September 2004
We must begin this update by saying an enormous Thank You on behalf of all connected with the Blackwell's project and also the village at large, to Bill Calcutt, Joan Golden and Lyle Rainey for organising such a splendid Village Day! As we all know, events of this kind don't just happen, they take months of planning and involve so many unsung heroes to whom we also send huge appreciation. The wind blew almost relentlessly but was no match for the army of gazebo erectors, the most determined being those struggling with the beer tent! Neither was the wind any match for the amazing array of home grown talent that Joan, ably assisted by Alan on keyboards, brought to the stage to entertain us throughout the day. Morris Dancing, cricket playing in the background, not to mention the Pinney family wedding at St Paul's, all adding to a perfect backdrop to make this another memorable village occasion.
Not only did the day swell the refurbishment funds by a magnificent £4,000 to £4,500 (final accounts still being prepared), it presented a great opportunity to heighten once more Blackwell's profile as we find it surprisingly difficult to get our on-going message adequately into the public arena. Readers will see from the leaflet accompanying this edition the progress made converting the first floor room to a modern dance studio that will be used by many children of the village. A coat of paint is also being applied as a temporary measure to make the building look a little brighter! We do of course realise that if we are to make the club a success, it must have a focal point as well as a welcoming family bar, that will make people want to use and support it on an on-going basis. The idea of a gym has been pursued from inception but when the draft plans arrived from the architects it was clear we were trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot. Subject to the usual planning constraints, there is ample space to enlarge the building and potentially provide a superb facility for the village to be proud of BUT... this will add to the cost and we need to know is it what the village really wants and that it will be supported and not just be a five-minute wonder. Our Fund Raising Team has now begun a survey, with professional guidance, of village groups and individuals with the sole aim of finding out exactly what the people of Chipperfield would like to happen to their Club. This may seem repetitious of past work but it is essential if we are to look at a more ambitious scheme. We obviously need as much input into this survey as possible. If you are willing to help by giving your views please contact Caroline Smith 01923 261810. If you are interested in helping in any other ways or just want to know more about this village asset, please call any of the Trustees whose names you will find on the enclosed leaflet.
Graham Holt, Chairman of the Trustees
CHIPPERFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Summer Show - Sunday 4 July
Despite clashing with the Wimbledon final and also having unsettled weather over the previous few days, the quality of the exhibits was to be admired. Twenty one vases of Sweet Peas scented the hall with some quality roses adding to the myriad of colours displayed. As always, the Floral Art section attracted stiff competition resulting in breathtaking displays of art work. Our recently introduced photographic section is proving very popular with very good entries showing off people's talents with the camera. Results: Open classes for Sweet Peas - 1st Roger Pigg, 2nd Jeremy Wilkes, 3rd John North, 4th Jeff Norwood. Sweet Pea Society's Medal for the best exhibit - Jeremy Wilkes; T.J. Denny Trophy most points roses - Roger Pigg; Rose Society's Medal best exhibit - Elizabeth Percy; F. Baldwin cup - floral art - Eileen Foulgham; the Pettet cup - most points all flowers - Elizabeth Percy; A.T. Hutchinson cup - bowl of sweet peas - Ann Rees.
Ann Soanes
OPEN STUDIOS
In September, two local artists will be participating in the Hertfordshire Open Studios 2004.
Dick Onions of Woodside, Commonwood (down drive next to the Cart & Horses car park) will be exhibiting wood, stone and metal sculptures, mostly abstract, for house and garden. Open Saturday 18, Sunday19, Friday 24, Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 from 11am-5pm.
Tel: 01923 265996.
Pamela Dawson of Hornbeams, Hogpits Bottom, Flaunden (400 yards from the Bricklayers Arms, towards Bovingdon) will be exhibiting vibrant free oils and acrylics; landscapes, large floral works and still life. Open Thursday 23, Friday 24, Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 from 12 noon-6pm.
Tel: 01442 832160
PARISH MAP
The Parish Map, which was commissioned by the Parish Council to mark the millennium, is now on show in the Village Hall. Smaller prints of the map went on sale on Village Day in July and over half have now been sold.
Each print (size 24"x16") which is reproduced in full colour, shows all the houses, roads, footpaths and fields in the parish and is illustrated with small drawings of well-known local buildings and features. Based on Ordnance Survey map data, the map was designed by local resident, Mike Tagg, and illustrated by his wife, Joy.
