New Chaplain for Chesham Stags

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

Cricket Pitch Damaged At Ley Hill

Ley Hill Cricket Club will have to stump up to re-turf its pitch after somebody drove over the cricket pitch three nights in succession and left tyre tracks and skid marks. The damage amounts to around £600 but because the cricket pitch is on common land rather than belonging to the cricket club, they cannot claim on their insurance. The damage does not just affect the cricket club however – Ley Hill Common is well known as a local beauty spot and is regularly visited and enjoyed by hundreds of people. The vandalism has been reported to Thames Valley Police. Anyone with information is asked to call 08458 505 505.

Winter Cricket Training

Little Marlow Cricket Club is looking for players aged nine and upwards for the 2010 cricket season in the Bucks League. If you can get there, training is on Sunday mornings from 10 - noon at Cressex Community School. It costs £5 per session and all coaching sessions are run by ECB qualified coaches. Bruce Baylor said, “There are young people coming from Slough and Great Kingshill so we are opening up opportunities to those who may not be getting the chance to play regular cricket.” For more details please contact Steve Shore on 07723 445125, or visit www.littlemarlowcricket.webeden.co.uk.

Sportszone half term offers

Have you organised your October Half Term? On Monday 26 October from 10am – noon there will be a Sportszone session at the Moor in Waterside, Chesham and the i-van will also be available. On Thursday 29 October from 10am – noon Sportszone will be at Holmer Green Common, and from 1pm – 3pm at King George V Fields, Amersham. All Sportszone sessions are for children aged eight -12 years only. The sports sessions are unstructured and the children will get the opportunity to choose from a variety of sports and equipment that they would like to have a go at or play with. Participating children must have a signed and dated parental consent form which needs to be handed to any of the sports leaders on the day. They can be found on www.chiltern.gov.uk/sportszone or can be completed on the day of the session.Call Stacey Ellingham 01494 732177 for more information.

Kick about

Street Football every Thursday from 7pm - 8.30pm at Chesham Leisure Centre tennis courts, up White Hill. It starts on Thursday 1 October and is free for 13 – 19 year olds. Call 01494 732177 or text 07970 215077 for more details.

Cricket legends

Chesham Cricket Club presents an Evening of Legends on Friday 16 October at 7pm at the Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club. The main attraction will be Alec Stewart MBE OBE, the ex England and Surrey Captain who gained 133 England Caps and is known as a Gentleman of Cricket. There will be a champagne reception and a three course meal, an auction and raffle. Dress is smart casual and it costs £45 per ticket, or for bookings of eight or more £40. Marie said, “Ladies bring your husband for the perfect birthday or anniversary present”. All are welcome but Marie suggests it would suit people aged 14 years and over. The compere for the evening will be Charlie Hale, Comedian and the following ex Chesham and Bucks players have been invited: Fred Harris, John Mills, Bill Reynolds, Brian Bilbey, The Taylor Twins (Derek & Mike), Colin Lever and John Turberville. To book tickets please send a cheque made payable to Chesham Cricket Club c/o 51 Berkeley Avenue, Chesham HP5 2RW. All enquiries please call 01494 772036 or email marie_cheshamcc@btinternet.com.

Keeping on swimming

Chesham outdoor heated swimming pool will be open during October. The Friends of Chesham Moor Gym and Swim have been awarded a grant of £3,000 from Bucks Sports Make a Splash initiative. The last time the swimming season extended to the end of October was in the summer of 2006. Since then, the Council was not convinced that the extra month of swimming would break even financially - but now it can. Extended opening hours are popular, one swimmer said, “It is lovely - sometimes you’re swimming in the dark, although of course there are lights”. Town Clerk Bill Richards is adept at finding funding. He said, “Since the government excluded town and parishes from the over 60s and under 16s swimming initiative, we have been struggling to offer our loyal, regular users a reward for their continued support. Thanks to this grant we are now able to respond positively and satisfy demand”.
The gym down at The Moor is also increasingly popular for fitness with membership numbers going up - during the summer there were 209 new members. You can just go for sessions (after your induction) - you don’t have to sign up for a term. To find out more visit www.cheshammoorfitness.org.uk or call 01494 776975.

Gentle Tai Chai, Tai Chi or T'ai Chi

A new beginners T'ai Chi class at the White Hill Centre is starting on Tuesday 8 September 2009 at 3pm in the main hall. Call Pat Khaihra 01494 771675 to find out the charges, last year’s price can still be seen on Chiltern Voice Sync your body and mind.

