May 2006
ST. PAUL'S SCHOOL REPORT
On the evening of Wednesday 8 February, representatives of St Paul's C of E Primary School were delighted to be presented with the Dacorum Sports School of the Year Award 2006. Some of you may have noticed a recent article in the Hemel Hempstead Gazette featuring the event. The school was in good company, joining a number of other individuals, teams and groups whose achievements were also being recognised. Raising the profile of sport in the school has been a priority for some time, but great strides have been made in the last couple of years in extending provision and in improving the quality of teaching and learning. We are therefore really pleased that the award recognises our hard work and excellent progress in this field.
At St Paul's we are very aware of the need to offer the children as broad a range of opportunities and experiences as possible, particularly in the primary years when so many of our children are motivated, responsive and keen to learn. This varied, exciting programme takes place in school time, but also extends after school hours. We are also very clear about the responsibility that we share with parents to teach children about healthy living, fitness and enjoyment, and to provide a curriculum that enables them to achieve good levels of physical fitness through a healthy diet of sport and exercise.
In recent months, in addition to the normal range of activities covered by the National Curriculum for PE, netball, football, indoor golf, gymnastics, tag rugby, games club, lacrosse and cross country have also been provided at the school. On average 30 to 35 children consistently attend after-school activities, with up to 40 in some cases. This includes boys and girls of all abilities and all levels of experience.
Notable achievements in recent months include the football team winning their way through to the knock-out stages of the Dacorum Primary Schools league, Evan and Francesca winning a first and third place, respectively, in the recent Hawridge and Cholesbury cross-country meeting and Jessica (aged just 7) gaining the BAGA gymnastic awards levels 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1!
Through our membership of the excellent Schools Sports Co-ordinator Partnership, linking us with other local schools and sports clubs, we have benefited from a wide range of staff training, sports equipment and organised school sports festivals covering many of the primary age groups.
I would like to express my thanks to the staff at St Paul's whose hard work and commitment ensures that the provision of out of hours sport is maintained to a high standard and without charge to parents. Thanks also to the parents who regularly come to school to help with our busy programme and who often help transport children from one event to another!
We are always happy to receive visitors at the school. We are very proud of our children and of the good work that the school does. If you would like to know more about St Paul's, or are interested in seeing how we work, please call me on 01923 262340. The school's website address is www.stpauls909.herts.sch.uk
Lyndon Evans, Headteacher
BLACKWELL'S VILLAGE CLUB
An announcement
The Trustees are pleased to announce that commercial lease terms have now been agreed with Paul and Di Hewetson. The Club will be run as a members' club and Paul and Di will be Premises Managers on behalf of the Trustees. By the time this article appears their refurbishment of the Village Club will be well under way.
In agreeing the lease terms the Trustees have ensured that the objectives set out in the Trust Deed have been met, so that the land and buildings will be used for the benefit of the village. When opened the club will provide a member's bar, a facility for youth and a caf, where food will also be served.
During the negotiations repairs to the infrastructure of the club commenced using the monies generously donated by villagers, village groups, the Parish Council and the Country Gentlemen's Association. The exterior of the building has been improved and redecorated, the gardens have been restored and a large area laid to turf, to be ready for use this summer. The remainder of the garden area has been grass seeded; bulbs will be planted this autumn.
After many years of neglect we are delighted that the club is reopening and now has the opportunity to become once again a focal point for the village. We wish Paul and Di every success in this new venture.
You can visit their website on blackwells-chipperfield.co.uk.
Richard Hopkinson,
Chairman of the Trustees
CHIPPERFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
SPRING SHOW 25 MARCH
THE ABRAHAMS CUP (Overall points winner) Marguerite Browning
THE H. SIMMONDS CUP (Runners up) Elizabeth Percy and Ann Rees
In spite of the very cold and dismal weather we have had this year, the Spring show of the Chipperfield Horticultural Society was a great success. The lack of flowers in our gardens at this time meant that the classes for daffodils were far from full, but the Village Hall was still bursting with colour.
