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.

Irish Evening For the Family

You are invited to go along and celebrate St Patrick’s Day (a little early) on Saturday 13 March from 7.30-11pm with a lively and entertaining Irish night. It will be held at the Little Theatre by the Park, Church Street, Chesham and will be complete with an Irish themed quiz with traditional Irish fayre served during the evening. There will also be live Irish music and some great prizes can be won in the raffle. Tickets costing £12.50 or £30 for a family of two adults and two children, can be booked by ringing 01494 786846 or 01494 776492. All profits from the evening will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society branch based at Chesham’s St Columba’s church.

Vintners and Dyers Companies, Swan Upping And All That

On Wednesday 17 March Brian Pratt will give a talk about the Livery Companies of the City of London. It will be at the Chesham Society meeting to which all are invited, at the town hall at 7.30 for 8pm. Brian says he will give a brief history, changes over the years and the role of companies today in City life. Brian’s company is the Painter-Stainers Company. The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. An organisation of stainers, or painters of metals and wood, is known to have existed as early as 1268. A similar organisation of painters, who generally worked on cloth, existed as early as 1283. The two bodies merged in 1502; the new organisation was incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1581. Now, the Company is less of a trade association of painters, and more of a charitable company; it is also a supporter of various art schools and universities. The picture of the annual Swan Upping on the Thames carried out by the Vintners and Dyers companies. The Vintners' Company's ownership of swans and the annual swan upping which takes place on the Thames, are well-known.

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).

Three One Act Comedies From CTC

Chesham Theatre Company presents three one act comedies at the Little Theatre by the Park in Church Street, Chesham on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 March at 7.45 pm, and Sunday 28 March at 4pm. The Tangled Web is a new play by Richard Need. Instead of a relaxing pre-election dinner party, Charles Crosby MP suddenly faces corruption charges, exposure in the tabloids and a paternity suit - and in his own home. Mike Consden has extracted Bottom the weaver, Snug the joiner and their rustic friends from Shakespeare, as they attempt to put on a romantic and heroic play for the Duke of Athens and his guests in just four days. Will it be A Mad Summer Night’s Dream? Finally, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Anton Chekhov is celebrated with The Proposal, translated by Michael Frayn. Hard winters and hard times in rural Imperial Russia are made even harder when your unmarried daughter remains under your roof. Bring your own food and drink and enjoy this Triple Bill in Supper Theatre style. Tickets costing £10 or £8 concessions are available from tickets@cheshamtheatrecompany.org.uk or call 01494 727243.

Panda Players Present Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane is being put on by the Panda Players. It is on Wednesday 10 March at 7.45pm costing £10 (concession £10); Thursday 11 March and Friday 12 March at 7.45pm costing £15 (concession £12); Saturday 13 March matinee at 2.30pm costing £12 (concession £10) and at 7.45pm for £15 (concession £12). The lyrics are by Paul Francis Webster, music by Sammy Fain and it is adapted by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park from the stage play written by Charles K Freeman after the Warner Bros film written by James O’Hanlon. Book at the Panda box office call 01494 794399, or the Elgiva box office 01494 582900 or on line at the Elgiva. Make cheque to Panda Players, Box Office, Old Mortons, Weedon Hill, Hyde Heath, Amersham, HP6 5RW.

Beginners Belly Dance Intensive Course

Tina-Louise has spaces available on her course which runs for four weeks commencing Sunday 28 February. Sorry I didn’t get the information early enough for the start date but Tina-Louise will accommodate you. Nor do I know the venue. Tina-Louise, Principal & Dance Captain of the Tina-Louise School of Egyptian Belly Dance and The Bellyrinas Troupe said, “Try the first week for £7, the rest of the course is £36 if you decide to continue.” Places should be reserved in advance. Call 01494 716947, email tinalouise@bellydanceschool.wanadoo.co.uk or visit www.tinalouisebellydance.co.uk.

Top Pianist Recital for a Belarus Cause

On Saturday 6 March a local charity called Friends of the Belarusian Children's Hospice, present a recital by renowned international pianist Alexander Ardakov. He is a graduate of the Moscow Conservatoire, prize winner at the Viotti international competition and Professor of Piano at Trinity College of Music, London. He will play Tchaikovsky, Scriabin etudes and Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition. The recital is at 8pm at Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont. Tickets cost £15 for students and £10 for the retired and are available from Perfect Pitch, 72 The Broadway (closed Thursdays) call 01494 727409, 01494 726483 or 01494 722899. Visit www.friends-bch.org.uk. Belarus was heavily irradiated during the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the children irradiated then are now adults and having babies with serious health problems. The hospice enables them to be cared for at home instead of going into institutions without parental care. Friends of the Belarusian Children’s Hospice (UK) supports the first children’s hospice and palliative care centre in Belarus. Since it was founded in 1994, the BCH has spun off seven smaller children’s hospices in other towns in Belarus, and also trains palliative care workers throughout the country.

Quiz for The Bellingdon and Asheridge Village Hall

Bellingdon and Asheridge Village Hall is hosting a quiz night on Saturday 20 March at 7pm at the hall. Tickets cost £10 per head including supper but bring your own drinks. To book call Sam on 07850 033779 or Sue on 07990 915385, email sam@butlerplace.co.uk and there is 10 percent discount if you book a whole table of eight people.

Quiz for Museum

Chesham Museum is holding its first quiz night for this year on Saturday 13 March at 7.30pm at St Mary's Church Rooms, Church Street, Chesham. Quizmaster will be Steve Coates and tickets cost £12 per person which includes a fish and chip supper and bring your own drink. Bring your friends too, and make up a team of up to eight people. Tickets available from Chesham Museum during normal opening hours or to book a place phone and leave a message on 01494 792549 or call Sue Gordon 01494 772096. Visit the museum website www.cheshammuseum.org.uk. Museum opening hours are - Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 11am - 3pm, Wednesday: 11am - 3pm, Thursday: Closed, Friday: Closed, Saturday: 11am - 3pm, Sunday: 2 - 4pm.

