get put upon.

Please don't think that it is rocket science in the shop.  We mainly need people to serve, but there are plenty of other small jobs that will help the vounteers who do serve to keep going. 

Don't just think about it - give a small commitment.

Meanwhile, you need to know that there is to be an extraordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 5th August at the council offices, Great Kingshill.  The meeting is being called to approve the survey questionnaire and process to be adopted in September for Rural Affordable Housing.  If you have any interest in what has been agreed by the working party and how the future of your rural landscape might be affected, then you should attend.

23 July 2010

News on the BBC reveals that the government is considering a change to the law regarding Rural Affordable Housing, making it possible for local communities to hold a referendum to allow the use of green belt for RAH purposes up to a maximum of 10% expansion of the envelope over a ten year period.  Whilst this can be of benefit for villages blighted by second home purchases, it probably does not benefit villages in this area.  Grant Shaps, the Housing Minister, described this controversial plan.  The referendum must be overwhelming, but the village can then take control of planning as well.  It seems that the village would set up a Right To Buy Trust and take control of the building.  Presumably this would be handed out to architects and builders, but with design control in the hands of the village.

Council for the Preservation of Rural England believes that the process should go through the planning process, which the government is planning to reform to give more power to local residents.  CPRE seems to be in favour of improving the local planning system and then using that.

As the forthcoming housing survey from the parish council is to be taken this autumn, it is possible that the results of this survey would be taken as the referendum result.  Otherwise Grant Shaps is proposing the referendum to be taken at the same time as local elections, which in this village's case is next May 5th to elect their parish councillors.

Like all proposals, the devil is in the detail and, while the headline proposal sounds interesting, it is in the detailed wording of how it will be put into effect that will demand close scrutiny.  It will also require close scrutiny of the wording of the referendum proposal itself.

At the moment, it is for the parish council to decide if there is a need and then to set the appropriate wheels in motion.  It is not clear how much regard is taken of residents' opinions as it seems that a need is taken as sufficient reason to go ahead.

The Parish Council is holding a short extraordinary meeting at 7:30pm on Thur August 5th at which it is expected that the decision to go ahead with the survey, in the form agreed by a majority of councillors at a working party on 20 July, will be carried by a majority of councillors.  There will be no public speaking at this meeting.

There is a report in the Bucks Free Press website regarding the last council meeting.  Click here to view.

22 July 2010

I don't know how many of you read the flyer pushed through letter boxes by the Conservative Party recently, but I found it very vague.  They mentioned the village shop and I think they did make a financial contribution from District and Councy funds, although the real hard work was, and is being, done by the committee.  It was their statement that they are committed to protect the green belt that interested me.  Why say this now?  The elections are many years away.  Could it be that they sniff the mood of the residents on Rural Affordable Housing?  No need to wait for an answer.  Wycombe District Councillor John Gibbs was at the parish council working party discussing RAH last Tuesday evening.  He said little, but not one word was said about protecting the green belt.  So I think we have an idea of how valuable this letter was.  No doubt you have already binned it.  Sorry Conservative Party, but if you are pledged to do something, then residents will expect you to commit to that pledge at points where it can have an influence.

18 July 2010

If you have children between 0 and 6 years old, then you mght like to take them to some events in the village hall. Click here for details.

16 July 2010

Village Day must have been the most unphotographed event ever - nobody has admitted to taking a photo that could be used on the website.  If you have one that you would like published on this page, please send it to me!

I am reminded by Penny that it was Linda Green of Trees Road who is going for the champagne meal at the Ritz, courtesy of winning the raffle.  I hope she drops a line to this site to tell us what it was like so that we can all live the event vicariously!

15 July 2010

The local police are having a "Have Your Say" evening at the Hazelmere police station on 11 August from 1800 to 2030.  Lin and I went along last year and picked up some good tips as well as having fun trying to use a speed check radar gun.  There promises to be several outside organisations showing off things to make life safer.   Lin acquired a couple of bells on springs that attach to her purse so that they make a terrible noise if the purse is moved.   So far, nobody has tried to mess with it.  We found it worthwhile.  It is at least a viable alternative to TV.  About which I should mention "The Silence" on BBC (now on iPlayer).  It was a cracking four part mini-series, worth watching if you have four hours to spare.

Today was Hilary's last day in the shop.  It is a sad day when we have to bid her farewell.  The reasons are understandable, but we have grown to love her as much as she has grown to love us nin this village.  She willl be a sad loss.

