February 2006
The Garden Company Ltd., based at Wyvale Garden Centre in Chipperfield, has won a top national award for a courtyard garden it designed and constructed for the pharmaceutical giant Roche Products Ltd.
The brief was to design and build a courtyard garden that would be used by Roche's 1500 employees based at their new headquarters in Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City. The garden is surrounded on all sides by glass walls and hence is viewed from inside the building. It also needed to be a place for staff to relax, so the area was split into compartments separated by plants and trees. The project was challenging and it is a great accolade to all the staff who worked on the scheme that it was completed to the highest standards and on time.
The National Landscape awards are run by BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries). Television presenter Chris Beardshaw hosted the awards ceremony in London. The adjudicators said "The design concept is excellent as are the carefully constructed and well positioned bespoke features. The harmonious working relationship between the client and contractor, which greatly helped when dealing with some of the difficult construction aspects was evident. A delightful scheme'.
Director of The Garden Company, James Scott, says "It's rounded off an excellent year for all of us here. We strive to undertake work of exceptional quality and value, to be recognized as one of the leaders in our industry is a great accolade for everyone."
For further information please contact James Scott on 01442 832666.
FURNITURE TO GO ?
What do you do with furniture, household goods and electrical items in good repair and working order which you no longer want or need but are too good to throw away? How can you find someone who would get some use from them? Local charity 9 Lives Furniture, based in Rickmansworth, should be able to help. Funded by the National Lottery, 9 Lives is a charity shop with a difference. They accept all types of furniture, and household goods provided they are clean as well as electrical appliances in working order, including old mobile phones, which they re-cycle. They also provide a free collection service by appointment.
The premises at 25 Wharf Lane, Rickmansworth is open to all and people receiving benefit payments with a referral form are offered substantial discounts.
9 Lives also assist the long-term unemployed by providing advice, support and training courses to help them get back to work.
Furniture from 9 Lives is frequently used on the sets of "East Enders" and they also receive items from "Big Brother" and offer them for sale.
Who knows, that item you have been trying to dispose of for months may appear on television!
For more details phone the Manager at 9 Lives, Tania Metcalfe, on 01923 718666.
PARISH COUNCIL INITIATIVE
Following numerous phone calls last autumn, our Parish Clerk Joanne Deacon has succeeded with arrangements to organise the delivery of a bright red Clothing Bank and a Book and Music Bank in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Thanks to Wyvale Nurseries these new re-cycling banks are located next to the existing glass, can and magazine banks on site at the nursery.
You can deposit good quality clothing, curtains, sheets, blankets, and towels (wrapped in polythene bags) as well as books, CDs and videos. The money raised from donations is used to fund research, equipment, training and education.
There is also a smaller (lime green) clothing bank on site supplied by TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid) for clothing and shoes.
A SPARKLING CONCERT
This year Chipperfield Choral Society celebrates its Diamond Jubilee. Shortly after World War 2, Joyce Herman Allen, who was a tutor at the Watford School of Music, gathered together a small group of local singers to form the Society and for many years she was its Musical Director. Today the Society has grown to around one hundred singers and for the past fifteen years has enjoyed Delia Meehan as its Conductor and Musical Director. Delia has a wealth of musical experience both at home and abroad and the Society must be one of the best in the land.
Back in December St. Paul's Church was full to capacity for two performances of the Society's Christmas concert Small Wonder the Star.
The singers were conducted by Delia Meehan with Rosemary Venner at the piano, Nicholas King at the organ and Rosie Clifford as soloist.. The programme included some sparkling renditions of Christmas music composed by John Rutter and Paul Wigmore. There were, of course, a number of traditional carols for everyone to join in.
Highlights of the concert were two new carols written specially for the choir and performed for the first time. Rejoice And Be Merry written and conducted by Alan Taylor and 'Twas In The Moon of Winter Time, a 17th century Huron indian carol, with music composed by choir member Robert Cattle, arranged by Alan Taylor, who also conducted. The singing was superb and the evening was a truly wonderful experience. A few days later the Society repeated the concert at Mount Vernon Hospital in aid of Cancer ResearchUK and raised over £1,500.
Preparations are now well in hand for the Spring Concert - a performance of Handel's Messiah which will take place at St. John's, Boxmoor on Saturday 1 April.
Terry Simmonds
DACORUM COMMUNITY TRUST
What it is and what it does
Helping local people through difficult times is the aim of the Dacorum Community Trust, in whose care the Chipperfield Community Fund was placed some years ago "to be used in cases of need within the Parish (Civil and Parochial)".
