November 2002
Remembrance Sunday, 10 November, will soon be with us again and I hope you will join us at the War Memorial on the Common at 10.50am and afterwards in St Paul’s Church. The memorial lists those men from Chipperfield who died, in our armed forces, in two World Wars. The last war ended in 1945, a long time ago. Since then our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women have lost their lives in over 70 conflicts including Korea, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Borneo, the Falklands, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. The Royal British Legion cares for all ex-Service men and women, and their dependents, and the need is as great today as it was 50 years ago. The Legion’s work cannot continue unless it receives the support of the annual Poppy Appeal which takes place in the fortnight before Remembrance Sunday. The Poppy Appeal collectors will soon be knocking on your door and I hope you will give as generously as you have done in the past.
Patrick Gardiner
ST PAUL’S SCHOOL REPORT
A great deal happens at St Paul’s Primary School in a short period of time and it is time to update you!
Foundation Unit. During the summer, 4 classes changed places so that we could develop a new Foundation Unit comprising our Nursery and Reception classes. This involved more than just moving furniture, as the Foundation classes also need their own enclosed outdoor play area. This was completed during August and is shared by both classes. The Foundation Unit is working very well indeed and is providing quality experiences for our children at the start of their school lives.
Arts Week. Just before the summer break, we enjoyed a superb, action-packed Arts Week during which the children experienced a variety of activities, helped by staff and visitors. We were pleased to welcome a number of local artists into school. Activities included mosaic making, jump dance routines, photography, percussion, flute and theatre workshops, storytelling, T-shirt designs, working with artists, sculpture and card making. A mosaic made by all of the children now greets visitors as they approach the front of the school. It looks fantastic. With so much emphasis placed upon Numeracy and Literacy in the school day, we must not neglect the creative side of the curriculum and occasionally it is good to dedicate a whole week to a specific focus such as this. We are extremely grateful to all those who helped during Arts Week. New Building. We are hoping that our new classroom building project will start early in the new year. As with all major building projects, time scales are difficult to determine, but we would certainly hope to move Year 2 into their new room during the spring/summer 2003. Beyond that, we will be able to develop our ICT suite in the original classroom. We are very excited about this project and can’t wait for the work to begin.
We hope to see some of you at St Paul’s School as we approach our annual fireworks evening and Christmas events. Lyndon Evans, Headteacher
LIFEBOATS COLLECTION
The record amount of £621.31 was raised this year, a result achieved by a donation of £25 in April, and the house-to-house collection in September which brought in £596.31. Very many thanks to all our contributors and collectors.
M.G. Newman, Hon. Sec.
CHIPPERFIELD THEATRE GROUP
It is perhaps with a sense of mischief that Chipperfield Theatre Group chose Out of Focus for their latest production. One wondered if the opening scene involving several groups being triple booked at a village hall was dear to their hearts. Feeling that for the Badminton club, Brownies and slide show speaker that appeared in the scene, one could read the respective Chipperfield -Theatre Group, WI and Bowls Club. However on this occasion the warring parties put aside (most of) their differences and came together in a common cause – the village pantomime with inevitable chaotic consequences. Most of the CTG big guns were wheeled out for this one and as many of the scenes involved lengthy periods on stage they needed to have their wits about them. Considering these demands and first night nerves, slips were rare. Directors Tricia Richardson and Jo Halkett also deserve credit for their expert handling of stage directions, ensuring that despite there being many actors on stage at once the action was well paced and easy to follow.
That said, the play itself was not as hilarious as the pre-publicity would have you believe. The jokes took some while to kick in and too much of the humour was farce based – the pantomime theme being something of an excuse to raise laughs out of season with its comedy costumes.
It can only be said therefore that the actors did extremely well to make their characters as endearing as they were. Jenny Heuson again stood out as Evonne along with Rob Hine as Wayne but there were no better characters than slide show supremo Leonard Trotter who had the audience in stitches from the moment he entered with his box of slides and left without saying a word. Despite almost every nerdish stereotype being rolled into one, John Ogglesby handled this role expertly. He didn’t overplay his hand; instead portraying his characteristics sympathetically with an engaging balance of vapidity and charm.
