September 2007
CHIPPERFIELD VILLAGE WEBSITE
Most businesses and Government institutions have websites these days. They are
increasingly an essential part of business life. We are still looking for two or
three willing volunteers to jointly manage the Chipperfield website and keep it
up to date. Managing the Chipperfield website will be a CV enhancing experience
for the successful candidate. We will consider anyone interested, especially a
student wanting to use this for a school or college project. No specialist
technical knowledge is required as all technical issues are dealt with by the
web master and web creator, Russ Evans. There is no age limit either. Enthusiasm
and a reasonable command of English are the
major attributes required.
If you would like more details please contact Mike Joseph, Vice-Chairman of
Chipperfield Parish Council
Tel: 01923 261305 or email
parishclerk@chipperfield.org.uk
CALLING TEENAGERS!
Are you a teenager at a loose end - or a parent of the above? Are there any
activities that you would like to see in the village which are not already
catered for? If you have any ideas or would like to discuss this, please contact
Cllr. Pauline Southworth, tel: 01923 269645
GRANTS FOR 2007-8
Local groups and organisations who wish to apply for grant aid for 2007-8 should
contact Joanne Deacon, the Parish Clerk, as soon as possible for an application
form.
Phone 01923 263310 or e-mail parishclerk@chipperfield.org.uk.
Applications should be completed and returned to the Clerk no later than Monday
1 October.
CONCERNED ABOUT INHERITANCE TAX?
Two Inheritance Tax Seminars will be held this month at Blackwell’s, The Common,
Chipperfield. The first is on TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER at 7pm and the second is on
the following day, WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER at 10.30am. For more information
contact Colin Chamberlain 01923 270847 or
cchamberlain@inpartnership.net
OPEN GARDENS IN CHIPPERFIELD
The gardens at Tenements Farm, Tower Hill, were open in aid of the Parapet
Breast Clinic Trust Fund on June 24 when the sum of £1,300 was raised for the
charity.
On July 1, four gardens in Chipperfield were opened in aid of the British Red
Cross. Over 400 people visited the gardens and the total amount raised was
£2,267.
CANCER RESEARCH UK HOUSE TO HOUSE COLLECTIONS
Last May, 270 people went from door-to-door in Chipperfield and Sarratt, as well
as Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Moor Park and Croxley Green, and collected over
£10,100 during one week. What a wonderful result! In addition, 24 people
collected at the door at Tesco in Rickmansworth in July and raised another
£1,600 in two days. Recently our local committee was awarded a certificate for
our work by the Valuing Volunteers Organisation in Hertfordshire.
Cancer Research UK has been in the news quite frequently, not just for the
number of successful break-through results from research work. Also our Patron,
HM the Queen, opened a state of the art laboratory at Addenbrooks Hospital,
Cambridge, where professors and doctors in Oncology from all over the world use
their expertise and knowledge. The UK is now the leading force in cancer
research. Great progress is being made but of course money is always needed as
there are so many different kinds of cancer which need different treatment.
So, on behalf of Cancer Research UK and our local committee, I would like to say
a big "Thank You" to all who gave their valuable time and to those who gave so
generously during our yearly collections.
Mariet Bramall, Chairman of the local committee
NEWS FROM ST PAUL’S SCHOOL
The second half of the Summer term has been full of events: Trips to the zoo;
cycling proficiency; open evenings; technology workshops; a visiting theatre
company; sports day; concerts; the summer fair; and the dreaded SATs tests are
but a few of the activities that have been keeping us occupied!
The summer fair was a great success despite the terrible weather. We extend our
thanks to the committed PTA members who worked so hard and to the members of the
local community who braved the elements to come and support us.
The school took rather a battering in the recent storms. The rising of the water
table together with overloaded drains, resulted in substantial flooding to the
school hall. The floor has been ruined and we have therefore been struggling
without this facility for the last few weeks of term. We extend our thanks to
the church for allowing us to use the parish rooms to enable Year 6’s end of
term production to go ahead. Hopefully we will have a new floor by the time that
the new term starts in September.
Year 6 did fantastically well in their SATs exams, with record numbers achieving
the highest grades! We congratulate them all and are so proud of them. We wish
all children who leave St Paul’s this term every success and happiness in their
new schools and know that they take with them many happy memories.