Living as we do in such a lovely and comfortable part of the world, the difficulties that local people sometimes have to face are not easily visible. Last year the Trust distributed about £30,000 in grants, sometimes very small but all making a real difference to the most vulnerable members of our local Dacorum community. There is no typical case but the following illustrate the range of grants the Trust makes:
¥ An 84 year old widow still able to live independently on a very basic pension had nothing comfortable and clean to sit on. The Trust gave a grant to help buy a suitable soft decent chair.
¥ A 43 year old mother on her own with children has to cope with the disabling effects of a brain haemorrhage, which resulted in paralysis of her right arm and leg, and some brain damage. She has struggled to manage everyday chores; The Trust helped her to buy an eye- level oven to enable her to cook.
¥ Three young children aged 13, 9 and 5 are being looked after by their grandparents after the sudden death of their mother (father long since vanished). The Trust helped the grandparents take the children on a short holiday to help relieve the trauma of their loss.
¥ A rare genetic disease left a young hardworking family's baby unable ever to have any muscles. Growing heavier and bigger, the constant carrying up and down stairs was becoming a daily struggle. The Trust helped with a grant to put in a special baby seat stair lift.
¥ A young man with very poor vision received a grant to help him attend a course on music production and purchase vital software.
¥ A 72 year old Parkinson's sufferer had to spend a lot of time in respite care. With her intellect unimpaired and struggling to produce a novel she was helped by the Trust to purchase a lap-top computer to take into care with her.
The Trust also made grants to a number of local organisations to help with specific projects such as:
¥ A grant to allow young adults with learning difficulties from Dacorum participate in a summer programme of activities with Watford Mencap.
¥ A grant to provide a Christmas party for the elderly clients and carers at local Age Concern day centres
¥ A grant to help kick start the funding for a new club for Alzheimer sufferers
Being local and already equipped to help individuals meant the Trust was able to react immediately after the explosion at Buncefield and set up a special fund, the DCT Mayor's Recovery Fund. This fund will make grants to help and support those who live or work in the affected area.
If you would like to make a lasting difference to your local community you might consider making a donation now or remembering the Trust in your will. The Trust is a registered charity no. 272759 and the office is at 48 High St. Hemel Hempstead, telephone 01442 231396. For more information about the Trust explore our website at www.dctrust.org.uk where details on how to apply for grants or to make on-line donations are also available.
Margaret Kingston
NEW READING GROUP
Jean Fleming would like to hear from anyone who would like to join her to establish a new reading group in the village. Contact Jean on 01923 263821.
DACORUM HEALTH WALKS
in Kings Langley
10.00am on Tuesdays 7 & 21 February, 7 & 21 March
Meet at The Pavilion on Kings Langley Common
10.00am on Wednesdays 1 & 15 February, 1,15 & 29 March
Meet at The Nap Car Park
(Walks followed by refreshments)
For more information about these and other walks contact the Countryside Management Service on 01727 848168
Bovingdon Horticultural Society have very kindly invited Chipperfield Horticultural Society members to take advantage of their bulk ordering and buying of garden supplies.
A very comprehensive list is available and will be distributed with our 2006 Schedule early in the new year.
Prices are very competitive and I hope that many members will take this opportunity to plan ahead and get supplies early. Ann Soanes
Chipperfield Within Living Memory
FIRE SERVICES
The threatened closure of the Bovingdon Fire Station brings to mind thoughts of how Chipperfield was provided with this vital service in times gone by.
In 2003 I went to a Dacorum Heritage Trust exhibition in Hemel Hempstead and much to my surprise one of the exhibits was a County Fire Insurance Mark, which had come from 1, Kings Lane Chipperfield. It is in fact one of the artefacts from the Kings Langley collection, which is held at the Museum Store in Berkhamsted. Such marks were originally issued by enterprising individuals, who, in return for a substantial fee, would guarantee to go to the rescue of a property in the event of a fire, but only if their plaque was depicted on the house and not that of a rival organisation.
Unfortunately, there is no other information about this plaque. I would be interested to know if anyone has any further details about it.
A Kings Langley History Society Newsletter from August 1976 provides some entertaining details about the local Volunteer Fire Brigade, which was formed under the captaincy of Mr Toms, the local headmaster in January 1898 at the request of the Parish Council (which also represented Chipperfield until the 1950's). After water had been laid on in Kings Langley, the Parish Council purchased a handcart and several lengths of hose. The members of the brigade were summoned to a fire by the sound of a foghorn.