Family rounders day

Run out of ideas for the last week of the summer holidays? Bring the whole family to play some rounders. No need to book, just register on the day. Check the weather before you attend and ensure you’re wearing suitable clothes and go to King George V Field in Amersham from 10am till 1pm on Tuesday 25 August; or to Prestwood Common (Scout hut side) in Prestwood from 10am till 1pm on Friday 28 August. Call 01494 732177. Stacey Ellingham, Diversionary Activities Officer, Nexus Community/Chiltern District Council said, “We hope to see you there. Families are welcome to bring a picnic and refreshments.”

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.

Golf taster sessions at Chartridge Park Golf Club

Free golf coaching for beginners is just one of several initiatives within the Get into Golf grass roots structure developed by the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA), and supported by the England Golf Partnership. The taster sessions are open to beginners or/and non members and provide an opportunity to experience the game. Chartridge Park Golf Club in Chesham is holding free golf coaching taster sessions for adults and juniors from noon to 4pm on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August, golf clubs and balls are provided free of charge. To book a lesson with a PGA Professional please call Chartridge Park Golf Club, Chartridge Lane, Chesham HP5 2TF on 07979 497465. Visit www.getintogolf.org. Berks, Bucks & Oxon Golf Partnership is also helping to develop golf within the county by supporting golf clubs, players, coaches and volunteers. See www.bbogolfpartnership.com for more information.

Swimming for kids

Speaking of the swimming pool it is open and there is an inflatable to play on every afternoon during the week from Monday to Friday from 2 – 3pm and on Wednesday it is 2 – 4pm – a treat for the holidays.

Sports coaching this summer

There is a good value play scheme going on at the Moor Gym and Swim, Moor Road HP5 1SE this holiday. There are still spaces left and I can report that the mayor, Cllr Justine Fulford’s children Cicely and Samuel really enjoyed their go on Wednesday. Justine said, “It gave me ample time to work and even managing to fit a trip to Waitrose in before picking them up.” It is for kids aged between seven and 11 years who enjoy being active and includes football, kwikcricket, netball, basketball, swimming and rounders. Arrive at 9.30am and the day lasts until 4pm so take a packed lunch. It costs £15 per day or £50 if pre-booking for a week and runs until Friday 4 September. Call Alex Jones on 07824 669391, email alex_jones287@hotmail.co.uk. Alex is an experienced FA coach, has full CRB clearance and BA Hons in sport development and coaching. Afraid I cannot see any reference on the website www.cheshammoorfitness.org.uk.

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.

Chesham United Open Day

Chesham United meets Northwood in a Pre-Season Friendly at 3pm on Saturday 8 August. Gates open at 1pm and you are invited to bring the family for a free day out at Chesham United as the team prepare for the new season. Enjoy the experience of your local football club with: live football, hot food, a huge Mix 107 inflatable castle, fun stalls, live music and a licensed bar. Under 18 year olds can collect a free season ticket on the day.

Anyone for Golf?

Chesham & Ley Hill Golf Club is running a special offer for new members. For this season - until the end of September 2009 – there is no joining fee, just pay £27.50 a month. CLHGC is a friendly not-for-profit club run by the members for the members. The clubhouse has recently been upgraded and the course is in superb condition - a hidden gem right on your door step. The brand new Beginners Academy offers a great way to get into the game. Anyone interested in joining should contact the Secretary/ Professional, James Short on 01494 784 541, or visit http://www.cheshamgolf.co.uk/.

The Chiltern Charity Golf Classic 2009

Advance notice of the annual Chiltern Charity Golf Classic which will be held on Thursday 24 September 2009 at the Gerrards Cross Golf Club, Chalfont Park, Gerrards Cross SL9 0QA. The event now in its 23rd year, is organised by The Rotary Club of Amersham and sponsored by the NHBC (the National House-Building Council). The main beneficiaries of the event this year will be the Pepper Foundation, Help For Heroes (Help for Heroes is a new organisation formed to help those who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts) and other Rotary charities. For an entry form or further information please contact Nick Webb on 01494 434544 or email nickwebb@pwwpl.com (Rotary district 1230 http://www.rotary1260.org.uk/)

