Chesham in Bloom double delight

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

Walk simply in Chesham

Keep walking through the summer. Fiona Broadbent, Simply Walk coordinator, said “Currently we have three walks in Chesham”. All the walks are lead by a trained volunteer leaders who will help you get started and encourage you to walk at your own pace. You don’t need to book, just turn up in good time to register first before the departure time. The easiest walk is on Tuesdays at 9am from Hivings Free Church car park (Pond Park - off Hivings Hill) it is mostly flat with no stiles and takes about 45 minutes. Thursday at 10.30am is the moderate walk lasting 60 to 90 minutes and there may be stiles and gradients. Meet at the car park in Moor Road, Waterside. We’ve already told you about the buggy walk for parents with children under five, which leaves from the Childrens’ Centre, Waterside on Thursdays at 10am.
For more information call Simply Walk on 01494 475367, email simplywalks@buckscc.gov.uk or visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/rights_of_way .

BOATS (Byways Open to All Traffic)

The latest newsletter from the group Action for Bridleways of Chesham (ABC) tells those who lodged objections that the Planning Inspectorate will hold a Public Inquiry on Tuesday 2 December at 10.30am and it may last up to three days. Buckinghamshire County Council had difficulty in finding a large enough venue so it must be at the inconvenient Burnham Conference Centre and Football Club, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JG. BCC will be objecting to the Definitive Map Orders at the Inquiry. This is the first time that BCC has objected to an order that they have been directed to make by the Planning Inspectorate and BCC has retained a barrister to act at the Inquiry. The ABC steering committee is busy preparing a Statement of Case and Proof of Evidence for each of the three bridleways - Trapps Lane, Bunns Lane and Bottom Lane, Chesham. ABC are united in one goal - to preserve the tranquility and safety of these bridleways for the enjoyment of the majority of members of the public, be it on foot, wheelchair, pushchair, walking stick, pogo-stick, horseback or bicycle – but nothing with a petrol or diesel engine. See our earlier most recent piece .
As objectors, you will be aware from the Planning Inspectorate letter, the next key dates are the submission of Statements of Case by Thursday 23 October and Proof of Evidence by Tuesday 4 November. ABC is made up of residents and members of the Chiltern Society, Chesham Society, Chesham Environmental Group and a member of Chesham Town Council and Chiltern District Council. They hope that to be accurately representing your views and I personally am grateful for the efforts they are making. There is more information in the newsletter on the three options open to objectors, the worrying one is if you decide not to do anything. In that case you will not be able to speak at the public enquiry and your original objection may carry less weight, although you can still attend. To request a copy of the newsletter or if you have any information which could help please contact Mel Chapinal on 778325 or email cheshamboats@btinternet.com.

Good life open day

There is still time to book your stall at an open day to be held at Hazeldene Organic Farm, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2XD on Sunday 31 August from 11am – 5pm. There will be more than 30 stalls including: cards, jewellery, Wildlife Trust, holistic, bric a brac, books, 11+ tutor, equestrian, fancy dress, plants, photography, face painting, community police and motorbikes. Stallholders are not being charged for their pitch but need to provide their own table or gazebo, and will be asked to make a donation to the air ambulance if they have a good day. Call Liz Bateman on 01494 783501 or email liz@hazeldenefarm.com. There will be a barbeque, tea and cake marquee, ice cream van, classic cars, a mega slide, tractor and trailer rides, animals in pens and of course the popular farm shop. Entry costs adults £2.50, children under 16 go free, and half of the gate will be donated to the Berks Oxon & Bucks Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Walking maps

Chesham Community Vision was brought together to enhance the town and make it more attractive to residents and visitors. One of the results has been the production of a set of walking leaflets designed to encourage everyone to enjoy the town and to explore the surrounding countryside. There are six clearly laid-out and attractive leaflets which describe walks of varying lengths and difficulty. Each leaflet has an easy to follow map, a full description of the route and description of the important historical landmarks. There is further information about special views, wildlife and background events connected with the route, illustrated with photographs and historical pictures.
Walk 1 is the Heritage Trail which takes one around the town on a route based on the black heritage plates affixed to buildings. This is an update of the previous leaflet with an extension of the route to the Museum and the Mosque.
Walk 2, the Outer Ring, skirts the perimeter of Chesham following closely the boundary between town and countryside. Although it is one of the longer walks at 7 and a half miles, it can be curtailed by shortened to the town centre from a number of points.
The other four walks basically explore east, south, west and north, starting and finishing in Chesham.
Walk 4 is the shortest, going towards Chesham Bois and into the beech woods. It is stile free and makes a suitable starter for those who have not yet explored the local area.
Other walks take you to Ley Hill and the Woodland Trust reserve at Cowcroft and back along the Chess; to Pednor, Chartridge and Asheridge with an opportunity to visit a medieval earthworks. You can be reminded of ancient history - an iron age fort, and the modern history of Bovingdon Aerodrome where Clark Gable, James Stuart and Glen Miller served in the Second World War.
The leaflets are available at the Chesham Library, Chesham Town Hall, Amersham Library and various other outlets.
Or download them in pdf format from the Town Council website www.chesham.gov.uk.

