June 2005
We apologise to readers for the late delivery of the May edition of Chipperfield News, which was due to an e-mail transmission error.
Thanks to the team at Propulsion Design and Print Run who made a great effort to rush the edition through. Our special thanks too go to our local distributors who had to re-arrange their schedules to get copies through your letter boxes.
CHIPPERFIELD YOUTH FOOTBALL BRINGS BACK THE CUP!
Following the successful trip of the Under 9s to Somerset last year five age groups went to Great Yarmouth over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
We all stayed in mobile homes at the Haven site with about 2,000 other keen footballers. This was paradise for the children and great fun for all the committed parents who came and supported the matches during the day and enjoyed a few drinks together in the evening!
To our utter surprise and delight Chipperfield Under 13s (pictured above) won their tournament and have come home with a huge cup of which we are very proud. Ex-England player John Gregory presented this on the last evening and every child received a memento of the weekend.
Many thanks to all the managers who put in so much time and effort in organising, coaching and encouraging the children. It was all worth it!
They are: Under 13s - Martyn Dicker; Under 12s - Richard Holt; Under 10s - Paul Harding; Under 9s - Paul Hewetson; Under 8s - Di Hewetson.
Ruth Dicker
ELECTION 2005
What a mad few weeks leading up to May 5th. Canvassing, leafletting, putting up posters and generally making a nuisance of oneself, until a collective sigh of relief on May 6th. In the South West Herts constituency (Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, us, Berkhamsted and Tring) David Gauke was returned to Parliament for the first time. He polled 23,494 votes with a majority of 8,300. We wish him and his very young family all the best. In Hemel Hempstead Tony McWalter was unseated and Mike Penning with a slim 500 majority sneaked in. Bizarrely the County ward spans both constituencies. The result was as follows: Richard Roberts (Conservative) 3,777; Stephen Cox (Labour) 1,490; Frank Batchelor (Lib Dem) 1,458; Martin Humphrey (Green Party), 467.
I am delighted to have been re-elected and will do my best. On the eve of the election, whilst out delivering, Liam cycled over and asked, if elected would I be Prime Minister. His disappointment will cheer me for a long time to come!
County Councillor Richard Roberts
CHIPPERFIELD WITHIN LIVING MEMORY
Thomas Bigg's Chipperfield Connections
Those of you who have looked at the new village map will have noticed a picture of two sides of a coin in the bottom right hand corner. On the obverse side of the coin is the name THOMAS BIGG 1669, arranged around a representation of the coat of arms of a weavers' company and on the reverse side are the words - OF CHIPPERFIELD HIS HALF PENNY T.M.B.
Newspaper and magazine articles that I collected way back in 1986 and 1989, tell us that Thomas Bigg had some connection with a weavers' company in the City of London and that the M stood for his wife's initial.
This halfpenny coin or trading token is an extremely rare example. It was issued in the 17th century, when there was a shortage of small change, thus making it difficult for people to do their trading and shopping. The Government found it too costly to mint copper coins, so the traders took the matter into their own hands and issued their own private token coins. Only twenty-three traders' tokens are known to relate to Dacorum. Dacorum Heritage Trust, with the support of the Friends of Dacorum Museum, has been able to buy several local tokens over the years, but being valuable they have to be stored in a bank deposit box.
Researchers from Kings Langley History Society discovered, from the Court Rolls and Parish Registers, that Thomas Bigg was a prosperous silk weaver who worked in Chipperfield and kept a general store. When he died in 1672, he left goods worth more than £38, which was a considerable amount of money in those days. The letter M in the initials on the token stood for Martha, his second wife, who died in 1676.
Thomas Bigg lived in an eight-roomed house in Chipperfield and had a large family. Which of the 17th century houses could it have been?
I was prompted to remind you about the existence of this token because the name Bigg came up when I recently went on a day course at Nicholls Farm in Redbourn. We were looking at documents relating to this very old building and I discovered that the same Thomas Bigg used to own that farm as well as property in Chipperfield. There used to be a silk mill in Redbourn, so Thomas' link with the weavers' trade may well have been centred there.
Mary Nobbs
CHIPPERFIELD SHORT
MAT BOWLS CLUB
On Friday 6 May the club held its annual end-of-season dinner at Little Hay Golf Club. The 31 members and friends present enjoyed an excellent meal in lovely surroundings, the restaurant having picture windows overlooking the golf course.
The chairman, Terry Timberlake, said that the enthusiasm of members for the game was undiminished but the club would welcome more members of all age groups which currently range from 15 years old to 94.
