CDNHS

The next outing for members of the Chesham and District Natural History Society will be on Sunday 14 March to Tring Park, led by Sue Brawn. Meet either at 2pm at The Moor Car Park, where car-sharing will be organised, or at 2.25pm at the Playing Field car park near The Greyhound Inn at Wigginton, Grid ref: SP938 099. The walk will be for about three miles and take a maximum of two and a half hours. Andrea Polden said, “It might be muddy, so bring appropriate footwear”.

What Impact Would 650 New Dwellings Have On Chesham?

Chesham Town Council is holding a public meeting to discuss the 650 new dwellings proposed here by 2026. It will be at the Town Hall on Monday 15 March at 7pm. Chesham residents are encouraged to find out how housing plans (known as the Core Strategy) will affect them and to have their say.
Kathryn Graves, Policy & Projects Officer explained, “The Core Strategy is part of the Local Development Framework (LDF), which is a new way of planning being introduced by central government. The LDF for this area is being developed by Chiltern District Council, as the planning authority. The Core Strategy sets out the district council’s overall vision for the development of Chiltern. It also identifies which areas it thinks are the best locations for new homes and other development until 2026. The South East regional plan has determined that the district council must plan for and provide 145 new dwellings per year, together with the infrastructure to support it. The Core Strategy concentrates these homes in Chesham, Chalfont St. Peter, Amersham and Little Chalfont rather than spreading the new houses more widely across the district.
Two major sites for development have been identified in Chesham; the old Hospital site in Waterside and the Amersham & Wycombe College campus on Lycrome Road. However nearly 100 other sites in Chesham have been earmarked for potential development, many of which are in the Green Belt and AONB.”
The meeting will consider what effects the new houses may have on the town, including road congestion, air pollution, water supply and sewerage, affordable housing and community facilities. Afterwards these views will be passed on to the district council.
The full Core Strategy document can be viewed at www.chiltern.gov.uk/ldf.
For more information, call the Town Council on 01494 774842 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm), email admin@chesham.gov.uk or drop in to the Town Hall.

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.

Victory Photo Call

A group of people who were involved in the campaign to restore our post office into the heart of Chesham gathered outside the Post Office on Wednesday 3 March. Charlotte Norris said it comprised, “People who organized meetings, signed and delivered petitions and processes and in other ways were involved in getting our Post Office up and running again”. Everyone celebrated the achievement and were photographed by the Bucks Examiner.

Calling All Cake Lovers

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

Browse and Buy at Christ Church Hall

On Saturday 13 March at Christ Church Hall, Waterside from 11am to 1pm there will be a bric-a-brac sale with refreshments. Proceeds are in aid of Christ Church funds.

Get involved with what’s on

Chiltern Voice is your community website for what’s on in Chesham. Please let us know of events and happenings, by emailing merrinnews@gmail.com and include your own details (let me know if some details are not for publication).

Schools of Chesham Carnival 2010 – Get Involved Now

Mohammed Jhangir – Jay, of Newtown Garage who won last year’s Mayoral Award for Business, is promoting the website www.cheshamcarnival.org for the Schools of Chesham carnival 2010. It will be on Saturday 12 June this year. Entrance to the grand procession in all classes is free, namely: Class 1 – Schools of Chesham Carnival; Class 2 – Visiting Schools & Playgroups; Class 3 – Youth Associations (Non-Commercial); Class 4 – Adult Associations (Non-Commercial); Class 5 - Commercial & Trade Vehicles; Class 6 – Unclassified; Class 7 – Non Judged; Class 8 – Music; Class 9 – Theatre Groups; Class 10 – Public Houses; Class 11 – Walkers and Class 12 – Street. Please return your completed entry form by Friday 1 May 2010 to Martin Woolnough, 7 Woodcote Lawns, Chesham HP5 2LY. The website has a wide archive of pictures and history of previous carnivals, and you can download an entry form for. I encourage all readers to visit the website www.cheshamcarnival.org, support them and make constructive comments by emailing info@cheshamcarnival.org.

Car Policing

The increased police activity around Chesham last week was due to car crime. Thames Valley Police force was assisting the Metropolitan Police Service in Chesham with a number of search warrants relating to an investigation into car crime offences in the London and Chesham areas. The Chesham neighbourhood team patrolled the areas such as Deansway, throughout the day to update residents and community leaders in order to provide reassurance and discuss any concerns. Read more.

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.

Success At The Chesham Arts Festival

Chesham's Annual Arts Festival celebrated its 34th year during half- term, and classes for music, speech and dance attracted nearly 1,000 entries, mostly from younger people. Classes adjudicated by professionals, culminated in the final concert at the Elgiva on Sunday 21 February. The highest scoring competitors performed to a full house and 70 trophies were awarded. Pictured are Faye Zhao (player of piano and violin) winner of the Most Promising Junior trophy and James Duff (viola player) winner of the Most Promising Senior trophy with the Mayor of Chesham Cllr Justine Fulford, the President of the Male Voice Choir, Sheila Cornall and members of Chess Valley Male Voice Choir who acted as stewards.

