Workshops at Blue Haze

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

Spring Ales Festival will be at Easter Weekend

Lisa from the Queens Head at 120 Church Street, HP5 1JD tells us that the Spring Ales Festival will now take place on Easter weekend Friday 2 - Monday 5 April. Lisa said, "I did think that we have all had enough of winter and spring should start on Saturday 6 March, but due to unforeseen circumstances within the business our festival is postponed". Lisa will be offering a choice of Spring ales at the Queens Head real ale festival.

Office Space for Community Groups

Geoff Gigg, Regional Manager of Paradigm Housing says that office space will become available due to the relocation of Paradigm’s head office. It will be offered to community groups and charities on a part‐time basis for occasional use. Geoff is happy to receive expressions of interest, call 01494 830747 and will discuss it in more detail with any interested parties. He said, “No promises at this stage”.

St David’s Day, Monday 1 March

Dewi Sant (St David) died on 1 March 588 (or 589) and the date has been celebrated as the national day of Wales ever since. The Welsh often sport a leek or a daffodil on his day. Wearing the leek supposedly dates back to a battle when Welsh soldiers put them on to identify themselves from the Saxon enemy, and the leek is the cap badge of the Welsh Guards. More recently the daffodil came into use as a less confrontational symbol. As far as Beer and real ale enthusiast, Brian Kilbey can discover, the Elephant & Castle, the Misty Moon, and the Nash Arms in Chesham together with the Crown at Ley Hill are recognizing St David’s day with a Welsh beer. The Rose & Crown in Hawridge will have a Welsh beer plus Welsh rarebit to add that special something.

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).

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”.

Commemorate Fairtrade's Fifth Birthday

Chesham was the first town in Bucks to be awarded Fairtrade Town Status in 2005. Fairtrade is a fair system of production that alleviates poverty and enables sustainable development in the world's poorest countries. Since 2005, more and more Chesham businesses have become Fairtrade workplaces and the range of Fairtrade products sold in the town has expanded to include not just food and drink, but flowers, beauty products, footballs and even socks. The Chesham4Fairtrade Group is hosting two events in March to celebrate the fifth birthday and everyone is invited. The Fairtrade Fashion Show and Poetry Awards Evening will take place at the Elgiva on Thursday 4 March at 7.30pm. See the latest Fairtrade fashion collections, plus creations by local designers. There will be entertainment by Shed@ ThePark, Chesham dancers and musicians along with the poetry competition awards ceremony. Stalls, displays and Fairtrade refreshments will be available from 6.30pm. To book tickets visit www.elgiva.com or call the box office on 01494 582900.
Chesham Fairtrade's 5th Birthday Party will be held at the Town Hall on Saturday 27 March from 10am to 4pm. Activities include a Fairtrade cafe, cookery demonstration, cake competition, a live-link with Ghana, local producers stalls, children's activities, key speakers and a floating fashion show. Entrance costs £1 for adults and children go free, with entry into a draw for a Fairtrade and local hamper. Go along and help to celebrate the difference made over the last five years, by Chesham buying Fairtrade. It's easy to become a Fairtrade Workplace by switching to Fairtrade refreshments like tea. To find out more visit Chesham4Fairtrade
www.chesham4fairtrade.co.uk.

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.

Post office future – the latest

Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford continues her campaign to get this essential service reinstated and she succeeded in getting post office officials to a public meeting in Chesham on Monday 1 February. Justine says, “It was great that so many people were able to make it to the meeting, many for a second time, but especially good that our friends from the Post Office were there. Everything did make a bit more sense with answers from the experts and I was pleased to hand over to them the hastily gathered petition which nevertheless had approximately 1300 signatures on it. In turn, they were able to announce that they had managed to bring forward the re-opening date at 81 High Street to Monday 22 February. What the Post Office seemed particularly keen to emphasise was that they have no funding to secure premises and that they don't anticipate being able to make an exception in Chesham. It's a shame that the £1.7bn made available to put the network on a 'more stable footing' from 2007-08 was in the main used to compensate sub-postmasters who were closed down, and not actually invested in the remaining branches. Whilst we should all be pleased that we don't have to wait too much longer to get back an operating Post Office, we also have to be very 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.”

Keep Trade Local

The Chesham Chamber of Trade and Commerce in association with the Federation of Small Businesses is hosting a Keep Trade Local evening. It is for all businesses, charities and politicians and will be on Tuesday 23 February at Chartridge golf club at 5.30 for 6pm. There will be free networking and support for local business with wine and canapes. Daniel Gregor, chairman of the Chamber said, “The Chesham Chamber of Commerce and FSB launched Chesham’s Keep Trade Local campaign last year in support of our local business community. We believe Keep Trade Local is an important message for Chesham and vital to the success of our town.” The Chesham Chamber of Trade and Commerce exists for Chesham and its members, to promote trade and foster businesses. The importance of supporting business within the local community is even greater during these turbulent economic times. Dan continued, “We anticipate that the event will be opened by Cheryl Gillan MP, schedule permitting, and will be followed by networking, some thoughts about how we can promote local trade and an opportunity to meet local customers, suppliers and contacts". Don’t forget to reply to your invitation by calling 0800 027 3842 or email secretary@cheshamchamber.org.

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.

Post Office Future - Meeting 1 Feb

The rescheduled public meeting about the future of the Chesham Post Office will be on Monday 1 February 2010 at 7pm. It will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, Red Lion Street and this time the Post Office intends to be represented. If you will be travelling by car, you are advised to use the nearest car park to the church which is Water Meadow Car Park off St Mary’s Way. Church parking is restricted to those with mobility difficulties. To clarify, MP Cheryl Gillan apparently did not receive her invitation and that is why she didn’t attend the last meeting, although she sent her apologies.
The Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford received some good news on Friday which will be explained in full. Chesham Town Cllr Chris Spruytenburg said “The public needs to reassured that all the elements which led to this fiasco have been sorted out once and for all”.