Overall Out of Focus was an enjoyable, if not vintage, production highlighting perhaps that we have been spoilt by the quality of previous shows. And despite my minor qualms, the audience clearly enjoyed themselves and was kept interested. Jason Cox
REFLECTIONS ON A VISIT TO CHIPPERFIELD
It’s some time since I’ve written but, having recently spent a few weeks in Chipperfield with my parents, I wanted to say how very much I’d enjoyed my visit and appreciated the opportunity to catch up with family and the many friends that I have in the area. My visits with my family are increasingly precious with the passing years and this visit was particularly special, as I spent more time with my parents and also managed to meet with a few people I’d not seen for more years than I care to remember! This time my visit was in your summer (our winter!), so for the first time in several years I walked through the village a fair amount. For the most part little had changed in the last 5 years or so. However, to me, there were a few noticeable changes that I found disconcerting. Firstly, it was sad to see the changes in the flora and fauna; I saw fewer birds such as blackbirds, thrushes and, of course, the once ubiquitous house sparrow than on my previous visits. I’ve seen more of these birds on recent trips to the south of Australia and New Zealand! Then there are the hedgerow and woodland areas that appear to be becoming increasingly choked with blackberry brambles and nettles. I know that these were around when I was a child (vivid memories of stings and scratches!), but I’m convinced that they cover much larger areas now. I appreciate that these problems are not unique to Chipperfield. The second change was in the number of cars, which, again, isn’t unique to Chipperfield, but it still saddens me to see the effects on the village. Not so long ago there would be one car, at most, parked outside houses. Now, front gardens have been replaced by concrete and gravel car parks for 2, 3 or 4 vehicles. Sadly, too, many drivers appear to show a complete disregard for speed limits around the village (and elsewhere). The third, and to me the most disturbing, trend is the style of housing in the village. So many of the pleasant, modest homes have been extended into very large houses. This trend saddens me because that type of housing means that young people, whose families may have been village residents for several generations, will be unable to afford to remain in the village when they leave home. In spite of these changes, Chipperfield is still a very special village and it was an absolute joy for me to be there for a few weeks. One thing that the village certainly has going for it is the friendly atmosphere; so many people kindly spared some time to exchange a few words with me and to make me feel welcome, and for that I thank them. It really made me feel that I have another home on the other side of the world.
Carol Petherick
VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT
All residents of the civil parish of Chipperfield should have received a complimentary copy of our Village Design Statement with their October issue of Chipperfield News. Any household accidentally missed out from the distribution may obtain a copy by ringing 01923 269480. A number of people living in areas neighbouring the parish have expressed an interest in acquiring a copy. These are available from Brits News, Londis and Chipperfield Larder. However, to help repay the considerable costs involved, a charge will have to be made. The normal price will be £5, but between now and the end of the year, these shops will be selling copies at a special price of £3.
DRIVERS URGENTLY NEEDED!
Croxley House Care Home for the elderly in Croxley Green, run by the Greenshield Group, desperately needs volunteer drivers for their own minibus. I am the only approved driver at the moment, so that it is well nigh impossible to make a reasonable schedule to take residents out and about. Someone to drive to local destinations just one day a month would provide most welcome assistance. Ideally we need six drivers altogether. If you can help, please call the Manager, Mrs. Theresa Whitbourn, on 01923 775134. Many thanks for any help you can give.
David Peacock
IAIN RENNIE HOSPICE AT HOME QUIZ 2002/3
Quiz addicts are invited to enter this year’s quiz. The subjects covered are as diverse as advertising slogans, songs from shows, memorable dates, prefixes and suffixes, places and sport. Entry is £1 and copies of the questions can be obtained from the IRHH shop in Hemel Hempstead or by sending £1 and a sae to 52a Western Road, Tring HP23 5AH. The prize is a £50 M&S voucher, plus 5 lucky number prizes.
CHIPPERFIELD CRICKET
CLUB A trip to Lords? Read on...
Once again the nights draw in and cricket on the Common comes to an end for another year, but what a year with the 1st XI in a promotion race right up to the last match when unfortunately they could not achieve the victory required and finished a highly creditable third. Their success owed much to the batting of Ian McNichol (who won the 1st XI batting award) and to Clive Wells (who won the bowling award), while other valuable contributions with the bat came from Bruce Kilby and Jim Carson; and with the ball from Messrs Wale, Rennison and Simon Smith, the 1st XI captain, who welded the side together and helped create a strong team spirit.
A presentation evening was held at the club on 5 October and, as well as the awards mentioned above, Bob Wells won the 2nd XI batting award and the Player of the Year award. Bob announced his retirement after nearly 20 years at Chipperfield and his calm unhurried style of batting will be sadly missed. Graham Gurney, 2nd XI captain, collected the 2nd XI bowling award and Andrew Oliver was voted the Most Promising Young Cricketer. A presentation was made to Alan Roberts in recognition of his services to the club as an umpire for over 20 years. Alan has announced his retirement and will now join that dedicated band of followers known affectionately as ‘critics corner’; they may have to order extra red wine to get through the games.