Pots and vases of other plants and blooms, vegetables of all shapes and sizes filled the tables. The floral art exhibits were wonderful and showed great flair and talent. The handicraft, one of fastest growing sections, was fantastic. Toys, canvaswork, woodwork, painting, knitting, embroidery, soft furnishings and sewn garments were all a joy and we marvelled at the skill of the entrants. The domestic section was mouth watering, from lemon meringue pies to bread rolls they all looked wonderful. The photography is going from strength to strength and we had 3 very strong classes. In the junior handicraft section, Meg Ward swept the board.
All in all a great day in spite of the weather and our thanks go to all our judges and stewards who helped to make it such a success.
Ann Soanes
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
A date for your diary: Chelsea Physic Garden - a talk, complete with slides, by Mike Watts on Friday, 29 September 2006. London's "Secret Garden" of medicinal and historic plants was established by the London Society of the Apothecaries in 1673. This talk explains why the Garden was founded and describes some of the eminent men who contributed to its development. Tickets are #2 and will be available from Stanley's Stores and committee members.
CHIPPERFIELD CARE
Nearly 40 people attended the annual general meeting of Chipperfield Care held in the Parish Room on 5 April. Shelagh Nicholls (Chairman) welcomed all present and thanked the committee and volunteers for their help over the last year. Lesley Baker (Organiser) gave a report on the activities of Care and stated that there had been 97 individual requests for help during the last 12 months, in addition to the rotas of drivers who regularly take elderly local people shopping to Sainsburys at Apsley and to the Evergreens Club in Bovingdon. Vic Archer then presented the accounts which were adopted. The meeting ended with wine and soft drinks, complemented by delicious refreshments provided by members.
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Mark Lane-Durrant on the birth of their daughter, Katy Elizabeth, on 24 February at Watford General Hospital. Special thanks to all the Special Care Baby Unit nurses.
Joyce and Ron Petherick would like to thank everyone, including their family, for all the support, offers of help and "get well" wishes they have received during their recent spell of ill health. We repeat Dr West's sentiments, "If you are going to be ill, do it in Chipperfield". Thank you all, once again.
Valerie Briselden tells us she has been overwhelmed by the many cards and letters received while in hospital following her recent serious illness. She and Tony are most grateful for the concern and kindness expressed by everyone in the village. We wish Valerie a speedy return to health.
AMY GOLDEN
Many people will know Amy Golden who lives at Red Admiral on The Common with her parents, Alan and Joan. Amy, aged 23, has recently been appearing as the lead role in a play entitled Who's Afraid of Virginia's Sister? written by Sarah Daniels, which had a 4 week run at the Chicken Shed Theatre in London during March and April.
This new play explores why disability should have such a profound effect on the life of one sister who is as talented as her non-disabled sibling.
The Stage quotes: "Debbie (Amy Golden) is a living reminder that a disabled body does not signal a disabled mind"; and Time Out says "Actress Amy Golden, as Debbie, has the best comic timing, her caustic wit projected simultaneously from her voicebox and the video screen that serves as a backdrop".
In the play, Amy uses a communication aid with a synthesised voice to deliver her lines. Fourteen years ago, John Prestwich organised a Voice for Amy fundraising project and provided Amy with her first Voice Machine and this is the first time she has used one professionally.
Amy is thrilled that so many people from Chipperfield braved the M25 at rush hour and drove all that way to see her.
Well done Amy!
BOVINGDON FIRE STATION
Bovingdon's 100 year old fire station suffered a body blow last month when Hertfordshire County Council voted to close it. A public consultation that raised thousands of letters, emails and signatures on petitions, with strong support from David Gauke MP, failed to change the minds of the Chief Fire Officer, the cabinet member for fire or the Leader of the Council.
The assumptions that there were no increased safety risks to the villages were challenged by the superb and meticulous work carried out by the Action Group. Support also came from Flaunden, Chipperfield and Bovingdon Parish Councils and Dacorum Borough Council. Although a low risk area, Bovingdon provided the cover when it was needed, when there was a fire, when there was a car smash, when there was an emergency. That front line cover came from the heart of the community, a mixture of tradition, pride, support and care.