Chess Suite Available For Weekend Bookings

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

Part-time Publicity Officer Required

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

Thinking About Half Term

Busy Living is once again holding an Ofsted registered holiday club at Elangeni School in Amersham for all children aged four – 11 years. BLAST (the Busy Living After School Team) provide a daily variety of activities, sports and crafts and encourage the children to choose what they want to do - nothing is compulsory. They provide experienced, CRB checked carers with at least one qualified and first aid trained manager to ensure the safety and happiness of the children. Children enjoy their time at the club, coming from different schools and making new friends. There are flexible bookings, hourly rates of £4 (minimum four hours) or daily booking for a fee of £30 or £26 for siblings. Annette Cook & Linda Walshaw are open every school holiday and for this February from Monday 15 to Friday 19 February from 8am – 6pm daily. Email info@busy-living.co.uk or call 01494 722318.

Licensed Drawingroom

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

Which Business Helps the Community?

Chesham Town Mayor, Cllr Justine Fulford, in conjunction with Chesham Chamber of Trade and Commerce has launched the Mayoral Business Award for 2010. The award is open to businesses and retail outlets that make a positive contribution to the town. This can be in a variety of ways, such as involvement in community projects, environmental activities, educational projects or voluntary work. A business can nominate itself, or be nominated by someone outside the business. The 2009 winner was Newtown Garage for their contributions to many community activities, not least their on-going support of the annual Schools of Chesham Carnival a major fundraising event for both local schools and organisations. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday 31 March. You can get a simple form from the Town Hall (open 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday), call 01494 774842 or email townhall@chesham.gov.uk. The form can also be downloaded from www.chesham.gov.uk.

Post Office Didn't Show

The Post Office were frightened of snow apparently, so they just didn't show at the public meeting to discuss the debacle since its closure here (see our previous piece). The Mayor, Cllr Justine Fulford said, "They were a laughing stock." MP Cheryl Gillan didn't turn up but had a reason - she hadn't received an invitation! The large crowd are invited to attend another meeting next Monday 1 February at 7pm. There could be some good news.
A summary of the situation has been posted on Facebook by Helen Piper - Chesham Post Office Action Group. (I hope this link works).
If you wish to contact the Post Office and make a complaint the details are: Customer Service Centre PO Box 740 Brampton Barnsley S73 0ZJ Telephone 0845 7223344 email customercare@postoffice.co.uk.

We Want Our Post Office Back

Tonight, Wednesday 20 January (snow permitting*) there will be a public meeting to discuss the Post Office calamity and re-opening options.
The Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford said, “I have informed the three main players and hopefully they will be able to attend to explain why the matter hasn't been given the priority it deserves. Together we will be able to discuss proposals for temporary solutions and also the long term security of the Post Office counter in Chesham.” All residents of and interested parties are welcome to attend on Wednesday 20 January 2010 at 7pm at Chesham Town Hall, Baines Walk, Chesham HP5 1DS. Representatives from the Post Office will be there and all local councillors and the MP Cheryl Gillan have also been invited.
Do your own research. Some interesting information can be accessed from these links http://www.psc.gov.uk/post-offices/research.html and http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk//sectors/postalservices/UK%20Policy/page28878.html.
For further info please contact Chesham Town Council on admin@chesham.gov.uk or call 01494 774842. Apparently access criteria states that 95% of the general population should be within one mile of a post office.
(*if unavoidable it will be postponed until Thursday 28 January.)

Snow on Snow

Tuesday night (5 January 2010) brought several inches of snow to Chesham and the Chilterns, causing problems for commuters and shoppers, Stuart Lines reports. Met Line trains continued to operate, although with some delays. Main roads were passable with care although most side roads were very difficult. With more snow forecast in the coming days, the outlook will be bleak for businesses and workers.

Chesham Coaching Group

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

Gardening Guru

Let the blanket of snow give you a new perspective on your garden for the spring. If you are going on holiday or just planning ahead, you can get practical and physical help with your garden from Chris Spruytenburg. Rates are £13 per hour, call Chris on 07864 868629 or 01494 785160.

Seminar at Chartridge

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

Baby FC

The Football Academy for boys and girls aged from birth to five years, starts its eight week session on Tuesday 5 January 2010. It will be at the White Hill centre at 9.30am. There are still places at this dynamic music and movement programme which will engage children in football and physical activity. Call 07776 225679 or visit www.babyfc.com.

Food Sensitivity

If you think certain foods may be causing you health problems you can have a test from the Health Partnership www.allergyhelp.uk.com. They say their self help programme of identifying eliminating and re-introducing the potentially offending foods can help you regain good long-lasting health, free of symptoms such as fluid retention, headaches and wheezing. You need to book for the test which will be held at Healthright at 27 High Street, Chesham, HP5 1BG on Saturday 16 January, call 01494 771267. The food test costs £41 and covers 81 foods, while the combined test costing £49.95 also covers 31 vitamins and minerals (deficiency).

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 Rollin Stoned

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

Swim Stars Swim School

Swimming lessons for children will be at a new venue – Heritage House School, Cameron Road Chesham HP5 3BP. They will be on two days. On Fridays from 10am – 1pm for adult and baby (four to 18 months); adult and child (18 months to three and a half years) and beginners above the age of three and a half years. On Tuesday and Friday from 4 – 5.30pm you can go to beginner 1, beginner 2 or improver half. There is exclusive use of the warm hydro pool, thirty minute lessons, small classes and the teacher is in the water with you. Call Sally Gardner on 01494 786528 or Alexis Hall on 07736 752154 or email swimstars_herts@yahoo.co.uk.

Free Parking in Much Envied Chesham

Do do your Christmas shopping in Chesham. And park for free in Watermeadow car park on Saturday 19 December, and Saturday 26 December.
I was speaking to a friend and long-time resident of Chesham who says that every time she has visitors from elsewhere they praise the town centre and the shops we have. They often buy things here they cannot find in their locality.

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.

Turkey for Christmas

Gerry Martin donated a turkey again this year for the Christmas day party for the elderly. It was presented to the mayor Cllr Justine Fulford last week. You can get one too from Gerry Martin’s Butchers, 46 High St, Chesham. HP5 1EP call 01494 773580.