Twinlink Reported

Members of Chesham Town Twinning are looking forward to a special year this year, the 30th anniversary of the twinning of Chesham and Friedrichsdorf, which was their first venture into linking with a town in Europe. The major celebration will take place in September, during the cultural weekend, which will be held in Chesham. That this will be just one of many activities during 2010. There will be a visit by 14 members to Archena in April, a full complement of visitors to Houilles for the international weekend in May and a disco and buffet in June. In addition the 31 Club will be staging events for members throughout the year, including boules, a barbecue, a talk, a walk and a ghost walk for Halloween. Another international activity will be the annual European Concert, to be held in May in Friedrichsdorf. Though some Chesham members have attended this most years, either in France or Germany, they have not of late been able to find a participant. “It would be great if this were to change this time,” said chairman Peter Fletcher. At the AGM membership secretary Marianne Lambert reported, “This year has seen a lovely increase in numbers thanks to the enterprise of our chairman with his Welcome to Twinning evenings. He is planning another so if you know of anyone who would like to learn more of twinning and maybe join please get them to come along.” The Twinners are always pleased if you bring visitors to any of our events, so please encourage friends, neighbours and colleagues. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to interest people and increase the numbers. “You only get out of twinning what you are willing to put in,” continued Marianne. Call Peter Fletcher on 01494 758312.

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.

Book and Media Sale

Chesham Methodist Church, on Bellingdon Road, will be holding its annual book and media sale on Friday 12 March from 7 to 9pm and on Saturday 13 March from 9.30am to 1pm. There will be hundreds of second-hand hardbacks and paperbacks for adults and children, sorted by subject and at competitive prices, as well as CDs, DVDs, records, cassettes, videos, jigsaw puzzles and toys. Entrance is free, and there will be refreshments, with light lunches on the Saturday. Offers of books are welcome and they may be brought to the church from Monday 8 March or call 01494 783217.

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.

March Kickboxing Competition

Chesham Kickboxing & Martial Arts Academy (CKMA) presents its annual semi contact kickboxing competition on Sunday 7 March at Chesham Leisure Centre. It is open to junior and adult fighters from many different styles of martial arts clubs across the country. Commencing at 9.30am the show will feature a full day of pre-matched fights for novices and the more experienced. There will be two boxing rings, spectator tickets can be purchased on the day, and food and refreshments will be available at the venue. Day show adult entry is £10, under 16’s cost £5 and under 5’s free. After the semi-contact day show there will be a full-contact night show taking place at the same venue, organised by Brittania Kickboxing. Current CKMA classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Brushwood Junior School in Chesham. Please visit www.cheshamkickboxing.co.uk for details.

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.

New Chaplain for Chesham Stags

Chesham Stags Rugby Club has appointed their first ever chaplain. Matt Coles, who came to Chesham as curate at St Mary’s Church last summer, and is a member of the Stags was recently appointed chaplain to the club. Matt said, “Despite my limited experience here, it’s clear Chesham has great people and a wonderful rugby club. While I am not brilliant at it, rugby is a great passion of mine and I have enjoyed playing for a wide range of teams from Olney to Pennsylvania, to Selwyn College Cambridge where I trained to be a vicar. I came to faith through an organization called Christians in Sport some ten years ago and since then, have enjoyed helping churches and Christians as they pray for sporting friends; honouring God in the way I play and ‘being about’ to say something of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sports Chaplaincy is primarily aimed at the care and welfare of players, club members and family members. Chaplaincy is not just for those who share the same faith convictions and it is definitely not about imposing the Chaplain’s beliefs on others. The Chaplain is expected to demonstrate integrity, work professionally, care sensitively and maintain confidentiality. Specifically, this is acquaintance, being, care (bereavement, injury), development (after sport), events (weddings, baptisms), formality (Remembrance, Christmas) and God. Chaplains should be pastorally proactive, but spiritually reactive – ensuring they don’t impose their beliefs on others. Divine intervention on results, however, is not the Chaplain’s role.”

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.

Healthzone Building Will Start in March

You will have noticed there have been a few delays with the Chesham Healthzone. Deborah Taylor, Partnership Development Manager of Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust told members of the Chesham Action Partnership (ChAP) said, “Although the site at Berkhampstead Road has been cleared and prepared for the new building, the works cannot get underway until all the appropriate Heads of Terms for the leases have been signed by both the practices concerned and all legalities completed. NHS Buckinghamshire anticipates this will happen within the next few weeks and that works would therefore be starting during March.”