Norah Tattersall, Headteacher
JAZZERCISE HOSTS FREE OPEN HOUSE
Dawn Barber, your Chipperfield Jazzercise dance aerobics instructor, will be
holding a FREE Open House to launch 3 more new classes on Saturday 15 September
9.30‐10.30am at Brushwood Junior School, Brushwood Road, Chesham.
Jazzercise is the world’s leading dance fitness programme combining dance moves,
resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and more, into choreographed
routines to create programmes for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Open House festivities will include information on the Jazzercise programme, a
Free Workout, Refreshments, Door Prizes, Open House Special Offers, and everyone
is welcome. This event celebrates the launch of new Saturday morning, plus
Tuesday and Thursday evening classes in Chesham, by giving the public a chance
to see what Jazzercise is all about.
Following on from the successful launch of morning classes here in Chipperfield,
Ley Hill and Hyde Heath in January, students will have more choice and
flexibility with 6 classes which they can attend at a time most suitable to them
for one unlimited pass price.
Jazzercise is held on Mondays in the Village Hall 9.30‐10.30am. For more
information, contact Dawn on 07906 199586 or visit www.jazzerfit.co.uk
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Last summer we had a hose pipe ban and wonderfully hot weather, this year, what
a contrast, weeks of rain and wind playing havoc with all the garden flowers and
vegetables, but the Village Hall in Chipperfield on 23 June was a delight, full
of fantastic flowers and produce. The scent of sweet peas and roses was
wonderful, the floral arrangements, the domestic section together with the
handicraft was of a very high standard and was very much admired by everyone.
The photography classes attracted so many entries that the judge found it very
difficult as the standard gets higher and higher.
The prizes were presented by Tony Briselden, who had very kindly judged the
photography section. Our very grateful thanks must go to all our judges and
helpers, without whom we could not run the shows. In spite of the weather, it
was a very successful show, especially for Roger Pigg, who swept the board,
winning all but one of the medals and trophies. The T.J. Denny Trophy (best
specimen rose) - Roger Pigg; National Rose Society’s Bronze Medal (best exhibit
of roses) - Roger Pigg; The Pettet Cup (most points in rose classes) - Roger
Pigg; National Sweet Pea Society’s Medal (best sweet pea exhibit) - Roger Pigg;
A.T. Hutchinson Challenge Cup (sweet peas) - Roger Pigg; F. Baldwin Cup (floral
art) - Ann Rees; Cottagers Challenge Cup (most points overall) - Roger Pigg
Autumn Show - Saturday 22 September - Chipperfield Village Hall
After a wonderful summer show featuring roses and sweet peas, now it is the turn
of the dahlias and chrysanthemums. There are classes for fruit and vegetables as
well as asters, gladioli, fuchsias and mixed flowers; floral art and domestic
classes. Handicraft classes for hand knitting, soft toys, embroidery, canvaswork
handicraft etc, a junior section and photography has its own three classes.
Further details from show secretary Roger Pigg 01442 834287. Staging takes place
from 8-10.45am followed by the judging. The doors open 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.
Photography classes for the Autumn Show
1. A door knocker
2. A landscape view;
3. Nuts and bolts
Photography classes: Spring Show 29 March 2008
1. Reflections
2. Candle Light
3. Doorways.
Summer Show 21 June 2008
1. A Cottage Garden
2. Time
3.Steps.
Autumn Show 20 September 2008
1. Apples
2.Woodland
3. Rush Hour.
Ann Soanes
ANOTHER WINDMILL AT THE WINDMILL!
A Chipperfield young man, Alistair Wheeler, aged 18, has worked as a part-time
waiter at The Windmill pub for 3 years. As a project for part of his A-level in
Design Technology, Alistair has designed and built a solar-powered windmill for
the garden at the pub. Alistair became interested in the idea because during the
1800's a working windmill stood on Chipperfield Common and, at that time, the
building which is now The Windmill pub was used as accommodation for the workers
at the windmill.
Landlords Dave Clark and Dawn Moore sponsored Alistair in his project by helping
to purchase some of the materials needed and say they are delighted with the
finished result. Visitors to The Windmill can see the actual model in the garden
of the pub.
