Harmony Knights

The Knights of Harmony, Chesham's own barbershop chorus, will be holding their annual show at The Elgiva on Saturday 20 March, starting at 7.30pm. Performers will include: the Knights; Amersham Acapella ladies chorus; Evolution, current British gold medal quartet; and Hotline, an exciting singing duo. Tickets are available from Alan Herring on 07812 941433 or email alanedwardh@hotmail.co.uk.

Calling All Cake Lovers

Chesham’s Fairtrade birthday bake-off competition is now taking entries. It is hosted by Chesham4Fairtrade as part of celebrating five years as a Fairtrade Town. The birthday bake-off will judge cakes on their taste, appearance and the number of Fairtrade or local ingredients that they contain. There are loads of Fairtrade products in Chesham’s shops, including chocolate, coffee, nuts, fruit, dried fruit, vanilla, honey and sugar. Local ingredients including eggs, honey and flour are also available here. The winner will receive a Fairtrade recipe book and tasty Fairtrade baking goodies. Application forms are available from www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk and the Town Hall call 01494 583798 or email Kathryn Graves at policy@chesham.gov.uk. Bring your cake to the Town Hall by 11am on Saturday 27 March and you will get free entry into Chesham4Fairtrade’s birthday celebration, which runs from 10am to 4pm and features a Fairtrade Cafe, cookery demonstration, stalls, kids’ activities and presentations, including a live link to Ghana to discover the difference we make when we buy Fairtrade. The competition result will be announced between 3 and 4 pm on the day. Kathryn said, "If you prefer eating to baking, come along on the 27th to sample the cakes, cast your vote and celebrate five years of Fairtrade in Chesham".

Celebrating Girlguiding, Have You Been Involved?

Girlguiding continues to celebrate its centenary year which runs until Wednesday 20 October 2010. The next event is an Adult Celebration to which anyone who has been involved in Guiding over the years is invited – whether you have been involved in Chesham or elsewhere. It's on Sunday 21 March from 2.30 – 5pm at the Methodist Church, in Bellingdon Road. Please use town centre car parks unless you have difficulty walking. If you have been a member of the Girlguides (Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, Ranger/Senior Section, Guider, Trefoil Guild) or have had a supporter role, you are invited to join and share your memories. Jane Paterson said, “Bring your memorabilia (photos, badges, uniform etc). It will be an informal gathering to chat, have tea and sing a few of our favourite songs. It would help us with planning the afternoon if you could let us know if you intend to come. But, if you don’t want to commit in advance, feel free to come on the day even if you haven’t told us.” Contact Jane on 01494 772983 email info@girlguidingchesham.org.uk. Jane continued, “We are keen to raise the profile of Girlguiding in the town. We really need to find some more adult supporters - but we currently have room for more girls as well, in some of our units.”

Etz Limon

The Chiltern Film Society's next presentation on Wednesday 17 March will be Lemon Tree (Etz Limon) rated PG. A lemon grove belonging to a Palestinian widow becomes a security risk when the Israeli Minister of Defence moves nearby. Inspired by a real-life incident this captivating movie gives a thought-provoking vision of West Bank troubles. It will be showing at the Elgiva at 1pm and 8pm (8pm for film society members).

Workshops at Blue Haze

Hazel Hopkinson proprietor of Blue Haze Arts & Crafts at 2 Church Street, Market Square, HP5 1HT says they have a lot of new workshop dates and a few changes to tutors, visit www.blue-haze.co.uk. Hazel said, “Jane Marbaix's workshops are being well attended so book in quickly”. Lovely Ladies Cards will be taking place on Saturday 20 and Thursday 25 March. On Wednesday 14 April, Jane is holding a Easter Holiday class which is ideal for children between eight-10 years of age. Watercolour with Mary Pomeroy is on Saturday 6 March but, there are only two spaces left. Kay Lockie is holding a workshop entitled A little bit of Charlston Lace Card Making on Thursday 18 March and Thursday 15 April. Sue Judd will teach both creative hand and machine embroidery. Sue has studied art and design at A level, City & Guilds level 3 and other courses in textile based genres with tutors in different centres around the country. June McGee will be back to hold another classical bear making course on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 May. Call Hazel on 01494 782030 or email info@blue-haze.co.uk. Opening Hours - Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Choir Concert

The Chess Valley Male Voice Choir is staging a concert at the Chesham Methodist Church in Bellingdon Road corner Wesley Hill, on Saturday 6 March at 7.30pm. The choir will be supported by young soloists. Tickets priced at £10 for adults, £8 for seniors and £5 for children, are available from John Drinkwater on 01494 786387.

Schumann and Friends - Saturday 6 March

The WEA course at the White Hill Centre is titled Schumann and Friends and will be tutored by Jeremy Neville. The composer Robert Schumann was born 200 years ago and you can explore his life and music especially in relation to his many musical friends, including of course his gifted wife Clara. It is for one day on Saturday 6 March – from 10am – 4pm and will cost £23. Call Barbara Hunter on 01494 774552.

Dendro Day, Everyone’s Tree Day

The study of trees - Dendrology - comes from the Greek word for tree and these giants of the plant kingdom provide the framework of landscapes. In our towns too, trees are welcome for their softening of the hard outlines of buildings, giving pleasant shade and shelter. So wherever we live, trees have a place in our lives. Trees deserve a day of focus and Dendro Day is on Sunday 7 March. Check to see if trees need attention whilst they are still bare and branches can be examined using a pair of binoculars. The Bucks Tree Club and the Dendrologist are voluntarily run, supporting all tree interested people and groups since 1982. Email buckstreeclub@googlemail.com or contact the Dendrologist, PO Box 341, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2RD. The Subscription is £10 (payable to the Dendrologist) and that includes a one off joining fee of £2.50.

Monday 1 March at 10am Remember the 1950s

Chesham Museum researcher Keith Fletcher invites everyone to go to the Museum in Market Square for a couple of hours of reminiscing about Chesham in the 1950s. Keith said, “Come along and share your memories. Bring any photos and objects you would like to talk about and we’ll have a ‘suitcase’ of memorabilia to jolt your recollections. Remember the coronation, teddy boys, and schools. Reminisce about friends and how things have changed.” It will be on Monday 1 March from 10am – noon and space is restricted so please book in advance. It costs £2 per person and proceeds will benefit the Museum. Call 01494 792549 or email via the museum contact page www.cheshammuseum.org.uk.

Support Scout Efforts

The 3rd Chesham Scout Group will be holding a rummage sale at the Scout headquarters behind Emmanuel Church in Berkhamsted Road, Chesham on Saturday 20 March from 2 - 4pm.

Gardeners Group Day

The Chesham Gardeners Group is holding a Gardeners Day on Saturday 20 February at the White Hill centre from 10am until approximately 4pm, there will be two speakers and lunch. The first lecture will be by Mr & Mrs Hollingdale on Growing and Showing and after lunch the second lecture by Bill Bossom on Growing Roses, each lecture costs £3.50 and lunch £3 or the whole day costs you only £10. Details and booking call Chris Hosier on 01494 771807.

Chesham Arts Festival Final Concert

The Final Concert of Chesham Arts Festival will take place at 3pm on Sunday 21 February at the Elgiva, Chesham. Tickets cost £6 or children £3. Throughout this week hundreds of young musicians have been performing in front of professional adjudicators This is now an opportunity to enjoy class winners coming together for a final celebratory concert. Hear finalists from the vocal, wind, strings piano and guitar classes and see trophies presented by the Mayor of Chesham, Cllr Justine Fulford. Cups and bursaries sponsored by the Chess Valley Male Voice Choir will be presented to the most promising senior and junior performers. See our last report on
Wednesday, 10 February 2010.

Fair Funding For Your Village Hall

Buckinghamshire Community Funding Fair will held at the Green Park Centre, Aston Clinton, near Aylesbury on Monday 15 March from 2.30 – 7.30pm. The fair will help people to improve their grant applications to funding organisations such as the lottery. The event will include a presentation by a grants officer from the Big Lottery Fund at 3.30pm. Community organisations will have an opportunity to meet representatives from various grant giving organisations. Formal 20 minute appointments are available with specific funders, or you could visit the exhibition during the open session times and meet as many funders as are available. The event is free to all attendees. Please come prepared with information about the work that you need funding, to make the most of this opportunity. To book a place at the Lottery talk or to make an appointment with a funder, please ring Liz Evans on 01296 585256 or email levans@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk before Friday 5 March. The event has been organised by Chiltern District Council in partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council, and has been funded by Buckinghamshire County Council. Green Park Centre, Stablebridge Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury HP22 5NE.