Voluntary work in the community

Chiltern District Council and Nexus community sports officers are looking for volunteers who will assist them in many areas of their work. If you are interested in sports or working with young people; or if you are a young person yourself, are you interested in making a difference to your community? Do you have any ideas on projects that you would like to deliver which you think your community would benefit from? If you are looking to work in the sports industry it is best to gain experience first, so working with CDC and Nexus means you will have skills for your future. If you are 16 and above you can volunteer your time for many projects on offer, such as Street Football, football at Chesham Youth Club or/and Sportszone in the Park. You will gain knowledge about planning and delivering sports sessions. If any of the above applies or if you are interested in volunteering please ring Stacey Ellingham, Diversionary Activities Officer on 01494 732177 or email sellingham@chiltern.gov.uk. Visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/sportszone.

Amersham youth included - open trials for next season

Chesham United Football Club is holding an open trial day for its Youth Team at 6.30pm on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at Dr Challoner’s School, Chesham Road, Amersham. Dave Jeffrey said, “We are looking for players aged 16-18 who are keen to join and develop with a progressive non league club”. If you are interested in taking part please call Gary Breeden on 07798 885752, or Bob Hatcher on 07850 682997. Chesham United have recruited Gary to take over from Bob running the Youth Team in the Allied Counties League. Bob will continue with the club, running the senior men's reserve side in the Suburban League. Gary is a Level 3 Coach, and a FA Tutor, who has a wealth of experience in Youth Football. He has worked with Rushden and Diamonds FC, and last year at Hemel Hempstead FC. Gary has plenty of contacts within youth football, and along with the Reserve structure, Chesham United aims to recruit and develop the best of the local football talent. Dave added, “We will be looking to build links with colleges and clubs higher up the pyramid”.

Twenty years bowled past

The Chesham Pioneers Bowls Club has been celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Ken Kenny Annual Tournament was an opportunity to invite those organisations which have given donations or grants to Chesham Pioneers, to watch the talented bowlers in action at Chesham Bowling Club. Pioneers bowling members are all visually impaired and are assisted by a small number of sighted helpers. The club is affiliated to Chesham Bowling Club for bowling during the summer and bowl short mat at the White Hill Centre in the winter months. It operates under the auspices of the Bucks Vision, but runs its activities independently. Although there were some heavy showers Brenda King tells me everyone had a good day and enjoyed the lunch. For more information call Brenda on 01494 774249.

CUFC opens wider

On Saturday 8 August Chesham United Football Club will have a pre-season friendly against Northwood. Alan Calder said, “We are planning to make it a community day with the doors open to everyone free of charge. It is hoped the youth team will organise a barbeque, the ladies will run some stalls, and there will be face painting." Anyone interested in getting involved with helping to organise and promote the day and their own organization or group please contact Alison Pirouet call 0790 524 33378 or email alisonp76@aol.com. Alan continued, “We are still at early stages of planning, but Mix 107 are bringing a huge bouncy slide and we are expecting a great fun day for all the town to enjoy the football club.” CUFC are becoming more of a community club and Alan said it would be great to have more people involved.

Rounders around the Moor

There will be a family rounders day on the Moor, Waterside on Friday 29 May from 10am – 1pm. Families are welcome to bring a picnic and refreshments, no need to book just register on the day. Check the weather and dress accordingly, call 01494 732177. There will also be a family Sports Day at Chesham Leisure Centre on Sunday 31 May and Tennis at Chesham Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday 29 May from 11am – noon. It is part of the Reactivate Buck! Family Week. Sport and leisure providers around Buckinghamshire are offering a range of free and special-offer sessions in a wide range of sports and activities so families can try out an activity they can do together, for a taster of the wealth of activities available in the county. Families can find out what’s on at www.buckssport.org/reactivate, and if they register on-line for an activity, they could win a set of bikes for the family or a family ticket to a local sporting event. To find out what’s on near you and to register for an activity, go to www.buckssport.org/reactivate or call the Reactivate Bucks! Team on 01296 585215.