Lowndes Park recognition

Friends of Lowndes Park can pat themselves on the back – the park has been awarded Green Flag status. The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and is managed by the Civic Trust on behalf of Communities and Local Government. Sites must be freely accessible to the public, and provide a welcoming and well managed open space for their community. There are currently some 555 Green Flag Award winning sites in England, Scotland and Wales. Only one of these was owned and managed by a town or parish council until Chesham’s win, so we have joined an exclusive club. Lowndes Park covers 36 acres and was donated to the town in 1953 by the Lowndes family but it was enjoyed by residents long before that. A focal point for the community, the lower park is the venue for many events, including the annual carnival, concerts and even a cross-country run. The lower park provides children’s play areas, a multi-sports court, a skateboard park, the historic avenue, a cycle route, public toilets and Skottowes pond.
Town Clerk Bill Richard paid tribute to Michael Rowan and the Friends of Lowndes Park; Bob Ayres and his Parks and Premises team and Kathryn Graves for their work in making the bid successful. The Environmental Group also helped as did Chesham Park Community College. You can read more at http://greenflagaward.org.uk/winners/GSP001544

Judging is completed

It was beautiful weather for the judging this year of Chesham’s entry into Buckinghamshire in Bloom. Thanks to Richard Carr of BucksTV you can hear how the judges make their decisions although of course they cannot reveal their impressions of Chesham. The video shows how lovely the Cameron Road allotments looked that day
http://www.buckstv.co.uk/cheshaminbloomjudging2008.html. I do hope we can achieve a sliver-gilt award again this year.

Pleasant Meades

Chesham has won the 2007/8 Action for Market Towns (South-East) award in the Environment and Cultural category for the Meades Water Gardens regeneration project. See our previous piece. Again, thanks to the indefatigable Richard Carr of Bucks TV you can see Chesham Town Mayor, Cllr Alison Pirouet’s speech of thanks to all those concerned, and Allen Beechey explaining the project. See http://www.buckstv.co.uk/meadeswatergardencheshamopening.html

Three bridleways - Trapps, Bottom and Bunns Lanes

The latest edition of Justine Fulford’s Waterside Newsletter Summer 2008, updates us on the ponderous process of consultation. The threat to our bridleways - Bunns, Bottom and Trapps Lanes, by the application to upgrade to BOATS (byways open to all traffic) lodged by the Trail Riders Fellowship (cross country motorcyclists) has been rumbling on since January 2003. The next stage is a public inquiry, and the date and venue has now been set. Justine said, “If you made an objection last year, try to keep some time free at the beginning of December to go to Burnham Conference Centre, where the inquiry begins on the Tuesday 2 December and is expected to last two or three days”.

Regeneration of Meades Water Gardens

The Meades Water Gardens project has been selected as a winner in the Best Environment project category for the South East Market Towns Award competition. Congratulations to Chesham Town Clerk, Bill Richards for placing the entry, Projects Officer, Kathryn Graves for liaising, the Chilterns Conservation Board and the Environment Agency for carrying out the work. Chesham now has to compete with four other categories for the overall south-east project winner, and that winner is submitted for the national market towns award in October. The award recognises the importance of market towns as a focus for environmental regeneration. The project involved local residents, town and district councils and conservation bodies working towards the revitalisation and conservation of a town centre green space. The neglected area has been made more accessible and attractive by footpath improvements and tree work, and wildlife territory is enhanced by restoring the flow of the chalk stream which is an important wildlife habitat such as brown trout and water voles. The official re-opening for invited guests and councillors will be on the Friday 11 July when the interpretation board will be unveiled. See previous entry

Value trees

The Bucks Tree Club is emerging this year and members have already celebrated the trees and shrubs which were in blossom on St George's Day, Wednesday 23 April. The Bucks Tree club is interested in the trees and woodlands in the county and also swaps information about growing different species. Anyone interested in joining should visit the website www.buckstreeclub.org.uk. Merelene Davis said, “Anyone interested in trees, should read the dendrologist for news, information events for all groups and individuals".