Boom dacca dacca boom dacca dac boom boom boom

‘Boom dacca boom dacca boom boom’ sings out from a row of African djembe drums (those ones with a tight skin on the top decorated traditionally down the sides) topped by a selection of eager learners. Expressions are wrapt - grinning, slack jawed, frowning. Eager student Ann Worrall said, “How I would love to have a camera (and a free hand) to record those faces of concentration. Jo our teacher, slight of build, smiling and capable of enormous noise with the smallest effort, sits before us. She shows us small rhythms, banging them out together until it sits easily. Then another rhythm is learned and practiced. We sit and play and start to feel we look and sound the part. Then the first rhythm slips back in and we alternate as we wish. Ah, the mouth opens – you really have to go inwards and concentrate on your own rhythm and not that of others, but in time, if the sound is to be good. Hands seem to have a life of their own and we glimpse a wonderful beat resounding around the room. You relax and think you have it, but the hands can let you down and you lose it. Grinning, the group carries you along as you start again.” Ann continued, “My Thursday evening drumming class at the White Hill centre is a little oasis. Everything else is forgotten in the beat and the group. Men and women of varied ages, backgrounds, abilities learning together and chilling out for a couple of hours without the use of technology, alcohol, or complicated equipment. It’s great. Why don’t you join us and try it out?” Booking is essential call Jo May on 07973 721260 email jo@zoox.co.uk. Sessions are on Thursdays from 8 -10pm at the White Hill Centre and there are Sunday afternoon family sessions.

Mastering Manicure

Learn basic nail care, filing, cuticle treatment and nail varnish on a free fun course at Wallington House Community Centre, Wallington Road, Chesham, HP5 2NZ. It is hosted by the Asheridge Vale and Lowndes Community Association for Buckinghamshire Adult Learning so to book your place call 0845 045 4040 or email studentenquiries@buckscc.gov.uk. It will be on Tuesday 9 March from 10am - 1pm. Course Code: F4HB01AHO. Calls are welcome via Typetalk prefix 18001. Typetalk or Text Relay connects deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired people using a textphone with people using a telephone or another textphone. It is a partnership between the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) and British Telecomm (BT).

Mother Goose

Chesham Methodist Players Bellingdon Road present their February half-term pantomime Mother Goose on Monday 15, Tuesday 16, Thursday 18, Friday 19 February at 7.30pm and Saturday 20 February at 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets cost adults £6, children £4 and on Monday they will be half-price, call 01494 784161. Thanks to Jim Menary jamesm.menary@tiscali.co.uk for telling us but he’s given no details of the pantomime itself, so you’ll have to go along to find out.

Three Treats & A Reminder To Help Museum

Dance your February blues away at Chesham Museum's tea dance with Ray Cox on Saturday 13 February from 2 to 5pm with tea at St Mary's Church Rooms, Church Street, Chesham. Tickets costing £6 which includes tea and cakes available from the museum in Market Square call 01494 792549, or from Orbitpress at 11 Market Square, Chesham.

Pubs and Industries in the Town Centre is the title of a walk with guides Fi Bingham and Peter Forsyth on Sunday 21 February at 2pm. The walk takes about two hours from Market Square. Tickets costing £2 (although the website says £2.50) per person, or £2 for Super or Life Friends, must be booked and paid for in advance, call 01494 792549 or visit the website. This walk is one not to miss - I wish I were able to go.

On Monday 22 February at 2.30pm there will be a talk at the museum, by Janet Dineen entitled Lace and Straw Plait in Chesham. It costs £2.50 per person, or £2 for Super or Life Friends and space is limited so booking is advisable, call 01494 792549. Janet is ultra knowledgeable and a real enthusiast so it will be interesting to learn about one of Chesham’s traditional industries.

Wander around Waterside, with Chesham Museum guides Philippa Sawyer and Pat Kent on Sunday 7 March at 2pm, and takes about two hours from Market Square. Tickets costing £2 (or £2.50) per person, or £2 for Super or Life Friends, must be booked and paid for in advance, call 01494 792549 or visit the website.

And don’t forget Bill Templeton's talk on the River Chess on Monday 8 March at 2.30pm.

Shay

The Museum Trustees were saddened to hear of the death of Shay Comaskey last month. As landlord of the Gamekeepers Lodge he was a great supporter of the museum. In fact he decorated his pub with memorabilia from the First and Second World War. He lent his former stables in Bellingdon Road as a first home, held auctions to raise funds and was delighted to see it move to Market Square. Chesham has benefited from his vision and contribution to the museum.

Twinning AGM

Both the town mayor and deputy mayor of Chesham, Cllrs Justine Fulford and Jane Bramwell, attended Chesham Town Twinning association’s annual general meeting on Saturday 30 January. They heard chairman Peter Fletcher review a busy 2009, treasurer Andrew Ketteringham tell of an increase in funds raised, and membership secretary Marianne Lambert speak of an increase in membership. In his review of the year, his first in the chair, Peter looked back at a successful international weekend in Chesham in May, when visitors from Houilles, France, and Friedrichsdorf, Germany, took part in many activities; at talks, a boules evening and garden lunch staged by the association’s 31 Club; and at a successful quiz in November. There had also been a visit to Friedrichsdorf in September for a cultural weekend. The coming year will see Chesham members visiting their Spanish twin town, Archena, Murcia, in April, and Houilles in May for the 2010 International Weekend. In September, it will be Chesham’s turn to host a cultural weekend, with visitors from Germany and France helping to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first twinning ceremony with Friedrichsdorf. Visit www.cheshamtwinning.com/

Allotment Holders Keep Busy

Chesham Horticultural Society seed potato sale will be held Saturday 13, Saturday 20 and Saturday 27 February at Plot 3, Cameron Road allotments, from 9.30am to noon. Chesham Allotments Group will provide tea, coffee and cake from the Focal Point on Cameron Road Allotments and there will be a seed swap of saved seeds from last autumn, or of viable, unused seeds left over. Bring seeds to swap, or come with a donation and pick from numerous varieties of salad, vegetable and bean seeds. Chesham Town Council allotment sites are fully tenanted, but you can join the waiting list. Rental is charged per 25.3 square metre (per pole) and at October 2009 they cost: Amersham Road £3.25, Cameron Road £2.75, Asheridge Road £3.25.

Cricket Pitch Damaged At Ley Hill

Ley Hill Cricket Club will have to stump up to re-turf its pitch after somebody drove over the cricket pitch three nights in succession and left tyre tracks and skid marks. The damage amounts to around £600 but because the cricket pitch is on common land rather than belonging to the cricket club, they cannot claim on their insurance. The damage does not just affect the cricket club however – Ley Hill Common is well known as a local beauty spot and is regularly visited and enjoyed by hundreds of people. The vandalism has been reported to Thames Valley Police. Anyone with information is asked to call 08458 505 505.

Voluntary and Community Sector Conference - Reserve Your Place

Voluntary Action South Bucks’ annual voluntary and community sector conference, Surviving and Thriving will be held on Wednesday 3 March at Latimer Place near Chesham. Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change will be the keynote speaker and workshops will be available on: What’s Important when Representing the Voluntary Sector; IT Security—Survival in the Digital Era; How to Write Compelling Marketing Words; Planning your Fundraising Strategy and Volunteers with Expert Skills. Last year the conference was oversubscribed and some people had to be turned away so you need to book early. Contact Voluntary Action (Chiltern and South Bucks), c/o SBDC Offices, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham, Bucks UB9 4LH, call 01895 837545 or visit www.voluntaryaction.org.

Presentation for the Metal Tiger Year 2010

There will be a presentation entitled Explore your potentials and limitations in 2010 the Metal Tiger Year with Feng Shui and BaZi (Chinese Astrology). It is at Chesham Town Hall on Monday 15 February at 7.30pm and the entry fee is £1. Many Chinese will soon be celebrating 14th February as the first day of the Lunar New Year. Jo Mitchell (Xiao Zhin) tells us that as we leave the Chinese Solar Year of the Earth Ox, plans are afoot to welcome the upcoming Metal Tiger year from the perspective of Chinese Astrology and changing annual Feng Shui energies. Having emerged from the unique challenges of 2009, Asians especially the Chinese, wait with anticipation to know what each new year holds. 2010 is known as the Year of the Metal Tiger, it comprises two characters: metal over wood. The relationship between the elements accurately helps us predict what is to come by way of our fortunes and thus, we can by using this knowledge capitalise our potentials and minimize the limitations and obstacle we face in 2010. For those who attend the presentation it will give them an understanding of the Chinese calendar, Feng Shui and BaZi widely practiced by most Chinese. Call Jo Mitchell (Xiao Zhin) on 01494 783189 or email jo.mitchell@talk21.com.