Like Dusty Springfield - Like Katy

Katy Setterfield will be in concert at the Elgiva on Thursday 18 March at 8pm. Here Come The Girls is Katy’s new one-woman show, celebrating the music and style of some of the legendary queens of pop. Following her acclaimed solo tour and sell out residencies in Las Vegas and Europe, Katy embraces the concept of Girl Power with her exceptional singers and musicians. In 2008 after an eight year run of lead female vocals with the successful touring show That’ll Be the Day, Katy entered - and won - the BBC1 primetime show The One and Only impersonating Dusty Springfield. From bee-hived soul legend Dusty, through to the iconic Cher, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner and much more, Katy will give us a night of live music, fun and nostalgia with one of the UK’s most impressive entertainers. Tickets cost £15 you can book at the Elgiva online (a service charge of £2.50 per transaction applies); select the show and click Book Now; in person at the box office between 10am-3pm Monday – Saturday; by phone 01494 582900 and have your credit card details ready.

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.

Maidenhead Salvation Army Band Playing Here

On Saturday 6 March the Salvation Army will be holding a Musical Programme presented by the Maidenhead Salvation Army Band. It will be in the Broadway Baptist Church at 7.30pm and admission is free.

Fairtrade Fashion Show - 4 March 2010

Go to a fun-packed night at the Elgiva in St Mary's Way, Chesham HP5 1HR on Thursday 4 March for the Fairtrade Fashion Show and Poetry Awards Evening. You can see the latest Fairtrade fashion collections from People Tree, Traidcraft, Komodo and Five G, plus creations by local designers for the Fairtrade Fashion Challenge. There will be performances by Shed@ ThePark and other Chesham dancers and musicians. The winners from three of the age categories of the Faitrade Poetry Competition will be announced, their poems read and prizes and certificates presented. Those awarded second place and those commended will have their names published in the programme, will have their names read out on the night and (space permitting), their poems will be displayed in Chesham Library. The fun starts from 6.30pm with stalls, displays and Fairtrade refreshments and the official start time is 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7 or £3.50 concessions, and £18 for a family ticket comprising two adults and children. Email Clem Short clem_s@tiscali.co.uk; Gill Walker gillwalker20@hotmail.com or Colin Cartwright colin@chesham4fairtrade.co.uk. Call the Elgiva on 01494 582900 or visit www.elgiva.com
See previous Voice piece Commemorate Fairtrade's Fifth Birthday.

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.

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.

Writing About The 1960s

On Monday 1 March from 1.15 - 2.45pm, Leslie Tate is talking about the true spirit of the 1960s and how fiction develops from life experiences. Her talk entitled 'What it was like in the '60s; a novelist's view', costs £1.50 and tickets are available from the Chesham Library, Elgiva Lane HP5 2JD or call 0845 2303232.

Genova with Colin Firth

The Chiltern Film Society's next presentation is Genova, showing at the Elgiva in Chesham on Wednesday 3 March at 1pm and 8pm (8pm for film society members). The story: Following the funeral of a young mother tragically killed in a road accident, her husband (Colin Firth) and children move to Italy: a new country, a new city, a fresh start. It's a moving story of love and displacement with a dash of magic realism. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, UK 2008 it lasts for 94 minutes.

Organ concert – Nigel Ogden returns to Chesham

Please note that this concert is on at St Mary’s Parish Church Chesham on Saturday 27 February at 7.30pm, not Saturday 20 February as we said in our previous posting about this event. Tickets are £10, including refreshments, and are available from Perfect Pitch, Tony Molesworth (773381) or at the door on the night. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this error.

Contribute to the Rebuild Coffers

The Chesham Veterans Club Appeal Fund will be holding a Quiz Night at Chesham United Football Club on Saturday 20 February. The quiz will start at 8.30pm prompt and proceeds raised will go towards the rebuild of the Chesham British Legion premises. Teams of up to six persons are welcome to attend. Entry is £5 per person and includes a light supper of chilli jacket potato. Space is limited so please call Linda or David on 01494 772256 to book your table. A full range of alcoholic and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the football club bar.

Tudor Folk

Next Monday 22 February we have a feature night where we give the guest two 20 minute spots. Johnny Seabrook said, “Our guest next Monday will be John Devine a multi-instrumentalist who can play anything that blows. John sometimes plays with Willy Barrett and John Otway, so it should be a really good evening at Tudor Folk club at the Whitehill Centre next Monday evening at 8.15pm”. Visit www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk.

Comedy Night Returns to the Chess, Friday 26 February

Chesham United Supporters' Trust next Comedy Club announces new show dates for 2010 in conjunction with Chesham United Football Club. There will be regular performances every month throughout the year. Those who have been before will know it's a cracking night out. They aim to bring you a hilarious selection of acts by booking the best comedians from the national and international stand up circuit. You will find the same acts playing popular clubs such as Jongleurs (now known as Famous for Comedy) and The Comedy Store, but the Chess Room won’t be charging £20 for tickets and £5 for a drink. The show still remains good value for money and it’s right here in Chesham. The next show will be on Friday 26 February, and it will comprise, headline act- Bob Mills, opening act – Janice Phayre, middle act - Mark Simmons, and the MC is Eric Lampaert. Call 0845 5194015. Admission is £10.65 in advance (including booking fee) or £12 at the door. There is a tendency to get absolutely packed, which makes for a great atmosphere, but does mean that you cannot be guaranteed seating unless you reserve seats in advance. Only a limited number of tickets are available at the door. Visit www.chesslive.org.uk which has been re-launched and includes a new booking system. You can now choose individual seats during the checkout process. Chesham United Football Club, The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, HP5 1NE, call 08455 194015 free from a BT landline.

Bringing Blue Skies To Bowel Cancer

The Trevor Collins Foundation, invites you to attend a curry night of fine dining and fun. It will be at the Rajasthan, 115 High Street, Chesham HP5 1DE, on Monday 22 February 2010 at 7pm. Brenda Collins tells me, “The proprietor Mr Mojibul Hoque, has kindly offered to run a charity evening for us at a cost of £20 per head for a three course dinner. For every attendee Hoq will donate £9 to Trevor’s charity, the Trevor Collins Foundation. Please come along to support us, join in the fun, and enjoy superb Indian cuisine". RSVP to Mrs Brenda Collins, Belmont House, Belmont Road, Chesham HP5 2EJ, call 01494 786827 email brenda@belmonthouse.net. Brenda continued, “Trevor is now a registered charity and we are organising a programme of events for 2010 to raise much needed funds. Drinks are of course, an additional charge and there will be a few little fun things included a raffle and anything else I can dream up. If I can get 56 people to come along we can raise £500. The Trevor Collins Foundation hopes to bring 'blue skies to bowel cancer' by offering counselling services to families who are experiencing it. I need final numbers by 18 at the latest please.”