Today was the funeral of Ken Graves.  It was a lovely service, recalling many of Ken's memorable characteristics and his memorable moments.  The chapel was packed to the rafters with standing four deep at the back.  Obviously he owed a lot of people money!  It was lovely to see so many people there from the village and from his canal club.  His interests were wide and his friends many.  Our thoughts are with Jill and family.  For the rest of us, if we got a send off like that, then I think it would show that life had been worthwhile.  It's funny how funerals show what is important about life.  Perhaps they should be combined with Christenings to put the message up front.

For those not blessed with an allotment or large garden, a reminder that the shop is providing a veg box service.  One lady paid for hers yesterday in the shop and said it was fantastic, so it could be a good thing.

14 July 2010

HAGA are having an outing on Saturday 21st August to Snows Hill Manor and Gardens in Gloucestershire, stopping at the lovely Bibury village for coffee.  You might wish to join them as there are a few seats available.  Cost is £10.5 for National Trust members and £17.50 for non-NT members.  Departure is from Warrendene Road ourside the Harrow or Coombe Lane at 9am, returning at 6:30 pm.  Snows Hill Manor has some 20,000 objects collected from all over the world, so there should be at least one object to interest you!  I presume that the gardens are even more interesting!

Please call if interested to Doreen Bryant on 563720

There was an interesting Parish Council Meeting last night with many members of the public present.

13 July 2010

The government has responded to the petition against destroying the Chilterns with an HS2 link as follows

12 July 2010

A sad story, but maybe you could help......On the way back home along Valley Road from a perfect Village Day, a little girl lost the bracelet she had carefully bought with her pocket money.  Nothing valuable - just a tiny bracelet with red stars on it - the sort of thing a young girl would buy.  Anyway, she is devastated.  Her parents have not tried a substitue from Tiffany's because nothing there would be good enough.  So, good people of Hughenden, It is a long shot, but someone has probably found it and wondered who to give it to.  Now you know how valuable it is to one little girl.  If you know of anybody who found this, you would make two parents and one child very happy if you could let me know that you have it.  Either call me (562533) or send me an email.

11 July 2010

That was Village Day!  Brilliant as ever.  I've penned a report of my perspective on the day that you might find interesting, especially if yo ucould not get there.  Click Here to go there.

If anybody has a photo that encapsulates Village Day, I'd be grateful to have it displayed above.  I think the Polish Palace has reached its sell-by date!

10 July 2010

Village Day!  The weather looks good so do come to enjoy the festivities.  If you have a talent, there is a "Hughenden's Got Talent" event this afternoon.  If you have a dog, bring it along for a fun dog contest.  If you have neither, like me, then just come and enjoy the day.  I hear that there are only a few tickets available inn the shop for the Barn Dance this evening.  Last time, some young teens were overheard saying "That was Awsome" as they completed the first dance.  So it will be good.

Sad news - Hilary of vilage shop fame is leaving us on Friday.  She has done a magnificent job for the village and will be sorely missed.  However, she regards it as her baby and has found a suitable adoptive parent to take over.  As one who has often been cajoled into doing a stint in the shop, I know how good she has been.  How we kept her this long is amazing, because she is very talented and that talent has now been head hunted.  for our next manager there will be a new adornment - two six inch nails through the feet to ensure that she cannot move away!  (I jest by the way in case anybody thinks this is for real!)  So all I can say, along with all her regulars and occasional shoppers "Thank you very much for the devotion you have given to our shop project and thank you for making it into the success it has become and is stilll becoming."  We can only hope that she continues her success in her career and to wish her well for the future.

So enjoy today for there is not to be another Village Day until 2012, when ther might just be an Olympic theme!

6 July 2010

I have just got round to reading my emails and came across the following.

YOUR VILLAGE HALL NEEDS YOU!

The Village Day raffle gives us a fantastic opportunity to raise funds to maintain and develop the Village Hall.  This year there are many fantastic prizes including a Champagne Dinner for Two at the Ritz.  I am looking for any volunteers who can assist me selling tickets either via a local organisation, social group or door to door.  Please contact Penny Edwards 0778 757 1496 edwards@accamail.com

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats is supporting a fantastic event happening on 11^th July at Hughenden Manor. The event is a 10k run in aid of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

 Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats are supplying a bottle of MARS Refuel Drink to everyone taking part.

 Wycombe District Council and Thames Valley Police have organised a 'Wellbeing' event to ensure older residents in the Wycombe area have access to Health, Policing and Safety Services.

Everything Wycombe's senior residents' need, will be under one roof at the Senior Wellbeing event at Wycombe Town Hall, in Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe on Friday 9th July between 10am and 3pm. Parking is available in Easton Street or in the Swan car park or the nearest bus stops are in the High Street.

Free health checks, smoke detectors, refreshments and a raffle are among the items on offer at the biggest wellbeing event ever to be held.