CHIPPERFIELD CORINTHIANS YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB
The youth football club caters for all boys from the ages of 6 to 18 and girls
from the ages of 6 to 11. The aim is to have lots of fun playing and learning,
as well as promoting self confidence, social interaction, team building, all in
a safe environment.
The teams are organized by age group (currently 9 teams), with junior teams
under the age of 12 consisting of 7 players, while 12 plus play 11 a side. Each
team is run by a manager and a coach. Coaching for the youngest teams is usually
held on Saturday mornings and the older teams enjoy floodlit astro-turf
facilities at local schools during weekday evenings. Matches are played every
Sunday during the football season (September to May), and the teams compete in
either the Watford Friendly or West Herts Leagues. The teams are also entered
into various Cup challenges and 5 a side tournaments at local venues. A
highlight of the season is the SarChip Cup, held in April, when all of the
Chipperfield teams compete against their local rivals in Sarratt for the Cup. We
won’t tell you who won last year!
The players also receive individual medals and at the end of the season, each
team holds a presentation night where accolades are awarded and special medals
given to those players that have contributed the most to the team.
During May, several teams attend a ‘football tour’ by the coast, with this
year’s U8’s and Under 10’s going to Weymouth for a fabulous weekend of fun and
festivities. While all involved had a fantastic time, what is not clear is who
enjoyed themselves the most - the parents or the kids?
The Club currently does not have a Chairman so we are looking for someone who
would like to get involved with the club and take on the role. It would require
a couple of hours a week, liaising on occasions with the various leagues and
organisations, arranging pitches etc, and would be suited to someone who not
only has time to spare, but who would raise the profile of the Club within the
community.
We are currently looking for boys and girls to come along and play football.
The Under 8’s team is managed and coached by Corey Miller. The team trains at
9:30am on Saturday morning at St Paul’s School and matches will also be played
at this venue. Contact Corey on 01923-260850
The Under 9’s are managed by Tony Maclean and Alan Rees. Training is on Saturday
mornings (venue TBA) and games will be played at Primrose Hill, Kings Langley.
This team attended the Weymouth excursion. Contact Tony on 01923-269094
The Under 10’s are managed by Melanie Roberts and coached by Barry Coleman.
Training is also on Saturday mornings (venue TBA) and last season the team
finished third in the league, beaten only twice! Contact Melanie on 01923-261705
The Under 11’s are managed by Di Hewetson and Imogen Roberts. Training takes
place on Saturday mornings (venue TBA) and they hope to play home games at
Langleybury. Contact Di on 01923-263258
The Under 12’s is managed and coached by Ant Critchfield. The team will train
behind The Boot pub in Tower Hill and will play their games at the same venue.
Contact Ant on 01442-832431
The Under 13’s are managed by Michael O’Sullivan and Coached by Paul Harding.
Training is at St Clements Danes School and home games are played at Warners
End, Hemel Hempstead. Last season the team finished runners up in their league,
won a cup final and lost a cup final on penalties. Well done Lads! Contact
Michael on 01923-268946
The Under 15’s are managed by Richard Minshell and Jo Macdougall. Training takes
place at Parmiters School on Wednesday evenings and home games are played at
Primrose Hill. Contact Jo on 01923-221806
The Under 16’s are managed by Martyn Dicker and jointly coached by Martyn Dicker
& Keith Iles. Training takes place at Parmiters on Wednesday evenings and home
games are played at Primrose Hill. Contact Martyn on 01923-262454
The Under 18’s are managed and coached by Simon Baker and Peter Bromage.
Training takes place at Parmiters School on Wednesday evenings and home games
are played at Queen Street, Chipperfield. Contact Simon on 01923-400225
To all the Chipperfield Youth out there … get involved!
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Donald and Sally Main are delighted to welcome their fifth grandchild and second
granddaughter, Rose Vincent, daughter of Nancy and Jason. She was born on June
21 and shares a birthday with her sister, Celeste, who is 2 years older.
Clive & Popsi Stokes are delighted to announce the marriage of their daughter
Kirsty to Darren Hall. The wedding took place in Flaunden Church on Saturday 7
July , the only dry, sunny day for months.
Congratulations to Charlotte, daughter of Peter and Lucy Williams of Anchor
Cottage, The Common, who married Brendon Morris on 28 July at St Paul's Church.