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.

Valentine’s Day Beer Festival

There may be no agreement on which Saint Valentine is celebrated on 14 February and his day has been booted out of the General Roman Calendar, but for centuries it was the day when lovers exchanged love tokens - much to the satisfaction of today’s greetings card industry. In more recent times Valentine’s Day has evolved to become the day that the man gives presents, with the diamond industry cheering in the wings. Will at The Misty Moon, Chesham, has decided to give ladies the opportunity to reciprocate by arranging a mini-festival of beer and cider on the Friday 12 February, Saturday 13 as well as Sunday 14 February. Brian Kilbey said, “It all seems fair to me”.

Young Dancers Converge at the Elgiva

The Chesham Arts Festival is an annual event held during February half term. Covering music, speech and dance the competition allows young talent to perform for an audience and an adjudicator. This year the dance section takes place at the beginning of the week Saturday 13 - Tuesday 16 February at the Elgiva Theatre. The Speech Section will be held at Ley Hill School. With the current renewed interest in dance you might like to see talented young performers from as far afield as Maidenhead, Welwyn, Aylesbury and West London, as well as local Chesham talent. Details of tickets and timings from the website www.cheshamartsfestival.org.uk. Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music Dance and Speech.

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.

WaterAid is Aided

Tickets sales are now closed and not available at the door. The United Nations Association, Chesham and Amersham Branch will be holding its quiz night to raise funds for WaterAid. It is on Saturday 13 March 2010 at the Polish Club, Raans Rd, Amersham HP6 6LX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8pm start. Call Patrick on 01494 727721, Anne 01494 783126 or Liz on 01494 726928. WaterAid has provided low-cost safe water to millions of people for more than a quarter of a century. WaterAid works in 26 countries providing water, sanitation and hygiene education to some of the world's poorest people.

Will it be Crabby?

Chesham and District Natural History Society (CDNHS) holds its next indoor meeting at St Mary's Church Rooms, Church Street. It will be on Monday 8 February at 7.30pm. The speaker is John Tyler, and his subject sounds mysterious, it is Island of Crabs, so go along to find out more about it. Visitors are welcome for a charge of £2. The membership year runs from May to April and is currently £10 p.a. Andrea Polden said, “There is no field trip this month but they will resume in March”.

Organ concert – Nigel Ogden returns to Chesham

The Friends of St Mary’s is hosting a concert at St Mary’s Parish Church Chesham on Saturday 20 February at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, including refreshments, and are available from Perfect Pitch, Tony Molesworth (773381) or at the door on the night.
Nigel Ogden is an organist and radio broadcaster. Born in Manchester, his father was a church organist, and also a lover of the theatre organ. At an early age, Nigel was taken to hear the great Reginald Dixon playing the Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer organ, and was instantly 'hooked'.
He first broadcast in 1971, and in March 1980, when still only in his mid twenties, took over from Robin Richmond as the presenter of the BBC Radio 2 programme, The Organist Entertains, which is still running on Tuesday evenings after 40 years.
He regularly travels around the UK, playing concerts of popular light classical music on all types of organ being equally at home on church organs and electronics – the organ at St Mary’s is part traditional pipe and part electronic.

Manet the Artist

On Wednesday 17 February you can hear Barbara Young speaking on Manet at the Chesham Society meeting. It will be at the town hall at 7.30 for 8pm. Guests are welcome for £1 including refreshments. If you need help to get there call Bernard Meldrum on 01494 782073.

More Than Just An Airshow

Planning is under way for the 2010 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show on Sunday 2 May at Abingdon airfield, Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxon. This year's show will be the 11th event organised by the all-volunteer committee and will once again support the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. The show opens at 10am and runs until 5pm, although it is hoped that some performers will provide musical entertainment beyond this time to allow people to stay a little longer and avoid the exit queues. In this the 70th Anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, they are hoping for a full display from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight including Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster. Two of last year's highlights will be making a return - the Swift glider display and the classic de Havilland Vampire jet. Dominating the static aircraft park will be another of last year's highlights, the RAF's gigantic C-17 Globemaster III transport from Brize Norton. Overseas aircraft participation will add international flavour and pleasure flights will be available in a 1940s vintage de Havilland Dove airliner. Among the non-aviation attractions will be more than 400 MG cars (a marque synonymous with the Abingdon area) taking part in an all-points run in to the airfield, together with other historic vehicles, tractors, and at the opposite end of the spectrum a Williams F1 Grand Prix show car. Live music will be provided by Fiona Harrison performing her popular medley of 1940s numbers, and further nostalgia will be served-up by several re-enactment groups. Younger members of the family will find plenty to keep them amused with a mobile farmyard, Dr Who's Daleks, a bouncy castle and paint-balling. Arena events will include a parade of Harley Davidson motor-cycles and a sheep-dog demonstration with a difference - as well as sheep, the dogs will be working with geese. Advance tickets available to order from the web-site www.abingdonfayre.com and from selected local outlets soon. Prices in advance are adult £10, concession £6, child from five – fifteen years £5 family £27. Car parking is free and there will be plenty of catering outlets and toilet facilities. Call 01235 529142. The 2010 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show, Abingdon Airfield/ Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxon offers great day out on Sunday 2 May from 10am-5pm or later. A volunteer run event in aid of Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance, visit www.abingdonfayre.com.

Boycie & Marlene come to Chesham

People who enjoyed Only Fools and Horses and its sequel The Green, Green Grass will know Boycie and Marlene were two characters from the BBC hit sitcom. Under alias John Challis and Sue Holdernes will be coming to the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham on Friday 11 February. This show offers you the chance to meet Boycie - John Challis and Marlene - Sue Holderness, to share in some of the show’s most memorable moments and to discover some of the things that we didn’t see on our screens. The audience will also have the chance to ask questions.

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.

Licensed Drawingroom

The Drawingroom is now licensed and bringing more artists to Chesham. The next event will be a party on Saturday 6 February with specially invited guest musicians. You will need to have been invited to any of the parties/gigs so if you'd like to go, and you've not met Richard Elkington, you'll need to drop by and see him personally, call Richard on 07973 664551. Go to The Drawingroom at 5a High Street, Francis Yard HP5 1BG or call 01494 791691. Tickets cost adults £14, under 25 year olds £5 and it is free for those under 10.