Terry then asked the president, Ron Ray, to present the cups for the Pairs Competition which is a well supported event every year.
The winners were: Steve Hart and Richard Hughes;
runners up: Dave Piper and Terry Timberlake.
We look forward to our new season which begins in October. If you are interested in playing, please contact the secretary, Richard Hughes, on 01923 262374. Graham Breen
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Peter and Eileen Ridewood who celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Midsummer's Day, Friday 24 June. Peter and Eileen lived for many years at Gammocks in Chapel Croft.
Best wishes to Ken Ward of Martlets, The Common, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday in June.
A 'THANK YOU' TO CHIPPERFIELD CARE
Sue Richards and her family would like to thank everyone at Chipperfield Care for the support and friendship given to their mother, Gertie Price, in recent months.
ALLOTMENT AVAILABLE
One allotment has become available. If you are interested in getting some fresh air and exercise, growing your own vegetables and meeting new people, please contact Jo Deacon, Chipperfield Parish Council Clerk, on 01923 263310.
WANTED! YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS
The editors would welcome items of local interest for publication in future editions of Chipperfield News.
Articles are particularly welcome if sent by email (in Word format) to editors@chipperfield.org.uk. Alternatively, items can be delivered to the Chipperfield News boxes in the Post Office or The Two Brewers.
Copy date for the next issue is Wednesday 8 June.
YOUR GARDEN IN JUNE
With the approach of mid-summer, the long evenings give us the opportunity to really get on top of the planting and tending the garden. We should also have more time to enjoy the gardens that we have created. It is now fairly safe to plant out the most tender of the bedding plants in flower beds, containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. You should try to visit the garden centre to get the best choice of plants as soon as you are able, because once sold it is not possible for growers to produce further crops at this late stage. There should still be plenty of geraniums, petunias, fuchsias and busy lizzies. Once planted, bedding plants need to be watered regularly and feeding with a liquid fertilizer should be done once every fortnight. Always keep window boxes well watered.
Glasshouses should be kept humid by damping down. Ventilation is important in hot weather and it is possible to fit an automatic opener, such as the Jemp-Vent, to control this. Tomato plants should be fed with Tomorite and it is very important to keep them regularly watered to prevent the fruit from rotting. Outdoor tomatoes can now be planted. Peas can be sown and regular sowings of salad crops should be maintained. Plant out sweet corn, celery, brassicas and of course runner beans. Keep on top of the hoeing and watering and watch out for pests, especially the cabbage white caterpillars which can ruin crops.
Container-grown shrubs and roses can still be planted but will need to be well watered. Mulching of shrub borders will help to prevent plants drying out. Roses should be sprayed regularly with something like Roseclear, and feeding with Toprose fertilizer is good for both roses and shrubs. Shrubs that have flowered, such as deutzias, philadelphus and weigelia, can be pruned now as can the Montana clematis group. Herbaceous perennials that have finished flowering can be cut back and divided. Perennials such as lupins and biennials such as wallflowers can now be sown. Lawns should be fed with a liquid feed at this time of the year. Mow grass at least once a week but in very hot weather do not cut it to short and only water new lawns. And don't forget to provide water for the garden birds.
From June 15-19, Gardeners World Live takes place at Birmingham NEC and is well worth a visit. Tickets can be obtained by phoning 0870 165 5572. There is a special Flower Festival at Hatfield House from June 10-12. The gardens of Serge Hill, Bedmond, are open to view on Sunday June 19, and the gardens at Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, are also open on June 19. Chipperfield has its own Summer show on July 2 so you will need to be getting ready for that.
Terry Simmonds
NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF OUR LADY
In July this year Father Des attains his fortieth year in the priesthood.
Plans are in hand to celebrate this important event in his life and in the life of the parish. More details in the July issue.
ST PAUL'S & HOLY CROSS
Thinking ahead ------
-it caught me a bit by surprise; deadline for June edition of Chipperfield News - Friday 29th April! (Thank you, editor for the e-mail reminder!). So here I am - Friday morning (29th) sitting in my car in lovely grounds in Egham, enjoying the sunshine while Judy (my wife, in case you didn't know) is exploring the possibilities of employment through the Dyslexia Institute. On the journey down, we had talked about holidays - when to fit them in amongst all the events in two Parishes where I will need to be. There is just a couple of 'windows' in late June and early July; but where to go --- Thinking ahead required! And needed if a holiday is to be enjoyed.
