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Widmer End News is a non-profit making magazine published
every quarter by Widmer End Residents' Association. Most of the
magazine contents can be found on this website.
Meet the Widmer End News team.
Editorial team:
Bev Ormshaw (714184).
Ian Guy (716997).
Advertising:
Pauline Densham (718378).
Correspondence to:
47 Brimmers Hill, Widmer End,
High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6NN
Widmer End News is a non-profit making
magazine published every quarter by Widmer End Residents' Association
and delivered by volunteers to every home in the community. Its
columns are open to all individuals and organisations, and contributions
are most welcome. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent
those of the Residents' Association committee nor the editorial
team.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Again this year the folks at Church of the Good Shepherd and
many of our local children have collected shoeboxes full of gifts
as part of Operation Christmas Child, run by the Samaritan's
Purse charity. Last year over 100 were collected from the congregation,
the District Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units and Pipers Corner
School. At the time of going to press, this years total was not
known.
We were saddened to hear of the death of Nancy Hopkins on
October 27th. Until last year, she had been a resident of this
village for many years. She was 91, yet still always ready with
a quick response and a mischievous glint in her eye!
Let it be known that in spite of what The Conservative Party
say in their local newsletter, dated October 2001, the Landlord
at The Royal Standard is not about to move on!! Tracey and Ricky
are quite happy where they are, and we are delighted to have
them there. The Residents' Association has written to Cllr Dave
Carroll to inform him that that bit of news is some 12 months
out of date!!
The Public Inquiry into the application to turn Widmer Fields
into a village green was in progress as this magazine was prepared.
The Residents' Association would like to thank everyone who made
the effort to attend, as a spectator, or as a witness. The Inspector
was impressed that such an unusually high level of interest was
shown by residents, as were the stalwarts representing the village.
Thanks should also be given to those people who have devoted
many, many hours to this cause, not just during the Inquiry (though
there were several candles burning at both ends!), but over the
last couple of years.
The advertising in this newsletter just about covers the printing
costs, but there was a small profit left in the bank account
at the end of this financial year. It was never intended that
this should be a profit-making venture, so £100 was given
to the Over 65's Parcel Fund.
DISCOVERY MUSIC on Georges Hill are offering keyboard tuition
as well as guitar tuition, on the premises. They also stock a
dazzling array of keyboards and other musical instruments (guitars,
brass, woodwind, percussion), plus accessories, books, sheet
music, p.a. systems, backing tracks and even watches!!
Winter Fuel Payments 2001.
Are you eligible for this? You could be missing out on money
given by the government to help with your heating bills if you
don't know your facts!
How much? This year the payment is £200 for an individual
or £100 each for people living at the same address.
Who gets it? People who are 60 or over on September 23rd 2001.
When is it paid? Before Christmas.
How do I get it? If you have a state retirement pension or a
social security benefit or if you got the Winter Fuel payment
last year, then the money will come to you automatically; so
do not do anything.
However, if you are over 60 and not yet getting a state retirement
benefit - maybe you are still in work - then you will have to
make a claim for your Winter Fuel Payment. You get a claim form
by calling the national helpline on 08459 15 15 15. If you think
you may have missed out on previous payments you can also claim
for the last 3 years by ringing the same number.
A special plea.
We help several hundred local people each year with money for
their heating bills. Each year, we have a Winter Appeal and individuals
and local companies give us donations to carry on this work.
If you can contribute, we would be delighted. Please send what
you can to Age Concern Buckinghamshire, 145 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury,
Bucks HP19 9HH.
May we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a warm and
cosy winter to come!!
Christmas Safety.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents have issued
the following warnings for Christmas. They expect some 80,000
people will go to hospital as a result of accidents in the home
over the Christmas break - with many of the most serious cases
involving fire.
Never leave candles unattended or near anything that can catch
fire, like curtains or decorations. Definitely do not put them
on Christmas trees as even if you don't intend to light them,
a child might be tempted to.
Decorations and cards should never be placed aboth the fire
or near heat sources like light fittings. Fires must be guarded
- particularly if there are children and old people around.