Charlotte attended St Paul's School from 1977 and Brendon's family come from New
Zealand. We wish Charlotte and Brendon every happiness in their future life
together.
Congratulations to Mary and David Nobbs, of Dellfield, The Street, who
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday 10 August.
£1000 RAISED IN ONE HOUR
Nikki Lincoln, who lives on The Common, has raised £1000 for Leukaemia Research
in just over an hour. On 4 August Nikki took part in the London Supersprint
Triathlon at the Exel Centre. This involved a 400-metre swim, followed by a
10-kilometre bike ride and finished with a run for 2.5 kilometres, which she
completed in 1 hour 4 minutes and 27 seconds. Does this make Nikki the swiftest
Mum in Chipperfield?
GREENSLEEVES MORRIS MEN WEEK-END
During their celebration feast on July 14, the Greensleeves Morris Men presented
Tony Briselden with his "Greensleeves" to make him an Honorary Morris Man. This
is an honour previously given to the then Reverend John Richardson when he was
Vicar and to the late John Nichols, in appreciation of the help and support the
Morris Men receive from the village. Fortunately Tony was not required to dance!
PLAYSKILL
The Golf Day raised over £800 for Playskill - huge thanks to Craig Inhlenfledt
(Tower Hill) and Mark Sykes for their support.
Chipperfield Corinthians Under 9's Dads Match and BBQ raised a further £300.
Many thanks to Melanie the Manager (Croft Estate).
Finally, a Garden Party and disco held at 24 Tower Hill raised over another £400
and a great time was had by all. A huge thanks to everyone.We are awaiting news
on the Children in Need bid that we have submitted for 2008 onwards, and will
hear in August.
Andrea Clarke Paediatric Physiotherapist
BAPTIST CHURCH
We are pleased to tell you that we have a new Pastor coming to us in September.
His name is Jason Gain, and he will be living in the Manse with his wife Claire,
and their three children: Luke 13, Zachary 11, and Georgia 8. Jason will be
studying at Regents Park College, Oxford, while he is here in Chipperfield. An
Induction Service for Jason has been arranged for Saturday 22nd September, at
3pm, to which you are all invited. There will be a tea afterwards. We are
looking forward to welcoming them into our Church family.
We joined St Paul’s for the annual Morris Men’s Service on the Common again this
year, which was very enjoyable and a good opportunity to meet together.
Please note that:
The September lunch is on Saturday 1st September.
Our Harvest Thanksgiving is on 16th September and we have a speaker from
Operation Agri to talk about the work of this Organisation.
Because of unforeseen circumstances, there will not be a Macmillan Coffee
morning this year.
A report on our Festival of Flowers will be included in the next issue.
DIARY OF SERVICES AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH
September 1st 1pm Monthly Lunch (note the unusual date!)
2nd 10:30am Family Worship with Communion
9th 10:30am Family Worship
16th 10:30am Harvest Thanksgiving with Communion
22nd 3pm Induction of Jason Gain into the Pastorate
23rd 10:30am Family Worship
30th 10:30am Family Worship_
October 7th 10:30am Family Worship with Communion
ST PAUL’S AND HOLY CROSS
Could it be just an accident of language that the letters to form the words have
and share are both contained in the word harvest? And they are not the only
ones. Eat and starve are there too: and surprisingly so are ears and hear!
Now, I love playing with words and letters to see what I can make of them. But I
cannot play with the letters of harvest without thinking how I handle the
bounties that are readily on hand for me to enjoy. Do we have ears to hear and
understand something of the needs of others?
I was at a conference recently where it was clearly set out that the flow of
wealth in our world is actually from the poor countries of the world to the
rich!
Harvest thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition. I would ask that each of you
who read this would mark it with a gift to help the poor of the world as an act
of compassion and thanksgiving.
Here is but one suggestion.
5000 children die each day from water related diseases.
The charity Water Aid states, "It costs just £15 to provide somebody in the
developing world with a lasting supply of safe water, sanitation and hygiene
education."
What multiple of £15 could you give this month as an act of thanksgiving this
harvest time?