Abba Night Draws Ever Closer

An Abba Night is being organised by Chesham Park Community College PTA (Parent Teacher Association). It takes place on Saturday 6 February in the main hall at the school in Chartridge Lane, commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and need to be purchased in advance through the college office. Refreshments will be available and a barbecue, so it promises to be an enjoyable evening.
(Please note the PTA Quiz Night has been rescheduled from 27 March to Saturday 8 May)

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.

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.

Tea Tango

Chesham Museum invites supporters to book for its annual St Valentine's tea dance in St Mary's Church Rooms, Church Street Chesham on Saturday 13 February. Dancing is from 2 to 5pm with tea and scrummy home-made cakes included. Tickets £6 from Orbit Press or call 01494 792549. There will also be a raffle.

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.

MSO Winter Concert

The Misbourne Symphony Orchestra's next concert is on Saturday 30 January at 7.45pm at the Amersham School, Stanley Hill. The pianist Viv McLean returns to play Chopin's piano concerto no.2. Other works are Wagner's overture, Die Meistersinger and Tchaikovsky's symphony no.4. Tickets can be obtained in advance from Perfect Pitch, Chesham or the Record Shop, Amersham and are also available at the door. There is plenty of parking at the school and wine and soft drinks will be on sale in the interval. Visit www.misbourne-orchestra.org.uk.

Final Performance of Chiltern Music-live!

Don't miss out. Saturday 16 January 2010 at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, is your last chance ever to see Chiltern Baroque Soloists Chiltern Music-live! (see Chiltern Baroque Soloists). Tickets cost £12, £10 for seniors and £5 for concessions available from Perfect Pitch, 72 The Broadway (closed Thursdays) call 01494 774826, Lucia’s Delicatessen, 8 Market Square call 01494 776757 and The Record Shop, 5 Woodside Road, Amersham call 01494 433311. Email Patrick Arbuthnot treasurer@chilternmusic-live.org.

Gardeners Group Meeting

The first meeting of the Gardeners Group for 2010 is on Thursday 21 January at 8pm at the White Hill Centre. The speaker will be Mr Mike Baker of the Alpine Society talking on the Alpines of Wyoming and Colorado. The Gardeners Group is a long established group which meets at the White Hill Centre on the third Thursday of the month. For this year the group plans talks, plant sales, visits to gardens and a long weekend. Chris Hosier said, "We are a friendly club and welcome visitors and new members”. For details call Chris on 01494 771807.

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.”

Victorian Style Christmas Carol

Don’t forget the After-Christmas Carol on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 January. But beware the Thursday 7 January performance is not going ahead due to technical reasons. Annie Hamilton-Pike said, “It really is a laugh a minute show with the most amazing gizmo's and gadgets (for the village hall anyway).” It is at the Little Missenden Village Hall at 8pm. Call 01494 786220 or 01494 890487 to book your tickets.

Shed@Thepark – Colour The World

Buckinghamshire children’s and young people’s theatre company Shed@thePark is performing its five year anniversary showcase Colour the World at the Wycombe Swan Theatre on Sunday 7 February 2010. Visit www.colourtheworld.org.uk. Rehearsals are in full swing for this gala performance of dance, drama and song. It promises to be an amazing theatrical experience for all the family, telling the story of how a small theatre company is founded and flourishes against the odds. It opens hearts and minds and makes anything possible. Shed @ThePark is a pioneering, passionate theatre company which embraces and values everyone, inspiring excellence in the arts. As an outreach project of the famous London based Chickenshed it is celebrating five years of inclusive theatre within the Buckinghamshire community. Artistic Director Lyndsey Gonzalez Romero said, “Battling through ice and snow our enthusiastic and talented young people are giving their all to rehearsals for what is going to be an exciting performance. We cannot wait to show the results.” The performance is the culmination of a six month long Community Conversation aiming to rebuild lost community connections through intergenerational and intercultural arts based initiatives involving and based on the lives of hundreds of local people. Lyndsey continued, "At Shed@ thePark everyone counts and everyone can join in. Those who are usually at risk of exclusion through health, social development or ethnic diversity are welcome. We believe that Anything is Possible. Tickets are selling fast so do join us for a colourful and unforgettable evening by the young people of Buckinghamshire." See Voice earlier piece Shed @ The Park Gala Performance at Wycombe Swan Theatre.

Chiltern Baroque Soloists

Book now for Saturday 16 January 2010 at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Chesham, the farewell performance from Chiltern Baroque Soloists Chiltern Music-live! (see previous World class musicians will play for us). Tickets cost £12, £10 for seniors and £5 for concessions available from Perfect Pitch, 72 The Broadway (closed Thursdays) call 01494 774826, Lucia’s Delicatessen, 8 Market Square call 01494 776757 and The Record Shop, 5 Woodside Road, Amersham call 01494 433311. Patrick Arbuthnot writes to patrons and supporters of Chiltern Music-live, that they could find no one to continue the role that Moira Allum had filled over a number of years in organising the concerts and the raising additional funding required to make the concerts financially viable. “Sadly, we have to accept that this will be the last event under the auspices of Chiltern Music-live. Even with the good ticket sales for this concert our reserves will be depleted to the point where we cannot finance further events”, he said, and went on to thank everyone for their support. Enquiries to Patrick Arbuthnot treasurer@chilternmusic-live.org .

Competition For Free Tickets

The Rollin Stoned band is offering two free tickets for the show on Saturday 9 January at the Elgiva theatre (see The Afterlife of Brian). The question you must answer is, "On which Rolling Stones album is ‘Brown Sugar’ featured? (a) Let It Bleed (b) Sticky Fingers or (c) Exile on Main Street". Please email your answer (a) (b) or (c) to jayn@rollinstoned.com. Entries to be received by midnight on Wednesday 6 January and the winners will be notified by email on Thursday 7 January.

Annual Christmas Fun

The Christmas day party for the elderly was great fun for everyone – helpers and guests alike. There were balloons, presents, paper hats, carol singing and Father Christmas - not to mention the delicious dinner. Dozens of people helped including Major Maureen of the Salvation Army in the kitchen, and of course chef Rikki Rutter and his family. Chesham’s mayor Cllr Justine Fulford said, “Rikki was superb.” The mayor of Amersham Cllr Martin Phillips was there too and particularly enjoyed the singing. Another helper who was active behind the bar was Major Johnny Longbottom, MBE. Johnny who is in the Royal Horse Artillery, was home unexpectedly early from Afghanistan. His wife took the delightful photos and we have used the one showing the happy atmosphere - thanks Annalee. See earlier piece.