Toddlers have choked on discarded wrapping paper and small
parts from toys. Burst balloons also pose a choking hazard for
young children.
A glass of sherry left out for Santa, or any alcohol left
around after parties, can easlity be drunk by children who get
up early to play with their toys when adults aren't around.
Ensure fairy lights conform to a British Standard and preferably,
they should carry a Kitemark. Carefully inspect the lights to
make sure there are no cracked bulbs and check that wires have
not been pulled away from the bulb holders. Always turn off and
unplug the lights before changing a bulb or making checks.
Christmas tree lights heat up, so keep them away from anything
combustible. Never use indoor Christmas tree lights outside.
All new lights should come pre-fitted with a plug and the correct
fuse.
The High Wycombe strategic Plan - Public Inquiry.
Some of you will be well aware that the public inquiry relating
to the housing, employment and transport needs of the area up
to 2011 (all in accordance with the government's instructions
to plan for an additional four million new houses by that date),
continues in the District Council's office in Wycombe.
A sincere thank you to all those who attended at various times
when the Grange Action Group were giving evidence and being cross-examined
by the various solicitors, barristers and QCs representing those
developers etc. who wish to concrete over the Chilterns AONB.
GAG have to appear on two further, as yet unknown dates, to continue
their defence of these green and pleasant lands. You will already
have seen the effect of ruffling Laing Homes feathers in the
way that they have reacted to the opposition to their plans to
build 300 houses on Widmer Farm.
This has been a very tough time for us amateurs and represents
the culmination of nearly three years planning, countless meetings
and not inconsiderable expense. For example it cost GAG about
£1400 for a professional planning witness to appear for
one day, and the photocopying bill to date is about £400!
And that does not include the "free" copying done for
us. We have had the free help of a locally born solicitor for
the last three years. Just think what that would have cost. It
highlights the total inequality between the lavishly funded developers
and well-intentioned locals. We should be very, very grateful
to those committed locals who have given so much of their time
and effort. Many names come to mind, but one stands out head
and shoulders above the rest, and that is David Wainman. David
has provided the leadership, encouragement, example and tenacity,
at considerable personal sacrifice, to hold together the team
of representatives from Parish Councils and Residents' Associations
that comprise GAG.
We still have a long way to go, and the Inspector's report
and recommendations will not be known until next year. We can
only trust that good sense and clear thinking will prevail and
that the Chilterns AONB that surrounds our village will be saved.
Hugh McCarthy.
GOOD SHEPHERD TINY TOTS - Come and join us for refreshments
and a chat while the children make new friends. We have a range
of toys and also a craft activity and singing each week. We meet
on Monday mornings, 10-11:30 and Wednesday afternoons, 1:30-3
during term time.
Thanks to all who helped at the Millennium Megabash - part
two. £336.60 was raised for the Playground Fund and a great
time was had by all into the bargain.
The Planning Inspector will be making tours of the Grange
Farm and Widmer Farm areas over the coming few weeks. It would
be a great shame if he felt the place looked uncared for because
of the amount of litter left around. In this particularly windy
weather we have experienced, any pieces of paper or plastic that
get dropped have been blown around and caught in hedges or trees
for all to see. There are also drink bottles and cans, cigarette
packets and even the occasional dirty nappy would you believe!
If this area is worth fighting to keep, then please let us look
after it. If you see any litter lying around, would you pick
it up? How about a litter blitzing weekend? Are there any schools
or youth organisations interested in getting involved? Perhaps
you could be sponsored to clean up, and raise money for a good
cause at the same time.
Please contact one of the Residents' Association if you would
like to help. At the very least, whether you are dog walking,
playing with your friends or even jogging, PLEASE take your litter
home with you!
High Wycombe Scrabble Club is on the look-out for new members.
They meet every other Tuesday at Rosetti Hall, Holmer Green,
from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. This is social scrabble for all abilities.
March gatherings are 6th and 20th. Contact Dennis Troughton (815021)
for further details.