Calling all Artists

Are you stuck indoors because of the cold weather? Get painting now for the Art at Christ Church, Waterside exhibition from Friday 30 April – Sunday 2 May 2010. The theme is The Good Earth and a wide variety of works by local artists can be displayed and offered for sale. It is part of the Waterside Festival 2010. Schedules and entry forms are available from Hilary Unwin call 01494 725228 or email hilaryunwin@yahoo.co.uk.

Chesham United Trust Sponsored Walk

The Supporters' Trust is organising another sponsored walk to raise money for the club and they always pick a local good cause to share the proceeds 50:50. Dave Jeffrey said, “Previously we have raised money for Iain Rennie and Heritage House but this year we would like to support the Veterans Re-Build Fund”. The walk is planned for Saturday 27 February. Dave continued, “We will walk from Chesham United to Leighton Town (Leighton Buzzard) for our league match. We reckon it will be about 20 miles and plan to walk over to Berkhamsted and then follow the Grand Union Canal towpath. We have about 15 already signed up to walk - anyone else is welcome to join in for all or part of the way. In the past we have had kids joining in by cycling which could also be an option along the towpath. Anyone is welcome to join for all or part of the route including cyclists. We also hope to have a support barge for this walk." If you would like to join in send an email to Dave Jeffrey djeffrey@gotadsl.co.uk (I’ve not been given a contact number). Remember the worthy cause - supporting the Chesham Veterans Fund which is raising money to re-build the British Legion after the May 2009 fire.

Pictured are some of last year's walkers.

Chess Suite Available For Weekend Bookings

Visit Chesham United Football Club, The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1NE
www.cheshamunited.co.uk email news@cheshamunited.co.uk for all the football news. Call 01494 783964. The good news is – the Chess Suite is once again available for Friday and Saturday night bookings whilst the British Legion makes use of the club. A new bar area has been set up in the Boardroom which will be available for supporters and Legion members to use when there is a function in the main hall. If any supporters can please pass on the message that bookings are being taken again they would be grateful.

Part-time Publicity Officer Required

Workaid is seeking to recruit a part-time Publicity Officer for two to three days a week to promote and help increase funds for the charity. The salary is £18,000 pro-rata. The ideal candidate would have at least a year’s publicity or/and fundraising experience in a small to medium charity. Please send CVs to Workaid, The Old Boot Factory, 71 Townsend Road, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2AA or email controller@workaid.org or visit www.workaid.org.

Folk Dance Workshop

New prospective dancers are invited to a Folk Dance Workshop to be held in the Guide Head Quarters, Lowndes Park, Chesham from 2 - 4pm on Saturday 23 January and Saturday 6 February 2010. Folk dancing will be made easy by callers Ian and Val McFarlane from Beaconsfield, who explain the steps so you can get started easily. Secretary June Pearce said, “Anyone interested in joining these workshops is welcome to come along. Call 01494 785191.”

Meritorious International Films

The Chiltern Film Society is offering a half-season introductory offer for membership of the film society. It comprises eight top-class international films for just £24 with no additional costs, for the second half of the season. For full details and to obtain a leaflet with an application form contact Derek Goddard on 01494 785844 or email derekwgoddard@talktalk.net. Leaflets may also be obtained from the Elgiva theatre or Chesham or Amersham Libraries. The first film of the programme Wendy and Lucy is showing on Wednesday 27 January at 8pm and you can join on the night at the Film Society's desk. The Chiltern Film Society was set up in 1969 to bring to all with an interest in cinema the chance to enjoy the best of international films, specially selected by the society's members as having outstanding merit and interest. You do not need to be a member of Chiltern Film Society to attend the programme of films showing at the Elgiva, but non-members must pay the standard Elgiva film prices.

Fairtrade - Volunteer for Saturday 27 March 2010

Volunteer helpers are needed on Saturday 27 March. It will be the fifth Fairtrade birthday at Chesham Town Hall and will be a follow-up to the FairTrade Fortnight which runs from Monday 22 February – Sunday 7 March. Especially needed are people to staff the front desk to take (a) the £1 entrance fee for adults and (b) people's details if they want to be put into the raffle draw for the FairTrade and local produce hamper at the end of the day. If you are able to volunteer, please reply to Colin Cartwright on 01494 775651 or reply via the website at www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk.

Feel a Poem Coming On?

Colin Cartwright, Chair of Chesham4Fairtrade has got into the mood of 2010 and written a poem to mark the start of this new decade. The Reverend Colin Cartwright said, “I did this partly to encourage people to contribute a poem to our poetry competition on the theme of Fairtrade. The deadline is Sunday 31 January, so people had better get scribbling.” Copies of the rules for the competition are available at the Town Hall, Chesham Library or from the website www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk. Because of the limitations of this website and e-bulletin we are reproducing the poem without linebreaks – insert them where you see the double slashes.
See Fairtrade Poetry Competition underway.

Deciding Decades
So much for ' the Noughties', //Or is that 'the Naughties'? //A lot of fun was had //- Andrew Marr himself said. //But we've got a hang-over; //There's no way to fly-over //The world's problems and issues - //But, no need for the tissues. //These challenges call for //Courage and brain even more. //So, what of this next ten years, //With all our different hopes and fears? //We can't even decide //What to call this decade. //But we know our recent history - //The 'Chesham Fairtrade town' story. //Too many to thank here //For the last five year. //But you can all join and be hearty //At our 5th Fairtrade Birthday party. //Come to Town Hall to celebrate, //Let's make it a date //(The 27th of March, that is). //And, if we double our efforts, //We could make this, of sorts, //'The Decade //Of Fairtrade'.

Act Voluntarily – Find Your Ideal Position

January is a great chance to consider new challenges and the team at Voluntary Action have some ideas of how you can get involved in your community to develop new skills, make new friends, gain confidence or improve your cv. Contact the Volunteer Centre to find out more on what could suit your interests, time and location. Joy Johns said, “We are now running drop in sessions from 10am – noon every Tuesday at Chesham Library, and other times and locations by appointment." Call 01895 837545, email joy@voluntaryaction.org or visit www.voluntaryaction.org.
Drivers for Chesham Voluntary Hospital Car service – If you have you a car and time to spare you can take local people to hospital and doctors appointments, at times to suit you. Expenses paid.
Chiltern Voice needs a Website and E-bulletin Coordinator (This one’s for us!) Get a buzz from being involved with your own town by updating information for the independent website Chiltern Voice What's on in Chesham and district, supplied by the people for the people. Work from home at times to suit.
Chesham Museum Fundraiser. Your creative ideas could help develop and keep the museum running. Someone is needed to coordinate events and fundraising ideas to raise about £12k pa. You would work with existing committee and volunteers.
Activities Helper for Under 5s - Help on Saturday morning to assist and set out toys/furniture for a fathers’ early years literacy session at Waterside children’s centre, Chesham.
Amersham Common Village Hall requires a booking secretary to manage the hiring of rooms, collect fees and keep accounts. It will take two hours per week mostly from home, with committee meetings every two months. You need a good telephone manner, email, good with money, and be able to report to a committee.

Harmonious Folk

The guests at Tudor Folk Club at the Whitehill Centre next Monday 25 January will be Moses & The Ref. It will be the first time at Tudor for this talented couple Chris Connolley and Steve Last. Entry costs £5 for members and £7 for visitors. The bar opens at 7.45pm, doors open 8 - 8.15pm and the music starts at 8.30pm. Tudor Folk is Chesham's Folk and Acoustic Music Club. Visit www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk.

Museum Soldiers On

Sue Gordon, Curator of the Chesham Museum said that during the snow the museum only had to close on two occasions for lack of staff. “Like almost everyone else we are happy to see the end of the snow. Bearing in mind the traffic disruption caused by the weather we are very grateful to those who were able to struggle in.” The snow also kept people away from the AGM. It was a very wet night but there were enough Friends and Trustees to be able to hold a business meeting and plenty of cheese and wine to go round. Sue continued, “Despite the weather we have not been idle. The 'Chesham Sites and Sounds' interactive exhibit has been updated and now includes more than 600 photographs of Chesham and Chesham people. More photographs have also been added to the museum website www.cheshammuseum.org.uk/cm_collections.php and rearranged so they can be browsed street by street.” Talks and other events in the museum are proving popular. Bill Templeton's talk on the River Chess has already been repeated once and will be given again on Monday 8 March at 2.30pm. Entitled The Chess: Portrait of a River it costs £2.50 per person, or £2 for Super or Life Friends. The successful quiz night last November will be repeated on Saturday 13 March, again at St Marys Church Rooms. Visit the museum website www.cheshammuseum.org.uk for times and booking details.
The programme of fundraising and other events continues on Friday 29 January at 2.30pm with a talk at the museum by Chris Brown, entitled The Hilltop Villages - an everyday history of country folk, plus one or two heroes, artists etc. It costs £2.50 per person, or £2 for Super or Life Friends. Book now for the Tea Dance with Ray Cox on Saturday 13 February from 2 - 5pm at St Mary's Church Rooms, Church Street, Chesham. Tickets £6 (including tea and cakes) from Chesham Museum or from Orbitpress, 11 Market Square, Chesham.
Museum opening hours are - Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 11am - 3pm, Wednesday: 11am - 3pm, Thursday: Closed, Friday: Closed, Saturday: 11am - 3pm, Sunday: 2 - 4pm. Visi www.cheshammuseum.org.uk for the programme of Reminiscence Sessions, Heritage Walks and Talks and for details of how to book a place at an event.