Chesham open

The Chesham Chamber’s Golf Day for Business is open for entry of teams or individuals. The inaugural golf day for businesses will be in the morning of Tuesday 23 June at Chartridge Park Golf Club and it will be an excellent networking opportunity. The day will start with a light breakfast of tea, coffee and a roll followed by 18 Holes of Stableford golf and a three course lunch. Prizes will be awarded. More than 25 people have already enrolled including five companies so it is shaping up to be a good competition. The cost will be £40 for members of the Chesham Chamber of Commerce (and their guests) and £45 for non members. Please register interest before Sunday 31 May by emailing golf@greentelecom.co.uk including your name and the number of players and you will be sent further details along with a booking form. If you have any questions call Steve Haydon on 07956 262506.

Sports people successes from Chesham & Amersham Chiltern Sports

Awards are a joint venture between Chiltern District Council and Chiltern District Sports Council to recognise exceptional amateur achievement in sport through outstanding personal, team or school performance. Awards also recognise long and outstanding voluntary service to sport by an individual as an administrator, organiser or coach. Each of the winners either lives, trains, belongs to a sports club or attends full-time education in the Chiltern District area, and we report here from Chesham and Amersham. The 15th Annual Chiltern Awards for Achievement in Sport saw award winners, their families and guests packing the Chiltern District Council Chamber in Amersham to hear the stories behind each of the winners. The service to sport award went to Martyn Cartwright, a founder member of Chiltern Harriers Athletic Club in 1978, who has over the last 31 years coached many junior and senior members whilst also competing himself. Other winners from Chesham were: Under 15 Boys Award – Michael Goddard, 800m and 1500m runner with Chiltern Harriers; Girls 15 - 21 Award – Clarice Underwood from Great Missenden, a 100m sprinter with Chiltern Harriers; Primary School of the Year – Chartridge Combined with teams successfully representing the school in football, tag-rugby and cross-country; Secondary School of the Year – Dr Challoners High School whose cross-country team won the English schools cross-country cup; and Community Team of the Year won by the Chesham Cricket Club’s Under Elevens team who won the Bucks Cricket Board under 11 league.

Celebrate the season

Chesham United Football Club invites you to an informal night of fun and entertainment at the Chess Suite for the 2008/09 Presentation Evening on Saturday 9 May at 7.30pm. It features the return of the Alternative Awards Ceremony and other presentations include Prediction League winners, Supporters' Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Most Improved Player. Everyone is welcome to join in celebrating the end of another enjoyable season. Entry is free, just turn up on the door (at The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, HP5 1NE) and bring some money to spend over the bar. You still have a few more days to vote for your Player of the Season by emailing your top three nominations, in order, to meadow-magazine@talktalk.net.

Win Chesham United shirt sponsorship for next season

Once again Chesham United is offering the chance to win the club’s main shirt sponsorship. The Corporate Patron Scheme costs £250 plus vat to join and offers a range of benefits. Members of the scheme will receive two season tickets for all Chesham’s home league matches, one free hire of the Chess Suite to hold their own function and five tickets for one of the monthly comedy nights worth £50. Additionally, everyone who joins by Friday 24 April will be entered into a prize draw to win various advertising packages including the first prize of becoming the named shirt sponsor on the club’s home shirts for next season. More details are at www.chesslive.org.uk/cps(low).pdf or contact alan@cheshamunited.co.uk.

A big Easter weekend for Chesham United

There are three vital matches coming up in the next week for Chesham United as they bid to secure a play off place and promotion this season. On Saturday 11 April they travel to second placed Nuneaton Town for one of the toughest fixtures of the season and the Supporters’ Trust is sponsoring coach travel making seats available for just £5. The coach leaves from the club at 11.15am on Saturday, email gould47@hotmail.com to book a seat. On Easter Monday there is a home local derby with Marlow at The Meadow with a 3pm kick off whilst on Wednesday 15 April AFC Sudbury visit Chesham for an evening game starting at 7.45pm. Visit www.cheshamunited.co.uk for details of all matches and events.

Kickboxing a big hit

Pegasus kickboxing day proved a resounding success and plans are already being made for a follow up show in Chesham later this year. Fighters from martial arts clubs across the country showed more than 60 back-to-back junior and adult semi contact fights over eight hours. The night show, a huge full contact spectacle, drew in a 300-strong crowd, and included two southern area title bouts. Local fighters included Emily Mason, Hannah Marie Barry and Stephen Pelling of Chesham Pegasus; Ritchie Graham and Jack Fields of Pegasus Berkhamsted; Toby Freeman and Akbar Mohammed of Pegasus Aylesbury. Flushed with the excitement of success Beky Hughes said, “We thank everyone involved, especially the fighters and supporters”.