Thanks for Life Shop, Chesham Broadway,

Everyone is invited to go along and support the Rotary Club of Chesham’s Thanks for Life Shop during Rotary Week until Saturday 27 February between 9.30am to 5pm daily. It is at Chesham Broadway, between Garlicks chemist and the Chesham Bookshop. Members from the Amersham and Great Missenden Clubs and members of the public can see displays about the work of Rotary and enjoy refreshments. Donations of cakes or biscuits would be welcome and donated bric a brac will be sold. Monies raised will be donated to the End Polio Now campaign. Call Mervyn Edwards on 01494 792382.

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.

Coffee for a Cause

There will be a bring and buy coffee morning on Friday 26 February from 9.30am-12.30pm. You can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits and there will be stalls with lots of lovely things to buy including children's toys. It will be at the White Hill Centre, Chesham in aid of Action Duchenne, for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and everybody is welcome. For more information call 01494 775190 or email info@whitehillcentre.org.uk. Donations of good quality items or unwanted Christmas gifts to sell, would be gratefully received in advance at the White Hill Centre office between 9am - 4pm on Monday to Friday or call Diana on 01494 758651 if you would like your goods collected.

NAG Gallops into Town - Thurs 18 Feb

Chesham area Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAG) is holding its first meeting in the Town Hall, Chesham on Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm. (The date was changed from Monday 1 February 2010 due to the Post Office meeting). If you are interested just pop along or telephone the chair, Alison Pirouet on 01494 778985. Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs) are a key part of Neighbourhood Policing in Thames Valley. A NAG is a multi-agency, problem-solving group comprising relevant partner agencies, key stakeholders as well as members of the community. NAGs focus their work on the main priorities that are identified after consultation with the local community. Members, who are all volunteers, are responsible for achieving certain tasks on behalf of their neighbourhood. To get involved call 0845 8 505 505 which is the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number and ask to speak to a representative from your local Neighbourhood Policing team. Or you can enquire about joining by visiting your local police station. NAGs attract a broad and diverse membership with a variety of skills and experience such as local authority/district council representatives, youth services, housing managers, environmental officers, head teachers, licensees, neighbourhood watch coordinators and police officers. Administrative, practical and communication skills are all highly valued. Under-represented groups, such as young people and people who are disabled, are encouraged to join. Visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/%5Cyournh-nag.

Healing Tree Network

On Wednesday 24 February 2010 from 7.30-9.30pm at Chesham Town Hall (HP5 1DS) there will be a talk entitled Descent of the Dove. It is by Chris Street who has been researching London’s ancient sacred sites for nearly thirty years, following a series of dreams and visions. Karen Puttick of the Healing Tree Network said, “His Earthstars discovery reveals that many of our most ancient sacred places form a vast and complex geometric pattern on the London landscape, a huge temple ground plan covering the whole of Greater London. It is a matrix of the planetary life-force and beneficial evolutionary impulse is manifesting through it and earthing itself through the individual sites and our collective subconscious. This energy is represented by the figure of a dove on the London landscape, symbolic of the Goddess and The Holy Spirit. The talk focuses on the dove energy, how it manifests as through the Earthstars geometry, and how we can use it individually for our personal healing and spiritual guidance. This is particularly important in the light of the transformational times we live in, because the Earthstars matrix has a clear relationship to the biblical City of Revelation, the New Jerusalem (whose appearance is said to herald the end of an age), to William Blake’s visions of London as Jerusalem and to the end of the Mayan calendar, 2012. Following Chris's talk, you will have the opportunity to meet our members and network over free refreshments”. Entry costs £3.50).

Breakfast for Fair Trade

There will be a family Fairtrade breakfast at Emmanuel Church, Broad Street, Chesham on Saturday 27 February from 8.30 - 10.30am. You can enjoy fruit juices, cereals, toast and preserves as well as tea or coffee and bacon butties – all with waitress service.

Gardeners Group Day

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

Local Hospice launches Midnight Walk

Claire de Silva, press officer for the Hospice of St Francis says, “Girls, it's time to grab your friends and dust off your trainers in preparation for Saturday 19 June - a very special night. This year's Hospice of St Francis midnight walk from Hemel Hempstead School promises to be as fabulous as ever - and just as pink. Whether you've walked with us for the past three years or will be joining for the first time, we'd love to see you there under the stars. Walk on your own or walk in a team alongside women of all ages and fitness levels as you Walk with the Stars on the five or 11 mile routes." It costs £15 to register and receive your 2010 pink t-shirt and a fluorescent wristband. Every penny goes to support the care of patients and families at the Hospice of St Francis, so raise as much sponsorship as you can. The Hospice of St Francis cares for people who are seriously ill from Chesham, Amersham, Little Chalfonts, Dacorum, St Albans, Harpenden and beyond. Certan Duggan, general manager, of the newly revamped Red Lion at Water End said,"We're delighted to be working with the hospice in support of this event to help make Saturday 19 June a night to remember. We'll also be giving all the walkers a little thank you of our own for taking part too so we urge you to join up now.” Champney's Tring Health Resort has donated a voucher worth £2000 for two people to stay in a suite and enjoy two hours of free treatments each and every walker will receive discounted relax day voucher. If you can marshall on the night, can support the event, of for more information please contact Fran Martin on fran.martin@stfrancis.org.uk or call 01442 869555, log onto www.walkwiththestars.org.uk or email stars@stfrancis.co.uk.