Crafted Christmas Cards

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

Find Your Doll Making Talent

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

Mayoral Update on The Post Office

Cllr Justine Fulford has been busy trying to bring the post office back to Chesham in time for Christmas but she has had to admit defeat. She told us, "Following a meeting on site on Monday last between the freeholder, his agent and myself, I am happy to report that the freeholder, with a better understanding of Chesham and its future, is now much more amenable to allowing the Post Office in on a temporary agreement. This is the best chance we have of a counter service being in place before a new sub-postmaster is appointed. However, due to the added complication of a lease surrender, even with the best will in the world and the freeholder's early instruction to his agent (not yet received) the legal documents are unlikely to be processed in time for the Post Office to restock, reconnect to the network, and reopen this week. Even next week will be a push because of the approaching holiday, but the Post Office is keen to make things happen quickly once the temporary sub-postmaster is granted a licence to occupy."

Directions to Greenway Post Office

Brian Kilbey lives near Greenway Post Office and has seen several ladies of a certain age toiling up the hill from Vale Road. Brian said, “If you do not have your own transport then the only sensible way to get from the closed Chesham Post Office to Greenway Post Office is to take the 52, 62 or 78 bus from bus stop B by the War Memorial. There are some quirks in the timetable so you should check. The information in Chesham Post Office window is not very user friendly.” He has provided these maps which I hope you can make out on our el-cheapo software. But don’t go on Wednesday afternoons.

Interschools Practical challenge

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

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.

Paradigm Housing’s 21st birthday

Paradigm Housing is celebrating its 21st birthday on Friday 12 December 2009. Its creation was an historic event, as the first large-scale transfer of council houses to a housing association. The original company Chiltern Hundreds Housing Association, took over 4,650 homes from Chiltern District Council on 12 December 1988. The fledgling housing association could not persuade British banks to lend it the £30 million needed, so funds were borrowed from the French bank Paribas. A ballot of tenants was held in September 1988 and 3,840 voted for the transfer, with just 743 voting against. The first thing the association did was to fit new kitchens, windows and heating to all its properties. The association was set up with a staff of 67 and two computers. Now it has close to 280 staff lead by Chief Executive Alison Hadden. The association under the Paradigm since 1999, now owns and manages more than 11,000 properties across the south east of England, including around 8,000 for social rent and close to 1,000 for shared ownership. It has built 4,800 and plans to build 700 a year for the next two years. Most Paradigm residents are still in the Chiltern area however, living in almost 5,000 homes and Paradigm works closely with Chiltern District Council. The vision was to provide more affordable housing.
In A Chesham Century the story of a town and its council, 1894 -1994 by Arnold Baines and Clive Birch assisted by George Malin, Mike Kennedy and Steve James published 1994, we get a flavour of the housing problem. “In 1911 Dr Freeman Long, the Council’s Medical Officer of Health, had his Annual Report printed at his own expense. It disclosed a manifest lack of suitable housing for working men. The Local Government Board took due notice, and drew the Council’s attention to their powers under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. … the Brockhurst estate …”.

Watery Question Answered

In answer to the 'watery questions' posed in Chiltern Voice last week, Allen Beechey tells us the following. Veolia have owned Three Valleys Water for some time now (certainly for the last nine years) along with several other companies such as Folkstone and Dover and Tendring Hundred. He guesses that they have decided to bring the Veolia Water brand more to the fore and renamed all of their regional water companies for a more transparent corporate image.

Hawridge pumping station has been operational for many years and whilst it is within the Chess groundwater catchment, it does not take water directly from the river, rather it takes water from the aquifer. Whether that has an indirect effect on flows in the Chess is a matter for debate, but it is worth noting that Hawridge is not included within the Environment Agency's low flows investigations (known as Restoring Sustainable Abstraction programme) for the Chess. The reason behind this is that Hawridge is not viewed to have a significant effect on flows within the river. Certainly, abstractions within Chesham are much more likely to have an impact on the river. Currently Hawridge is being refurbished, but once completed it will recommence pumping and will be able to abstract up to its 9ML/d license limit. In practice however, it will abstract less than this for most of the year. Hawridge does not supply Aylesbury but supplies the Tring Halton and Wendover areas. Thames Water bring in water from their Thames sources to assist with this supply.

Next year’s Victorian evening will be on Friday 26 November 2010

The dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers who organized the late night shopping last Friday evening are all thanked by the Chesham Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Chesham’s Mayor Cllr Justine Fulford. The main sponsor was Waitrose Chesham Essential Range and personal thanks go to Robin Benford for his help. The Waitrose people in Victorian dress, were present on the High Street serving free food and drink. The Buckinghamshire Examiner, the Chesham Action Partnership, Domestic Services, and Gilberts Taxis are also thanked for their generous sponsorship. It was a great night - helped by better weather than the past two years. After the Winter Parade led by the Town Crier, local school children and the Elgiva panto cast, the Mayor switched on the Christmas lights. As well as all the fun of the fair including a grand Victorian carousel, more than 30 stalls were on the High Street. Charities, schools and voluntary organisations were raising money for good causes (the Scouts raised £200) and many shops and businesses were open late. The shop window competition was won by Perfect Pitch - do go along and see their efforts.

Present a Book

David Kavanagh, Cheshamite and former journalist at the Bucks Examiner wonders if any of our readers might be interested in either of his two books as presents this Christmas. A Country Pillow Book (£18.99) is reviewed saying, “…it's more book than pillow, a compilation of rural news stories originally published on his countryside website, this selection of rural cuttings is speckled with comment and anecdote from its author.” (Eifion Rees, Shooting Times & Country magazine). It has 564 pages and will be available in time for Christmas via W.H Smith online and Tesco Books online.
The Little Book of Suicide (£4.99) is a more controversial, comic poetry compilation. David said, “Suicide took my brother's life and I have never forgiven it. The poems are meant to be entertaining, but they are underscored by the reality of what suicide is really like to those left behind.”