Learning How to Grow Food

Return To Learning courses are free for learners who do not have qualifications above Level 2 (5 GCSEs or equivalent). The first one - Grow Your Own Vegetables, course code: Z5GA57AAM will be on Fridays for five weeks from Friday 15 January 2010 until Friday 12 February. The second is learn how to Grow Your Own Food, course code: Z5GA58AAM also on Fridays for five weeks from Friday 26 February until Friday 26 March. They are on from 12.45 - 2.45pm at the Chesham Adult Learning Centre at Chesham Park Community College, Chartridge Lane. Visit www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk. To book a place please phone 0845 045 4040 and quote the course code.

Weed the Willowherb

Chesham Environmental Group work party led by Phil Folly and Georgina Lomnitz wish all members best wishes for a peaceful and healthy 2010. Georgina said, “Our next work party will be on Sunday 17 January. Meet at the Moor car park at 10am. The plan is to litter pick along the Chess and in Meades Water Gardens and also to pull up excess rosebay willowherb. Please bring wellies and gloves. Thanks for your support.”

Beauty and the Beast - January Treat

Chesham Bois Catholic Players proudly present a traditional family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast by James Barry. The large cast, whose ages range from seven to more than 60, will be giving their all in this classic tale re-told with well-known songs, lively dancing, action and laughter and lots of it’s behind you moments. There are baddies and goodies – not forgetting Dobbin the horse. Chesham Bois Catholic Players have been established for over 50 years and produce three productions a year – two at The Little Theatre by the Park in Church Street and the January pantomime at the Elgiva. They are well known for their family friendly approach to pantomimes. Liz Turner said, “Come along and join in the fun – audience participation is encouraged. Book today and give the whole family a New Year treat.” It is on Saturday 16 January at 1.30 and 5.30pm, Sunday 17 January at 2.30pm, Friday 22 January at 7.30pm and Saturday 23 January again at 1.30 and 5.30pm. Call the Elgiva box office on 01494 58290. Adults pay £12, concessions £8, and a family of two adults and children costs £35. There is a group rate if you buy 10 tickets you get the 11th free although that does not apply to family tickets. Liz continued, “We will be supporting Florence Nightingale Hospice and Brain Tumour UK through collections at all our performances.”

Genealogy for Chesham Families

Those of you interested in family history will want to attend a talk by Kay Cullen on Tracing Your Family Ancestry at Chesham Museum in Market Square on Monday 11 January at 2pm. The emphasis will be on researching your Chesham families, using resources available in the library and the Museum, but general genealogy advice will be given, including useful websites. Tickets cost £2.50 (£2.00 for Super or Life Friends) but space is limited, so booking is advisable. Call 01494 792549 or email via the museum website www.cheshammuseum.org.uk.

Illustration - an early census enumerator at work.

Chesham Coaching Group

It's the beginning of a new year, and also a new decade and Amy Deane of Spring to Life asks, “Have you thought about how you're going to stay focused, motivated and creative with your business over the coming months? I meet so many people who would love to have regular one to one coaching, but are not quite ready to take that leap of investment.” So here's her solution. During 2010 Amy will be running two fortnightly coaching groups for small businesses, in Marlow and Chesham. You get ongoing coaching support throughout the year every first and third Wednesday of the month, (except for January) from 10 - 11.30am. First session is Wednesday 13 January at the Drawingroom, Francis Yard, High Street, Chesham. The cost works out at £15 per session. Contact Amy on amydeane@springtolife.co.uk call 07989 440972.

Seminar at Chartridge

An investment seminar will be held on Tuesday 2 February at the Chartridge Conference centre by Planit+. Entitled Personal Investment in an Uncertain World, you will find out why, where and how you should invest. How these decisions are affected by economic uncertainty and what the relationship is between risk and return. Learn how to decide which, if any, structured product is right for you. Tickets cost £3 per person and include refreshments. Call Michelle Mendoza call 01923 725800 email michelle@planitplus.co.uk. Planit+ is a trading name of Planitplus Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Learn Spanish

You can join a 10 week adults’ course in Beginners’ Spanish starting on Monday 11 January 2010. It will be held at Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP7 9QB. Using simple techniques to teach you the essential language structures for effective communication in Spanish, it will run from 7 - 8pm. Email info@headstartspanish.co.uk or call 01727 841352 or 07878 440937. There is parking at the school.

Learn to Sing Course

The Knights of Harmony, the Chesham-based chorus, are promoting a free learn-to-sing course which starts next January at the White Hill Centre, Chesham. Joe Norton the press officer said, “We are seeking to build on the excellent work done by musicians like Gareth Malone through the BBC programme The Choir, and we are fortunate to have secured two gold-medal-winning singers as coaches. Our objective is to persuade people, especially younger men, that they can sing as easily as they can speak. We all have good voices, but singing like anything else, needs to be learnt. It is really great to stand inside a choir and be part of what they're doing and we'd like others to enjoy singing as much as we do.” It is a free course starting at 7.30pm on Thursday 7 January at the White Hill Centre, Chesham. Phone Chas on 01296 668 985. Joe continued, “The Knights of Harmony have been based in Chesham for many years now – indeed the club's official title is The Chess Valley Barbershop Singers. We'd like a greater representation of the citizens from Chesham and district. You don’t even need to be able to read music – all you have to do is turn up.” (See also Knights Support St Francis)

Get involved with what’s on

Chiltern Voice is looking for a volunteer to help prepare the text submissions we receive and find new events to report. You would need to put them into house style and check phone numbers, dates and other details are all there. Would you be willing to help? You would need your own computer, preferably running Word for Windows and a broadband internet connection. We can offer you flexibility of working at your own place at your own pace, computer help and great job satisfaction. This would be ideal for someone wishing to return to work – a gentle introduction, or for someone past retirement who wishes to keep up with technology as well as be informed about so many activities in and around Chesham.

Crafted Christmas Cards

Hazel Hopkinson of Blue Haze Arts & Crafts says the votes for the Christmas card competition gave the following results. First prize to Jane Marbaix; second equal to three entries this year by Mary Russell, Pam Dwight and Kay Lockie. The children's category was won by eight year old Alby Salvedge's cute snowman. The cards are for sale at a reserved donation price of £2.50 which will go to the Blue Haze adopted charity Breast Cancer Care. Go to 2 Church Street, Market Square, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1HT open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, or call 01494 782030.

Find Your Doll Making Talent

Doll and Teddy Bear making classes at Blue Haze Arts and Crafts start off with Finders Keepers with Colleen Babcock on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 February 2010 from 10am to 4pm. The class covers drawing and sculpting a face as well as wiring and shaping a simple mitten hand. Finders Keeper's body is then created with a wire armature that is wrapped to create a realistic body shape. Finders Keeper's hands are perfect for holding business or recipe cards or a photo. Students wishing for a more relaxing and simple class can keep the body proportions of their doll to the standard of the 13” sample, while those seeking more of a challenge can alter their doll to suit. The methods learnt in this class are invaluable because the same method of body construction can be adapted to use with any doll head and hands, including cloth or clay. The fee is £100 for a two day course and bookings are now being taken, with a non-refundable deposit of £25. Bookings must be paid for by Friday 15 January 2010. Please note: there is a small amount of homework to be done before the class – just sewing up the head and hands, so you can begin the class with face drawing and sculpting and get that part done right away. Visit Colleen’s website. Blue Haze also has a Teddy Bear making class.

Interschools Practical challenge

Four schools competed for the Connaught Paradigm Challenge in Chesham, Bucks on Friday 11 December. Teams of eight Year Nine girls and boys from the Misbourne, Chalfont Community College, Beaconsfield School and the hosts Chesham Park Community College, completed four challenges each guided by experts from Connaught. The students were shown tiling and tried plumbing and joinery including the assembly of a flatpack kitchen unit. In quantity surveying, students planned and costed out a housing development, taking on roles such as architect and construction manager. Everyone agreed this was fun, even though it involved maths. The overall winners were Beaconsfield School, and the most outstanding individual was Ben Woodward from Chesham Park. The event was organised by maintenance specialists Connaught and housing association Paradigm Housing working with Bucks Education Business Partnership. Connaught and Paradigm are keen to develop links with schools and will be working with Bucks Education Business Partnership.