Age Concern Buckinghamshire is the main local charity helping
all older people and their carers. Their services include: Information
and Advice, Advocacy, Day Care, Befriending schemes, Benefits
advice at home, Carer's group, local lunch clubs and pop-ins,
insurance aid, call personal alarms and campaigns. They can be
contacted on 01296 431127.
The Millennium Awards for All scheme was so popular that another
Awards For All scheme has been launched. Grants for between £500
and £5000 will be made available to groups with an annual
income under £15000. Applications are encouraged from groups
whose work will benefit the following areas which have few social,
cultural or sporting activities and resources young people, disabled
people, isolated rural areas where access to facilities and services
is limited, ethnic minorities and culturally diverse communities.
Application packs can be obtained by telephoning 0845 600 2040
or can be downloaded from the website www.awardsforall.org.uk.
Information can now be obtained on all aspects of Bucks County
Council's Disabled Car Badge service from their website
www.buckscc.gov.uk/council/information/disabled_persons_car_badges/index.htm
(Doesn't that just trip off the tongue?!)
Playground Fund
Thank you to everyone who supported our recent Autumn Bazaar
on October 13th with donations of money, cakes, prizes, goods
and help. We raised £267.82 on the day and a further £41.50
at the Village Hall AGM.
The low turnout at the Bazaar was very disappointing. The
children need your support if we are going to raise enough money
to rebuild the swing park for the present, and future, generations.
We have already spent £500 on bark under the big swings,
and £350 on a nice sturdy gate.
After many years of enjoyment and much use, some of the equipment
has been condemned by the Health and Safety Inspector, and has
been dismantled. We had hoped to begin rebuilding the climbing
frame this Spring. Unfortunately, we now need a further £2,600
for a new safety surface before we can begin to build. As our
swing park is owned by the village, the Council will not fund
rebuilding or maintaining the equipment.
We urgently need more people to help with fund raising and
fresh ideas - PLEASE! Alternatively, you could join the 100 club
for as little as £12 a year (a little under 25p per week)
with the chance to win £50 each month.
If you can help in any way whatsoever or would like to join
the 100 club, please phone Paul (716341) or Ena (716540). Thank
you.
Ena Stanley.
100 Club Winners!!
June M Taplin
July Valerie Charles
August Bev Ormshaw
Sept Ken Musgrave
Oct Mr and Mrs Youens
Village Hall
The Village Hall & Recreation Ground Committee AGM has been re-covened for Monday 11th Feb @8.30 in the village hall. Only those persons aged 18 years and over living in the Civil Parish of Widmer End are entitled to take part and vote at the meeting but interested observers are welcome to attend.
Births
Pat and Laurie Johnson are delighted with new grandson Jacob,
born on Sept 21st to daughter Karen and her husband Richard.
Brother for Megan.
Tom and Carole Willetts are grandparents again too. Anthony
Thomas James arrived on 19th Oct to Nicola, Gary and Zara.
Joe and Charlie Merefield were thrilled to welcome a baby
brother, Samuel, on Oct 1st. Mum and dad are Ruth and Christian.
Anna, Carlton and Katie De Souza added a little girl named
Maia to their family on August 6th.
Isaac is the latest addition to the Hope family. Congratulations
Phil and Andrea.
Only just in time for this issue was Robert Steven who arrived
on Nov 14th. Congrats go to Pat, Tim and Jessica Ayres.
New residents
Welcome to Nigel and Pauline Stone who have (at last) moved
into Snowdrop Way.
Also to Fredrica and Martin who now live on Primrose Hill.
Welcome back to Wendy Golding who has returned, to North Road.
Birthdays
Happy 11th birthday to Pedro Pailin for Jan 17th.
THE ROLO CHILDREN'S CLUB
Are your children bored after school, especially now that
the dark nights are upon us?
You may be interested to know that Widmer End has a fully
insured and registered children's club available in the village.
Now nearing the end of its second year, the club offers lots
of fun-packed activities for children between the ages of 4 and
11, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3.15 to 5.30pm during
the school term.