The Common has again looked a picture this year, despite a number of acts of mindless vandalism, and is a credit to our groundsmen, Malcolm Durrant and Robin Veith; indeed the ground was chosen as the venue for a full friendly County match between Herts and Bucks, a considerable honour.
Looking to the future, under 11’s cricket started again on the Common this year and up to 30 youngsters enjoyed coaching under the watchful eyes of Bob Churchill, Jim Carson and Nick Crumpton. The club plans to continue with winter coaching at an indoor cricket school and older Colts will be contacted with details.
The club will continue to play Herts League cricket on Saturdays next year and on Sundays will compete in the Chess Valley League, the Evening Standard Trophy, the League Cup and for the first time have entered the National Village Competition, the final of which is played at Lords - so, who knows, we may all be booking seats on the coach to St Johns Wood if all goes to plan.
NEW ARCHDEACON
Canon Helen Cunliffe, currently Residentiary Canon of Southwark Cathedral, has been appointed Archdeacon of St Albans, with oversight of parishes in the deaneries of Central and West Hertfordshire and takes up the post later this year. Helen was born in Derbyshire and educated there and at St Hilda's College, Oxford. She was ordained Deaconess in 1983, Deacon in 1987 and priest in 1994. She has worked as curate and priest in Chesterfield, Oxford and Clapham. As Residentiary Canon of Southwark she is parish priest to the local congregation and is also Diocesan Adviser for Women in Ministry.
SLEEP OUT
Brave volunteers are being sought to sleep out in the grounds of St Albans Abbey on Friday 6 December to raise cash for Open Door, the city's centre for single homeless people. The Sleep Out has raised more than £50,000 over the last seven years and is organised by the diocese's Board for Church and Society. This year there will also be an Education Day at the Abbey Theatre to raise awareness of homelessness. For more information or to volunteer, contact Open Door on 01727 844181.
PETER JOHN DAWE (John) 24.2.34 - 30.9.02
John died peacefully at the Hospice of St Francis on 30 September after a long illness. I should like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent cards and letters, also for the kindness and support I have had from my friends and neighbours. My thanks also to the lady who regularly put notes through my door, to my gardener, to the neighbours who took us out for rides, who cooked meals for me, who drove me many times to the Hospice, did my shopping and did unexpected deeds of kindness. Bless you all. Pam Dawe
FOOTPATHS
Four volunteers have kindly offered to "adopt a footpath" in the village and will soon be seen wielding their litter pickers to reduce the number of cans, bottles, crisp packets and other rubbish strewn about. If you would like to help clean up our village I should be pleased to hear from you. Liz Holliday (01923 267483)
THE WAR MEMORIAL
As Remembrance Sunday 2002 approaches, it is an opportune time for me to pass on to you some of the details that my son Andrew has discovered about our village War Memorial in past issues of Parish magazine at the County Record Office.
In February 1919, the vicar, Canon Jeffries, raised the question of war memorials and stated that there was a general consensus that there should be two memorials, one for the church and one for the village. The latter would need to be distinctive and worthy of the occasion, although not necessarily expensive, so that all in the parish and village would be glad to contribute towards it.
A month later, it was reported that after two well-attended meetings had been held, it was unanimously decided that a war memorial should be erected in a public position.
Suggestions for this included almshouses, a home for the village nurse or for soldiers’ widows, an obelisk, an additional wing to the Village Institute, a soldier monument or a statue. The choice eventually lay between a drinking trough with fountain and a large cross to be erected on the Common inscribed with the names of all who served in the Great War. For hygiene reasons, the former suggestion was rejected and the Cross decided on. By January of the following year it was reported that, as the full amount of £250 had been raised in the form of promises and donations, including a very generous gift of £73, which had completed the sum required, work on the War Memorial could go ahead. A resolution was passed authorising Mr Rivington (of Little Callipers), the joint Honorary Secretary of the Fund, to engage the services of a competent architect, who should come to Chipperfield and advise the committee as to the design, materials and most suitable site for the Memorial Cross. The architect was F.C. Eden, a well-known ecclesiastical architect at that time, who proposed a quadrangular column 15 feet high, inset with red brick alternating with dull white stone and surmounted by a white stone cross, inlaid in front with dark slate. There would be a three-stepped base of the same stone forming together the structure that we know. The Memorial was ready for unveiling and dedication on Sunday, 3rd October 1920 and a large crowd gathered at 3.30pm, when after a short service in St Paul’s, a procession led by the choir proceeded to the Common, where the monument had been swathed in white and a large Union Jack. At Canon Jeffries’ invitation, Mr Rivington unveiled the Memorial and gave ‘an address of restrained, but moving eloquence’. The Vicar then solemnly dedicated it. The King’s Langley Scouts, who provided two buglers for the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, between which the flag was lowered, played a significant part in the ceremony, which was not dissimilar to the one we observe today. After the playing of the National Anthem, floral tributes were laid on the three steps of the pedestal of the cross by the bereaved widows and friends. A special arrangement of palm leaves and beautiful white flowers was placed on behalf of the village by the lady, whose husband was the first from the village to lose his life ‘for the cause of Liberty and Right’. Only modest changes to the Memorial were made during the subsequent 80 years. After 1945, the names of those from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War were added. A flower border and hedges now surround the plinth. However in autumnal gales in 2000, the surmounting Cross was blown down and broke into fragments. After considerable research, it was ascertained that there was no formal owner of the War Memorial, so the Parish Council then took on the responsibility for restoring the damage. At the time of writing, the stone masons selected for the contract are carving the cross, which they hope to have in place in time for this year’s Act of Remembrance on November 10.