The crew led by James Fyfe have over 150 years experience between them. They spent days supporting the Buncefield operation and more recently were one of many crews that helped put out the tyre fire on Long Lane. Village events were attended to hand out safety information and school children were regularly invited to see how the engine worked and learn about the dangers of fire.
Bovingdon Station has been vulnerable for many years and last year got caught in the crossfire between covering the cost of the FBU gained pay rise, the need to make savings to keep Council tax down and a relatively poor assessment of the Hertfordshire fire service. For me the case for retaining Bovingdon was clear, as the risks on closure go up. I am extremely disappointed this has gone through.
Chipperfield is fortunate in that it was covered from Bovingdon and Kings Langley. Whatever you read in the press, Kings Langley fire station is not going to close. Just to be sure, I have this in writing from the Chief Fire Officer. Richard Roberts,
County and Dacorum Councillor
TEA AT NUMBER 10
I'm sure that most of you are aware that for the two or three weeks leading up to Christmas last year, Bob Heley and I were involved in the Buncefield incident along with many other officers from Herts and other forces. By way of recognition for the hard work that was put in by all concerned (and I played a very small part in this) the Prime Minister and Mrs Blair invited 150 guests from the Police, Fire Brigade and other agencies involved to a reception on 1st March at number 10. I was one of those 150 people!!
Police and Firefighters travelled up together and a good time was had by all. Once through the security checks, which didn't take very long, I met and shook hands with the man himself and caught a glimpse of Cherie as she chatted to guests across the other side of the room. Leo was chatting to my Inspector and he was promised some "goodies" from Herts Police. The canapes were delicious and were washed down with wine and fruit juice for the drivers.
The Prime Minister made his speech, and made reference to the silver having been put out on display. He said "The silver doesn't get put out for everyone and we would like it to remain here". This made everyone laugh, and then number 10 was ours for the evening to have a look round and enjoy.
It's an interesting building with photographs of Tony's predecessors lining the stairs, but I would hate to have to do the dusting!! Around 8pm and after photographs had been taken, we all travelled back to Hemel.
A very enjoyable and memorable experience.
Kim Ashworth, Community Officer
BOWLS CLUB
On Sunday 19 March, 24 members of Chipperfield Indoor Short Mat Bowls Club participated in the annual Bowls Gala which was organised by the President, Ron Ray.
All present played 20 games during the afternoon, taking short breaks to eat the delicious food supplied by members of the club.
The winners were:
1st Kath Ray; 2nd Dave Piper;
3rd Hilary King-Jones; 4th Sid Page.
This is always one of the highlights of the year and the Chairman, Terry Timberlake, thanked everyone present for making it such a success.
NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES
BAPTIST CHURCH
The first weekend in March was very full. On Friday 3 March, women from six local churches gathered at Our Lady's Catholic church for the annual Women's World Day of Prayer service. The service was written by the women of South Africa and was beautiful but very thought provoking. Next year it will be at the Baptist church on the first Friday in March. Why not come along?
On Sunday 5 March - Tear Fund Sunday - we had a speaker from Tear Fund and we were joined by folk from Bovingdon and Northchurch Baptist churches for the service and the frugal lunch afterwards in the hall. We were able to send #208 to Tear Fund.
On Mothering Sunday, we held a special service of praise, thanksgiving and memories, both happy and sad. This can be an emotional time for many and there were a few tears! We lit candles to remember mothers and others who are no longer with us, and some of the stories told about them by several folk were both funny and poignant. A "mothering" cake was served with coffee afterwards.
May 20 will be a big day for us when we hold our May Fair from 2pm. See further publicity elsewhere in Chipperfield News. We would love to see you and we are sure you will enjoy our Baptist cream teas. Come along and join us!
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Our young people will make their First Communion on May 21st. The record number taking the Sacrament this year means that we have had to divide the group and will have two masses (in addition to the normal Sunday Services). These special masses for the communicants and their families will be at 12.15 and 1.45.
ST PAUL'S AND HOLY CROSS
This Spring we tried doing it differently (Marriage Preparation day that is!), and the couples who came - to our delight - were really appreciative of the day we arranged for them. We hope their married life together will be the richer because they took the risk of doing something they had never done before.
