Artistic minds

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

George Alagiah supports Fairtrade here

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

Enrol now and start gathering sponsorship

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

Dadtastic

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

Sponsored Ride

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

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

Community actors entertained

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

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

Phase 1 launch of Plastic Bag Free Chesham

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

Tuesday 23 September from 11am – 7pm

If you run a business, or you are thinking of taking the plunge and starting one, here is a date to remember. Chesham Chamber of Trade & Commerce Business4Business Exhibition Chesham 2008 will take place on Tuesday 23 September 2008 at the Elgiva Theatre. Due to popular request the format will be similar to that of two years ago, B4B Exhibition and Networking Day has become the region’s top networking event to showcase established businesses and give new entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet and develop new contacts. The best people in the Chilterns are set to pack the Elgiva theatre for the tenth year of the Business4Business event. Stand costs are between £100 - £375, call the organizer Dawn Honeyball of BPC Magazines on 01494 771144 or email dhoneyball@bpcmagazines.com. Admission is free and visitors to B4B can save time by registering in advance at www.cheshamchamber.com/b4b or simply register on the day. First run in 1999 and supported by Chesham Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Business4Business is a key event in the Chilterns business calendar. It has become the largest event of its kind in the area, showing off the products and services offered by businesses in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It will be opened by MP Cheryl Gillan.

Exercise for the not so young

Last week we mentioned lots of exercise opportunities for young people. There are exercises for adults too. Try the popular Ladies Netball sessions at Waterside School, Chesham, every Thursday night at 7pm. It costs just £1 to play for people of all abilities and doesn’t matter if they haven’t played since school. Some 20 people are already coming each week and there is no need to book. The sessions are coordinated by Tom Davies, Community Activator (ages 16+), Community Team, Chiltern District Council and Nexus Community, call 07826 936811 or email TDavies@chiltern.gov.uk (and for future adult activities).

Happy Pakistan Independence Day

Pakistan’s Independence Day ((Urdu یومِ آذادی) also known as Yaum-e-Azadi was celebrated in style last Sunday 10 August by a packed programme of Cultural Awareness Events for invited guests at the Elgiva theatre. It was the first event held by the Chesham Asian Welfare Society, chaired by Masud Ahmed, the new group formed to let the ordinary people in ethnic communities know about activities in Chesham. It celebrated the History of Asians in Chesham with a presentation by Parveiz Aslam, and was so crowded by happy adults and children from many ethnic backgrounds, all enjoying themselves, that I feel sure it will be the start of many similar events. Thankyou to all who worked to make the day a success.

Waterside community drama

Christ Church will be putting on a version of the Mystery Play based on the story of Noah's ark. Rebecca Harris said, “We have been approached by professional theatre director Jack Milner, who directed the Mystery Plays in Lichfield Cathedral with a cast of 1000. “We shall be putting this on in conjunction with Heritage Weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, at the church.” They are recruiting the cast and are hoping it will be a real Waterside community event. There is have funding from the council to cover all the major costs, and are looking for local people to take part: namely children over eight, young people and adults. There will be an opportunity to meet Jack at the church hall on Thursday 17 July to find out more about the show and where he will be conducting simple auditions for the major parts. If you are interested email Rebecca on harrisrs@tiscali.co.uk for an application form. A full schedule of rehearsals is planned, it is a fantastic opportunity to get the Waterside community together, and it will be fun for everyone.

Post office viability

If you missed the public meeting about the proposed closure of yet more post offices, namely - Botley Road and Waterside, don't be afraid to make your own comments or protest.
Jane Lewis drew my attention to the planned closure of the Waterside Post office and you can sign a petition there. People can email their views to consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Dance yourself fit

A ladies keep fit dance class is starting in Pond Park for everyone at all levels of fitness. It costs just £2 to take part every Monday night at 7.30pm at Hivings Church hall starting on Monday 30 June. Bring trainers, comfortable clothes (no jeans) and a drink. For more info contact Tom Davies on 07826 936811, 01494 586534, or email TDavies@chiltern.gov.uk.