One of the great privileges of my ministry is to be alongside people in bereavement - listening, supporting, helping to recollect, even laughing. I conducted a funeral just this morning. Do we think ahead - yes even that far? Of course each day is given to us, for now - with its often seeming ordinariness (really important) and with its sorrows and joys, foreseen and which take us by surprise. I am making the most of the sunshine right now. So yes, we need to live each day to the full, but we need to think ahead too - not just in terms of the ordinary things of life, - shopping, daily work, children's education, holidays, surprises we might plan for family or friends - but also longer term.
Having lived in a clergy house, wherever we've been for twenty five years, as a family we have had to think ahead long term about housing for that day when I come to retire (not for a bit yet!) - and with the recent extraordinary rise in the price of property, we are very glad we have. It won't catch us unprepared, I think!
The joy of real Christian faith is of living alongside the Living One, Jesus Christ, risen, whose unseen but real presence is promised to all who seek to make Him central to every issue of daily life. He sees and knows both the present and the future, and is able to help us get the balance of living now, and being prepared for the future, short and long term, right.
His peace be with you for today, tomorrow and for eternity,
With my greetings,
Jim Stevens
YOUTH WORK AT ST. PAUL'S & HOLY CROSS
At the start of this year we had to deal with the very serious car accident that our youth worker, Jenny Newman, was involved in, and all of her activities had to be put "on hold". Happily, since the start of Spring Term, she has been able to take up the reins again, although still having regular treatment that is likely to continue until the end of the year.
Jenny's Monday night club for years 5 to 8 has been up and running again for two weeks. Every Monday evening they meet from 7-8.30pm in the Parish Room where they have games, "chill out" time and a short talk. Jenny also attends both the primary schools in Chipperfield and Sarratt where she runs a lunchtime club for years 5 and 6.
Jenny is planning to start two small groups for young people that wish to develop or inquire more into the Christian faith. One will be held in Chipperfield and one in Sarratt.
Already we are thinking about Holiday Club, which will be a joint venture between the two parishes and is planned for the half-term break in October, 26th-28th with a celebration on Sunday 30th October. Our plan is to situate the Holiday Club in Sarratt.
Should you have any enquiries regarding the Christian youth work in the two villages please telephone Jenny on 01923 265667.
GARRAD HOUSE, ROCKLIFFE AVENUE,
KINGS LANGLEY
Garrad House is part of the Abbeyfield Society, a national charity providing housing and various types of care throughout the country. Garrad House is a homely place where a small group of up to 10 people of retirement age live together, with help from staff and volunteers. Each resident has their own room with en suite facilities. The charges are very reasonable because Garrad House is run by a committee of local volunteers.
We would dearly like to find some more volunteers to help us. We are looking for:
Friends of the House
To become involved with some or all of:
o Coffee mornings
o Transport
o Occasional social events
A time commitment of as little as 2 hours per month would be sufficient.
Financial Consultant
We use SAGE for our book keeping and accounts. We would greatly profit from some help, advice and guidance from someone experienced in SAGE or other accounting packages, in order to exploit the power of SAGE in the production of our Management accounts. A time commitment of 2 hours per month would suffice.
If you would like more information, please call Sheila Brown on 01923 270791. You can also find out more about Garrad House at http://www.abbeykl.co.uk
CHIPPERFIELD BOOKWORMS
Chipperfield Bookworms was formed just over three years ago as an informal book reading group limited to 10 members. Meetings are held each month (during Spring, Autumn and Winter) in the members' homes, on a rotating basis, to discuss the books read in the preceding month and to select books for future reading on the basis of two books a month.
Currently being read are: The Rotters Club by Jonathon Coe and Toast by Nigel Slater.
Amongst the books recently read were: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (highly acclaimed) by Mark Haddon; The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad;
Star of the Seas by Joseph O'Connor; In Pale Battalions by Robert Goddard; The Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett; The Accusers by Lyndsey Davies.
Tony Pearlman
TUMBLE TOTS COMING
TO FLAUNDEN
Tumble Tots is the UK's leading provider of structured physical play sessions for pre-school children. We hold weekly 45 minute sessions that combine fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment. All classes are supervised by trained and qualified staff and are restricted to a maximum of 24 children per session.
Tumble Tots will be coming to Flaunden on Tuesday 17th May, and will be holding the following classes:
1.00pm 2 to 3 years
2.00pm Walking - 2 years
3.30pm 3 to 5 years
4.30pm Gymbobs (5 to 7 years)
To book your child onto a session or for more information please call Mandy on 01296 394709
FROM DAVE FAWCETT
In June, I plan to move to your tranquil, pretty and unspoilt village of Chipperfield from my home in bustling Bushey.