Chesham Choir Wins

The Chesham based choir Knights of Harmony were declared the best community choir in Buckinghamshire following their win at the Eden Shopping Centre choir competition last Saturday. The Knights just piped Amersham A Cappella to win the £1,000 prize to the delight of all their supporters in the watching crowd. On being presented with the cheque, Chas Owen the Knights representative, explained that the money would go towards the costs of putting on the free singing course for young men, which is planned to start on Thursday 7 January at the White Hill Centre, Chesham. See our piece Learn to Sing Course. For further details of the course plus enrolment, call Chas on 01296 668985 or go to www.knightsofharmony.org.uk or visit www.singforfree.co.uk.

Well Done The Workers

Chesham Environmental Group’s next work party is on Sunday 20 December. Georgina Lomnitz said, “We'll be weeding and tidying up the shrubbery along the wall of Colour Supplies, St. Mary's Way, to give people a clear walk through. Bring gloves, secateurs and a hand fork and meet at Watermeadow car park at 10am. After our hard work, we'll go to the Queen's Head with the first drink on Chairman Phil Folly,” Georgina added. Thank you for all you do for Chesham, I hope someone else buys all the drinks.

Swim for Free at Chesham Leisure Centre in December

Parents are advised that there is free of charge swimming at Chesham Leisure Centre in White Hill. You can have lots of fun in the pool including use of the inflatables. It is on Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 December 2009 from 2 to 3pm and 3.30 to 4.30pm and no need to book. Subject to availability there will be a free water bottle or sports bag for every participant. For more information contact Nexus on 01494 791779 or just turn up. It is held in partnership with Reactivate Bucks Give it a go visit www.reactivatebucks.org. Admissions policy - one adult (person over the age of 18 years) may accompany a maximum of two children under the age of eight years old in and around the pool at all times.

Two Courses to Enliven the Winter Days

Copernicus to Darwin is the next course tutored by Andy Gunn for WEA. The history of science and its origins has been stimulated by exploration of the mind, body, earth and heavens set against a background of social, political, religious and moral concerns. Wendy Baillie said, “We will be led into stimulating and intoxicating discoveries as we explore the issues and ideas”. It will be at the White Hill Centre on Thursdays from 14 January for 10 weeks from 10am – noon, and the fee is £68.
The second offering from WEA is Words about Words, with tutor Ann Severn. She shall link changes in language with events in history. Learn how business and travel have prompted the expansion of our vocabulary and how modern technology has created a vibrant new language with its own spelling. You will be encouraged to join in discussion and put your own point of view. It will be on Tuesdays from 19 January for eight weeks from 10am – noon, and the fee is £54.40.
To enrol complete the blue form at the White Hill Centre or call Barbara Hunter on 01494 774552.

Fairly Fantastic Fashions - a Chesham Challenge

Chesham4Fairtade is challenging the people of Chesham to create their own fashion with a conscience. The idea is to design and make an outfit either from fairly traded material, or from un-saleable garments from Oxfam. Students at Chesham Park Community College and other groups such as the Guides, are participating, but designs are welcome from all ages. Joint manager of Chesham's Oxfam shop Gill Walker who is organising the Challenge said, "Although there are a few companies specialising in using Fairtrade fabrics, many people still have the idea that ethical fashion is just for tree-hugging hippies". If you don’t want to make clothes you could turn broken or discarded items into some jewellery or accessories: old leather or denim into bohochic bags; beads and buttons into brooches, necklaces and hair decorations. The Fairtrade Fashion Challenge is part of the preparations for the Fairtrade Fashion Show and Poetry Awards Evening at the Elgiva during Fairtrade Fortnight next March. It will include readings of the winning poems in the Fairtrade Poetry Competition along with performances by Shed@thePark Theatre Company and dancers, celebrating the talent in Chesham. There will also be stalls selling a range of Fair Trade products. Closing date for entries is Friday 29 January and the best entries will be modelled at the Fairtrade Fashion Show on Thursday 4 March 2010 at the Elgiva. To download an entry form visit www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk, or call Gill on 01494 775248, email gillwalker20@hotmail.com, or Clem Short of Clem Short Couture 01494 774719, email clem_s@tiscali.co.uk.

Christingles Enabled

Make your own Christingle. Audrey White said, “Just go along to St Mary’s Church at 4pm on Sunday 6 December. Everyone is welcome.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia says, A Christingle is a symbolic object used in services in the period immediately before Christmas in churches of many Christian denominations. The first recorded use was in Germany in 1747. If necessary call Audrey on 01494 785713.

Chess Supporters Meet Again

The second River Chess Association meeting will be on Wednesday 2 December 2009 at 7.30pm at Micklefield Hall, Sarratt, Herfordshire WD3 6AQ. The Aims of the Association will be discussed and hopefully adopted. Members of the Association will be enrolled and officers appointed. The film Rivers on the Edge by Charles Rangely Wilson, sponsored by WWF will be shown (it only lasts 10 minutes), and there will be a presentation on River Chess restoration and rehabilitation work by David Hyde. You need the agenda for directions to Micklefield Hall. Call if necessary 07766 406718.

After-Christmas Carol

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society (FAHETGDS) proudly present their version of A Christmas Carol (with grateful thanks to Mr Charles Dickens). As you might have guessed, this is no ordinary treatment of Dickens' timeless piece. The FAHETGDS is an earnest group of thespians, somewhat dominated by their President, Mrs Reece. However she has enlisted the help of Gordon Pugh to act as her stage manager (under sufferance) and three other members - Thelma, Mercedes and Felicity. No other members were forthcoming (can't think why), so a considerable amount of doubling, trebling and quadrupling has been necessary to fill the enormous cast list. This will not spoil your enjoyment of the show (quite the reverse) with catastrophic effect and resultant mayhem.
Producer and Directer Annie Hamilton-Pike has cast an experienced team of amateur actors to play the multitude of characters. Annie said, “For the gala opening on Thursday 31 December, we urge you to come dressed in appropriate Victorian attire”. The gala opening night will be at Little Missenden Village Hall on Thursday 31 December at 7.30pm with a three course dinner after the show at a cost of £32 per head. Other performances will be on Saturday 2 January, Thursday 7, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 January at 8pm costing £12. To book call the Box office 01494 890487 or 01494 786220.

Quiz Leagues Ahead

The Chiltern Quiz League is up and running for another season. In addition to the league there is also a cup competition. There are up to four places available for any teams that aren't able to play every week but would still like to test their wits and knowledge. The first round will be played on Tuesday 15 December and entries are needed by Tuesday 24 November. There is no entry fee, all you need is four players, someone else to read the questions, and a pub or other licensed premise to play in. Applications to Peter Jones email peter.m.jones@btinternet.com.

Take a chair for CVA&HS

The next meeting of the Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society will be held in the White Hill Centre, Chesham and will begin at 8pm on Friday 20 November. The talk is being given by Catherine Grigg from the High Wycombe Museum. Catherine will explain about recent work researching the High Wycombe furniture industry. Visitors are welcome and admission costs £2. Call Anne Marshall 01494 725952.

Medieval Military Fashion

Ken Poulton is giving a talk to the Chesham Society and anybody else who may be interested, on Wednesday 18 November at the Town Hall, at 7.30 for 8pm. David Carter said, “I heard Ken talking on this subject for the event marking the 750th anniversary of the granting of the town’s Market Charter. I was quite impressed, Ken knew his stuff.”

Books at the Town Hall

Readers’ Day is a day for everyone who loves books and reading. Hosted by best-selling author Sarah Harrison it is on Saturday 14 November 2009 from 9.30am - 4pm at Chesham Town Hall, St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1DS. First thing you can choose from three authors, either: Sarah Harrison’s Creative Writing Workshop; Cyril Aydon on Some Favourite Books… including one of my own or S.J. Bolton on Folklore and Forensics. Sarah Harrison’s The Flowers of the Field was an instant bestseller and she has since had 22 titles published, mostly adult fiction, but also the writer’s guide How to Write a Blockbuster. The day will include author talks, quizzes, a creative writing workshop, the chance to share your views on Kamila Shamsie’s novel Burnt Shadows, a book swap, a free goody bag and the opportunity to spend the day with like-minded people. Tickets cost £10 for early bird bookings made before Friday 16 October, or £12 after this date. Sponsored by Starbucks and Newbooks magazine. Places for Readers’ Day should be reserved in advance so pick up a booking form and return it completed with your cheque made payable to Buckinghamshire County Council, or book in person at Chesham Library or Amersham Library. Call Buckinghamshire Libraries on 0845 2303232 email library@buckscc.gov.uk. Di Bacon leader of the Reading Development Team of Buckinghamshire Libraries said, “It will be our second Readers' Day at Chesham Town Hall. Last year's event was a great success and everyone who came really enjoyed the day”. I wondered why it wasn’t held in the library and Di explained, “The reason we have the event in the Town Hall is because it will hold more people and there are plenty of rooms for breakout sessions.”

