U3A meeting Wednesday 8 October at Chesham town hall at 2pm

The overwhelming response to the idea of forming a second University of the Third Age (U3A) for the Chiltern area is heartening. More than 200 people attended the launch meeting at Amersham in September, with a further 70 keen, and the meeting displayed overwhelming support for the new organisation to be based in Chesham and called Chess Valley U3A. It will be led by Tony Biddle who has been involved in the Chiltern U3A’s working group. Nine people volunteered to join the steering group, namely: John Atkinson, Leonard Hadler, Stuart Mann, Heather Mintern, Jim Rodda, Christine Standring, Janet Steel, Mary Spicer and Peter Westby. As well as other matters, the new U3A should be formally constituted on that day. If you intend to be a involved, you should try to go. In the meantime, enquiries should be addressed to Heather Mintern on 01494 722140, email u3anew@chiltern-u3a.org.uk. For our earlier piece and description of U3A visit

http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2008/08/another-u3a-for-chilterns.html or www.chiltern-u3a.org.uk.

Beer festival at British Legion

RBL (Chesham Royal British Legion) is holding its sixth Annual Cask Ale Festival this weekend from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October. Twelve real ales will be featured, and two ciders sourced from small independent breweries. Home cooked food is available on Saturday and Sunday. Entry £1 (includes tasting notes) and hours are Friday 7pm – late, Saturday noon – late and Sunday noon – late. Go along to the Legion at 111 Broad Street HP5 3EF or call 01494 784803. 

Cider and perry month - October 2008

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) is also fighting the cause of real cider and real perry (pear cider). Real cider and perry are long-established traditional drinks which are produced naturally from apples or pears and neither carbonated nor pasteurized. In Chesham you will find real cider at The Queens Head and The Misty Moon; up on the ridges try the Blue Ball at Asheridge, the Crown at Ley Hill, or the Rose & Crown, Hawridge. There will be a choice of real ciders at the Chesham Royal British Legion Beer Festival, open to all on Friday 3 October, Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October. A special event is the Crown Cider & Perry Festival in Ley Hill on Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October, where several real ciders and perry will be available plus the cheeses and sausages that complement cider’s distinctive taste. For more on Cider & Perry Month, visit http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=cidermonth.

Half term Out and About

Sportszone offers a free programme of school, after school and holiday activities for young people aged eight - 13. On Monday 27 October there will be football at the Moor, Waterside from 10am – noon and girls are welcome, or/and you can play again on Tuesday 28 October at Chesham Leisure Centre from 10 - 2pm. Bring plenty to drink, and if necessary your own lunch. Wear appropriate clothing and jeans are not allowed. Football boots or trainers and shin pads are essential. You need to complete a parental consent form from the leaflet to be found at the town hall and elsewhere but you will not have to complete another form if you wish to attend more sessions. Please book to avoid disappointment, places are limited, call 01494 732177 or email sportszonechiltern.gov.uk.

There are other sessions and facilities at King George V Fields in Amersham on Thursday 30 October from 12.30 - 3.30pm for ages eight – 15. Visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/sportszone. Chiltern District Council has appointed Peter Tickle to run community sports programmes around the District. Peter has a passion for all types of sports, including football, tri golf and kwik cricket. His work takes him into schools, leisure centres and the community to reach as many children and young people as possible.

Artistic minds

There will be an art exhibition to celebrate World Mental Health Day at Chesham Town Hall on Saturday 4 October from 10am - 3pm. It will be opened at 11am by the mayor Cllr Alison Pirouet with attendance of the town crier Eric Watsham, and Cheryl Gillan MP, will be there during lunchtime. Refreshments will be available. Last year there was some lovely work, paintings and craft, some of it on sale. World Mental Health Day is held on 10 October annually. It aims to promote good mental health, and tackle prejudice surrounding the mental ill health suffered by over 30 per cent of people in Britain each year. This art exhibition is organised and supported by a network of local charitable groups, their leaflets and information will be available on the day. 

Quiz gave good result

Nearly 80 people packed into the Little Theatre by the Park for the first Chesham Museum quiz evening led by curator Sue Gordon. More than £550 was raised towards enabling the museum to move from its present home to the more prominent premises previously occupied by Chapter One Booksellers in Market Square. Sue Gordon said, "We were delighted with the turnout. Thanks to Starbucks, the Gamekeepers Lodge, Four Seasons fish and chip shop and to all our volunteers who helped on the night”.