Nominations due before the Chilterns Show

The 5th Annual Chilterns Show is on Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July at Town End Farm, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 9AX. There will be all the usual attractions including clay pigeon shooting, pole lathe turners, chainsaw carving demonstrations as well as fly casting, novice casting and a rod clinic. I hope the owls are back on display again with their mesmerising eyes. Opening times are 9.30am to 6pm with the last admission at 5pm. Dogs are allowed if kept on a lead at all times. Admission prices on the day adults £8, seniors £7.50, children (5 - 15 years) £3.
If you know of a local hero, nominate them for the Outstanding Achievement Awards 2008. All nominations must be received by Friday 11 July, and the winners will be rewarded on the main stage of the show at 3pm on Sunday 20 July. You can nominate a volunteer (or group) who has carried out work for their community in the town or countryside, or someone who has demonstrated bravery or been a good neighbour or devoted himself or herself to caring for others. See the website or send your written nomination, with full name and contact details along with the contact details of your nominee to - Chiltern Outstanding Achievement Awards, The Chilterns Show, Park Lodge Farm, Harvil Road, Harefield, Uxbridge, Middx. 01295 820202, or 079 5224 33378 (updated from PO Box 1161, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP15 6WS). Tell them the main reason why the nominee deserves the award, giving as much detail as possible about their achievement and what makes them stand out against others. The service or acts need to have brought distinction and quality to Chilterns Life.

Bucks open studios

Organised by the Visual Images Group, Bucks Open Studios allows some 500 artists who live and work in Buckinghamshire to exhibit and sell their art. Categories include - painting, photography, digital art, glass and ceramics, sculpture and metal work, and it runs from Saturday 14 June - Sunday 29 June, look out for the yellow signs because the website has not been updated. Entry is free. Call Visual Images Group Co-ordinator, Trisha Woodcock on 01296 614283 or email vi-group@btconnect.com.

Happening down on the Moor on Saturday 3 May

It is my last main mayoral initiative, a Family Fun Day at Chesham Moor Gym & Swim from 10.30am – 4pm on on Saturday 3 May. There will be lots to do and the pool is not cold - it is heated to 85 degrees fahrenheit. The events were posted up last week 23 April . The main attraction will be will be a magic show with Mr Panda & Rainbow Bigbottom at 11.30am. I went to see a rehearsal and the kids will love them. Find our more from
www.mrpanda.co.uk and www.rainbowbigbottom.co.uk.
I think it will be a nice family day for the whole Chesham community; certainly a lot of people have put in a lot of effort to make it fun, and for that I thank them. You are all invited to come – especially if it is raining.

Hope in Latimer valley

Latimer sort-of qualifies as being in my Chesham patch so I can tell you about a local charity, spearheaded by two families and now expanding to include a small staff team. Gary and Catherine Grant started the Entertainer toy shops in 1981 and have long been involved with youth and family work. Together with friends Sue and Dave Trevor, they set up the charity Restore Hope Latimer, based at Latimer Park Farm, www.restorehopelatimer.com. Restore Hope Latimer provides a base for family and community work, as both hosts and in partnership with other organizations. Catherine comes from a nursing and health visiting background, and along with a team of volunteers set up a toy library at Restore Hope Latimer. The Toy Library runs regular sessions each week for a large number of families who join as members. It provides a wonderful play space for children with their mums, dads and grandparents to meet and borrow toys in much the same way as a traditional library does. It also offers other family orientated opportunities such as parenting courses, cookery schools and social evenings.
Restore Hope Latimer aims to assist families, children and young people to improve life skills and provide opportunities for personal growth and development. The facilities offer enjoyable experiences that are different from the everyday life of many families and young people, in a safe environment where they can learn and develop. I was able to see this in action when the Buckinghamshire Children’s Fund Programme held an exciting award ceremony and activity day to celebrate the achievements of the young people involved in these projects. Restore Hope Latimer hosted more than 175 young people and helpers, many from the inner areas of High Wycombe and other Buckinghamshire towns. It is a shame that government funding for the Buckinghamshire Children’s Fund Programme, working together with Youth Focus and Thames Valley Police, is being withdrawn after three successful years.

Marquee or tents

Would you or your firm be willing to sponsor or lend the mayor a marquee for a multi-cultural event planned for the opening of the outdoor heated pool on Saturday 3 May? We’ve got exciting plans for a fun and feasting family day, not just swimming but other activities too and we need shelter for …(you know the reason). Maybe you could let us use it and then have your own event, eg display of cars, the next day? Please contact me if you have any ideas. Email merrinnews@gmail.com.

Minding Chiltern’s buildings

The next meeting of the Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society is on Friday 15 February at 8pm at the White Hill Centre. Barbara Wallis will give a talk on the work of the Chiltern Society's Historic Works & Buildings Group. The HWBG responds to planning applications for alterations or repairs to listed buildings and other constructions, and keeps a watching brief on any that are neglected and under threat. Conversions or alterations to traditional farm buildings are particularly scrutinized to preserve the components that are important to the character and appearance of the Chilterns region. All are welcome and the cost of the talk to visitors is £2.