Front Gardens competition

Two competitions have been launched to discover how green-fingered you are, and there will be prizes for the Front Garden and Blooming Business winners. The Blooming Business competition looks for the best display put on by a local business and the winner will receive a magnum of Pommery Champagne, donated by the George & Dragon Public House. The Front Garden competition is for a residents garden or floral display in public view and there are three categories: Best Large Front Garden, Best Small Front Garden and Best Window Box or Hanging Basket. Prizes for residents are: shrubs to the value of £50, donated by Farnham Common Nursery; £50 worth of garden vouchers donated by Paradigm Housing or a bottle of Champagne donated by Waitrose. Go for Chesham in Bloom. Call Kathryn Graves, Policy and Projects Officer at the town hall on 01494 583798. These competitions will prove what a gardening town Chesham is, so that the town does even better in this year’s Thames & Chilterns in Bloom judging in July.

Making of the Chilterns Landscape

The Chilterns Conservation Board presents a conference on the historic environment on Saturday 21 June 10am – 3.30pm. It will be held at Buckinghamshire New University, Chalfont St Giles, costing £25 including lunch. The program includes National Perspective on Conserving the Historic Landscape, Climate Change and the Historic Environment and Historic Landscape Characterisation - what has been discovered? There is lots more on the agenda and time for discussion. To book a place contact Donna Hunter on 01844 355504, email dhunter@chilternsaonb.org.

Chesham is too lovely to trash

Bucks CC doesn’t have a bad record for litter collection, unlike some of the councils mentioned by Bill Bryson of CPRE in the media this week. One paragraph says it all, “Nowhere in the world is there a landscape more lovely to behold, more comfortable to be in, more artfully worked, more visited and walked across and gazed upon than the countryside of England. It is a glorious achievement and much too lovely to trash.” But some of Bill’s ideas such as taxing takeaway foods might be worth consideration at Westminster. “People pay a 17.5 per cent tax to sit and have food indoors, . . . but pay no surcharge to take it out . . . where it all too often ends up underfoot.” Bill Bryson says we need a school programme of lifelong education, at present “the education department has no policy on littering and offers no special guidance to schools”.
I too lament the dropping of litter, quite apart from being illegal. I did suggest Julia Brammer, Sally Blackman and Donna Forbes of Plastic Bag Free Chesham would consider extending their remit to campaign for such things, but while they support the ideas, CarryAbag is working at full stretch on the PBF. I'll tell you more of their achievements next week.

Noise overhead

A public meeting to Stop the Jets and save the peaceful Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be held on Thursday 27 March at 7.30pm at the Great Missenden Memorial Hall. The government is planning to allow the number of passengers at UK airports to increase by 40% in just seven years. The Chiltems are at risk from lowered flight paths yet the AONB is a designated area of tranquillity. NATS En Route plc (known as NATS) has been charged to produce proposals and to consult locally. NATS provides air traffic control services at 15 of the UK's biggest airports, and "en-route" air traffic services for aircraft flying through UK airspace. Visit the NATS website www.nats.co.uk, enter your postcode and see how you are affected in their consultation form. See the altitudes over Chesham at www.consultation.nats.co.uk/map/25/aircraft_routes.html?address=HP5+1DS. The consultation closes on Thursday 22 May. A concerned resident of Great Missenden said, “If the NATS proposals go ahead it will be the thin start of a very thick wedge. Protect the Chilterns and make sure your voice is heard." You can • Come to the meeting, • Lobby your M.P. eg. letters to David Lidington M.P., House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, email davidlidingtonmpparliament.uk.

Recyle at Chiltern FreeCycle

FreeCycle is a website where you can give away stuff you no longer want. The arrangement is between you and the recipient – no money changes hands. Recycle that special something rather than throwing it away. From a couch to an old video tape - just try posting it. If you are after something yourself you can make a request. The only rule is that everything posted must be free. The group is part of The Freecycle Network, a non-profit movement for people interested in reducing landfill. Check out www.freecycle.org for other cities and info on the movement, but Chesham’s site can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChilternFreecycle (notice no www). Email ChilternFreecycle-owner@yahoogroups.com for questions or improvement ideas.