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.”

Post Office Soon For The 3,500 Users Per Week

The Post Office will re-open on Monday 22 February at the same site, 81 High Street. A temporary sub postmaster had been appointed who has experience and ran a number of other post offices across the country. The meeting called by the Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford last Monday 1 February and held at the only venue in town large enough, Trinity Baptist Church, Waterside was attended by about 150 people. Officials were Martine Munby an External Relations Manager from Royal Mail, together with Stewart Swabey and Peter Wilkinson who are Field Change Advisors from Post Office Limited. Pertinent questions from the public were answered and the petition signed by 1,300 people was presented. Justine welcomed the re-opening but said, “We have to be aware that when interested parties investigate tendering for the franchise, they may not consider that 81 High Street fits their business plan. If the preferred applicant chooses a different address, there has to be a 14 week public consultation process before a move is approved. Watch out for the notices.” And note, the sub-postmaster is only temporary. Thanks to everyone for fighting for a solution to this debacle, did you know that before its closure, some 3,500 people used the facility each week?
See previous pieces - Wednesday, 3 February 2010 Post office future – the latest and Thursday, 28 January 2010, Post Office Future - Meeting 1 Feb.

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”.

Sixth Annual Mayoral Awards – Nominate Now

The Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford has launched the 2010 mayoral awards and is calling for nominations. The scheme was established in 2004 by the then mayor, Cllr Mohammad Bhatti to recognise people who do good work in the community. There are three awards. The People’s Award is for those who have helped the well-being, advancement and welfare of people in Chesham or carried out voluntary work for the benefit of the town or its environment. The Rafe Chiles Young Person’s Award was set up to act as an inspiration and in long standing memory of Rafe’s good work with young people in the community. This award is open to a young person (or group) aged up to 25, who have made a positive difference to the lives of young people in Chesham. The Business Award is supported by the Chesham Chamber of Trade and Commerce to celebrate businesses or and retail outlets which contribute through community projects, environmental activities, educational activities or charitable/voluntary work.
Nomination forms detailing the criteria are available from the Town Hall or can be downloaded from www.chesham.gov.uk. Each nomination should be completed by both the proposer and seconder and returned to the Town Hall by Wednesday 31 March 2010. The awards will be presented by the Mayor at the Annual Town Meeting on Thursday 13 May at the Town Hall.

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.

Wellbeing for the Mind, Body and Planet

The Wellspring eco-holistic shop and treatment centre in Francis Yard, off the High Street, is celebrating the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day on Saturday 13 February between 11am and 4pm. You can meet some of the therapists who offer treatments and chat about what they could do to help you. There will be a series of short, informal talks on a range of topics such as homoeopathy, shiatsu, origami and Chinese Horoscopes for the Year of the Tiger. Browse the range of eco, fairly traded and local items for the perfect Valentine’s present, including a homoeopathic Love Spray. The Wellspring is a collective of like-minded people; a shop which stocks an eclectic mix of products including recycled stationary, jewellery, crystals, Himalayan singing bowls, eco household goods, local books and crafts. If offers complementary therapies including Homoeopathy, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Sports, Tuina and Kahuna massage, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.

Allotment Holders Keep Busy

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

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.

Voluntary and Community Sector Conference - Reserve Your Place

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

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.

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.

Working Together for a Safer Chiltern

Chiltern's Community Safety team together with neighbourhood police and Bucks Fire and Rescue Service are out in the community next month offering crime reduction advice and equipment to local residents. On Monday 1 February from 8am to noon they will be at Sainsburys car park, Chesham, and on Tuesday 2 February from 8am to noon at Tesco, Old Amersham. Free ultra-violet pens, timer switches, personal alarms, bike marking kits and bike locks will be on offer to help you put the crime reduction advice to use.

Chesham Town Twinning Annual Meeting

Chesham Town Twinning Annual General Meeting will be on Saturday 30 January 2010. It will be at the Chesham Guide head quarters in Lowndes Park and starts at 7.30pm followed by supper for those who have booked. They will hear among other things, the good news that Profit on the quiz last November was £680, making the profit for 2009 on social events in the region of £1600. Tony White said, “Profit on the quiz was in fact, £724.67. As with all money raised, it will be used to entertain our German, French and Spanish friends when they make their visits to Chesham”.