Songs On Broadway

Chess Valley Male Voice Choir holds its autumn concert at Broadway Baptist Church at 7.30pm on Saturday 7 November with a variety of popular music to provide a festival of song. They will be joined by guests including the boys of the Beacon school senior choir, the concert group of the Panda Players and the two winners of the Chesham Festival - Charlotte Nohavicka and Rebecca Tossell. The male voice choir is singing a number of its favourites including When the Saints and Bring him home as well as some additions like Sloop John B. There will also be some of the religious music that men’s choirs can sing so well and the required Welsh hymn tune Llanfair. Rebecca Tossell who is 13 and at Chesham High School, sings three pieces, and Charlotte Nohavicka who attends Wycombe High School adds more variety. John Poston said, “We can promise a true festival of song. There are plenty of good seats in the church and tickets can be obtained at £10 (£8 concessions) from Les Brum, call 01494 782249.”

Day of Vintage Model Railways

The Chiltern Hills Vintage Train Group is running a day of Hornby and Wrenn trains at Chesham High School on Saturday 7 November. There will be layouts in both O and OO gauge Hornby, and Wrenn trains running from 10am to 5pm. The High School PTA will be providing refreshments and there will be several traders present. Admission costs adults £3, and £2.50 for children and concessions, while families can attend for £10. Call John Dickins on 01494 784571 or Ron McCaskie on 01494 875904.

Job searching assistance

Assert yourself and get that job. Buckinghamshire Adult Learning has a course on Fridays from 6 to 27 November 2009 at Wallington House, Chesham from 10am - 1pm. The course code F5PW02SFO and it is free if you do not have a level 2 qualification (such as five GCSEs). Learn how to identify your needs, assess your skills, consider types of jobs to suit, prepare an action plan, build your self confidence and improve your communication skills. It is provided in conjunction with Asheridge Vale and Lowndes Community Association. Visit www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk, call Buckinghamshire Adult Learning on 0845 045 4040, or call via Typetalk prefix 18001.

Listing trees

Bucks Tree Club continues listing ancient woodlands on its Best in Bucks list, and veteran trees will be defined by adding 'vt' to distinguish them from the best specimens of each tree species in the county. When Slough became a unity authority in the 1970s there was some administrative tidying of the boundaries so the group agreed to use the 1000 years of the southern county boundary of Buckinghamshire as the river Thames. This allows the Ankerwycke Yew to be added. The website will include a list of Tree Wardens in the county so I have advised them of Bernard Meldrum’s details. The acting club secretary is Merelene Davis, the subscription is £10 (payable to The Dendrologist) which includes a one off joining fee of £2.50 and you will receive the publication Where to See Trees in The British Isles. Contact The Bucks Tree Club, c/o The Dendrologist, PO Box 341, Chesham HP5 2RD email buckstreeclub@gmail.com.

Find out how to volunteer

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but are not sure where to start? Now it is easier to meet someone who can help you at Chesham Library. Drop in to Chesham Library on Tuesday mornings. There is a regular chance to talk to Volunteer Centre Advisor Nicole Manley, to find out more about the many volunteer openings in the Chesham and Amersham area. Nicole will be at the library on the second, third and fourth Tuesday morning of every month, so why not drop in for a chat and find out how you can get involved? Call 01895 837545 or email joy@voluntaryaction.org.

Pub publication

The first edition of Pubs of Chesham and Villages sold out early in 2008. The book has been revised, enlarged and re-issued in A4 size format and is now available. We reported More in reprinted pubs book. The second version of this limited edition book by Ray East, Keith Fletcher and Peter Hawkes is a fascinating guide to the historic public houses of Chesham and district, including more than thirty establishments that are still serving today. There are new sections on pub patrons and Chesham landlords with more than 280 illustrations taken from the collection of photographs archived by Ray East. It can be purchased from Hawkes Design & Publishing Ltd, 59a The Broadway, High Street, HP5 1BX or the Museum at 15 Market Square.

Modern China

On Saturday 7 November WEA is putting on another day school at the White Hill Centre. It is about modern China, tutored by Charles Tyzack. Since the death of Chairman Mao in 1976 China has undergone a massive transformation. Students will look at political and social changes, economic achievements, growing freedoms and the problems China faces in the new century. It costs £20 and runs from 10am – 3pm. To enrol complete the blue form at the centre or call Barbara Hunter on 01494 774552.

Woodland Archaeology

The Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society is opening its season of Friday evening lectures with a talk by John Morris of the Chiltern Woodland Trust, titled Chiltern Woodland Archaeology on Friday 16 October. It will be held in the White Hill Centre, Chesham beginning at 8pm. Visitors are welcome and admission costs £2. If necessary call Anne Marshall on 01494 725952.

In with the Sea Cadets

On Sunday 18 October, there will be an annual parade by the Sea Cadets for Trafalgar Day. Our MP Cheryl Gillan will attend, as will Chesham Town Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford. Cadets will parade from Albany Place car park (which will be closed until approximately 2pm) down the town centre to St Mary’s church where a service will be held. Afterwards cadets and guests will have refreshments in the Chiltern Unit and the Youth Centre at Bellingdon Road, Chesham HP5 2HA. If you are aged from 10 to 18 and want to find out more about adventure afloat, fun ashore and making friends while gaining all sorts of new skills, visit http://units.ms-sc.org/chiltern/Default. Commanding officer, Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Keith Jones said, “We are also on the lookout for any adults who have a few hours to spare and would like to come along and help out. No previous experience is necessary - just time and enthusiasm.” Contact Keith or Vicki Jones on 01494 783244.

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier

It is three years since Buckinghamshire County Council decided to close some eight of its libraries. However it did not mean the end for all of them, some like Little Chalfont Library decided to go it alone by continuing to function through voluntary work and self-funding. And it is the latter part of the work involved in continuing operations which is proving most difficult, because it still costs some £20,000 per year to fund. Ironically a good part of that goes to Buckinghamshire County Council for things like rent, IT and other services which only they can provide. Friends of Little Chalfont Library are forever having to find ways of raising funds through events such as quizzes, dinners etc. and, straightforward donations. In a letter to all Little Chalfont residents, Friends Chairman Jim Brooks has simply asked for contributions either on a one-off, or regular basis. To find out more visit Chiltern Voice Amersham area http://chilternvoiceamersham.blogspot.com/

Beechwood Artists have been around for 11 years and are based in Amersham Common Village Hall, White Lion Road. They have over 100 members, from beginners to the very experienced, all of them are amateur enthusiasts. They meet every Wednesday morning in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with occasional visits from professional artists to demonstrate their own work and offer advice. Beechwood Artists very popular Annual Exhibition takes place on Saturday 14 November and Sunday 15 November from 10am to 5pm in the Village Hall, where the works on show will be also be available to buy. Admission is free and there is lots of parking. To find out more, visit sitewww.beechwoodartists.org.uk

Wyrd Sisters - 10, 16, 17 October 2009

The Chesham Bois Catholic Players will be performing Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters, adapted by Stephen Briggs, at the Little Theatre By the Park in Church Street, Chesham HP5 1HU. It is on Saturday 10, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October at 8pm (doors open 7.30 pm). There will be table seating; bring your own drinks, glasses and picnic if you like. Free coffee and cakes will be served at the interval. Tickets costing £12 and £10 for under 16 and over 60 year olds, are available from the Box Office call 01494 580327. A percentage of profits will be donated to Workaid. Liz Turner said the play is a comedy about political spin, intrigue, the power of words and even includes a love story for good measure. Set in a small kingdom in the Ramtops region of the Discworld which is carried through the heavens by four elephants on the back of a giant turtle. In one corner we have a murderous royal couple and in the other the heroines of the piece – our Wyrd Sisters. In between is a fool who is not as foolish as he seems, a disgruntled royal ghost, the Discworld’s greatest playwright and a host of other characters.

Joint choirs concert

Two choirs – the Damon Singers and the Germains Male Voice Choir are holding a concert for the Museum. It will be on Saturday 17 October at 8pm at St Mary's church. Titled Pastime and Good Company, it costs £10 which includes refreshments and tickets are available from Perfect Pitch, 72 The Broadway (closed Thursdays) call 01494 774826.