Activities range from football sessions to games and crafts.
There is even a quiet area for the more industrious child to
do homework, if he or she likes! An extensive range of hot and
cold food is offered at every session.
We have a very reliable team of staff, who interact well with
parents and children alike to ensure that the sessions are kept
safe, interesting and fun.
So if you are looking for a safe, child-centred environment
for your child, please give us a call!
Sessions cost £4.75 each, including food.
Venue: Widmer End School, Estcourt Drive, Widmer End (club
registered for all children between 4 and 11, whether or not
pupils of the school.)
Please 'phone Mrs G Lancaster on 01494 713406 for further
details.
Directory Entry
The Rolo Children's Club
Widmer End School
Estcourt Drive
Widmer End
Phone Mrs G Lancaster 01494 713406
3.15 - 5.30 pm Mon-Wed (term time only)
NEWS IN BRIEF
Widmer End School
What a painless experience that was, once it got going. The
building work was completed on time and we now have a new Home
Economics and Science area, a larger middle school library and
a good excuse to have a good old clear out. The new kitchen will
not only be useful for teaching purposes, but the School Association
welcome it for preparing and serving food and drink at social
gatherings. We are also able to use the hall and the library
at the same time as we have a wall and door separating the two
areas. We are delighted with the conversion and look forward
to children using the facilities for both electronic and written
research. Thank you to all our generous parents for raising £2000
last year, and promising a further £2000 this year, to
help with this project
One of the most popular fund-raisers was a Secret Shopping
Zone for the children. Held at lunchtimes just before Christmas,
the children were able to buy presents for mum/dad/grandparents/siblings,
which were then wrapped for them, so that there were some surprises
on Christmas day. It proved so successful that a similar event
is being planned for Mothers Day. In fact, the fund-raising and
social calendar organised by the School Association is filling
up fast. In addition to the shopping, we have a fashion show,
family fun day, discos, mufti day.
The latter will coincide with our Spring Arts Festival, to
be held just before Easter. All children are encouraged to take
part and we always have some hitherto hidden talents emerging!
There will be categories for art, drama, music, dance - in fact,
anything goes.
The Royal Standard
We have recently taken over The Royal Standard pub in Grange
Road, Widmer End and would like to extend a warm welcome to all
existing, and prospective, customers.
We have lived in Widmer End for 12 years, on the Windmill
Estate, and have four children all at local schools.
We are hoping to start the food side of the business shortly,
and will be offering bar snacks and basic 'pub grub'. Over the
next two months, we will be tidying up the garden so that by
the time the warmer weather and lighter evenings are with us,
we will have anice area for people to come along with their children.
We look forward to meeting many new people over the coming
months and hope that we can rely on the support of the village
to make The Royal Standard very much a part of village life.
Tracey and Ricky Perfect
Church of the Good Shepherd
In our Family Service this morning we were looking at the
story of Noah and the flood and with all the rain about I thought
it was a comforting thought that after the flood God promised
that he would never again flood the whole earth!
Well the days are slowly getting longer and gradually you
can imagine that the dark days of winter are at least nearly
at an end. It's a kind of seasonal light at the end of the tunnel
and fortunately because the seasons have defined duration we
can be confident that eventually winter will give way to all
the promise of new life that spring-time brings. Sometimes life
can be a bit like a long dark winter when sickness, redundancy,
bereavement and a whole host of other things crowd in and make
life seem very dark and difficult. But just as Spring follows
Winter there will be better days ahead and we sometimes need
to hang in there for a while. A key message of Jesus' teaching
was that we are not alone in times like this, that Jesus is there
with us caring and supporting us if we let him.
What's happening in the next months at CGS ?
§ After a lot of delays we are making a start on some building
work. Some time ago we had some extensive plans for developing
the site and we have decided to do this in phases. So in late
February we will start a major refurbishment and internal rearrangement
of the Meeting Room behind the church aimed at catching up on
some overdue maintenance but also improving the facilities for
the benefit of the many groups who use it. We will be including
better storage, a new enlarged kitchen and better heating. Watch
this space for more news and a date for a grand opening when
you can come and have a look.