Real Food talk at Transition Drinks on Thursday 28 January

To kick the new year off to a flying start Richard Elkington has organised a speaker for Chesham in Transition. He is Philip Lowery, founder of The Real Food Festival, to talk about Why Real Food is the only route to a healthy, sustainable and secure future. It will be on at The Drawingroom on Thursday 28 January for Chesham in Transition. If you’re confused about what real food is, here’s your chance to speak to someone who can tell you. With the government now realising that business as usual isn’t an option as far as our food system is concerned, there still seems to be a suggestion that GM could play a role in their strategy for a food secure Britain. On the evidence to date, this is the wrong approach. What is Real Food and what part can it play in our health and a sustainable food future for us and our children? If you’re planning to go, do bring wine if you’d like a drink - The Drawingroom charges corkage, there’s a £1 sub and food, nibbles and hot drinks are also available.Green Drinks is held on the last Thursday of every month - 7.30 till 9.30pm.

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.

AGM Time Again

The Chesham Society Annual General Meeting will be on Wednesday 27 January. It is at the Town Hall at 7.30pm for 8pm.

Church at the Pub

To find out more about St Mary’s Church without venturing inside, there will be another Open House at the Queen’s Head pub on Tuesday 26 January 2010 from 8.30 – 9.30pm. Team Rector Simon Cansdale will host an informal friendly discussion on questions like: Is there a God? Who Was Jesus? and What Makes you a Christian?

Museum Soldiers On

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

Learning How to Grow Food

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

Genealogy for Chesham Families

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

Illustration - an early census enumerator at work.

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 .

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.

May Fair on Ley Hill?

The Ley Hill pubs are looking to initiate an annual May Fair around the pubs and on the common. The plan is to provide a venue for local producers of arts and crafts, food and drink as well as music and dance; the beacon could even be disguised as a Maypole for the event. Contact Rohan on 01494 783910 if you have an interest.

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.

Life in the UK

Citizenship Classes are being planned for people who are preparing to sit the British Citizenship test. The course will start on Thursday 14 January 2010 at 7.30pm at Emmanuel Church in Broad Street. Sue Cady told me, “It is aimed at people who can speak English and want to do the electronic Life in the UK Test. It is quite separate from courses put on by Adult Learning.” Students will need to be working at a level of E2 or above to benefit. It will cost £2 per session and depending on the ability of students these could run for a term. It is not for profit, the charge is to cover set up costs only. The Life in the UK Test that is now required for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK or for British citizenship. Call Sue on 07977 219305.

Party on Christmas day

The Christmas day party arrangements are coming on well. Older people who will be on their own on Christmas day have been invited. The mayor Cllr Justine Fulford (who must be the most hands-on mayor we’ve ever had) said there have been donations as usual from Little Chalfont, Amersham and Chesham councils, and the Ley Hill Flower Club. Waitrose is donating Christmas cakes and Sainsbury's are giving mince pies. An additional donation has come from Watermeadow Surgery – the proceeds from sales of second hand books.

Sleigh Touring Chesham

The Chesham Round Table Christmas sleigh is wending its way around the town, and a popular portent of Christmas it is too. The Christmas music cannot be ignored and they take up donations for charity. Joanne Blackwell told me that various organizations can help on different nights. On Monday 14 December Brushwood School PTA helped in the Beechcroft and Poles Hill areas, and collected £500 which will be added to the total and divided among the charities at the end of the tour. On Thursday 17 December the sleigh will travel in Waterside to Lord’s Mill and Bois Moor Road, assisted by the Waterside School PTA; and on Friday 18 December it will cover Ley Hill and Botley Road with assistance from Shed @ ThePark.

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.

Fairly Fantastic Fashions - a Chesham Challenge

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

Christmas and Winter Ales

For centuries, breweries have produced slightly stronger ales for winter to warm you for the cold walk home. More recently, their special Christmas ales offer a choice of strengths so you can have something different even if you are driving. To try these beers head for the Cock Tavern, the Gamekeeper’s Lodge, the Misty Moon, the Queens Head, the Red Lion, the Waggon & Horses (chosen by the regulars) and the Wild Rover (also chosen by the regulars). Up on Ley Hill, the Crown and the Swan will be offering Christmas or winter ales and the Crown will also have mulled Perry. On the Hawridge ridge try the Full Moon and the Rose & Crown. The Queens Head will be holding a winter ales festival on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December.

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.”

Tree Dressing Last Saturday at Shelley Road Gardens, Chesham

Trees at Shelley Road Gardens waved arm branches full of kites, ribbons, decorations and messages following the Tree Dressing event on Saturday 28 November. Tree dressing is based on many customs from all over the world, and highlights everyone’s responsibility for looking after trees and the planet. It was hosted by Pond Park Community Association with Paradigm Housing Group in partnership with Chiltern District Council and Chesham Town council. Decorations for the trees were made by schools and groups including the Pond Park Community Association, Pond Park Over-30s People’s Group, Paradigm Housing and Connaught (its maintenance partner). The Shelley Road footpath renovation project has been funded through the Big Lottery Fund, BBC Breathing Spaces campaign, Paradigm Housing and CDC.