Blue crafts

Hazel Hopkinson of Blue Haze Arts & Crafts says the dust has settled after the Barbara Willis' Cloth Doll Making Workshops last week. Some lovely dolls were made and will be displayed in the window at 2 Church Street, Market Square at a later date for a reunion. The workshop list has grown with the festive season approaching, take a look at www.blue-haze.co.uk - click on the top right hand Workshop button to view the full list. Michelle's Stix 2 Anything Christmas on Thursday 22 October promises two exciting workshops to attend, with some surprises in store - there is more than one way to use glue. Michelle is popular so book your space as soon as you can. Call 01494 782030, email info@blue-haze.co.uk or visit www.blue-haze.co.uk.

See cider made

The Ley Hill Cider and Perry Festival runs from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October. There will be a significant festival up at Ley Hill, supporting Common Ground’s Apple Day and the CAMRA Cider & Perry Month. Between The Crown and The Swan there will be more than 30 ciders and perrys, over a dozen on draught. The pubs will be providing matching food: cheeses, sausages, meals and desserts with apple ingredients, typically Bramley. Did you know that 2009 is the bicentenary of the Bramley apple? On Saturday and Sunday there will be entertainment from local acoustic bands. On Sunday Millwhites will be milling and pressing local apples to produce Ley Hill Cider, it is a fascinating process and worth the visit even if you don’t drink cider. Brian Kilbey has thoughtfully supplied bus details for responsible drinkers. He said, “You can get to Ley Hill on the number 4 bus from High Wycombe via Amersham and Chesham. The service is half-hourly until early evening; unfortunately there is no Sunday service.”

Friends of Lowndes Park banner

Phil Folly tells us that the FoLP have a new banner. “We can now be identified working in the park on the first Sunday every month, and not be mistaken for a group carrying out community service,” Paul joked. There will be a Lowndes Park Working Party on Sunday 4 October. Joan Clark said, “We hope to continue developing the wildlife area that has been started by some of you and is looking much better. We are waiting for the oak saplings to be removed so that the grass can be cut. Help may be needed to rake up the hay. The Monday afternoon working party will soon be planting some new roses.” If you can't make Sunday maybe you could help them. Volunteers are welcome on the day, or call Phil on 01494 783691 or Joan 01494 783035. The banner was made locally at Flagmakers, George Tutill in Higham Road.

Chess admirers make it official

The inaugural meeting of the River Chess Association was held on Wednesday 16 September and the number of attendees was encouraging. It is being initiated by David Hyde, Paul Jennings and Allen Beechey, Manager of the Chiltern Chalk Stream Project. – people deeply committed to the successful future of the River Chess. Paul said, “We are privileged to have access to the environment in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some people rely on the river for business and others as a place of recreation.” The main aims of the new RCA are Environmental Monitoring and Protection - many eyes they can identify and report changes; management of voluntary resources – people who already work improving the habitat; raising public awareness of this rare ecosystem and any threats; education through programmes with schools; and lobbying – giving the Chess a voice by mobilizing the talent and expertise that can be found along the Chess Valley. They will work with other groups such as the Chiltern Chalk Stream Project, Impress the Chess and the Chiltern Society. A concept presentation was given. Paul continued, “We are looking to attract people with a vested interest in the Chess including land owners, walkers, fishermen, farmers, water companies, mill owners and watercress farmers. It is interesting to note that at the meeting we had a representative from Three Valleys Water.” The next meeting will be in October, call 07766 406718.

PS: I ask about the dry river bed near the Queen’s Head, and suspect over abstraction.

More in reprinted pubs book

Keith Fletcher Chesham museum researcher, together with co authors Ray East and Peter Hawkes, are re-releasing their book Pubs of Chesham and Villages – Second Edition in time for the opening of the museum. Since it was first published in 2006 they have been given about 125 more photos of pubs and their patrons so a new section will be included about the drinkers and some of the landlords.

Citizens advise citizens

Chiltern Citizens Advice Bureau is a charitable company limited by guarantee, celebrating its 70th anniversary. At the annual general meeting on Tuesday 29 September they reported helping 3959 unique clients during the year – an 11 per cent increase. Client often have multiple problems so 16,411 different social policy issues were dealt with. The client group broadly reflects the community, especially the poor sections of it, with an over-representation from social housing tenants and ethnic minority groups. Redundancy issues are up by a massive 224 percent as a direct reflection of the recession. However an increase in volunteers enabled longer opening hours and they plan to open on Friday mornings in Chesham soon. People are not fully aware of the effect that volunteer labours are having on citizens. The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice from over 3,000 locations, and by influencing policymakers.

Cerebral art

You are invited to support local exhibitors and celebrate World Mental Health Day at an Art Exhibition on Saturday 3 October from 10am to 3pm. It will be on at Chesham Town Hall in the Community Hall, and there will be reasonably priced light refreshments on sale. Celia Pettman of Buckinghamshire Mind said, “Please come to the exhibition”. Call 01494 772617.

Strictly Chesham dancing for beginners

The new series of Strictly has started, the Improvers class is ongoing as it involves people who started earlier in the year. Katherine Coburn invites new people, “Come along and learn for yourself. My new course for absolute beginners will be on Wednesday 14 October at 7pm, at the Temperance Hall, Church Street, Chesham. It will be a half hour 'crash course' suitable for complete beginners or those who think they have forgotten how to dance, and it costs £5 per couple for the half hour. Slightly more experienced dancers might like to join our 7.30pm 'Improvers' class. For details call Kat on 01494 580327 or email katsteps@tesco.net. You can phone Kat or just turn up. Kat continued, “Ideally I prefer couples as I cannot always guarantee partners, however I can be flexible. Wear whatever feels comfortable from jeans and tee-shirts through to 'straight from work' clothes."

Silver surfers

The BBC dropped in to film the innovative silver surfer project - we reported. Residents at Paradigm Housing’s sheltered accommodation Cromwell House, have been trained to use two computers in their lounge by specialist company Digital Unite. What makes the project special is the students from Chesham High School who visit regularly to give IT support. The BBC’s short film will be shown at the Online Access Forum on Friday 16 October and it may also appear on Blue Peter or other programmes. The Online Access Forum will be held at the BBC in London, and Government ministers, broadcasters and key stakeholders will discuss ways to encourage the 14 million people who aren’t already online to get onto the internet. Two Cromwell House surfers were interviewed - Joan Metcalf and Marion Hearn, while Chesham High students Kevin Hill and Holly Smith were working with them. Marion sent emails to friends in Australia and Kevin helped Joan talked to design posters. Kevin said: “I wanted to change the stereotypes. We’re not all yobs and older people can use computers.”

Good news and bad news

At the Allotment Holder’s annual general meeting awards were presented to allotment holders to mark the best kept allotment this year. Cameron Road overall winner was Lorraine Falkner (of the famous squashes and pumpkins), second was Vince Crompton and third - Mr J Pedder. The winner at Asheridge Road was Lynne Goodman, second - Mr A Shipp and third - Mr E Richardson. The best new tenant award went to to Nichola Goddard from Asheridge Road allotments. However Kate Hobbs, Secretary said they have experienced their first break-ins on Cameron Road and Asheridge Road in the last two weeks. The first was at Asheridge Road around Monday 7 or Tuesday 8 September when sheds were broken into and alcohol and a wheelbarrow were taken. Then on Sunday 13 or Monday 14 September four sheds were broken into at Cameron Road and petrol strimmers and rotavators was taken. The ultimate indignity was that the third break-in took place on Thursday 17 September - the evening of their AGM. Sheds across the whole Cameron Rd site were broken into and further tools etc were taken. PCSOs remind all allotment holders to mark such items and take pictures if necessary. Then if the stolen tools come up in a car boot sale for example, they can be identified and returned. The last allotment coffee morning of 2009 will be on Saturday 26 September from 10am to noon at the Asheridge Road allotments. Kate said, “These have proved very successful in creating community on Cameron Road. We are looking to build similar community on Asheridge Road but it can only be done by those on the plots themselves, and like minded neighbours. We'd love to see plot holders and supporters on Saturday.”

Emailing help

Age Concern Buckinghamshire has launched a new service to provide computer training to residents in the Chiltern district. Aware that many older people need help to gain the benefits of using the internet, the new service provides individual tuition. Working in people’s homes, using their own computer and software, the training can be tailored to the needs of each individual such as use of the internet and email, word processing and (more advanced) handling photographs. (They are offering exactly what I offer but I charge!) Call Age Concern’s training representative Stuart Lines on 07802 475252 and do tell anyone you know who cannot (yet) receive this notice.