The map will make an ideal Christmas present, so order now to avoid disappointment!
Copies are available from The Larder and The Post Office Stores, price £10, and are supplied in a postal tube. To order by post please send a cheque for £10.50 payable to Chipperfield Parish Council to Liz Holliday, Gorse Cottage, The Common, Chipperfield, WD4 9BL.
Liz Holliday
VILLAGE HALL A.G.M.6 July 2004
The Chairman welcomed those attending the meeting. He reported considerable activity during the year to 31 March 2004, as the Village Hall had undergone a complete refurbishment at a cost of £65,000. This involved re-flooring throughout, new drainage work, connecting the facilities to the main drainage system, the installation of disabled toilet facilities to conform with legislation, and re-vamping the kitchen/bar facilities. These costs had been funded from three main sources, namely half from the Big Lottery Funds, with supporting grants from Dacorum B.C. and Chipperfield Parish Council, and finally the generous donations, in response to his appeal letter, by individual Chipperfield well-wishers and organisations.
Richard Edwards then went on to thank Hugh Clifford for his considerable free professional advice and supervision time during the year under review. He thanked all Committee members, regular hall users and Mrs. Moreen Wheeler, our caretaker, for their support and understanding while the works were in progress. He also expressed his thanks to Russ Evans for putting village events, including the Village Hall, on to the internet and donating his time, free of charge, which is greatly appreciated by the community.
Tony Loveband, the Treasurer, presented the annual accounts, which showed a surplus for the year of £1,723 and total funds of £30,554 as at 31 March 2004. This year's forecast projected a small profit after heavy electrical/recabling expenditure. He thanked the Parish Council for their annual grant. The accounts were adopted by the meeting, subject to audit, which is due to be carried out in August/September 04.
John Foulgham, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Chairman for all his work on the hall during this particularly busy year.
Richard Edwards
A BIG THANK YOU
A big thank you to all the trustees of Blackwell's, The Village Club, and to Peter Tydeman and all the very hard working and dedicated builders. They have put in so much work turning the upstairs room at the club into a beautiful dance studio.
The children of Chipperfield School of Dance now have a new home! The dancing school re-opens in September and the pupils will start working towards the next show which is The Nutcracker to be performed at the Watford Boys Grammar School in aid of Cancer Research. Pupils of any age can take part in the show and auditions for the part of Clara will be in November. If you wish to take part in the school production or learn ballet, tap jazz, hip hop or street dance, please contact:
Jean Banks 01923 400370
Ann Hertler-Smith 01923 267604 (Keep Fit classes)
Clare Gurney 0208 428 9906
Please feel free to come in and look at the new studio.
Clare Gurney
EVERYONE KNOWS A WORLD WAR TWO STORY
Do you remember Digging for Victory and the Squander Bug? Were you involved with the war work of local companies? Were you a member of the Land Army, the Home Guard or the ARP? Do you remember the evacuees arriving from London or maybe you were an evacuee yourself? Do you have memories of blackout curtains and utility clothing? Perhaps you remember the aircraft flying in and out of Bovingdon Airfield?
The Dacorum Heritage Trust, Hertfordshire Libraries and Dacorum Volunteer Bureau have joined forces to help you record your memories for the BBC People's War website. These can be put directly onto the BBC People's War website with the help of Library staff and volunteers, or taped or written.
Sessions will be held at:
Hemel Hempstead Library:
Monday 11 October 2-5pm,
Thursday 14 October 9.30am-12.30pm, Friday 12 November 9.30am-12.30pm.
Berkhamsted Library:
Tuesday 12 October 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm,
Friday 15 October 9.30am-12.30pm.
Places on sessions must be booked in advance. To book an internet or recording session, please call 01438 737333 quoting 'People's War'.
MASSSAGE THERAPY
Christine Evans is a holistic massage therapist offering body massage and Indian head massage in your own home on Saturdays, Sundays and evenings. Christine lives in Langley Hill, Kings Langley; she is a member of the International Guild of Professional Practitioners and is ITEC qualified.
A confidential consultation will take place before the first treatment. Treatments include a relaxing, soothing massage if clients feel stressed or anxious, while the Indian head massage incorporates massage of the back, arms, neck, scalp and face.
Please note that this is a professional business and only serious enquiries will be considered. To find out more, or to book an appointment, call Christine Evans on 07974 431591.