Paradigm and Connaught Put Back into the Community

Connaught Partnerships Ltd received the Volunteer Action (Chiltern & South Bucks) Award for the Best Employer Supported Volunteering Programme. It was in recognition of projects undertaken as repairs and improvement works continue to their properties. In particular, the work on Woodrow High House with volunteers from Paradigm Housing Group was recognized and the photo shows David John with the award.
The CAB’s office makeover earned a certificate, thanks to the Paradigm Housing Connaught Community Initiatives Forum. The work was carried out by skilled volunteers from Connaught, and the Bureau looks very smart with a fourth interview room enabling better service to the clients.

Meet for a Drink

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

Wellbeing for the Mind Body and Planet

Friday 27 November will see the opening of The Wellspring, a holistic shop and treatment centre for the mind, body and planet. It is the culmination of work by Ihsan Dal Din who already runs the Wellspring Clinic. He has brought together a collective of therapists and traders all wishing to offer an ethical service for the town. Sally Blackman said, “We will be offering an array of therapies (including Shiatsu, of course) and a range of local, ethically traded and beautiful gifts”. The grand opening is at 3pm to coincide with Chesham’s Victorian evening. Come and see what we have on offer, open from late afternoon and through the Victorian Evening on Friday, all day Saturday. The centre is located in Francis Yard, behind Specsavers and opposite the Drawing Room. Normal opening hours will be 9am-5pm Monday to Friday but they don’t have any phone connected yet nor contact details except for Jo Ketteman email j.ketteman@ntlworld.com.

Watery Questions

Did you know that Three Valleys Water has been replaced by Veolia Water? Their website says “New name, same great service. Serving parts of North West London, Surrey, Beds, Bucks, Herts and Essex.” I wonder why they had to change their name?
Also - who knows how much water is being taken from the Chess by Thames Water up The Vale Road at Hawridge? I understand it is used in Aylesbury.

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.

Coordinating Cards for Good Causes

On Wednesday 18 November the Cards for Good Cause charity Christmas card shop is having a Golden celebration. In 1959 a group of medical charities got together to talk about coordinating publicity for selling charity cards. They formed The 1959 Group of Charites (registered charity no. 249039) and in 1964, began selling Christmas cards from empty shops in town centres. Fifty years on it is still going strong and, in conjunction with its trading arm, Cards for Good Causes Limited, has raised £75 million. From this £75 million the charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their cards and any VAT. Shop Manager Jane Paterson said, “We will be celebrating these 50 years of charity cooperation at a special 'Golden Morning' on Wednesday 18 November and there will be free refreshments.” Call 01494 772983.

Harping On

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

Unlocking Anxiety and Stress

Do you have anxieties which stop you doing things you should, could or might like to do? Patrick Lucocq BSc PDCBH DHyp may have the solution. Patrick will share his experiences with emphasis on anxiety and stress associated with dental care. He will explain how the mouth is an emotional centre of the body and how our unconscious beliefs trigger emotions such as anxiety and stress. Through identifying the trigger, acceptance can be achieved and fears overcome. Patrick’s successes with shifting negative beliefs and their consequent unconscious actions, through a combination of disputation and hypnosis have been many and varied. Go along to the the Healing Tree Network meeting at Chesham Town Hall (Council Chamber) HP5 1DS on Wednesday 25 November 2009. Did you know there is a scientifically proven high tech device which provides drug-free pain relief and speeds the healing process? It can be used on virtually anybody and has no side effects - Karen Carroll DO ND Dip Paed Ost will introduce the wonders of Low Level Laser Therapy. Karen Puttick of the Healing Tree Network (HTN) said, “Meet our members and network over free refreshments”. Tickets £3.50 on the door, from HTN members or from Healthright in Chesham.

Jumble Sale at Chesham High

There will be a Jumble Sale at Chesham High School at 2pm on Saturday 14 November to raise funds for the Chesham High School Pony Club. Breakspear Riding Club will be holding an equine table top sale there at the same time. There will be a cake stall and refreshments are available. The Pony Club was started in March 1972 by the then school keeper Mr Crowe, and Miss Thoday, a chemistry teacher continued to run it for 29 years. In June 2009 Miss Antonia Thoday received an honour in the Queen’s birthday honours list, the Order of the British Empire, Member (MBE) for voluntary service to the pony club. There are about 12 ponies - either owned or on loan, members do not own the horses or ponies. Some club members have not even been, students at Chesham High. Chesham High School is the only state school in the UK tohave its own pony club.

Christmas purchases start

Cards for Good Causes charity Christmas card shop is opening in Chesham on Thursday 5 November. Shoppers can buy cards from national and local charities in one place. The Cards for Good Causes shop is at the United Reformed Church in The Broadway. It is staffed by local volunteers, and is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10am – 4pm, until Wednesday 9 December. Shop Manager Jane Paterson said, “We have cards from 31 charities and almost 250 different designs, as well as some Christmas goods including advent calendars and candles, wrapping, napkins and stocking fillers.” Cards for Good Causes is the largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation in the United Kingdom, and has donated more than £20 million to the charities over the last five years. The shop will be opened by the mayor Cllr Justine Fulford, at 10am on Thursday 5 November - look for the banner and the Father Christmas board outside. Call 01494 772983.

Pink 30 minute workout

Fitness Club Phoenix is doing a Wear It Pink day to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign on Friday 30 October. Heather said, “We will have donation boxes out and hope that anyone who comes into the gym to workout will be wearing something pink and putting a donation into the pot for the privilege. It is a national event. We will probably do a few cakes and things to go along with it so non-members can come in a join in the fun.” Also to tie in with this we are having the Pampered Chef who sells nice kitchen equipment and will probably do discounts on her goodies. I have it on good authority she is bringing a pink cake too, to tie in with the theme of the day. She is not linked with Pink Day but just something extra and a little different. Pop down to Fitness Club Phoenix at 97-99 High Street HP5 1DE, email info@fitnessclubphoenix.co.uk or call 01494 810122.