The address of Water Aid is: Water Aid, 47-49 Durham Street,London, SE11 5JD
With my greetings, Jim Stevens
PS Harvest Festival at St. Paul’s is on Sunday 23rd September
EDITH GRIFFIN
We were saddened to learn that our dear friend and colleague, Edith, had died on
July 4. Edith supported the Horticultural Society over many years, most notably
in her role as Treasurer. After retiring from this most demanding position in
1995, she continued as a Committee member until just two years ago. The Society
will always be grateful for her dedication and will remember her with affection.
John Foulgham
MAGGIE
Many people in the village will remember Joyce and Arthur Ellery. Arthur was
Vicar of St Paul’s from 1986-1993 before retiring to Orton Waterville, near
Peterborough. Sadly, news has come from there that Maggie, their younger adopted
daughter died at the beginning of August. She had suffered long-term health
problems associated with her diabetes.
Maggie lived just a few miles from Joyce and Arthur, who saw her frequently and
helped with the upbringing of her daughter, Anne-Marie. Anne-Marie has developed
excellent musical skills with Joyce’s help and currently works in the
Peterborough Diocesan Offices. Maggie’s funeral took place on August 13 and our
thoughts will be with Joyce, Arthur and their family at this time.
POST OFFICE
There have been rumours circulating around the village that our Post Office will
close next year. Bipin assures everyone that this is not true and there are no
plans for closure.
JOHN PRESTWICH
Following John’s Thanksgiving Service in March last year, many of you kindly
gave donations in his memory to the charity The Lane Fox Respiratory Unit
Patients’ Association. A total of over £3,000 was received and at long last I am
able to tell you how this money has been used. After much deliberation it was
decided (with my approval!) to refurbish a sun-trap courtyard area which adjoins
the Lane Fox Respiratory Unit at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, into a bed and
wheelchair accessible garden. Knowing just how much John enjoyed sitting in the
sun in our garden, I was certain that he too would fully approve. The work on
the garden has only recently been completed and it is to be known as The John
Prestwich Memorial Garden. There is a brass plaque which reads "This garden is
in memory of John Prestwich MBE - a remarkable and inspirational man
24.11.1938-27.02.2006” The garden has plants and shrubs of various sizes and
varieties; there is natural screening across one wall over which an evergreen
clematis will climb. There is also a water feature, lighting amongst the borders
and teak garden furniture. As the Clinical Nurse Manager says ‘we now have a
little oasis and a peaceful haven where all patients, carers and staff can go to
relax.’ For those of you who don’t know ‐ the Respiratory Unit at St. Thomas’
Hospital is on the South Bank of the Thames immediately opposite the Palace of
Westminster. The view from both the unit and the terrace is spectacular ‐
especially at night (I know only too well having spent many days and nights
there with John when he needed hospitalisation!)
There is an interesting incident which, because of its relevance, I’d like - in
fact I ‘need’ to share with you, so please bear with me. In 1962, after seven
years permanently at the Royal Free Hospital at Hampstead, John was devastated
when he had to be transferred to St. Ann’s Hospital, Tottenham. This was
necessary because the Royal Free was being rebuilt. At the time, John’s mother
asked the medical staff that instead of John being transferred to St. Ann’s,
whether a room overlooking the Thames could be found for him at St. Thomas’
Hospital. Her request fell on deaf ears. However, with hindsight it’s not only
amazing to think that for most of our married life, John was not only cared for
at St. Thomas’ but that there is now a permanent memorial to him at the hospital
‐ overlooking the Thames. A fitting tribute to a truly remarkable and
inspirational man.
Lastly but by no means least, I’d like to thank those of you who, since John’s
death, have not only kept in touch but have also given me your support, advice
and practical help in so many ways. In spite of your own commitments you have
managed to find time for me when I’ve needed you. I also know only too well that
John would be so pleased that you are there for me. Bless you all!
Maggie Prestwich
1st CHIPPERFIELD BROWNIE PACK
We have welcomed 5 new girls since Easter. We have enjoyed lots of fun-packed
meetings/activities this term, including a German and French language night
where no English was spoken! The girls have also worked for their Seasons badge.
We had a sponsored agility circuit to raise money for Children with Leukaemia
and raised an amazing £295.50. The girls enjoyed a District Pirate-themed
evening at Phasels Wood and also a teddy bears picnic with Bovingdon Guides. We
ended the term with our award for Super Brownie 2007. In 3rd place was Leia
Dowding, 2nd Katie Denyer and the winner was Georgia Carter - well done girls,
very well deserved.