George Alagiah supports Fairtrade here

On Monday 13 October as a follow-up to the film Black Gold, Fairtrade will hold an event at Chesham High School, White Hill, HP5 1BA commencing at 7.45pm. After the welcome Joe Human will present After Black Gold at 8pm, then there will be refreshments and a chance to look at the stalls followed by student drama at 9.10pm. At 9.30pm George Alagiah news presenter, journalist and patron of the Fairtrade Foundation will speak and answer questions. Tickets are £3 and can be obtained from Chesham High School 01494 782845 ext 247, or 0771 324 8156. See our earlier Fairtrade posting .

Wendover Woods family charity adventure

Fancy a challenge with the family? You can enter a charity adventure race in Wendover Woods on Saturday 18 October at 1pm. It is orienteering on bike and on foot within a two and a half hour time limit, to visit as many checkpoints as possible. This is a team event and each team as a minimum must have an adult and one child, up to a maximum of four people. There will be prizes. Neil Thubron is raising money for two charities, Facing Africa and the NSPCC, both charities focused on making children's lives better. It will be in Wendover Woods near Halton HP23 6NW where there is parking and toilet facilities, for ages five years old upwards. Entry seems to cost £30 but check with Neil on 07801244628 email neil@outstanding-sales.co.uk.

Chesham Air Cadets remember The Few

Cadets from 2204 (Chesham) Squadron Air Training Corps recently spent Saturday morning reminding shoppers of the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and helping the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) to collect money for the annual Wings appeal. They also attended the Battle of Britain service in Ashley Green on Sunday morning, proudly parading the Squadron banner alongside those of the RAFA and the British Legion. The squadron enjoys close links with the Chesham & Amersham branch of the RAFA. Flight Lieutenant Geoff Bowles, the commanding officer of 2204 squadron, said, “I received compliments on the number and turnout of the cadets on parade. The squadron has a real role to play in bridging the gap between generations. We are honouring the achievements and sacrifices of the young men and women of the RAF. It is vital to keep the memory and the traditions alive in the minds of the current generation, especially at a time when young people receive so much negative press”. 2204 Squadron Air Training Corps meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings at its headquarters at the Thomas Harding School, Fullers Hill. New cadets, male and female, aged between 13 and 16, are currently being recruited. Call the Commanding Officer on 07881 918406. 

Forget the credit crunch - while away a couple of hours

Chesham Musical Theatre Company presents Magical Musical Movies on from Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 October at the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Magical Musical Movies is a song and dance extravaganza featuring numbers from smash hits, including West Side Story, Phantom, Grease, Chicago, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, Mamma Mia, Guys and Dolls and more. With the best bits from the best musical movies there really is something for everyone. It starts in the evenings at 7.45pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Call the ticket hotline on 01494 784780 or book online at www.elgiva.com; or in person at the box office between 10am-3pm Monday – Saturday.

Enrol now and start gathering sponsorship

On Sunday 30 November there will be the first ever sponsored Santa Dash in Chesham. It is a one and a half mile fun run around Lowndes Park where children and adults of all ages and abilities can run, jog, walk or skip around the course dressed as Santa. The Dash will start at 11am and all Santa costumes will be included in the entry fee which is £10 per adult, or £5 per child aged 15 and under, and £20 for family entry of two adults and two children. There will also be a kids’ drawing competition and other attractions including stalls, music and more for spectators. To enter or for further details visit www.irhh.org/santadash or call 01442 890222. Please return your form along with a cheque made out to ‘IRHH' to Santa Dash, The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, 52a Western Road, Tring, HP23 4BB. To pay by credit card call the Fundraising team on 01442 890222 or email fundraising@irhh.orgr. Proceeds will go to Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) a local charity that provides specialist palliative care to patients with terminal illnesses in their own homes.

Helper wanted

We could do with some help with this website for What’s On in Chesham– especially for when we go on holiday. We have not missed a week since we started the blog on 1 March 2007. I would love someone with organizational ability and of course you would need keyboard skills. I can offer flexible time, flexible location ie. your place or mine, tea and coffee, free computing tips, but no money. If you or anyone you know might be interested please get in touch by email to merrinnews@googlemail.com.

Dadtastic

Chesham Children's Centre at 470 Waterside HP5 1QF offers Dadtastic, a father’s and children’s drop-in group on the first Saturday of every month from 10.30am – noon. Although it started on Saturday 6 September, it includes Saturday 4 October and Saturday 1 November with the final session on Saturday 6 December. There is an activity followed by half an hour of music at the end. If it is your first visit please contact the centre to check sessions are running, call 01494 792852 or Caroline Campion on 07867 674024, email ccampion@buckscc.gov.uk. All activities are for children under five years and their parent/carer to enjoy together and parents/carers are reminded that their children are their sole responsibility at all times when on the premises.