Pub publication

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

Cnr Station Road and the High Street

Broadway Buffet is open at last [we wrote this on 14 October 2009 but it seems to have closed by 8 December 2009 - sorry] and proving worth the wait. They are having an official opening on Friday evening with taster trays and cakes. The Mayor, Cllr Justine Fulford has been invited and everybody is welcome. Hannah Howells who is from Chesham said it is not a themed restaurant but later on they will have theme nights such as a Lebanese evening. It is open from 7am – 10pm10am – 10pm. The fast food takeaway stays open till 1am, or 3am on Saturdays. An all you can eat breakfast is served until noon and lunch includes a choice of dishes. Bring your own wine. The large room upstairs can be hired for business meals and other functions. They hope to get a land line but in the meantime you can call 07828 128402 or email Hannah at hannah.howells@hotmail.co.uk.

Tone those abs

Jonathan Popple at Moor Chesham Moor Gym & Swim has started running group exercise classes there. Unlike other gyms, you do not have to be a member to take part in classes. There is a class for everyone no matter what your level of fitness, and all ages are welcome. Try Core Ball, a zero impact class suited mostly to beginners, although intermediate level exercisers can be challenged with more difficult exercises. The class will cover most of the muscles in the body, and will enhance your confidence in using Swiss balls and freeweights in the gym too. A brand new class to the timetable is Ab Attack, a 30 minute workout concentrating on abdominal muscles and surrounding areas for a more toned stomach. There is a small charge of £4 for this class and it runs on Saturday mornings at 10am. Some classes are free to standing order/ pay monthly members. View the timetable . Make sure you book into a class to avoid disappointment. Call the gym on 01494 776975 or email Jonathan on j@jjptraining.co.uk, call 07753 340984 or visit www.jjptraining.co.uk.

Chesham and District, Apple Day support

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

Writers come to the Elgiva

This autumn the Chesham Bookshop is launching its first ever season of Meet The Author with three events featuring celebrity names appearing at the Elgiva theatre. Dara O'Briain Cancelled, no longer Tuesday 27 October at 7.30pm. A FULL REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ON TICKETS BOUGHT. PLEASE CONTACT THE BOOKING OFFICE, call the Box Office on 01494 582900, email boxoffice@elgiva.com or book online www.elgiva.com (a service charge of £2.50 per transaction applies). See future Chiltern Voice editions for the next two Meet The Author sessions.

Don’t wash your car in dry spells

Following my throw-away line last week, Chess admirers make it official Allen Beechey, Chalk Streams Project Officer at Chilterns Conservation Board got in touch when he responded to similar questions from a Chesham Park A2 Level Geography Student. Allen said, “I too share your concern about flows in the Chess and all the other chalk streams in the Chilterns. As you correctly mention, water levels have declined dramatically in the space of eight months. The two major reasons are low rainfall and abstraction.”

He gave the following explanation. The river Chess is a chalk stream and chalk streams rely on the underground store of water in the chalk bedrock. The level of this groundwater store varies seasonally. In a typical year (2008 for example), rain falling in winter, between October and March, recharges the groundwater store so that it peaks in April/May. As spring turns to summer, rainfall decreases and plant growth increases, greatly reducing the amount of water reaching the chalk aquifer. As a result groundwater levels decline until winter rains start the recharge process again. This year, rainfall has been very low ie. 15% below average. There was almost no rainfall in March which brought a premature end to groundwater recharge and the dry weather has caused the groundwater level to drop much more quickly than usual. The continued dry weather (there was no rainfall at all in September) has meant that groundwater recharge will be delayed until January (if we get any rain!). This situation has meant that flows are very low in the river.
However, abstraction of water for human use has greatly exacerbated the problem in that demand for water has reduced the river's ability to tolerate dry periods, thereby increasing the incidence of drying. The river Chess catchment is designated as overabstracted by the Environment Agency. This means that an unsustainable amount of water is being abstracted from the catchment. This situation is likely to get worse with increasing development in the area.
The incidence of drying of the river has increased over time as a result of climate change. The river in Chesham has dried out three times since the 1950s - in 1976, 1996/7 and 2005/6. This year will be the fourth. Looking at the spread of these events it is clear that they are becoming more frequent. From abstraction records we know that abstraction levels in the catchment have remained fairly constant over the last 10 years, so the current drying and the last, have not been a direct result of changing abstraction. Looking at abstraction levels it is also clear that during long dry spells people use much more water (water the garden, more showers, filling paddling pools etc), so ironically, more water is taken from the catchment at the very time the river needs it most. With this area having the highest water usage per person in Europe, it is clear that the public could and should be doing more to reduce water usage and help to keep rivers like the Chess flowing.

Blue crafts

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

Possible Mis-Selling

Daphne Clarke of Chessman & Partners says there are potentially more than 200 ex-employees of Boughtons who may have been mis-advised in respect of their pensions. The people most likely to be affected left Boughtons in 1998 or 1999. The only way to contact these individuals is by word of mouth or the media, and that is why she is asking for Chiltern Voice’s help to spread the word. Daphne said, "We have doubled one client’s pension fund and several more are in the final stages of assessment." Call Chessman & Partners on 01494 778199 or drop in to 4-10 Red Lion Street, Chesham HP5 1HF.

Amersham in Bloom deserves our headline

Amersham has won the Gold Award in the Regional Thames & Chiltern In Bloom 2009 section of the national Britain In Bloom competition. Taking the winners' trophy for the Town Category, Amersham beat off strong challenges from Henley-On-Thames and Kidlington. However that was not the only success, Chestnut Lane School also won the new competition for schools The Mark Mattock Cup, as the best school entry from across the whole of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Amersham Town Clerk Des Knowles thanked all those who took part saying, "The Town Council wish to place on record its appreciation to all residents, businesses and community groups who, knowingly or not, contributed to the Town’s success." Thanks to Henry Wizgier. There is more Amersham news on this blog's sister site Chiltern Voice - Amersham area. http://chilternvoiceamersham.blogspot.com/

More in reprinted pubs book

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

Citizens advise citizens

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

Vacancy at Brain Tumour UK

Apply for a part-time position as Helpline and Support Worker at Brain Tumour UK at Latimer, near Chesham, Bucks. They seek a caring and sensitive communicator and efficient organiser with related experience in a health or social care setting. Download the pack from www.braintumouruk.org.uk or email enquiries@braintumouruk.org.uk.