Decibels decimate

Just as people relax after the deadline for opposing the expansion of Heathrow airport, the Chiltern Society alerts us to the threat to tranquil areas of the Chilterns and thousands of homes from much more noise nuisance from aircraft if proposals go ahead. Luton routes will fly along the beautiful and unique Chiltern escarpment, and from the Tring area down to Great Missenden and Stokenchurch. New Heathrow routeings are likely to affect the Beaconsfield and Chorleywood areas.
The Chiltern Society, a charity which looks after the interests of the area, will study the NATS’s proposals in detail and make robust objections to the consultation document. Call 01494 771250 or visit www.chilternsociety.org.uk.

Meades footbridge

Ian Freeman tells me the Environmental Group has been working on the pond in the Amersham Road Allotments to compliment the Meades metamorphosis. The footbridges at Meades Water Gardens will be painted up by the Rotary club and then given an anti-slip treatment by the parks and premises team, but only after the footpath upgrading has been done. See meades water gardens.
Quite separately, the Environment Agency is working in the Cannon's Mill area in Waterside on a footbridge installation and channel clean up.

What are Court Rolls

Who would you like to find out more about the history and archaeology of our area? You have an opportunity on Saturday 15 March. Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society is holding an open evening when there will be talks on the latest archaeological field work and their researches into Chesham's Manor Court Rolls. All this can be enjoyed over a glass of wine. It will be in St Mary's Church Rooms in Church Street at 8pm and all are welcome. The cost to visitors is £2 but why not join and become a member? Call Anne Marshall on 01494 725952.
The Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society was founded in 1964. The first president was Dr Kenneth Oakley, who uncovered the Piltdown Fraud. The practical work of the Society began with the excavation of the Romano-British villa at Latimer, the account of which is still a standard work of reference. The Field Group carries out topographic surveys of archaeological sites in the Chess valley Area. They use a resistivity meter and are working on a geophysical survey of a large Roman villa complex. Other projects include a Mesolithic and Bronze Age site near Latimer and more excavation of Tudor remains at Chesham Bois House. Regular field-walking has further helped to reveal the true level of prehistoric activity in the area. The Records Group is transcribing the volumes of the Chesham Parish Register, which give an insight into the lives and occupations of the past inhabitants and volumes have been published up to 1760.

Geese retiring to the country

Kathryn Graves, Policy & Projects Officer at the town council tells us the geese-rehoming did not go quite according to plan. Five were relocated to a farm, but the others can no longer go to a wildlife rescue charity. However, the farmer who has taken the five says she will be able to take the remaining 20 or so birds with friends and family, so all geese will eventually be retiring to the country. Watch out for Bob Ayres and other Parks & Premises officers trying to round up the remaining geese, or let the Town Hall know of any hints for quick catching. The muster may be done in gradual stages over the next few weeks, or all in one go, probably within the next month. See previous post.

Geese move house

Good homes have been found for the large, white domestic geese currently living in Lowndes Park. They will be moving to farms in the Loudwater area. Their new owners will be collecting them at the weekend. They are being removed with permission of council officers in line with the recently adopted Waterfowl Management Policy. Call the town council on 01494 774842.

Meades Water gardens work in progress

The second phase of the Meades Water Gardens regeneration is making good progress. As part of the Impress the Chess project, contractors have been working on the site in Red Lion Street to restore the silted-up lakes back to a typical Chilterns chalk stream with a gravel bed. It is hoped that the work will be completed in the next couple of weeks - depending on the weather. After the stream work is finished, volunteers will be helping to restore the bridges that cross it. The footpaths will also be improved to increase access for all, making the Water Gardens a natural oasis in the town. To know more call Chesham Town Hall on 01494 774842 or email admin@chesham.gov.uk. See earlier posting www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2008/01/chess-impressed-chesshamites.html.

Photo of the work thanks to Allen Beechey, Chilterns Chalk Stream Project.