Tudor folk

David Darvell said, “Thanks for supporting the club over the years. We have some special and top class acts." The Singers’ Night and AGM will be on Monday 21 September from 8.15 to 11pm, and it costs members £2 or non members £3. Monday 28 September from 8.15 to 11pm will be a Singers’ and Features night costing members £3 or non members £4. David continued, “We will not only be having one of our popular sing-around evenings but will also be featuring a talented duo from St Albans. Na-Mara play guitars and mandolins and besides being fine singers they have recently released a CD of Breton and northern Spanish sea tunes which has met with critical acclaim .Another storming night is in prospect”. Call 01494 786995, visit www.tudorfolk.org.uk or email daveann@leyhill.wanadoo.co.uk.

Learn to play Bridge

Have fun, make new friends and learn to play the best card game in the world. Bookings are now being taken for the new Beginning Bridge class which will start at the end of September on Friday mornings at Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, SL9 7AD. It costs £80 per term including all notes. Contact Tess Templeton on 01753 885004 or email tesstempleton@aol.com.

Shelley Gardens celebration

The Pond Park Community Association Shelley Gardens Celebratory Day will be held on Saturday 26 September. It is to demonstrate the success of the lottery funded project to create a green, welcoming space at the Shelley Road path. The event is aimed at families and will include environmental activities for children (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Shelley Gardens have been created at the top of the path down to town from Pond Park’s Shelley Road. From 11am until 3pm there will be activities and a chance to see what is happening there. Install a bird feeder, sew wild flowers, hear story telling, create a masterpiece from scrap: and enjoy free refreshments. Cllr Peter Yerrell explained that work will be continuing, with the next activity being a Tree Dressing event on Saturday 28 November, call Peter on 01494 771583.

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier: A Cappella

Amersham’s very own national medal-winning ensemble Amersham a Cappella will be performing live at Dr Challoner’s Girls’ High School in Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont on Saturday 26 September. Previously known as Chiltern Harmony, they have been around for 27 years now during which time they have entertained many thousands and won quite a few awards. Amersham A Cappella consist of over 30 singers from all walks of life with a wide repertoire of songs which extends from traditional barbershop style, classic, contemporary ballads and show-stoppers, through to up-beat jazzy and popular numbers. Two years ago the ladies hit the high notes when they took third place out of 32 at the National Chorus competition held by the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers. The Amersham A Cappella story can be heard on http://www.amershamacappella.com/. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7.50, £5 for concessions. Tickets available at the door, but to be sure book by phone call 01494 763393 or 01494 766639. Visit.

Big Dog musical

After their success with the musical All Shook Up, Big Dog Theatre Company is back with a compilation show of all their best musicals: there’s something for everyone in this show. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray and Mary Poppins for the kids, to Jesus Christ Superstar and Miss Saigon for the grown ups, and musical aficionados will recognize the lesser known songs from The Witches of Eastwick and City of Angels. If dance is what you love – there is plenty of Tap from Crazy for you and the sophisticated style of Fosse. Rounding everything off, songs from the world’s longest running musical Les Miserables. Big Dog’s Best Ever Musicals will be on Tuesday 22 – Sunday 27 September at the Elgiva Theatre. Tickets are on sale from the Elgiva box office call 01494 582300 or visit www.elgiva.com, or Big Dog box office call 01494 778884. Prices from £10 - £14 and there is a special offer of buy one, get one free for Tuesday 22 September.

Two WEA courses

From Thursday 1 October for 10 weeks from 11.30am – 1.30pm learn about Real Life in an Ancient Egyptian Village. The social lives of Pharaoh’s tomb-builders as revealed by archaeology and textual evidence from Deir el-Medina, on the West Bank of Luxor. What is the evidence for earning a living; health care; punishing crime; marriage, adultery and divorce? Who were the poets, playboys, scoundrels and wise women of this unique village? The tutor is Rosalind Janssen and it costs £68. Fill out an application form from the White Hill Centre or call Barbara Hunter on 01494 774552.

On Tuesdays from 6 October for six weeks you can study The Detective in Fiction with tutor Peter Leyland. A history of the detective character from Poe’s Dupin to P.D. James’ Adam Dalgliesh. There will be detailed studies of Holmes, Wimsey, Poirot and Marlowe and a consideration of modern detectives such as Morse, Wexford and Rebus. It will be at the White Hill Centre from 10am – noon and the fee is £40.80.

Start threading

Amy Deane is re-launching the Tuesday Arts (T’Arts) evenings at The Drawingroom, kicking off with a series of beading workshops. On Tuesday 22 and 29 September from 7.30 – 9.30pm at a cost or £20 you can attend an Introduction to Get Beading – learn simple techniques to create beaded jewellery, with three or four individual pieces included in the price. Choose from a vast selection of beads, sourced from around the world, to create your own unique design and learn skills you can use again at home. If you get hooked on the night, a complete kit will be available to buy, including tools, wires, beads, threads and a workbook. Maximum six people so do book call 01494 791691 or email amydeane@springtolife.co.uk. The Drawingroom is at 5a High Street, Francis Yard HP5 1BG.

History of the roses in Lowndes Park.

Old photos of Skottowe’s Pond show a rustic archway over the steps up and borders of American Pillar roses around the band stand area. They look lovely during their (admittedly short) flowering season. Sheila Carter a member of the Friends of Lowndes Park who carries out practical gardening there, has found out they were planted by the late Albert Sedgewick who was born in 1912. Sheila and colleague Rosemary Main met with Albert’s son Rodney Sedgewick who still propagates Pillar roses from stock handed down to him by his father. Rodney showed how to prune the roses but it is labour intensive because they grow so vigorously and all side shoots must be taken out. The roses grow tall and are therefore harder for short people to reach, and also they have a short flowering period. Because of this and after discussion, it was decided not to go down the road of propagating Pillars. Rosemary and Sheila visited South Heath Nurseries for advice on a stock of roses which are disease resistant, have a longish flowering period, and a selection whereby staggered flowerings mean there would be colour at different points - hopefully for most of the summer. Stakes would also be avoided to reduce costs. The upshot is that six white Rugosas and six Gertrude Jekylls have been ordered. I look forward to seeing the flowers when they appear next year.

Naturally - indoors and out

The next meeting of the Natural History society will be on Monday 14 September indoors at 7.30pm when Rachel Sanderson will speak on the Special Trees and Woodlands Project. Rachel is the Project Officer for the Chilterns AONB. Andrea Polden tells me they continue to hold meetings in St Mary's Church Rooms. “We are lucky to have managed to find a new home after the Royal British Legion fire,” she said.
The first field trip is on Saturday 19 September, starting from The Moor car park at 2pm and will be led by Andrea, to Dancersend. Dancersend Nature Reserve is managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). Some spell it Dancer’s End and the road nearby is Dancer’s End Lane. It is tucked away in a series of valleys in the Chilterns, near St Leonards and Tring, Aylesbury HP23 6JX. Dancersend has a range of habitats from mixed woodland to flowers on chalk grassland. More than 290 different plants have been recorded, supporting a rich variety of insects, including rare moths and butterflies. Call the programme secretary Mike Lambden on 01494 782939.

New altruistic things to do

Been thinking about volunteering now that the summer’s over, but not sure where to start? Marion Scourfield asks if you’d be interested in one of the following opportunities.

Woodrow High House, near Amersham needs a note taker
Spend a couple of hours to take notes of the key points at the monthly meetings of the fund-raising committee? It is an active group who support Woodrow High House charity which provides residential and training opportunities for disabled and youngsters with special needs, as well as schools and youth groups. Monthly meetings are usually on Mondays from 10.30am to 12.30pm and occasionally Wednesdays.
Samaritans, Amersham need a head of fundraising
The volunteers at Chilterns Samaritans are a dedicated group operating 24/7 to help people in need of emotional support. They need a head of fundraising with creative ideas to bring in more money. An experienced person would direct fundraising, develop a strategy and lead the team to reach the annual target of £10K. The branch is run entirely by volunteers and all money raised is used to support local people. The role is flexible, working in your own time, but it would involve occasional evening and weekend work for fundraising events.
Patients need the treatment
The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) needs complementary therapists in South Bucks and High Wycombe. IRHH is looking to recruit aromatherapists, reflexologists, massage therapists, craniosacral therapists and Reiki practitioners with one or two years post qualification experience who would be able to offer half a day a week. Complementary therapy volunteers work as part of the IRHH nursing teams in patients’ homes. A full induction and education programme is offered to suitable practitioners, plus ongoing support in relation to this specialist care.
For further information, please call Joy Johns on 01895 837545, email joy@voluntaryaction.org. Visit www.voluntaryaction.org.