Kaizen health

Kaizen has celebrated its second birthday in Chesham with a glittering party for members and staff at their premises at 97-99 High Street, Chesham HP5 1DE (opposite Sainsburys and behind Waitrose). Judging by the testimonials from enthusiastic members they are here to stay. Awards were presented by Jenny Lees and manager Nathan to the super fit as well as the more dedicated family characters like most of us. Kaizen say you can lose inches in 30 days with the 30 minute workout to lose weight, tone up and get fit, followed by the 30 day personal review with support and advice. You can have a seven day trial – pop in for a free lifestyle check, call 01494 778013 or email Chesham@kaizenhealthclubs.com. Visit Kaizen Health Clubs at www.kaizenhealthclubs.com.

Sponsored Ride

Rotary organizers were pleased with the result of the Chesham Rotary Club's sponsored ride held on Saturday 6 September. Heavy rain on the preceding days made the going so soft that the horses tended to skid when turning sharply. Two riders were unseated, but there were no casualties and most said that this is preferable to hard ground, which may lead to damage to the horses’ feet by flints. More than 100 riders applied, but due to the weather only 84 came to the event. However it was fairly dry on the day, and riders enjoyed the six mile course with thirty modest jumps, in some of the most beautiful countryside in England, without going near a road. About £3,000 was raised for Rotary charities ranging from the local: the refurbishment of St Leonard's Hall, to the international, the Rotary project to eliminate Polio from the world. David Unwin said, “The Rotary Club is very grateful to all the riders and their sponsors”.

Photo by Mark Dell (Mark@mk1photography.co.uk)

Seeking them here or there

The New Seekers are coming to the Elgiva. Apparently they thrill audiences around the world with their unique harmonies and catchy, sing-along songs. Shortly after their formation in 1969, The New Seekers made the charts with such hits as 'I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing', Look What They've Done To My Song Ma', 'Never Ending Song of Love', 'Beg, Steal or Borrow' and 'You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me'. 2007 saw the group tour the UK, release a new album, appear on TV and radio, attend Royal performances and return to The Royal Albert Hall. The group is celebrating 38 years of concerts and The New Seekers In Perfect Harmony, promises that you will re-live the magic of the seventies in addition to hearing new songs. You can see them on Friday 3 October at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 and £14 concession You can book online (where a service charge of £2.50 per transaction applies), in person at the box office between 10am-3pm Monday – Saturday, by phone 01494 582900 (have your credit card details ready), by email to boxoffice@elgiva.com or even by post. Visit http://www2.blogger.com/www.elgiva.ts.com/tickets/all.php5?L=en.

In Australia I was at college with Judith Durham who sang with Athol Guy, Bruce Woodley and Keith Potger in a group then called The Seekers but I cannot work out how they fit in with this group.

First question – find the venue

Whelpley Hill village hall quiz night will be on Saturday 4 October at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start. Make up a team of six. The ticket price is £10 each to include a fish and chip supper but bring your own drink. There will be a raffle with great prizes. Pauline Stacey said, “This is to be a fun evening so bring your family and friends - questions are designed to suit all levels and all subjects. All proceeds will be going towards our much needed Coronation Hall renovation fund.” For tickets or more information call 01442 833286. Whelpley Hill is just off the B4505 close to Bovingdon airfield.

Latimer Park hosts another charity

Brain Tumour UK is a charity dedicated to beating brain tumours. It supports patients and their families and carers, and provides information about this often deadly cancer which is increasing at the rate of two per cent a year. Brain Tumour UK has based its first UK office at Latimer. Latimer Park is owned by entrepreneur Gary Grant and funds towards furnishing the office were donated by Amersham & Chesham Lions. Jenny Baker, the charity's chief executive, said, "On average, brain tumours claim more years of a person's life than any other kind of cancer, yet they receive far less research funding. "With around 50 diagnoses every day we will be working hard in our new offices to increase the amount of funding available for brain tumour research". See our previous posting.

ChAP a cheer-leader for Chesham

On Wednesday 24 September 32 concerned citizens and others gathered at the town hall to agree a constitution and committee of the new Chesham Action Partnership (ChAP). ChAP will be an umbrella group to support the many groups working for the benefit of Chesham and its people. There have been umbrella groups before, some four years ago we had the Chesham Community Vision and another group was the Town Centre Consortium, but it is thought a sole group, outcome focussed will be an effective conduit. To find out more visit http://www.chesham.gov.uk/ChAP.aspx

Chesham is fortunate to have so many active and imaginative volunteers, it has a Community Partnership and has already undertaken a Town Centre Health Check - all indications of commitment.