Chess impressed the water voles

Forty-three people interested in the Chess river were at the Impress the Chess open forum on Tuesday 29 January. The river has been threatened by low water levels, pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species, making the work of Impress the Chess vital to safeguard its future. It has been a good news story for the Meades Water Gardens Regeneration project. Tree work to let in more light has been completed and specialist contractors will soon begin restoration on the Chess in that area to return it to its natural state and reduce the risk of sluggish silting. After that, footpaths will be improved, fences upgraded and bridges renovated to improve people’s access to the site. The Chess is a chalk stream, characteristic of the Chilterns and a globally rare habitat supporting some of our most threatened wildlife, including water voles and white-clawed crayfish.
Another success is the water vole recovery project. Allen Beechey, Chalk Streams Project Officer at Chilterns Conservation Board, explained that the water vole is Britain’s fastest declining mammal due to habitat loss and predation by north American mink. In 2001 the water vole population was widely distributed along the river Chess, but by 2003 numbers and range had declined dramatically. A recovery scheme began in 2004 using both mink control and habitat improvement. Now the population has increased to 32% and there are signs of water vole in Chesham again. The recent appointment of a new BBOWT Water Vole Recovery Project officer – Julia Armstrong, and the continued support of landowners, promises that the water vole population will continue to recover.
A water vole differs from a rat (despite being called Ratty in Wind in the Willows). A water vole has a flatter face, small ears almost hidden and a fur covered tail. A rat has larger pink ears and a bare tail.
See the river and our photogenic town clerk on www.buckstv.co.uk/chehshamriver.html.

FOLP

Friends of Lowndes Park membership has surpassed the magic number of 101 – there are now 106 members. But Michael Rowan has moved the goalposts and now aspires to 151. Michael said, “We don’t need to give exact figures to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Obviously we would welcome more members, and in lieu of a new year’s resolution I would like to set a new target of 151, which is another good number with which to impress HLF and it keeps Phil our membership secretary on his toes”. He is delighted with the result of 106 and said, “It is a great note on which to finish the year”.
However what Michael really wants from Father Christmas is a web master for a proposed site for the Friends of Lowndes Park – can any of you offer to set one up and maintain it? A quick assignment for a young person not yet into serious school exams, without any pay of course. Do it for the love of our beautiful park. Email michael.rowan@ntlworld.com.

Growth at the station

When I visited the Beavers a few weeks ago they had planted some onions, garlic, strawberries and radishes in the station garden. Things have moved on since then and last Sunday morning the Leaders helped by some Cubs, Scouts and parents cleared more of the garden and planted bulbs. Leader Jenny Rees said, “As it was Remembrance Sunday we sectioned off a small part of the garden and scattered poppy seeds there in memory of members of the 1st Chesham Scout Group who gave their lives in the first and second World Wars. We have also scattered some wild flower seeds in one corner to attract butterflies. Further work will continue after Christmas.”
There are plans to provide bird feeders, bat boxes and an owl box to attract wildlife into the garden, and the Beavers hope to enter the station gardens competition next year. Hopefully by next spring, passengers waiting for their trains will be able to enjoy looking at the spring flowers. See earlier piece www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/10/junior-gardeners.html.

Carry your own bags

A plastic bag free Chesham is the goal of Julia Brammer, Sally Blackman and Donna Forbes. Did you know plastic is basically oil, ie. it is a bi-product of the hydro-carbon industry? Plastic bags do not biodegrade, some just photodegrade, which means that over time they will breakdown but, instead of being absorbed back into nature, they break up into smaller pieces and get into the waterways, the soil and the oceans and then into the food chain. It is the aim of the group to help Chesham become plastic bag free and to provide each household with an alternative shopping bag. Visit www.plasticbagfreechesham.co.uk. They are in good company, even Gordon Brown has similar objectives for Britain., see www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2903880.ece.

Hunting, shooting and fishing

If you’ve been in the market for a rifle, gun or fishing tackle you may be aware of Frederick Beesley Gunmakers 132 White Lion Road, Little Chalfont. But did you know the proprietor’s father is Fred Buller? Legendary author Fred, whose meticulously-researched Domesday Book of Mammoth Pike inspired generations of pike fishermen, has published his latest volume the Domesday Book of Giant Salmon at the age of 81. Son Bruce and Linda Buller went to London for the glittering champagne launch. There are plenty of copies of this hefty tome available from the shop. And now Fred’s been on the BBC Radio 4 Today program, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/

Walking is not a pedestrian issue

At last there is a powerful body pushing for more road safety for walkers and pedestrians. The Chiltern Society aims to make access to the Chiltern countryside safer for by lobbying for adequate grass verges and better help with crossing busy roads. Walking along the verge can be a danger if it is not well signed and maintained. People have no choice but to use the verge if there is no footpath. Another danger for people taking a walk in the country is that there is often no help or signage to cross a busy road. Chairman John Taylor said, “We will be campaigning for big improvements during 2008”. The Chiltern Society has 7,000 members and is one of England's largest environmental groups to protect the Chilterns’ heritage landscapes, buildings and rivers, maintain footpaths and bridleways, and help Chiltern farmers. The Society's area includes 650 square miles across parts of four counties: Bucks, Beds, Herts and South Oxfordshire, an area about twice the size of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Please join the Chiltern Society, call Tracey Read on 01494 771250 or visit www.chilternsociety.org.uk.