WIRE WASTE BINS
If you have one of the old wire waste bins (designed to hold a black plastic bin bag) and want to get rid of it, leave it out with your GREY wheeled bin and it will be collected by the waste removal team.
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Ollie, Nikki and Natalie Lincoln of 4 Flint Cottages, The Common, are proud to announce the arrival of Anna Sophia Mollie Lincoln on 24 July at 8.12pm, and would like to thank friends and neighbours for their good wishes.
Congratulations to Clare Pinney, daughter of Sue and Chris of Wayside, who married Robert Oldfield in St Paul's Church on 3 July.
Margaret Tearle, Joanne and Zoe would like to thank their friends in Chipperfield for all the kindness and support they have received following Rod's death on 2 June. The funeral was a wonderful service and all the donations received will be divided between the Leukaemia Trust and Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
After 18 years as the Lollipop Lady at the Two Brewers crossroads, Rose Chalk retired at the end of the summer term. Michelle Newman of Croft End Road will be taking over this month at the start of the new school term.
Goodbye to Commonwood from Gail and Tjarko Wieringa. By the time you read this Chipperfield News we should be down in Cornwall: Tjarko working at the Eden project, and Gail probably doing Homeopathy on a surfboard! Thank you all for your friendship. Fortunately email addresses don't change, so contact us at gail@natural-balance.co.uk
CHIPPERFIELD CRICKET CLUB NEWS JULY 2004
Our hopes of a revival have been somewhat dashed as we have, at the time of writing, been eliminated from all the major cup competitions that we entered, so no trip to Lords this year. Our Saturday league form, after a disastrous start, has begun to improve with the First Eleven recording their first victory and the Seconds maintaining a solid, if not quite safe, league position. Sunday form in the league is encouraging with two wins and an abandonment, which means that we are challenging for honours.
A number of new members have joined the Club since the season began and given time we hope they will gel and form the nucleus of a successful side. The Colts section grows, in terms of numbers, from strength to strength with upwards of 30 youngsters working hard at their practice on Tuesday evenings. Although the Under 12's, who are playing league cricket for the first time have yet to record their first victory, the improvement in technique and application is plain to see. Congratulations to them and their manager, Jim Carson.
The condition of The Common which was causing us great concern at the start of the season has improved with the application of fertiliser and some rain, but we will be taking professional advice later in the summer with a view to having some major overhaul work in the autumn.
Chris Bangs, Chairman
ART FOR PLEASURE AND CHARITY
Many people get a great deal of pleasure from creating paintings and drawings, but when profits from the sale of such work go to charities, others benefit as well. Two artists who sell their work in this way live in Little Windmill Hill in Chipperfield.
Painting has become a passion for Patricia Hill since she retired from a varied career covering all types of education. Patricia has an annual exhibition each August Bank Holiday at Denham Deep Lock. This has so far raised £7,500 for the Camphill Village Trust, due to the tremendous support and encouragement she has received. Now a freelance artist, Patricia specialises in watercolours, but also enjoys exploring acrylics, pastels, and pen and ink drawing. Her favourite subjects include local scenes, especially the narrow boats and locks of the Grand Union Canal.
Linda Hicks has lived in Chipperfield for 20 years. She began drawing and painting in 2000, following early retirement from a 30 year career in IT. She enjoys exploring the shades and textures that can be created using pastels, pencils and acrylics. For those wanting a unique message for a special occasion, she also produces hand-painted greetings cards. To date, Linda has sold over 50 paintings, with profits of over £1,400 going to the Hospice of St Francis.
If you visit the Plough public house in Belsize, you can see paintings and drawings by both artists. Prices are very reasonable and if you are interested in purchasing any of them, just talk to the bar staff or to Paul, the landlord.
Patricia recently suggested to the Shanti Art Gallery in Kings Langley that an exhibition featuring local artists would be an excellent idea. They agreed, and Patricia and Linda will be among the artists whose work you will be able to see at Shanti from September 26 to 23 October this year.
ROAD WORKS IN WINDMILL HILL
Work to lay new high voltage electricity cables is due to commence on Monday 6 September and will last for approximately 6 weeks.
Cables are to be laid from the junction of The Common and Windmill Hill to the sub-station at the side of Old Swan House.
While this work is carried out a Road Closure will be installed between the junction of The Common and Windmill Hill and Dunny Lane. The diversion route will be via Dunny Lane and The Street.