One recent week-end I took great delight in a reminiscent stroll through Chipperfield's paths and lanes, getting a most welcome cheery "Hello" from local passers by. Eyeing contented cattle in a quiet field, sensing spring's gentle breeze and sunshine cascading peacefully through the trees. Taking great pleasure in calling in at the pub for a welcoming pint of best bitter, with a cheery greeting from mine host, Peter.
My early memories of Chipperfield go back over thirty years ago where I played banjo with local dance quartet, "The Organairs" in the Village Hall. "Digger" Biggerstaff on steel guitar, who lived in Chipperfield, Ron Gurney from Sarratt on organ, Yorkshireman Alec Howarth who lived in Watford on drums and yours truly on banjo/vocals. Sadly, "Digger", Ron and Alec have passed away over the years. I still miss them. Does any reader remember the little fella in the Village Hall who sang 'Little Red Cowboy' ? I'd love to reminisce.
Myself? I am playing banjo with Colin Kingwell's Jazz Bandits, a six piece New Orleans style jazz band. Maybe one day we'll get a session together in the village. I am now retired, and am eagerly looking forward to my move to Chipperfield in June.
Dave Fawcett
E-Mail address : dvdfwt2325@aol.com
ADVERTISERS
We would like to thank all those advertisers who so promptly settle their accounts.
Chipperfield News is a charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers. We endeavour to keep our advertising rates as low as possible.
However, unfortunately, there are a few advertisers who do not pay their dues on time. Sending chasing letters not only adds to our costs, but also greatly increases the time spent by our team, so please help by settling accounts promptly.
In order to help keep our costs down, and as there is more demand for advertising space than is available in Chipperfield News, in future we will give preference to new advertisers over those very few who constantly need chasing.
Tony Pearlman Business Manager
THE WILDLIFE TRUST
Local Events from Herts and
Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Saturday 18 June at 12 noon
Butterfly and Botanical Walk Cassiobury Park, Watford.
Meet at Gade Car Park.
Approximately 1.5 hours.
Saturday 18 June 10am - 4pm.
Identifying Wildflowers
Tutor: Brenda Harold
Chorleywood War Memorial Hall.
A one-day training course on an introduction to identifying wildflowers. In the afternoon there will be a chance to get some practice in the field at Chorleywood Common. Bring packed lunch. Coffee & tea available. Outdoor clothes required. Fee £20.
Further details from Jane Clark 01727 858901.
WHAT'S ON
Odeon Cinema, Jarman Park, Hemel
Monday 13 June - Finding Neverland
Monday 20 June - A Very Long Engagement
Monday 27 June - The Aviator
Monday 4 July - Vanity Fair
All tickets £2.50
Doors open 10.30am
Film begins 11am
Seats may be booked in advance by telephoning 0871 22 44 007.
Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel
Box Office Tel: 01442 228091
Friday 3 June 8pm: Julie Felix - The
Rainbow Tour. Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Felix's music defies all labels and boundaries.
Tickets £10; Concessions £9.
Wednesday 1 June 10.30am-4.30pm. One day drama workshop for children aged 8-16, creating a final show for parents and friends at the end.
Tickets £7.50.
For children:
Thursday 2 June 1.30-4.30pm. Half Term Theatre for 5-7 year olds. An opportunity for young children who love acting and using their imagination to create their own half term theatre company. The group will work towards a short performance to show at the end of the workshop. Tickets £5.
Saturday 4 June. Theatre on the Move. Join a team of actors to explore your imagination on a tour of the Old High Street. Suitable for ages 5-10 and their family and friends. Duration 1 hour. Tickets £4. Family ticket £10 (2 adults and 2 children OR 1 adult and 3 children).
For information on children's events
tel: 01442 228098.
Watford Palace Theatre
Until June 18: Alfie - A new musical based on the novel by Bill Naughton with Darren Day as Alfie.
June 23 - July 16: Get Ken Barlow, an outrageous comedy by Ian Kershaw.
Evenings 7.45pm; Wednesday matinee 2.30pm; Saturday matinee 3pm.
Box office 01923 225671.
Abbey Theatre, St Albans
June 17-25 at 8pm in the Studio.
The Women of Troy by Euripides translated by Don Taylor.
Box Office: 01727 857861