Change is never easy to handle; some of us really welcome it, others are wary. Our attitudes depend on what sort of change we face - the longer summer days most of us welcome - the rise in fuel bills we accept reluctantly - a new car hopefully we enjoy - a new child or grandchild is (on the whole!) a delight. Growing up is inevitable and poses both excitement and apprehension.
Change is all around us and in the church we are at it again, revising our service times within St Paul's and Holy Cross, seeking to provide both stability and a greater variety of approach for today's increasingly diverse society; and there is a full range of responses to what is to be implemented from the beginning of this month.
The prospect of change exposes what we really value, or consider essential. So the readiness to embrace the changes involved in being married, arise out of a deep desire to be one with the one loved.
So often, we are ready to face change in almost any aspect of life except within the church! Why might that be? Well, here's a suggestion: perhaps because trust is misplaced. For the person of Christian faith, trust has to be in the unchanging nature of God, the source of innovation and creativity, who gives us life, so we may grow into His likeness! That sounds risky! Perhaps God is much more dynamic, versatile, adventurous than we would dare to imagine.
There is constancy in His character, but enormous variety to His unceasing creative genius, and His church is meant to enjoy and reflect both.
With my greetings, Jim Stevens
CATHERINE ANSTICE VALLI (1917-2005)
Our mother was born in Devon into a parson's family - the oldest of three daughters. She was very proud of being a Devonian and her particular love was Dartmoor where she grew up and, in later years, spent many happy holidays. She went up to Oxford, to St Hugh's College, in 1936 to read English in which she obtained a First. It was here she first met our father who she married in 1946 after the war. During the war, Catherine was a Wren - one of the first 6 who actually went to sea. She was a cipher officer on the Queen Elizabeth, which was acting as an American troop ship.
Our parents moved to Chipperfield in 1950 to the house where our mother was still living when she died. She had 3 children and we all grew up very happily in Wayside and, when we were older, always enjoyed returning there. Because of our father's job, they lived in Paris for almost 18 years. Our mother learned to speak French fluently and spent much time exploring museums, art galleries and the fashion houses. On our father's retirement, they returned to Wayside to the house they had retained. They loved Wayside and, in particular, the garden there. Both of them were never happier than when they were pottering around weeding, dead-heading and staking.
After our father died, Catherine joined the Lunch Club and made new friends. She was very grateful for all the help and care that she received from Chipperfield residents during her last few years. We would like to add our thanks to all those who assisted her.
Susannah (Buzz) Stanton (n
e Valli) and Andrew Valli
GEOFFREY WHITER
Readers may be interested to know a little more about a local character who lived in Chipperfield for many years and died recently. Geoffrey Whiter, recently of Nunfield, was born in Woolwich in 1922. As a younger man he was nice-looking, lively and good company. He served in the army during the second World War as a rifleman, but had to return from France due to shrapnel wounds. After the war he worked in the print trade as a guillotine operator, was a staunch union man and champion for the underdog - there wasn't much he didn't have an opinion about! He drove a series of three-wheelers, bikes and scooters on his motorbike licence. One day, extremely high winds blew him in his Reliant Robin into a ditch, so he had some heavy metal plates bolted to the floor to prevent this happening again.
He never married and, following his mother's death in 1974, became increasingly reclusive, although he very much enjoyed the company of his Jack Russell terriers that he obtained from a rescue centre. Geoff was a private person and he led people to believe he had no family, but he had an older brother who died in 1994 and two nieces who he was always reminding that he was their only 'blood' uncle! He resisted any attempts by his family to visit him and, without a phone, preferred to keep in touch by letter and cards. These were eagerly anticipated by his nieces as they always contained an interesting story or newspaper cutting of local 'happenings'!
Unfortunately his need for privacy resulted in a lonely death, having suffered a heart attack, but not being discovered for many weeks. We all choose the way we live, but this was a sad ending for a colourful character for whom his surviving family have a warm affection. Thanks go to the local constabulary and particularly PC Heley for his kindness, and to Reverend Stevens for his sympathetic understanding.