Hivings Free Church held its own event in the morning, offering local people the chance to put laminated messages of hope or remembrance into trees there before moving on the Shelley Road.

Family Fun at Whelpley Hill Xmas Fayre

Fun for all the family at the Whelpley Hill Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5 December from 2 - 4pm in the Coronation Hall. There will be some fabulous gift stalls, festive refreshments, a tombola, a raffle, and an arts and crafts stall to keep the children busy. Father Christmas will be arriving around 3pm by his special mode of transport to greet all the children with a small gift. Everyone is invited. Pauline Stacey said, “Please do come along and support our village community in raising funds for our hall refurbishment whilst enjoying yourself. Whelpley Hill can be found just off the B4505 close to the entrance to Bovingdon airfield.”

Chesham Bois School Fayre on Saturday 5 December

Chesham Bois PTA warmly invites you to join them for their annual Christmas Fayre. Sarah Sheppard said, “This year we are raising funds to create a new Outdoor Learning Environment which will benefit all the children in the school, allowing them to enjoy a creative perspective on their curricular activities. The fayre will take place on Saturday 5 December from 11.30 to 2.30pm in the school hall on Bois Lane. We have all sorts lined up for your entertainment.” Make your own cuddly bear in the Teddy Workshop, see if you can pin Rudolph's nose back on, visit Santa in his enchanting grotto, enjoy delicious doughnuts or food from the Squirrel Cafe and win prizes from the magic money tree, teddy tombola and treasure hunt. You can create a sparkling table decoration, secretly wrap gifts or browse the stalls selling craft and other items. The children can have their faces painted or their nails done, while adults enjoy a hand or foot massage and a glass of mulled wine. Sarah added, “It is set to be a fun-filled magical way to start the Christmas countdown - please do come along and join us.”

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will be hosting a Christmas tree festival at the Salvation Army Hall, Broad St, Chesham, HP5 3EA. It will be held from Thursday 3 December to Saturday 5 December between 10.30am and 3.30pm. The theme is colours of the Rainbow. The hall will be open from 10.30am - 3.30pm on each of the days, and light refreshments will be served.

Chess Supporters Meet Again

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

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.

Re Post Office in the High Street

The post office will reopen in a week or two - just for the weeks to cover the Christmas period. The mayor Cllr Justine Fulford said, "Extraordinary news, and unexpected, I didn't think I had got anywhere with my appeal." Unfortunately the front of the shop has been left in a bit of a state and has to be made safe, so it cannot be opened until that is sorted. See Post Office Gone.

The picture shows all the scrawled notices, but progress inside for the reopening looks well underway.

Post Office Gone

The sudden and unexpected closure of the post office from the High Street is a blow to the whole community. It is especially difficult for those without transport. The queues at the Greenway Parade post office where service has always been excellent, have lengthened and Chesham people have travelled to Amersham too and are asking what is being done. (Beware the Greenway Post Office closes closes at 1pm on Wednesday and Saturdays.) It is worrying that the central post office in a town of more than twenty thousand people, can be based in a building not controlled by Post Office Ltd or Royal Mail. However thanks to the Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford’s persistence, two members of Post Office Ltd have made it a priority to discuss the options. Options seem to be limited and slow, namely: to install a Portakabin in one of the car parks - but this requires permission from Chiltern District Council; or to use the existing premises - but the landlord is difficult to contact. Post Office Ltd needs not only a premises but also a sub-postmaster. Another solution may be to take up the kind offer from Prasan Patel who ran the post office at Waterside for twenty years until the licence was taken away, and still runs the shop there. He has offered to help wherever the Chesham post office is situated, to work long hours or even to re-house it back again in Waterside.
What a time for this to happen, with the added need for Christmas postage, and this week I received a Christmas card from Royal Mail for goodness sake. Other ideas for housing a post office might be to find an empty premises on the High Street – but a business rates reduction is probably too cumbersome to arrange at short notice; to use the George and Dragon car park which would need to be brought up to Park Mark standard; or to use space in one of the bailed-out banks eg. Lloyds or NatWest.
When Marlow’s High Street post office branch closed in April 2007, a Portakabin was not in place until February 2008 but it is still there. It seems no time since we objected to the closure of the post office at Waterside when we were told that the High Street branch was more central to serve most of the population.

Bronze Age pottery bowl comes home

The Museum will take delivery of two rare prehistoric artefacts which were discovered in the Chesham area but have never been on show here. They are on loan to Chesham Museum from Buckinghamshire County Museum. The first is a polished Neolithic flint axe dating from 2,500-2,150BC, from Asheridge. It was found in 1925 at Asheridge School (wherever that was) and donated to the County museum by the pupils. The other item is a rare Bronze Age pottery bowl, dated around 2,150-1,500BC, and excavated at Stratford's Yard, Chesham, so it will take pride of place. It is another example of the links curator Sue Gordon has established with neighbouring museums, and the Museum achieving the required accreditation. It is expected that the loaned artefacts will go on display on Saturday 20 November. The Keeper of Archaeology at the County Museum, Brett Thorn said, "From our point of view, we're delighted to be able to loan these items to Chesham museum so that the people of the town can see a fascinating and rare part of their local heritage. The axe has not been on display recently, although the bowl was until about six months ago. Whole Bronze Age pots are rare, this is one of only five such pots from the entire county." See timeline of settlement in Chesham.