§ March 25th is Mothering Sunday and can I invite you all
to a fun filled Family Service to thank God for our Mums.
§ Return of the Children's Club! Following another successful
event at Christmas we will be running another Children's Club
for Children aged 4 to 10 on either the Saturday before or after
Easter (depending on how well the building work goes). More details
later.
Please come and join us any Sunday at 10 o'clock and if you
live in the area but go to another church then would you please
pray for us as we try to serve the people living in Widmer End.
Alan Petherbridge
The Village Hall and Recreation Ground
As I have now taken over the role of Chairman of the Village
Hall and Recreation Ground committee, I thought that it would
be opportune to use this edition of the newsletter to clarify
the position concerning the proposals submitted by the tennis
club to erect floodlights at the tennis courts. This matter was
touched upon in the Autumn 2000 edition of the newsletter when
it was explained that the land was leased to the tennis club
and that the trustees of the Village Hall had neither endorsed
nor formally agreed to the erection of the lights.
By way of background, when the members of the tennis club
first approached the trustees with their plans for an extended
club house and to erect floodlights, the trustees indicated that
they had no objection in principle to the club house, but there
were concerns that the erection of floodlights could generate
some objections from local residents. There seemed little point
in involving the community in debate at that stage since planning
permission had not been obtained and if that was not forthcoming,
then there would be no further action required. The tennis club
indicated that they intended to submit an application for planning
consent, and the trustees requested that the tennis club send
a letter to those residents in North Road and Grange Road who
might have an interest in the matter, so that they might be kept
fully informed. This they did.
Also of concern to the trustees was the fact that the lease
entered into with the tennis club in 1973 was considered invalid
by the Charity Commission, because the consent of the Commission
had not been sought at the time as required by the 1960 Charities
Act. The trustees were anxious not to take any precipitous action
to disturb this lease since they were aware that it contained
a clause requiring the tennis club to seek the permission of
the trustees before erecting any structure at the tennis courts.
The trustees have recently sought the advice of Messrs Browns,
Solicitors, and Messrs Clarke and Son, the latter being the solicitors
who drew up the original lease. Both have confirmed that in their
view, the lease is invalid for want of the Charity Commission
consent. However this is not now thought to be a major problem
since the tennis club have acknowledged that whatever the position
concerning the lease, they intend to seek the consent of the
trustees before proceeding with their plans. It will probably
be necessary to draw up a new lease in due course.
In the event, planning permission was granted to the tennis
club and whilst at the time of writing this article, a formal
application for permission has not been submitted to the trustees
by the tennis club, it is likely that they will do so very shortly.
This places the trustees in a very difficult position. Whilst
several local people have voiced their opposition to the floodlights,
the trustees have to act in the best interests of the charity,
the wider circle of beneficiaries, and in accordance with the
stated aims of the charity. One of these is the encouragement
of recreational facilities. In addition, several of the trustees
have a personal interest in the matter, either because they have
formally objected to the floodlights during the planning process,
or for other reasons.
The trustees have sought guidance from the Charity Commission
who have confirmed that the trustees must act in what they regard
as the best interests of the charity and must not let their personal
interests affect their decision in any way. In addition, the
Commission has highlighted that whilst the trustees may call
for a public meeting to discuss this matter, they should make
it clear that they cannot be bound by any decision taken at such
a meeting, and that the final decision rests with the trustees.
It is clear that whatever decision is reached, it might be subject
to challenge and it will be for each and every trustee to be
certain that they can defend their decision if called upon to
do so. It is likely that the trustees will seek further assistance
from the Commission in resolving this issue.
I hope that this article goes someway to clarifying the present
position and helps to dispel any doubts concerning the past action
of the trustees, whilst at the same time highlighting the difficult
decision that we are being asked to make.