Gillian Davies (niece)
SPRING CLEANING
If you are having a clear-out this spring, the British Heart Foundation will collect items for sale in their new shop in Hemel Hempstead. Phone 01442 266747 before Wednesday any week to arrange collection.
The British Heart Foundation containers at Wyevale Garden Centre are now emptied every few weeks, so you can also leave items there and be sure they will be collected.
VILLAGE HALL FUNDRAISING EVENTS
An enjoyable Quiz Night was held at the Village Hall on Saturday 11 March, including a fish and chip supper. Funds raised amounted to #725. Hugh Clifford and family organised the event and the Question Master was Richard Crafter.
The next event is scheduled for 7.30pm on Saturday 20 May, when Anne Stickland (01442 832090) is organising a Barn Dance, with supper, at the Village Hall. This dance is for all age groups and entry is by ticket only. Do come along for a fun evening.
All money raised from these two events will be to support the cost of refurbishing and re-decorating the hall stage. RAE
A THANK-YOU FROM MAGGIE PRESTWICH
I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone for all the wonderful support and help you have given to me in so many different ways since John died. Apart from everything else you have done, I was overwhelmed by the spontaneous way in which everyone rallied round to give so much practical help at both John's Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Church and at the reception which followed.
I hope that you will understand when I say that there is no way that I will be able to thank each of you in person, so I do hope you will accept my sincerest gratitude via Chipperfield News.
I do know - and John would fully endorse my sentiments - that no-one could live in a friendlier and more supportive village.
Thank you all and God bless every one of you!
Maggie Prestwich
YOUR GARDEN IN MAY
So it's here already ..... the hosepipe ban! We shall all get a lot of exercise carrying water round the garden in watering cans and buckets. This month is always a busy one so we must make a few changes. Now is the time to plant up hanging baskets, tubs and containers and when doing so add water-retaining granules such as SwellGel to the compost. Plant out bedding plants as soon as possible and be prepared to protect from late frosts using garden fleece. Seed potatoes can still be planted and it will soon be time to plant out the marrows, courgettes, runner beans and outdoor tomatoes. Quite a few vegetables can be sown outside in May and it is a good idea to water the drills before sowing the seed. This is a good month for planting herbaceous border plants and roses, trees and shrubs, provided they are container-grown. Herbs, alpines and climbing plants can also be planted. Wherever possible put down landscape fabric covered with a thick mulch to help conserve moisture in the soil. This will also keep the weeds down. Garden compost makes a good mulch and from the garden centre you can purchase organic compost or bark in a variety of forms. Rain water can be saved by linking a water butt to the downpipe on sheds and glasshouses as well as one the house, and at Garden Scene it is possible to purchase a complete water butt kit for just #29.95. Always water plants early in the morning or late in the evening. Vegetables do need regular watering but shrubs and border plants should only be watered if they become stressed. Many plants are fairly drought-resistant and these include agapanthus, bergenia, campanula, eschscholzia, gazania, geraniums, osteospermums, pelargoniums, poppies, rudbeckia, sedums, verbascum and verbena. Grey-leaved plants such as helichrysum and spiky-leaved plants such as phormium like dry conditions, as do some of the ornamental grasses.
Lawns should never be watered but in summer months it is better to set the mower higher and cut more often, leaving at least some of the grass clippings on the lawn to act as a mulch. The Royal Horticultural Society will be producing a leaflet on water conservation and copies can be obtained by writing to the RHS, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QB. There is also a RHS website (www.rhs.org.uk) where information on a host of garden matters can be found. The Chelsea Flower Show starts on Tuesday 23 May and runs until Saturday 27 May but tickets must be purchased beforehand (ticket hotline 0870 906 3780). The Malvern Spring Show is on 12-14 May. Some of the local gardens are open during May and these include Patchwork, 22 Hall Park Gate, Berkhamsted on 7 May, two gardens in Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth on 14 May and Mackerye End, Harpenden, and Great Sarratt Hall on 28 May. Terry Simmonds
A WEEK-END OF MUSIC
Almost a hundred voices joined together in an exceptional rendering of Handel's oratorio, 'Messiah'. It was on the first day of April at St John's church, Boxmoor, that Chipperfield Choral Society gave a musical treat to a church filled to capacity. The Society was founded 60 years ago in September 1946, and such a popular work was a wonderful choice to form part of the Diamond Jubilee season of concerts. For several months, members of the Society rehearsed under the direction of Delia Meehan, with Rosemary Venner as their piano accompanist, and the result of all that hard work was enjoyed by all who were fortunate to be there on the night.