In March 1908 the fire brigade was called out to a fire in Chapel Croft, Chipperfield at the premises of Mr Monk who ran a marine store and second-hand clothes shop. The day was saved by Dr Fisher who towed the handcart from Kings Langley with his 8h.p. De Dion car. The brigade extinguished the fire and spent the rest of the night clearing the contents of the premises. Does anyone know where this shop was? The 1901 census records William Monk, 68, and Joseph Monk, 65, living at separate addresses in Chapel Croft. Both were described as 'General Dealers (Shop)'.
Because the handcart was slow and tedious, the Parish Council bought a 16 h.p. Sunbeam saloon car in 1936, which was converted to carry the adapted fire fighting equipment. It was given a coat of red paint and 'Kings Langley Parish Council Fire Brigade' was painted on the side in black and yellow. Shortly afterwards a call was received about a fire at Chipperfield Manor House. Mr Brousson was astounded that the brigade arrived within 10 minutes. This possibly saved the house from total destruction.
During World War 2, the local Auxiliary Fire Service was based upstairs in the Men's Club (now Blackwells), The members were all volunteers who lived in the village and they had a duty rota. The A.F.S. kept their firefighting pump, which was towed behind a car, in a garage at Copthall. Their water was held in a 4 feet deep tank on the corner of what is now the car park next to St Paul's Church.
Today fire appliances serving Chipperfield are on standby 24 hours a day, but it is interesting to note that the target time for them to reach the village is still 10 minutes, no faster than that achieved by the Sunbeam saloon car in 1936!
Mary Nobbs
CAT MISSING FROM SCATTERDELLS LANE
7 month old male fluffy tabby cat, small to medium in size. He is friendly and very nosey so possibly could have been shut in somewhere - a shed or greenhouse for instance. It does not appear that this has happened as Scatterdells residents have been very helpful. My only hope is that he has ended up further away and is perhaps being fed by someone. I'd like to ask residents to check their outhouses carefully and to also let me know if they have seen a cat that could be him hanging round their garden. He has been microchipped so if he had ended up with a vet or at a rescue centre I would have been contacted. There are posters round the village but I have not had any response from these so far. My contact numbers are 01923 266774 or 07736 352451.
Liz Johnson
CHIPPERFIELD NEWS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
This meeting was held on Thursday 1 December 2005.
Jeff Beck, the advertising manager, reported on a successful year, stating there were 17 pending advertisers waiting to take up space when available.
Tony Pearlman had acted as manager of the News for the past two years and the Chairman thanked him for his contribution. Peter Corbett was succeeding him in that role.
Tony Briselden reported some streamlining of the I.T. systems and would be investigating any further possibilities in the New Year.
Graham McMellin circulated copies of the accounts to 31 October 05, stating it had been a good year financially, showing a profit of £697 compared to £179 in the previous year. We had a strong balance sheet and the I.T. equipment was being written off over a four year period, now at the halfway stage.
The joint editors, Liz Holliday and Anne Breen, appealed for more local information from residents, such as births, marriages and family events. They also appealed for more coverage from sporting organisations, local businesses and experiences/events of life, from readers, while at the same time thanking recent contributors.
Popsi Stokes reported various changes of personnel in her team of distributors. She wished to thank those that had retired in the year and those currently in post, for their help. 1,300 copies were distributed ten times a year.
The Chairman, Richard Edwards, thanked all committee members for their input during the year, as well as our advertisers, without whom the News publication would not be viable. The ten issues each year were greatly appreciated by our readers and made all the hard work well worthwhile.
Richard Edwards
Chairman, Chipperfield News
ST PAUL'S AND HOLY CROSS.
February can be one of those months when it is just nice to be indoors and warm as much as possible, waiting for the lighter and warmer days of Spring. There is not much in the calendar for festivity, except of course, Valentine's Day: a day for "young love" - and "long-lived faithful enriching love" as well - why not?
I am not sure how St. Valentine became associated with romantic love. Little is known of him except that he was martyred in Rome for his Christian faith in about AD 269, under the pagan emperor, Claudius.
For Christians, the day is meant to mark an acknowledgement of an all-loving God who enriches those who love one another as Jesus commanded: "love one another as I have loved you". This is nothing to do with that romantic love with which today's Valentine's day is associated. Rather it is that utter self-giving love, sacrificial in nature which works for God's best for the other.
To give of oneself in such a fashion, as Jesus perfectly did, requires true godly wisdom: a wisdom that does not pander to human desire but truly understands and so works for God's best. This sort of wisdom only comes through genuine humility before the throne of God. Christ like love always involves sacrifice and compassion, and can involve itself in gracious discipline!