Jacobs ladder

Thank you to the Environmental Group who have done a great job working on clearing Jacob's ladder and the Baulks of litter from the bridge to railway station. It certainly looks good after the team’s efforts. One of the group said that if Jacobs ladder was in Hampstead everyone would say how wonderful it is. Quite a few towns have a staircase called Jacobs ladder, the name it taken from the Bible, but ours leads up to the lesser known Rope Walk where rope was spread along the level of the Baulks for winding.

Photo by Phil Folly.

Bag ladies

Blue Haze Arts & Crafts would like to thank the following ladies who turned the shop workshop into a sweatshop by holding a MorsBag Pod, in aid of the launch of PlasticBagFreeChesham. On the sewing machines were Sandra Milton, Lesley Phillips, Ann Broad, Ronnie Brown and Rachel & Kay Lockie. On the ironing board were Pat Thompson and Pam Dwight while Di Bovingdon wielded the scissors. Some people donated beautiful brand-new material for these folding carry bags. Hazel said, “About 45 MorsBags were made on the day, and another 50 were made beforehand. They were handed out by the Town Crier from the PlasticBagFreeChesham stall in Market Square." See our earlier posting.

Community actors entertained

Noah - The Mystery Play at Christ Church performed as part of the Heritage Weekend, was a great success with more than 80 people attending on Saturday including the Mayor Cllr Alison Pirouet, and a full house on Sunday. The director was Jack Milner and stage manager was Angie Wallis. Grants were given by Chiltern District Council and Positive Activities for Young People which covered the cost of costumes, staging and equipment. Hilary Unwin said, “More than 17 children and young people were involved and are to be commended for their commitment and hard work. There were also excellent performances from the adult actors”. See Waterside community drama. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, after expenses, £500 was raised for the work of Christ Church in the community of Waterside.

The photo shows the cast taking their bow at the end of the performance.

Phase 1 launch of Plastic Bag Free Chesham

CarryABag's campaign to encourage everyone to reduce use of plastic bags has received wide support from retailers, shoppers and the Town Council. Sally Blackman and Julia Brammer are holding a launch day to acknowledge the commitment to being PBF. On Saturday 20 September you can see them at a stall in Market Square, joined by some thirty shops who will qualify by being plastic bag free by the Phase 1 launch date. CarryABag will be there from 10am to 3pm and will be joined by the mayor, Cllr Alison Pirouet at 11am. Everyone is invited to go and see the enterprising trio and show your support. You can try to win on the tombola, learn a bit about composting, or take part in the Morsbag pod at Blue Haze, which is a group sewing bags from old curtains and duvets to be given away free, we reported. Sally and Julia will be launching the new Chesham Town cotton bag with it’s eye-catching logo, which you can buy at the stall and from several shops around town, including Blue Haze, Orbitpress, Lucia's and Fast Break Sports. To have an advance look at the design visit www.plasticbagfreechesham.co.uk/. Sally says, “Let's Make Chesham Plastic Bag Free”.

Maps to walk around here

The set of six Chesham Walk leaflets of guided maps which were published earlier this year are again featured in a display in the library. They are already being widely used (I’ve found a couple of corrections which I’ll pass on for the next reprint). Of the print run of 2000, three-quarters are in circulation and the Heritage Trail (number 1 in the series) was used to guide visitors at last weekend’s heritage tours. They can also be downloaded from the Chesham Town Council website http://www.chesham.gov.uk/Walks/Chesham_Walks.aspx.

Party

A chance for all those who enjoyed the entertainment from Rainbow Bigbottom over the past twenty years to remember what fun it was and still is. Really the party is for children aged three to eight years but why should they have all the fun? There are some places left for the anniversary show The Magical Bamboo on Saturday 27 September at 1pm or 4pm or you can try turning up at the Elgiva on the day and take a chance on getting in. The Maggie Monk School of Dancing will be joining Rainbow Bigbottom and Mr Panda and all the children in the audience will be able to meet the cast in the foyer. http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2008/08/twenty-years-of-trading-in-chesham.html You can book online (when a service charge of £2.50 per transaction applies), in person at the box office between 10am-3pm Monday – Saturday, by phone 01494 582900 (have your credit card details ready), by email to boxoffice@elgiva.com or even by post. See website www.elgiva.com/.