The orchestra played beautifully and for the evening Delia had assembled four very fine young soloists. Following the Sinfonia, Gardar Thr Cortes sang the opening tenor recitative and arias, and Anna Huntley sang the alto parts with much feeling. The bass arias were sung by Alex Ashworth and a highlight was his rendering of 'The trumpet shall sound' which was accompanied by a fine solo trumpet. The soprano, Lucy Crowe, had a voice with such a range that every aria which she performed really sparkled and she added such a lot to the aria made so famous by the late Kathleen Ferrier, 'I know that my redeemer liveth'.
For more than 2 hours Delia Meehan conducted a remarkable performance with the chorus in near perfect unison. By tradition the audience stood when the Hallelujah Chorus was sung with great feeling. Following the performance, Delia remarked that Handel wanted everyone to be uplifted by the 'Messiah' and it was just so for everyone who had the privilege to attend.
On the following evening, some members of the Choral Society joined with the choirs of St Paul's Church and Holy Cross Church, Sarratt, in a performance at Chipperfield of the 'Requiem' by Faur
. Under the baton of Keith Beniston, the singing was extremely moving.
The next concert to be given by Chipperfield Choral Society will be on 17 June at St Paul's Church when they will be performing 'The Armed Man Suite' by Karl Jenkins and 'Songs and Cries of London Town' by Bob Chilcott. Terry Simmonds
WHAT'S ON
Kings Langley Players present The Dice House by Paul Lukas. "A fascinating, irreverent and hilarious look at life - Fawlty Towers meets Monty Python". May 11-13 at 7.45pm at The Community Centre, The Nap, Kings Langley.
Box office: 07906 695959
Watford Palace Theatre presents Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall. "A thought-provoking satire". May 18-June 10 at 7.45pm. Wednesday matinees on May 31 & June 7 at 2.30pm; and Saturday matinees on May 7 and June 3 & 10 at 3pm.
Box office: 01923 225671
Herts County Show will be held at The Showground, Redbourn, on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May. Save money by pre-booking advance tickets - telephone 0870 350 2122 (advance tickets must be booked by 18 May).
OPEN GARDENS
Sunday 7 May, 2-6pm
Bryher, The Common, Potten End. The garden is on the corner of the village green, opposite Bullbeggars Lane. Parking at village hall car park. Home-made teas. Adults #2.50, children free.
Sunday 7 May, 2-5pm
Patchwork, 22 Hall Park Gate, Berkhamsted. Entering the east side of Berkhamsted on A4251, turn left 200 yards after 40 mph sign. Adults #2, children free.
Sunday 14 May, 2-5pm
The Dial House, 93 Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth and Mill Reach, 97a Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth. Combined admission #3.50.
Sunday 28 May, 2-6pm
Great Sarratt Hall, Sarratt. Home-made teas. Adults #3.50, children free.
ART EVENTS
Women Draw Life at John Bly's Tring Gallery (formerly a tithe barn, beside Tring Church). Sunday 7 May - Saturday 27 May; Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm; Sundays 10.30am-2pm. (NB Closed Mondays)
Berkhamsted Art Society Spring Exhibition Monday 15 May - Saturday 20 May at Berkhamsted Civic Centre.
The 26th Spring Festival of Art and Flowers at St Mary's Church, Pitstone. Saturday 27 May 2-6pm; Sunday 28 May 11am-5pm; Monday 29 May 11am-6pm.
Little Gaddesden Art Club Summer Exhibition at Little Gaddesden Village Hall, Church Road. Saturday 3 June to Monday 5 June.