If you have any concerns regarding these works please contact Mr J Twomey during normal office hours on 01442 252440.
ST PAUL'S AND HOLY CROSS
Contact Club on Monday Evenings Contact Club has finished for the summer holidays but will be start again on September 13th. Contact is a club for young people from Chipperfield and Sarratt in school years 6 to 9, held in the Parish room at St. Paul's in Chipperfield, on Monday nights from 6.30 to 8.30pm. There are video evenings, play station and dance mat, table tennis, free food, lots of fun and much more happening! For more information ring Jenny Newman (Youth Worker for St. Paul's, Chipperfield and Holy Cross, Sarratt) on 01923 265667.
Harvest Thanksgiving: On Sunday 3rd October we have our Harvest Thanksgiving Services at St Paul's and we invite all to join us then. There will be Family Worship for all ages at 10am followed by the Parish Lunch. At 6.30pm there will be Evensong, sung by the combined choirs of St Paul's and Holy Cross, Sarratt. We do not often have the chance of having this service but our recently appointed Director of Music, Keith Beniston, is keen to make this a special occasion. We hope it will be well supported; it is one of the gems of the church liturgy. Keith is the Chief Examiner in Music at Trinity College, London. For 20 years he was the Musical Director at Central Hall, Westminster, where he succeeded William Lloyd Webber, the father of Andrew and Julian. We are sure the church and the village will benefit from his musical ability and experience.
Children's Groups
Sunday Special: 10am every Sunday (except for monthly Family Worship). Alison Bush (01442 834425)
Toddler Praise: 10am in the narthex, first Thursday each month, although not September. Sally Thompson (262382)
Chipchops: camping weekend - 25/26 September. Details of all activities (listed in the April issue of Chipperfield News) from Simon and Lucy Wood (260249).
WORSHIP
On Sunday 22 August at the 10.00am service at St Paul's, we will look at the subject 'Music in Worship'. It has not yet happened at the time of writing. Two of the questions that will be discussed are: What is worship? and How can music help?
Worship is one of those words often used loosely without people knowing precisely what it means. The marriage service uses the words 'with my body I you worship'. How many husbands have proposed to their hoped-for wives on bended knee?
In the Christian sense the full meaning of worship is something due to God. The Old Testament words used mean bow down, serve, and show awe and reverence; that is recognising who and what God is through His character and His actions. The human response to this is to bow down in awe and to serve Him. So worship is a form of service and service is a form of worship, both as a result of an awareness of God.
This is filled out in the New Testament and since, where the focus of worship is Jesus Himself. He accepted forms of worship not due to any ordinary man. After the resurrection, Thomas acknowledged Him as 'My Lord and my God'. The service element is now founded on a relationship of love.
If that is brief look at worship, how is it expressed? This is where music (as well as other forms of art, written or visual, etc) can help. Hence the vast quantity of psalms, hymns, oratorios and so on, attempting to bring out and match the meaning of the words and thoughts used. The music serves the words. The type and style of music will depend upon the culture and history of those using it and will vary from one time to another. Wisely the New Testament gives no set pattern for worship.
The important thing is that the worship should enhance our appreciation and understanding of Jesus and lead to committed service. While we respond to Him as we worship, He also responds to us.
John King, Church Warden
IN MEMORY OF MALCOLM
Rose Sunday at St Paul's this year was a memorable occasion. The church was packed. Friends from Sarratt and Chipperfield had gathered to remember Malcolm and to welcome his wife, Brenda, back to Chipperfield. Brenda had agreed to plant a rose - appropriately named Breath of Life - in the churchyard of St Paul's on their behalf in memory of Malcolm.
The service was led by the Rev Hitesh Dodhia, a Deputy Governor of Wormwood Scrubs, one of the clergy who kindly support our churches during the interregnum. The Rev Peter Hart, highly regarded in both parishes, came back from his retirement in Stamford to preach. He spoke movingly of his friend and colleague telling of the three principles of his ministry, Prayer, Proclamation and Pastoral Care, describing each in turn and recommending their adoption by us all. Brian Hill, Minister of the Baptist Church, Sarratt, was next. At Brenda's request, Brian read the piece about Malcolm's history written by her family at the funeral in March. At the end of the service, the congregation followed the clergy and choir to a prepared flower bed near the front door of the church, where Brenda planted the rose. We shall pass this rose as we go to church each Sunday and will remember with sadness this saintly man who made such an impact on us all. He truly was the 'Breath of Life'.