So over these cold winter days, not just round St. Valentine's day, how about asking God to show you how with His wisdom you could be an agent of His understanding and practical love...
to that despised and lonely colleague at work;
to a lonely neighbour, who might just be missing the love of their life through bereavement;
to a hurting family member;
to, well - whoever God seems to prompt you.
And please don't forget to do something special for the romantic love of your life, whether that is new or thirty, forty, fifty years down the line!
With my greetings Jim Stevens
NEWS FROM THE BAPTIST CHURCH
December was a very full month for us, leading up to Christmas. It began with our annual visit from The Chiltern West Gallery Quire, which we all enjoyed. Some members of the audience provided the food for a splendid tea afterwards, for which we were very grateful.
The Christmas lunch was a very happy affair, the most special one of the year, attended by our many "regulars". The monthly lunch is open to anyone in the village, you will be most welcome but please let Brenda Harpley know at least a week beforehand if you would like to come.
Our Family Carol Service was well attended with the music provided by our friend, Ken Turffrey, and supported by his friends who played the fiddles! Mince pies were served afterwards with a welcome cup of tea. Ken also played for us on Christmas morning and we thank him for his support.
The service on Christmas Day was conducted by Jacky Murduck, one of our deacons, who gave a talk with a reflective theme, interspersed with carols.
What a great Advent month, waiting to celebrate the birth of our Saviour on Christmas Day.
A Happy and Peaceful New Year to you all from the Baptist church.
CHIPCHOPS UPDATE 2006
We enjoyed a successful Chipchops programme in 2005. The final outdoors event on the last weekend in September, the Sponsored Bike Ride in aid of the Tigers Kampala, raised £460.
We began our winter programme after Christmas, with some indoor events, involving more of our 8-13 year olds in church-based activity.
Now in our 4th year, we have involved over 70 children from Chipperfield, as well as Sarratt, Bovingdon and Kings Langley. Chipchops weekends are fun and action packed, with children from all backgrounds enjoying church-led outdoor activities, ranging from the Bike Ride, to attending local Scout Camps, and a weekend walking the Ridgeway.
More details from Simon Wood on 07979 855693.
FULL DAY CARE FOR CHILDREN
every day of the school holidays throughout the year
organised by
Dacorum Borough Council's Children's Services
At Longdean Sports Playscheme for 8-13 year olds and Tudor and Grovehill Holiday Playschemes for rising 5s - 11 year olds.
Activities include arts, crafts, free play, themed days, group games, drama, computer console and much more.
Cost per child: full day (8.30am - 5.30pm) £17 (additional siblings £15) half day (8.30am-1.00pm or 1.00pm-5.30pm) £9 (additional siblings £8)
For more information or to book a place 01442 228632
NELLIE COSTER 1914 - 2005
Nellie was born on 16 February 1914 in the small Scottish village of Edzel in the County of Angus. She was one of 13 children. At an early age she went into domestic service with a local family and came with them to their summer residence in this area. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Harry.
They married in 1937 and moved to 8 Belsize Cottages, where they lived for eight years. For some of this time Harry was serving in the army and Nellie was bringing up their five children, Victor, George, Fay, Chris and Viv. In 1947 the family moved to 5 Croft Lane.
Harry died in May 1985 and in 1999 Nellie moved into residential care at Alexandra House, Hemel Hempstead where she died peacefully
VILLAGE PEOPLE
We extend our sympathy to the family of CATHERINE ANSTICE VALLI of Wayside, who died on 5 November 2005. An obituary will be published in our next issue.
ELLA JOHNSON, late of New Road, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 31 August, sadly passed away on Sunday 11 December 2005. Her funeral service was held at Chiltern Crematorium on 5 January.
SARAH WHALLEY and PHILIP and KATIE would like to thank all the very kind people who helped to make Guy's Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Church so beautiful and so special.
We will always be extremely grateful for so very many kindnesses bestowed on the family at that time.
Editor's note
Guy Whalley Choristership
Many residents will know that Guy Whalley was, for the past ten years, the founding Chairman of the St. Albans Abbey Music Trust. As a memorial to his unstinting work on behalf of the Trust and with the full support of the family, the Trust plans to raise £25,000 to endow a choristership in Guy's name.
If you would like to make a contribution towards establishing the Guy Whalley Choristership please send a cheque made payable to St Albans Cathedral Music Trust and marked 'Guy Whalley Chorister' on the reverse and send it to Lady Joanna Staughton at Sarratt Hall, Sarratt, Herts., WD3 6BS or send it directly to the Trust at the cathedral.