Phoenix risen

Phoenix classes started on Monday 21 September at the studio in the High Street opposite Sainsburys. There is a wide variety of activities to choose from ranging from relaxing yoga and stretch classes to the more invigorating aerobisize and body conditioning workouts. Go along and find former Kaizen staff Jenny, Heather, Jon and Jeremy again, as well as the new trainers Adam and Jamie. Direct debit and credit card systems are now in place and you can book for a free class. Call Fitness Club Phoenix Ltd on 01494 810122 or email alan@fitnessclubphoenix.co.uk.

Try Shiatsu for a fiver

Have you ever wondered whether Shiatsu would work for you or what exactly Shiatsu is all about? Sally Blackman can answer your questions at her Autumn offer of 20 minute tasters for a fiver. They will be held on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October between noon and 7pm at Sally’s treatment rooms in Chesham. You need to book first, call 07947 246931. Shiatsu is a massage therapy which is received through the clothes. As well as being relaxing for your muscles, it may also help with stress related conditions such as anxiety, IBS, sleep disruption and headaches. Sally Blackman MRSS ITEC(dip) OSM(dip) is a registered member of the Shiatsu Society. To learn more about Shiatsu see the website http://www.onsiterevival.co.uk/ or call Sally for a chat on 07947 246931 email sally@onsiterevival.co.uk.

Go in and have a drink

The George & Dragon has a new landlord and will be open soon. They were only delayed by installation of new carpets. Welcome to the new landlords, let’s all go in and have a drink. George & Dragon 14 High Street Chesham HP5 1EP - afraid I don't have a phone number.

Start threading

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

The Drawingroom plays on

Richard tells us there will be a gig on Saturday 19 September and it will be the last outdoor one this year. The Drawingroom house band plays the following musicians: Tinlin; the Stella Frays (on tour); Rokhsan Haydari; Jack Garratt; Maxine&Mandy and Fraser Broadfoot. Tickets cost adults £14 if bought in advance or £20 on the Saturday of the gig/ party. Under 25s pay only £4 and under ten year olds go free. The first 50 confirmed bookings get Drawingroom seats. Call 01494 791691, email richard@the-drawingroom.co.uk or go along to The Drawingroom, 5a High Street, Francis Yard HP5 1BG.

Idling in Berkhampstead Road

If the temporary traffic lights outside the new Healthzone seem to be taking ages longer than you expected, you are right. Apparently they found extensive electricity cables beneath the pavement which needed to be diverted by the electricity company. As well as that the work exposed an old brick culvert which had carried surface water, so that then needed to be accommodated by the construction of two large man-holes to carry the run-off into the main drain under the centre of the highway. They are now able to get on with the actual construction which will be completed by the end of September.
The gas work on Amersham Road was only supposed to be there for a day and despite at least two people telling Highways, the temporary traffic lights were there two extra days. Perhaps Highways don’t mind that because the gas company has to pay a fine for overrunning – but drivers have to suffer the delays.

Walk in aid of Brain Tumour UK

Register now for a walk on Sunday 4 October at 2pm starting at The Old Swan near The Lee, HP16 9NU. It will be an easy four and a half mile circular walk on well defined paths, taking two hours at the most. Choose from three led groups leaving at 2pm, 2.15pm or 2.30pm, the walk suits all ages but be prepared for muddy conditions if wet. Entry fee £5 per person, for entry and sponsorship form if required, please call 01494 723561 or email kiki.connor@braintumouruk.org.uk. Registration beforehand is preferred. Visit www.braintumouruk.org.uk.

Farm activities open to view

Hazeldene Organic Farm, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2XD has an Open Day on Sunday 6 September from noon – 5pm in aid of Chiltern & Thames Valley Air Ambulance. There will be a barbeque, tea and cake marquee, icecream van, classic cars, archery, birds of prey, a mega slide, tractor and trailer rides, animals in pens, the farm shop and various stallholders including Plastic Bag Free Chesham. The Air Ambulance is planning to land the helicopter subject to weather conditions and no call outs. Call Liz Bateman on 01494 783501 or email liz@hazeldenefarm.com. Visit http://www.hazeldenefarm.com/. Entry costs adults £2.50 and children under 16 go free.

African drumming

Jo May will be running more African drumming workshops for all age groups at the White Hill Centre in Chesham from September. There will be monthly Sunday sessions for all the family - a fun session for the under six year olds, and more structured African drumming sessions for families and adults. For adults looking to progress further, Jo will also be running a series of six evening classes on Thursdays starting from Thursday 10 September, and drums will be provided. For dates, times and prices, call Jo on 07973 721260 or email jo@zoox.co.uk.

Happy crafting

Blue Haze Arts & Crafts has developed a new web site which allows on-line ordering. “Though now we have the daunting task of inputting our stock”, said Hazel Hopkinson. “You can book some of the workshope on-line already. We have lots available, with a few more dates to come later. Visit www.blue-haze.co.uk and click on the top left hand Workshop button to view the full list, and the right hand side to see what you can book over the internet.” In late September Blue Haze has a special visitor coming to see stay for a week. Barbara Willis will come all the way from California to hold Cloth Doll Making workshops, either two-day classes or a one-day class. See the Dolls proudly showing off in the shaded side window, at 2 Church Street, Market Square, HP5 1HT. Workshops take place in the workroom above the shop, tea or coffee with biscuits is always served. All day parking is a short walk away in water meadow car park. Book soon to ensure a place, call 01494 782030, email info@blue-haze.co.uk.

All those farms

Jo Fox of Animal Farm has been delving into our archive and tells me that a piece I wrote on Wednesday 22 April 2009 is incorrect. Apparently you do not get chosen to enter the food festival, anyone with the money can acquire a stand. Animal Farm of Hawridge Lane, Bellingdon HP5 2XX did not participate.

Chiltern Voice Amersham – Henry Wizgier: Amersham cards for Good Causes

With summer beginning to draw to an end – cynics might say it’s only just beginning – some people are already planning for Christmas. One such group Amersham Cards for Good Causes, the charity Christmas Card shop which operates at St Michael’s Church in Sycamore Road, is looking for an organiser. This is a fairly involved position which carries a modest remuneration and can be shared by two people. Read more about it in Chiltern Voice Amersham area.