Have a plan

Friends of Lowndes Park gathered to discuss the ideas of what is to be incorporated in the proposed Lottery Bid. There are quite a few ideas which are familiar and some exciting new ones. I love the suggestion of a child activated water fountain, probably in the old paddling pool area. Such a fountain holds no water so there is no risk of drowning but when the child runs across or treads on a special place, spurts of water come up. How wonderful on a hot summer’s day. Recycling can reduce water usage to a minimum. I reiterated my own oft-recited mantra that if there is enough money, the skateboard park be built in-ground, so much nicer aesthetically and also quieter, but all that earthmoving would be expensive so don’t hold your breath.
Michael Rowan, chairman of the Friends, is unshakeable in his ‘can do’ attitude and inspires everyone. Even if all the ideas cannot be incorporated initially, there could be a stage two. The important thing is to have a plan – especially one for the waterfowl and trees.

Chilterns’ natural habitat

Chiltern chalk soil is low fertility grassland, however most land around here has been farmed - ploughed and fertilised and is not in its original condition. The cemetery has not been cultivated and remains a rare habitat, ideal for the regeneration of native species. A small pilot plot which is not currently visited and not obvious, has been set aside for regeneration. It needed to be unobtrusive and the trade-off means it is not the ideal site for wildflowers, while the shaded position and the wet summer haven’t got it off to a good start. However Phil Folly and the Friends of Chesham Cemetery are happy that a recent survey does indicate more wildflowers and insects in the new plot. Young people have shown an interest and asked about the graves there. Throughout the cemetery the grass cutting contractors have preserved clumps of ox-eye daisies wherever possible. A good start.

Join FOLP ASAP

Do you know someone who has been talking about joining the new Friends of Lowndes Park and not just got around to it? Michael Rowan is seeking members and says, “When we started in January we set ourselves a target of 101 members so that we could legitimately tell the Heritage Lottery Fund that the park had a thriving Friend’s group of over 100 members. Well we have almost reached that target and can boast a grand total of 97 members.”
Can you make it 101 before the ordinary general meeting on the Wednesday 31 October?

Ecological improvements at college

A pond has been restored at the Chesham campus of Amersham & Wycombe College. As mayor of Chesham, I was the achievements of volunteers from the Chesham Environmental Group, the College's Building Services Department and A-level students from Chesham Park Community College, as well as many other helpers who provided garden and water plants.
I also enjoyed the Community Education Sensory Tunnel which is a collaboration between a number of groups using recycled items to create a colourful tunnel to challenge the senses.
See previous article www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/05/environmental-projects-at-chesham.html.

Some protection for the Chilterns

Chiltern Society planning experts are delighted to have played a part in achieving formal recognition of the special heritage value of the Thames Valley Corridor through Berks, Bucks and Oxon, after six years of persuasion. A panel of inspectors issued their findings the Draft South East Regional Plan at the end of August. This plan incorporates several of the Chiltern Society's recommendations to help protect the distinctive character of the rural Chilterns and its market towns.
The Society specifically wanted better protection for countryside and to provide a buffer zone around the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also saught to minimise the extra number of houses planned for the Chilterns. The Panel confirmed that the Chilterns AONB should be given the same high priority protection as English National Parks and that the Green Belt between Chilterns AONB and London should be improved. The panel did recommend some increases in housing here, but the numbers could have been worse.
Deborah Elliott, Press Officer for the Chiltern Society, call 01753 890791 email deborahelliott2@hotmail.com.

What’s on at White Hill

The new White Hill brochure giving details of all the activities taking place at Chesham & District Community Centre, White Hill, is available at the library, some local shops, the Town Hall, and of course the Centre itself.