We had a party to say goodbye to 6 of our Brownies and also our Snowy Owl, Jo. I
would like to thank Jo for all her hard work over the past 2 years and we wish
her every success for the future. I would also like to say a big thank you to my
team for all their support, it is very much appreciated - Hannah, Pat, Alex and
Rhiannon. I am now looking for a new Assistant Guider/Unit Helper, so if you are
over 18 and would like to join us, please contact me on the telephone number
below. Thanks.
I have now been Brown Owl for 10 years!! I really enjoy running the Pack and
have worked with some superb girls over the years. Here’s to the next 10 years!!
My Pack is full to bursting at the moment, but if you would like to put your
daughter’s name on my waiting list, the starting age is 7 (it’s never too
early!) please contact Sian Roberts, Brown Owl, on 07986 192313.
1st Kings Langley Guides is opening. Registration evening Thursday 13 September
7.30-9pm at Kings Langley Guide Hut, Blackwell Road, Kings Langley. First come,
first served basis. Girls need to be 10-15 years old. Guider Rozanne Ahier.
email kingslangleyguides@hotmail.co.uk
FUND RAISING FOR THE HERTFORDSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE
At the end of the summer term, the Chipperfield School of Dancing put on a show
The Wizard of Oz at the Boxmoor Playhouse. The show was a great success, the
pupils really did me proud! We raised £1,500 after expenses and this will go to
the Air Ambulance Fund. At present, Hertfordshire shares their air base with
Essex, but are near to having their own base, thanks to fund raising. I am very
grateful to everybody who supported the dancing school. Shops from the local
villages donated prizes for the raffle, the Two Brewers gave a meal for two,
Peter Tydeman put together the programmes, and many of the Dads helped with
props etc.
Back to normal in September! The pupils are now working towards dance
examinations and general class work. Ballet and Tap classes from age two and a
half. Enquiries for classes please call Jean Banks on 01923 400370. I am hoping
to start dancing classes for older boys and girls; I often get calls to say they
wished they had kept their dancing up. It’s a good way to keep fit and stay in
shape! If anybody wishes to give it a go, please call me or Jean.
Clare Gurney 0208 4289906; Jean Banks 01923 400370
SNAKES ALIVE !
I do not know what it is about snakes but, even when I know it’s a grass snake
and therefore quite harmless, the hairs on the back of my neck still stand on
end! We first saw one in the garden 5 or 6 years ago. A baby snake slithered
over my boot whilst I was standing on the compost heap, reducing me to jelly. It
was about a foot long and as thick as a pencil. The next summer we saw its Mum,
as thick as a cucumber and about a metre long, but since then we have only come
across the bits of skin that she sheds as she grows, mainly around the compost
heaps. I have given up turning my heaps between June and October so that I don't
break any eggs or spear any young. Well that's my story anyway! So hearing David
yell "Ahh SNAKE" was not a big surprise, but I still got the same funny feeling!
It was definitely a grass snake, basically olive green/grey, with a yellow and
black collar. Generally they can vary in colour quite a bit, but they always
have the collar so that's the bit to look for. We looked it up on the internet
and were surprised to find how little they eat, only 5 frogs, or the equivalent,
a year. They also take newts and mice so I was hoping this one would head for
our vegetable garden which is currently over run with mice. I am guessing it has
laid eggs in the compost heap again as there is a lot of shed skin there. These
will hatch in September having been incubated by the heat of the heap. Then they
will be looking for a hole to hibernate in. They will never meet their Mum, but
some of our neighbours have, and most seem to have the same reaction as us. Even
though she is beautiful she is still a snake !
Wendy Bathurst
SEPTEMBER IN YOUR GARDEN
During the last year we have certainly experienced some extraordinary weather
and as a result gardens are full of wonderful colour and we are having a bumper
fruit crop. Blight on potatoes and tomatoes has been bad and severely diseased
plants should be burnt. Some trees are suffering because of last year's drought
and the dry spring this year, and some have died and will need to be felled.