Centenarian Chesshamite

Vie Vassie celebrated her 100th birthday with many friends and family at her sheltered accommodation home managed by Paradigm Housing. Vie had a happy life, running several pubs and bringing up her daughter Barbara. She said, “I loved meeting people and in the pub you meet all sorts and learn to deal with them”. Vie remembers seeing a Zeppelin, and her father coming home wounded from the First World War. She says she promised her sister she would live as long as their great grandmother who died at 97.

Photo courtesy Paradigm Housing.

Chauffeur Guests to Christmas Dinner

Could you be a driver for the Christmas day party for elderly people held at Chesham Town Hall? Using your own transport you would drive a guest or guests from the Chesham, Amersham or Little Chalfont areas to the hall for 11.30am on Friday 25 December , then come back to take them home at 3.30pm. It is a very worthwhile thing to do for the festive season – to help someone who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. For more information please call 01895 837545 or email joy@voluntaryaction.org.

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.

Waterside Christmas Fayre

Christ Church holds its Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5 December from 11am to 1pm. It is at Christ Church, Waterside. There will be Father Christmas, a puppet show, lacemaking demonstrations, a cake stall and toys and games. As well as that you can enjoy a light lunch.

Fairtrade Poetry Competition underway

Calling all creative writers and would-be poets. Chesham4Fairtrade is challenging the people of the Chilterns to write a poem about Fairtrade, to help celebrate Chesham's five years since becoming the first Fairtrade Town In Buckinghamshire. Wannabe poets might win prizes of book vouchers and Fairtrade chocolates. There is the chance to read your poem, or have your poem read, at an awards evening at the Elgiva next year. The inclusive theatre company, Shed @ thePark is promoting the competition and will lead a day workshop on poetry and Fairtrade at Thomas Harding Junior School later this month. Winning poems from the five age categories and those which achieve a second or commended placing will be displayed at Chesham Library.
Chairman of Chesham4Fairtrade, Rev Colin Cartwright commented, "I am very grateful to our four judges and our volunteer co-ordinator, Jessy Roope. I know there is a lot of untapped creative talent in Chesham, among both schoolchildren and adults. I look forward, with our four judges, to reading the poems and to seeing how the good news of Fairtrade has inspired local people to make a difference in our world by supporting farmers in the developing world when they go shopping." Rules are available from the Town Hall, Chesham Library or from the website of Chesham4fairtrade www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk. Deadline for the competition is Sunday 31 January 2010. Call Colin Cartwright, Chair of Chesham4Fairtrade on 01494 775651 or Miss Gonzalez Romero, Shed@thePark, email lgonzalezromero@bucksgfl.org.uk. Refer Chesham’s got talent from Thursday, 13 August 2009.

Chesham Didn’t Forget

Remembrance Day in Chesham was well attended – people want to pay their respects to service men and women fallen in war, not only Armistice Day but thinking as well of the recent deaths in Afghanistan. The British Legion managed to extend their usual hospitality after the march, this time in the Town Hall, with some of their silver rescued from the fire, on display. Don’t blame the Examiner for not reporting the details along with the services planned for other towns - the Legion itself had decided not to publicize. Luckily I knew something and we mentioned last week the Remembrance service in The Broadway.

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.”

The Age of Stupid

A local group of people concerned about the lack of political action on climate change, is screening the film The Age of Stupid at Chalfonts Community College, Narcot Lane, Chalfont St Peter SL9 8TP on Tuesday 17 November at 7.30pm. If you missed it at the Elgiva on Wednesday 3 June 2009, Chesham in Transition urge you to find out about the growing impact of climate change on our planet. The film starring Pete Postlethwaite, looks back to the beginning of the 21st century from the year 2055 and considers the decisions that we took (or didn’t take) and wonders why we failed to avert the effects of climate change. It is particularly relevent to see The Age of Stupid now, in the run-up to the vital United Nations. Climate Summit in Copenhagen in December. Media producer and lead animator for the Age of Stupid Leo Murray, will speak and answer questions after the showing. There is no charge but it comes at a cost which Transition Towns are covering, so contributions on the evening would be appreciated.

Pond Park will remember them

Hivings Free Church is holding a community service for Remembrance Day on Sunday 8 November. The Reverend Sam Owoo told me there will be a choir from Little Spring School and lots of involvement. Everyone is welcome to the church and the service begins at 10.30am and lasts until noon.