Peter Pan - Fly to the Panto Before It Closes

Hurry to see Peter Pan, the traditional fun-filled pantomime this year at the Elgiva Theatre, St Mary's Way, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1HR. Held in association with Newpalm Productions and SSTTR Productions and sponsored by the Buckinghamshire Examiner, it runs until Sunday 3 January 2010.

An Audience with Snow White

On Wednesday 30 December at The Temperance Hall HP5 1HU, Jacqu’in the Box is running a pantomime party from 10.30am – noon. An Audience with Snow White is for children up to seven years of age. Go along and join Jacqui in full costume as Snow White for an hour and a half of singing and dancing in optional fancy dress. There will be gentle games, music, animal puppets, props and instruments, dancing and singing. It costs £7 per child, £12 for two siblings, or £17 for three siblings which includes tea, coffee or juice and biscuits. It will also be on Thursday 31 December at Amersham Free Church HP6 6AJ from 10.30am – noon. Places are limited and must be pre-booked and pre-paid by calling Jacqui on 01296 589335 mobile 07948371615, emal jacquitomlin@aol.com or visit www.jacqinthebox.com.

The big Drawingroom Party on New Year’s Evening

Start 2010 with a positive wish at the Drawing room party. Included in the price of your ticket is a metre tall Eco Sky Lantern you can write upon, sending your prayers and wishes into 2010. Conversely, you can write down all you wish to leave behind and burn that too at midnight in the chiminea. (The eco sky lantern is made of rice paper and bamboo). Tickets include supper (meat and vegetarian option) and the sky lantern, and cost £25 for adults, children (under 18, students and university students) £12, while the under fives go free. Additional lanterns cost £5. Richard said, “Bring an instrument, guitar, drums, fiddle, djembe, and your family pet dog too.” You might still get a booking, call 07973 664551 or 01494 791691 or visit www.the-drawingroom.co.uk.

Party on 31 December

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Party for adults – well everyone aged over 13. It will be at Chesham Youth Club from 7pm – 1am. Tickets cost £15 which includes food but bring your own drink. There will be a disco, raffle and a tombola. Entry is by numbered ticket only, and one lucky ticket will win a bottle of Champagne. To book call Diane on 01494 774545 or email dibrackley@hotmail.com.

The Rollin Stoned

The Afterlife of Brian Show will be on Saturday 9 January at 8pm. Tickets cost £14 full or £13 concession, call the Box Office on 01494 582900 or visit www.elgiva.com. It is a standing event ie. no seats in the auditorium. Featuring the ghost of Brian Jones, the Rollin Stoned have been described by The Stage as "The best tribute band in the UK" and have been revered by both Stones fans for their authenticity and the real Stones who booked them for the band's birthday. Get Stoned on nostalgia as the Rollin Stoned play the best of 1964-1969 including Jumping Jack Flash, Paint It Black, Not Fade Away, Brown Sugar and Satisfaction.

Gigs and Parties at The Drawingroom

The Drawingroom Christmas gig on Saturday 19 December is nearly booked out, Richard Elkington said, “If you’d like to come, call your friends right now, and book on 07973 664551 or 01494 791691”. Music will be by BIM, Jack Garratt and Treana Morris. Tickets cost just £14 or £4 for the under 25 year olds, food is £5 and bring your own booze.
While you are at the Drawingroom at 5a High Street, Francis Yard HP5 1BG, take a look at the work of new young local artists, Dominic Barber and James Addison as well as established artists such as David Wilcox and Tracy Emin.

Tudor Folk Club

The Murphies - comprising John Murphy on banjo; John-Paul Murphy on guitar; Connor O’Byrne on fiddle and Johnny the Mushroom on kazoo and vocals - will be playing at the Wild Rover in Red Lion Street next Sunday 20 December at 9pm.
At Tudor Folk Club at the White Hill Centre next Monday 21 December Johnny said, “We have our Christmas Party at 8.15pm. The price is £3 for non members and it’s free for members. There is also free food, so if anyone could bring a few nibbles that would be very nice. Everybody is welcome.” Visit www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk.

Chess Helps Museum

Those interested in the river Chess should hear Bill Templeton talk on The Chess, Portrait of a River at the town's museum. Hear about the important contribution of our river to local industries, the history of the working mills and the mill houses and the current status of the surviving buildings. The evening starts at 8pm on Thursday 17 December 2009. Tickets cost £2.50 or £2 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.

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.

Choral Music on 19 in Amersham

South Bucks Choral Society conducted by Iain Ledingham present an evening of music, followed by mulled wine and mince pies, at historic old St Mary's Church in Old Amersham on Saturday 19 December at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from choir members, by phoning 01494 722122 or at the door on the night. Earlier, from 3.30 to 4pm the church will host free concert for younger children.
More on these and other Amersham area stories in Chiltern Voice Amersham.

Have Fun While Supporting Those Flooded Out

Imagine children without Christmas presents. Trevor Pilling is trying to prevent this happening to the children of Cockermouth. He said, “We are endeavouring to raise money for the young children of Cockermouth, Cumbria who are victims of the terrible flooding in and around their town.” He is putting on an evening of ghost stories and ghostly goings on at the Little Theatre by the Park on Saturday 12 December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and all funds will go to the appeal to make a brighter Christmas for those who have lost so much in the disaster and will be spending the festive season in a rescue centre or temporary accommodation. If you cannot support the show, please give whatever you can to this appeal by sending any donations to Trevor Pilling, 5 Lycrome Road, Chesham HP5 3JY or call 01494 786902.

Singing for Sparkle

On Sunday 13 December 2009, the Damon Singers are putting on a concert at 8pm, at the White Hill Centre in aid of Sparkles, a charity dealing with the needs of pre-school children with Downe's Syndrome. The Choir and friends will be performing a variety of Christmas music, old and new; there will be readings, as well as audience participation carols for all who want to help them out. Uli Wright said, “In the interval, we will serve hot mince pies; mulled wine and soft drinks will be on sale at the bar. We are hoping for lots of audience with full wallets and a generous disposition, to give lots of money to our chosen charity”.

Fair Christmas Trees

Chesham Methodist Church is holding a Christmas tree fayre on Friday 4 December from 4 - 8pm, Saturday 5 December from 11am - 4pm, and Sunday 6 December from 2 - 5pm followed by carols at 6pm. The fayre is open for viewing and refreshments on all three days and on Saturday 5 December only, there will be other activities as well as a visit from Father Christmas, so go along to Chesham Methodist Church, in Bellingdon Road corner Wesley Hill, HP5 2HA.