On another matter, it has become clear during some of the
discussions taking place concerning the possible future developments
of Grange Farm, that the builders involved considered that the
recreation ground was "public land". I have made it
crystal clear during the various presentations that I have made,
that the land is owned by the charity "Widmer End Village
Hall & Recreation Ground" and whilst it provides a recreation
area it is not in public ownership.
Trevor Dean
Chairman
Desperately seeking news reporter!!!!
Have you noticed that Widmer End never gets a mention in the
Bucks Free Press village round-up? If you think you could spare
a little time each week to write a few lines about what is going
on here, please contact The Editor, Bucks Free Press, Gomm Road,
High Wycombe, HP13 7DW, tel: 755000.
A daytime Alpha course began in May at Holy Trinity church,
Hazlemere for all those people who cannot make it along to the
evening sessions. It is anticipated that another will be run
next year, so if you have missed out on this one, watch out for
dates for the next. If you don't know what Alpha is now, you
will by then - just watch your tv's and newspapers!
Due to popular demand, Widmer End Tiny Tots will now be meeting
on Mondays 10 - 11.30am and Wednesdays 1.30 - 3pm in the meeting
room at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Come along for a chat
and a coffee while your children play. There is also a craft
activity and singing each week.
The Residents' Association has purchased a laminator. It is available
for anyone to borrow at a cost of 50p per copy. If you or your
organisation would like to use it occasionally, please ring Trevor
or Maggie on 716667.
An engagement ring has been found at the playground. Please
contact 715912 if you have lost one.
WINDMILL PARADE
An application to convert the empty newsagents shop into a
ground floor flat has been received by Wycombe District Council.
The meeting to discuss and approve or reject the applications
will be held after this piece was submitted to the editor.
There has been some confusion regarding permission to build
houses on what is currently the shop car park. The plans clearly
show numbered parking spaces where one block of garages currently
stand, suggesting their demolition. Discussion with Mrs Johal,
the owner's daughter, led me to be further confused - Mrs Johal
insisted that the garages will stay. I have contacted the management
agents, Dunphys, and written to Mrs Johal seeking clarification
of the facts.
Meanwhile, it might be of interest to know that planning permission
is granted for a period of five years and can be renewed after
that. This means that redevelopment of the site doesn't have
to commence for a lengthy period.
Please contact me with news and/or rumours so I can keep on
pestering….
Claire Baker 713422.
Widmer End Senior Citizens Club for the over 60s
In the same way as there is confusion about the WEMC (Windmill
Estate Maintenance Company) and WERA (Widmer End Residents' Association),
folk get us mixed up with the Over 65's Parcel Fund. So, to clear
the muddy waters, let us tell you about us.
We are a friendly bunch who meet each Wednesday afternoon
in the village hall from 2 - 4 pm. If you fancy a natter and
a cuppa, please come along and join us. There are usually up
to 35 of us and we supplement our income with bingo and bring
and buy sales. Until the piano at the hall became unusable, we
used to have entertainers come in and we would love to reinstate
that treat. Does anyone have a piano they no longer use and would
like to find a good home for? Are there any piano tuners out
there who could maintain it for us? Are there any entertainers
in the village or surroundings who would like to come and visit
us occasionally?
With the money we raise, we have outings ranging from day
trips to the seaside, to dinners out. In fact, we have already
planned trips to Eastbourne and Warwick later this year. We travel
by coach and would love to fill every seat, so you don't have
to be a member of the club to come along on the trip. Just give
our secretary a ring (715603) and book your seat!
We could do with some younger members, so if you have recently
retired and are looking for some company or something to do,
you know where we are!
Eileen Campbell
Secretary
Thames Valley Police Report from P.C 350 Paul Sorensen.
Firstly, a brief account of how abandoned cars are dealt with.
When the Control Room receive such a report, they create an URN
(Unique Reference Number). If the vehicle registration number
is passed correctly and the vehicle is not stolen, the Resource
Centre will contact the registered owner by post. If the vehicle
is still theirs, they will be asked to remove it. If they have
sold it and the new owner cannot be traced, details are passed
to the Council to place a 7 day order on the car. If it is not
removed, the car will be towed away by the Council. (In reality,
a 7 day order takes longer due to the backlog). This does not
apply to cars in car parks or other private property. If the
car is stolen, it will be taken to a garage by the police and
fingerprinted etc. before being returned to the owner.