Mary Nobbs
DRINKS ALL ROUND
As I write these notes (October 5th) everything is dry and dusty and we are longing for rain. We recorded less than an inch for the whole of September and today we have had to put the hose on some long established shrubs. The cold frame is bursting with trees and shrubs that are due to be planted around the wildlife pond, but the ground is too hard to cultivate. The birds, especially wood pigeons, have been making full use of the new pond. A sparrow hawk had a long drink from the pebble beach a few days ago. After slaking its thirst it perched on the table that we have our afternoon tea at, had a bit of a preen and a good look round before flying up into our little wood. I hope he doesn’t take too many of our young birds, though everyone has to make a living I suppose. One of the nicest sights by the pond has been a pair of grey wagtails that seem to spend their time around our pond and another large pond down the lane. They make a very high pitched piping sound as they fly between the two and always come and go in the same direction. They are a little larger than the more common pied wagtail, their tail is a bit longer and they seem to wag it even more! Their heads and backs are grey but their underparts are a gorgeous primrose yellow with a yellow-green rump visible as they fly away. They perch on a large pudding stone set into the pebble beach and then fly out at passing insects, or run around the water’s edge looking for tasty morsels, their tails constantly pumping up and down! The heron is a regular visitor and I wonder if anyone else has noticed a thin grey film that gets left on the water when he has called? One can see quite clearly whereabouts in the pond he has been, a bit like a slug’s trail really. I guess it must be the oily waterproofing from its feathers but I can find no reference to it in any of our bird books.
The plus side of this Indian summer is that we are still having tea in the garden. Time for a cuppa I think! Wendy Bathurst
CRIMEWATCH IN CHIPPERFIELD
Many residents are concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour by youths in the village. Our local Community Team Officer, WPC Michelle Buttleman, has sent us the following information to let residents know about recent police activity in the area. During the week 15-22 September five incidents were recorded in Chipperfield including one burglary, one abandoned vehicle and one arrest enquiry. There was also one recorded crime, a burglary, during the same period. Four police officers attended these incidents.
There has also been a lot of concern about the activities of groups of young people in both Chipperfield and Bovingdon. The police have received numerous complaints of young people causing damage, lighting fires and creating a general nuisance, often leaving evidence behind of alcohol and drug abuse. The police have sent a letter to the parents of all youths seen in the areas where problems have occurred, warning them that if the problems persist the Community Team will impose more forceful ways to impose good and sensible behaviour. WPC Buttleman will also be asking for assistance from Community Team Officers and Intervention Team Officers to detain and search local youths where necessary.
All residents are asked to help the police by reporting incidents. If you see a crime being committed dial 999; if you have information you wish to report contact the Community Team office on 01442 271012.
IS THERE A FUTURE FOR THE CHIPPERFIELD ART GROUP?
It seems a shame that this question has to be asked but, unless we can find someone to replace our Secretary (Rita Musk) and Chairman (myself) plus some strong capable people to help set up the exhibition in the summer, the group’s survival must be in doubt. At our last meeting in September, only 9 people were able to attend, but the one thing that was obvious was the keenness of those present, mostly regular exhibitors, to keep the Exhibition going. The Summer Exhibition has become part of the village’s August Bank Holiday attractions and many members of the public come to see it and buy our work. All we need is People! People who paint, pot, who use their artistic talents in any of the crafts - embroidery, toy making - whatever.
We will be holding our Christmas Party on Wednesday 11 December at 8.00pm in the Youth Club. Anyone who is interested in joining us and helping to keep the group alive please contact Rita on 01923 263525 or me on 01923 265236. Joan Sellwood