Thomas Harding Christmas Cracker

Please come to the Winter Fair - the Thomas Harding Christmas Cracker. It is on Saturday 5 December, from noon – 2pm. Michele Blackmore of Thomas Harding PTA said, “There will be a raffle with £50 first prize and many other fantastic prizes. We'll also have a number of Tombolas - bottles, sweets, toiletries and Christmas hampers. There are also cakes, refreshments, a reindeer racing game, and crafts such as make a book mark, make a bauble and make a card. You can decorate a biscuit (and eat it). Guess the number of sweets in the jar, guess the weight of the cake, and guess the unicorn's favourite food to win a prize. There is a wrap a present service and children can visit Santa in his grotto. We hope to see you there.”

Shed @ The Park Gala Performance at Wycombe Swan Theatre

Buckinghamshire children’s and young people’s theatre company Shed@ thePark is performing its five year anniversary showcase Colour the World at the Wycombe Swan Theatre on Sunday 7 February 2010. This gala performance of dance, drama, and song will be a theatrical experience for all the family. Telling the story of how a small theatre company is founded and flourishes against the odds, it opens hearts and minds and makes anything possible. Shed @ ThePark is a pioneering, passionate theatre company which embraces and values everyone, inspiring excellence in the Arts. As an outreach project of the famous London based Chickenshed, they are celebrating five years of inclusive theatre within the Buckinghamshire community. Banish the winter blues, forget the recession and enjoy a colourful, unforgettable evening of inspiring theatre by young people. Visit www.shedatthepark.co.uk or buy tickets from the Wycombe Swan Theatre at www.wycombeswan.co.uk.

Legion Race Night

A charity race night is a lot of fun, the horse races are shown on screen. Punters may place as many bets on as many horses as they wish in the following race. When all bets have been placed the race night tote is closed and a race is selected at random so nobody knows which horse will be the winner. On Saturday 5 December the Chesham Veterans Club will hold a Race Night as a joint venture with the Chesham United Supporters at the Football Club in Amy Lane. The Chesham Veterans Club is the name of the fund raising group because any money raised by the British Legion must be ring-fenced for national legion purposed. Admission costs £4 which includes food and there is a bar. You can sponsor a horse or race in advance for £5, or a sponsor a race for £25. Please contact Alison Pirouet on 07952 433378 email alisonp76@aol.com. The first race will be at 8pm.

Alison Pirouet said that the Chesham Veterans Club Appeal Fund will be holding a bottle tombola at the Victorian shopping evening where you can also learn more about the group. Alison went on to thank everyone who contributed to the bucket collection at the fireworks night and helped to raise more than £100.

Meet for a Drink

The recently re-opened George & Dragon landlord Pete Gathard, has worked his socks off to get the inside looking super. We reported on Wednesday 16 September 2009. Fiona Bingham said, “While doing a town walk for the Museum, the landlord of the re-opened George & Dragon welcomed our large group to see inside, in particular the murals on the first floor. Everything looked nice in the bar, with gleaming brasswork, fresh paint and upholstery - and the beer is good too”. Running a pub is hard work - cleaning all the pipes, bottling up, cleaning everywhere, laying a fire and keeping it going. Chesham is desperate for a nice town centre pub - we need to grab it while it's there. So make a point of calling in for a drink. There is also a function room for hire. Call Pete on 07950 388039.

Donate Again

Wallington House Community Centre will hold a Winter Fayre on Thursday 3 December from 2 - 4pm. Admission free and there will be cards, cakes, bric-a-brac, fairyland parties and more. You can also enjoy tea and mince pies. It is in aid of Children in Need, to cover some of the loss after the cowardly theft of the donation collected by Elmtree School just across the road.

Salvation Seasonal Concert

The Salvation Army Christmas concert at the Elgiva last week was a sell out, Major Maureen Wiffin said it all went very well. Apart from the Salvation Army sections taking part, the Thomas Harding Junior school sang a few songs and performed beautifully. The Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford attended and part of the proceeds of the evening will go to the Mayor's chosen charity, Shed @ The Park.

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.

Quality Newsletter

Town Talk Winter edition has been printed and is being distributed around town. Anne Noakes said, “I hope you like this issue. I do try to get just the right mix of local interest articles so that there's something for everyone in it”. And there is plenty for everyone. I found the article The Factory Relay Race, by Keith Fletcher interesting and timely with its reference to the Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers and Sailors (NFD&DS&S), touching as it does on the Legion memorabilia search being undertaken by the Youth Council, see Memorable Legion.

Fish for Diggers

The Chesham Town Council Allotments Group will be holding a fish 'n' chip supper on Saturday 14 November at 7pm, at the Temperance Hall in Church Street. They will also have a quiz and raffle. These events prove to be a wonderful way of getting to know more allotment holders in Chesham and are not just limited to people who have an allotment. Family, friends and those with a link to the CTC allotments are always welcome, however booking in advance is required and there is a cost of £6 per person. Call the Secretary Kate Hobbs on 01494 778204.

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.

Harping On

International harpist Robin Ward, will be performing at St Michael & All Angels Church, Sycamore Road, Amersham, HP6 5DR, on Friday 27 November, starting at 7.30pm. The programme entitled From the Golden Age, contains a variety of music, including pieces by Trabaci, Froberger and Glinka, as well as traditional airs for the harp. Tickets cost adults £8 adults, and £3 for children under 17. Call 01494 726680. Originally from New Zealand, Robin has performed as a soloist and in ensemble throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Robin builds his own instruments, and is one of only a handful of professional triple harpists in the world. Recently he released his first solo CD, and if you would like to read a bit about him you can visit his website www.earlyharps.com, on which there is his current programme and a video of a performance. (We reported Robin performing on Wednesday 13 May at Christ Church waterside. )

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier:

Twinning Quiz
Twinning QuizQuestion: In which European countries do Amersham’s twin towns lie? If you don’t know the answer to that one and would like to find out, why not take in a bit of quiz fun whilst doing it? Amersham-Bensheim Twinning Society and Amersham-Krynica Twinning Association are holding a joint Quiz Evening on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm in the Bor-Komorowski Polish Club, Raans Road. These are always very popular as they have an emphasis on pleasure rather than being extremely knowledgeable. Tickets are £8 each and include a buffet meal, contact Kathy on 01707 659091 or Mora 0707 2281783.