On a more serious note, there have been several reports of
damage to farm fences on Millfield Farm and attached woodland.
This is off Four Ashes Road and backs onto homes from the Brands
Hill and Kingshill Road areas. The land has not been farmed for
some time, and local ramblers/dog walkers have been using it
and surrounding footpaths. Since new ownership, the bridelways
and some disused footpaths have been reopened by the owners at
their own expense. Signs have been posted to show the footpaths.
People are ignoring these and damaging the fencing that has been
put in place to stop sheep entering the woodland. If anyone is
caught causing damage, they will be arrested and face possible
prosecution in connection with the moving of the sheep (foot
and mouth regulations). This behaviour may deter the owners from
their plan to create a walkway through the woodland and open
this up for public use. Please be considerate and respect other
peoples property. If anyone has information on this matter, please
contact me at the office (715352). Let's work together, get a
community feeling and stop the criminals!
The party season is drawing near and whilst I do not want
to dampen spirits, please give some thought to just that. If
you are going to a "bash", please DO NOT DRINK AND
DRIVE. Even one drink can affect abilities. Arrange a lift or
find a non-drinker (and there are plenty around!) to do the chauffeuring.
BE SAFE, BE HAPPY AND HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS.
Well another new year, or perhaps I should say a new Millennium
and nothing much seems to change, or does it? Maybe we are beginning
to see some action on the traffic calming front. Hughenden P.C.
forwarded a list of schemes to the County when we were advised
that the government had suddenly given the County Council extra
money for works to make the area surrounding schools safer. Hence
the new footpath on the north side of Brimmers Hill to reduce
vehicle speed and to make it easier for children to be dropped
off at the back of the school so as to reduce the parking problem
in Estcourt Drive. I gather there may also be a crossing at the
junction with Windmill Lane, and some other measures to slow
traffic through the village. We are also looking into the question
of a weight restriction on rural roads which, as you must have
noticed, are suffering increasing damage. There has also been
a dramatic increase in burst water mains, presumably due to the
weight of the large lorries.
I have had quite a number of people expressing concern regarding
the District Council's surprising decision to grant planning
permission for the tennis club to install floodlights on three
of their courts. The Parish Council did object strongly to this
application, principally because of the impact upon the AONB
and Grange Farm etc. I know many other residents also expressed
their misgivings, however that is democracy at work, and it seems
that it is now the policy of the District Council to push sport
out of town. Strange that, considering that they are also trying
to discourage the use of cars! Anyway, I am sorry, but there
is nothing more that I can do for those who feel let down, the
matter is now in the hands of the Village Hall Committee.
I should mention that Ken Ball has moved to Princes Risborough. He remains a councillor until the next election (unless he chooses to resign), but we will eventually have to find a successor, so if there are any interested persons out there please let me know. You have over two years to think about it though, so I doubt that I will be overwhelmed by the rush!! Ken's new address is 3 Culverton Hill, Princes Risborough, Bucks. HP27 0DZ. Tel. 01844 343683.
If, like me, you are a keen walker and you know of any blocked
or obstructed footpaths/bridleways etc. please let me know. The
Parish Council has an arrangement with the Chilterns Society
to maintain the paths and styles, but they do rely on feedback
from you. Similarly if you see any fly tipping or dumping on
public land (or private land for that matter) please ring the
District or Parish office with the vehicle registration number
or description. The penalty for tipping or dumping is severe
and it is a very antisocial and selfish practice. It also costs
us all in the end because the cost is eventually reflected in
your council tax bill. Thankfully most people take their rubbish
to the free tip at Amersham or Wycombe.
The Parish Council meet on the second Tuesday of the month
at 8pm in the office adjacent to Kingshill Common car park and
the meeting is always open to the public, who can raise any matter
they wish with the council.
Cllr. Hugh McCarthy.
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