Vacancy

If you can describe yourself as friendly, local, well-organised, and wanting a part time job with flexible hours, you might be in luck. Asheridge Vale & Lowndes Community Association needs someone to ensure the smooth running and development of community activities at Wallington House lounge and kitchen. Michael Brand said, “You should be friendly and communicative with good written and oral communication skills plus basic computer literacy. Experience in the voluntary sector or public sector would be highly desirable”. The work is home-based but attendance at some meetings is required. And you would be paid for 17.5 hours per month flexible, at the rate of £173.33 per month. Occasional weekend and/or evening attendance is also necessary. Call Michael Brand on 01494 775239 or email brandmichael@hotmail.co.uk

Museum enterprise

There will be a quiz on Saturday 27 September at 7.30pm at the Little Theatre by the Park, in aid of the museum. Chris Spruytenburg said, “It's in a good cause so I do hope you can fit this into your diary and help establish a town centre site for the museum which Chesham desperately needs”. Tickets cost £10 and include a fish and chip supper, bring your own drinks. You can make up a table of eight or go on your own and team up. Bring along some friends and buy your tickets from Starbucks or via the website www.cheshammuseum.org.uk/ Chesham Museum and follow the instructions. (Hint, looks like there might be questions on old pictures of Chesham.)

Grown-ups get exercise

Tom Davies, Community Activator of Chiltern District Council has told us of a few more exercise opportunities going on in Chesham to help adults become more active. Netball is every Thursday evening for adults who want to get back into netball, or have never played before. It is currently at Waterside School at 7pm - 8pm for £1 but in October it will move to Chesham Leisure Centre at 6.30pm – 7.45pm where the cost will increase slightly but will be no more than £2. No need to book, just turn up. A voucher booklet entitling you to six swimming, six group exercise, six gym and six badminton sessions for £2 each is available, and a Leisure card which entitles you to further discounts when the voucher booklet has been used up. They can be sent to you free of charge, call Tom on 07826 936811 or email TDavies@chiltern.gov.uk.

Be entertained

David Bailey, singer and songwriter is raising funds for Brain Tumour UK, and he will be giving a concert on Sunday 26 October at St Michael’s Church, Amersham on the Hill HP6 5DR. David survived a brain tumour and is visiting the UK as part of international Brain Tumour Awareness Week. Given six months to live 12 years ago he has inspired audiences with his music, beliefs passion and humour. Call the box office on 01494 723561 or email kiki.connor@braintumouruk.org.uk. Tickets cost £10 or £7 for concessions. Brain Tumour UK (now based in Chesham) is a charity working to defeat brain tumours through a significant programme of support, research and education, and is dependent on voluntary contributions.

FA Cup supporters' coach to Weston-super-Mare

Chesham United Football (CUFC) supporters have organised a coach to the away match at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 27 September. It will leave the Meadow at 9am to allow some sightseeing before the match. Cost per head is £10, and Mike Elliott said, “Fantastic value given the price of petrol these days”. If you're interested, please email Martin Gould gould47@hotmail.com or call the Secretary on 01494 783964. The deadline to register your interest is next Tuesday 23 September. Mike said, “This is a great opportunity to show the team some support, make some noise, and have a good day out too. “I was in Beaconsfield last Saturday and bumped into Dave Fotheringham. He wanted to point out what a difference it makes to the players when they hear singing from the fans”. Mike continued, “I suspect it will be a tough game - Weston-super-Mare are in the Blue Square South after all - but we could make a difference”.

In Touch

The next COPAG (Chesham Over50s Positive Action Group) meeting will be at Chesham Town Hall on Friday 19 September at 10.30am. Anna Crompton will speak about life in the theatre. After that at 11.15am John Dickinson from Bucks County Council will talk about In Touch. In-touch is a telephone advice service for people having difficulty staying independent who are not currently receiving any BCC services. They offer a telephone assessment, advice, information, signposting and review service and planning for the near future. They can point you to voluntary and community services and follow-up. You, your carer or your GP can call 0845 3708090 or email customerservices@buckscc.gov.uk. For COPAG information call Barbara Richardson 01494 786576 or email bs.richardson@virgin.net.

Cinema for the discerning

The Chiltern Film Society continues the season next Wednesday 24 September at 8pm at the Elgiva theatre with In Bruges. Two Irish hoods are sent to hide out after a botched killing, pending final orders. But life proves to be far less boring than they expected. Copies of the programme and joining application form can be obtained from the Elgiva, the White Hill Centre and libraries or from Derek Goddard call 01494 785844 or email derekwgoddard@talktalk.net. You do not have to be a member to attend but if you join up you save money.