Money for Friends
Fundraising to keep a library going is a 24/7 job and Chairman of Friends of Little Chalfont Library Jim Brooks recently hit on the idea of simply asking for donations. The response to that fundraising letter, which was published in Chiltern Voice, has been fantastic and has resulted in £1,975 worth of donations and £588 p.a. in standing orders. If anyone would like to see the library in action whilst doing some shopping into the bargain, this Saturday 14 November provides an ideal opportunity. The library stands right next to where the Little Chalfont Farmers Market takes place and will be open during the same hours 9am to 1pm. More on this and other Amersham area stories .

MSO at the Movies

The Misbourne Symphony Orchestra begins its 2009/10 concert season at the movies on Saturday 14 November at 7.45pm at the Amersham School, Stanley Hill, Amersham. The programme begins with the Twentieth Century Fox Fanfare followed by a selection of film music by John Williams from Star Wars, ET and Indiana Jones. The second half features leader and Amersham violinist Alan Morris playing Beethoven's Romance in F. To finish there is the Wasps Overture by Vaughan Williams. Tickets are available on the door, from Perfect Pitch, Chesham and from the Record Shop, Amersham. Visit www.misbourne-orchestra.org.uk.

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.”

Author at the Elgiva - Roy Hudd

The Chesham Bookshop completes its season of Meet The Author with Roy Hudd who will appear at the Elgiva on Thursday 17 November at 7.30pm. Roy Hudd comes to talk about his life as featured in his first ever autobiography. With enthusiasm and wit this comedy star will be reminiscing about working alongside entertainers including Cliff Richard, Morecombe and Wise, Larry Grayson, Tommy Cooper and David Frost. Roy’s varied career includes theatre roles in plays by Shakespeare and Pinter plus 30 pantomime appearances and his own television series. Tickets cost £12 or £10 for concessions, call the Box Office on 01494 582900, email boxoffice@elgiva.com or book at the Elgiva online (a service charge of £2.50 per transaction applies).

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier: Friends of Belarusian Children’s Hospice

Local Polish folk-singing group Amershamki serenaded customers at Amersham’s Cafe Africa last Saturday, as part of a fund-raising programme for young victims of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Although it is 23 years since the accident happened, many young victims who were irradiated but managed to grow into adulthood, have passed on serious health problems to their offspring. Some children are severely disabled while others are terminally ill and the country which seems to have inherited the worst of the problem, Belarus, has welcomed much-needed voluntary international help to cope with it. The British-based Friends of Belarusian Children’s Hospice have been involved in raising funds and helping in other ways since 1999. There are now eight establishments run by Belorus Children’s Hospice throughout the country providing palliative care for the children and support for their families. Cafe Africa in Chesham Road, is a not for profit establishment which specialises in serving either local, ethically sourced or fairtrade products and supports all local charities. November has been dedicated to Friends of Belarusian Children’s Hospice which will be the recipient of this month’s profits. There is more Amersham news on this blog's sister site Chiltern Voice - Amersham area http://chilternvoiceamersham.blogspot.com/

World class musicians will play for us

Chiltern Baroque Soloists will perform on Saturday 16 January 2010 at St Mary’s Church, Chesham. They present music of the Baroque virtuosi - a stunning programme spanning two centuries from Monteverdi to Bach and Handel. Hear Joanne Lunn – soprano, Peter Hanson – violin, Rachel Beckett - flute and recorder, Kinga Gaborjani - cello and viola da gamba and David Miller on chitarrone, archlute and guitar. Put the date in your diary, the box office will open immediately after Christmas. To receive full details as soon as they are available email treasurer@chilternmusic-live.org or write to Patrick Arbuthnot, 1 Ivy Cottages, 45 Plantation Road, Amersham HP6 6HL call 01494 727721. We haven’t heard enough from the Baroque Soloists so do not miss this concert.

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.

Meet Bob Cratchit

Chesham Theatre Company is taking bookings for its production of A Christmas Carol at The Elgiva from Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 November. This new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ best-loved Christmas story, created in 2003 for the Derby Playhouse, is faithful to the author, with much of the dialogue taken directly from the novel. Peter Shaw is Scrooge whose journey from miserliness to generosity is suitable for all ages, and is accompanied throughout by carols sung by members of the Chrysalis Community Choir. You can see Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and family, together with the rest of the Dickensian favourites, each evening at 7.30pm and on Saturday also at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and £10 (children and concessions) from The Elgiva Box Office call 01494 582900 or visit http://www.elgiva.com/.

Fireworks for Chesham Display Thursday 5 November

The annual Fireworks Display at Chesham United will be held on Guy Fawkes Night itself this year, Thursday 5 November. Gates open from 6pm, the bar will be open for drinks on the night with access from inside the ground only. There will also be food and drinks available inside the ground. Prices are £5 adults, £3 children. It is a great family evening with plenty of parking.

Amersham Fireworks provided by the Lions

Amersham's annual Fireworks Display is being held at Amersham-on-the-Hill Cricket Club, Woodside Road, Amersham, on Saturday 7 November 2009. Gates open half an hour earlier this year at 6.15pm and the fireworks start at 7pm. Attendance costs for adults £5, children £1 and there will be a barbeque and hot drinks available. Lion Dennis Wright said when it comes to fireworks, “Think safety first”. The Amersham & Chesham Lions Club (Registered Charity No. 1048417) serves: Talking Newspaper, South Bucks Hospice, Riding for the Disabled, Medic Alert, Water Wells, Sight First, Diabetes Awareness and the Christmas Parcels Scheme.

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier

Kate Adie the renowned TV journalist and reporter will be talking about her life and work covering some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots, in Amersham next month. Her coverage of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege for TV first brought her to prominence and since then she has gone on to cover conflicts in such places as the Gulf, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Rwanda, Tiananmen Square and Sierra Leone. In doing so she paved the way for female reporters to become involved in the most dangerous form of news coverage. However, the talk will not just be about danger and adventure in war zones, but her charity work helping young people who are still suffering from the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The talk takes place on Thursday 12 November at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church, Sycamore Road and is aid of the Belorussian Children’s Hospice. Tickets cost £15 from Waterstones in Sycamore Road. More on this and other Amersham area stories in http://chilternvoiceamersham.blogspot.com/.