Visitors will also get a chance to watch performances from the "Fairgame Theatre" production company on Distraction Burglary and get advice and support from more than 20 statutory and voluntary services available to older people a cross the Wycombe District.

In addition, there will be plenty of information on reducing the risk of being a victim of crime; with community safety goodie bags for all attendees.

Although the event is aimed at the elderly, all are welcome to attend.

From Graeme Card on the capital to Coast Cycle Ride...

The TVP NAG newsletter is now available.  See Local Societies/NAG.

At the Village Hall meeting last night the Village Day proceedings came to the fore.  This is the big event of the year and the weather is apparently set to be kind to us, so be prepared to come and have a lovely day out with the family.  The procession starts at 12:45 from spring Valley Drive.  Residents in the area should make their exits and entrances by car well before the start, or leave it until after the procession arrives at the Village Hall around 1:30.  The procession is a great event as the whole village walks down Valley Road. 

Tickets for the Barn Dance in the evening are available from the village shop.  While collecting my paper yesterday, I helped Chiara sell ten adult tickets and three children's, so they are going well and that indicates a good event.

It is with sadness that we won't have Ken Graves with us this year.  I am sure that the jungle drums have spread the sad news as both Ken and Jill have many friends in the village.  Our thoughts are with Jill.

5 July 2010

Well, you might have been wondering where I've been - holiday.  So now back all tanned and rested.

There is a Young at Heart event on Wedensday afternoon, 2pm-4:30pm at the Kings Centre, Desborough Road (other side of the car park near the computer shop).  Lots of stands with lots of information for older people.

Saturday is the Big Day - Village Day.  It is the great day of the village, so do go and enjoy yourselves.  There is a barn dance in the evening, which has always proved popular, so you can have a great afternoon and evening.  We still want more helpers on Friday evening from 6pm and on Sunday morning from 10am.

19 June 2010

Apparently the Bucks CC Transport site I referred toa couple of days ago is being launched on 23rd June and therefore the address takes you to the current (old) site.  Let's hope that the new one is better than the old one!

18 June 2010

Roger Hawes deserves our masive thanks for what he is doing to make Village Day a success.  Please show your thanks by enjoying the festivities on the Saturday and the marquee erection and dismantling on the Friday evening and Sunday morning.

I say these thanks with feeling, because I have been testing what our Village Hall insurance policy covers for the event and the conditions we have to obey before cover is granted, otherwise poor Roger becomes liable.  Some of the conditions are sensible, like closing the Valley Road for the procession, but then WDC insists that we employ people who have the so-called expertise in closing roads, which costs money.  Why?  We normally have marshalls who can do this, but no longer.  I seem to remember that last time we spent money on two men from an approved contractor and all they did was stick a Road Closed sign at the roundabout.

We also need a formal Risk Assessment (which goes with everything these days).  Nobody seems to know exactly how many risks have to be assessed, but we have to tick the box.

But we cannot get insurance for motorised floats, as it is assumed that the lorry owners will have the insurance.  For carrying kids?  That will be extra.  So probably no motorised floats.

Some time ago I asked the useless Bucks Action QUANGO if they could simplify the insurance for village fetes by getting a block insurance for Bucks, to which individual villages would pay if they wanted to run a fete, but this was too difficult for them to do, even though it would have been of more value than any other project they waste money on.

So I can see village fetes getting fewer in number and another part of English Heritage disappearing from our rural life.

This is aided and abetted by Wycombe District Council who have arbitrarily decided to up the public liability to10 million pounds, whereas the normal policy covers 5 million.  Another form.  Another premium to pay. More work for the organiser.  One fewer person to do it next time round.  One less village fete.  Do these local government employees ever use their brains?  In the light of yesterday's experience, it seems not.

Come along on July 10th and enjoy the day.  It might be the last.

Oh, and THANK YOU ROGER and all those who have been helping you thus far.

DON'T FORGET that the Village Day has some great competitions - one for dogs (cute ones rather than Cruft ones) and talent (for humans except Simon Cowell).  See one of the many posters dotted around the village for details.  And don't forget the rustic costumes!

5th July 2009

This is going to sound like a blog, but here goes anyway......

I did my first stint helping at the shop this morning - only three hours as I knew that getting up after a heavy celebration of Roy's 60th would preclude an early start.  I tell you this because I want to show you how much fun it can be and how rewarding it is to be a part of village life.

The shop needs volunteers to run it successfully - but where else can you chat and find out what is happening in the village?  You only need to give a few hours and even those do not have to be on a regular commitment.  It is no coincidence that it is called a Community Shop, because that is the correct order - a community first and a shop second.  Dylan and I had plenty to talk about in between serving customers, so the time passed most pleasantly.  In between, we had lots of customers and chatted to them as well - young mums with children wanting sweets, older people wanting bread or milk, in betweenies wanting cake and everybody wanting their Sunday paper.  The shortage of carrots for sale will be addressed by tomorrow!