Chesham wins silver-gilt award

Great excitement for the Chesham in Bloom committee. We have been awarded silver-gilt which is a level above last year’s silver award, and the points we received increased massively. Well done to everyone, especially Kathryn Graves and Rachel Watts, but not forgetting Vince Crompton, John Slatter and Bernard and Beryl Meldrum. At the afternoon tea awards ceremony on Wednesday 5 September in Kidlington, as mayor I had to go to the front three times to collect (a) the main award (b) Waterside County Combined School’s framed certificate for Best School Involvement in Thames & Chiltern Region and (c) Brushwood Junior highly commended. An exciting experience to be part of.
Amersham did well too - their first year of entry and they won a Silver award. Mayor Martin King was thrilled.

Friday 14 September deadline

Three bridleways - Trapps, Bottom and Bunns Lanes, may be re-defined as BOATS (byways open to all traffic) open to off road vehicles specifically quad and other bikes and 4x4s. Get your objection in now, you’ve only got until 14 September to oblige an inquiry. See official notice at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=348688503 or our previous piece http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/07/object-before-friday-14-september.html

Threats to the Horse Chestnuts

While the unexpected and sudden fall of a Poplar tree on the Moor excited interest, the Town Tree Warden also reports that horse chestnut trees adjacent to the poplars, are under threat too. The Tree Council's publication Summer 2007 edition reports that the leaf miner moth, first observed in Wimbledon in July 2002 has now spread across most of south-central England, East Anglia and into the Midlands. In the long term it is hoped that biological control will lead to a permanent reduction in pest population. In the meantime Bernard Meldrum said, “The only thing to do is gather up fallen leaves and burn or thoroughly compost them”. Bleeding canker is said to be more of a threat. Visit http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/

Walking for pleasure

Did you know you can join in a weekly health walk? Jean Staveley said, “We meet at Chesham Moor car park, near the open air swimming pool”. Meet every Thursday morning at 10.30am, and do about three miles, but the organizer will help set your pace, the walks are designed to get people back into walking. The World Health Organisation recommends that we all do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (a brisk walk is ideal), at least five times a week to be healthy. Physical activity has long been recognised as having positive effects on the mind as well as the body. Exercise releases serotonin the happy hormone, which helps to improve your mood. The other great benefit is that we are walking in the lovely Chiltern Hills – people come from far and wide to enjoy this beautiful undulating countryside, yet it is right here on our doorstep. The organiser for this branch of the Simply Walk scheme in Bucks is Fiona Broadbent, at Bucks County Council.
There are also weekly walks from Tesco's car park in Amersham, near the cash point, on Tuesdays at 10.30am, and Great Missenden on alternate Tuesdays at 10am ie. Tuesday 14 September and Tuesday 18 September. Visit http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=-1391797553

Korma’s chickens - very grown up

Born 11 June they are now nine weeks old, inquisitive, assertive and cocky. Compare them to http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/06/proud-mother-hatched-6-chickens-from-8.html

Reference, gift and exercise

A pocket-sized book has been launched by local walker and celebrity, Fiona Castle. Wildflowers And Where To Find Them In The Chilterns, written by Laurie and Gay Fallows, suggests circular walks in the Chilterns together with pictures of three or four local wildflowers helping you to identify them and learn about their uses down the ages. Available at £7.99 from the Chiltern Society deborahelliott2@hotmail.com and there is a discount for members.
This handy paperback gives straightforward details for the identification, habitat, folklore, and culinary and medicinal use of all the common wild flowers, while the recommended walks provide an easy way to find them. Following on from his award-winning illustrated guides to the wild flowers of northern England, Laurie Fallows has collaborated with his daughter Gay, to focus on the beautiful chalk hills and grassland of the Greater Chilterns. Laurie Fallows was a teacher and school inspector and for fifty years he has conducted guided walks for the National Parks, and educational and recreational organisations in northern Britain. Gay Fallows (Beattie) was a primary teacher for twenty years and now works as a supply teacher in a special needs school. She is an active member of the Chiltern Society and leads a church-based walking group.

Sustainable gardening

Cameron Road allotments had their fourth annual open morning in National Allotments Week. The traditional size of an allotment has always been 10 poles (about 333sq yards or a plot 30ft by 100ft) and that was considered enough land to feed a family of four for a year.