Museum film night

There is still time to book a seat at an evening of documentary films on Friday 23 October at 7.30pm. Hosted by Alan Wilmott, it is on at the Little Theatre by the Park (Temperance Hall) Church Street, in aid of the Chesham Museum. Another Nostalgic Film Evening will transport you back in time with such gems as: Listen to Britain a classic Humphrey Jennings moral-boosting film made in 1942, Warm Welcome the arrival of the SS United States at Southampton after its maiden voyage in 1952 and topically Men of Letters the story of the pioneers of the Royal Mail - made in 1985 which will make interesting viewing in the light of current events. Tickets are £6 (including refreshments) call Sue Gordon on 01494 772096 or leave a message on the museum answer-phone 01494 792549 or drop in during museum opening hours –Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am - 3pm and Sundays 2 - 4pm. There may be some tickets available at the door on the night if you are lucky.

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.

Olympic site logistics made logical

Ray Payne is going to give members of the Chesham Society an update on the 2012 Olympic site preparation. It will be at the Town Hall on Wednesday 21 October 2009 at the normal time of 7.30pm with the talk starting at 8pm. Guests are welcome for £1 including refreshments, members 50p. If you need help to get there call Bernard Meldrum on 01494 782073. David Carter the Chesham Society treasurer, said, “Ray is a good speaker and really knows his subject, we are looking forward to a very interesting evening”. Did you see the times magazine article way back on Saturday 25 July, 2009 The Olympic dream builders by Robert Crampton? Ray got a large write up as the Logistics Chief, amongst the other site organizers.

Poppy dance with buffet

On Saturday 24 October there will be a Poppy Dance at Chesham Football Club and all money raised goes to the Chesham Legion poppy appeal. It starts at 7.30pm with a disco buffet included in the ticket price, cash bingo and Barry's games will also be on offer through the night as an extra. The bar is open till late. Entry costs £5 each or £15 for a family. It is a ticket only event for catering purposes, so you need to buy tickets from Hellen Church call 01494 778806, mobile 07743 970220 email hellen.loakes@ntlworld.com. This year it will not be themed because of time constraints, but fancy dress is optional with (as always) prizes for the best. Poppy raffle tickets will be on sale for 50p and the raffle will be drawn later in the evening with a first prize of £150, second prize £50 and many other prizes. Everyone is welcome - members and non members. A great night out for the whole family.

Education - the door to a better future

The Chesham Asian Welfare Society presents an Eid Milan Event 2009 at Chesham Park Community College. It is on Sunday 18 October at 2.30 to be seated for a 3pm start. It lasts until 7pm and aims to promote education - the door to a better future. Masud Ahmed of the Asian Welfare Society said it will be a fun filled event to share with family and friends. There will be speakers on education and community awards. Lots of activities include songs and street dance/ hip hop group, plus South Asian song and dance. Tantalizing free food, children’s entertainment, fancy dress for five to 13 year olds, and face painting. Please book your tickets in advance they only cost £2 per head, available from Masud call 07876 502324, or Rizwan Ul Hassan call 07501 291058. Free admission to under five year olds.

Singing for Chesham Museum – more info

The Damon Singers and Germains Male Voice Choir jointly present a concert entitled Pastime and Good Company for the Chesham Museum on Saturday 17 October at 8pm at St Mary's Church. This is the third time the Damon Singers have sung for the museum but the first time they have presented a programme together with Germains Male Voice Choir. As you would expect of two choirs, the programme is varied. It includes well-known songs from Les Miserables, compositions by Monteverdi, Mendelssohn, Holst, Vaughn Williams, Elgar, Byrd and Rutter to name a few. Uli Wright said, “We are also pleased to have found two talented young local soloists in Sophie Jewsbury and Simon Pearce to play instrumental interludes.” Vice-chairman Chris Spruytenburg said, “We hope many of you can attend and help give the museum a real boost on the day of its reopening." He urged other groups to organise their own events to support the museum and help it get properly established. "The museum wants to get involved with the community and we need organisations to get involved with us by visiting to use the facilities and raising money themselves," he said. Tickets cost £10 or £8 concessions, and can be obtained from Perfect Pitch, Chesham, Chesham Museum at 15 Market Square or at the door on the night.

Chesham and District, Apple Day support

Apple Day is an annual celebration of apples, orchards and local distinctiveness. Initiated by Common Ground in 1990 it has since been celebrated each year by people organising hundreds of local events. Click for events around the country.Orchards are still being grubbed up because the world price of fruit (and concentrate) forces the farmer out of business or because the land is worth so much for development. When we lose an orchard we not only lose the trees but the particular local varieties, together with the wisdom gathered over the generations about pruning and grafting, soil and season, variety and use. We also lose the intricacy of nature, the songs, the recipes, the cider, the juices, the festive gatherings, the hard but social work, the look of the landscape, the heritage of a working place. We sever our links with the land. On Wednesday 21 October several pubs in and around Chesham will be promoting cider and apples – especially the Bramley because 2009 is the bicentenary of the Bramley apple. In Chesham there will be free apple desserts from The Misty Moon (apple pie with every pint of real cider), The Queens Head, The Waggon & Horses and The Wild Rover (after 2pm). Out-of- town The Black Horse, in Chesham Vale, The Crown and The Swan at Ley Hill plus The Rose & Crown at Hawridge will feature ‘apples as ingredients’ on their menus. In Chesham there will be baskets of eating apples on the bar at The Cock Tavern, The Jolly Sportsman, The Nash Arms and The Queens Head.

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.

Gym membership or not

Chesham Moor Gym & Swim featured on television last Monday 28 September as the background film to a piece scrutinizing gym memberships. You can see it again on The One Show until Monday 5 October (after about 8 minutes). The unique selling point of The Moor gym is that you don’t have to sign a contract – just show up. Call Danny Essex or Jackie Wylie on 01494 776975 or visit http://www.cheshammoorfitness.org.uk/ .

Chesham Musical Theatre Company presents ‘Red, Hot & Cole’

Red, Hot & Cole will be on at the Elgiva Theatre from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October, nightly at 7.45pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Expect a scintillating mixture of biography and song, celebrating the meteoric rise of one of the most prolific lyricists of his day the American songwriter Cole Porter. Each song is a hit in its own right and includes Every time we say goodbye, I love Paris, Begin the Beguine, Miss Otis Regrets and Anything Goes. Tickets cost £12 - £14 call CMTC Box Office on 01494 792754 or book online at http://www.elgiva.com/.