The committee work very hard, doing all the buying, sourcing, removal of the litter bag, cashing up, opening up, setting out the stall and lots of other tasks.  They give freely of their time, which is what makes it happen.   The best bit - the chatting to customers - is left to the volunteers.  So if you, or someone you know, would like to integrate more into village life - phone the shop (568653) and talk to the lovely Hayley to get a mutually-convenient slot.  You will not regret it.

4 July 2009

American Independence Day and you can now go all the way to the top of the Statue of Liberty!

Meanwhile, I have received information about the home library service from Bucks CC.  "

The home library service is a free service, available to residents in bucks, who find it difficult to get to the library through illness, disability or age.  We work with volunteers from the WRVS. The volunteer will visit individuals in their homes on a monthly basis. We are looking for more clients and volunteers in your area. "  For more information, email Belinda Helsdown on bhelsdown@buckscc.gov.uk or phone on 475573.

I have heard that some people are reluctant to go to village events because they don't know anybody.  For those people in this situation, and who could tolerate an evening with Lin and myself, we will welcome you to join us at the forthcoming Race Night on Sat 11th July. Let me know if you want to take up this appalling offer! We still need more people to make this a success.  Remember - this is an event that you can walk to, have great fun and not spend as much as you would in a night at a restaurant.  It has to e said that Al and the team organise some teriffic events and they deserve our suppor, but most of all, it will be a great night out for you.

The shop goes from strength to strength, which is great news.  If you still have not been - GO!  It stocks most things you might need and the have some wicked special offers to tempt you.   Beechdene ice cream is especially welcoming in this heat. 

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!

I am still waiting for more resoponses in the house naming and delivery problem.  TWo responses were directly opposed - one in favour of numbers and naames and one in favour of names only to retain the history.  Numbers have the value of making deliveries easier, whereas names could be anywhere.  If I don't hear of any constructive suggestions to make it easier for delivery drivers, I'll see what we have to do to get houses numbered - so please get thinkng!!!

19 June 2009

In one week the litter is back to normal - plastic bottles, hamburger trays, fag packets, plastic bags etc.  Very dispiriting.  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 County Councillor 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 2009

I 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.

http://www.redkites.net/

 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.

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 2008

I 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.

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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.

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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.

5th June 2007 Last night was the annual tour by the Conservation Group.  Lead by Angus and Ken, we had an hour or so looking at the extremely diverse range of flora in this small area, followed by the customary refreshments, kindly arranged by Eric.  We are so fortunate to have knowledgeable people on the conservation group so that we can enhance further this area of outstanding natural beauty.  If you want to do something towards enhancing your understanding and knowledge of nature as wel as contributing some time in pleasant company, then link to the conservation group page via the bar on the left.

 

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  25 May 2007 Last night was the Annual Parish Meeting.  Only one hour long, but lots emerged.  A very well-run meeting with something on speed limits, the cost of running the Parish Council, the burial ground, playgrounds, village halls, Valley Road lighting, the zebra crossing and others.  Annual Parish Meeting

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18 May 2007 Nobody sent photos so I took the opportunity to nip out and take some in today's sunshine.  If you don't like them - send in replacements! Photos (see also navigation bar)

 

 

18 May 2007 The National Trust at Hughenden Manor have created two new walks.  Details of Walks

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17 May 2007 Just as I thought that I was talking to myself on this website, along comes my first email, from The Misbourne - the art college at Great Missenden.  It seems that they have arranged for artists to display their works every Saturday in June and presumably the artists are hoping that non-artists will flock there to buy some works.  Anyway, details of the poster are attached.  Art in the Park For those not knowing where Link Road is, it is that stretch between the Chinese restarant and the A413 on the A4128.  I think there is a car park on the left on Link Road.

 

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15 May 2007 The Village Hall Committee met last night (Monday 14th May). This committee has representatives from all sections of the community to discuss how best to maintain and enhance this major asset of the community.  Items discussed are not earth-shattering, but they ensure that the village hall works for the large number of people who use it.  It is not funded by anybody but ourselves, so it stands a triumph of cummunity participation of the best kind.

Village Hall Committee Notes

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Can we have news of the Save Our Shop survey when ready?  I'll publish results if required.

 

 

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My thanks to Robert Ralphs, who has been managing this website for the last five years.  Now he has moved on and left me, Tony Konieczny, with the task of trying to keep this site interesting and informative.  Robert has been an invaluable help in the transition period as he has endeavoured to teach me how to create and maintain a web site.  Bear with me as I try to put into practise his words of wisdom!