Easter holidays – book now

Visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/sport or www.chiltern.gov.uk/sportszone to find out about Easter holiday activities coming soon from Chiltern District Council, and all are free of charge to the user.
Week 1 – Monday 6 April from 10am – noon, the Sportszone roadshow will visit Waterside Moor offering activities for children aged eight – 12 years only. Sportszone have teamed up with the Nexus Play Rangers for the 10am – noon activities, anyone up to five years of age and accompanied by an adult can participate. There are also sessions for five – 12 year olds. From 1 – 3pm the Sportszone roadshow will be at Marston Field. On Wednesday 8 April you can find the Sportszone roadshow at Westwood Park, Little Chalfont 10am – noon and King George V Field, Amersham 1 – 3pm. On Thursday 9 April it will be at Holmer Green Common 10am – noon and Prestwood Common from 1 – 3pm.
Week 2 – Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April Sportszone will be running four day courses in football or netball and a two day course in dance, open to children aged eight – 12 years only. The football or netball courses will be held at Chesham Park Community College from Tuesday 14 - Friday 17 April from 10am – 3pm. Every child must bring lunch. The dance courses are only for two days and will be held at Bell Lane Combined School on the Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April from 10am – 3pm, with every child bringing lunch. There will also be some activities for young people aged 13 – 19 years only.
Non-contact boxing will be held at Chesham Youth Club on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April from 11am – 3pm. Every participant must bring lunch. A day trip to Woodrow High House will be on Thursday 16 April from 10.30pm – 3.30pm, bring lunch. If you are interested in any of the above you must phone 01494 732177 to book your place. Stacey Ellingham said, “We will not be running any activities on Good Friday or bank holiday Monday”.

ICC Twenty20 World Cup volunteers

Would you like further experience for a new job or to meet new people? You could volunteer at the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition which is being held in England from Friday 5 June. Volunteers are the face of the Tournament, and will work with the venue media centres, tournament accreditation and administration, match day entertainment, and ticketing. No previous experience is necessary because all volunteers will receive full training and there will be volunteer coordinators at each venue at all times offering support. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age by Monday 18 May. So if you are a cricket fan, apply now at www.icc-cricket.com/t20volunteers to offer your services at this summer’s most exciting sports event or visit http://www.icc-cricket.yahoo.com/. The venues will be Lords, The Oval, Trent Bridge and Taunton. The ladies World Cup will run parallel to the men’s competition, commencing on Thursday 11 June.

Beavers do best

1st Chesham Beaver Colony entered the Beaver bowling competition at Jardines, Aylesbury last weekend. Leader Jenny Rees said, “I entered three teams of Beavers and one of the teams came in second – losing out to 3rd Aylesbury Beavers by just one point”. The team comprised three young people but we don’t have permission to publish their names I’m afraid. Jenny continued, “The other two teams also did really well and they all did their best which is what all Beavers do. A big thank you to all the staff at Jardines who made us all very welcome.”

15 March kickboxing event

Chesham Pegasus Kickboxing and Martial Arts Academy will host its annual semi-contact kickboxing competition at Chesham Leisure Centre, White Hill, on Sunday 15 March. The event is open to juniors and adult fighters from many different styles of martial arts clubs across the country. Commencing at 9.30am the show will feature a full day of pre-matched fights for novices and the more experienced. There will be one boxing ring, tickets can be purchased on the day, and food and refreshments will be available at the venue. Following the semi-contact day show, a full-contact Fight Night taking place at the same venue, organised by Pegasus Kickboxing in Berkhamsted. Doors open at 6pm (first fight 7pm) for an exciting line-up of two southern area title fights and eight supporting bouts. Fighters will represent clubs from Chesham, Aylesbury, Brighton, Tottenham, London and Walton. Bill Cann, Chesham Pegasus Instructor said, “Having been involved as fighters and promoters of kickboxing events for many years, the Pegasus team recognises the importance of local competitions to create opportunity for local fighters to show off their skills to an audience of friends, family, colleagues and general public.” Spectator tickets for both shows are available now. Day show adult entry costs £10, under 16s £5 and under fives go free. Call Bill on 07903 433 829. Night show entry is £20 or £15 in advance, call Nick Morrish on 07813 877967.