Chesham’s allotments are still defined by the ancient measurements of rods, poles or perches because they would have to be re-surveyed (at extra expense) if a metric system were adopted.
Today we regularly hear people talking about growing their own fruit and vegetables, from Gordon Ramsey to Alan Titchmarsh, Wallace and Gromit to BBC Radio 2. There are about 330,000 allotments across the UK, growing produce and creating organic waste. It is said that each year, two wheelbarrow loads full of organic waste are produced for every man, woman and child in England. That’s enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall more than 400 times over. This waste can be recycled in to nutrient-rich compost for use for all manner of plants in allotments, gardens and homes. This waste can be recycled in to nutrient-rich compost for use for all manner of plants. It’s not just allotment holders who can use compost. Wherever you grow fruit and vegetables you will find that adding home compost to the soil is a great way to boost growth and taste. It takes between six and nine months to produce your own compost but if you can’t wait that long, peat free and peat reduced composts (also made from recycled green materials), are another great ingredient for your garden and are available from most garden centres. Composting is an easy step to take for anyone trying to do their bit for the environment or live a more sustainable lifestyle – and that’s especially true for allotment holders because they’re generating beautiful organic waste. And what’s more, compost makes for great fresh produce, so everyone’s a winner.

Bucks County Council are encouraging composting with subsidized compost bins – visit www.recyclenow.com/compost or phone 0845 077 0757.
There is a free soil improver giveaway on Friday 31 August at High Heavens Compost Facility, Clay Lane, Booker, High Wycombe SL7 3DJ. Take a spade and bags and help yourself between 10am – 6pm. Buckinghamshire County Council on 0845 3708090 or email waste_strategy@buckscc.gov.uk.
By the way why not ask the BBC Radio 2 Jeremy Vine Allotment Doctor Terry Walton to come to Chesham? Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/allotment.shtml

Korma chicken’s children

We missed their fortnightly update last Wednesday so they are actually seven weeks old now. Aren’t they quite the grown up teenagers? They have feathers and are very fond of dust bathing. See Wednesday 13 June

Object before Friday 14 September

The orders to define three of our bridleways - Trapps, Bottom and Bunns Lanes, as byways open to all traffic (BOATS) have been published. Details of how to respond will be given. See http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=348688503
The Action for the Bridleways of Chesham group has found no evidence of vehicular use and claim some of the DEFRA inspector’s appeal evidence was flawed. It will object to Bucks County Council. To receive a template letter and guidance on responding, email cheshamboats@btinternet.com and ask to be added to the mailing list.
Bucks County Council will be objecting to the orders as well. Despite initially finding no evidence to support the upgrade, BCC felt it should take a neutral stand but this change of heart shows they have listened to objectors. See earlier article http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2007/04/boats-byways-open-to-all-traffic-not.html

Trees now or in 15 years?

It’s decision time for the Friends of Lowndes Park – well for us all. Chairman Michael Rowan needs to find out whether most residents want the bid for lottery funding to include a re-planted avenue. It wouldn’t exactly replicate the avenue felled in the 1950s because one tree was feared to have Dutch Elm disease which would have passed to the remaining trees When it was cut down the trees were found to be healthy and the first disagreement arose as to whether or not it should be replaced. Many people appreciated the vista its removal had opened up towards the top of the Park and this difference of opinion has continued ever since.
The Avenue or paved road traversing the park is a bridle path, and now known as Rue de Houilles to recognise one of Chesham’s twinned towns.

Personally I hate to see trees cut down and about six of the existing trees would need to be cleared. We would lose shade and also need to wait years for the replacement trees to grow to look like trees. Of course elms cannot be used so the nearest proposed replacement is the small leafed lime (tilia cordata). And what about vandalism – I doubt if there won’t be one or more of the proposed avenue snapped off within the growing period, necessitating re-planting and the difference in size and age of the new tree. The trees already established look terrific and a number do flank the pathway. Also - what would happen to other uses for the Rue de Houilles? Where would the stalls go on Carnival Day – there wouldn’t be room along the existing path.
Although Lowndes Park failed to achieve the Green Flag status this year, judges commented, “the ‘Avenue’ would add nothing to the landscape if existing trees needed to be felled …. A mixed age, mixed species plantation is far better.”
Michael Rowan said, “The steering group will make the decision at its next meeting and as chair I will not vote unless there is a tie.” However Michael, as chair of the Friends, will represent the majority view of members of the Friends but report the views of others to the steering group. Anyone can make representation to any of the other members of the steering group.

The steering group will make the final proposal to the town council vis a vis the entire Heritage Lottery Fund submission.
I urge you all to make your preference known immediately, email michael.rowan@ntlworld.com or call 01494 785146.

Chickens update at 12 July

At four weeks of age they’ve grown feathers and become much more independent. Owner Linda is doing a great job keeping them safe from foxes. The grass has grown too so they are hard to photograph.