Chesham in Bloom double delight

We achieved a creditable Silver Award at the Thames & Chilterns in Bloom awards ceremony despite the poor summer for gardening. Mayor Cllr Alison Pirouet who is a keen allotment holder, attended the ceremony with a number of the Chesham in Bloom team including previous chairman Vince Crompton. Our team also won the Best Portfolio award for the colour folder showing off the town’s floral features and describing Chesham in Bloom’s work throughout the seasons, and using the design skills of volunteer Steve Adams of BPC Magazines. Chesham’s High Street was a big winner with the judges, who commended the colourful hanging baskets and planters, and there was praise for the regeneration of Meades Water Gardens. Chesham in Bloom’s gardening competitions demonstrated the enthusiasm of residents and traders for all things horticultural. Winner of the large and small categories of the front garden competition, Mr Muddiman of 6 Broadview Road received £50 of shrubs from Farnham Common Nursery, and the Staples family of 73 Fullers Hill won £50 in gardening vouchers donated by Paradigm Housing. Mrs Tandy of 120 Berkeley Avenue, was delighted to receive a bottle of Champagne donated by the Chesham branch of Waitrose, as winner of the hanging basket competition. Gil-Lec’s floral display in Wey Lane won them the Blooming Business magnum of champagne from the George & Dragon pub. Chairwoman of the Chesham in Bloom group Kathryn Graves said, “We are really grateful for the widespread support from residents, businesses and organisations. We would like even more people to get involved, so anyone with an idea to brighten up the town, please get in touch with me at the Town Hall on 01494 774842.”

Steel shutters on shop windows

One of the Chesham Society members has raised the issue of the growing number of shops in the High Street to have steel shutters over their windows when they are closed. Apparently in many cases it is a requirement of the shop’s insurance policy, which if not complied with, could indirectly oblige them to close leaving an empty shop. The Society committee is thinking of asking for a suitable mural to be painted on the shutters, perhaps from sixth form art students. Chairman Bernard Meldrum said, “We would appreciate hearing members’ views at the Wednesday 17 September Chesham Society Members’ Meeting at the Town Hall, 7.30pm for 8pm.”

Children running for children

Runforthechildren is an event to raise money for The Children’s Trust, a UK charity that helps children affected by brain injuries acquired through things like car accidents and meningitis. There will be a run in Wendover Woods near Aylesbury on Sunday 5 October, sort of a children’s equivalent of Race for Life. It is about 3km and speed and style are not important. The run route is not yet finalised with the forestry commission, but is likely to be slightly south of the Go Ape site, postcode HP22 5NF. The run sets off at 11am after a warm-up at 10.45am. Swifty the Hare will be there to cheer everyone on and give hugs and stickers to the little ones. Water and fruit will be at the finishing post for all participants, plus a Fit for Fun Action Pack of activities and recipes from top food writer Annabel Karmel. You can register on the website at www.runforthechildren.co.uk, and do it now, to give yourself lots of time to find sponsors.

Pilates at White Hill

Classes continue at the White Hill centre, on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 7pm join in essential mat, followed by intermediate from 7 - 8pm. On Wednesday during the day you can go from 9 - 10am for essential or intermediate from 10 - 11am, then from 11 - noon there is a new class for all abilities, called Supple Body. It is a fusion of yoga and pilates set to music. Classes started this week Tuesday 9 September so I’m sorry not to get the news to you earlier. For details call Andrea Huntington 07966 083244 or visit www.andreahuntingtonpilatesinstructor.co.uk. 

Not Now Darling – wait till October

New Penny Theatre Company is building on the positive feed back from the audiences of Out of Order and Noises Off by offering what they think is the best in comedy - a Ray Cooney classic farce, Not Now Darling. It will be on from Tuesday 7 October to Saturday 11 October at 7.45pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2pm at the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. In the elegant London salon of Bodley, Bodley & Crouch, philanderer Gilbert Bodley sets his sights on beautiful stripper Janie. He aims to seduce her with the help of a designer coat but Janie is married and things become convoluted. New Penny celebrates it’s fifth anniversary with this classic farce of mistaken identities, suspicious wives, scantily clad girls and hilarious permutations. Not Now Darling is by Ray Cooney & John Chapman and the cast includes Tony Sendall, Jeff Eales, Ella Louise Kay, Mark Bolkonsky, Debbie Taylor, Paul Woodstock, Michelle McMinn and Ginge Anderson, while Nicky Chryssaphes and Jane Foufas join New Penny for the first time. Jeff Eales said, “We are sold out on the Saturday evening, but book for other times online at www.elgiva.com, phone the box office on 01494 582900 or text NEWPENNY to 60300 and the Elgiva will call you. Or call in person at the Elgiva Theatre, St Mary's Way, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1HR. For more information on New Penny Theatre Company visit www.newpenny.co.uk".