Youth dance leaders, getting boys involved

A free training workshop for youth dance leaders within the Urban Beatz project will be held at the Oak Room, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe on Thursday 21 February from 11am to 4pm. The workshop will continue to focus on how best to engage hard to reach young people, those in informal settings such as community and youth clubs, as well as those on the margins of mainstream education and in particular how to engage and retain boys. Sessions will be led by dancers and Jim Brown of Swindon Dance will talk about his experience at leading boys’ classes. Maria Ryan and Judy Munday will give an overview of local opportunities and contacts. This is an opportunity to continue your dance development and to keep in the local networking loop. Reasonable expenses are offered as well, but spaces are limited, call Judy Munday on 01844 202001 or email judy@thamesvalleypartnership.org.uk.
Urban Beatz are also offering 10 free places to see Tavaziva Dance at Wycombe Swan theatre www.wycombeswan.co.uk on Saturday 1 March, firstly priority to mentors and then first come first served. Tea and coffee will be provided but bring your own lunch. Call Judy Munday, Project Co-ordinator on 01844 202001, email judy@thamesvalleypartnership.org.uk.

Uplifting service

The town service of lessons and carols held at St Mary’s before Christmas was packed and well supported by visiting dignitaries and town councillors. As mayor I was able to choose the readers and aimed for people who give their time to our community and contribute to the wellbeing or development of our citizens. The music group conducted by Greg Mitchell, had been practising for ages and performed or led the congregation in a varied programme which sounded delightful. We loved the solo by opera singer Jo Bonner. My picture is of the lesson readers taken at the rehearsal beforehand - thankyou.

Pond Park’s own carol service

The first Pond Park carol service which was held at Little Spring School on Thursday 20 December in the evening, proved a success. More than 100 people attended. It was sponsored by Little Spring School, Pond Park Community Association, Emmanuel Church of England, Pond Park Over-30s People’s Group and Hivings Free Church. I ran into Alan and Myrtle Rodgers at Ken's fruiterers, and they said they were delighted with the attendance and hope it becomes an annual event.

Christmas party progress

As mayor, I am thrilled that the efforts of the Salvation Army and the Christmas party working group are coming together so well. Janet Keene the administrator, has received acceptances from about half of guests although she is hoping the others will confirm soon so that numbers can be finalised. Similarly the helpers’ and drivers’ response has been encouraging. Please let her know if you would like to help on the day, in what capacity and if you have any time constraints. Janet said, “We have had such generous donations and promises. Inner Wheel will set and decorate the tables, Ley Hill Flower Club will give table decorations, Sweet Memories will be giving sweets to go with the gifts. Waterside Sandwich Bar will be giving mince pies, Sainsburys has donated a £10 voucher and Waitrose is giving a Christmas cake”. And don’t forget the turkey from Gerry the Butcher.
Do call Janet on 01494 783457 or on the mobile 07982 617757 specially dedicated to the party, or email janet.keene3@btinternet.com.
The Christmas day lunch party will take place in the town hall and has been held for the elderly of Chesham and district since the 1930s or 1940s when Albert Coughtry of the Salvation Army organized what in those days, was a tea party.

Directors’ deadline Friday 14 December

Chesham Theatre Company courtesy of IBB Solicitors and other friends, will again present open-air theatre in the magnificent grounds of The Bury, Church Street next summer. Two plays will be performed on alternate nights. CTC want to hear from anyone who would like to direct their chosen play and are keen that one play is suitable for a family audience and for children to take part. Provisional dates are Monday 30 June 2008; Tuesday 1 July; Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July, with performances of both plays on the two Saturdays, 28 June and 5 July. The Sunday 29 June and Wednesday 2 July are reserved for choral and instrumental works. All performances will be presented in the form of picnic theatre, as they were last summer, with the audience dining al fresco beforehand during the week and between the Saturday performances.
Steve Cherry is also asking for groups/ companies or individuals who would like to be involved as part of a large team, front or back stage, in what promises again to be an exciting event, whether or not you have stage skills. It will be hard work, but satisfying and fun.
Prospective directors need to submit their ideas by Friday 14 December and the selection of plays will then be made by an appointed representative panel. You can call Steve on 01494 774575, or Helen 01494 793877, or email steve.cherry@btinternet.com or helen.salisbury@tiscali.co.uk to submit plays or for more information.