Would you like to spend January in India?

Rotary clubs in the district are looking for four individuals who would like to spend four weeks at the beginning of 2010, looking at life in Chennai (formerly Madras) India, with particular reference to their chosen trade or profession. Team members will stay with Rotarians in their own homes and will enjoy a comprehensive itinerary to enable them to get a good understanding of the lives of people there and the way that their counterparts work. Chalmers Cursley said, “We would like the opportunity to interview a number of potential candidates who have a real interest in being part of our team, to go to this fascinating location.” Team members must be between the ages of 25 and 40 years of age and be in employment. The only costs to the individual are personal insurance, immunisation and spending money; other costs are met by Rotary. Interviews will be held in September. Call either Mervyn Edwards of the Rotary Club of Chesham on 01494 792382 or Philip Roberts of the Rotary Club of Amersham on 01494 783513.

Cricket Summer Camps

Baylor International Champions present summer Kwik Cricket Camps for girls and boys aged 10 -13 years old at Wycombe High School. Week one - three have finished but Week four from Monday 24 - Wednesday 26 August is mixed. It costs £25 per day or £60 for all three days. Times are from 10am - 3pm but lunch is not provided. Receive expert coaching tips from an ECB Level Two Qualified Coach, improve your technique and have fun. Please reserve a place, call BIC on 07933812519 email info@bayloric.com, or visit www.bayloric.com.

Tigers are roaring again

Tiger Line T1 is now one year old and on Monday 17 August it launches its second commercial bus route, Tiger Line T2. The new service links Hemel Hempstead to Watford via Apsley and Kings Langley, with morning and evening commuter journeys from Chesham and Berkhamsted. Initially it will run hourly Monday – Friday but with future frequency upgrades will be made subject to demand. Tiger Line aims to provide good service at fares people can afford. Fares will be less than existing fares on this corridor and there will be a range of tickets for regular users. Michael Wootten, Operations Director of Tiger Line said, “We are launching this new service in response to calls from our customers in Hemel Hempstead. Of course the holders of the National Concessionary Pass/ London Freedom Pass will be welcome.” Call Tiger Line on 01494 774411 or email info@woottens.co.uk or visit www.woottens.co.uk.

Tinkerbelle for toddlers

Jacqu’ In The Box presents summer holiday party fun during August 2009, suitable for children between the ages of nought to six years accompanied by a parent or carer. An audience with Tinkerbelle will be on Wednesday 19 August at The Temperance Hall from 10am to 11.30am. For a musical story time adventure session, join Jacqui in full character costume as a cheeky fairy for an hour and a half of make-believe antics with singing, dancing, instruments, puppets and games. It costs £9 per child or £15 for two siblings but you must pre-book your place. The price includes refreshments but please bring a packed snack. Email jacquitomlin@aol.com or call 01296 589335, mobile 07948371615.

Follow up to Shelley Road art

There is more to our report on the Shelley Road art. We mentioned the painting aspect of the Shelley Road Garden project. Sandy Coyle, Community Development Officer at Paradigm, told me the young people did a magnificent job in transforming the drab graffiti covered concrete fence into a colourful mural. However this part of the project cost £100 not £20,000. Connaught donated masonry paint and equipment and Sandy personally donated the spray paint. The £100 was donated to another voluntary group who provided the expertise. Sandy went on, “To transform Shelley Road path from a misused dumping ground to a community resource costs both time and money. So far Pond Park Community Association has paid to have trees and shrubs cut back, and they have carried out participatory consultation, litter picks and bulb planting. Other events are lined up to encourage people to take ownership of the area.” The plan is to turn it into an outdoor environmental art gallery and garden, working with local schools and families. Sandy said, “The Community Association are working tirelessly on this project and I find it a great honour and privilege to work alongside them.”

Don’t let him just sit and sip

A town council colleague Chris Spruytenburg who is an experienced gardener is looking for work in the Chesham area with people who have discovered there's more to gardening than just lazing on the patio sipping Pimms. I have seen Chris’ allotment and can vouch for his abilities with fruit and vegetables. He said, “I can help keep your garden thriving, looking tidy and attractive”. Call Chris on 07864 868629.

Waitrose Community Matters to White Hill

The White Hill Centre will be one of your choices in the Waitrose Green token scheme in August. We mentioned this scheme when Chesham Education Charities benefitted. The scheme at Waitrose gives customers a green disc when they shop which they place in one of three boxes giving a proportion of the Waitrose monthly donation to the beneficiaries. We are all urged to shop at Waitrose during August and support the White Hill Centre by putting our token in the right slot. The White Hill Centre, an old Victorian building, is constantly in need of restoration and improvement. It is managed by the Chesham & District Community Association (C&DCA) which was formed in 1976. C&DCA charity serves the community by providing recreational, educational and social facilities and is unique in owning its own premises. The money received from Waitrose will be put towards this fund.

Is your letter overdue?

If you posted any mail on Friday 17 July – beware, it might have been lost. The post which I know went astray was sent first class. The Chesham business has an account so the post is collected on a daily basis, taken to Hemel Hempstead and then sorted. The office manager told me, “Our collector assured me it was fine at the Hemel Hempstead end but it seems to have got lost thereafter and they are having problems tracking it. It is pretty shocking that still no-one has received it." Apparently there was an unofficial strike.
I remember hearing of a farmer who found a large quantity of undelivered mail – approximately the contents of a postman’s bag in the days when they carried a big load – dumped in a Hedge in the vicinity of Bovingdon. But that must have been eight years ago so let us hope such things don’t happen now. PS - My letter arrived at last, on Wednesday 29 July.

The Chesham Open Results

The Chesham Chambers’ Golf Day for Business took place on a day of glorious sunshine. The winners were - Best Individual - Ian Davies of IBB, Best Team - IBB Solicitors, Nearest the Pin - David Nisbet and Longest Drive - Jane Nisbet.