Remembrance service in The Broadway

The annual Service for Remembrance and wreath laying takes place on Sunday 8 November organized by the Royal British Legion (RBL) and involving most of theorganizations and groups in Chesham. It is centred at the war memorial at 11am. Because sadly, the Legion building is not available, there are different parade arrangements this year. After the service, the march past will take place at NatWest Bank in the High Street. The Mayor and officers of the RBL will take the salute standing on the dais with the town councillors in front Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) or Veterans Day – is a day to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war.

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier

With, you-know-what fast approaching (I try not to use the word until it is no longer possible), it's getting close to start thinking about planning to getting around to start buying presents for everyone you've ever met and some you haven't. One type of gift that most people will surely be considering is books, because it is something which is ideal for everyone, adults and children alike, both male and female. So this Saturday 31 October, the appearance of renowned author Stephanie Baudet at Waterstones in Sycemore Road between 1-3pm, could be very useful, as she writes for both adults and children.

With that latest American-imported excuse to celebrate something which is designed mainly to put even more hard-earned cash into enterprising business hands, Halloween, now almost upon us, some people may be not looking forward to that knock on the door behind which reveals a group of dressed-up grinning young urchins holding out their paws demanding, "trick or treat?". If you are one of those, the police have designed a poster which can be displayed on your property, discouraging young visitors from that very enterprise - politely of course.

Amersham Playgoers latest production The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ takes place on Thursday 19 November, Friday 20 November and Saturday 21 November, in Drake Hall, Amersham Community Centre, all performances at 8pm. This play is based on the classic TV sit-com series by Sue Townsend which many may remember watching and enjoying back in the days when there was something decent to watch on terrestrial TV. More on this story in the Amersham edition of Chiltern Voice on http://chilternvoiceamersham.blogspot.com/

Remember the departed

A Service of Thanksgiving for loved ones who have died is being held at St Michael Church, Sycamore Road, Amersham on the Hill, on Sunday 1 November at 10am. Candles will be lit in memory of each person, and there will be music, readings and communion. Parish Administrator Kiki Connor, said, “All are welcome and are invited to stay for tea or coffee after the service. Please call the church office on 01494 726 680 if you would like any further details”.

Festive fun for a good claus

Santas on the Run will be held in Lowndes Park on Sunday 29 November. Join hundreds of people dressed in Father Christmas suits. Santas on the Run 2009 is the seasonal way to support Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and the Pepper Foundation. Choose from a one kilometre mini-run for younger children and their families or a five kilometre run. Last year there were lots of families including toddlers and babies, even dogs participated. It costs £5 per child aged up to 15 (children under three go free) £10 per adult and £20 per family. Entry includes the Santa suit to turn the park a festive red and white. You must enter in advance visit www.irhh.org/santarun, email fundraising@irhh.org or call 01442 890222. Corrected text.

Hospice of St Francis Santa Dash 2009

The Hospice of St Francis is holding its second annual Santa Dash on Sunday 6 December. Last year hundreds of Santas took to the streets of Hemel Hempstead dressed as Santa, to raise money for the Hospice. The event, which starts at Riverside Shopping Centre, is suitable for everyone of all ages and abilities. Despite being off patch I include it to show that Chesham’s Lowndes Park isn’t the only venue for red-and-white runners. Registration costs just £15, £5 for children or you can register the whole family (including the dog) for £35. You will receive your own Santa suit which is yours to keep, plus a medal and an Oojam Indian wrap and tea or coffee at the finish line. For more information and to download a registration form please visit http://www.stfrancis.org.uk/ or call the Fundraising Team on 01442 869555, alternatively email fran.martin@stfrancis.org.uk.

Co-op enlightenment

On Thursday 29 October at 2.30pm, Keith Fletcher will give a talk on the history of the Chesham Co-op, at the museum in Market Square. Tickets cost £2.50 or £2 for Super or Life Friends, and space is limited so booking is essential. Call Sue Gordon on 01494 772096, 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.

Fuchsia coloured dresses with burnt orange

Proud mother Jenny Rees (known for her work with the Beavers at 1st Chesham Scout Group) wants to tell the world about her daughter Robyn Bradley's wedding held last Saturday 17 October to Bryn Roberts. Bobi and Bryn first met at 2nd Amersham Common Scout Group, and you can see the colourful occasion at Berkhamsted Town Hall in the photo. They are honeymooning in Rome.

Education provides Asian’s with a better future

It was great to hear the young Asian people speaking publicly about the success they have gained from their education. Although inexperienced, they spoke confidently at the Chesham Asian Welfare Society Eid Milan Event 2009 at Chesham Park Community College last week. The day was a huge success, thoroughly organized from the welcome onwards, packed with colourfully dressed families enjoying the talk and entertainment.

Find out how to volunteer

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

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/.

Modern China

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

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.

In with the Sea Cadets

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