Chesham Pegasus Kickboxing and Martial Arts Academy classes are held every Monday and Wednesday evening at Brushwood Junior School, Brushwood Road, Chesham. There is also a Saturday morning class at Chesham Leisure Centre. The club attracts a wide range of ages and fitness levels, and the training offers something for everybody, including self-defence, fitness training, kickboxing and mixed martial arts techniques.

Contribute your Waitrose token

The residents of Chesham and surroundings who shop in Waitrose will be interested to know: Chesham Pioneers Blind and Partially Sighted Bowling Club are to be one of the charities sponsored by Waitrose for the month of March. After shopping there and receiving your token, put the green discs in the Chesham Pioneers box. Under the ‘Community Matters’ scheme, each month Waitrose Partners choose three charities or community projects to benefit from a share of the supermarket’s regular donation. Funds will go towards travelling costs. Roy Pound said, “We would like the support of your readers - and everybody else”. It’s good to hear from the Pioneers who continue indoor bowling during the winter months at the White Hill Centre and will be keeping fit for the annual Ken Kenny tournament. The Pioneers are planning to celebrate their 20th anniversary this year with an anniversary lunch at Chesham Bowling Club in July.

Activity made easy

Try a new sport or exercise and get active again. Reactivate Bucks is having a fortnight of introductory sports and activity sessions from Saturday 21 January to Sunday 8 February with free taster sessions. Visit http://www.buckssport.org/reactivate where you can search for your area, ie. Chesham. I like the look of tennis at the Chesham 1879 Lawn Tennis & Social Club. It costs £5 per session, contact Simon Dunford on 07776 442880, email simon@tenniszone.co.uk. Or what about Aerobics? Legs Bums and Tums will be at at Chesham Leisure Centre, White Hill Road, Chesham, HP5 1BB. It will be free of charge if you download and take along the Reactivate Aerobics Classes - February 2009 document. Spaces are limited and cannot be booked in advance without a Leisure Card. If you take out a fitness membership at the relevant centres over the weekend of Saturday 7 February and Sunday 8 February and mention the Reactivate campaign you will get £25 off your first payment. They normally offer memberships from £36.50 per month with no joining fee or annual contract. For telephone help call 01296 585215.

Chesham 2012

Danny Essex, Centre Manager of Chesham Moor Gym & Swim, thanks all those who helped at the launch of Chesham 2012, “We were pleased at the number of people who registered expressions of interest”. Chesham 2012 aim to develop sporting participation amongst families and young people and promote Chesham. People enjoyed the display of Tae Kwon-Do, as well as boxing from Chesham Boxing club, and Waitrose provided everyone with mince pies and clementines. If you missed the event sign up for Chesham 2012 with Danny Essex at Chesham Moor Gym & Swim, call 01494 776975, email ctcpool@chesham.gov.uk or visit www.cheshammoorfitness.org.uk.

See earlier pieces at http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2008/12/launching-chesham2012.html  and http://www.chilternvoice.co.uk/2008/11/chyouth4london2012.html

ChYouth4London2012

Danny Essex and George Lima of Chesham Moor Gym & Swim have a dream of getting one or more of Chesham’s young people into the London 2012 Olympics, at the same time helping to increase sports participation for everyone. They have teamed with other interested people who also wish to promote health and fitness. Young people would have training in selected sports and be assessed by a qualified coach. With help from the Town Clerk Bill Richards, and Ian Barham, Buckinghamshire Manager for the 2012 games, they met Stacey Ellingham of CDC, David Gardner, CDC Community Projects & Revitalisation Officer and others to plan how such a scheme could work. The idea is for Chesham to be seen to be promoting fitness in the young based on the Olympics as well as making Chesham a vibrant hub of general sporting and artistic activity as 2012 draws near. If you wish to be involved either with the sporting or cultural side, please contact Danny Essex email ctcpool@chesham.gov.uk call 01494 776975 or Bill Richards email townclerk@chesham.gov.uk call 01494 774842. Pictured are Danny Essex, George Lima, Albert Blissett and Gill Culverhouse.

Watch out for the big launch on Saturday 20 December – or 20.12 as its known!

Sync your body and mind

Pat Khaihra is starting a new beginners' Tai Chi class at the White Hill Centre from Thursday 13 November at 6.30pm. It costs £26 for four lessons, call Pat on 01494 771675. T’ai Chai, Tai Chai, Tai Chi or T'ai Chi is a gentle form of movement that brings body, mind and spirit together.