Handicrafts for everyone

On Tuesday 28 July at Blue Haze Arts & Crafts at 2 Church Street, Market Square HP5 1HT you can learn Parchment Card Making. The class is from 6.30 to 9pm and costs £15 per person. You will be motivated by tutor Gillian Gill who will cover basic tracing and embossing, perforating and cutting, and then colouring with Dorso crayons and stippling. Hazel Hopkinson said, “With each session we plan to develop a different skill. The aim would be to produce a card using the skills you have learnt”.

Another class on Saturday 1 August for painters will be Nature in Watercolour from 10.30am to 3pm for £27.50 per person which includes lunch. Mary Pomeroy will help you relax and enjoy, while learning a variety of exciting watercolour techniques. This session will include follow along demonstrations of techniques that will lead to at least one picture. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate artists alike - an opportunity to come to meet like minded people and have your watercolour questions answered. Please bring Watercolour paper (A3 140 lb is ideal) and whatever brushes and paints you have, or a starter pack can be purchased at Blue Haze. Visit to find out more. Hazel tells me they are trying to sort out some days in August to hold some more Morsbag Pods in support of the International Plastic Bag Free Day which is taking place on Saturday 12 September.

Fitness club Phoenix opening Monday 27 July

Go along to Phoenix at the former Kaizen club at 97 - 99 High Street, Chesham HP5 1DE and see what Phoenix have on offer. Open days are Wednesday 22 July from 10.30am – 7.30pm, Thursday 23 July 10.30am – 2pm, Friday 24 July 10.30am – 7.30pm and Saturday 25 July 10am – 3pm. Once they are up and running, Jenny tells me normal opening hours will be Monday - Friday 7am - 7.30pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you join before Monday 31 August you could win a 32 inch HD TV. Call 01494 810122 or visit http://www.fitnessclubphoenix.co.uk/ (although the programme isn’t there yet). See our earlier report. Revitalise yourself with the friendly 30-minute workout.

Children’s posters say “Make Chesham Tidy”

Healthy eating treats were awarded to two Chesham children who won the 2009 Chesham In Bloom poster competition. The theme was Make Chesham Tidy and the judges were daunted by the hundreds of posters submitted. But in the two age categories, there were outstanding winners. Niamh Taylor Connor aged 9, from Waterside School won with a beautiful drawing of the town’s clock tower and Beth Richards aged 7, won the Under Eights category and was declared overall competition winner. Her bold design featuring a littered street with the phrase “My lovely Chesham is spoilt with litter and dog mess. I wish people would use the bins”. Kathryn Graves from Chesham in Bloom said, “Like the rest of Chesham’s residents, the town’s children want to live somewhere that is free of litter and mess. We were delighted that they were inspired by our theme and produced fantastic artwork. We are proud to display the posters to remind everyone to do their bit to make Chesham tidy”. The healthy eating hampers were donated by Chesham Waitrose, a big supporter of Chesham in Bloom. The posters are on display in Waitrose in the run up to Thursday 16 July, the day the Royal Horticultural Society judges will come to assess the town for the Chesham In Bloom competition. Other posters will be displayed by shops that are keen to lend their support to the Make Chesham Tidy campaign. Chesham in Bloom teamed up with the Environmental Group on a town-wide litter-pick in preparation for the judges’ visit. Town councillors and In Bloom members were among the residents helping to clean up the streets this evening.

Photo shows Beth Richards with her father, Mark.

Prestwood author brings eighteenth-century medicine to life

Caroline Rance will be signing copies of her historical novel Kill-Grief, at Waterstone's in Chesham on Saturday 18 July between 11am - 2pm. Described by the publishers as an “historical cross between Casualty and EastEnders”, Kill-Grief is the story of an 18th-century woman who takes a job as a hospital nurse in an attempt to escape her dubious past. She soon ends up seeking further refuge in rotgut gin or “kill-grief”. Caroline said, “It's a love story with a dark side. When a mysterious patient hints that he knows about the heroine's former life, she has to decide whether gin is helping her run away, or whether it's putting her in danger." Anyone unable to attend on Saturday can reserve a signed copy by contacting Waterstone's, 54 The Broadway, call 01494 778628. Caroline is also available to speak to groups about her book and the history behind it, and can be contacted via her website at www.carolinerance.co.uk. She also runs a blog called The Quack Doctor (http://quackdoctor.wordpress.com), taking a wry look at the patent remedies advertised in historical newspapers.

A personal face of pub closures

The Bull at Bellingdon is now boarded up – just as it was increasing in popularity in the hands of Sandra and Peter Taylor. It was becoming known as the hub of Bellingdon and some months ago was the venue for an open air Songs of Praise service held by the Parish of Great Chesham in association with St John's, Bellingdon. According to the Hilltop News, April & May 2009 edition, The Bull was taken over as a free house by a private investor in late 2004. They expanded the village pub format to add larger events such as bands, a beer festival and a tug of war. Locally sourced food was featured and real ales, including barrels from the Tring and Marlow Breweries. Sandra is not allowed to speak to me for legal reasons but my informant tells me she provided a delicious lunch after the church service.
The use of a pub for other activities is not an original idea. A pub makes the ideal point for a replacement post office or village corner shop. Buckinghamshire Community Action – BCA has launched an initiative to improve the quality of life for older people in rural areas. BCA will help communities set up a monthly pub lunch club which will allow people to increase social activity and make new friends. The co-ordinator is Lew Monger, call 01926 421036 or email llew@bucks-comm-action.org.uk. Groundwork is underway around Winslow and Buckingham in the north of the county but no actual clubs are in place yet. BCA is the rural community council for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes supporting rural communities and local voluntary organisations throughout the county.

Fund your business

Buckinghamshire is the number one entrepreneurial heart of Britain and Buckinghamshire Business Challenge is pledged to support businesses with a fund of £100,000. If you: have a good idea that would assist business, need help to grow your business, want to invest in new equipment, need support to relocate or renegotiate your lease – read on. View the criteria and application form, visit Buckinghamshire Economic and Learning Partnership at www.belp.co.uk or call Lynne Cairns on 01296 383801 or email lynne@belp.co.uk.