ChilternVoice is the website for What’s on in Chesham

The weekly email reminder Newsletter is not the actual blog for What’s on in Chesham, and we recommend readers go to the website itself at www.chilternvoice.co.uk. We have had a constructive comment from a reader who says she has to wade through lots of items to find the ones she is interested in. While we do operate on a shoestring budget and the site has limitations, I can give you a hint to reduce the items displayed – use the Labels buttons at the bottom of each piece. For example if you click the Charity label it will bring up all items labelled Charity. Don’t forget to return to the full list of articles by using your browser’s back button, or you may never see the full range of Chiltern Voice again!
Another idea is to use the search box in the top left corner of our website and search for your key word eg. Rotary.
Back in the email, if you click on the “Read the full story?” link after each item, that takes you to the web site article and at the bottom of that piece click home to go the top of the web site.

New films for the Film Society

The Chiltern Film Society begins its new season on Wednesday 10 September at 8pm at the Elgiva theatre. The first film will be The Singer with Gerard Depardieu as an aging crooner doing the rounds in Vichy - the centre of the French retirement homes. The Film Society was founded at the White Hill Centre in 1969 to provide a showcase for the best of world cinema. The season’s programme totals 15 international films. Copies of the programme and joining application form can be obtained from the Elgiva, the White Hill Centre and libraries or from Derek Goddard call 01494 785844 or by email derekwgoddard@talktalk.net. You do not have to be a member to attend but if you join up you save money.

Living in the Chilterns is special

BBC Radio 4's Open Country programme visited Buckinghamshire on Friday 22 August to discover what makes living in the Chilterns special. The presenter Elinor Goodman, a journalist specialising in rural and political issues, was particularly interested in the part played by volunteers from the Chiltern Society to safeguard the Chilterns’ countryside and way of life. Recordings were made at the River Misbourne talking to representatives of the Chiltern Society Rivers & Wetlands Group, then at Bottom Wood to find out about woodland conservation where several red kites appeared on cue. The programme considered the housing market and affordability with John Taylor, Chiltern Society Chairman, and a local estate agent. The crew then took a walk on the Chiltern Way learning about the work done by the Chiltern Society monitoring and helping maintain the 2,300 miles of Chiltern’s footpaths, and about the successful Donate a Gate project which replaces stiles for ease of access to the countryside. The programme finished with a look at the future for farming in the Chilterns.Listen to the Radio 4 Open Country programme early on Saturday 13 September from 6.10 - 6.40am, or again on Thursday 18 September from 1.30 - 2pm or alternatively via the BBC website.

Lady Elgiva started it

To mark Chesham's Heritage weekend, The Friends of St Mary's Church have arranged for an exhibition prepared by historian Shirley Foxell on The Life and Times of the Lady Elgiva to be on show at the Church, on Sunday 14 September between 12.30 and 5pm. The display will outline how it came about that Chesham first emerged into recorded history over 1,000 years ago in the will of the Lady Elgiva. An illustrated booklet on the subject will be on sale, together with other local history books, the proceeds of which will go to The Friends of St Mary's. For more information contact David Way 01494 783529.

Focus on football

The ITV cameras were at The Meadow for Chesham United’s cup game with Brading Town last weekend and they have put the coverage on their website. That makes it four wins out of five games for Chesham this season and League leading scorer Danny Burnell has scored in each game and has 13 already for the season. Dave Jeffrey said, "On Saturday there is a big match at The Meadow as Nuneaton Town visit after having financial problems and being demoted two divisions – around 200 visiting fans are expected". Keep Chesham United in your browser Bookmarks or Favorites (yes I know Internet Explorer uses American spelling, I recommend using Google's Chrome).

Chesham Pioneers Bowls Club

Another win for the highly successful group comprising George Baker, Janet Gehrig and Susan Rogers. They won the North West Surrey trophy the other day. The bowling members of Chesham Pioneers Bowls Club are all visually impaired or partially sighted and when playing they are assisted by a number of sighted helpers.