Spelling again! In my old days at the Examiner we spelled it Tai Chai, Pat spells it Tai Chi and there are other variations. Wikipedia has a reference. Can anyone settle this?

Promote your sports club

A new BucksSport directory has been launched for you to promote your club or events. (Did they get the idea from Chiltern District Council, or do great minds think alike?) The site promises to allow you to find a club from - the most comprehensive list of sporting organisations in (and relating to) the Bucks and Milton Keynes area. The beta-version is now live on www.buckssport.org/directory. You have to be registered on the site - if you can't remember your details simply enter your email address and select forgot password and you will be sent a reminder. In due course the directory will be opened up for public access. Each club listing will have one owner, usually the first user on the site, who can update the profile, and add full information including events and a logo. Your listing will have its own web address for easy access and will show all the members registered. See what you think.

Reward their efforts

Nominations for Bucks Sport Awards close on Thursday 30 October 2008. Bucks Sport Awards celebrate and honour sport’s unsung heroes, recognising the work carried out by sporting volunteers and coaches. Nominations are in seven categories – Coach of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports Project with Impact, Innovation and Partnership, School of the Year and An Unsung Hero.

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the prestigious Bucks Sport Awards Evening on Friday 28 November at Horwood House. The evening will consist of a drinks reception, dinner and the awards ceremony. Winners of the Bucks Sport Coach, Volunteer and Unsung Hero Awards will be nominated for the BBC South Awards. Nominations can be made via the online Bucks Sport Awards 2008 nomination form, or by completing and returning a nomination form on paper. Forms can be obtained from Bucks Sport on 01296 585215 or email info@buckssport.org. Self nominations will not be considered. For help call Andrea Healy on 01296 585073.

Scouts five-a-side football

As the England team took to the Wembley pitch to begin their trouncing of Kazakhstan, another match was being played in a leafy village in the Chilterns. The annual Chiltern North District five-a-side football match, now in its eleventh year, was hotly contested by Scout Troops from 1st Chesham, 2nd Chesham (Trinity), 3rd Chesham (St Mary’s), 1st Great Missenden, 1st Holmer Green A Team, 1st Holmer Green B Team, 1st Kingshill, 1st Lee Common and 1st Prestwood at Sprinters Leisure Centre, Prestwood. After a gripping two hours of play, 3rd Chesham (St Mary’s) claimed the trophy with 16 goals scored - eight in one match and none conceded. This was impressive as their last four games were played back-to-back. A good performance by goalie Tom Wehrle and team mates Harry Brownfield, Jonathon Brownfield, William Butler, Stephen Cox, Thomas George, Chloe Piercy and James Pinkney.

Half term Out and About

Sportszone offers a free programme of school, after school and holiday activities for young people aged eight - 13. On Monday 27 October there will be football at the Moor, Waterside from 10am – noon and girls are welcome, or/and you can play again on Tuesday 28 October at Chesham Leisure Centre from 10 - 2pm. Bring plenty to drink, and if necessary your own lunch. Wear appropriate clothing and jeans are not allowed. Football boots or trainers and shin pads are essential. You need to complete a parental consent form from the leaflet to be found at the town hall and elsewhere but you will not have to complete another form if you wish to attend more sessions. Please book to avoid disappointment, places are limited, call 01494 732177 or email sportszonechiltern.gov.uk.

There are other sessions and facilities at King George V Fields in Amersham on Thursday 30 October from 12.30 - 3.30pm for ages eight – 15. Visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/sportszone. Chiltern District Council has appointed Peter Tickle to run community sports programmes around the District. Peter has a passion for all types of sports, including football, tri golf and kwik cricket. His work takes him into schools, leisure centres and the community to reach as many children and young people as possible.

Focus on football

The ITV cameras were at The Meadow for Chesham United’s cup game with Brading Town last weekend and they have put the coverage on their website. That makes it four wins out of five games for Chesham this season and League leading scorer Danny Burnell has scored in each game and has 13 already for the season. Dave Jeffrey said, "On Saturday there is a big match at The Meadow as Nuneaton Town visit after having financial problems and being demoted two divisions – around 200 visiting fans are expected". Keep Chesham United in your browser Bookmarks or Favorites (yes I know Internet Explorer uses American spelling, I recommend using Google's Chrome).