(Contact with the family will be kept through our connection with the Tiger Club in Kampala run by Malcolm and Brenda's son, Dr Andy Williams. The club does vital work rescuing and supporting street children in the area.)
Muriel Samworth
BON APPƒTIT!
A new cookery book entitled Village Fayre has been compiled in aid of the Friends of Holy Cross Church, Sarratt, and is being sold to help raise funds for the care and preservation of the church. Village Fayre takes its reader through mouth-watering recipes for soups and starters; then on to meat, poultry and seafood; salads, snacks and vegetarian dishes; puddings and tea-time; ending with splendid ideas for home made wine. The book contains over 150 recipes and a thoughtful touch is that the pages are bound so that it opens flat and the type is bold and easy to read. Village Fayre costs £9.50 and can be obtained from The Chipperfield Larder. Alternatively send a cheque for £12 (to include postage and packing) made payable to: "The Friends of Holy Cross Church, Sarratt",
c/o Pear Tree Cottage, The Green, Sarratt WD3 6BL.
NEW YORK MARATHON
This year I am fortunate enough to have secured a place in the New York Marathon on November 7. I will be running with a team of 50 people to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I have to raise at least £3,000 in order to participate and I am asking for your help. Anything you can offer will be appreciated but, as an added incentive, if you sponsor me £40, I will give you a Personal Training session free of charge. Your £40 will go straight to the Marie Curie Cancer Care fund.
Roland Kemp, 64 Chipperfield Road, Kings Langley WD4 9JD.
Tel: 07968 694883 Rolykemp@hotmail.com
CHIPPERFIELD THEATRE GROUP
Sand Castles
There are times as a reviewer when you have to do your duty. As the rest of the country settled down to watch England's quarter final match with Portugal in June, I joined the respectable gathering of hardy souls who spurned the opportunity to watch England's latest football failure and enjoy an ultimately more pleasing spectacle - Sand Castles, Chipperfield Theatre Group's latest seaside comedy.
As Michael Owen was giving those at home something to cheer about so the cast here won the crowd over early doors with their eclectic mix of characters. Given the timing of the performance it was perhaps unsurprising that the male members of the audience were outnumbered 10:1 by their female counterparts. But at least the eight men I did count were rewarded mid-way through the first half with Anna Watts and Kristin Havanga stripping down to bikinis. A sight undoubtedly more palatable than that of Wayne Rooney limping off with an ankle injury. Maybe we made the right choice, after all.
Written by As Time Goes By and Brush Strokes writer, Bob Larbey (I didn't let that put me off), the play pitched the owners of beach huts against a trio of adversaries who dared to challenge their dubious claims to the adjoining area of beach. Though the play tailed off slightly once this central conflict had been resolved there were enough good lines and excellent performances to sustain the interest of those in the stands to the final whistle. Displaying some nice subtleties, Anne Pinkus showed much skill in her promotion to a major role and the ever-talented Sarah-Jayne Bottril was on her best form as Bernice. She illustrated the premise of the play delightfully, exposing the futility of the couples' snobbery with her elevated sense of importance and evident hypocrisy. Quite obviously she and her husband Stan (Rob Hine) had disowned the class from which they came. Reminders of which were provided by the random interventions from Stan's eccentric Scottish mother (Jane Bryson). And, though her presence was something of an embarrassment to her family, the contributions she made (unlike Beckham and Vassell's) were invariably spot on.
The resistance was led spiritedly by brassy brummie, Mrs P (Jennifer Heusen) who tackled the injustice by way of a sit-down protest outside the beach huts. Love interest was provided by newcomer, Lisa Heusen whose emerging performance and growing confidence mirrored that of her character, Pauline, who fell for the charms of Doug. Paul Instrall was very assured in his portrayal of the happy go lucky gigolo whose expert handling of the beach dispute made most of the cast see sense.
One or two late slip ups can perhaps be blamed on Portugal's late equaliser, while the play, seemingly set for a happy ending, had a twist when it was revealed that the likeable and more conciliatory beach hut owner, William (Joe Heusen) had a terminal disease. Sadly, it was not the only event of the evening that did not end happily ever after. A dodgy referee and some lamentable penalty taking saw to that!