Green fair went well

Growing public interest in green issues meant some 400 people attended the Green Fair at the town hall. People are keen to do their bit against climate change but few had heard about the grant scheme offering householders up to £2,500 for solar, wind and other renewable energy installations. Local events such as the Green Fair help to inform potential customers. Local and national environmental groups exhibited, included the RSPB, Ramblers Association, Sustrans and the Chiltern Society. The Fairtrade and honey stands both did a roaring trade. Cllr Peter Jones who organised the event said, "It was our best fair to date, reflecting public interest in green issues. We know from our door to door work that people already take issues such as recycling and saving energy seriously, but want to do more. I'm delighted with the positive feedback from the many stall holders and look forward to bringing the Green Fair back to Chesham in future years."

Outdoor theatre will be repeated

Steve Cherry and Helen Salisbury of Chesham Theatre Company have been speaking to IBB Solicitors at The Bury about holding another outdoor summer theatre picnic festival again next year. It is going to happen. The structure will be broader, still with two plays like last year’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Alice in Wonderland, but with more music. The choirs who performed on the Sunday are keen to do so again next year and Helen and Steve would like to get schools and young people more involved. The second outdoor summer theatre picnic festival will be held at the same time of year ie. Saturday 28 June – Saturday 5 July 2008.

750 charter celebrated

The medieval fair held in Lowndes Parkon Sunday 2 September was a huge success.
The Lion Rampant put on a colourful presentation of knights, lords and fair maidens, with combat demonstrations by the School of Traditional Medieval Fencing. Historical Promotions' craftspeople and entertainers demonstrated trades, professions and leisure pursuits of medieval Chesham. Some spellbinding, some gruesome (eg the ratcatcher) all fascinating.
The museum tells us what Chesham was like in those days 750 years ago. Visit http://www.cheshammuseum.org.uk/.

Fire Station opened up

Chesham Fire Station in Bellingdon Road, HP5 2NN opposite the Gamekeepers Arms, was popular during the bank holiday weekend open day. It is worrying how quickly a chip pan fire can engulf a kitchen and everyone in it if you react the wrong way and throw water on it. The Chesham crew demonstrated extrication of a road traffic accident casualty. People saw the latest Urban Search & Rescue vehicle from Beaconsfield, an aerial appliance from High Wycombe and a Community Safety presentation. Various stalls and refreshments kept everyone going.
The station opened in November 1994 and houses a rescue pump crewed by an establishment of seven Retained Duty System (RDS) staff have normal day jobs, and respond to emergencies when called. It is also home to Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's breathing apparatus maintenance engineer. The station has close links with the other emergency services, particularly South Central Ambulance Service.To find out about becoming a part-time firefighter at Chesham Fire Station visit http://www.bucksfire.gov.uk/BucksFire/News/Couldyoubeapart-timefirefighter.htm. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service say, “People could be missing out on rewarding opportunities to serve the community as part-time firefighters because they simply don't realise how flexible the hours can be”.

Three Men in Scarlet brighten up Chesham

Standards from Buckinghamshire were paraded in Lowndes Park recently to commemorate the anniversary of the Falklands War and celebrate Veterans Day with a short service. Three Chelsea Pensioners joined in and afterwards Bob Parrin, Royal British Legion Branch Chairman, took them down the town. People were stopping them to talk, and children were attracted and drawn to them.
Brian Shrieve, chairman of the Royal British Legion Club said, “Thanks to the people of Chesham for their interest and attendance. Thanks also to the Boy's Brigade and Caffe Nero for hospitality to the Chelsea Pensioners.” To learn more about the Chelsea Pensioners visit http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/index.asp

Community Village

Community organisations can join in the Chilterns Show which is to be held off the A413 near Great Missenden roundabout on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, see http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/06/chilterns-show.html. Your group can have one metre of space to display your own boards letting people know what your organisation is about for free, or spend £40 for the community avenue outside the main marquee to take a 3m by 3m standard gazebo. Participating will enable your group to fund raise, and become known to a wider audience. If you have a dance group, sing, or have a special skill the community arena is the perfect venue. For full details see Alison Pirouet, 76 Deansway, Chesham HP5 2PF, call 079 524 33378 or email alisonP76@aol.com.

Farmer's market each month

The farmer’s market is on the last Wednesday of the month. Call the Town Hall between 10am and 4pm on 01494 774842, email admin@chesham.gov.uk , website www.chesham.gov.uk .