Lawns are looking quite good but now is the time to apply autumn turf fertilizer
so that they are ready for winter. Keep up with the weeding and dead-heading and
cut down the tall border plants once they have finished flowering. Daffodils,
tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs are now in the garden centre: buy them
now whilst the selection is at its best and plant them out over the next few
months. Bulbs for growing indoors in bowls should be grown in bulb fibre and
these should be planted as soon as possible. Pansies and polyanthus, primroses,
violas and cyclamen are all ready now for planting in the garden or in hanging
baskets and containers. Wallflowers, sweet williams, forget-me-nots and
Canterbury bells will be ready for planting soon. We should be well on with
harvesting in the vegetable garden and can soon start to plant the early onion
sets. Keep up with the late salad planting and put in a few more brassicas.
Regularly water the tomatoes and runner beans and watch out for the caterpillars
on the brassica crops. Now is the best time to sow sweet peas under glass so
that plants will be ready for planting early next spring. This is a good time to
take cuttings of shrubs and climbing plants. Container-grown shrubs and
perennials can be planted still.
We are now getting ready for the autumn flower shows. Sarratt and Bovingdon both
have their autumn shows on 8 September and here in Chipperfield our Autumn Show
is on 22 September. Well worth a visit is the Malvern Autumn Show which is
described as 'the perfect end to the garden year' - this takes place on 29 and
30 September and tickets can be obtained by phoning 01684 584924.
Terry Simmonds
CHIPPERFIELD CORINTHIANS
With a hot Saturday in August it can only mean one thing, the start of the
football season. The Senior section of Chipperfield Corinthians Football Club
have had a good start to the season in their warm up friendlies and are looking
forward to going one better than last year. The first team finished in fourth
position just missing out on promotion.The club can celebrate the start of the
season with a new lease for the ground which enables football to continue in the
village for the next 20 years. However it does mean a rent increase and the club
will be looking for help via sponsorship.
In the local curtain raiser for the season Chipperfield Corinthians beat Sarratt
in the Sarchip Cup. Still level at half time Chipperfield ran in three goals
from Dean Gavin, Andy Sheena and Ben Picton for a 3-0 win. Thanks goes to
Blackwells for sponsoring the Cup.The club would like to thank all the
supporters and sponsors for their help this season, in particular our main
sponsor CJ Wren. We are always looking for help and support in all aspects of
the club both on and off the pitch. If you would like to be involved, then
please contact Stephen Hall, Chairman on 01923 253803 or email:
sjhallccfc@aol.com
CHIPPERFIELD THEATRE GROUP - “STEPPING OUT”
As something of a frustrated playwright, I sometimes scoff at the plays this
talented troupe have to perform and wonder what they could do with a really good
piece of sharp writing. Richard Harris’ critically acclaimed Stepping Out seemed
the perfect test. Would they flounder attempting to ape Minelli, Walters and co.
or would they dig deep and really pull it off? The answer to the latter question
was an emphatic yes. Director Tricia Williamson wheeled out the big hitters and
they didn’t disappoint. For those who don’t know, the play is set in a community
hall where a motley crew of mostly menopausal misfits escape the turmoil of
their intriguing personal lives at a weekly tap dance class. Their skills are
limited but they are drilled into shape for a charity performance which provides
the uplifting finale.
The ever popular Wendy Marchant and Jennifer Heusen led the way, with their
brassy characters competing for the best lines, but they needed a foil and Lisa
Heusen provided it expertly with a performance of great maturity as the tap
dance leader. Her masterful stage presence aligned to the balanced choreography
direction of Danielle Marchant ensured the tap scenes were engaging and funny
but did not stoop to cheap farce.
There was no fancy set to distract from the interplay between characters and
although the perennially good Wendy East provided some underlying pathos, this
was never allowed to sullen the mood. And how could it anyway, with the Rob
Hine’s spectacularly
unfashionable knitwear providing an ever present beacon of ridicule.
So top marks all round then but, as the programme notes stated, everyone has
their favourite and mine was Mrs Fraser - the miserly pianist who sniped at the
sidelines with her droll acerbic comments. Sue Harvey, who played her, was
exceptional - careful not to overplay her character or milk the laughs. Her
unfussy performance personified the strength of the production as a whole. The
strength being not to over complicate things. The characters were endearingly
idiosyncratic without being full on caricatures.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn’t spot Lewis Gilbert who directed the film
version of Stepping Out in the audience but I am sure had he been there, he
would have approved of what he saw. I know I certainly did.
Jason Cox