Jason Cox
AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP FIT AND GROW YOUR OWN
If you have ever wanted to grow your own vegetables, fruit or flowers, now is the chance to start. A limited number of allotment plots have just been cleared of all weeds and rotavated, ready for occupation and this autumn will be the ideal time to prepare the ground for next year's growing season.
Each full plot measures approx. 60'x30' (22metres x 11metres)and the annual rent is currently £6, due to rise to £9 next year. Half plots are available.
This is a unique opportunity to start with a completely cleared plot. If you have never grown vegetables before and need advice the tenants of other plots will be pleased to help. For further details please phone me on 01923 267483. Liz Holliday, Chairman,Chipperfield Allotments
JASMINE SAFETY TRACK NEWS UPDATE
We are aware that everybody who has so generously contributed towards the new Langley Road track is beginning to wonder what has happened to it. Unfortunately, due to events out of our control, we have been unable to start our new project - but please be assured we are doing all we can to push for the works to proceed and, fingers crossed, by the time you read this it will have begun.
It is to the riding fraternity's shame that Chipperfield Parish Council have yet again asked that we request riders not to ride through the middle of The Common. We are sure that it is people from outside the area who are doing this and the CVBA have put up maps showing the route of the permissive track, so there is absolutely no excuse now and hopefully it will cease. We cannot stress too much that a good relationship with everybody is necessary in order to keep our permissive track, so please do not put this in jeopardy - every complaint is a nail in the coffin!
Hope everybody is enjoying the summer and making use of our safety tracks - any donations towards maintenance, rent, purchase or works on our tracks would be most gratefully received in the Jasmine Box in the Post Office Stores in Chipperfield, or send to Trish Sale, 22 Orchard Drive, Watford WD17 3DY. Many thanks and have a good summer.
Tina Robinson
THE DANCE PLACE SIDE OF VILLAGE DAY
Whenever Joan Golden asks if I would like to be involved in a particular activity with her, there is always a great sense of adventure and excitement. Participating in the Village Day activities was no exception. From the onset, I knew that all activities laid on for the day would be done with the utmost skill and professionalism, and The Dance Place would do its very best to uphold this silent expectation.
Preparing for the occasion was naturally fast and furious - there is never enough time to rehearse - but parents and pupils committed their time and energy with eager enthusiasm. After hours of practice, including some fun time spent 'preening' in costume, the dance numbers seemed to be over in a flash and with none more pleased with the result than myself.
What a pleasure and privilege to be involved with something as memorable as this year's Village Day. It was great to be able to help Peter Jackson and his team, in a small way, to continue with the refurbishment of Blackwell's. Everything 'gelled' into an afternoon where there was a chance to spend relaxed time with local friends - a luxury for many of us. The afternoon seemed to come to a reluctant close all too quickly. I am sure Bill Calcutt and Lyle Rainey must have given a huge sigh of relief as equipment was safely packed away. We look forward to the next Village Day!
Meantime, The Dance Place is always busy with classes in dance, drama and singing, including singing workshops for adults. We have a team of fully qualified teachers who can all boast professional experience. Give me a ring if you would like to know more.
Diana Iles, Tel: 01923 269402
HEDGES, THE ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOP
Hedges are wonderful things: not only do they act as highways for animals and birds to travel safely from one area to another, they also act as supermarkets. They are the ideal place for animals and birds to stock up on essential supplies.
All the green plants in a hedge contain chlorophyll and with this they can use the sun's energy to produce their sugary and starchy foods. We'll call them the producers or shopkeepers. Animals and fungi can't do this and in some way or other they all rely on plants for their food. They are the customers.
The hedge is like a giant pyramid, with billions of leaves at the bottom, which in turn feed millions of greenfly and caterpillars, which in turn feed thousands of beetles. These feed the small birds and the small birds feed the Sparrow-hawk.
That is of course just a simplification of everything. Some birds like the fruits from the hedge, others the seeds from the grasses and flowers which grow in the bottom of the hedge. A second pyramid can be formed starting with beetles and going up through mice and voles, which in turn feed owls, kestrels, foxes and badgers. Rabbits like to burrow in hedge banks or live above ground in very dense hedges and they feed the foxes and are essential to buzzards. A good mixed hedge, with a variety of products on its shelf attracts the greatest variety of shoppers. Just like Sainsburys really!!