Insider tells all about the United Nations in Africa

Hear the story from Malcolm Harper who has spent much of his life and career at the heart of Africa, having first hand experience of many of its issues. Malcolm worked for Oxfam for 18 years, is a governor of International Students’ House in London, a board member of the International Broadcasting Trust, and a member of the Stakeholder Forum. He was involved in the struggle to eliminate apartheid and works for a world free from hunger, abject poverty, ill health, repression and environmental degradation. In 2004 Malcolm helped set up a Friends of Northern Uganda movement towards a negotiated end to the violence being perpetrated there. You can hear Malcolm’s reflections and anecdotes at a thought provoking and entertaining talk on Wednesday 1 October, in Lee Common Parish Hall at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 including a glass of wine afterwards, and must be purchased in advance from Keith Taylor call 01494 837880. Proceeds will benefit of the Friends of Northern Uganda charity. (Malcolm is also keen cricketer with strong views on the demise of spin bowling in English cricket).

Caracol continues

Friends of Caracol will notice there has been no mention of the charity in this blog since the March Evening of 1950s and 60s. That is because they’ve been so busy and successful. Caracol is a registered charity which provides educational support to the young people of Belize in Central America. Much has happened since the exhibitions in the UK in October 2007. The training for the Caracoles in Arenal has been continuous and last March conversion began on an old school as a Youth Development Centre. English theatre set designer Christabel Cant, went to Belize in May and trained a group of 10 Caracoles in mural design combining the distinctive environmental characteristics of Belize and Guatemala. The exhibition of 30 banners Living on the Borderline – has continued to tour Belize accompanied by presentations given by young Los Caracoles. Caracoles are trained to be youth leaders, to share their knowledge and a group has been trained to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). Most encouraging is the news that Caracol has received two significant grants from the Canada Fund and the UK-based LINKS charity. Congratulations to Claudia and Jon, Myra and Stuart for all their efforts over the past five years. Stuart thanks the supporters, the many Friends of Caracol, “We are well on the way to achieving our target for this year. Of course the grants are a help but we need to continue to raise funds by our traditional means – albeit perhaps at a slightly less frenetic level”.

Babies sign to communicate

Louise Goodridge started Baby Signing classes here a couple of years ago. She will be starting a new course again in September at the White Hill Centre in Saturdays weekly for 10 weeks from Saturday 20 September 2008. The session for babies of at least six months old runs from 1.45 - 2.45pm, and following that for toddlers or babies with previous signing knowledge a session will run from 3 – 4pm. It costs £4.50 per family or £40 for the 10 week course. Louise said, “HandyTalk Baby Signing is a fun experience for you and your baby and helps you to communicate with your child before they are able to speak to you. “We sing nursery rhymes, songs and stories and you learn the signs along the way.” Contact Louise on 01494 433978 for more information and booking or visit the website http://www.handytalk.co.uk/. Louise told me she has been learning BSL (British Sign Language) for three years and also works as a Learning Support Assistant with deaf children. She will be in charge and shall be there doing all the singing, signing and telling stories, supported by her little girl who is five and sometimes by her husband who is also learning BSL.

Start the week fit

Gentle exercise class at Pond Park Over 30s People’s Group, takes place on Monday mornings at 10am and is resuming on Monday 1 September after the August break. The class is at Hivings Park Free Church, Pond Park, costs just £1.50 and there is no need to book. Tom Davies said, “The class has proved really popular since the launch and some 15-20 people attend each week”. Call 07826 936811 or email TDavies@chiltern.gov.uk.

Chesham WEA

The Autumn programme from Chesham WEA will be the Story of China From Late 13th Century To Date which starts on Tuesday 23 September from 10am – noon for £68 and runs for 10 weeks. The course will integrate study of the historical and cultural development of this fascinating country and its huge population. It will be at the White Hill Community Centre, White Hill, HP5 1AG.

You can go on Thursdays to Introduction to Geology – how rocks make landscapes and soils. Understanding rocks helps us appreciate the world around us. Look at the vast range of rocks and the minerals they are made from and use this knowledge to find out how they form our geological history over many millions of years. The course starts on Thursday 25 September and runs for six weeks from 10am – noon for £41.

Also there will be a day school on Saturday 4 October from 10am – noon for £20 entitled A Beginners Guide to the Stock Market. It is for people who wish to understand more about investing – how and where to access information, how to select an advisor or stockbroker and how to invest successfully using some simple strategies. All courses are held at The White Hill Centre. Leaflets about the courses containing a registration form, are available in the library and the centre, or call Mrs Barbara Hunter on 01494 774552 for more details and to enrol. The WEA is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusive learning.