More and more farmers are leaving wider margins unsprayed next to hedges allowing a greater diversity of plants to grow there. A few thistles are a boon to Goldfinches and everyone enjoys a nice view of these red cheeked little beauties. A few standard trees left along a hedge are also good. Ashes are probably the most common in this area and their keys or seeds are a favourite with Bullfinches. Oak trees support more insects than any other tree in Britain so one of these left in a hedge becomes a "superstore".
It's a shame that so many hedges have to be cut early in the autumn these days to accommodate winter cereals, but by changing to a two or three year cutting programme even this can be worked around. We are lucky to have as many hedges as we have in Chipperfield after the push by the government for greater productivity after the war and all the cash incentives that were available to help grub them out. Farmers seem to get a lot of bashing these days but the English countryside would not look the same if more of them had followed the "expert advice". Those who work in the fields are often those who love and care for them the most but at the end of the day they have to make a living. They also have to call at a supermarket!
Wendy Bathurst
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AUTUMN SHOW
Saturday 18 September
After a wonderful summer show featuring roses and sweet peas, now it is the turn of the chrysanthemums and dahlias. At the Autumn Show on Saturday 18 September there are classes for all fruit and vegetables as well as pot plants, asters, gladioli, fuchsias and mixed flowers. There are three floral art classes, and six domestic classes from jam to a blackberry and apple pie. Handicraft classes for hand knitting, soft toys, embroidery, canvas work, woodwork and soft furnishings. The junior section (16 years and under) has classes for handicraft, a picture made from leaves, fairy cakes and 'Five things you would do if King/Queen for a day'. There is something for everyone, so do enter and take part in a village show which is a lot of fun.
If you have any queries, our Show Secretary, Roger Pigg, 01442 834287, will be delighted to help. Staging takes place from 8.00-10.45am followed by the judging. Doors opens at 2.30pm and prize giving is at 3.30pm. Teas are served in the afternoon and there is an auction of produce, and a raffle.
YOUR GARDEN IN SEPTEMBER
This is the month of Michaelmas daisies, the asters. September is also the month when the early flowering chrysanthemums and dahlias should look their best and when the large herbaceous sedums and tall rudbeckias should be in full flower. Borders should still be fed and watered occasionally, but some plants will have now passed their best and it's a good time to lift and divide them. The summer bedding plants should still be in full flower, but we have to watch out for early frosts which may arrive this month, and to prolong the summer display it's a good idea to cover up with fleece when the weather man gives us the warning. We can start to plant the winter pansies, Canterbury bells, forget-me-nots (myosotis) and primroses now. Certainly the winter hanging baskets should be started and there should be a good selection of suitable plants in the garden centre to choose from. Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus and a host of dwarf types are now on sale and should be purchased as soon as possible while there is such a good selection. Paperwhite daffodils and the like should be planted in bowls in bulb fibre for flowering indoors during the winter. For Christmas flowering, prepared hyacinths should be planted as soon as possible in bowls and kept in the dark for a month or so, but there is no hurry to plant outdoor bulbs just yet.
Potatoes, carrots and onions should be lifted by the end of the month and marrows and courgettes will need to be harvested before the frosts start. Garlic bulbs and the early onion sets can soon be planted and spring cabbage plants should be set out. Sow winter lettuce and late radishes as well. If the soil is heavy, September is not too early for starting the digging. Apples and pears should be harvested and greasebands should be put on the trunks of fruit trees. Lawns will still need to be mowed occasionally and it's a good idea to scarify and aerate them now prior to applying an autumn feed. If there is a moss problem, use lawn sand instead of autumn feed, and if there are problem weeds on lawns, Verdone can be effective. Big problem weeds in the garden can be controlled by spraying with Glyphosate. With autumn approaching, now is the time to cover ponds with netting to prevent leaves getting in and to clear up garden rubbish before the weather deteriorates. September is a good time to start planting container-grown trees and shrubs, to take hardwood cuttings and to start taking cuttings of fuchsias and geraniums under glass. This is also the best month to sow sweet peas in the greenhouse so that they will be ready for planting out in the spring.
The gardens at Knebworth House are open on Wednesday 1 September and at Waddesdon Manor on Wednesday 22 September. Campden Cottage gardens at Chesham Bois are open on Sunday 12 September. The National Amateur Gardening Show is at Shepton Mallett on 3, 4 and 5 September and the Malvern Autumn Show is on 25 and 26 September. There is a Garden Show at Hatfield House on 3, 4 and 5 September and Chipperfield has its own Flower Show on 18 September.
Terry Simmonds